Here are the 15 best panel heaters for 2016. Our panel heater reviews consistently turn up the following 15 panel heaters as the best of the best.
When cold strikes, having a reliable heater is important. But not every house or apartment has great efficient heating system. You may have considered buying a portable or space heater but are unsure which one to choose. If quiet and low energy use are at the top of your list, then a panel heater could be the perfect solution. Panel heaters do not have a fan but warm up slowly to maintain even temperature in your room. Many of the models on my list are also attractive or blend in well in any decor. The drawback to them is they often do not blast out a lot of heat so if you are looking to warm up fast, a panel heater is not what you are looking for. Instead, they raise the room temperature a few degrees at lower cost than some other solutions.
We also cover the following types of heaters:
- Best Propane Heater
- Best Electric Heater
- Best Patio Heater
- Best Garage Heater
- Best Space Heater
- Best Portable Heater
So which heaters made the list?
Delonghi HMP 1500 Mica Panel Heater
(Detailed review: Delonghi HMP 1500 Mica Panel Heater Review)
This sturdy heater is lightweight and can sit on the floor or be mounted on a wall. A wall mounting kit is included with the heater. Because it is a mica heater, it does not have a fan to blow warm air around. Instead it heats up gradually, then holds a steady heat to warm your room. This heater even has a high and low setting and an automatic shut off if the heater gets too hot or tips over. A few customer’s complained that it broke easily but the majority of customers reported steady heat with few problems. It also comes with a handy carry handle.
Check Price on Amazon: Delonghi HMP 1500 Heater
Bionaire BH3950-U Silent Micathermic Console Heater
This lightweight heater comes with wheels, a support stand, and a handle for easy portability. It puts out a steady low heat to warm your room and then works to maintain that heat. This panel heater has a high and low setting as well as an adjustable thermostat so you can select the temperature you desire. It even has an automatic shut off switch to avoid overheating. It is not as sleek as some of the other heaters in this category, but the adjustable temperature sets it apart. Another added benefit is the 5 year warranty so that despite the slightly higher price tag, you can rest assured the company stands behind this product.
Check Price on Amazon: Bionaire BH3950
(Detailed review: Bionaire BH3950U Silent Micathermic Console Heater Review)
Sengoku SP-160 Mini Panel Electric Heater
The Sengoku is a brightly colored panel heater great for small spaces. The front of this heater is covered in a medium blue felt while the back is metal. Using 150 watts, it heats a small space steadily after a 10-15 warm up period. Many users report using it to warm cold feet or hands while working at a desk or in a small space. While a bit pricey for it’s size, it is attractive and dependable.
Check Price on Amazon: Sengoku SP-160 Mini Heater
(Detailed review: Sengoku SP 160 Mini Panel Electric Heater Review)
Envi High Efficiency Electric Panel Whole Room Heater
This heater is a great example of what a good panel heater can be. It produces a low but steady heat, is space saving, easy to install, and is attractive in any room. It is also very quiet and uses only 450 watts to heat a room up to 140 square feet. The top of the heater gets very warm to the touch but the rest of the heater stays cool for safety around pets or young children. It also is FDA medical device certified and comes with a 3 year manufacturer warranty. For more information about this certification.
Check Price on Amazon: Envi High Efficiency Panel Heater
Cozy-Heater 250 watt Electrical Wall Mounted Convective Heater
Cozy-Heater makes several panel heaters. They differ from each other in how much heat they emit.This model uses 250 watts so is ideal for a small room, such as a utility room or small bathroom. It comes with a handy self-adhesive reflective sheet which attaches to the wall to maximize the heat this slim unit puts out. The heater does not have a stand but attaches to the wall with four screws. A few users suggested getting sturdier screws than those that come with the Cozy-Heater. But it is triple insulated making it safe to touch. Some users complained of an odor when it is heating but most said it only lasts for a few days when the device is new. And convective heaters differ slightly from radiant heaters.
Check Price on Amazon: Cozy-Heater 250 watt Panel Heater
Cozy-Heater 400 watt Wall Mounted Electric Heater
Like the 250 watt model, this heater attaches to the wall and is constructed of a fiberglass mat enclosing a heating element. It radiates a low, steady heat with only one heat setting. It is very slim and blends into most rooms. If you need to raise the temperature of a cold small to medium room, this heater is a good solution. To see an explanation of how this heater works, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_1k7QlqkGg.
