The best heaters of all types and designs: electric, gas, diesel and kerosene models for indoor and outdoor use.

Which heater is better to buy

All heating devices can be conditionally divided into three groups according to the method of heat transfer:

With coolant

This includes not only standard heating radiators, but also oil heaters. Such models are distinguished by a long exit to the desired temperature regime, since they are forced to first heat the coolant, then the body, and only then give off heat to the outside.

air heating

Convectors, fireplace stoves, fan heaters. The air in contact with them is heated, which is then mixed with cold air due to natural or forced convection.

infrared

They do not heat the air, but the surrounding objects: furniture, walls, floors. Used for local and general heating indoors and outdoors. The heat from them is felt immediately if you are in the radiation zone. They can be standard (with glow), panel and film.

• Convectors, oil radiators, ceramic and tape heaters are optimal for permanent heating of residential premises.
• For additional or periodic fan heaters are suitable.
• In the country, in the garage, you can use a gas stove or a heat gun.

Outdoors — electric or gas infrared heater.

The best heaters

In our review, we selected heaters according to the criteria of efficiency, economy and functionality.

Reasons to buy:

• Combined heating system;
• Electronic control;
• Power adjustment.

The heater is suitable for rooms with any thermal insulation. Frost protection allows you to leave it in an unheated cottage, and the restart function will make it convenient for intermittent use or frequent power outages.

Eco-friendly IR heating allows you to quickly create comfortable conditions, and a directed convection flow effectively heats a room up to 25 square meters. m. Auto-shutdown when tipping over and overheating make the device safe to use.

Reasons to buy:

• Slim body;
• Variety of designs;
• Doesn’t dry out the air.

Infrared ceramic heater, made in the form of a thin wall panel, can not only effectively heat the room, but also become its decoration. It is available in various designs: beige, white, marbled and others.

The device is resistant to voltage drops and overheating, is not afraid of moisture and dust. The built-in thermostat allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature and save energy. The panel is resistant to mechanical damage, and the heater itself is resistant to spontaneous combustion.

Reasons to buy:

• Flawless imitation of live fire;
• Remote control;
• The presence of heating;
• Effective design.

The model combines a decorative fireplace and a heater. The hearth imitates the burning of logs, the decorative portal is made of stone and wood.

The realism of the fireplace is ensured by the multi-stage illumination of the “firewood” and the adjustment of the intensity of the “tongues of flame”, as well as the sound effect of crackling a real fire.

The brickwork of the portal is also highlighted. At the same time, you can control the operating modes and lighting effects from a distance, thanks to the remote control. The body of the fireplace is protected from moisture, while the model does not require complex installation.

Reasons to buy:

• Electronic remote control;
• heating power;
• High energy efficiency.

High heating power up to 2.5 kW allows the heater to be used in large rooms up to 50 sq. m or even on the street. The heat-resistant moisture-proof case is not affected by negative environmental conditions.

The model has electronic control and is equipped with a remote control. The built-in thermostat allows you to automatically maintain a comfortable temperature and contributes to economical energy consumption. The heater operates in 3 different power modes.

The safety of the infrared device is ensured by a shutdown system in case of overheating and tipping over. And durability is guaranteed by an almost eternal carbon heater.

Reasons to buy:

• Remote control;
• Weather protection;
• Attractive design.

A stylish and modern heater that works with bottled gas is actively used in summer cafes and just in summer cottages. It has an electronic control system and comes with a remote control. You can turn on, adjust the intensity of heat and turn off the equipment from a distance.

The heater received an excellent protection system: it automatically turns off when the body is tilted by 45 degrees, there are gas leaks, the flame is extinguished and overheating. The body of the model is made of durable materials: the lower part is made of stainless steel, and the upper part is made of borosilicate glass. Thanks to them, the device is not afraid of any temperature changes or precipitation.

Reasons to buy:

• High power;
• Universal mounting;
• Increased engine resource.

The thermal curtain is equipped with a system of improved aerodynamics. The special design of the heating element with a round section and adjacent steel fins reduces the thermal load on the motor, but increases the operating efficiency.

The honeycomb grid with increased and simplified air intake prolongs the life of the tangential unit. The well-thought-out arrangement of internal elements and the increased area of ​​the heater allows the air curtain to create a dense air flow.

The model has three operating modes: maximum power of 9000 W, reduced power of 4500 W and airflow without heating. The efficiency of the device is ensured by a thermostat, and the convenience of control is provided by a complete remote control.

Reasons to buy:

• 10 temperature modes;
• Airflow width adjustment;
• High power;
• Unusual design.

If you need to quickly heat a room up to 37 sq. m, the fan heater from Dyson will do the job best. It is capable of operating at 10 power levels, allowing you to set the optimal temperature.

