TOP 10 fan heaters - best models, selection criteria

It’s not easy to make a rating of fan heaters today. A large number of offers from manufacturers is what confuses. But among the diversity you can choose those 10 types, models and brands that will meet consumer requirements.

Types and types of fan heaters

There are 3 types of fan heaters in the classification:

• desktop;
• wall;
• floor-mounted, some of them are called column-mounted.

The latter are beautiful, stylish, solid. But it's expensive. Such devices are large and poorly mobile.

But when buying a fan heater, you shouldn’t spend a lot of money. The effect of obtaining rapid heat, of course, depends on the size. But you can get this heat in the right amount even from a small heat fan from the best rating.

Wall-mounted models on the market are presented in a small assortment. There are few efficient and high-quality devices. They are similar in appearance to air conditioners, so they are often confused. Statistics can tell how much they are in demand in apartments and houses. And she claims that demand is low.

Therefore, the most popular models in the ratings are still desktop ones. Buyers especially like their low price.

The second type of classification is based on the installation of a heating element in the fan heater. There are 3 positions here:

• metal spiral;
• heating elements;
• ceramic.

In the first case, it is nichrome wire, which quickly heats up to red (+800 ℃), releasing a huge amount of thermal energy. A fan is installed behind it, which blows on the coil, thereby heating the air spreading throughout the room.

In the second case, it is a conventional tubular electric heater.The same nichrome spiral, enclosed in a steel or quartz pipe, filled with filler - quartz sand or manganese oxide. The filler performs 2 functions:

• insulator;
• heat distributor.

This design increases fire resistance qualities. The heating element itself lasts longer than an open coil. The maximum heating temperature is +500 ℃, which is more than sufficient for heating rooms. Dust on heating elements also burns, but not as pronounced as on open nichrome wire.

Some manufacturers offer models of fan heaters in which heating elements are embedded in a heat exchange casing with fins. This increases heat transfer by increasing the heating area. Such devices are among the leaders in the best ratings.

In the third case, these are heating elements similar to a car radiator. It has a cellular structure consisting of several layers:

• the first from the inside is a semiconductor posistor;
• ceramic shell;
• aluminum grille to increase heat transfer area.

And although the name ceramic is only a designation of the presence of this material, there is little ceramic itself in the heating element. The maximum heating temperature is +150 ℃, which guarantees complete safety during operation of the fan heater. Plus, these heaters are the most economical, which is why they are included in the ratings.

The bottom line is that posistors increase their resistance as the temperature rises. When the maximum value of the first characteristic is reached, the second simply blocks the passage of electric current. This is a kind of self-regulation process.

Comparing these varieties with each other, it can be noted that ceramic outperforms spiral and heating elements. Here are the criteria:

1. If we compare 3 types of fan heaters of the same size, then the ceramic heating area is 2 or 3 times larger. Hence the efficiency is higher.
2. The surface of the ceramic heater heats up to +150 ℃.
3. Comfort is higher when using a ceramic fan.

About the last criterion. It is believed that all convection heaters - oil, spiral and others - burn oxygen. But they simply dry the air, causing the humidity in the rooms to decrease. Installing water containers in front of appliances does not solve the problem. Even humidifiers have difficulty coping with it.

The reduced comfort is due to the fact that dust in the air, when it hits an open nichrome wire, begins to burn, emitting a corresponding odor. It and the dry air create uncomfortable conditions.

The ceramic heating element, with its low temperature, also dries the air, but not as intensely. Once on its surface, the dust burns slowly, releasing a minimal amount of odor. Therefore, when using them, there is no headache or feeling of discomfort. Hence the conclusion - ceramic fan heaters will be higher in the rating, although they cost more. But a small overpayment is not a reason to give up good health and well-being, especially when it comes to children.

The third classification is based on the type of fan, or more precisely the impeller. The most common are axial. Structurally, this is an ordinary propeller, the blades of which are installed at an angle so that the resulting air flow moves only forward, exactly along the axis of the impeller. The disadvantage of the design is that it is very noisy during operation. It is better to give preference to those models whose blades are made of metal. They last longer.

The second position is radial fans.This is a cylindrical structure consisting of parallel plates that act as blades. They are located around the circle. If the impeller is well balanced and the bearings are always lubricated, the fan operates with virtually no noise. Plus - the air flow is much more concentrated and smoother.

The third type is tangential, which make virtually no noise during operation. Their impeller is a turbine. The same ones are installed in air conditioners and thermal curtains. These are the most efficient fans. They are usually installed in floor-standing fan heaters, which are always in first place in the ranking of their category.

