Ceramic heaters are a fraud

[NormD]

Ceramic heaters lose about 1/3 of their heat output capacity each year, soon reaching the point where they are useless. At least, that is my experience with several that I have had. Perhaps there are some on the market that work well for long term. If so, I would like to hear of them.


Pelonis heaters, for example, use about 25 watts to run the fan and should use about 1,475 watts in the ceramic element for heat, in a 1,500-watt heater. After about 3 years of moderate use the total wattage of a "1,500-watt" heater is down to about 400 watts. The company is well aware of the fact but keeping it quiet. Other brands seem to follow the same pattern. Do you know of any brands that have full output for long term? I really like the small size of these units, but will never buy another without an assurance of long life.

[doorguy]

I use two of these little htrs, so I'm just posting to follow this thread.

[Jim.B1]

I totally agree.
As proof, I have a collection of 6, and combined they might put out 1500 watts.
This reminds me, it's garbage day tomorrow!

[1bigmess]

And that is why I have a radiator style heater.

[Jag73e]

And the alternative is?

[DGBPokes]

I’ve had a oil filled radiator heater in the S&B for over 30 years. And a small space heater for over 12 years. I never turn them on 1500 watts, I always use the low or medium settings. In the coach I have an electric heater/ fireplace and the before mentioned space heater. At the lower settings the electrical resistance is far below the components rating and will last indefinitely. Also a whole lot safer.

[Old-Biscuit]

Have a smaller sized 1500W electric space heater with 'tip over' protection


Used it in living room area of our 5th wheel when we FTd


It now is in the garage of S&B ...takes the chill out of the air while I am tinkering at work bench.


Bought it at an ACE Hardware store in Brookhaven MS back in 2008.

[Arch Hoagland]

We use a couple cheapies from Walmart...maybe $20. Seem to work OK for us.

Tried the oil filled but it had no way to move the air. I like the cheapies because they blow the hot air around.

[Clomok]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

We use a couple cheapies from Walmart...maybe $20. Seem to work OK for us.

Tried the oil filled but it had no way to move the air. I like the cheapies because they blow the hot air around.

Same here, we have the old school “heat strips and a fan” style, moves the are and heats up the trailer fairly well for its size

[THenne1713]

I have seen a few ceramic heaters that seemed poor after aging, but have seen radiators fail and glowing wire element heaters fail, too; thus, I again support the SAFE $20-$40 heater vs $200-$600 which had the same original heat ratings :-( But I have a ceramic w/ suspicion of low output, I may have to disassemble to troubleshoot the cause :-)
Hmmmmm

[SCVJeff]

Whats wrong with good old wound nichrome wire?

[Fiesta48]

The blower motor bearings usually go out first. Once it's noisy, out it goes...
I've got a 20 year old ceramic. I'd still be using it but it's only got 1 setting, too hot. The fan speed can be changed.
I don't use my heat pumps. They are $1000, cheap heaters are $20. Thats 50 cheapies to 1 pump.

[IC2]

We just use a couple 20 buck heaters from Tractor Supply. I'm sitting in front of one now but it does seem to be getting weaker so it will probably make a one wat trip to the dump soon, just like a couple of 50-60 dollar LASKO heater have made in the past year.

Curiuos as to how the OP found out haw these ceranic heaters dwindle in output. Or his test method

[Arch Hoagland]

IC2 said:
"Curiuos as to how the OP found out how these ceranic heaters dwindle in output. Or his test method."

Me 3