What are the best infrared heaters? Our team spent close to 16 hours researching 20 different infrared heaters. We read hundreds of customer reviews, watched consumer videos and read advice from experts in the field. From this research, we narrowed this down to our top pick and four runners-up.
Infrared heating is a technology that is catching on both in commercial and residential buildings. It offers several advantages over conventional-type heaters. So, what are the best infrared heaters?
We’ve done the research and we’ll share our findings here, plus our picks for best infrared heaters. We’ll also answer other common questions, such as:
- What is infrared heat?
- How is infrared heat different from “conventional” heat?
- Is infrared heat safe?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of infrared heat?
Best Infrared Heaters For 2020 – Our Winning Pick:
iLIVING Infrared Portable Space Heater with Dual Heating System
What is Infrared Heat?
Infrared heat (IH) is actually light, but it’s not light that can be detected by the human eye. Light is measured on a spectrum that appears to the human eye as the colors of the rainbow (red, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet).
However, there is the light that rests outside of the “visible spectrum.” This light is still light, even though humans can’t see it.
Picture the colors of the rainbow forming a straight, horizontal bar. Red lines on the far left, violet on the far right and the other colors in between.
Now picture that bar as if it was extended on both sides. To the right of the color, ultraviolet light (the kind that causes your skin to burn on a sunny day). To the left of the color red lights infrared light.
All light is energy and gives off heat. Light on the left side of the spectrum is warmer than light on the right side.
The further left one moves on the spectrum (including the part humans can’t see), the hotter the energy it produces. This means that infrared light has a lot of energy and is detected as being hotter in temperature.
The cool thing about infrared heat is how it is actually transmitted. We’ll look at that in the next section.
How is Infrared Heat Different From Conventional Heat?
When it comes to heating your home, most people in North America are used to the heat produced by a furnace of some type. It doesn’t matter whether your furnace is powered by electricity, oil or natural gas: the heat that it produces is the same.
The way it is transmitted is also the same. A furnace heats up the air in the space around it (usually aided by a fan/blower, known as “forced air”). When you walk into a room heated by a furnace, you feel warm because the air around you is warm.
Infrared heat is different. An infrared heater doesn’t warm the surrounding air; it actually transfers heat directly to any object in its path, including a person.
Because of this, infrared heat feels different than regular heat. It is actually able to penetrate the surface of the skin. Infrared heat mimics the feeling you get from the sun’s heat.
It feels almost as if the heat is coming from inside-out, rather than outside-in. Many people find it to feel more pleasant and comfortable than traditional heating.
What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Infrared Heat?
The reason more consumers are turning to infrared heat (especially when it comes to portable units/space heaters) is for its efficiency. Traditional heating, like the kind produced by a furnace, heats the air.
The problem is that the heat gets dispersed throughout the air in a room/home. Because of this, a certain amount of heat simply gets “lost.”
This is why, to maintain a room at, say 71 degrees, your furnace has to keep turning on again and again. It may heat the room to 71 degrees, but before long some of that heat dissipates, and the room temperature drops by a few degrees.
By contrast, infrared heaters heat up an object (i.e. a person), not the air. Therefore, much less heat is lost. In short, people stay warmer, longer, with infrared heating.
We will sum up the advantages and disadvantages like this:
Advantages of Infrared Heat
- More efficient
- Feels warmer and more comfortable than traditional heat
- Produces no fumes
- Doesn’t add pollutants to the air
- Won’t dry out the air
- May slow or prevent mold growth
Disadvantages of Infrared Heat
- Can only be used in smaller spaces (one IH space heater can only heat one room)
- Gives off electromagnetic radiation (more on this in the next section)
Is Infrared Heating Safe?
All light gives off some electromagnetic radiation. The amounts found on the visible spectrum (the light humans can see) is very small and inconsequential.
Light that falls on either side of the spectrum (the invisible light) has more electromagnetic energy. The further down the spectrum (and away from the visible part), the more electromagnetic energy it emits.
Infrared heaters give off near-infrared light, and so has radiation levels considered below the just below threshold of what is safe for human exposure.
Although there are studies being conducted on infrared light from these types of heaters, very few have reached conclusive results yet. Infrared heaters simply haven’t been around long enough to reveal long-term health effects.
For now, science tells us that, since infrared heaters only use near-infrared waves, they are considered safe for use.
One added benefit may come from the fact that quartz is used in infrared heaters. It is the quartz that transmits the heat.
