Electric Fan Heater Buying Guide: Features Every Shopper Should Know

Electric fan heaters are one of the most popular types of portable heaters. They are affordable, heat up quickly, and can be easily moved from room to room.

However, not all fan heaters are created equal. Some buzz louder than others, some cost more to run than you’d expect, and some lack important safety features.

Learning which specs and features are important can simplify your shopping. When you know how to read a product page and understand what wattage, room size recommendations, thermostat settings, and safety certifications mean, you’ll find it easier to pick a heater that matches your space and budget.

Power, Wattage, & Room Size

The first thing to look at is power. Heater output is measured in watts. Wattage represents both how much heat the heater will put out and how much electricity it uses.

Higher wattage equals more heat, but it also costs more to run. Within the fan heater category, higher or lower wattage models are not more or less efficient than others. Fan heaters typically range from 1,000 watts to 15’000 watts. That is sufficient to heat most rooms up to 20 square meters.

Large rooms or living spaces may require closer to 2,000 watts to 24’000 watts, depending on the area. You will also want a heater with a powerful fan to push that heat around. To estimate running cost, take the heater’s kilowatt value (wattage / 1000) and multiply by your cost of electricity per kilowatt hour. This can help you select a heater that heats your room without breaking your budget.

Look for:

Appropriate wattage for your room size.

Multiple power settings so you are not stuck on full power. Settings of 750 watts and 15’000 watts, for example, allow you to use less power when you don’t need as much heat.

Heating Element Type

While fan heaters use the same concept, they can use different types of heating elements.

Metal resistance coils

Older style fan heaters have resistance wire that heats up red hot. These elements heat up quickly and are inexpensive, but they can get very hot to touch and may cause hot spots on adjacent objects.

Ceramic elements

Newer fans often use ceramic plates which radiate heat, sometimes using PTC (positive temperature coefficient) principles. Ceramic spreads heat more evenly than metal coils and often has a limiter to prevent excess temperature rise, which can increase safety.

Manufacturers notes from fan heater buying guides reveal that ceramic heaters are generally more efficient than basic heaters and provide smoother heating for smaller spaces. Traditional coil heaters are usually the least expensive. If safety and steady, comfortable heat are a concern, look for ceramic.

Thermostat and Controls

Look for a heater that allows you to control temperature and runtime. Important features include:

An adjustable thermostat allows you to set your desired temperature. The heater will turn on and off to maintain that temperature instead of running continuously. This prevents overheating and wasting electricity.

Multiple heat settings let you turn the heater on at low, medium, or high power. These settings help you adjust the heater output to the room size and season. A low setting provides enough heat on cool days while consuming less power.

A timer or scheduling feature allows you to turn the heater off after a period of time, or turn it on at a specific time such as before you wake up. This helps ensure you don’t leave the heater on accidentally.

Fan only mode. Some heaters let you run the fan without producing heat. This essentially turns the heater into a regular fan for use in warmer weather.

Higher end models may also include:

Automatic mode that senses the room temperature and adjusts heater output as needed.
Remote control allows you to adjust the heater from across the room.
Wi Fi connectivity allows you to schedule and monitor heater operation via an app.
A basic thermostat and at least 2 heat settings are useful on any fan heater.

Safety Features and Certifications

Safety isn’t a nice to have – it’s essential. Space heaters get hot, but they shouldn’t put you at unnecessary risk of fire or burns.

Essential safety features include:

Tip over protection automatically turns the heater off if it’s knocked over. This is particularly important if you have kids or pets that might run into the heater.
Overheat protection shuts the heater off if it reaches a dangerous internal temperature. This can protect against heater malfunctions and blocked airflow.
Cool touch housing and covers. Physical guards, heat grills, and insulated casings help prevent burns if someone touches your heater.
Safety certification from a trusted testing lab. Certification from organizations like UL, ETL, CSA, or others certifies the heater meets minimum safety standards.
Heats pens used in bathrooms or near water should have some ingress protection (IP) rating. IP2X or IP21 ratings, for instance, certify against dripping water.
Lastly, always plug space heaters into a wall outlet directly. Many fan heater reviews warn against plugging them into power bars or extension cords as they can overheat.

Noise Levels and Design

The size, weight, and noise output of the heater matter as much as the technical specifications.

Other things to consider:

Portability – Lightweight models with handles or wheels are easiest to move. Wall mount kits are ideal if the heater will stay in one place. Otherwise, smaller floor models offer more flexibility.
Noise level – All fan heaters will generate noise from the electric motor. If noise bothers you, look for quieter models or check reviews that discuss noise. Some space heater reviews warn that certain models are extremely loud.
Size and dimensions – You usually have to balance size and stability. Tall, skinny models don’t take up much floor space. But wider units may be less likely to tip over. Think about where you want to place the heater and how much space you have available.
Cord length and placement – A short cord can restrict placement options. Ensure the heater fits in your room without cord stretching or being right against furniture / curtains.

