Electric heating radiators will always be in demand. A convective heater, or, simply, a convector, is one of the most common types of such devices. The principle of operation of such devices is based on the same physical process - convection, when the warm air flow rises.
Heating the house with an electric convector is as follows: ambient air is drawn in through the intake chamber; then it passes through an internal heating element; then through special openings on the radiator body goes up. When cooling, the air drops again, and the process repeats indefinitely, well, or until you pull the plug out of the outlet.
Features of the technique
First, let's figure out which electric convector is better than another and why, that is, we outline the main characteristics that you need to pay special attention to before buying. Everything else - color, appearance and method of placement - is not critical, and here you can simply rely on your personal preferences.
Power
This indicator is calculated quite simply. Each kilowatt of radiator power covers approximately 15 square meters of living space. The formula works provided that the height of your walls does not exceed a 3-meter mark. Beyond these limits, you need to add 10% power every 10 centimeters of height. Economical electric convectors, that is, low-power, will simply be useless for a large house or large apartment, because they will not heat up the available square meters, so you should not get carried away with such "savings".
overheat protection
In addition to overheating, there can also be some design features that protect the device from tipping over or freezing. Such additions are extremely important if you are going to purchase an electric convector for a summer house or a private house, that is, where regular checking of the radiator is not always possible.
Thermostat
Thermostats can be either electrical or mechanical. The first is distinguished by its accuracy and almost silent operation, and also copes with the shutter speed of the selected temperature mode. The second one loses significantly in accuracy, but the mechanical thermostat is much cheaper and less picky about the voltage drops in the network, as well as more durable. Which electric convector is better in this or that case, you decide: you have a stable 220 V or sensible stabilizer - take an electrician, in other cases it is better to stop on the mechanics. Otherwise, you risk staying in a cold room due to a burned-out thermostat.
The best appliances
For a more visual picture, we will make a rating of electric convectors, which includes the most popular and most sensible models from different manufacturers. The participants in the list have a large number of positive feedback from users and have repeatedly received some awards at specialized exhibitions.
Rating of electric convectors:
- Neurot Spot E-3 1000.
- Nobo C4F 20 XSC Viking.
- Timberk TEC PF8 LE 1000 IN.
- Ballu Plaza BEP / E-1000.
- Timberk TEC.PS1 LE 1500 IN.
- Electrolux ECH / AG-1500EF.
- "Skul" SC HT HM1 1000W.
- Atlantic Bonjour 1000W.
- “Roda Deluxe” X 2.0 -2.0 / 2302.
Consider each participant in more detail.
Noirot Spot E-3 1000
Noirot wall mounted electric convector has an efficiency of 90% and 1 kW of power. The model is the best option for operation in rooms with an area of 10-15 m 2 . The convector was distinguished by rapid heating of the main element and minimal impact on air.
Despite the fact that the device comes to us from Europe, where the voltage in the network is clearly more stable than the domestic one, the automation of the Noirot electric convector is able to withstand strong fluctuations. It should also be noted that the model can memorize its current state: if the electricity was turned off, the parameters do not go astray and nothing needs to be adjusted again.
In addition, intelligent automation will save you a lot of time and offer several modes to choose from, and the latter exist not just for show, but really work as they should and help a lot.
Advantages of the model:
- good indicator of efficiency;
- economical device for heated meter;
- reliable and nice design;
- many settings and automatic modes;
- overheat protection;
- silent unit.
No flaws were found.
Estimated cost - about 6000 rubles.
Nobo C4F 20 XSC Viking
This wall-mounted model is included in the rating of electric convectors due to its practicality. The device is twice as powerful as the previous analogue and perfectly copes with an area of up to 30 m 2 . The model is powerful, but silent and goes to operating modes within 60 seconds.
The burning of oxygen is virtually eliminated thanks to the competent aluminum fins of the radiator. Therefore, you will not get any discomfort when heating in the face of mixed odors. Despite the fact that this is an electric convector with a mechanical type thermostat , the model has quite fine control settings. The only negative that is more than offset by all the pluses is the price.
Pluses of model:
- large working area of heating;
- almost instantaneous heating (less than a minute);
- the presence of protection against overheating;
- mechanical temperature regulator with high precision tuning;
- convenient mechanism for mounting on the wall;
- reliable and durable construction.
Minuses:
- the cost of the device is too high for a domestic consumer.
Estimated price - about 12,000 rubles.
Timberk TEC PF8 LE 1000 IN
This is a 1 kW Timberk wall mounted electric convector. The model was distinguished by good resistance to voltage drops in the network, and this is in the presence of the most accurate electronic thermostat. Here you can add excellent moisture resistance of the structure and an extremely attractive appearance.
The device is able to heat a room with an area of 10-13 m 2 . The indicator is not the best, but for small apartments is enough. The model is equipped with an LED-display, has a control panel, and in general, looks elegant in any environment. In the pluses, you can add two heating modes - “autumn” and “winter”, which means that the room can be heated, and not heated, if there is such a need.
Advantages of the model:
- ultra-precise electronic thermostat;
- reliable protection against voltage surges;
- overheat protection;
- two heating modes;
- design is protected against moisture according to IPx24;
- exclusive and extremely attractive appearance;
- LED display with remote control.
Disadvantages:
Estimated cost - about 5000 rubles.
Ballu Plaza BEP / E-1000
The kilowatt model included in our rating of electric convectors has a meticulous and thoughtful design along with a high efficiency index. Guests will take the device rather for a plasma TV on wheels, than for a conventional heater.
The Ballu convector has ten automatic operating modes, several heating programs, and the very useful anti-freeze function allows you to maximize the full potential of the unit. In its class (floor type) - this is one of the best models that will ideally heat an area of up to 15 m 2 .
It should also be noted that the Ballu convector is silent and the heating element is made of aluminum, which in the best way affects the oxygen space of the room. You can control the heater both from the control panel and from the remote control.
Pluses of model:
- high-quality heating element made of aluminum;
- a large number of automatic modes;
- high rate of efficiency;
- remote control;
- silent unit.
Minuses:
- the buttons on the case are “wooden”, so it’s okay to control only the remote control.
Estimated price - about 4000 rubles.
Timberk TEC.PS1 LE 1500 IN
Another floor electric convector, distinguished by its manufacturability. The model will not only qualitatively heat an area of 15-20 m 2 , but also add live air with a built-in ionizer. Using an electronic thermostat, you can set the necessary, and most importantly - the exact settings.
In addition, the LE series floor-mounted electric convectors have an express heating mode, which allows you to heat the entire room to the desired temperature in a matter of minutes. If you are a frugal and frugal person, you can enable the corresponding economy option and maintain a comfortable temperature noticeably less paying your bills.
It will also not be amiss to note that the convector can be called to some extent a universal household appliance. On the shelves of the brand, additional equipment for this series is sold - a humidifier and a heated towel rail, so for small apartments where every meter counts - this is an ideal option, and with a very affordable price tag for the available characteristics.
Advantages of the model:
- nice looking appearance;
- the presence of an air ionizer;
- electronic type thermostat with the highest possible (for this type of equipment) accuracy;
- modern heating element;
- two heating modes;
- There is a convenient daily off timer.
Disadvantages:
- distinct and frightening clicks are heard during the change of modes.
Estimated cost - about 4000 rubles.
Electrolux ECH / AG-1500EF
One and a half kilowatt electric convectors from Electrolux do a great job with rooms up to 15 m2. The floor heater is equipped with a system of protective screens, so moving it, even in intensive modes, can burn your hands without fear. The convector body heats up to 20 percent less than its competitors, and goes to working modes of heating in a minute with a little, which is also a good indicator in its class.
The Electrolux electric convector practically does not dry the airspace of the room, is characterized by frost resistance and a high efficiency indicator, as well as efficiency. The model can not be called expensive, looking at the available characteristics, so you can recommend it to anyone.
Pluses of model:
- the element heats up quickly and starts to work (about a minute);
- nice and versatile appearance;
- practically does not dry the air in the room;
- economical unit for its class;
- high rate of efficiency.
Minuses:
- the manufacturer slightly overestimated the passport heating area (about 13 m 2 instead of 15).
Estimated price - about 4500 rubles.
Scoole SC HT HM1 1000W
Despite the fact that this is a model from the budget segment, it easily and efficiently copes with an area of up to 20 m 2 . Some analogues from the premium segment and can not cope with this. Here is the main chip in the mycothermal radiator, which allows you to reach the operating temperature in a matter of seconds.
Stainless steel tapes are used as heating elements in the convector, due to which the cost of the entire apparatus is significantly reduced. Such a “filling” is less reliable, but for moderate climatic zones, where winters are not so cold, it will work, because the equipment will not be used all year round.
Advantages of the model:
- very fast set of operating temperature;
- attractive and versatile appearance;
- impressive heating area for kilowatt;
- accurate and reliable bimetallic thermostat of mechanical type;
- more than a democratic price tag for the available features.
Disadvantages:
- stainless steel as the main element is less reliable than aluminum.
Estimated cost - about 2000 rubles.
Atlantic Bonjour 1000W
Unlike the previous model, this low-cost Atlantic electric convector is equipped with a heating element with a significantly increased service life. In addition, the heater works almost silently and almost does not dry the air.
It is also worth noting that the model meets all modern safety protocols for this kind of technology: there is protection against overheating and freezing of the main elements, the case is protected from moisture and is protected by automatic shutdown when dropped. In this regard, the heater is fully consistent with European standards.
Here, the heating area acts as a fly in the ointment - about 10 m 2 . Yes, the indicator is modest, but for a small bedroom or kitchen - an option quite worthy. In addition, the price tag for the model is very attractive for the available characteristics.
Convector advantages:
- high-quality room heating;
- fast start;
- all safety protocols for this kind of equipment are followed;
- nice looking appearance;
- affordable price tag.
Minuses:
Estimated price - about 2000 rubles.
Roda Delux X 2.0 EVNA-2.0 / 2302
If you are looking for an inexpensive convective type heater that can work in a very aggressive environment (large bathroom, loggia, etc.), then Roda Delux is an excellent option. An electric spatial thermostat will allow you to set the desired temperature as accurately as possible, and two kilowatts of power will easily heat a room with an area of up to 30 m 2 .
The model is reliably protected from moisture, so it can be safely installed even in the bathroom, at least in the pool - the body will adequately cope with increased moisture. In addition, the temperature of the external elements will never rise above the mark of 60 degrees, so they simply can not get burned. The price tag for the model also does not bite and is quite acceptable for the ordinary domestic consumer.
Advantages of the model:
- excellent protection against moisture;
- heating an impressive area (up to 30 m 2 );
- high precision electric type thermostat;
- the case is reliably protected from overheating;
- Attractive and versatile design.
Disadvantages:
- in some cases (depending on the environment) it dries the air very much.
Estimated cost - about 3500 rubles.
Summarizing
As mentioned above, before choosing a convective heater and giving your money in cash, be sure to take into account three main parameters - power, type of thermostat and protection class.
Do not take a two-kilowatt device in a small room. Firstly, you will siphon from there such capacities, and secondly - spend far from a small amount of money to pay electricity bills. The stock per meter, of course, should be, but not more than 2 or 3 squares.
As for thermostats, here you must definitely look at the quality of your wiring. In old houses or summer cottages it is better to take mechanical devices or take care of an intelligent stabilizer so as not to throw out money every month to repair the heater. If everything is normal with the mains voltage, then choose any model with an electric “stuffing”.
Well, with the protection of things unequivocally - the more it is, the better. For summer houses and dilapidated housing, this moment is especially relevant. It will also be useful to take into account the maximum temperature of the case if there are small children in the house who strive to feel and taste everything.