Check Price on Amazon: Cozy-Heater 400 watt Panel Heater
Cozy-Heater 600 watt Wall Mounted Electric Panel Heater
This model is the only 600 watt flat panel heater on the market according to the manufacturer. It is perfect for warming up a medium size room. As with other panel heaters, it will not put out a high amount of heat, but rather gently warms and maintains a comfortable room temperature. Several users report problems with the on/off switch but the switch is easily replaceable.
Check Price on Amazon: Cozy-Heater 600 watt Panel Heater
Econo-Heat 0603 E-Heat
This slim panel heater looks like the Cozy Heater models with its sleek design. It is even paintable so it will blend with your wall. Some users complained that this 400 watt model does not quickly heat a cold room. But panel heaters are designed to warm slowly and maintain a comfortable temperature. This particular model even becomes quite warm to the touch so be careful around it when it is in use. A user suggests using this with a temperature control wall socket so that once the ideal room temperature is reached, it will shut on and off as needed.
Check Price on Amazon: Econo-Heat 0603 E-Heat
(Detailed review: Econo-Heater 0603 E-Heat Review)
Eco-Heater T400U Wall Mounted Electric Panel Heater
The T400U panel heater has been improved over earlier models. You install this heater on your wall for steady room heat. It works silently to raise the room temperature and then maintains it. It is paintable to match your wall and uses only 400 watts. It even includes a reflective sheet you can put on the wall to increase the effectiveness of the heater.
Check Price on Amazon: Eco-Heater T400U Heater
Soleus Air HM4-15E-01 Micathermic Panel Heater
This heater is similar to the Bionaire in design. However the Soleus is white instead of gray as well as less expensive. It features a high and low setting and safety shut off if the heater gets too hot or tipped over. The Soleus provides gentle steady heat for those spaces that need just a bit more warmth. Some users complain it doesn’t seem too well made and puts off a strong odor. However, the smell goes away after a few days of use. It takes up little space and because there is no fan, it is quiet while it is working.
Check Price on Amazon: Soleus Air HM4-15E-01 Heater
(Detailed review: Soleus Air HM4-15E-01 Micathermic Panel Heater Review)
NewAir AH 400 Portable Space Heater
This heater is is thin, small, and low on energy use. It is not a micathermic panel heater like many of the others above. Rather it uses oil to heat and maintain a steady room temperature. It is very efficient and features a thermostat to reach your ideal temperature. The biggest drawback is that users report the unit seems poorly constructed and the feet that keep it upright tend to crack. If you want a low cost steady heat source and don’t plan on moving it around frequently, this product is a good option.
Newair AH 400 Portable Space Heater Review
Check Price on Amazon: NewAir AH 400 Portable Space Heater
Cozy-Legs Flat Panel Heater
This small, silver heater uses only 100 watts to put out heat for a small space. Users report it works great at a desk or cold cubicle. It is safe enough to hold on your lap or put at your feet. It can even be mounted on the wall if you prefer. A few users reported receiving units that were defective but they were able to exchange the heaters. As with other panel heaters, these warm gently.
Cozy Legs Flat Panel Heater Review
Check Price on Amazon: Cozy-Legs Flat Panel Heater
Cozy Legs Radiant Heater
This radiant heater is similar to the heater above because it uses little energy (150 watts) and warms gently. This unit can mount on the underside of a desk or the wall of a cubicle or small space. It also comes with a stand if you prefer to have it free standing. This unit, made by a different manufacturer (Indus-Tool), sometimes arrives damaged but is easily replaceable. This unit is slightly less expensive.
Check Price on Amazon: Cozy Legs Radiant Heater
Lasko 6221 Flat Panel Ceramic Heater
The Lasko heater provides a gentle, even heat and includes a fan. Because of this, it is a bit noisy but has a programmable thermostat and a display to show the current room temperature. It is designed for a smaller room and is easily portable with a convenient carry handle. The best part about this heater is the timer so you can set the heater for up to 8 hours (such as for overnight).
Check Price on Amazon: Lasko 6221 Flat Panel Ceramic Heater
Comfort Zone Flat Panel Halogen Heater CZHTV9
This heater is called a flat panel heater but is designed a bit more like a fan heater because it moves back and forth while it radiates heat. It does not have a fan so it operates quietly and does not blast out heat. It is not a sleekly designed heater but has a nice bright glow and is inexpensive to operate. For safety, the unit shuts off if tipped over.
Check Price on Amazon: Comfort Zone Flat Panel Heater
The 15 best flat panel heaters vary in design from wall mounted to portable. They also vary in how they produce heat. Carefully deciding what kind of heater you need can help make the decision simpler.
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