Quartz is also said to give off “negative ions” when heated up. Negative ions purify the air, and may also contribute to elevated mood.
The Best Infrared Heaters For 2020
Our Top Pick for Best Infrared Heaters: iLIVING Infrared Portable Space Heater with Dual Heating System
Colors Available: Dark walnut
Temperature range: Electronic thermostat with 50 to 86 degree heat range
Power Setting: Auto energy saving mode; high and low setting
Capacity: 1,000 square feet
Heating system: Dual heating systems that combine infrared quartz tube and PTC technologies
Added features: IR remote control, LED display, precision temperature
control, four caster wheels, lifetime filter that can be vacuumed cleaned or with warm water, easy push-button controls
Safety feature: Overheat shut-off protection system; inlet air overheat protection system which shuts off if inlet air duct gets clogged or blocked; safety tip-over switch
Timer: 12-hour automatic shut-off timer
Dimensions: 13 x 12 x 15 inches
Wattage: 1500
Voltage: 120
Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
Engineered to work extremely quiet (39 dB); overheating protection; quartz tube directs heat efficiently to target object(s); Listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) USA & Canada (professionally safety-tested); made with real walnut wood
Cons:
Some users report an odor the first time they used the iLIVING Infrared Portable Space Heater
Summary:
The iLIVING Infrared Portable heater has a lot going for it, including its price. Although it’s not the least expensive on our best infrared heaters list, it is very reasonably-priced.
However, it was its features that really hooked us and got this one on our best infrared heaters top five. It is capable of heating most rooms easily, even larger-than-average ones. Plus, it has an adequate and comfortable heat range.
It also sports some technology this is exclusive to iLiving. This includes its dual heating system and its super-quiet operation.
This little heater is made of real wood and looks beautiful rather than industrial. It moves easily from room to room thanks to four caster wheels that can roll in any direction. Plus, you never have to replace its filter because it’s washable.
1st Runner Up (second place on our best infrared heaters list): Dr Infrared Heater DR998, 1500W, Advanced Dual Heating System with Humidifier and Oscillation Fan and Remote Control
Colors Available: Cherry and walnut
Temperature range: Electronic thermostat: range 50 to 86 degrees
Power Setting: Auto, high, low
Capacity: 1000 square feet
Heating system: Dual heating system (quartz tube + PTC)
Added features: Humidifier attachment; remote control; four casters for easy transport
Safety feature: Tip-over protection; overheat protection; auto shut-off
Timer: 1-12 hours
Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 16 inches
Wattage: 1500
Voltage: 120
Warranty: 3-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros:
Oscillation function that spreads warmth faster and more evenly; comes with a humidifier; oscillating fan for blowing warmth or for cooling in summer; won’t overheat; functions (ultrasonic humidifier, heating and oscillation function) can be operated separately; lifetime filter; real wood cabinet housing
Cons:
Uses water bottle instead of a water tank
Summary:
The Dr Infrared Heater DR998 has some features that even our number one best infrared heater doesn’t have, starting with oscillation. This allows the unit to oscillate (turn) so that heat can reach multiple directions. A person need not be sitting directly in front of it to feel it.
It also has a built-in humidifier. Winter air tends to be dry. The humidifier can be activated to combat this, adding a bit of moisture to the environment.
The nice thing about these extra features is that they can be used with or without the heater turned on. This means you can use the oscillating fan in the summertime. You can also use the humidifier any time of year.
Like the previous model on our list, the Dr Infrared Heater DR998 comes with a “lifetime filter.” You can clean it and use it again; no dirty, wasteful throwaway filters are needed.
Available in gorgeous real walnut or cherry wood, this unit looks stunning in any room of the house. Plus, its three-year warranty is one of the longest we’ve seen for an infrared heater. This should inspire confidence about the kind of performance you can expect.
2nd Runner Up (third place on our best infrared heaters list): Homegear 1500 SqFt Infrared Electric Portable Space Heater
Colors Available: Black/white and black
Temperature range: Electronic thermostat with 50 to 86 degrees range
Power Setting: Low, high and eco mode
Capacity: 1500 square feet
Heating system: Dual heating system combining mica and quartz infrared heating tubes
Added features: LED display; quiet, efficient blower fan; comes with remote control
Safety feature: Overheat protection, cool-touch and tip over switch
Timer: 12 hour timer, thermostat and remote control
Dimensions: 12 x 13 x 17in
Wattage: 1500
Voltage: 120
Warranty: Not specified
Pros:
Quiet and efficient blower fan; ETL certified (proof of compliance to North American safety standards); only model on list with two different types of heating tubes (quartz and mica); Very affordable; Iheats a larger space than comparable units
Cons:
No casters/wheels; no warranty info
Summary:
You don’t have to spend hundreds to get the benefits of infrared heat in your home. Nor do you have to sacrifice performance. This device proves it.
