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Name | Power | |
---|---|---|
Far Infrared Rollable Heater Panel | 450 watts | |
Konighaus 450W Superslim | 450 watts | |
Curved Free Standing Panel | 300 watts | |
Calorsol 700W Infrared Panel | 700 watts | |
Transparent Rollable Infrared Heater Panel | 450 watts |
Heating in the home, office and other places where we spend time is an essential element. In the UK, we are not blessed with warm weather the year around, and even in the warmest months may find we need some extra heat! After all, how long is the average UK summer! The advent of central heating systems – not prevalent in UK homes until the middle of the 20th century – changed the way we lived in a manner that could not have been envisaged, and since those early systems, a lot has happened in terms of cheap heating systems and advanced technology.
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The early systems for heating homes were oil and/or electricity powered. A system of radiators filled with oil heated by electric coils provided the heat. Then, when gas became more readily available, it was the heating source of choice. Gas was – and is – easy to use, flexible and affordable, to a point, and became the main source of heat energy – for both radiators and water – though electricity, in many forms, was still widely used. I can remember, for example, living in a house with an experimental electric heating system where the elements were in the ceiling; it was, unsurprisingly hugely inefficient, unless you wanted very warm ankles when upstairs.
In recent times we have seen a drive towards alternative energy; wind and solar power have become very popular and the latter is certainly one for the future. The expensive bit is in getting the heat out in the house or other buildings efficiently, and there is one area of technology that has advanced greatly in recent years: infrared. We took a look at 10 great infrared heating panels – and if you have yet to investigate these, you really should – so lets take a look at some infrared heating panel reviews.
Infrared Heating Panel Reviews (Our Top 10 Choices)
1: Far Infrared Rollable Heater Panel
The beauty of infrared panels is that they are truly portable, and none more so than this one. Technology has come on so far that these devices no longer have to be entirely rigid; this one, like some others, can actually be rolled up for transport. It’s a very clever design – speaking of which it comes with a number of available patterns so you can choose one that looks like a picture or wall-hanging – and is very easy to use.
There is np thermostat control: you simply plug it into a standard socket and the surface will heat to a maximum of 95celsius, which is more than enough to heat the surrounding area. Indeed, the manufacturer recommends this panel – which measures 57x98cm and weighs just 500g – for heating an area of 8-12m² which makes it ideal for use in a smaller room, boat, caravan or on an outdoor patio. It’s a neat panel in some nice designs, at a sensible price.
- Rollable
- No thermostat
- 57x98cm
- Several patterns
2: Konighaus 450W Superslim
While the previous model we reviewed is clearly designed to be moved from place to place – thanks to its portable and rollable features – this one, a very neat model from Konighaus, is a more permanent fixture. It is designed to be fitted to a wall – the fittings are provided – and is a simple white design, a very thin panel that offers 450W of power, so will again be suitable for 8-12m² spaces – perhaps a living room in a flat, or a garage or other working space.
This one is certified to meet all European safety standards, which is very much welcome, and the maker claims it will work for 100,000hours. It is easy to use – again there is no thermostat control it simply is switch on and go – and looks like a simple white board; it’s not the most attractive item, then, but at just 5cm thick it is hardly obtrusive. It measures 95x57cm – around the norm for one of these – and is very easy to fit, and comes at a reasonable price.
- 95x57cm
- Wall mounted
- Fittings included
- 450W
3: Curved Free Standing Panel
This very clever take on the infrared panel theme is a curved model; it is designed to be free-standing so you can take it to the place you want to heat – much like you would a small three-bar electric fire or portable radiator – for safe, efficient heat of a small and direct space. The makers suggests that it is sized to fit under a desk – a great idea if you have a cold office in the winter – and at just 55x52cm it is certainly viable as such.
It is finished in white and has sturdy legs so will be safe on the floor. It is a 300W model – so not as powerful as those listed above but good enough for a small space needing directed heat – and it is easy to use with no thermostatic control and a maximum of 80celsius. This is a neat design that weighs a little more than 2kg so will be easy to move between places of use, and one that comes at a sensible price, and we like the curved effect as it is both practical and attractive.
- curved
- 300W
- 55x52cm
- 2kg weight
4: Calorsol 700W Infrared Panel
This is another model that is designed to be mounted in a permanent position, and is a wall-mounting device that is very neat and tidy. That is measures just 3cm thick is testament to the technology and design that goes into these very clever heating panels. This one is finished in white, comes with all the fittings to hang it on the wall wherever you want it, and is simple to use with no thermostat control and up to 135celsius temperature. It measures 120cm x 60cm so you need a decent space for it.
