Quartz Infrared Heater Ratings: The Big Three
Posted: Monday, November 22, 2010
by Sam Streubel
Alternative-Heating-Info.com
Quartz infrared heater ratings are available from a number of sources. Although Consumer Reports rates space heaters in general, the only quartz infrared heater they review is the EdenPure. This leaves only Amazon.com as a comprehensive source of ratings for all major makes and models of quartz heaters.
In any case, I think the ratings given by numerous actual users under a variety of conditions, such as those offered at Amazon, are more instructive than the findings resulting from tests done in a laboratory.
Here then, are the 3 highest rated quartz infrared heaters according to data compiled from Amazon.com.
3. EdenPure GEN3 Model 1000 Rating: 2 out of 5 stars. Price: $290
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 parts are available from: edenpurestore.com.
2. iHeater IH 1500 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. Price: $285
Although the iHeater 1500 finishes the ratings race in the number 2 spot, it's a distant 3rd in sales behind Edenpure and Dr Heater.
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 $30. The heating element itself is UL approved, but the assembled unit is not. iHeater replacement parts are available from their website: i-Heater.com.
1. Dr Heater DR-968 Rating: 4 out 5 stars. Price: $195
The Dr Heater is the newest entrant into the quartz infrared heating market and captures the top spot in this review. With a customer satisfaction rating of 4 out of 5 stars the Dr Heater is also tops in sales.
The Dr Heater combines PTC technology with quartz infrared tubes for a dual heating system. A ball bearing equipped, high pressure - low noise blower distributes the heat.
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.
See the best selling Dr Heater plus a selection of highly rated, energy efficient space heaters for every budget at Space Heater Reviews: Best Portable Electric Heaters.
This Article has been viewed 3,315 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.