Not only that, but the Homegear 1500 SqFt Infrared Electric Portable Space Heater is capable of heating up to 1500 square feet with ease. Despite the fact that it is the least expensive on our best infrared heaters list, it heats the largest space of all five.
It may not have the bells and whistles of some of the other units on the list, but it has quality parts, In fact, it is the only one that has two different types of heating tubes: quartz and mica. These dual types distribute warmth even faster than quartz alone.
3rd Runner Up (fourth place on our best infrared heaters): Duraflame 9HM9342-C299 Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Heater
Colors Available: Light oak, cherry
Temperature range: Digital thermostat with 50 to 97 degrees F temperature range
Power Setting: Adjustable thermostat
Capacity: 1,000 square feet
Heating system: Uses copper heat exchangers to combine with the humidity in the room to provide soft, moist, safe heat without reducing oxygen or humidity
Added features: Adjustable thermostat; remote control; electronic timer function; outfitted with “Safer Plug” which continuously monitors the temperature of the plug (prevents overheating, fires and shorts); concealed casters roll in any direction
Safety feature: Thermal cutoff safety device, thermostat, tip-over safety switch, flocked heater grill keeps it cool to the touch and safe for use in homes with children and pets
Timer: 30 minutes to 8 hours.
Dimension: 13.3 x 16.5 x 14.9 inches
Wattage: 1500
Voltage: 120
Warranty: 3 years
Pros:
Concealed casters make it easy to move around without spoiling its classy looks; adjustable thermostat; quartz tube for directing heat efficiently; comes fully assembled and ready to use right out of the box
Cons:
No casters/wheels so must be carried from room to room; no warranty info
Summary:
The Duraflame 9HM9342-C299 Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Heater places a high emphasis on safety. Duraflame has been manufacturing flame-burning products for decades and is trusted by millions. With features like thermal cutoff, tip-over safety, “safer plug” and cool-touch technology, you’ll never have to worry about your kids or pets around it.
There are a couple of other things that impressed us about the Duraflame 9HM9342-C299. One thing that sets it apart on our best infrared heaters list is its hidden casters. You’ll be able to easily move it from room to room and no one will even know the casters are there.
Additionally, we think the Duraflame 9HM9342-C299 will have great appeal to those who don’t have the time or the inclination to put things together. This unit comes completely pre-assembled and ready to use straight from the box.
Not only that, but it comes with a three-year warranty. We think this makes it well worth its price.
4th Runner Up (fifth place on our best infrared heaters list): Lifesmart Large Room Infrared Quartz Fireplace in Burnished Oak Finish w/Remote
Colors Available: Quakerstown dark oak
Temperature range: Between 50°F and 90°F
Power Setting: Low, high and energy-saving (eco) mode
Capacity: 1000 square feet with 5100 BTU’s
Heating system: Dual heating system
Added features: Digital display, E-Z glide casters, remote control
Safety features: “Tip-over protection, overheat protection, child lock safety feature
Timer: 0 to 12 hours (in 1-hour intervals)
Dimensions: 28”L X 11”W X 20”H
Wattage: 1500
Voltage: 110
Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
Get an instant fireplace with no installation hassle or cost; produces realistic dancing flames; natural, quiet, and efficient infrared heat; cool to touch; kid and pet friendly; EZ glide casters for efficient movement from room to room; greater heating capability than non-infrared electric fireplaces; three commercial grade quartz infrared elements (added negative ions)
Cons:
Some users report the unit takes longer to initially heat up; more expensive because of its design and materials; some users report that the remote control sensitive to jostling
Summary:
This is the most expensive one on our best infrared heaters list, but for good reason: it’s both an infrared heater and a fireplace. You don’t just get the warmth that only an infrared heater provides.
You also get the cozy look and sensation of having a fireplace without the hassle. Plus, it provides more efficient, comforting and natural heat than other types of portable/instant fireplaces.
Not only that, but this fireplace can actually be moved from room to room, thanks to its EZ glide casters. Households with children won’t have to worry about them accidentally turning on/off the unit, thanks to its child lock safety feature.
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