Quartz infrared heaters have been around for years, but in 2007 consumers were made aware of the beneficial qualities of quartz infrared heat with the introduction of the EdenPure heater.
This new space heating technology proved immensely popular and, like every good idea, quickly spawned a number of competitors.
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The heaters reviewed below share standard features such as casters, washable filter, thermostat, and remote control. They each draw around 12 amps at start up and then 6 or 7 amps to maintain temperature. At 12¢ per kWh (the national average) the cost to run these space heaters is 16¢ per hour at full power, 12¢ per hour at 1,000 watts, and 6¢ per hour at the low, 500 watt setting.
Since the standard 110 volt residential circuit is 15 amps, only one heater should be plugged into each circuit if multiple heaters are being used.
Overall, modular type infrared heaters have an excellent safety record and are considered child and pet friendly. According to one manufacturer: "The heat generating quartz infrared elements never get to a temperature that can ignite a fire." Although this is probably true, it's imperative to keep all space heating appliances at least 3 feet away from flammable objects such as drapes and furniture.
Here then are the 3 bestselling quartz infrared heaters according to data compiled from Amazon.com.
3. iHeater IH 1500 (1,500 watts) 5
Although the iHeater 1500 finishes the sales race in the number 3 spot, it's a distant 3rd behind numbers one and two.
The iHeater's claim to fame is that it doesn't use quartz bulbs to generate heat like the other infrared heaters. Instead, it employs a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) quartz infrared element. According to the iHeater website, the heating element is scheduled to last around 60,000 hours as opposed to 20,000 - 30,000 hours for quartz bulbs.
Once the incoming air is heated by the quartz element it passes through a copper plate chamber and is distributed by a "squirrel cage" type fan.
Three heat settings are available from a commercial grade thermostat ranging between 500 and 1,500 watts.
Units are shipped to the USA and Canada and come with a one year manufacturer's warranty. An additional 2 years of warranty coverage is available for around . The heating element itself is UL approved, but the assembled unit is not. iHeater replacement elements are available from their website: i-Heater.com. Rated an average 3½ stars.
2. EdenPure GEN3 Model 1000 (1,500 watts) 0
The GEN3 Model 1000 is the classic EdenPure heater and also their best selling model. The GEN3 employs six quartz tubes and 3 copper heat exchangers for heat generation and a blower fan for heat distribution..
The "1000" designation stands for the number of square feet this unit is supposed to heat. This product detail has been a source of controversy ever since the heater first went on sale.
The problem is most people don't have a 1,000 square foot room, but rather 3 or 4 rooms comprising 1,000 square feet with obstructions like doors and walls that impede the flow the heat. Additionally, it's almost impossible for any 1,500 watt (5120 BTUS) heater to adequately heat 1,000 square feet when you consider the average 2,300 square foot house would require a 60,000 - 80,000 BTU furnace.
The GEN3 offers a 3 year warranty, is UL listed and available in all 50 states and Canada via a separate 800 number. EdenPure replacement bulbs and parts are available from: edenpurestore.com. Rated an average 2½ stars.
1. Dr Heater DR-968 (1,500 watts) 5
Dr Heater, the newest entrant into the quartz infrared heating market, captures the top spot in this review. With a customer satisfaction rating of 4½ out of 5 stars, the fact it sells for 0 less than the others probably doesn't hurt sales either.
The DR Heater combines PTC technology and quartz infrared tubes for a dual heating system. Heat is distributed by a ball bearing equipped, high pressure low noise blower.
DR Heater has a 1 year warranty, is UL listed and available in the USA and Canada. Replacement parts are available by calling the 800 number listed at: drheaterusa.com.
Bestselling EdenPure Type Quartz Infrared Heater: The Winner May Surprise You
See the best selling DR Heater plus a selection of highly rated, energy efficient space heaters for every budget at Space Heater Reviews: Best Heaters.
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