The figures we are giving you here are for the 700W model; this one comes from a range of panels that cover all the wattages from 100W upwards with various intervals, so if you don’t need one this powerful there is a similar one in the selection. A 700W model will easily heat most average-sized rooms, and two – fitted perhaps on opposite walls – will provide enough heat for larger rooms at surprisingly low cost. This one is a little more expensive than some, but you get a quality item and a 5-year warranty.
- 700W
- 120x60cm
- Wall-hanging
- 5-year warranty
5: Transparent Rollable Infrared Heater Panel
This design is similar in style to the first one we featured, in that it is a rollable model. We like the technology behind this as it brings to the table a couple of advantages: first, you can roll it up and carry it to where you want to hang it, and second, you can roll it away when not in use, and simply unroll, plug in and – in an instant – you have plenty of heat from an efficient and very usable source.
This design is transparent – unlike the above rollable model that came in a variety of patterns – so you can hang it anywhere without intrusion, and it measures 100cm x 57cm. It is a 450Watt model so will easily heat a small room or other area, and comes with the usual safety features and standards. In short, it’s a typical rollable model that will meet with many satisfied users, and at the price is very hard to beat.
- 450watt
- 100x57cm
- Rollable
6: ILMIT Heating Panel
So far, the infrared panels we have reviewed have all been of the wall-mounted variety. This one can also be mounted on a wall, so is of interest there, but has the added advantage of being able to be mounted on the ceiling. This has many benefits, especially in rooms where space is limited. As infrared heat is direct, a ceiling-mounted device will work where other convection heaters would not, so for a caravan, a bathroom or some other small space, this one is worth looking at.
It is surprisingly compact, measuring just 83x16cm and under 3cm in thickness, and it is made from aluminium and glass. The fittings to hang it come with the package. This 550W model can heat as much as 9m² so is very versatile indeed, it’s easy to use once installed – be aware it does not come with a plug, as it is intended to be wired into the mains for permanent use – and although a little more expensive than some, is a quality item. It also comes in two other power options, with up to 1700Watts available.
- Can be ceiling mounted
- Hard-wired
- Slim and small
7: INVO Heating 350W Ceiling tile
This clever design is another one that can be mounted on either the wall or – as it is primarily intended – on the ceiling. In fact, as it measures 595x595mm it is the same size as most standard ceiling tiles, so can be incorporated in a false ceiling or attached to your existing one. This is a white design that is intended to blend in, and is also available with a kit to mount it in a floor if required -a clever and innovative touch.
The model described is a 350W one so will not heat a large room; the idea is to install a few together in your ceiling, wall or floor so you can heat the room efficiently and effectively. It’s very neat in terms of design and can also be used with a wireless thermostat to control the heat output, so you have added versatility. At the price, this one is well worth looking at if you are designing a room with a new ceiling, even if you just want occasional extra heating.
- Ceiling tile sized
- Can be floor mounted
- 350W
- Thermostat option
8: EcoArtHeating Infrared Mirror Panel
Such is the versatility of infrared panels, it is no surprise when truly innovative items such as this come to the fore. This is a bathroom mirror that is also a heated panel, and that alone means there is plenty to like. Now, you don’t need to worry about safety as this one is fully protected and designed with mirror safety glass and other precautions for use in a bathroom environment. It’s tried and tested, and certainly worth a look.
The mirror measures 80x60cm and is very thin, so will hang nicely on the wall where required – the fittings are supplied – and it is a 450W model so will easily heat the space in the bathroom required. It could also be used in any other room in the house with great effect. It’s frameless, so looks stylish, and very clever indeed, and will wire into your electrical mains. Now for the price: this is one of the most expensive here by quite a long way, but is a very beautiful and impressive item, so we reckon if you’re refitting a bathroom, it should be on your list of things to look at.
- Mirror
- 60x80cm
- Stylish frameless look
9: Infrared Electric Panel Heater 600W
This is another model that is designed to be mounted in a permanent position, and is a wall-mounting device that is very neat and tidy. That is measures just 2cm thick shows just how far technology has come with infrared heaters. This one is finished in white, comes with all the fittings to hang it on the wall wherever you want it, and is simple to use with no thermostat control. It measures 100cm x 60cm so you need a decent space for it.
The figures we are giving you here are for the 600W model; this one comes from a range of panels that cover all the wattages from 100W upwards with various intervals to 1200W, so if you don’t need one this powerful there is a similar one in the selection. A 600W model will easily heat a room of 12-16m². Note that this one is certified safe for use in bathrooms and wet rooms, and at the price we can’t see any way to fault it.
