The best electric convectors for heating in 2019

An electric convector is a device for space heating that works according to the heat transfer method, in which heat energy is transferred by directed air jets. The convector is a direct heating electrical system, which is usually located next to the windows or directly under the window sill.

Attention, you can read about which convectors are in the greatest demand in 2022 here.

How convection works

Convection is the natural movement of air in space based on physical laws. The air flow acts as a heat carrier, accumulates heat, and then transfers and distributes it in space.

The electric convector is ideal as an additional source of heat in the room, if for some reason the central heating cannot cope with the heating of the rooms. This is an elegant and simple solution for creating a comfortable environment.

Convection heaters (known as convector heaters): have no moving parts, so they are completely silent. They create natural air currents that circulate quietly throughout the room.

The principle of operation of these heaters is simple - to direct cold air streams through their body, where the heating element is located, and then to bring these streams of warm air into the room. Convectors use physical laws for heating, thermally induced rise of air masses.

During operation, the convector generates the movement of heat and air. Heat is obtained when electric current is applied to heating elements, such as heating elements. The cold air is heated in the convector and is usually discharged upwards or laterally as hot air.

Warm air rises, while drawing in additional cold air space from below, this sets in motion the entire air mass in the room. To maintain a certain temperature, the air must be constantly enriched with heat again and again.

Convection additionally depends on the shape of the radiator.A good example is a radiator, like a direct heating system that creates air movement along its typical finned shape. When the equipment is turned on, the radiator coolant (oil, gas, water) heats up and circulates in the device. The radiator starts to work to radiate heat. Cold air enters the fins from below, heats up and rises. A cycle begins that heats up the room.

The power of convectors is expressed in watts. The connection is made through a connection (connector, "plug") with a conventional power supply or separately installed cables. As a rule, the higher the power, the more expensive the heater costs. But if you choose a powerful heater that warms up the room quickly and then turns off, then it will use less electricity than a heater that takes longer to warm up the room.

Mounting method

Placement and installation of convectors is best done in certain areas of the room, for example, under windows or in the floor area, depending on the condition of the thermal insulation and the purpose of use. Proper installation of the heater results in an invisible heat shield that prevents the spread and penetration of cold into the room.

Modern or renovated buildings that have optimal insulation or central heating do not require protection from cold air; in such rooms, the convector can only be used for short-term heating of the rooms.

Selection criteria, how much it costs, which one is better to buy

Selection criteria depend on the size of the heated room. The performance of a convection heater is always determined by the size of the room.For example, if the room is 25 square meters, you should have a 2000 to 2500 watt heater. Heaters have their advantages and disadvantages, in principle, like any other technique.

Convection heaters have one drawback - they heat the room more slowly. And the advantages of electric convectors include the fact that they provide more uniform heating of the room than fan heaters and the noise from them is much less.

Convectors can be used anywhere in the apartment, house or cottage. There are wall and floor models with protection for use in heating bathrooms and other wet areas. For use in bathrooms, the devices must be splash-proof. This can be seen in the IPx 24 marking, the figure should be this or higher.

Convection heaters are quite tall and wide themselves, but are usually thin and light, making it easy to move from room to room.

Programmable modern electric convectors with "smart" thermostatic control are considered energy-saving devices that save electricity, and therefore money. This is due to the fact that they turn on and off only as needed, so they will not waste electricity, but at the same time they constantly maintain heat in the room according to the set temperature parameters.

Useful additional functions in the convector

Some convection heaters have useful additional features, such as an LCD screen that displays various modes and the current temperature, or, for example, a remote control to turn on the heater, and converter manufacturers install a fan to increase airflow.Only in this way it is possible to significantly increase the speed of space heating and the heat output of this convector heating system.

Premium models can be equipped with the following features:

1. Timer and Thermostat. Paying attention when choosing an electric convector to the place where the temperature sensor of the thermostat is located, you can protect yourself from a fire hazard. The sensor should be located as far as possible from the hot parts of the heater - for example, at the bottom, into which cold air from the room passes. Otherwise, the heater itself will interfere with the operation of the temperature sensor, which may cause incorrect operation of the entire device due to large temperature fluctuations. The timer is useful for turning on the heater just before you get home or wake up (in your absence, the device is turned off and does not work, thereby saving energy). Some models have frost protection, which means that the device can be set to automatically heat when the temperature drops below five degrees. Frost protection can be a useful feature for conservatories or utility rooms, cottages, garages, as this mode will operate at a minimum level, maintaining sufficient heat above zero.
2. Thermal switch. Some heaters have a built-in thermal switch that turns off the heater if it overheats, an important safety feature.
3. Tilt sensor. Some portable heaters have a built-in tilt control that shuts off the heater if it tips over—another important safety feature to look out for.
4. Cold air setting.In some devices, fans can help cool the room. It's not as efficient as air conditioning, for example, but a gentle breeze of cold air is better than nothing.
5. Climate control. Climate control is a useful feature - the convector heats the room, and when the desired temperature is reached, the heater will simply maintain it.
6. Smart Heating is a very modern way to control the heating in your home. You will need to install the application on your mobile device, and you will be able to control the heating of your home, wherever you are.