The 70-degree body rotation and airflow width adjustment make it even more efficient. Not every fan heater has such accuracy of settings. At the same time, you can control the device even from a distance using the remote control.

The model has compact dimensions: with a height of 60 cm, the width of the device does not exceed 15 cm. The equipment can be used as a heater and fan without heating. The fan heater has a 9 hour timer.

Reasons to buy:

• autonomy;
• Mobility;
• Economical gas consumption;
• Safety.

The gas furnace is equipped with a platinum-plated catalytic heater, which ensures its environmental friendliness and high efficiency. The model is characterized by economical gas consumption (0.21 kg/h) and is capable of operating with different power within the range of 1.2-2.9 kW.

The heater is equipped with all the necessary safety systems: there is an auto-off in case of tipping over, exceeding the level of carbon dioxide and overheating. The oven is equipped with CO sensors₂and when the threshold of 1% is exceeded, a protective mechanism is triggered.

The model is equipped with a reducer and a hose, but a gas cylinder is purchased separately.

Reasons to buy:

• inverter thermostat;
• Improved heater;
• Electronic control;
• Powerful protection system.

Smooth power control thanks to the inverter and an innovative monolithic heater make the Ballu BEC convector efficient and practical. It is equipped with an electronic control system, including remote control via Wi-Fi, and has a digital display.

The presence of a timer allows you to set the operating time of the heater. Thanks to frost protection, the device can be left unattended in unheated rooms. The safety of the device will provide a system of protection against overturning and overheating.

The device is suitable for wall mounting and floor mounting — all fasteners and caster feet are included. The case is protected from moisture.

Reasons to buy:

• Durable cast iron heat exchanger;
• Autonomous electric ignition;
• Simplified installation;
• Full set of security systems;
• Coaxial chimney with wind protection included.

A gas convector with a cast-iron heat exchanger can operate both from main (ordinary) gas and from liquefied gas — in cylinders. The device does not require an electrical connection, as the ignition here is powered by a conventional AA battery. But if you need faster heating of the room, you can choose the NGS-40F modification with a built-in fan.

The heater is equipped with a thermostat to maintain the set temperature in the room and all security systems. Automation here is Italian — it works clearly and reliably. The convector comes immediately with a telescopic chimney and the necessary fasteners, so you don’t need to buy anything extra for installation.

Reasons to buy:

• Safety;
• High performance;
• Ease of use.

The heat gun provides indirect heating, that is, it has a system for removing fuel combustion products. This means that it can be used indoors where people are located: at construction sites, warehouses, in production workshops.

The three-pass heat transfer chamber provides the equipment with high efficiency. The ability to adjust the heating power makes it practical to use. The model has a flame control system, protection against power surges and overheating.

The design of the heat gun provides for a capacious fuel tank of 49 liters, which ensures continuous operation without refueling for 8 hours. The large weight of the equipment compensates for the presence of transport wheels and a handle.

Reasons to buy:

• The presence of a thermostat;
• Ionizer;
• Large wheels that do not scratch the floor;
• There is frost protection.

The TOR series is quite extensive and includes heaters with power from 1000 to 2500 W (the number of sections is from 5 to 11). All models are equipped with temperature controllers and thermostats to maintain a stable microclimate without excessive energy consumption.

The thoughtful design of the radiator creates a «fireplace effect», that is, it forms convection currents of heated air in order to heat the room faster. But the main feature of Timberk oil batteries is the ionization function, which makes indoor air cleaner and safer.

Reasons to buy:

• Compactness;
• Economical energy consumption;
• Original appearance and abundance of designs.

Film heaters from TM «TeploKryma» — a type of heating equipment with an infrared type of heating. They are thin, flexible panels with printed images that are hung on the wall like paintings, while providing heating for rooms up to 15 square meters. m.

The heaters are equipped with a thermostat and an automatic shutdown system in case of overheating. They are safe to use, as they heat up to a maximum of 60 degrees. A carbon filament is used as a heating element.

The power of the equipment does not exceed 400 W, which is optimal for an additional source of heating or the main one in small rooms, such as a typical bathroom.

How to choose a heater

Regardless of the type, power source and type of heating element, heaters are selected by power. It is generally accepted that for 10 sq. m of space with ceilings up to 3 m should account for about 1 kW of heater power. So, for a room of 20 squares, you must choose a model with a capacity of at least 2 kW.

Almost all heaters, except for portable ones, require an electrical connection. However, gas, diesel and kerosene units need this only for ignition — they receive energy for heating from gaseous or liquid fuels.

