So you’ve grown tired of dealing with heating options that require installation and gruesome maintenance. No, that’s not a question, we know it for a fact and this is why we are presenting you with an excellent opportunity to become familiar with the best infrared heaters on the market today.

Read on our infrared heater reviews and see the finest products that made our exclusive selection.

These devices have a number of advantages and versatile uses, all of which we have highlighted in our buying guide below. In addition to the useful info about features and characteristics, we will give you an in-depth look at how exactly infrared heaters beat out the competition and lower your electricity bill.

Best Infrared Heaters Comparison Chart

PRODUCT	DETAILS
	Duraflame Infrared Quartz Heater	Price: $$$ Dimensions: 12.8 x 16.8 x 15.3″ Weight: 26.4 pounds Heating Area: up to 1,000 square feet Power: 5200 BTU	View On Amazon
	Dr Infrared Portable Heater	Price: $$$ Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 16″ Weight: 23.5 pounds Heating Area: up to 1,000 square feet Power: 5200 BTU	View On Amazon
	Homegear Infrared Heater	Price: $$ Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 12″ Weight: 11.2 pounds Heating Area: up to 1,500 square feet Power: 15100 BTU	View On Amazon
	LifeSmart Zone Series 4 Infrared Heater	Price: $$$ Dimensions: 11.4 x 13.6 x 15.1″ Weight: 11.05 pounds Heating Area: up to 500 square feet Power: 5118 BTU	View On Amazon
	Heat Storm Logan Deluxe Infrared Heater	Price: $$$$ Dimensions: 14.6 x 12.2 x 16.1″ Weight: 22 pounds Heating Area: up to 1,000 square feet Power: 5200 BTU	View On Amazon
	EdenPURE Classic Plus Infrared Heater	Price: $$$$$ Dimensions: 16.5 x 13 x 16.7″ Weight: 22.9 pounds Heating Area: up to 1,000 square feet Power: up to 5000 BTU	View On Amazon
	Duraflame Oscillating Infrared Tower Heater	Price: $$$ Dimensions: 8 x 11 x 22.8″ Weight: 22.8 pounds Heating Area: up to 1000 square feet Power: 5,200 BTU	View On Amazon

1. Duraflame Infrared Quartz Heater

This product features a rather simple but very effective design. It looks like a cupboard but the front panel gives it away – it’s an infrared heater. The Quartz mechanism doesn’t allow for the air to dry out too much. Even though the heater is quite powerful and will be able to cover 1000 square feet, you will still enjoy enough humidity in the air.

Touching its surface is not a problem as the heater will stay cool even while functioning. No need to worry about overheating as the thermostat will shut the heater down upon reaching a certain threshold. The front panel is easy to operate as you get to decide on the exact temperature by pressing the “up” and “down” arrows. The product comes fully assembled and all the user needs to do is plug it and operate the digital panel on the front.

2. Dr Infrared Portable Heater

There are a number of useful functions and modes in this infrared heater and all of them make operating it rather easy. The Dr. Infrared Portable Heater has built-in tip-over protection which means that the product will shut off in case it falls over. The range of the temperature you can get is between 50 and 86 degrees. The thermostat will turn off the heater in case the highest temperature is reached. This is a safety measure to prevent overheating.

Another cool feature is the dual heating system which utilizes infrared and convection heat. The lowest power output is 1000W while the highest is 1500W. Along with the thermostat, there is also a timer. 12 hours is the maximum time lapse at which the timer can work. This function can also be accessed through the remote control which comes with the heater. The fan is ultra-quiet with its 39 dB.

3. Homegear Infrared Heater

While this item is not disguised as a furnishing addition to your interior, it still does a great job when it comes to heating. Yes, it is mostly plastic with a metal cover only on the back but this is something you can live with. The Homegear Infrared Heater features a dual heating system similar to other models. It combines Quartz Infrared tubes with Mica tubes. The LED display has a few convenient options one of which allows you to alternate between Celsius and Fahrenheit degrees.

A slight downside is that the heater doesn’t support 240V networks. It does have a number of other merits, though, such as overheat protection, 1500W of maximum output, and remote control. It also complies with all the regulations being cETL and ETL certified.  The BTU output is 5100, typical for an infrared heater.

4. LifeSmart Zone Series 4 Infrared Heater

The body of this product is fireproof and will remain cool if you want to move it while operational. Most infrared heaters have 2 or maximum 3 heating elements but here we get 4. This allows the heater to constantly support a 68-degree temperature even in rooms larger than 500 square feet. This is achieved through the ECO setting which is just one of the 3 possible outputs. The other 2 are 1000W and 1500W for maximum heat.

The digital panel is easy to use as it only has buttons. Use them to turn the heater on and cycle through the temperatures until you find the one you want. There is a fan that will enhance the heating of the room. The product also comes with remote control and has all the necessary safety features. The two most important ones are a thermostat and a tip-over “turn off” function. The filter is re-washable.

5. Heat Storm Logan Deluxe Infrared Heater

What this heater brings to the table is softer heat thanks to utilizing the humidity in the room. The HMS Technology allows for this to happen and the results are nice. The Heat Storm Deluxe Infrared Heater resembles a stylish furnishing piece but also has 4 wheels for mobility. The product is pretty heavy (28 lb.) but you do not need to lift it as you can simply roll it in and out of a room.

The control panel is one of the simplest on the market. It is a digital circular LED dial with sensor buttons. Press up and down on the arrows to select the temperature you wish. There are 2 power output variants – 750W and 1500W. At the highest setting, a room of about 1000 square feet can be heated. There’s nothing surprising about the other main features – remote control and a thermostat. The warranty is for 1 year.

6. EdenPURE Classic Plus Infrared Heater

This heater features a specialized patented technology called Copper Helix. This is what the quartz tubes are made of and they render the product quite powerful and efficient. This makes it great for larger rooms as it consumes less electricity. What it also does is heat the room evenly similar to a convection heater. The lifespan of these Copper bulbs is about 10 000 hours which is basically countless winters.

The body features the Cool Touch technology making the heater safe for pets and children. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have casters or handles in order to be moved freely. However, the heater is fairly light (17 lb.) and can be lifted and then relocated. The front panel is one of the easiest to operate as it has 4 simple buttons. Additionally, a little scale on the right side gives you a graphic representation of how much heat the product is making.

7. Duraflame Oscillating Infrared Tower Heater

Similar to a typical tower fan, the Duraflame Infrared Tower heater blows air around but in a very sophisticated fashion. The oscillation feature lets the whole item remain still while spreading some hot air around the room. The design is sharp as it is a mixture between a fireplace and a bookshelf. The air doesn’t dry out and the room is evenly heated (1000 square feet at maximum).

The heater gives off nice supplemental zone heating thanks to the 5 200 BTU. In addition to the various temperature functions (from 62 to 82), there are also 2 fan speeds. Controlling is made easy thanks to the digital thermostat and the remote. The 6 heating elements will heat up a room in less than 15 minutes. Moving the product, though, isn’t the easiest thing as it needs to be lifted. Weighs 23 lb.

8. EdenPURE Gen2 Pure Heater

The main goal of the manufacturer here was to create a space-saving infrared heater. The dimensions of the EdenPURE heater are 15 x 11.5 x 9.6 inches and it is also fairly light – 16 lb. The product is considered powerful as it can heat up to about 1000 square feet. Not bad for an item that looks like a small box. The design stands true to most infrared heaters. It resembles a piece of furniture and people might take it for a bookshelf or a small stool.

Although the product can get quite heated, there’s no hazard because of the built-in thermostat. The fan will distribute heat quicker, although you can select “quiet mode” and not use the fan at all. There is a remote control included in the set in order to make controls easier. If you decide to go with a more advanced package, you can get a UV Light and a Hepa filter with the heater.

9. Unbrand2 Infrared Quartz Heater

Resembling a typical space heater, this infrared product will give you efficiency thanks to its economic power output. The Unbrand2 Infrared heater has two settings – 600W and 1200W. Unlike other infrared heaters, this one is exceptionally easy to carry and relocate. The exterior never gets overheated so touching it is not a problem. Along with that, there is an adjustable thermostat making it easy to control the heat threshold.

On top of the body, you will find two dials. They are rather straightforward to use. One controls the output while the other is the thermostat dial. If the product falls over, it automatically shuts off as a safety precaution. This version is a 120V one and in order for the heater to be plugged into a 240V electrical network, an adapter needs to be purchased separately. This is the lightest product on our list as it weighs only 8.8 lb.

10. Quartz Infrared Heater

We are now back to the furniture-looking heaters as this next product has a typical infrared heater design. The main additional feature here, however, is the humidifier mode. This property sets the product apart as it will definitely keep the air moisturized. The quartz tubes tend to dry the air out but not in this case. The heater has a special plastic cartridge that is easily pulled in an out. Once filled with water, it will start to humidify the area automatically upon turning the heater on.

