The Best Ceramic Disc Room Heaters

Pelonis

• Green living experts at the Discovery Channel affiliated site TreeHugger call the Pelonis Disk Furnace V, model number HC-461, one of the safest and most effective units on the market. This fan-forced space heater uses five ceramic discs, converting 80 percent of its 1,500-watt power usage into pure heat while remaining cool to the touch. Pelonis' compact heater caters to room sizes right around 10-by-10 feet. The Pelonis V receives LivingLab's E-award for the “best heavy duty heater.” This model retails for about $90 at the time of publication, although Pelonis offers three- and four-disc heaters at lower price points.

DeLonghi

• Professional reviewer Natalie Rodriguez of “This Old House” magazine recommends ceramic space heaters from DeLonghi, which ranked number five on the magazine's list of the top five best space heaters. DeLonghi's lineup of ceramic heaters come in three different compact shapes, ranging in price from $30 to $50, at the time of publication. Each one features a single ceramic heating disc behind a screen-like grate. “This Old House” praises these heaters for their ability to stay cool and their focused heating capabilities. The magazine recommends them for small offices and sunrooms.

Lasko

• Dan Crane, product reviewer at “Slate” magazine, scores Lasko's model 5429 oscillating ceramic heater favorably, calling it “a perfectly adequate little machine” for the price. This compact, single-disc ceramic heater features an aluminum baffle, two speed settings and an adjustable thermostat. Recommended for very small spaces, Lasko's offering comes in at a low price; at the time of publication, numerous retailers offer this heater for under $30.

Considerations

• Each individual's heating needs, budget, room design and safety concerns determine the “best” space heater for her. The U.S. Department of Energy, however, points out some issues to take into consideration. The DOE reminds consumers to buy heaters only if they have an Underwriter's Laboratory label attached. This label indicates that the heater has current safety features. Likewise, the DOE recommends looking at the general sizing table included with most room-sized heaters to avoid buying an oversized unit, as oversized heaters act as energy drains.