The efficiency and economy of the heater depends on the presence of a thermostat. It automatically turns off the device when the set temperature is reached, and when the air cools down a little, it turns it on again. The safety of the heaters is guaranteed by the auto-shutdown system in case of overheating and capsizing, power surges.

Additional functions of heaters include protection against high humidity and sub-zero temperatures. Ease of use of the model will ensure the presence of a display, remote control and auto-off timer.

Selecting the main heating heater

As you can see, there are a lot of options for heaters, so first you have to answer yourself a few questions:

Gas heaters

Such a heater can also be connected to the main gas, but it is more convenient to use fuel cylinders for this. However, the need to install a chimney makes a gas fireplace or convector a stationary device.

According to SNiP 31-01-2003 for apartment buildings, heaters can only be installed in residential premises with closed combustion chamberunless they are used to heat water.

The new building codes do not directly prohibit the use of floor gas heaters (stoves) in apartments, however, there was such an indication in previous editions, and we recommend that you adhere to it.

That is in an apartment building it is better to use a wall-mounted gas convector, in private, you can install both wall and floor heaters. In any case, it is much easier to obtain permission from the gas service to install a wall-mounted convector.

The choice of the power of a gas heater does not differ from the standard calculation — here it is quite possible to proceed from the norm of 100 W of heat per 1 m² area. However, the heat loss of the room itself should be taken into account. If the building was not specially insulated, the calculated power will need to be multiplied by the heat dissipation factor (for most apartments this is 1.5-1.9).

You also have to choose the material of the heat exchanger. The options may be different, but the most common are only two:

• Steel — the best option for the totality of characteristics. It is relatively light in weight and has good heat resistance, but can rust over time.
• Cast iron — durable, resistant to corrosion, but too heavy and afraid of sudden changes in temperature. It will show itself well in a powerful floor heater.

Another point to pay attention to — the presence of a fan. If the design provides for it, the device will warm up the room faster from the start than a model with natural convection. But in this case, you will have to connect the heater to the network. For those who use gas heating due to constant power outages, it is better to take an autonomous convector — without a fan.

And, of course, gas heaters are ideal for outdoor use.

Convectors

Warm up the space using natural air circulation. The cold air masses below heat up and independently rise upward, displacing cold layers down to the heater. The most optimal option in terms of price and efficiency, and even works quietly.

Convectors can be gas and electric (the latter are more common). Almost all models provide for both wall and floor installation.

Advantages of convectors:

• Do not burn accidentally caught dust;
• Do not overheat the case, which eliminates accidental burns;
• They work quietly (if there is no built-in fan).

Convectors are considered the best solution for heating living rooms, as well as rooms where there are children. The heating element in them does not contact directly with the case, but only heats the air — moreover, to a relatively low temperature (+60..+75 °С). It is impossible to get burned on such a device.

Recently, convectors with a built-in fan are gaining popularity. They work louder than usual, but due to the forced acceleration of warm air around the room, they heat the room faster and more evenly.

Choose a convector with a fan that can be turned off. After the appliance has warmed up the entire room, it will maintain a stable temperature using natural convection — quietly and without unnecessary energy consumption.

Video: How to choose an electric convector

Panel IR heaters

Hybrid technique that uses several heating methods at once. Convection is also partly present here, but mostly it is thermal (infrared) radiation. It is emitted by a ceramic or quartz panel, heated from the back by a resistive cable.

IR panels are no more efficient than any other electric heaters, but are popular because they have a small thickness and an attractive design. It is often difficult to recognize a banal heater in a beautiful decorative plate on the wall.

Advantages of ceramic panels:

• Aesthetic appearance;
• Small thickness;
• Safe materials of manufacture (the stove does not give off any harmful fumes when heated);
• Excluded burns;
• Does not emit light, unlike lamp IR heaters.

To disadvantages can be attributed to the higher cost and greater weight. In addition, the panel should be protected from impacts, since in case of destruction it can no longer be restored.

Since IR radiation heats objects (and people), the effectiveness of the panel depends on the distance to other objects. It makes no sense to buy such a model in a room cluttered with furniture. On the other hand, if the heater is installed opposite the bed, it will be warmer to sleep in its rays.

In any case, the power of panel models is low, so they will not be able to quickly warm up the room, but they will provide almost instantaneous local heating of the zone they are facing.

Which heater to choose for auxiliary heating

If for some reason the main heating system does not work or simply does not cope with its task, additional heaters will be needed. Here the choice is no less extensive and you will have to weigh all the pros and cons of various types of equipment.

Oil coolers

Unlike convectors, here the air does not come into contact with the heating element. Mineral oil is heated, which fills the radiator sections, and already the fins give off heat to the room. In terms of efficiency, oilers are comparable to convection models, but they heat up longer — but they retain heat for a long time after turning off.