On that note, it might make a little bit more noise than other products (42 dB). The highest temperature which can be achieved is 90 degrees. There is a remote control included and the heater also has an overheat safe cut-out along with a tip-over “switch off”. The Hepa filter will aid in removing particles from the airflow and the fan can be set to blow some water vapor around.

How Does The Infrared Heating System Work?

The most adequate comparison we can use in order to explain infrared heating is that it resembles the way the sun heats us when we are outside. What it does is heat not just the air but mainly the objects and the people in its range. Thus temperature is retained and some heat is radiated back into the surrounding space. This is the short version of how infrared heater works.

In other words, once the objects in a room get warmer, the room stays warm for longer. This effect is the same regardless of whether we talk about infrared heater panels or regular quartz infrared heaters. The only difference is that the first type work by heating a ceramic panel which then emits warmth. When it comes to the second type, the process happens inside a tube and then this very tube is the one heating everything else around.

The Efficiency In This Form Of Heating

The usual oil-filled radiator heaters warm up just the air. Since hot air is lighter, it goes up to the ceiling and when it comes back down it is now cool. Eventually, we all know what happens – heat goes out the door.

There are 4 methods of heat transfer:

1. Radiation
2. Convection
3. Conduction
4. Absorption

Infrared heaters utilize all of the above and this is one of their major benefits. Infrared radiation is generated by these heaters. This means that energy is transferred from a hot to cool surface in a waveform. Air is not needed nor used in this process – the transfer is direct.

Objects perform the so-called absorption and most things in a household have very good levels of absorption. We are talking about concrete or metals. Since they are highly absorptive, they are simply ideal for infrared heating.

When heat is transferred through solid objects we have conduction. It eventually leads to convection which basically means that the air is also getting warmer. All of the above aids in the even distribution of heat in a room. This way heat loss is lower and we end up paying less for electricity thanks to the infrared heater efficiency.

How Does The Magic Happen?

An Infrared heater has a burner heat-exchanger tube and a reflector. The flame started by the burner goes down this highly emissive tube. The process is typically enhanced by a pump or maybe a fan. The reflector is put in such a way that it directs the heat down toward the floor.

The Types of Infrared Heaters

What we just described above goes mainly for those infrared heaters which we use at home. Going through some infrared heater consumer reports show us that the ones for residential use are somewhat simpler than the industrial devices. This is why we will talk about both types below.

1. High-intensity heaters
2. Low-intensity heaters

The first group, as the name suggests, emit energy at a higher amplitude and temperature. They rarely have fans. The main heating process there is related to thousands of tiny flames passing through a surface. They basically blanket the emitter and produce enormous temperatures on a small scale.

The low-intensity heaters function in the way we explained above. The burning happens in a tube which then emits heat thus warming people and objects. This procedure is sort of “covered” because unlike the high-intensity heaters, here we do not actually see the flames inside the tube.

Common Uses Of High-Intensity Infrared Heaters

These heaters are also known as spot heaters or box heaters. There’s a good chance that in this category you might be able to locate the best outdoor infrared heater. This is because the low-intensity counterparts are typically for indoor use only.

The “big boys” are cost-effective and easy to install. They are mainly used to heat large spaces such as warehouses or workshops. Thanks to their intensity, having a few of them installed in a 3000 square foot warehouse will be just enough.

Workshops also benefit from high-intensity infrared heaters as they can be used as spot heaters. You aim them at a certain area and get both light and heat. In the name of safety, these should be installed near the ceiling and should be far away from objects and people. Some of the uses comprise:

1. Space heaters – they are nice for loading docks or storage houses
2. Patio heaters – their design and functionality render them convenient for outdoor use. You might see them at restaurants or houses with porches.
3. Portable heaters – most commonly used at construction sites. They are rarely powered by electricity but typically use gas. Very good where permanent heating isn’t required.

Uses Of Low-Intensity Heaters

One word will catch your attention when we speak about those “smaller” infrared heaters. Let us know if you see it. Those devices can also be called radiant tube heaters, tube brooders or push tubes. Yep, the magic happens inside that tube, alright.

Hopefully, you noticed that in the information above we didn’t speak about any residential use. This is because the domestic application is reserved for these lower intensity heaters.

In fact, people use them for total building heating. Their main use is in apartments and houses. Smaller businesses such as car-washes also benefit greatly from tube infrared heaters. The soft warmth which those devices produce makes them excellent for agricultural applications.

But let’s go a little deeper and take a look at the 3 most popular tube heating mechanisms incorporated in infrared heaters with low intensity.

1. Forced draft system – this is by far the most widespread infrared domestic heating mechanism. It uses positive pressure and pushes the products of combustion (the flame) down a tube. Everything happens in one compartment and this is why these heaters generally have a lower price.
2. Draft induced system – it works the other way around. Such a heater uses negative pressure and basically pulls the flame from the tube instead of pushing it in.
3. Multiple burner systems – this last type resembles the draft induced system but the difference is that here we talk about a number of runs through a few connected tubes.

Are Infrared Heaters Green?

Heating your home completely and causing minimal harm to surroundings isn’t very easy. Yet, infrared heater panels are an excellent choice for domestic heating as they will take it easy on the environment. Nothing is 100% green but electric heaters are somewhat better.

First off, you need to determine the power source of the desired infrared heater. Gas heaters are somewhat of higher maintenance. Gas needs to be gathered and transported. This is definitely not the best way to heat your home. Additionally, fumes are released when natural gas is used in any way.

Electric infrared heaters do not have such problems. They do not release anything negative into the atmosphere. In fact, most manufacturers claim that their electric products do not harm the breathing air all – not even by drying it out.

Furthermore, they don’t require fuel, natural gas or a pipeline to run. Very few resources and little infrastructure is needed for such a device to function properly. We can safely conclude that electric infrared heaters are the closest thing to “green” in our case.

The Most Important Features To Consider

As usual, we will help you differentiate between the various models of infrared heaters by outlining the most popular characteristics. This is to help you further answer the question “are infrared heaters worth buying?” Once you are armed with this exact knowledge, you can freely decide which particular model will be fine for your residential heating purposes.

Size

This might be the first type of heater where we can freely say that we do not necessarily mind the size. Since most infrared heaters are designed to look like a piece of furniture, you shouldn’t mind having them blend in. They can’t be too small or they might end up looking ridiculous next to that desk or cupboard that you have.

On the other hand, since infrared heaters provide zone heating, this means that you might have to move them quite often. Something of a smaller size is definitely easier to lift and carry. This is unless there is wheel installed on the bottom.

Settings

It is pretty straightforward here. Don’t fall for anything without a timer. We won’t even bother mentioning the thermostat and the remote because all the best infrared heaters have them. A timer, however, is crucial especially when it comes to a device which generates so much heat.

You don’t want it constantly running because a) your energy bill will skyrocket and b) because of safety concerns. The other typical settings that you see are related to power output or temperature. The more convenient models will let you select an exact temperature. The other will simply have buttons or a dial which help you cycle through wattage settings.

Versatility

Unfortunately, when it comes to those little domestic infrared heaters, their operation is pretty straightforward. If we look at the bigger picture and select among all sizes and purposes of infrared heaters then we will surely be able to satisfy every need we might have in terms of heating.

Residential infrared heaters are simply warm boxes with control panels and a remote control. The more versatile models feature wheels so that you can easily roll them around. And that’s it.

The Pros and Cons of Infrared Heaters

At this point, you have likely realized which are the general infrared heaters pros and cons but we will still list a few. Who knows, we might catch you by surprise with our quick facts about infrared heaters and actually help you learn a thing or two.

The Good Stuff

• Environmentally friendly – don’t expect any pollution from those babies. There’s no fuel, no wood or coal to be burnt inside the heater. It’s only electricity and this is very pleasant. Don’t expect to feel any smell or see any fumes.
• Silent and gentle – the finest models feature a fan but it is there just to provide a little support. The fans of the infrared heaters are one of the quietest among all similar devices. You get heat but your machine will not remind you about it through noises.
• Stylish – no other heating device comes even close to the design of the infrared heaters. We have to give them the first prize here pronouncing them champions of the domestic interior and coziness.
• Easy to maintain – with the exception of the occasional dusting you have nothing else to do in order to keep the heater clean. It doesn’t come apart, nothing is supposed to be changed and nothing will require washing or scrubbing.