- 600w (others available)
- 100x60cm
- Wet room use
- Wall mounted
10: Hudson Reed INF002 Glass Infrared
One of the major advantages of infrared heating panels is that they can be designed to be entirely minimalistic. This one, from Hudson Reed, is a very simple – yet somehow also beautiful – sheet of glass that doubles as a heater. It has no frame, and would look superb in a modernist setting. It’s very efficient too, with an energy rating of A+, and is a 900Watt model. This is enough to comfortably heat a room of 22m², which is above average.
This model is 55cmx110cm, and measures just 3cm thick, and is easy to mount on a wall. It is a plug in and go model, but can also be used with thermostat control. It is finished in white, and looks the part in every way. In many ways, this represents the archetypal infrared heating panel in terms of size, style and capability, but be aware that you will pay quite a high price for this one in comparison with some others on our list.
- No frame
- Stylish
- 900W
- 55x110cm,
That’s our list of the top 10 best infrared heating panels, so which is for you? Let’s have a recap of some of the features you need to look out for before we try and give you our verdict.
How It Works
Before we get into our simple – yet informative – explanation of what infrared heat is and how it works, bear in mind that the panels we are going to tell you about are designed for heating a specific area. That’s because infrared heat is very direct; unlike convection heaters you will not find a panel to heat a large area, but that’s not what they are designed for.
Infrared is a form of radiated heat; it is part of what is known as the ‘electromagnetic spectrum’ and is found in natural and synthetic forms. Natural infrared heat is such as the warmth of the sun on your skin. Infrared is all about heat transfer: when we are colder than the area around us, we absorb infrared heat, and vice versa.
Whereas convection heaters – the most popular of which are perhaps radiators and such – heat the air around them, infrared heat actually heats everything that absorbs it. This makes it far more efficient, especially when used for direct heat in specified areas. The infrared panels we are about to show you are designed to be used in this way, and may be the best way of heating your room – or even an outdoor space – quickly and efficiently.
Will infrared panels replace an entire heating system? It could be done, and there are plenty people who believe this is the heating method of the future – thanks to low manufacturing and operating costs – but for the purpose of this review, consider these panels as either stand-alone items, or for use with other such panels. Let us tell you more about them – you may actually be surprised at what they can do!
Important Features to Consider
There are many reasons why you should be looking at the best infrared heating panels for your home, your garage, office or even a boat or caravan. They are versatile, often very stylish, efficient and can be surprisingly cheap to buy. Here’s a quick look at what you need to consider if you are choosing one:
- Size – an important consideration when looking at a permanent fixture, the models featured include many different sizes, so make sure you know how much space you have available.
- Power – equally important; we have included models that offer from 300watts to a range that offers up to 1700watts. For the record, a 500watt model should be able to heat a room of around 12m², so use that as your basis when looking.
- Permanent or not – most of the above panels are designed to be fixed into place, but a couple can be rolled up and moved around. This may be a factor that influences you.
- Siting – where do you want to put your panel? Some are designed to be floor standing, others to fit to the wall, and some for ceiling fitment; there is even one that can be fitted into a floor, and a couple that are actually mirrors as well as heaters.
- Style – we have included some with patterns, others that are plain white, some with frames and some that are mirrored – choose the one that suits your needs best!
That’s the main factors to consider, so which should you choose? Let’s see if we can help you decide.
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Let’s Wrap It Up!
Choosing an infrared heating panel is not as straightforward as you might think; to begin with, what do you want one for? Is it for occasional heat – perhaps for a patio or a caravan? If so, we recommend you take a good look at the two rollable models, numbers 1 and 5 on the list. These are not high-powered devices, but they are intended to heat small areas occasionally and to be portable, and are also surprisingly cheap.
Do you want a permanent panel? If so, where for? For bathroom use we strongly recommend you check out number 9 – it’s simple, stylish and has sensible power output and a great price, and is designed for bathrooms – or, for something very stylish, the mirror model, number 8.
If you want ceiling fitting there are a few options, not least the ceiling-tile design number 7 and the long and slim model that is number 6.
For living room use, and for ultimate style, we can’t get away from the superbly stylish and very innovative model from Hudson Reed, the final one on our list, which is simple, yet very beautiful, very efficient and will look great in a modern room.
Each of the models on our list is worthy of a second look, so read through again, and see if there’s one that stands out for you.