For me personally, we have our home office that is situated in our summer house halfway up the garden and it gets cold in there in Winter, so this writeup summarises my findings.
Currently we have in there an electric heater to warm the feet, a gas heater for occasional use (it works very well), and we have also tried an electric panel heater too, which has since moved to the garage/gym at the top of the garden.
We do get nice and warm, but it can be quite costly to keep it heated, so this is what has prompted me to take a closer look at infrared heaters.
Before I go on and list what I find are the top rated infrared heaters, let’s start by getting the basics down and sorted.
What is an infrared heater?
There are one or two different types of infrared heater.
You can certainly read the technical stuff about them on the Wikipedia page here if you want to, but without getting too heavy into the technology sides of things – in essence it’s a heater element that can be one of a few types.
It could glow bright Orange or Red and gives off heat (remember the kebab cookers at the fish and chip shop? When they light them, they are giving off infrared heat).
The old fires you would have in your living room where you flick on a switch on one side. The bar(s) would glow Red and give off heat.
These are metal wire type infrared heaters. The wire would coil around a ceramic element. This technology was introduced in the 1920’s.
Or the other kind that it could be is where it gives off no visible light at all (classed as far infrared or dark infrared) and still provide great warmth. These types are more often desired for the more discerning buyer.
Did you know?
An infrared heater can be as good as 75% MORE EFFICIENT than most typical room heaters!
What size infrared heater panel do I need?
We have a calculator that will help you work it out (click below, opens in a new window):
NIR refers to Near range Infrared Heaters (use in industrial applications)
CIR refers to medium range Carbon Infrared Heaters
FIR refers to Far Infrared Heaters – and is where we will be spending most of our thoughts for this review. FIR infrared heaters don’t give off high heat – the ceramic elements are actually “ok” to touch.
Instead of using carbon, quartz or high watt ceramic emitters, which emit near and medium infrared radiation, heat and light, far infrared emitters use low watt ceramic plates that remain cold, while still emitting far infrared radiation“ ( Wikipedia)
So what’s with these panel heaters that uses infrared then?
Well, these heaters are thin walled panels which give off long wave far infrared radiation. As the heater elements are at a fairly low temperature, the best bit about this is that a far-infrared heater doesn’t give emissions or have any smells or toxic fumes from paint-coating, etc.
This means far infrared panels are very popular among people with severe allergies and multiple chemical sensitivity.
So in summary, these types of panels are MUCH MORE efficient, and better for your health. If you suffer with Asthma you won’t have any issues with these as you can get with fan heaters or bar heaters.
They are also quite good looking and you may not even know if someone had one on their wall as they don’t really look like heaters.
Just be aware though that they do need enough space on a wall as the infrared heat is effectively transmitted through the wall. The room is NOT directly heated from the heater.
Theyliterally look like a piece of artwork. Great idea!
The good news is the convenience and their uniqueness, but the bad news is the ones above only heat up small spaces up to 10 square metres.
Infrared heating panels disadvantages – pro’s and con’s
Infrared heating in itself offers a number of benefits as well as disadvantages.
The good news is that because it is not moving air around the room, it is a better environment to breathe for asthma sufferers (there are no dust particles being blown around the room). Infrared heating can also be up to 75% cheaper than traditional heating too!
Another good point about infrared heater panels are that they are quiet. Sure we aren’t talking about noise levels that mean you need ear defenders, but some radiator systems can make their own little noises when heat is passing through.
Some more good news is that with infrared panels you can enjoy instant heat. You know on a cold day when you go outside and you can fel the sun hitting your face – it’s the same infrared heat that you get with infrared heater panels.
Another great positive is that you don’t need as much power to run an infrared heater panel. Typically we are looking at about one third of the power needs, so you save money!
One more positive aspect of infrared heater panels is that they are simple to install. No need to get a p[lumber in and route pipework through floorboards and so on. Just find a spot on the floor, all or even ceiling and plug it in.
The disadvantages include the fact that they really need to be used in open spaces – if you have lots of things in the way it can block some of the infrared waves.
