Space heaters have become more than functional ways to supplement our main source of household heating, they have become pieces of furniture to adorn and decorate our rooms! It is therefore easy to become dazzled by the stylish array of appliances in the sale room and forget about the need for reliability, economy and efficiency which should dominate our selection of such items. What, therefore, are the best brands to buy?
If we look at product ratings, inspired by manufacturers' claims and consumer feedback, it is, perhaps surprisingly, not the most expensive devices that win the heating Oscars. One of the most recommended brands on the market is, in fact, one of the cheapest, the sleek and very stylish Lasko 5775 ceramic tower heater. This is a 1500W oscillating heater which is ideal for smaller spaces as it quietly diffuses heat around the room from a very small area. It is easy to operate and economical to run with its dual temperature control and, being lightweight and portable, packs away unobtrusively in any corner when not in use. In contrast to the tower style heater, Lasko also offers a low-profile heater which sits close to the floor and particularly unobtrusive because of its silent motor. It comes with a multi-function remote control, just right for the digital age, and has received glowing reviews from its users. It is slightly more powerful than the tower heater, but only marginally more expensive.
If tower heaters are your favourite style, the DeLonghi TCH8590ER 1500 Watt 34" Tower Ceramic Heater is undoubtedly one of leading market brands. It was ranked second best tower space heater by Bestcovery in 2009 and it very easy to see why consumers rated this so highly. It looks amazing, has a 24 hour timer and automatic on-off controls and has been extolled for its safety and efficiency. It costs .00 more than the Lasko tower but looks many times better with its modern, sleek, black design.
Honeywell make a similar black and chrome 1500W tower heater which has some reassuring built-in safety options, such as non-tilt and auto shut-off but it lacks the sleek, modern appearance of the DeLonghi and is more expensive than the Lasko. However another reliable tower heater is the Sunpendown, ranked fourth in best overall space heater by Bestcovery in 2009. With its built-in ionizer, digital thermostat and remote control, it offers more 'gadget-appeal' than the Lasko and also comes in white for the purists at heart.
Another very reliable brand of tower heater is the Soleus HM360 'Micathermic'. This may sound very modern but its appearance is solid and traditional with its rounded 'pot belly' and Queen Anne style legs mounted on casters for portability around larger spaces.
Choosing the best brand of space heater takes careful consideration. There are many reliable brands on the market and it is almost impossible for aesthetic appeal not to influence choice. The important thing is to do your research before buying and look for nationally-recognised testing laboratory endorsement first, functionality second and appearance last.
