Welcome to the micathermic heater comparison blog! What you'll find here is unique and useful information covering every popular make and model of micathermic heaters.
We welcome your comments and suggestions and would also enjoy hearing about your personal experiences with micathermic heating.
Sam Streubel
Editor/Publisher: Small Space Heater Reviews
What is a micathermic heater?
A micathermic space heater consists of a heating element(s) covered by thin sheets of mica. This innovative technology makes the ultra thin design possible and results in a heater with both radiant and convective heating properties.
Radiant heat is felt almost immediately by the occupants of a room while convection, or rising heat, warms the surrounding air.
Micathermic heaters are available in two very different designs. One is the console style which resembles a radiator (but with no fluid inside) and the second is the flat panel design which looks like an LED television. All of the flat panel style heaters shown here, with the exception of the Bionaire 1551-U, include hardware for optional wall mounting.
The three brand names reviewed here account for the majority of micathermic heaters sold in the U.S. Although additional models are available from Pelonis and Lakewood, too few are sold and too little information is available from these manufacturers to compile a useful review.
Advantages of micathermic heating
1. Silent operation. The number one space heater complaint is noise. Since a mica heater relies on radiant and convective heat for heat distribution it doesn't need a fan. No fan - no noise; it's that simple.
2. Compared to an oil filled heater a micathermic heater heats up almost instantly.
3. The light weight design and built in carry handle on micathermic heaters makes moving and storing them easy for people of all ages.
4. Since there is no fan, the room air retains valuable moisture and harmful airborne allergens are kept to a minimum.
Disadvantages
1. Although a mica panel heater warms a room faster than an oil filled heater, any type of space heater without a fan won't warm up a room nearly as fast as one with a fan. The absence of a fan also means it will not heat as large an area as a fan equipped heater like the Vornado Vortex for example.
2. A micathermic heater doesn't retain heat like an oil filled heater when it is shut off.
Best applications for micatheric heaters
Micathermic heaters are best suited for self contained (walled-in) rooms such as a bedroom, study, or den no larger than 150 square feet. However, a mica heater is still capable of adding supplemental heat to larger living areas or three season glass additions.
The one exception to the 150 square foot rule is the Bionaire BH3950-U which, according to verified purchasers, is capable of heating slightly more than 200 square feet.
Pricing and Availability
The prices and availability of micathermic heaters, more so than other types of space heaters, fluctuate according to demand. So the prices shown here might not be accurate all the time and the specific model you're looking for might be temporarily unavailable. .
Also, stated prices do not include shipping costs which can have a big impact on the final price.
The Best Time To Buy This Popular Micathermic Heater Is During A Heatwave
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| Screen shot from Amazon on July 26, 2013 |
During the height of the heating season I've seen this heater priced anywhere from $189 to $300 - which is ridiculous. Especially when you can buy one now from Amazon now for around $83 (plus shipping). This is the lowest price you'll see for this heater at any time during the year. Note: I've also seen this heater sold by a different vendor on Amazon (Connect Buy) for $100, but the shipping is free, so the final price works out the same.
I also did a quick price check today at couple of other outlets. Sears wants $127 + shipping and Ebay has one listed for $117 + shipping.
Why is this heater so popular?
The two main reasons this heater is so popular is its quiet operation owing to the fact it has no fan. Secondly, according to actual owners of this heater, it will easily heat 200 square feet; which is 50 square feet more than most space heaters - with or without a fan.
You can check out this heater for yourself right now, or read my thorough review here first.
This Is Not A Micathermic Heater
The ad reminded me of one of those puzzles that challenges you to find the picture that doesn't belong in the group.
But the question you have to ask is: Where are they hiding the signature mica panels that put the mica in micathermic?
When I clicked the product link for some type of explanation it took me to Compact Appliances where the Soleus HC7-15-01 is described as both a ceramic and micathermic heater with no actual reference to micathermic technology.
Also, if you search for this heater at other sites such as Amazon, it is branded, and described, as a ceramic heater with no mention of micathermic technology.
Obviously someone at Compact Appliances goofed when they laid out the sales page for this ad.
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