In any case, convectors must be equipped with overheating protection to minimize the risk of fire.

More about the criteria for choosing a convector - in the video:

Advantages and disadvantages of convection heaters

Pros:

• Convection heaters heat the room evenly. Due to the fact that the stream of heated air created by them rises and falls evenly in a closed space.
• Convection heating panels can be installed at any height of open wall space in any room.
• Convection heaters can be built into the floor, which means you can place them directly in front of stairs or floor-to-ceiling windows.
• With convection heaters of any type, the temperature of each room can be controlled individually.
• In most cases, convection heaters operate quietly. Fan-equipped heaters, which are most often used in bathrooms, may make some noise, but this is not critical to make you feel uncomfortable.
• Convection heaters are the most economical.They save 10% more energy costs compared to electric heating panels and oil-filled radiators.
• But the most compelling advantage of convection heaters is that they are aesthetically pleasing and provide optimum comfort heat in a short time.

Minuses:

Since convection heaters do not contain air filters and move air around the room, they can create a lot of dust interference. This can be a problem for people with dust allergies.

Types of heating elements

To carry out heating, any device needs a heating element, with the help of which warm air is released into the room.

In convectors, this element is called a heating element and can be of different configurations, among which we can distinguish:

• The heating element of a needle design is a heating thread coated with an insulating varnish. The heaters of such a device are not protected from liquid ingress, therefore they are not suitable for heating rooms with a high degree of moisture.
• A tubular heating element has a tube filled with a heat-conducting material. To increase convection, the heating element has side ribs that are designed for additional heat distribution. Such heaters are equipped with protection against overheating and tilt, which makes it possible to use them in a children's room. On the other hand, such models heat up for a long time and may emit extraneous noise during operation.
• A monolithic heater is the most economical in terms of energy used. The body of the device is seamless and works silently. An excellent choice if electric heating is the main indoor heating. Despite the high cost, such models will fully justify themselves in one heating season.
  Models with a needle-shaped heating element have a low cost, but you should not count on the long-term operation of these devices. But the tubular or monolithic design of the heating element can serve for heating for quite a long time. The question is the price and the number of devices to meet all needs.

Manufacturers

To date, a fairly large number of enterprises are engaged in the production of convection heaters, but not all can boast of high-quality models. Of the brands that produce really worthwhile devices, we can note:

1. NOBO is a Norwegian brand specializing in the production of climate technology. In 1929, the company manufactured a water-based heating installation. The first device that emits heat was released in 1939, and since 1947, production has completely switched to the manufacture of convectors. Manufactured products, at the Nobo plant, undergo a mandatory 100% quality control. Convectors are tested for quality at maximum load on the operation of the overheating protection system. Due to the high quality of products, the brand gives a great guarantee for its devices.
2. The Stiebel and AEG brands are the epitome of German quality, reliability and technology. Technological solutions developed on the basis of many years of experience, multi-stage quality control, innovative production, all this has allowed Stiebel to become a recognized leader among equipment that is responsible for human comfort.
3. The AB Electrolux concern is the largest manufacturer of home and professional equipment. Electrolux occupies a leading position in the European home appliance market and holds the third largest position in the United States. The success of Electrolux products for decades lies in the impeccable quality of the products.The products manufactured by the concern have a principle formulated at the beginning of its existence: "The price of Electrolux products is determined only by the presence or absence of additional functionality, but not by the difference in the quality of the models." This can explain the stable popularity of the brand among customers.
4. Noirot is a French company that develops and manufactures products in its own production areas. The continuous process from design to testing allows full quality control. Noirot electric convectors and heaters have international quality standards. All models are waterproof IP24 and do not require grounding wiring (class II electrical protection). Noirot convectors can work even in the absence of people for a long time, while maintaining the set temperature and fire safety parameters. The use of automation allows Noirot convectors to withstand power surges from 190 V to 242 V. The automation and security system used in Noirot appliances is the same for all devices, from the budget Spot E-II series to the premium Verlys Evolution and Calidou models. With proper operation, the life of Noirot products is more than 25 years.