The oiler is a complete analogue of a central heating battery, only it works from the mains, and it can be moved from room to room.

Power selection is carried out as standard: 100 W per square meter of a well-insulated room. However, here the buyer will have to face some restrictions. The reason is that oil-filled heaters are produced only with heating elements from 1000 to 2900 W. That is, one device will not cope with heating a room if it is more than 25-29 m².

If the heating rate of the device from the start is not important for you, choose the model with the maximum number of sections. They will heat up longer, but they will be able to give off heat more intensively. If you just need to quickly warm up the room, take an oil pan with a built-in fan.

Infrared heaters

We have already talked about the principle of operation of IR heating. However, among infrared heaters there are devices that are best suited precisely as an additional source of heat. They can be placed almost anywhere to keep warm «here and now.»

Features of the technique will directly depend on the source of radiation. In addition, its temperature will determine infrared wavelength — the main parameter by which it is possible to assess the safety of radiation for humans.

Short and medium waves do not penetrate deep into the tissues of the body, but they are very aggressive and, with prolonged contact with the skin and organs of vision, can cause redness and even burns. A particularly dangerous range for the eyes is 0.76-1.9 microns.

Long waves, on the contrary, penetrate much deeper and have a therapeutic warming effect. It is this radiation that is used in medical facilities for treatment and physiotherapy. For regular household use too it is better to choose low-temperature heaters with long IR waves.

In the Research Institute of Occupational Medicine of the Russian Academy of Sciences, emitters are called useful if they emit waves in a slightly wider range than the human body creates — 70-200 microns.

Halogen lamps

They emit short-wave heat and light, are recommended only for the street, although they are also available in «home» versions. Halogens heat up to very high temperatures and can greatly dry out the air in the room. If you already use such a device indoors, you will have to purchase a humidifier in pair with it.

In addition, when installing any heater of this type, you will need to take care of fire safety and protect surfaces (floor, wall or ceiling) with fire-resistant materials.

Halogens have short-wave radiation, which means that a person cannot stay in the zone of direct heating for a long time.

Micathermal panels

Such heaters are similar in principle to ceramic heaters, only here the material of the radiating surface is mica. Moreover, mica panels can be located on both sides of the body, which allows you to install the device in the middle of the room for faster and more even heating.

Mica slabs with a heating element are placed vertically in a flat housing with air ducts — they also provide convection heat transfer to the air in the room. Due to the similarity in appearance, micathermal heaters are often compared to oil heaters, but this is a completely different type of technique.

Carbon heaters

Used in IR film heaters. They are sealed in a film in the form of paths through which an electric current is passed. As a result of the resulting resistance, the carbon tracks heat up and begin to radiate heat.

Their temperature is low (40-70 ° C), so the radiation operates in the long-wave spectrum — safe for humans. But the efficiency of household film heaters is low, and it also depends on the area of ​​the radiating surface.

Such models are used only as an additional source of heat. If we do not talk about systems that are mounted in the floor, walls or ceiling, then only electric «panels» and rugs are left to choose from. These can be hung anywhere as long as the length of the cord is enough to reach the nearest outlet.

They do not provide any special regulators, so the owners will have to turn the device on and off. The choice of a specific model comes down only to finding the picture you like on the film.

The only advice that can be given here is buy a film heater as large as possible. And for the bathroom — a model with a maximum degree of protection against water ip 67.

fan heaters

They heat the space due to the forced circulation of warm air using the built-in fan. Such devices are optimal for rapid heating, and are more often purchased for occasional use. They have a relatively low price, but are able to overdry the air.

A good fan heater should have at least 3 operating modes: 2 heating power and «cold air». Heating elements here may vary according to the material of manufacture:

On an industrial scale, heat guns are used — more powerful versions of fan heaters that work on a similar principle.

Thermal curtains

Auxiliary climatic equipment that prevents the flow of cold air into the heated room. They are used in places where doors or windows are frequently opened: at the front doors of shops, at loading bays, in educational institutions and various public places.

The choice of one or another model will depend on the characteristics of the room and the place for installing the curtain:

• Above a door of standard width with an installation height of up to 2.5 m above the floor, there is enough equipment with a productivity less than 1000 m³/h and at the rate of supply of warm air 4 m/s.
• If the installation height of the air curtain is 3-3.5 m, and the doors are frequently opened, a higher capacity will be required (1000-2900 m³/h).

There are more productive devices, but they are already designed for industrial workshops and public places with high traffic. In any case, for those who are going to install the curtain in the vestibule, corridor or at the French windows in their home, we recommend choosing models with heating elements. Spiral heaters are less durable as they operate at very high temperatures.