Written by Maud
Edited on
30 September 2025
·
09:40
What are the differences between the types of electric heaters?
There are different types of electric heaters, such as a fan heater, convection heater, and infrared heater. The heating method, noise level, and how fast you can heat the space differs per model. We'll explain what the differences are here.
Main differences between the different types of heaters
| Fan heater | Convection heater | Oil-filled convection heater | Infrared heater | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heats with | Filament and fan | Convection | Convection | Infrared radiation |
| Suitable for | Living room and garage | Living room, bedroom, and bathroom | Living room and bedroom | Living room, bedroom, bathroom, and garage |
| Sound | Loud | Silent | Silent | Silent |
| The heat feels | As if you're standing in front of a large, warm hair dryer | As if the air around you heats up slowly | As if the air around you heats up slowly | As if you step from the shadow into the sun |
| Heating speed | Fast | Slow | Slow | Fast |
Heating method
Fan heater: heating element with fan
A fan heater has a heating element with a fan behind it. The heating element is either a filament or a ceramic plate. With the fan, the heater blows hot air into the room. It's similar to the heat of a hair dryer. Because these heaters have a fan, they produce a lot more noise than other types of electric heaters.
Convection and oil-filled heater: convection
A convection heater works with convection. This means that the cold air flows past a heating element and heats it up. The hot air rises, which causes cold air to flow past the heater. There are 2 types of heaters that work with convection heat: convection heaters and oil-filled convection heaters. In an oil-filled heater, the heating element is filled with oil. You don't need to refill this. An oil-filled heater stays hot for longer, so you can switch it off sooner than a convection heater without oil.
Infrared heater: infrared radiation
An infrared heater works with radiant heat. This means that the heater heats people, animals, and objects, but it doesn't heat the air. As a result, you feel the heat right away. The heat from infrared heaters feels like stepping out of the shadow into the sun. These heaters don't produce any noise, so you can easily use them in every room.
Type of heat
Fan heaters: heat quickly
You'll feel the heat from a fan heater right away. This allows you to use the heaters when you're working in the garage as well. Because this heater heats the air in the room, the air may feel a bit dry.
Convection and oil-filled heater: heats for a while
Because a convection heater works like a regular radiator, you can easily keep a room at the desired temperature. It does take 15 to 30 minutes for you to feel the heat. This makes convection heaters less suitable for spaces you won't be in for long, such as the garage
Infrared heaters: heat quickly
You'll feel the heat from an infrared heater right away. Because these heaters don't heat the air in the room, an infrared heater is mostly suitable as extra heating. For example, for your bathroom or study.
Article by Maud
Heater Expert.