What to look for when choosing

There are several technical characteristics that you need to pay attention to when choosing a fan heater, even from the rating.

Power

Here the range is wide: 800-2000 W. Above 2 kW occur, but rarely. The choice depends on the tasks:

• if you need to heat a small area: a table, chair or sofa, then you should purchase a fan heater with a power of less than 1 kW;
• if you need to heat a room, then at least 1.5 kW.

But all electrical appliances depend on the mains voltage. If it is below the norm - 220-230 V - you cannot demand rated power from an electrical appliance. Heating will occur, but not as efficiently and intensively as indicated in the accompanying documents.

Electricity consumption

There are no energy-saving fan heaters. And you won’t find them in the ratings of energy-saving heaters. You can use a relay to reduce or increase power consumption. But the lower it is, the weaker the heating.

Therefore, one must imagine that if a 1 kW fan heater circulates warm air every evening for 4 hours, then the amount of electric current consumed per month will be 120 kW.All that remains is to multiply it by the tariff, and you will get the amount that must be paid for the operation of only the heat fan.

Safety

One of the causes of fires is the malfunction of the fan heaters used. Therefore, to prevent this from happening, you need to look at the ratings and choose the device in which the manufacturers have included 3 types of protective systems:

• fuse;
• thermostat;
• temperature relay for the fan motor.

It is impossible to understand from appearance whether all these parts are included in the design of the fan heater. Therefore, manufacturers supply the device with a fire safety certificate, which must contain a clause - it complies with PNB standards.

The document confirms not only the presence of protection, but also guarantees that the electrical device itself is made of non-flammable materials. This also applies to plastic. Such devices usually top the ratings of the best.

And a few words about protection systems. The first is the thermostat. In fact, this is an ordinary bimetallic plate, which, when the coil overheats, bends, disconnects the contacts and cuts off the supply of electricity to the heating element. The same thing happens if for some reason the fan stops.

The safety thermostat is not a thermostat that is responsible for setting the temperature. There is no need to be confused. The latter turns off the power if the heating temperature of the coil becomes higher than the setting one.

The second important piece of protection is the thermal fuse. When it overheats, it simply burns out, disconnecting the device from the power supply.

The third is a relay that is located inside the fan motor. It is triggered when the engine overheats. Protects the latter from burning out the windings.

And 2 more points:

1. Floor and tabletop fan heaters must be equipped with a position sensor. It turns off the power if the device overturns or falls.Often the presence of a sensor determines the place in the ranking.
2. If a fan heater is purchased for a damp room where there is a possibility of splashes on it, then you need to choose models whose housing has a protection rating of IP44. Not less.

What you don’t need to overpay for

Manufacturers, in order to increase the price, supplement heat generators with useful functions. For example, a humidifier, ionizer or filter. None of these devices are included in the best ratings. All additional nodes and blocks are useless. Only the price gets higher. It is better to buy a separate humidifier or ionizer.

Some advertisements talk about the silent operation of fan heaters. There is no such. They all make noise when working.

Criterias of choice

What to pay attention to:

1. A ceramic fan heater is better than a spiral fan made of chrome wire or a heating element.
2. Three protection systems or fire safety certificate.
3. The power for heating a room in a house or apartment is 1500-2000 W.
4. Low price.
5. The first in the ranking of the best.

Fan heater rating

There are a huge number of fan heaters on the market today. It's difficult to choose one out of thousands. Therefore, ratings are created that take into account consumer reviews and expert analyzes.

A large number of manufacturers of well-known brands, this mainly concerns European brands, have their production facilities located in China. And the devices report this. But this does not mean that the product offered is of low quality.

At such factories, they strictly monitor the production process, monitor quality several times at different stages, and use high-quality raw materials. They take the brand seriously. Such devices are always in the ratings.

You should stay away from unknown names. Especially from those that are consonant with brand names.This is an obvious fake with a lack of quality. They definitely don't make it into the ratings. But there are such fan heaters in stores, people buy them. The seller usually does not provide a guarantee. Therefore, everything is at the consumer's risk.

Below is a rating of the 10 best fan heater models. But you cannot mix devices from different classifications. Therefore, each group will have its own separate rating.

TOP 10 fan heaters

The rating will be compiled in 5 groups (classes), each of which will include 2 of the best fan heaters. All of them are from well-known brands that are sold in large quantities and are heard by everyone.

Rating of devices with a spiral heater

The first in the rating is Ballu BFH/S 10. This is a powerful (2 kW) floor-standing device for heating a room up to 25 m². The power can be reduced to 1 kW if the heater is installed in rooms with a smaller area. There is a switch for this purpose. Not the most expensive model in comparison with other similar fan heaters.