Energy Saving Features

Electric heaters are approximately the same efficiency. But some features let you use your heater more efficiently.

Helpful features:

Low power modes – Eco settings and lower wattages reduce power consumption when full heat is unnecessary.
Accurate thermostat – A thermostat can minimize overheating and unnecessary runtime, especially if you use a timer.
Programmable timer – Allows you to run the heater only at scheduled times instead of potentially forgetting it all day.
Oscillation/swing – On some fan heaters, enabling oscillation will move the heater outlet back and forth. This distributes heat more evenly than a stationary heater and can allow you to use lower settings.

Used with room level awareness, these features can help you manage comfort without overspending on heating bills.

When determining what size fan heater you need, it’s important to assess factors like wattage, room size and additional features. Here’s a helpful explanation and real-world example to illustrate our advice.

Real World Example: Selecting the Right Heater for the Room

One helpful real-world example of why heater specifications are important is De’Longhi’s own heating range. Many different fan heaters are offered with varying power levels, heat settings and recommended room-heating capacities.

The HFX25S15L ceramic fan heater uses a ceramic heating element, has multiple power settings and includes an adjustable thermostat and safety features like overheat protection. Take note of how these features work together for your benefit.

This heater isn’t necessarily more powerful than other options, but the addition of multiple heat settings and thermostat allows the heater to operate at a lower output when necessary. For example, when heating a small room, you may not need to run the heater at full power continuously.

Features like ceramic heating elements, adjustable thermostats, multiple power levels and heater safety are common to many of De’Longhi’s portable heaters.

Our point is this: when comparing specifications for different fan heaters, don’t just focus on wattage. Consider the room you’ll be heating, as well as the heating element used, thermostat presence, power levels, heater safety features, airflow, noise and how you plan to use the heater. The combination of features that provides the best value will vary for every room.

FAQs About Purchasing an Electric Fan Heater

What wattage fan heater should I buy for my room?

Ideal wattage depends on several factors including room size, insulation, ceiling height, outside temperature and how you intend to use the heater. Most portable fan heaters range from around 1,000 watts to 2,000 watts. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommended room size instead of using wattage alone to gauge proper sizing.

Are higher wattage fan heaters better?

Not always. While a higher wattage heater can produce more heat energy, it will also use more electricity when run at full power. The right heater has adequate wattage for the space it will heat, not necessarily the highest wattage you can find.

How much electricity does a 2000 watt fan heater use?

Assuming it runs for one hour at full power, a 2,000 watt heater will use 2 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Real-world electricity consumption may be less due to thermostats, lower power settings or eco modes which limit the amount of time spent on maximum output.

Are ceramic fan heaters more efficient?

Ceramic heaters are not inherently more efficient than traditional electric resistance heaters. Ultimately, both convert electricity into heat. That said, certain features like PTC ceramic elements can lower power output as the element heats up. Thermostats and eco modes can also help reduce overall energy usage.

What type of heating element is best for a fan heater?

There is no one heating element that excels in all areas. Ceramic heating elements with PTC capability are common because they heat quickly and have self-regulating features. Traditional heating coils are usually less expensive but lack features like power reduction at higher temperatures. Choose the heating element that suits your use case and budget.

What does PTC mean on a ceramic heater?

PTC stands for Positive Temperature Coefficient. When present on a ceramic heating element, it refers to the element’s ability to increase electrical resistance as its temperature rises. As resistance goes up, the power output of the heating element goes down.

Is a thermostat necessary on a fan heater?

In most cases, yes. An adjustable thermostat makes a heater easier to control. By setting a desired temperature, the heater can cycle on and off to maintain that temperature instead of running continuously at full power.

How many heat settings should my fan heater have?

Heat settings are a matter of preference, but most heaters benefit from at least two settings. One lower heat setting for slow or supplemental heating, and another higher setting for quickly warming a room. Some models offer three or more heat settings, as well as automatic or eco modes.

Are fan heaters safe?

Yes, when used properly. Many modern fan heaters have built-in safety features like automatic shut-off if the heater overheats or is tipped over. Look for heaters with stable bases that won’t easily tip over. Additionally, ensure the heater has an appropriate grille covering the heating element and fans.

What is tip-over protection on a heater?

Tip-over protection is a safety feature that turns the heater off if it’s knocked over. This is particularly beneficial if you have children or pets that may encounter the heater, but should not replace basic supervision.

What is overheat protection?

Overheat protection automatically shuts off the heater if the internal temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. It can help prevent damage to the heater if the heating element overheats due to blocked airflow or component failure.

Can I use a fan heater in the bathroom?

Only use fan heaters that are specifically designed and certified for bathroom use. Water and electricity do not mix. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions and look for an IP rating before using any electrical heater in close proximity to water. Bathroom heaters are not necessarily the same as small room heaters.

Can I plug my fan heater into an extension cord?

Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some portable heater manufacturers advise against connecting their heaters to extension cords since the high-power draw can put extra demand on the electrical cord and plug.