The Slightly Negative Stuff

• Limited – zone heating means that you heat just a part of your home. The infrared heating means that rays of heat go directly straight. Combine the two and you get a warmth around the heater but not in the next room.
• Cools off quickly – air isn’t really heated. A halfway decent electric wall heater will warm the air first and then everything else. The infrared heater doesn’t work like that. Air is heated last – objects and people come first. This means that if you shut it off you lose all the heat in the premises.
• Safety – Infrared heater safety is generally not an issue but if you have children playing around, you need to be extra careful. Despite all the safety mechanisms and systems that these devices have installed, their temperature is still very high and any interaction with them needs to be conducted carefully.

Wrapping Up

Our guide to getting a hold of the best infrared heaters comes to an end. As seen above, the information about these devices is interesting and multidimensional. Our hope is that you have found exactly what you have been looking for and that we have answered most, if not all, of your questions.

Do not hesitate to contact us about anything which needs to be added to the guide. If you like the page, please share it and leave us a comment. Check out some of our other guides in case you are looking to get info on a number of heating and cooling options. Thanks for reading and as always – stay put!

Imagine getting more heat at home but using about 20% less wood for your wood-burning stove. This isn’t fiction – it’s an absolute reality. If you manage to get your hands on the best wood stove fan you will enjoy domestic warmth cheaply.

This device will silently enhance the whole performance of your stove. You will have a well-covered room with no cool spots, will spend less burning wood and all of this will happen quietly without any electricity being required.

The only thing left to do for you is to actually select the fan which will suit your needs. Read our wood stove fan reviews and buying guide below and become familiar with all the details regarding purchasing and using a wood stove fan. We have also handpicked 6 of the best units on the market and have compiled short reviews on them.

We hope that our article will be able to answer all of your questions and this is why we have also included such a section in it. See specs, features and don’t forget about the pros & cons of stove fans. Let’s get going!

Best Wood Stove Fans Comparison Chart

PRODUCT	DETAILS
	VODA 4-Blade heat Powered Stove Fan	Price: $$ Dimensions: 8.3 x 4.7 x 8.3″ Weight: 2.54 pounds Air Flow: 240 CFM Operating Temperature: 185ºF – 660ºF	View On Amazon
	Bone Hearth 4 Blade Stove Fan	Price: $$$ Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.6 x 5.3″ Weight: 2.55 pounds Air Flow: 130 CFM Operating Temperature: 185ºF	View On Amazon
	Ecofan Heat Powered Wood Stove Fan	Price: $$$ Dimensions: 3 x 5.5 x 8.5″ Weight: 1.85 pounds Air Flow: 100 CFM Operating Temperature: 230°F – 650°F	View On Amazon
	Sonyabecca Heat Powered Stove Fan	Price: $ Dimensions: 8 x 6.7 x 4.3″ Weight: 1.67 pounds Air Flow: 250-360 CFM Operating Temperature: 122°F – 644°F	View On Amazon
	Ecofan AirMax Large Heat Powered Wood Stove Fan	Price: $$$$ Dimensions: 3.3 x 5.5 x 10″ Weight: 3.1 pounds Air Flow: 175 CFM Operating Temperature: 230°F – 650°F	View On Amazon
	Kenley Heat Powered Fan	Price: $$ Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.6 x 5.2″ Weight: 2.1 pounds Air Flow: 130 CFM Operating Temperature: Minimum temperature 120ºF	View On Amazon

1. VODA 4-Blade heat Powered Stove Fan

We are simply obligated to kick off our reviews with the unit which gives you the best value for money. The VODA 4-Blade Heat Powered Stove Fan is an excellent addition to any wood burning stove and it will set you back a very small amount. It will produce about 240 CFM and the motor is powered by the heat. This is why the unit will work only with direct contact with the surface of the stove.

That being said, you shouldn’t even bother to attempt to use it with a propane heater or a radiator. The body of the fan is very durable and it will survive a contact with a surface heated to anywhere between 185 and 660 degrees. In other words, the fan will start spinning the moment the woodstove gets hot to the touch. Bear in mind that there is no protective grill around the fan so children and pets shouldn’t be allowed near it.

2. Bone Hearth 4 Blade Stove Fan

The universal nature of this wood stove fan will help you a lot. You do not have to put it only on a wood stove but can also place it on top of a gas or a pellet stove. No electricity is needed for the operation of the unit. The minimum temperature at which the fan will start spinning is 185 degrees. The maximum CFM you will be able to get if the temperature is high enough is 130.

Since you do not want your fan to stay on your stove when it gets too hot, there is a wood stove thermometer added to the set. It will prompt you to remove the fan if there’s any danger of overheating. Typically if the temperature reaches 600 degrees you want to save the motor of the fan from overheating. Silence is a crucial characteristic here and you will definitely remain satisfied with the lack of sound.

3. Ecofan Heat Powered Wood Stove Fan

This next fan on our list will give you ideal heat distribution in areas of 120 square feet or smaller. The device is so effective that it will actually warm up your room about 20% faster. Since it will not waste any electrical energy to do so, it will basically give you some free heat. Using the Ecofan Heat Powered Wood Stove Fan will allow you to save about 12% on fuel.

All of the above goes to show why this thing costs more than average. You need a flat top to use the appliance. Make sure you do not try to put it in a fireplace or anything like it. One of the biggest advantages of this wood stove fan is its quiet operation. Even though it is made out of metal, make sure you watch the temperature because the material can deteriorate in high temperatures.

4. Sonyabecca Heat Powered Stove Fan

A good argument to get this product is because of the low-temperature threshold that it has. It will start spinning at only 122 degrees which is the lowest among all units on our list. It will detect the temperature of its own body. The heater the base gets, the quicker the fan will spin. Bear in mind that if 644 degrees are reached, you should remove the fan from the surface.

A huge advantage is the material of the fan. It is anodized aluminum which is resistant to corrosion and rust. The airflow will come at about 250-360 CFM with a running speed of 1350 RPM. You will also enjoy silence and peace with this unit as it works at 36 dB. It also comes with a wood stove thermometer in order to give you maximum awareness. Don’t forget to always wear gloves before handling the unit and moving it.

5. Ecofan AirMax Large Heat Powered Wood Stove Fan

This is the largest unit on our wood stove reviews list today and this also leads to a number of advantages. It is also the most expensive product we are showing you. Canada is the country of origin and we strongly recommend considering this fan if you do not care about the money but want to have top quality. The height is 10 inches and the fan can get incredibly powerful thanks to its diameter. It will enhance the heat distribution of any room by at least 35%.

Furthermore, heat is also distributed evenly as the fan does not allow it to go up to the ceiling. It is not compatible with any inserts, radiators or any other space heaters different from a wood-burning stove. If you want to keep better track of the temperature, you will need a wood stove thermometer. On the downside, you will need to buy this item separately.

6. Kenley Heat Powered Fan

First of all, you got two options when it comes to the number of blades in this model. The slightly cheaper version has 2 blades while the top class one comes with 4. It might be a better idea to go for the pricier unit because of better and more efficient heating distribution. It will allow you to save about 16% on fuel costs and you will warm up your room about 40% faster.

The manufacturer has also taken the necessary steps to upgrade the 2020 model and improve performance. It is important to also note that the fan is exceptionally silent and it is basically barely audible. Since the speed of the fan depends on the heat of the wood stove, it sort of becomes self-regulating. You do not need to start it or shut it off. The CFM isn’t impressive (130) but it gets the job done.

How do Wood Stove Fans Work?

Before we are ready to give you more tips regarding those gadgets, we need to clear up how exactly these wood stove fans work. Once we know the basics of their mechanics, we will be able to determine which qualities are worth our time and what can be disregarded as useless.

In case you feel confident in your knowledge of how wood stove fans work then go ahead and skip ahead to our questions and answers section. Feel free to also visit our troubleshooting guide on wood stove circulating fans.

So without going into too much detail, let’s check out which are the main parts of a typical wood stove fan:

• A base – typically metal and relatively broad for stability.
• A frame – the finest fans are made of aluminum.
• Blades – most fans come with either 2 or 4 blades. You will rarely encounter models with 6 or 8.

As you rest the fan on top of your stove the base will start heating up. As the temperature rises it will eventually trigger the thermoelectric motor. This is the soul of the fan. It will convert heat into kinetic energy. After a certain minimum temperature is reached, the motor will start spinning.

Typically, this temperature is around 50 to 80 degrees for most fans. There will be those that require a minimum of 100 degrees but it is arguable if those products are truly the best. After all, you want your heat powered wood stove fan to start spinning as quickly as possible.

As you already presume, the temperature will keep rising. Therefore the fan will start spinning faster and faster. This way you will enjoy even more efficiency. The device will not only circulate the hot air but it will also heat up the room evenly. And it requires no electricity – how cool is that!