The case is plastic. Two rotary type regulators:

1. To switch on two positions: with heating and without heating. In the latter case, the device works like a regular fan driving cold air.
2. Thermostat control.

At the bottom of the device there is a button responsible for turning off the fan heater if it falls or tilts. This is a security system.

The manufacturer warns that using the fan heater in damp rooms and outdoors is prohibited. It does not meet the high requirements for moisture resistance.

The advantages of the device include:

• 2 year warranty;
• 3 body colors: white, gray and black;
• 2 power indicators;
• thermostat for overheating;
• thermostat for setting the temperature;
• instant heating.

According to consumer reviews, there is only one drawback - a specific smell when heating the coil.But this goes away after a few days. The brand is made in China. But the quality is excellent, hence the first place in the ranking.

Second in the ranking is Zanussi ZFH/S-204. Famous Italian brand with high quality workmanship. Although also produced in China. Two powers - 2 and 1 kW. The device can be used, as in the previous case, in rooms of different sizes. Or if you need to reduce costs when there are positive temperatures outside.

Advantages:

• 2 year warranty;
• the manufacturer indicates in the passport that the fan heater will work for at least 10 years;
• the fan can operate when the heating element is turned off;
• an overheat protection sensor is installed;
• no smell during operation;
• compact, dimensions: 27x22x13.5 cm;
• High-quality high-density plastic is used;
• the assembly was carried out perfectly - no backlash or squeaks;
• control of two rotary regulators is mechanical.

Some buyers are dissatisfied with several positions, hence the 2nd place in the rating:

• appearance is unsuccessful;
• when tilted or dropped, the fan heater continues to operate;
• It is impossible to turn the device during operation in automatic mode.

Rating of ceramic fan heaters

The first in the ranking is Swedish nonsense, also made in China. This is Electrolux EFH/C-5120. Its set of functions is almost the same as that of other brands and models:

• two powers – 1 and 2 kW;
• can work as a regular fan;
• temperature setting.

Positive qualities of the fan heater:

• 2 year warranty;
• a good security system - there are 2 types of protection: from fire and overheating;
• small overall dimensions: 18x20x25 cm;
• excellent design;
• There is a handle on top with which you can carry the heater - very convenient.

Negative qualities:

• high price compared to other models;
• the external decorative grille gets very hot, especially when the fan heater operates at a power of 2 kW;
• unpleasant odor for the first 2-3 days;
• The noise from the fan is not strong, but unpleasant.

Second in the ranking is Hyundai H-FH1.5-F11MC, with a power of 1.5 kW, hence the size of the heated area is no more than 20 m². What distinguishes it from other fan heaters is its external design. There is a steel decorative grille and rounded body ribs. The latter is made of durable plastic.

The functionality is classic:

• two power levels: 1.5 and 1 kW;
• fan operation without heating;
• thermostat;
• overheating protection system.

The manufacturer provides only one year warranty period. But this small device (dimensions: 22x9x11 cm) copes well with its responsibilities. No wonder he occupies a leading position in the ranking. Therefore, consumer reviews are extremely positive.

Experts note that the absence of some useful functions, especially protective ones, calls into question the high performance characteristics. For example, a fan heater does not have a sensor that monitors the fall or tilt of the device. In such situations, it continues to work, which can lead to a fire.

The lack of a timer is also not in favor of the model. The body cannot rotate and this is also a minus. But consumers thought differently. It was their reviews that made this fan heater take 2nd place in the rating, ahead of all the others.

Rating of the best fan heaters with tubular heating elements (heating elements)

Models of this class are large-sized fan heaters. Therefore, they are resistant to falling and are made of metal and durable plastic.

Heating element heaters are not used in apartments. But for private houses, cottages, garages this is an excellent option.

The first in the rating is PATRIOT PT-R 2 with a power of 2.3 kW, which easily heats rooms of no more than 20 m². There is a thermostat, but only one heating mode with full use of power.

Works quietly. Weighs 4 kg - it is easy to carry. Control type - mechanical. Users did not find a single flaw in the operation of the fan heater. An excellent device for its price.

Second in the rating is Quattro Elementi QE-3000 ETN, with a power of 3 kW, which allows you to heat rooms up to 47 m².

Advantages:

• 2 operating modes;
• floor installation;
• there is protection against overheating;
• mechanical mode control;
• carrying handle;
• weight 3 kg;
• modern design;
• works quietly;
• high stability;
• can work as a fan;
• acceptable price;
• heating intensity control.

