What is better to buy – a convector or a fan heater? Comparative review

In the off-season, when it is already cold and damp, sales of electric heaters increase sharply.The most popular types of appliances are convectors and fan heaters. They are inexpensive, compact, perfectly heat rooms and are in approximately the same demand.

And yet there is a significant difference between them. In this article, we will figure out which is better – a convector or a fan heater for heating a house, taking a close look at each type of heater. We will also dwell on the operating principle and design of each of them, and provide a list of the best equipment manufacturers according to customers.

Features of using heating devices

Fan heaters and convectors are often purchased for apartments in high-rise buildings, but sometimes they are also needed in houses. In an apartment, the heater serves as the main heating system in cold weather, and in a private house the owner can use it as an additional and/or alternative heating system.

The devices are also installed in rooms that require special temperature conditions (children's rooms, bathrooms, etc.).

Fan heaters are ideal if you need to quickly warm up the air. They are indispensable in the cold season at dachas, garages, workshops, etc. Convectors require more time, but their operation is more stable and energy consumption for heating is less

The basis for a meaningful choice of any device is an understanding of the principle of its operation, design, disadvantages and advantages. There is no ideal and universal technology, so you need to figure out which models are best suited for specific operating conditions. You should also decide on your own needs, priorities and expectations.

Design and principle of operation of an electric convector

To create a favorable microclimate, it is necessary to take care of a comfortable temperature and sufficient humidity in the room.

If the central heating is turned off or there is not enough power, the room becomes cold and damp. An electric convector solves this problem perfectly. It functions as a heater and eliminates excess moisture without drying out the air.

Convectors are often installed in areas where radiators are not provided. They are turned on in severe frosts, when the power of heating devices is not enough to heat all the rooms.

The operating principle of the heater is based on heat transfer using convection. For cold air intake there are holes in the lower part of the case. The flow passes through the heater, its temperature instantly rises, and warm air masses are distributed throughout the room. This circulation occurs while the convector is on.

Circulation and intensive mixing of layers of warm and cold air provide rapid heating of the room. And yet fan heaters cope with this task even faster

Thanks to the large area of ​​the heating element, the air heats up quickly. However, the heater does not maintain the temperature, so after turning off the convector the room cools down just as quickly.

If you need to achieve a stable temperature regime, you should choose a high-quality modern model with a thermostat and overheating protection.

Most modern convectors are equipped with air temperature sensors and overheating protection systems. These are easy-to-use and safe models that can be safely left on overnight.

Manufacturers produce models of various types - electric, water, gas, but most often electric convectors are on sale. They are in demand among domestic buyers. Gas or water models are occasionally purchased by owners of private houses and dachas, but these devices are usually inconvenient for apartments.

We provided a detailed analysis of the types of convector heaters, their operating principles and recommendations for selection in next article.

Electric convectors vary in type of placement; they can be floor-mounted or wall-mounted. The former are usually narrow and long, while the latter are larger in size, but do not take up space on the floor.

Sometimes wall-mounted electric convectors are used as the main heating. They are installed in the same way as conventional radiators - under the windows. The only disadvantage of such heating is the high cost of energy resources, so this option for arranging a heating system is more suitable for dachas where the owners visit only periodically

When choosing a model based on the type of location, you should take into account not only their convenience, but also the features of air heating. Floor convectors heat the room more evenly, while wall-mounted ones are suitable for people who need to create a warm zone in the room.

In more detail the question of choosing an electric convector, taking into account the most important criteria, we reviewed here.

What rooms are the devices suitable for?

It makes sense to install the convector either where cold air comes from (near the window), or in areas that need to be heated especially carefully (next to the sofa, near the crib, etc.). You should also consider the height of the ceilings, since heated air rises. The greater the distance, the more it cools and arrives at the heater too cold.

Electric convectors are ideal for small rooms with low or standard ceilings. If the ceiling height is 3 m or more, it is better to choose one or more fan heaters so that they instantly warm up and mix the air, preventing it from cooling too much.

Many modern electrical appliances look so attractive that they can serve as interior decoration. If the convector is installed in a visible place, you can choose a unique design model and use it to further decorate the room

Pros and cons of equipment

Main advantages of the devices:

• High air heating rate. In this indicator, convectors are inferior to fan heaters, but they heat rooms faster than radiators and oil heaters.
• Safety. The body of the device always remains relatively cool, which eliminates the possibility of burns or fires. If the electric convector is in good working order, you can safely install it in a child’s room without worrying about the child’s health.
• Uniformity of air heating. One of the important criteria for choosing a heating device. For local heating of individual areas of the room, you can use fan heaters or infrared heaters, and to achieve approximately the same temperature in all parts of the room, it is better to install a convector.
• Automatic shutdown. Even the cheapest modern convectors are equipped with protective mechanisms and temperature sensors. If you choose a high-quality device from a trusted brand, you can be confident in the reliability of the automation. The operation of the convector does not have to be controlled.
• Quiet operation. Unlike a fan heater, a convector does not have blades that make noise when rotating.
• Maintaining normal air humidity. One of the advantages of convectors compared to fan heaters is that they do not dry out the air. Too low humidity can harm people's health no less than constant dampness.

The advantages of convectors include simple installation. Floor-mounted ones are simply installed in a convenient place, and wall-mounted ones are mounted on two strong mounts, which usually come with the device.

Most popular convectors are stylistically neutral, which makes them fit well into any interior - from classic to high-tech. Designer models are an exception. They can be of various shapes, sizes, shades

However, there are no significant differences in installation and operation with a fan heater. But repairing a convector is most often cheaper. Many breakdowns can be fixed on your own, because... The design is simple and there are no moving parts.