So the actual function of the fan is to bring the heat to you instead of the ceiling. Hot air goes up – that’s a physics thing and it’s a fact. Wood stoves are efficient but all they do is radiate heat. So since you got nothing to direct the heat, it travels up and remains near the ceiling until it eventually evaporates, leaves the room or simply heats up your neighbor’s floor above you.

The finest wood stove fans and blowers will actually prevent the heat from going all the way up. Such appliances will not only blow it forwards but they will also circulate the air. This means that the warmth in the room will start moving in a circular motion all around the people and the objects.

The fan will send the hot air across the room and thus you will be able to feel it. The amount of heat in the room will not increase. But the presence of the heat in the lower “levels” of the room will be greater. Thus the people in the room will definitely feel warmer. And all of that is achieved by getting an item which requires no fuel or electricity.

Important Facts about Wood Stove Fans

Here we will talk about 4 aspects which are all pretty much the same no matter which product you are going to choose. Even the best wood stove fan no electricity will have certain limitations to how it should be used or handled. Make sure you become familiar with these facts and then proceed to actually selecting a product suiting your needs.

Not All Stoves Are Compatible With Fans

Getting to know all the options given to you by various heating and cooling systems is a huge advantage because you will know that not all stoves get hot. The infamous Cool Touch technology is not our friend here because there won’t be enough heat to power the fan. Propane heaters, gas stoves or similar units will never give off enough heat to power your fan. Not to mention that a flat surface is hard to come by.

Fireplaces and fireplace inserts will also not work with your typical wood stove fans and blowers. You want to have a flat and open area for your unit to rest on. Fireplaces are basically rectangular holes in the wall – you can’t put a fan there.

Oil-filled radiators are a very attractive option but you shouldn’t waste money on a fan for them. The body of the radiator will never get hot enough for the motor of the fan to start working. Convection and radiant heaters are not your friends here.

There’s a reason why space heaters typically have a fan of their own. It is an electric one and is powered by electricity, not heat.

The Position Of Wood Stove Fans

All fans regardless of their purpose work in the same physical way. They need to draw air from behind them. In our case, the wood stove fan will need to suck in cooler air so that it can blow some hot air up front. That being said, make sure you leave some space behind your unit when you place it.

Never put your fan right by the wall as it will be inefficient and will not do you any good. Placing the fan right on the front edge of the stove is also not a very bright idea. All the heat will remain behind the fan and nothing useful will be blown around the room.

From a safety standpoint, you want the fan to be as far from the flue as possible. At the same time, you can’t have it on the edge as we just mentioned above. If you have it by the flue it will likely overheat rather quickly and that’s a big “no-no”. Make sure there is also plenty of open space above the fan so that air circulation can take place properly.

The Stove Can Get Pretty Hot

There’s a reason why all elite units also have a “highest” temperature. It is a really big number – typically something like 550 or 600 degrees but it can definitely be reached. This will compromise the integrity of your fan. Overheating will not only damage the motor but it also bears some safety hazards.

Getting a stove thermometer is perhaps the best choice in this case. You got no other way to monitor the temperature of your stove and this little addition will help you greatly. It’s worth the money.

No Power Is Needed

We already described wood stove fans as “smart” gadgets because you do not need to plug them anywhere. It is important to note, however, that batteries are also not needed and should never be used around a hot stove. All sorts of electrical connections can be quite dangerous if they are in immediate contact with a raging wood burning stove.

The thermoelectric motor cares only about the heat differential between the top side of the fan and its base. This will cause the motor to spin thus achieving the main goal of the fan – distribute more heat to your room.

Pros & Cons Of Wood Stove Fans

Now that we have sufficient information on what is important about stove fans, we can list and analyze the main pros and cons of the product. Hint: the pros will significantly outweigh the cons and this has to show you that once you are comfortable with an eventual product, you should perhaps run and buy it.

Pros

1. Cheap to buy initially

This thing doesn’t cost a lot. You are not even looking into spending a 3-digit sum on one of these. Since the device has a pretty simple construction, there isn’t anything to make it expensive. This further improves the deal you are getting because you receive more heat at home without actually going broke.

A unit such as a small stove fan is a bare-boned device which is definitely not a luxury item. However, its effect will raise the level of comfortability of your home significantly.

2. Does not require fuel

Not only that it doesn’t require hard fuel in terms of wood or liquid fuel such as propane, but a stove fan also doesn’t need electricity to run. That’s an incredible advantage because you get a mechanical device which will disperse heat around your room. The best part is that you will end up paying only the purchase fee.

Maintenance is not even a thing when we discuss this appliance. With the exception of the occasional dusting, you will not need to do anything else. There’s not oil cleaning, no taking apart stuff, nothing. Who wouldn’t love that?

3. Will circulate heat

Even the most efficient space heaters which have a fan included will require additional electricity in order to do what a wood stove fan does. Heat circulation typically costs extra but in this case, it is completely free.

You will enjoy even warmth in the whole room. Since the fan doesn’t allow heat to go right up to the ceiling, all the warmth will stay down where the people are. Additionally, when the fan’s blades spin they will make the heat circulate around the room.

This last part means that any cold and hot spots on your premises will be eliminated. A directional warm draft is the wish of so many people around the world and you can have it cheaply when you combine your wood stove with a sit-on-top fan.

4. Will disperse heat quicker

Speed also matters as you wouldn’t want to wait forever before you get the much wanted warm draft. The good news is that if your wood stove runs smoothly and cleanly it will heat up fast and that will make the motor of the fan work. For maximum effect and efficiency, you want to know full well how to get and how to properly maintain a wood burning stove at home.

Just a few minutes are usually needed for the stove to reach 50-60 degrees. This ought to be enough for most fans to start spinning. You will need to wait just a little longer before it gets hot enough for you to start feeling it.

5. Reduces stove fuel needed

Did we mention that a stove fan costs you nothing to run and maintain? Great, but we will now bring you more good news because this little gadget will also allow you to save on fuel. Since you are hardly going to lose any heat through the ceiling or the windows, you will, all of a sudden, have a more efficient wood stove.

A fan will allow you to feel and sustain more heat within the room and this means you will need to use less wood. Fewer logs burned also means money saved and in our case, this is anywhere between 15% and 20%. Basically, every 5-6 days, you get 1 day of heating for free.

6. Silent

Lastly, we will address the noise or lack thereof. Believe it or not, this is one of the main reasons why people actually buy wood stove fans. The silent operation is a blessing for everyone in the family. You can also sleep in the same room with the thing and it won’t bother you one bit.

Even at the highest of speeds, these fans are very hard to hear. Since the motor is powered by the heat and not by electricity or fuel, it is also a very quiet one. The Internet is full of people who are frustrated by the noise of their wall heater or space heating unit. Disregard them or tell them where the secret lies.

Cons

1. Finger injuries

For maximum effectiveness wood stove fans almost never have a protective grill in front of them. A grill would also be a bad idea because it would also get heated as part of the frame. This, however, bears the danger of someone injuring their arm or fingers.

You want to make sure that nobody reaches into the fan while it is working. The wood stove itself should be enough to keep children and pets away from there but the risks are still serious.

2. Placement matters

As stated above, you can’t put the fan wherever you want. It needs to pretty much have only one position and you have to find it. Read the manual thoroughly or re-read our guide here. The limitations that derive from the position of the fan can be quite frustrating.

Many people do not have a lot of clearance on the stove and that’s a problem. Others have a very little flat area on top of the stove and the flue might take up a lot of room. Since you want to avoid both the edge of the stove and the flue, it can be pretty hard to place the fan properly.

3. Hard to regulate

There’s no thermostat here, no timer, no buttons to adjust the temperature. The hotter the stove, the faster the blades will spin and vice-versa. This means that a person has little control over how much heat the fan disperses.

In case you get too hot, you will need to either remove the fan or tone down the power of the stove. Either way, this isn’t an exact science. The absence of technology is definitely felt here and can be quite the drawback.

4. Overheating danger

Because of the reasons described in the paragraph above, you also run the danger of overheating. The motor might malfunction if the temperature rises too much. There’s no automatic thermostat to save it and you got only one thing to do.

Buy a wood stove thermometer. This is an accessory that you simply must have when you run a wood stove fan at home. The instruction manual of each fan will have a maximum allowed temperature. If the thermometer shows you values close to it, you need to remove the fan from the stove. Don’t forget to wear a glove.

Troubleshooting a Wood Stove Fan

In this last section, we will address some of the well-known problems related to operating a stove fan. Before you go on reading about how to troubleshoot your stove fan, we recommend that you become familiar with some general wood stove safety tips. Our information below will be in the form of wood stove fan Q&A just to make it simpler:

• My fan won’t start all of a sudden

Make sure you check the wires of the motor. They need to be properly connected. Any other sort of damage such as falling on the ground will likely affect the performance of the unit negatively. Check to see if the motor spins freely. Spin the blades manually and see if they make 1 or 2 revelations.