Another disadvantage is that to heat every room you need an infrared heating panel in every room. Unlike normal radiators that allow heat to move upwards and to other rooms, infrared heaters don’t work this way.
Another disadvantage are the electrical cables wil be on show. If you think this is an issue anyway. With radiators you can see the pipework, so for many this won’t be an issue (especially if the panels are mounted close to the ground like a radiator), but if you are buying for sheer minimalistic style and wanting to hang them halfway up a wall you might want to look at ways to hide the wires with boxing in, wire covers, or hiding within plaster work.
Our favourite Infrared heater panels: narrowed down
The Purus intelligent wall mounted (or free standing) panel heater comes with a 7 day programmable timer. Set it to come on at the same time every day for so many hours, or different times, or just let it run continuously.
There are 3 different wattages you can choose (and the two higher wattage versions (1500W and 2000W) are currently the same price).
The beauty of these models is that they will intelligently monitor the room temperature and turn off if the room temperature is at the desired level, turning back on again once temperature drops.
What you need to know about these:
Slimline, stylish and economical. Affordable and very practical.
As with all of these infrared panel heaters, there’s no moving air so no dust, so no asthma issues
Cons
None
Our Thoughts
Will heat rooms sized about 7 to 10 square metres
Just a standard basic unit with no fancy extras. Mount it on the wall, plug in and enjoy the heat. These units have no moving parts, no air movement so no health issues associated with traditional fan heaters.
Features a simple pull cord for on/off/switch heating level.
There is a simple display that shows what level of heating you are set at (there is a choice of three heating stages (400 watts or 800 watts or 1200 watts) (Use our simple online infrared heating calculatorhere to see what size you need opens in a new window so you wont lose this page)
Simple instant radiant heating that will quickly warm you up.
Cons
There is no plug or wire with the unit. The unit needs to be wired in which you should utilise the services of a qualified electrician. Once wired in though you will be extremely happy with this. It gains the “Amazon’s choice” badge.
Our Thoughts
It’s priced really competitively. It is a lovel metal construction and will stand for many long years of use. Once it’s installed you will happily use it day in day out.
Quite unique in that it features a marble plate, so it can be free-standing and still give good health benefits for Asthma sufferers who struggle with traditional fan heaters that blow dust and pollens around.
One of our firm favourites!
Dimensions
25 x 48 x 67 cm
Power cable approx 180cm
Pros
1300 watts of power so a good solid mid ranged unit good for many sized rooms (not for very large rooms though)
Very quiet – great for good nights sleep.
Modern design with brushed Aluminium housing
Comes with genuine Mongolian marble
Very economical – the Marble retains and slowly gives out heat even when the unit is switched off (saving you money!)
Cons
None
Our Thoughts
We love this unit. It’s very good looking. It’s portable. Just set it up in the room you want and switch it on.
When you’re happy with the temperature go ahead and turn it off and the Marble stone will continue to heat your room for some time (the amount of time fluctuates on various factors such as size of room, how cold it is outside (affecting the room cooling down quicker etc.)
Mount it in the most convenient place – wall or ceiling
Clean heat – no noise, no smell, no condensation, no oxygen consumption, no unpleasant dust upset
Cons
Not a huge unit so don’t expect it to heat up large rooms
Our Thoughts
This is the simple, “behind the scenes” kind of infrared heater panel that will take the edge of smallish rooms, and give some warmth to small places. An average family room would benefit from 2 or 3 of these.
It’s compact design makes it perfect for certain areas that most of panels wouldn’t fit into, such as an “under the stairs” officer, or a porch to your house.
We can’t really think of anything about this that we need to add. It does what it says on the tine. Heats small compact areas and is free standing (so can be moved around).
Only 450 watts (still quite good for the size), so only good for small rooms
A touch over priced
Our Thoughts
A standard heater with a very good build quality, the native language of the manufacturer is not English, so just be aware of this if you need any help or need to speak with them.
Various sizes to choose from to suit your room and budget
Pros
Has a rough textured feel (se below) to its surface (would blend it to wallpapered walls easier)
600 watts of power so will work good for small rooms
Each panel is embedded with “new age” ceramic crystals and graphite based.
The back side of every panel is insulated with a heat reflective back-cover
Cons
If you want the optional remote control you will need to order from their website (Calorsol EU)
Our Thoughts
The crystal coating on the panels gives a greater surface area as much as 10x the surface area which increases energy efficiency and enables a greater level of heat to come out. It really is a well made heater panel.
Infrared Heating Panels Buying Guide
How do infrared heating panels work?
So how do these heating panels work? Infrared panels emit a high ratio of heat, known as radiant heat. The heat works to warm objects directly rather than the air in a room.
Similar to when you are outside on a warm day, and items such as the sidewalk and benches feel warm to the touch.
Infrared heating panels turn electricity into infrared energy. This energy is then directed at surfaces to warm the room.
The most common surfaces and the best is the floor to provide even heat to the room. The process is similar to that of the sun, which also uses infrared energy.
Objects will absorb the heat in the room, such as walls and ceilings. It will also be absorbed by people too. The room can sometimes become warmer over time, depending on the number of people in the room and the temperature you set your panels.
Compared to convection heaters, these panels can be an efficient way to heat a space as they convert all energy directly into heat.
Once the room has been warmed to the desired temperature, the building can retain the heat for a period of time, meaning your heater needs to be on for less time!
Are infrared heating panels safe?
We always want to make sure anything that we put into our homes is safe, don’t we? You can rest easy as infrared heating panels are 100% safe! There is no danger to the health of a human body from using infrared heating panels.
The warm feeling emitted from infrared heating is a comfortable feeling that will not harm you. Users often describe it as passing by a window with sunlight shining through.
For further peace of mind for you, the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has conducted many investigations into the health implications of different types of infrared.
From these investigations, they have concluded that there is no concern from a health standpoint regarding infrared heaters.
Your infrared heating panels are usually low electromagnetic and will generally fall into the lowest EMF output category. They will also have no interference with other radio devices so that you can use them without any issues!
As with any heat-producing items, you need to be careful when touching them with your bare skin.
Although it is unlikely your skin will burn brushing against an infrared heating panel, it is best to avoid prolonged exposure. Ensure that you and your children avoid touching the panels to prevent any potential injuries.
Summary – user guide
There isn’t too much to explain with far infrared heater panels.
Remember that you don’t mount directly into a wall (almost every unit comes with a frame around it to ensure a space is left).
Make sure to get the right size for your space
Remember to get the right power output that will comfortably warm the intended area.
A 300 watt would only heat a very small area while a 1700 watt unit would warm a room nicely.
If you simply go for the “biggest and best” and it gets too hot for your room, go and get yourself a room Thermostat that switches it on and off to try and maintain the right room temperature throughout the day. They cost less than £20 on Amazon.
If you have hollow walls with gaps between plasterboard and brickwork you need to take care. There could be electrical wires especially around sockets. You can either try plasterboard screws, or for better strength, use an extra long Masonry drill bit and drill through into the brickwork behind. Use needle nose pliers to hold a screw with the rawlplug on the end, and insert it through the plasterboard and seat it into the brickwork behind.. Then use extra long screws to secure the heater.
Any questions?
We hope you’ve enjoyed these far infrared heating panels reviews. If there is anything we have missed please let us know.
11 thoughts on “Infrared Heating Panels Reviews 2021 – The Good List”
Sarah
Hi, thanks for this information. It’s very interesting but I’m afraid I’m still a little confused.
Is the radiant heater which looks like the ones we used to have many decades ago, still far ir?
Thank you.
Sarah
Hi Sarah, not quite. The older infrared heaters often use Tungsten wire or quartz that heats up (often called short range infrared heaters or even medium range infrared heaters that can hjeat up to between 1000 degrees C to 1600 degrees C. It’s to do with the wavelength of the emitted heat. Far range infrared heaters utilize low wattage ceramic plates that remain cold to the touch yet still heat to be transferred. Wikipedia expands on thsi topic even further (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared_heater) Thanks.. Shaun
Thanks for all the work you’ve put into this, Shaun. I’m thinking of taking a flat which has infrared-panels installed in it already, and I’m just checking out the benefits.
Fran, from Austria
Is the Klarstein Heatpal freestanding panel FAR infrared as opposed to Near ?? This information does not appear anywhere inc Amazon. It looks as if it is but need clarification.
It would be really useful if each product reviewed had NFR or FIR code.
Hi.. GREAT news. I finally got a reply back from the manufacturer who have confirmed my findings that it does use far infrared. Here was their reply:
“I’ve been advised by our Product team that it is using far-infrared. They have advised that near-infrared is usually for medical instruments. I hope that this information helps.”
Interested to read your article saying that Far-infrared panels “don’t have any smells”.
On receiving my panel, I was warned by the supplier (Warmforless), that it might smell a bit for the first few days. (First time that had been mentioned!).
Actually, it stinks to high heaven of fish-glue, and has done for the several weeks I’ve run it.
I’m amazed that there are no (?) comments about this in reviews, anywhere.
Very useful guide. Annoyingly, pretty much all the products are no longer on Amazon UK, view there are other equivalents.
I had already bought a 450W Klarstein panel for my study and an very pleased with it.
The only disappointment with all the panels I can find us that they do not have smart home integration (Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT etc), so it’s hard to integrate them with solar panels, variable tariffs or room sensors to create a more efficient and comfortable environment. They all seem to be missing a trick on this.
I have bought a couple of Sonoff/eWelink smart switches to get close to what I want.
Hi, thanks for this information. It’s very interesting but I’m afraid I’m still a little confused.
Is the radiant heater which looks like the ones we used to have many decades ago, still far ir?
Thank you.
Sarah
Hi Sarah, not quite. The older infrared heaters often use Tungsten wire or quartz that heats up (often called short range infrared heaters or even medium range infrared heaters that can hjeat up to between 1000 degrees C to 1600 degrees C. It’s to do with the wavelength of the emitted heat. Far range infrared heaters utilize low wattage ceramic plates that remain cold to the touch yet still heat to be transferred. Wikipedia expands on thsi topic even further (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared_heater) Thanks.. Shaun
Thanks for all the work you’ve put into this, Shaun. I’m thinking of taking a flat which has infrared-panels installed in it already, and I’m just checking out the benefits.
Fran, from Austria
Hey thanks Fran for the kind words 🙂 It’s very much appreciated.
Is the Klarstein Heatpal freestanding panel FAR infrared as opposed to Near ?? This information does not appear anywhere inc Amazon. It looks as if it is but need clarification.
It would be really useful if each product reviewed had NFR or FIR code.
Thank you for your helpful reviews.
Hi, from my research I believe it is… but to be safe I have contacted the manufacturer for clarification. I do apologize.
Hi.. GREAT news. I finally got a reply back from the manufacturer who have confirmed my findings that it does use far infrared. Here was their reply:
“I’ve been advised by our Product team that it is using far-infrared. They have advised that near-infrared is usually for medical instruments. I hope that this information helps.”
Thanks..
Shaun
Interested to read your article saying that Far-infrared panels “don’t have any smells”.
On receiving my panel, I was warned by the supplier (Warmforless), that it might smell a bit for the first few days. (First time that had been mentioned!).
Actually, it stinks to high heaven of fish-glue, and has done for the several weeks I’ve run it.
I’m amazed that there are no (?) comments about this in reviews, anywhere.
Hi Brian I guess that’s down to any possible lingering products/chemicals residue left from the manufacturing process.
When we discuss smells we refer to the typical smell you would get off older heating systems.
Hope that helps
Shaun
Very useful guide. Annoyingly, pretty much all the products are no longer on Amazon UK, view there are other equivalents.
I had already bought a 450W Klarstein panel for my study and an very pleased with it.
The only disappointment with all the panels I can find us that they do not have smart home integration (Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT etc), so it’s hard to integrate them with solar panels, variable tariffs or room sensors to create a more efficient and comfortable environment. They all seem to be missing a trick on this.
I have bought a couple of Sonoff/eWelink smart switches to get close to what I want.
Hi Simon thanks for the feedback. I totally get this! I’ll do some digging, as youd think this would have been done