A few words about trusted brands

When choosing a brand, you should compare not only the technical characteristics of the models, but also the manufacturing countries. All other things being equal, it makes sense to prefer domestic heating equipment.

Firstly, it is usually cheaper. And secondly, manufacturers of household appliances in the post-Soviet space take into account the possibility of voltage surges in the electrical network.

Among the best manufacturers, users and experts name the following brands: Noirot, Nobo, Timberk, Electrolux, Heater, Atlantic, Roda, Balu.

Domestic convectors usually withstand even sudden voltage changes from 150 to 242 V without any problems.

Some models are equipped with separate control units that are designed to control several devices simultaneously. They allow you to regulate the temperature in each room. This technique is ideal as the main heating of the house.

Main characteristics of the fan heater

Fan heaters are inexpensive and efficient devices that are purchased for heating residential, administrative, and industrial premises.

By choosing the right model, you can create a warm zone within a few minutes. To do this, you just need to point the fan heater in the desired direction and turn it on.

This is an excellent choice if you need to quickly warm the air in a separate area of ​​the room. Such fan heaters are installed next to beds and work tables. They are also used if you urgently need to finish drying washed items.

Large stationary models are installed on the floor or mounted on walls, while mobile ones are easy to carry, rotate, and move to another location.

The housings of the devices do not overheat, so there are no special requirements for surfaces. Fan heaters are placed on any floor coverings, tables, cabinets.

An ideal option for heating a living space or office during the off-season. The model can be installed so that it creates a thermal curtain at the entrance to the room or at the window

Operating principle of the device

The principle of operation is simple: cold air enters a closed or open heating element, instantly warms up, and the fan throws it out.

The result is the effect of a warm wind that blows across people and objects in the room. Heated air flows are mixed with cold ones, thanks to which a comfortable temperature is quickly established in the room.

Hot air moves forward - in the direction where the device is pointed, and then rises. The distance that the heat flow travels depends on the power and design features of the model

When choosing, focus on the desired power and noise level. We recommend watching detailed recommendations for choosing a fan heater, taking into account key criteria.

The choice is also influenced by the type of heating element of the fan heater, depending on which the following types of devices are distinguished:

• Spiral. The heaters are made of spiral nichrome wire. In working condition, their temperature can reach 800°C. Despite their high efficiency, these heaters are considered not the best choice, because... During operation they burn dust and moisture.
• Heating elements. The temperature of the heating element does not exceed 200°C, but this does not affect the quality of work due to its large area. The models are fireproof, convenient, but more expensive than spiral models.
• Ceramic. The elements heat up much less - up to 200°C, and do not burn out the air. They are absolutely safe and easy to use.

Spiral models have almost lost their popularity among buyers. Because as a result of their work, the air becomes dry and an unpleasant odor appears.

Users call the ceramic fan heater the most preferred option. This is the best choice for today. If you buy a model from a reliable brand, it will serve for a long time and without failure.

Advantages and disadvantages of fan heaters

The advantages of fan heaters include compactness and high air heating speed. Almost all models are equipped with control panels for operating modes, temperature sensors, and some also have remote controls.

In some cases, uneven heating is a plus. If some area in the room needs more intense heating than others, you should choose a fan heater

Fan heaters also have disadvantages: noise during operation and uneven heating of the room.

As for noise, it is impossible to completely solve this problem. The rotating fan blades will make sounds in any case. The noise may be greater or less, but it will always be there. You'll have to come to terms with this.

Brief overview of the best brands

In the rankings of the best manufacturers of fan heaters, the leaders are the same companies that produce the most reliable convectors: Ballu, Timberk, Vitek, Electrolux, Saturn, Polaris, AEG, NeoClima, Scarlett, Teplomash and others.

When choosing a fan heater or convector, it is worth considering that many of them are assembled in China. It is better to pay attention to manufacturers who strictly control product quality and buy models from those brands that have well-organized service centers.

Have you decided to get a fan heater, but don’t want to overpay for the brand? In this case, you can assemble a homemade fan heater from scrap materials.

What type of heating device is better to choose?

It all depends on the goals of the owner of the premises.If you need to achieve uniform heating of the entire area, and speed is not important, then it is better to install a convector.

If the main goal is to obtain a directed flow of hot air and instant heating of a specific area in the room, a fan heater would be the best choice.

You can easily install a fan heater in your home office or office. The measured hum of the blades will not interfere, but will only help you concentrate, cutting off external sound stimuli

In residential premises, convectors are often installed due to the lack of noise, and for an office, where there is always some sound, a fan heater is appropriate.

None of the devices discussed above suits you? We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular types of heaters for home and apartment, and tips on choosing the best.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

There are many heaters - good and different. The extensive assortment is confusing, and intrusive advertising only confuses the choice. We offer video materials that will help you decide on your priorities and buy the model that is right for you.

To choose, you need to clearly understand what exactly you expect from the device. The video will help you decide on the parameters:

The efficiency of household appliances is of fundamental importance. How to choose the most effective model is described below:

Honest reviews from real users always matter:

Equipment sometimes breaks down. We offer instructions for servicing the fan heater:

Video instruction on how to repair a convector with your own hands:

If you have already decided what is better to buy - a fan or a convector, pay attention to some nuances. Any heater must be compact, economical, and have an overheating protection system.

Take a closer look at models with air ionizers and remote controls. These are very convenient additional functions that will help make heating not only efficient, but also convenient.

Have you already chosen the optimal type of heater for yourself? Or are you still in doubt and want to clarify a certain point? Ask your questions below - our expert will try to help you.

Or maybe you want to add useful information on the topic of the article, point out an inaccuracy, or discuss a controversial point? Write your opinion in the comments - our experts and site visitors who are knowledgeable about the topic will be happy to support a constructive dialogue.