• The temperature is 50 degrees but the fan won’t start

What matters the most is not the absolute temperature but the difference of heat between the base and the top of the fan. Additionally, if the ambient air is not cool enough, the fan will need a bigger temperature in order to start. Make sure you place it far from the flue pipe so that the ambient air can be cool.

• I can hear rattling sounds

If any of the blades are damaged then this is the likely reason. Also, make sure that a blade hasn’t come out of alignment. Another likely reason is dirt and dust that might have piled inside the motor. Some dusting might be in order here.

Wrapping Up

There’s no point in repeating all the advantages of wood stove fans so in our conclusion we will only express a hope that we’ve helped you select the right product. Check out our reviews on the best wood stove fans one more time if needed and if anything is unclear, send us your question.

Leave us a comment in case our article has been useful and let us know if anything needs to be reworked or updated. All feedback is much appreciated. Comment and share the article with your friends. Don’t forget to explore some other heating options and our guides on them. Thanks for reading and as always – stay put!

They say that warming a room is far easier than heating outdoor spaces. Well, did you know that the best patio heaters can raise the temperature of an outside area by about 10-30 degrees in a matter of minutes? That’s right, you can have a drink with a friend outside even in February without having chattering teeth.

Since you are already reading this, then you perhaps would love to learn more about the best outdoor heaters, their types, characteristics, and advantages. We have handpicked the 10 best units and have compiled short reviews on them especially for your convenience. Before you rush to the store, make sure you learn everything there is to learn about patio heaters from our article below.

Best Patio Heaters Comparison Chart

PRODUCT	DETAILS
	Sunglo Stainless Steel Liquid Propane Patio Heater	Price: $$$$$ Dimensions: 93 x 34 ½” Weight: N / A BTU: 40.000 Material: 304 Stainless Steel	View On Amazon
	Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Patio Heater	Price: $$$ Dimensions: 54 x 30.5 x 7.5″ Weight: 54 pounds BTU: 38,000 Material: Steel and Aluminum	View On Amazon
	Palm Springs Bronze Patio Heater	Price: $$$ Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 87″ Weight: 35.2 lbs BTU: 41,000 Material: Stainless steel	View On Amazon
	AZ Patio Heaters Tapered Stainless Steel Heater	Price: $$ Dimensions: 32 x 87 x 32″ Weight: 42.8 pounds BTU: 48,000 Material: Stainless steel	View On Amazon
	Belleze Propane Patio Heater	Price: $$$$ Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 86.5″ Weight: 41 pounds BTU: 48,000 Material: Stainless steel	View On Amazon
	XtremepowerUS Floor Standing Outdoor Patio Heater	Price: $ Dimensions: 29.1 x 18.2 x 17.9″ Weight: 35 pounds BTU: 48,000 Material: Stainless steel	View On Amazon

1. Sunglo Stainless Steel Liquid Propane Patio Heater

A top-end option for every home or restaurant is brought to us by Sunglo. This portable propane patio heater includes a number of decorative and safety characteristics and they truly set it apart from others. If you have 18 inches of clearance on the top side and have at least 12 feet of distance between units then you are ready to.

The propane tank is located on the bottom and it is hidden by a stainless steel frame. The tank is sold separately (recommended capacity is 20 lb). The total height of the unit is 93 inches and the diameter of the reflector is 34 ½ inches. The Sunglo Patio heater will give users a massive 40,000 BTU of heat and will cover a diameter of about 12 feet. No electric power is needed, the unit has a safety shutoff and it also works quietly thanks to the aerated burner.

2. Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Patio Heater

We now come back to the propane patio heaters type as we focus on this Thermo Tiki unit. At a medium price, you are getting a stylish product that combines steel and aluminum. Your guests will remain impressed as the flame is actually visible in the vertical tube when the device is turned on. The heater is also pretty sturdy as it will resist rust and corrosion.

The coverage is not bad at all with is 15 feet in diameter. This also gives you realistically about 38,000 BTU. Non-electric units rarely feature a tip-over safety switch off but this one does and it’s definitely an advantage. Portability is also not impossible as the Thermo Tiki Patio Heater also has wheels making it easy to move outside. Not only that the heater is easy to turn on but it is also simple to operate through the control knob. It will let you select the desired temperature.

3. Palm Springs Bronze Patio Heater

The range of this next product is quite nice as it will be able to cover about 115 square feet outside. This is about 10 x 12 feet and should be sufficient for an average patio. The whole ignition process boils down to just one single press of a button, comfortably located under the reflector. The hood also helps some heat dispersion and with the 41,000 BTU that we have here, this is simply too useful.

The powder-coated hammered bronze allows the body of the patio heater to withstand not only the weather but also its own pressure. A regular 20 lb. propane tank is sufficient to power the heater but it is, of course, sold separately. This will give you about 10 hours of continuous use. You have the complete ability to adjust the power output anywhere between 5000W and 13000W. There are also wheels to improve maneuverability. The heater weighs only 35 lb.

4. AZ Patio Heaters Tapered Stainless Steel Heater

Here the options when it comes to the base of this model are simply endless. Some of the AZ Patio Heaters’ units have rather large steel bases for bigger propane tanks while others will resemble a small coffee table. A great niche option is the one that looks like a basket as it is made out of interwoven strips. This might be one of the most powerful patio heaters you will encounter.

It is marketed at 48,000 BTU but even if you can get 42,000 out of it, it would be still amazing. You are free to regulate the strength of the heater through a special dial right under the reflector. There is also a burner cover included. The propane tank is sold separately and you will need to assemble your patio heater yourself. The safety devices include a thermocouple and the anti-tilt switch off.

5. Belleze Propane Patio Heater

One of the key traits of this model is the stability which it has. The Belleze Propane Patio Heater features a broad base resting on a round stand. The fact that you can install a 30 lb. propane tank adds to the weight and the stability of the unit. There’s a weight bladder that you can fill with sand as well. The fact that you can get about 48,000 BTU out of it speaks for itself.

The dome reflector is satisfyingly wide with its diameter of 32 inches. An area of about 180 square feet can be covered. With a favorable wind, this area may expand. The unit is completely CSA certified and also has a number of important safety features. The piezo ignition system will shut off automatically if the product is tilted. You get dependability from the steel construction and mobility from the wheels on the bottom.

6. XtremepowerUS Floor Standing Outdoor Patio Heater

This patio heater will give you excellent value for your money. There is nothing absolutely mind-blowing about it. But since it is in the lower price range and the quality is still fantastic, you will get a good bang for your buck. In fact, the heating radius of the XtremepowerUS patio heater is larger than average – 200 square feet or 15 feet in diameter.

The consumption of gas is rather good – 10 hours at about 45,000 BTU. Another advantage is that the box also includes the necessary tools to assemble the unit. The propane tank is, of course, not included. On the downside, the design is a little bit “too clean”. The unit looks too much like a telephone post. It is also pretty tall – 8.5 feet. In terms of safety, we won’t surprise you by saying that there is a tip-over instant switch off. Should be used in well-vented areas.

The Two Main Types of Outdoor Heaters

What powers your patio heater really matters. If you paid close attention to the patio heater reviews above, you have surely noticed that we talked about two main types:

• Infrared patio heaters
• Propane patio heaters

The most interesting thing is that these devices actually differ in so many ways except for the fact that they provide you with some outdoor heating. It will be pointless to simply list or analyze all the contrasting characteristics of infrared and propane heaters. This is why we will have 2 separate section in which we will outline the most important things related to both.

Infrared Patio Heaters

The most important characteristic here is that these are actually electric patio heaters. This means that such outdoor heating solutions come with a wide range of heaters, controls and mounting options. At the end of the day, you want a system that best works for you and your family or business. So without getting into much detail on how infrared heaters work, we will take a look at the 3 main focal points you need to consider when purchasing an infrared patio heater.

1. The nature of the space
2. The exact unit you need
3. The controls

Our experts in HomeClimate have talked long and hard about plenty of great heating and cooling systems and in all fairness, the list we just mentioned is true for most devices. This still doesn’t eliminate the fact that you have some particular pros and cons of infrared patio heaters to consider.

• First things first, the initial step to heating your outdoor space is actually measuring it. In order to know how powerful a patio heater you want to purchase, you first need to become familiar with the dimensions of the area you are going to be warming up. No, this is not an oxymoron because outdoor spaces can also be measured.

There are surely some natural boundaries such as walls, trees or some sort of a canopy that will affect the range of the heater. Height also matters because not all infrared patio heaters are freestanding. Some of them need to be mounted and that’s one more thing to think of. If the heater is mounted too far or too close to where people generally sit or stand then this might be a problem.

After you’ve received a general idea of the length, width, and height of your porch, patio or deck, then move on to the next step.

• Never forget to go for both functionality and aesthetics when selecting your outdoor heater. Low-intensity infrared heaters come in three main categories. They are divided by the number and size of the heating element (tube) of the device. This is rather important when we talk about patio heating.
• Single element
• Dual element
• Thick single element

After you’ve decided on the size and number of tubes now you need to think about how the device is mounted. Some people go for the best wall mounted patio heaters but there are more options. You can have your infrared heater ceiling-mounted, flush-mounted, and pole-mounted. The last category is pretty popular as it gives you mobility and portability.

Environmental factors also matter as windy areas are not easy to heat. On the other hand, a building will provide some extra sheltering and you should take advantage of that. Just make sure there’s enough venting if your patio is too tight or somewhat closed.

Next, think about the coverage area. For instance, a 3000W unit will likely be able to heat an area of 8×8 feet. This is 64 square feet. You shouldn’t put such a heater higher than 7-9 feet. If you double the power output (6000W) now you can heat up about 130 square feet of space. What’s more is that the heater can be mounted higher as well.

Verify the correct voltage and amperage. This is the last aspect you want to take care of when determining which exact infrared unit you want to buy. Consult a certified electrician if needed. Bear in mind that most US products will require a 120V circuit.

• The third factor which helps you decide on an electric patio heater is the controls. Freestanding infrared heaters will usually have a built-in thermostat. Mounted outdoor heaters will require remote controls.

One of the most interesting and useful switches is the duplex stack switch. It offers half power and full power capabilities thus making things simple when looking to heat your patio. Additional functions to look for are heat intensity, zone heating, and timer options. Controlling through a mobile device is also a fantastic idea and convenience.

Propane Powered Heaters

These are actually the more popular patio heaters and interestingly enough, their mechanics are completely different than the ones of infrared heaters. Here we have a propane tank which shoots gas up a tube. The gas is then ignited through a spark ignition and the radiant emitter grid distributes some heat around. In general, these outdoor heaters do not differ a lot from your regular domestic propane heaters.

When we talk about the best natural gas patio heater or any propane heater, we do not need to mention anything about power cords, wattage or thermostats. In our case, BTU is the measuring unit we need to pay attention. Additionally, maintenance and safety are two very important topics.

We will now talk about two of the essential actions concerning the proper use of any propane patio heater:

• Igniting
• Maintenance and troubleshooting

Once we clear out how to start a propane patio heater, we will clarify what problems might occur. We will give you pointers on what needs to be looked at and possibly cleaned in case your patio heater won’t start.

1. The ignition process is complicated from a physics standpoint. But what the user sees and does is rather simple. So here’s what needs to be done if you want to have a warm patio using a propane heater.

Safety always comes first you need to plan your space when using one of those devices. So pay attention to some fine outdoor heater instructions if you can find them. Even if you opt for smaller versions and try to get a hold of the best tabletop patio heater, you will still need to keep a safe distance from it.

You need at least 1 ft. of clearance on the top side so that you do not burn the paint or the canopy of your patio. 10 feet is the lateral distance you should keep in mind. Now that you have placed the unit where you want it you will need to connect the tank to the device.

Lift the metal case on the base of the pole. It will go up the tube and should be able to just rest there without falling. Slide the tank in the designated slot underneath the heater and connect the hose. Now, this part is important! Tighten the hose really well. It isn’t supposed to be loosely attached. Next, open the valve similar to a water faucet. Slide the case back over the tank.

Now take a look at what you have on the panel right underneath the reflector. You should see a dial or a knob with some settings on it. It will light the pilot heater. Push the dial in and flip it to “pilot”. Keep holding it pressed for at least one minute.

Now press the red button to light the pilot. Don’t let the knob go yet. If the pilot doesn’t get lit immediately, try again. Once you see a spark and are sure that the pilot has been lit, just turn the dial all the way and the heater will start. That’s it – enjoy your time on the patio!

2. In case no spark gets ignited, you want to keep pressing until you see your pilot light. If your heater is new, you will have a lot of air in the pipes, in the regulator and all the way up to your burner valve. So igniting the pilot might take longer.

If it still doesn’t work then you should check the hose and see how tight it is attached to the tank. If the regulator is loose, simply tighten it. An unexpected tip here would be to take off the regulator and tap it onto the propane tank a few times. It sounds strange but this might just get rid of any excess air trapped inside the regulator.

If the problem persists then there are two more possible reasons. First, sometimes a spider web might get stuck in the pilot tube. This is actually a common problem because the smell of gas attracts insects and spiders in particular. The best way to check the pilot tube a.k.a the Venturi tube is to put it in water and actually see bubbles coming out. That’s how you know it’s not clogged.

The second reason is again related to this very tube but this time the obstruction might be caused by debris or some sort of small rust amounts. What needs to be done here is to clean the tube manually. The orifice holder is the part that you need to unclog.

Remove the component and inspect it for debris. Sticking something in the top of the orifice holder will virtually do nothing. You need to use a screwdriver or a similar object and drive it through the wider opening of the orifice holder. Scrape the walls completely and make sure that whatever is in there gets out.

All in all, troubleshooting your propane patio heater is a broad topic and needs to be addressed separately.

Comparison Between The Two Patio Heater Models

Now that you have become fully familiar with the characteristics of electric and propane patio heaters it is time to summarize the information and make deductions accordingly. Here are the pros and cons of patio heaters of the two types.

Benefits Of Infrared Patio Heaters

• Simple to use – just plug it in and enjoy some heat. There’s no special preparation required in order for you to use your infrared outdoor heater. No tubes to attach, no supplies to carry.
• Not hard to maintain – besides the occasional dusting you do not have much else to worry about when it comes to cleaning. The unit consists of heat resistors and wires. Nothing will obstruct its components.
• Not so dangerous in covered spaces – Fumes are not to be expected here. Even though there are safety requirements, they are far more lenient here than when we have a propane patio heater on our hands. Many people suggest that infrared heaters are universal as they can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Downsides Of Infrared Patio Heaters

• Not mobile – you get limited maneuverability when using an electric patio heater. You always need to have a socket range and even if you get an extension cord, the issue still remains. And that goes only for freestanding units. Most infrared patio heaters are mounted making them completely immovable.
• Not so efficient – the amount of heat is definitely lower with electric heaters. You are limited by the wattage of the unit. On the other hand, you will end up spending a certain amount of electrical energy. In the long run, an infrared heater might prove to be more expensive on a monthly basis.
• Heating up is not very quick – you need to give the device some time before its presence is felt. When warmth is radiated, it takes longer before it heats the area as the objects and people are the primary recipients of this type of heating.

Benefits Of Propane Patio Heaters

• Quick to heat up – the moment you see a flame, you instantly get some heat. Maximum temperature is instantly reached.
• No mounting – all propane patio heaters are freestanding
• Easy to move – the wheels on the bottom will help a lot. Also, there’s no power cord to reduce the distance the unit can travel.

Downsides Of Propane Patio Heaters

• Preparation is key – you need to cover certain steps every time before you actually start the heater.
• The tank needs to be replaced – you need to remember to replenish the gas every once in a while. This might turn out to be time-consuming especially if you cannot have a tank delivered.
• Can’t use it in enclosed spaces – make sure you are outdoors and that venting is sufficient.
• Maintenance and cleaning are much needed – the tubes will get clogged over time. You need to have supplies which help you clean your unit regularly.

Why Not Forced-Air Heaters?

Before wrapping up our article, we simply cannot let you go without telling you why a forced-air heater simply isn’t good enough for outdoor purposes. You have perhaps noticed that all best outdoor heater reviews are related to either propane or infrared products.

Blowing air with a fan doesn’t do you any good in an open space. While you can have a little success at a construction site, such a unit is definitely not a good choice for restaurants or patios. Furthermore, having an air draft of any sort (warm or cold) isn’t a pleasant experience when you have napkins, cups and other things on your table.

Forced-air heaters do not warm a zone and they do not radiate heat. Objects and people are not heated right away but the air is. Unfortunately, when you are not indoors, warming up the air is a tough challenge and this is why people usually stick with heaters with radiant heat.

A fan is not completely excluded from the equation but for reasons stated above, you will very rarely see a patio heater with a fan.

Wrapping Up

It is time we concluded our article devoted to showing you the best patio heaters on today’s market. These units will surely make your life more pleasant as they heat up an unusual area – the outside deck or porch.

Your feedback is important to us so shoot us a comment if you liked the guide or if you wanted to have something added. Share the piece so that we can help more people get informed on the matter and don’t forget to check out our other guides to getting the finest heating units. Thanks for reading and as always – stay put!

We all know that warm air floats up to the ceiling and that the air coming from our windows is typically cooler and not very pleasant. Isn’t it great that both issues can be solved by just one heating device? A fantastic solution is to look for some of the best electric baseboard heaters out there.

Hot air comes from down under and when installed under a window, the heater ensures a warm draft. These and many more benefits are highlighted in our guide below. Check out the most popular products from that class and see which one will fit your needs.

Our article aims at giving you the most useful information in a concise fashion and this is why we also have additional maintenance and installation tips. Don’t wait and see exactly what we’ve prepared for you!

Best Electric Baseboard Heaters Comparison Chart

PRODUCT	DETAILS
	Marley HBB Qmark Baseboard Heater	Price: $$$$$ Dimensions: 58 x 2.9 x 8.4″ Weight: 19 pounds Wattage: 1250 Voltage: 240 V	View On Amazon
	Fahrenheat PLF1004 Baseboard Heater	Price: $$$ Dimensions: 8 x 3 x 46″ Weight: 16.3 pounds Wattage: 1000 Voltage: 240 V	View On Amazon
	Cadet Softheat Hydronic Baseboard Heater	Price: $$$$ Dimensions: 47 x 3.2 x 9.5″ Weight: 20.4 pounds Wattage: 750 Voltage: 240 V	View On Amazon
	Dimplex North America Wireless Baseboard Heater	Price: $$$ Dimensions: 60 x 2.4 x 6.6″ Weight: 12 pounds Wattage: 2500 Voltage: 240 V	View On Amazon
	King Electric Ceramic Baseboard Heater	Price: $$ Dimensions: 75 x 10.1 x 3.7″ Weight: 18.55 pounds Wattage: 1250 Voltage: 120 V	View On Amazon
	Comfort Zone CZ600 Baseboard Heater	Price: $ Dimensions: 30 x 6.2 x 10.8″ Weight: 5 pounds Wattage: 750 / 1500 Voltage: N /A	View On Amazon

Best Electric Baseboard Heater Reviews (Top List 2020)

1. Marley HBB Qmark Baseboard Heater

This trusted brand on the market brings us a versatile model in the Marley Qmark Baseboard Heater. It has a reservoir of heat fluid. Therefore it combines an electric element with a hydronic one. The product can suit a number of various room designs as it comes in 3 lengths – 28-inch, 34-inch, and 46-inch. The manufacturer is also prepared to ship even longer sizes depending on the client’s requirements. It is not recommended to use any aftermarket covers on the unit once installed.

When it comes to the type of circuit, the stock model comes at 120V. However, options such as 208V and 240V are also available. In order for rooms larger than 150 square feet to be heated, a few of these units would be required. It is completely compatible with a wall-mounted thermostat although one isn’t provided. There’s no noise coming from the heater and it will retain heat because of its metal body.

2. Fahrenheat PLF1004 Baseboard Heater

The following baseboard heater on our list features a very clean design with no extra fluff on its surface. The Fahrenheat PLF1004 Baseboard Heater features the hydronic technology. The heating element is placed in a special heat transfer liquid and this is how heat is provided. This liquid isn’t water because otherwise, it might freeze in the winter.

The unit can be installed virtually in any room and this also includes bathrooms. It is compatible with only 240V circuits and needs to be hardwired. The length you get is not customizable and it stands at 46 inches. The BTU that one will be able to get from this product is about 3400. The maximum output is 1000W meaning that a room larger than 400 square feet would require about 4 of these. A wall-mounted thermostat is required for the proper operation of the unit. Auto-shutoff systems are present as well.

3. Cadet Softheat Hydronic Baseboard Heater

Going for the Cadet Softheat Hydronic Baseboard Heater is not a bad idea when we talk about a bedroom. The unit features special technology giving it lower surface temperature meaning that it will not dry the air out. The user is free to select a left or right end connection model. There’s no fan – nothing makes noises.

The heating fluid is eco-friendly and completely harmless. A high-temperature safety shutoff is also present. As far as the numbers go, there are two available options – 240V one and a 208V one. The former has a max output of 750W and the latter – 563W. The unit is excellent as a secondary heating option or a primary one if installed in a bathroom. Needs to be hardwired and doesn’t include the thermostat. The heating element allows for the generation of residual warmth thanks to the material of the body.

4. Dimplex North America Wireless Baseboard Heater

The next product is the most powerful baseboard heater on our list as it will give you a maximum power output of 2400W. This, of course, means that its energy consumption would be much larger – there’s no way around it. One of the reasons why this unit is so powerful is because it is not a hydronic one. There’s simply a heating resistor that gives off all that warmth and no liquid needs to be heated.

The unit has to be hardwired to a 240V circuit and comes with a built-in thermostat. This doesn’t limit it at all, however, as the Dimplex North America baseboard heater can also be synced with wireless temperature controls and wall-mounted thermostats. Another key feature of this product is the relatively short length. It can easily fit various interiors. The coating is epoxy/polyester and will likely smell a little the first few times the heater is used. Has a 10-year warranty.

5. King Electric Ceramic Baseboard Heater

Now we move on to a model that has a ceramic body. This low-density unit really comes in all sizes and that gives it its unique versatility element. The manufacturer will ship a model with a length of 3 up to 8 feet long. The same goes for the voltage. The 3 options include compatibility with circuits of 120V, 208V, and 240V. The shortest units’ output is 500W while the longest ones are at 1500W.

There’s nothing to leak out or spill from the heater. This fluidless product will come a little cheaper than others but it won’t be as energy-saving as most hydronic baseboard heaters. A separate wall-mounted thermostat has to be purchased. You wouldn’t expect that from most pure electric heaters as they typically have their own built-in temperature controls. The ceramic body allows for the distribution of convection heating. A room is slower to heat up but it does so evenly.

6. Comfort Zone CZ600 Baseboard Heater

This last product will look more like a typical heater than a baseboard accessory. The mesh on top along with the buttons gives away its identity quickly. There are two color options – white and black. Even though the Comfort Zone CZ600 has a design closer to a regular baseboard, it actually functions as a normal space heater. There’s no installation needed and the unit plugs into a regular socket.

It is among the best portable baseboard heaters as it can be moved to a room of your desire. Safety isn’t an issue as it has overheat protection and built-in temperature control. Safety tip-over “switch-off” is also part of the deal. The unit can be left unattended and still give you peace of mind. It works in a very silent fashion even though its maximum power output isn’t bad at all – 1500W. The lowest setting has it at 750W.

What Do All Baseboard Heaters Have In Common?

These devices aren’t the most expensive heating accessory you will buy for your home but there are a few things to consider. Here’s what pretty much all baseboard heaters have in common. They run entirely on electricity. The required circuit can be 120V, 208V, and 220V.

The costs of operating your baseboard heater will vary depending on the price of electricity in your community. They are usually used in a smaller home or as a secondary option. This is because the correlation between energy expenditure and heat isn’t the best when we discuss baseboard heaters.

Other common signs are related to installation. They all install against a wall and even if there’s a carpet – no problem. The heater will stay just above the level of the carpet for safety reasons. You will be able to find knockouts on the back of each unit. Screws go right through there and secure the product onto the wall.

Electricity can be put through any of the sides. Here’s where length matters. Typically, you will be able to find various sizes of each brand. Find the one which gives you the most efficient heating options for your room. You might need to buy several units.

A thermostat is used for control. That about ends all the similarities when it comes to this component. An electric baseboard heater with a built-in thermostat isn’t the only option of that class of heaters but we will talk about it below.

All such heaters operate by convection meaning that the heating element is made out of stainless steel. It will get hot and some warm air will gently take over the room. The safety element will shut off the unit once it gets too hot.

These are pretty much all the similarities when we talk about electric baseboard heaters. Now it is time to get more knowledge on all the variables. These next paragraphs will hopefully help you narrow down your selection depending on your own requirements.

Differences Of Baseboard Heaters

Getting to know the differences related to how baseboard heaters operate, are controlled or installed is one of the key factors when selecting one for your home. We will also mention electric baseboard heater efficiency in the sense that some units are more powerful than others. Whether this gives you an edge is something that we will discuss in the following section.

Thermostat

You will quickly understand that there are 2 main types of a thermostat and that goes for pretty much all sorts of heating and cooling devices you will be able to find out there. They are:

• Built-in thermostats
• Remote or wall-mounted thermostats

The first category is typically represented by a little dial located right on the front panel of your heater. In the case of baseboard heaters, you would usually have a “hi” and “low” setting. There might be some little positions in between and they will help you determine the amount of heat that you want to get.

This thermostat is perhaps not the better option of the two. A slight knock on it is that it is not as informative as you might want it to be. It is good for smaller rooms where you do not want to have so much exclusive control over the temperature.

Another reason why an onboard thermostat isn’t the best is that it will sometimes get “cheated” by the heater. An electric baseboard heater with built-in thermostat will likely end up switching off more often than you’d like. The fact that the body of the device has reached a certain temperature doesn’t mean that the room has also achieved such values. Once the thermostat “feels hot” it will want to cool off and will turn the heater off. This is a great safety feature but it isn’t very practical when the room is still not as warm as you’d want.

A wall-mounted line voltage thermostat is the more sophisticated option. In fact, if you are asking the question “are new baseboard heaters more efficient”, the answer is “yes”. That’s because they do not come with a thermostat and your separately purchased wall-mounted controller will do all the magic.

You can adjust the exact temperature from your remote thermostat, check the time, set a timer and even control a few heaters at the same time. Having the thermostat away from the unit will actually give you a better estimation of the room temperature. You know that when your heater shuts off, that’s because the temperature around the thermostat is truly at the value shown on the display.

Plug-in or Hardwired

You will very rarely encounter plug-in electric baseboard heaters but there are some. Actually, there is one on our top 6 list above. These units function in a way similar to a regular space heater. You can unplug them and move them to another room.

Furthermore, no installation is required as there is no wiring to be done. One drawback is related to safety because an outlet typically lies exposed. Water can get onto it or a child might play around it. The more power cords you have lying around, the more safety hazards that you have.

Now a hardwired baseboard heater will give you more peace of mind. There’s nothing to plug in or unplug. Additionally, there will be fewer wires to look at. Overall, a hardwired unit looks more visibly pleasing as it is simply cleaner. The fact that it is mounted adds to the sense of stability.

Yes, you can’t move it around and sometimes maintenance can be a challenge but you should be able to live with this trade-off. Another thing to consider is maybe getting a certified electrician to do the hard wiring. However, if you feel confident in yourself, you might even figure out how to install a baseboard heater on your own.

Classic or Hydronic Electric Baseboard Heaters

The last category in which baseboard heaters are divided is related to the very way they operate. This aspect is actually the one which typically sways people one way or the other. People can actually feel the difference thanks to the way a room is heated and this is the main reason why some like hydronic electric baseboard heaters while others go for the regular model.

1. Regular/Classic baseboard heaters

Here we have a typical heat resistor and there are also fins. Electrical current goes through the fins and this is how they heat up. As they reach an optimal temperature, they start emitting heat in the room and this is how the air gets warmer.

The biggest upside is that the air will get heated rather quickly in comparison to the second type of baseboard heaters. The moment you turn the device on, you will be able to feel some heat coming out through the front opening. Put your hand in front of it and notice the warmth.

On the negative side, however, balancing the temperature with a wall-mounted thermostat can be quite challenging. We already clarified how wall-mounted thermostats work. Since they have to “feel” the temperature before turning off, this holds some inconveniences.

Since the temperature of the air is measured, it will sort of mess with the wall-mounted thermostat. Once a certain threshold is reached, the thermostat will turn the baseboard heater off. The thing is that even if the air temperature drops by just 1 degree, the thermostat will turn the heater on. All of this will lead to some discrepancies in the temperature and that can happen on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, with a regular electric baseboard heater, the temperature of the air starts dropping rapidly if the device isn’t working. The fins start cooling off almost immediately after the electric current stops passing through them. This is easily seen the moment the thermostat shuts off the heater.

2. Hydronic baseboard heaters

Some people regularly label these devices as hot water baseboard heaters. In reality, though, these machines do not use water because it bears the danger of freezing if not used for long periods during the winter. They have a special heat fluid and their mechanics is similar to the finest oil-filled radiator heaters.

So in case you are asking what is a hydronic baseboard heater and how does a hydronic heater work, we will give you a little bit more insight on the matter. Those heaters again have fins similar to the classic electric baseboard heaters. But here we also have a tube in which the magic happens.

The liquid gets heated and then it radiates heat to the fins. A benefit here is that the room gets warmer in a very even fashion. You will not notice sudden spikes and drops of the air temperature. Furthermore, if you shut the heater off, some residual heat will remain in place. The hot liquid will prevent the fins from cooling off immediately and this means that the room will stay warm for longer.

On the downside, these heaters will need longer to heat up the room. The liquid needs some time before it starts boiling. Then some more time will be needed for the fins to get hot. Only after all of this, some heat will start to be felt.

Here’s How to Install Your Baseboard Heater

We aren’t going to leave you to figure out how to mount your device on the wall yourself. This is why in this section you will become familiar with the universal way of installing your heater. We will kick off this part by reminding to read up on the following:

• Voltage
• Circuits
• Placement
• Clearance requirements

In case you are not familiar with any of the above, it is recommended that you hire a licensed electrician to do the installation. This is especially important if you are going to work with a live panel.

One of the more important tools to have is the stud finder. This machine shouldn’t be underestimated because its presence is crucial for your project. We will talk about it more below but before that, we will list the remaining important tools you need:

• Wire strippers
• Tape measure
• A drill
• Screwdrivers
• A meter
• Baseboard cutter

The first step is to route some power from your circuit panel. A separate circuit will be needed in case you are also installing a wall-mounted thermostat but this is not going to be addressed here. Cut the breaker off because you cannot work with a live wire. Then, you need to know exactly where to cut the baseboards.

The future location of your baseboard heater is determined by using the stud finder. It will allow you to detect the exact placement of studs behind the wall. Since you want to screw the heater onto something strong, you want to see exactly where the studs are.

Take the measurement of the heater and copy it onto the trim. Use the baseboard cutter to get rid of the excess trim. If you don’t have that tool, you can also use a Dremel tool. Pre-drill your holes. They will be used when the time comes to attach the heater to the wall.

Get rid of the knockouts where the wire will go. Choose the side beforehand. What’s good about those modern-day baseboard heaters is that you get to select on which side the wires will go. If you forget to put the set nut on the wire before running the wire through the heater, you will need to detach the whole thing. So think about stuff in advance. Then, after the wire goes through the body of the heater, you are to install the strain relief connector.

Don’t forget the aesthetics part and make sure the heater is leveled. It will simply look plain ugly if you have one side higher than the other. This is when you use the pre-drilled holes. Secure the body to the wall and feel free to now remove the ground screw.

Maintenance & Electric Baseboard Heater Efficiency

No device will last long if you do not take good care of it. Even if it does, it will start performing poorly over time in case no maintenance is performed. We will now talk about 2 of the most important things you can do to maximize the performance of your electric baseboard heater.

• Sealing it
• Disassembling and cleaning it

The good thing about the 1^st point is that you do not really need to completely take apart your baseboard heater. You will not have to mess with the actual operational parts of the device. However, sealing the heater is an essential energy efficiency upgrade – one that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Start by removing the front and top covers of the baseboard heater. Nails and screws will also need to be taken out of there. Use pliers if needed. If the heater is stuck to the wall, this might be because of paint. You will need to use a utility knife in order to gently cut through the paint along the top of the heater.

Once the heater is loose, don’t take it completely out. Just lift it a few inches and tack it in place on the wall. You want to have free access to it. Check out the condition of the vapor barrier. It is typically tight behind the sheetrock in case there is one. Remove the loose plastic parts of the vapor barrier so that the foam insulation can properly adhere to the wall.

Now you need the following:

• Plastic gloves
• A towel
• A foam gun

Use the top 2 supplies to make the procedure cleaner and safer. Run a line with the foam gun right where the wall and the floor are connected. Get rid of the nails you used to hold the heater up. Apply the old screws and nails and attach the heater back into place. Put back the covers and you are ready to go. There’s your insulated, sealed baseboard heater.

Delicate touch and impeccability are the deciding factors when we talk about disassembling and cleaning a baseboard heater. Most models have end caps on each side and that’s what you get rid of right away. They should just pop off as there are no screws or nails holding them tightly.

The front panel can be taken out by hinging it outward. It will make a popping sound. That’s because along the length of the heater there are little hooks on the top and bottom which hold the front cover in place.

Once you have access to the fins, you are to dust them off carefully. Try not to apply any force there because you might bend them. After you have brushed the insides of the heater, you should also vacuum them. All the particles which have fallen on the ground or remain between the fins will be sucked in and away. Don’t use any water during this procedure! Make sure the baseboard heater is not turned on when cleaning it! Carefully assemble the covers back after you’re done.

Wrapping Up

Even though the best electric baseboard heaters sort of look similar, we made sure to distinguish the ones which are simply better than others. In our guide above, we outlined the main differences and benefits of utilizing a baseboard heater at home.

These universal devices are excellent for any room and we hope that we’ve steered you in the right direction when selecting one. Please give us your thoughts on the article and share it if you found it useful. In case you want anything improved, feel free to let us know by commenting. Thanks for reading and as always – stay put!