How RapidHeat Works

Ceramic PTC heating, in plain English

Inside RapidHeat is a set of ceramic PTC plates. PTC stands for positive temperature coefficient, which is a technical way of saying the ceramic naturally limits how hot it can get. Electricity passes through the ceramic, the ceramic heats up almost immediately, and a quiet fan pushes air across it and out into the room.

Two things follow from that design. First, there is no glowing metal coil, so you don't get the burnt-dust smell older heaters produce. Second, the heat is available in about a second rather than the several minutes a radiator needs to warm up — which is why you feel warm air roughly 60 seconds after switching it on.

Why heating one room costs less than heating nine

Central heating is a whole-house system. When you turn the thermostat up because the living room is cold, you are also heating the hallway, the spare bedroom, and the room nobody has walked into since last Tuesday. Most households spend their evenings in one or two rooms.

A portable heater changes the unit of heating from "house" to "room". You are still paying for electricity, but you are paying to warm the space you're sitting in. How much that saves depends entirely on your electricity rate, your home, and how long you run it. You can put your own numbers in on our running cost calculator.

Getting the best results

• Plug it directly into a wall outlet. Space heaters draw meaningful current — extension cords and power strips are not recommended.
• Place it on a firm, flat surface at least three feet away from curtains, bedding, paper and furniture.
• Close the door. A closed room reaches temperature far faster than an open hallway.
• