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Cloud · 10-04-2010, 11:41 AM

From Consumer Reports:

Our tests of the latest electric space heaters show that they provide more-consistent heat than those we last tested. And while they have the most current safety features, space heaters cause an estimated 21,650 home fires and 1,512 fire-related injuries and deaths each year, according the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Fuel-fired models carry their own risks.

All of the tested space heaters will comfortably warm a chilly room. But remember, the only way to potentially save money is to use a heater in one room and leave the rest of the house chillier.

When you shop for an electric space heater, look for a label from a recognized testing laboratory such as UL (Underwriters Laboratory), ETL (Intertek), or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) verifying that the heater's construction and performance meet U.S. voluntary safety standards.

Also, fuel-burning space heaters are more dangerous than electrics. We suggest that you consider them only for emergency use--say, during a winter power outage.

Our experts and the NFPA offer the following safety advice:

* Don't leave an electric heater unattended while it's plugged in. Place the heater on a level, flat surface where children and pets can't reach it--and never in a child's room. Use a heater on a tabletop only when specified by the manufacturer. If you place it on furniture, it could fall and be damaged.
* Don't use a space heater in a damp or wet area unless it's designed for outdoor use or in bathrooms. Moisture could damage it.
* Keep combustible materials such as furniture, bedding, and curtains at least three feet from the front of the heater and away from its sides and rear. Don't use a heater near paint, gas cans, or matches. Keep the air intake and outlet clear.
* Run the electric cord on top of area rugs or carpeting so that you can step over it and not abrade it underfoot. Plugging another electrical device into the same outlet or extension cord as the heater could cause overheating.

All of our Recommended models scored at least Very Good for temperature control, safety, noise, and easy of use--something none of the spot-heating radiant models managed. All models have overheat protection; our top picks add a tip-over switch and were easy to control and carry. Most also cost under $100, not $300 or more.

Best choices for under $100:
All use natural convection to heat the room, making them quieter but slower-heating than fan-equipped models. The Honeywell HZ-817 and the Honeywell Low Profile Convection Heater HZ-519 have a room-temperature displa... ExpandMore

Honeywell-HZ-817-Space heater-image
BEST BUY

* Honeywell HZ-817
* Type: Space heaters
* Electric Convection Models
* Price as tested:
* $70

Overall score
100
0
86
This model has been tested by our experts.
See our ratings for this Space heater

Kenwood-Mica Panel HHP1500K-Space heater-image
RECOMMENDED

* Kenwood Mica Panel HHP1500K
* Type: Space heaters
* Electric Convection Models
* Price as tested:
* $80

Overall score
100
0
85
This model has been tested by our experts.
See our ratings for this Space heater

Soleusair-HM2-15R-32-Space heater-image
RECOMMENDED

* Soleusair HM2-15R-32
* Type: Space heaters
* Electric Convection Models
* Price as tested:
* $80

Overall score
100
0
84
This model has been tested by our experts.
See our ratings for this Space heater

Honeywell-Low Profile Convection Heater HZ-519-Space heater-image
BEST BUY

* Honeywell Low Profile Convection Heater HZ-519
* Type: Space heaters
* Electric Convection Models
* Price as tested:
* $60

Overall score
100
0
82
This model has been tested by our experts.
See our ratings for this Space heater

Faster heating at a higher price:
While not exactly cheap, the Vornado offers the best combination of performance and features in this category. It's also relatively light and quiet for a fan-equipped heater was best at temperature control.

Vornado-Vortex Heat TouchStone 500 EH1-0032-28-Space heater-image
RECOMMENDED

* Vornado Vortex Heat TouchStone 500 EH1-0032-28
* Type: Space heaters
* Electric Fan-Forced Convection Models
* Price as tested:
* $150

Overall score
100
0
78
This model has been tested by our experts.
See our ratings for this Space heater

10-04-2010, 11:41 AM	#4
Cloud ... Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 8,360	From Consumer Reports: Our tests of the latest electric space heaters show that they provide more-consistent heat than those we last tested. And while they have the most current safety features, space heaters cause an estimated 21,650 home fires and 1,512 fire-related injuries and deaths each year, according the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Fuel-fired models carry their own risks. All of the tested space heaters will comfortably warm a chilly room. But remember, the only way to potentially save money is to use a heater in one room and leave the rest of the house chillier. When you shop for an electric space heater, look for a label from a recognized testing laboratory such as UL (Underwriters Laboratory), ETL (Intertek), or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) verifying that the heater's construction and performance meet U.S. voluntary safety standards. Also, fuel-burning space heaters are more dangerous than electrics. We suggest that you consider them only for emergency use--say, during a winter power outage. Our experts and the NFPA offer the following safety advice: * Don't leave an electric heater unattended while it's plugged in. Place the heater on a level, flat surface where children and pets can't reach it--and never in a child's room. Use a heater on a tabletop only when specified by the manufacturer. If you place it on furniture, it could fall and be damaged. * Don't use a space heater in a damp or wet area unless it's designed for outdoor use or in bathrooms. Moisture could damage it. * Keep combustible materials such as furniture, bedding, and curtains at least three feet from the front of the heater and away from its sides and rear. Don't use a heater near paint, gas cans, or matches. Keep the air intake and outlet clear. * Run the electric cord on top of area rugs or carpeting so that you can step over it and not abrade it underfoot. Plugging another electrical device into the same outlet or extension cord as the heater could cause overheating. All of our Recommended models scored at least Very Good for temperature control, safety, noise, and easy of use--something none of the spot-heating radiant models managed. All models have overheat protection; our top picks add a tip-over switch and were easy to control and carry. Most also cost under $100, not $300 or more. Best choices for under $100: All use natural convection to heat the room, making them quieter but slower-heating than fan-equipped models. The Honeywell HZ-817 and the Honeywell Low Profile Convection Heater HZ-519 have a room-temperature displa... ExpandMore Honeywell-HZ-817-Space heater-image BEST BUY * Honeywell HZ-817 * Type: Space heaters * Electric Convection Models * Price as tested: * $70 Overall score 100 0 86 This model has been tested by our experts. See our ratings for this Space heater Kenwood-Mica Panel HHP1500K-Space heater-image RECOMMENDED * Kenwood Mica Panel HHP1500K * Type: Space heaters * Electric Convection Models * Price as tested: * $80 Overall score 100 0 85 This model has been tested by our experts. See our ratings for this Space heater Soleusair-HM2-15R-32-Space heater-image RECOMMENDED * Soleusair HM2-15R-32 * Type: Space heaters * Electric Convection Models * Price as tested: * $80 Overall score 100 0 84 This model has been tested by our experts. See our ratings for this Space heater Honeywell-Low Profile Convection Heater HZ-519-Space heater-image BEST BUY * Honeywell Low Profile Convection Heater HZ-519 * Type: Space heaters * Electric Convection Models * Price as tested: * $60 Overall score 100 0 82 This model has been tested by our experts. See our ratings for this Space heater Faster heating at a higher price: While not exactly cheap, the Vornado offers the best combination of performance and features in this category. It's also relatively light and quiet for a fan-equipped heater was best at temperature control. Vornado-Vortex Heat TouchStone 500 EH1-0032-28-Space heater-image RECOMMENDED * Vornado Vortex Heat TouchStone 500 EH1-0032-28 * Type: Space heaters * Electric Fan-Forced Convection Models * Price as tested: * $150 Overall score 100 0 78 This model has been tested by our experts. See our ratings for this Space heater __________________ "Guard your honor. Let your reputation fall where it will. And outlive the bastards!"