Overview of the best convection heaters

An analysis of the best convection heaters is made up of popular models with an average cost. These are devices that are designed for the average buyer who thinks about the quality of the device and at the same time does not spend money on unnecessary details.

NOBO Nordic C4E 15 FW

Price: from 8100 rubles.

An excellent solution for heating any type of premises. The case is equipped with protection against moisture.Control of electronic type with smooth adjustment of the general temperature. Wall and floor type of placement.

• Overheating shutdown function;
• Warranty up to 10 years.

• Legs for installation in the floor version are purchased separately;
• The heating area is 15 sq.m;
• Large size 92.5x40x5.5 cm.

Video review of the model:

Noirot Spot E-5 750

Price: from 6,020 rubles

Convectors of the Spot E-5 series have a new generation electronic control unit equipped with a display. It allows you to set the desired temperature mode with an accuracy of up to a degree. This was made possible by equipping the models with an ASIC® digital thermostat, which maintains the required temperature with an accuracy of 0.1 ° C.

Precise maintenance of temperature balance, and at the same time low power in standby mode (no more than 0.5 W) guarantee energy savings and increase the life of the device. During operation of the convector, maximum comfort is created in the room without temperature changes.

• Small dimensions 340x440x80 mm;
• Standard power requirements;
• Warranty up to 10 years.

• Overcharge;
• Heating area up to 10m²;
• No timer.

More about the features of this device - in the video:

Stiebel Eltron CNS 100 S

Price: from 4940 rubles.

Convector, intended placement of a universal type. Optionally, it can be mounted on the floor or wall. It has an energy efficiency of up to 98% and maintains the indoor climate at a level of 5 C to 30 C. Equipping the convector with double insulation of the body according to the II class of electrical safety does not require grounding, which makes the model available for use in suburban areas.

• Moisture protection according to category IP 24;
• Light weight 4.2 kg and small dimensions 450 * 450 * 100 mm;
• Protection against overheating and power surge within 150 - 240 V;
• A stainless steel heating element with an aluminum heat exchanger guarantees access to fast and full heating power;
• Does not dry the air
• The manufacturer's warranty is for 5 years.

• The company recommends that the installation and the first launch of the model be carried out with the help of a specialist.

Professional video review:

Electrolux ECH/R-1500 E BLACK

Price: from 4,500 rubles

The Rapid Black convector has a black color and a matte finish. Such a model will appeal not only to buyers who care about the aesthetic side of the device, but also quick heating in the premises. The convector of this series is a premium heating device.

The SX-DUOS heating element has an increased length and a "shell" surface, thanks to which the device reaches the operating temperature as quickly as possible. Warming up in just one and a half minutes of seconds, it immediately starts working to heat the room.

• The HFT thermostat provides reliability in the operation of the device and provides climate control with an accuracy of 0.1 ° C.
• The LED display will show the necessary modes and functions of the electronic unit and save all settings in memory.
• The device can be installed on any surface and has full mobility.
• A special wheel system makes it possible to freely move the convector to any room;
• The package includes a bracket with which the device can be mounted on the wall.
• The service life of the heating element is 25 years, and the guarantee for the operation of the Rapid series devices is 3 years.

• The buttons make an annoying noise.

More about this convector - in the video:

AEG WKL 503 S

Price: from 3770 rubles

Budget version of the convector, which can only be used in the wall mounting variation. Small dimensions 37x45x10 cm and light weight 3 kg. allows you to determine the model on any wall, regardless of its quality.

• Price;
• The presence of a thermostat;
• Overheat shutdown.

• Mechanical control;
• Low power.

conclusions

From the review received, the most recommended models for residential use are Stiebel Eltron CNS 100 S and Electrolux ECH / R-1500 E BLACK, although in the latter case, many buyers are not satisfied with the black design of the device.

Models NOBO Nordic C4E 15 and Noirot Spot E-5 750 captivate with their quality and the number of additional functions, but at the same time they have a high cost.On the other hand, the AEG WKL 503 S convector, having a low price, does not meet all the necessary functionality.

The process of choosing an electric convector should focus on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, its heat protection and the ability of home wiring to withstand the required voltage. At the same time, it is worthwhile to soberly evaluate all the factors of the device operation and the absence of fire hazardous components near the convector.