But there is no information about the disadvantages. Everyone is unanimous in their opinion - it’s not for nothing that the device takes 2nd place in the rating.

Rating of the best wall-mounted fan heaters

The first place in the rating goes to the German fan heater Stiebel Eltron CK 20 Trend, 2 kW. This decent-sized unit (27.5x40x13 cm) easily heats the air in a room up to 25 m². The device is packed with various types of functions. Eg:

• a controller that regulates the heating temperature throughout the week;
• 2 operating modes, while the controller will monitor them independently;
• a timer with which you can adjust the temperature settings every 2 hours;
• built-in filter that purifies warm air coming from the fan;
• built-in transformer, which ensures high-quality operation of the fan heater when the voltage in the supply network changes: from 150 to 240 volts;
• 3 types of protection: overheating, freezing, high humidity.

Other advantages:

• temperature adjustment can be made very accurately with an interval of only 0.5 ℃;
• fan mode;
• self-diagnosis, with the help of which the device itself finds malfunctions;
• the design has a built-in LCD display showing the temperature;
• there is a child protection system;
• warranty – 3 years.

And the disadvantages identified by consumers:

• high price;
• no remote control.

The fan heater of this brand is produced only in Germany. Hence the high quality of the product.

Second place in the ranking goes to the Oasis NTD-20. A fan heater is similar to a thermal curtain, but it is not one. Not that much power. Air intake occurs from the upper plane where the grille is installed. The heated air is released in the lower part where the channels are mounted.

Two powers: 1 and 2 kW. Fan mode. The manufacturer recommends choosing a higher installation location - no lower than 2 m from the floor level. Therefore, the electrical appliance is equipped with a remote control.

Accurate temperature setting – 1 ℃. There is a timer and a display that shows the air temperature in the room. Dimensions: 58x20x11 cm. A ceramic heating element and a tangential fan are installed inside. Overheating protection is also present.

Minuses:

• there are no blades that change the direction of the air flow in the design - the air leaves the fan heater only perpendicular to its body;
• There is no relay with which you can change the speed of rotation of the fan impeller.

Rating of the best floor-mounted fan heaters

The first in the ranking is Tefal HE7152F0, with a power of 2.6 kW. Heats rooms up to 45 m². This is a spiral type fan heater.

The functionality is wide, where you need to highlight the ability of the device to control and adjust the heating mode itself depending on the air temperature inside the room. For example, if you need to maintain +22 ℃, then the fan heater itself will either increase or decrease the heating of the coil in accordance with temperature changes. At the same time, the fan rotation speed is also adjusted automatically.

The control system has a standby mode. This is when the device is not disconnected from the power supply, but also does not work. The task of this system is to turn on the fan heater when the air temperature in the room drops to +7 ℃.

The design has a built-in timer. It can be configured to either disable or enable. Setting range from 1 to 24 hours. At the same time, you can adjust the temperature mode.

For example, the heater should turn on at 7 a.m., operate at full power, and when the temperature reaches +22 ℃ enter standby mode. At 22.00 the unit should turn off. And in this mode the fan heater can work for a week. Afterwards it can be reconfigured.

Settings are made either on the panel or on the remote control. The latter controls processes at a distance of 5 m. Manufactured in China.

Advantages:

• 3 temperature modes;
• 3 fan speeds;
• low noise level;
• rollover and overheating protection system;
• the body can be rotated 45, 60 or 90 degrees;
• you can tilt the body relative to half-staff;
• good design;
• warranty – 2 years.

There is only one drawback - the high price. The ratio of pros and cons in favor of the former is significant, which is why it takes first place in the ranking.

Second in the ranking of the best is the Latvian brand Resanta TVK-3. This is a classic vertical (column) type model. The heating element is ceramic. 2 fans located one above the other. There is a filter installed on the back side.

Electronic process control. Two power modes – 1.2 and 2 kW. The thermostat allows you to set the temperature from 15 to 35 degrees. There is a timer that allows you to set the device to turn off within 1-12 hours. The body can be rotated relative to the stand. It's plastic. The fan heater is manufactured in China. Warranty period – 1 year.

The advantages include the presence of a remote control and quick heating of rooms with an area of ​​no more than 20 m².

Cons: Noisy when running. Like a fan, that is, without heating, it does not work.

The TOP 10 rating has been formed. But there are still models that could get into it. It’s just difficult to collect all the best devices in one rating. And this list depends on which fan heaters are most often purchased, that is, on advertising, reviews, expert opinions, prices and technical characteristics.

I would like to hear the opinion of our readers in the comments - probably everyone has this electrical appliance in their home. Let's replenish the rating, increase it.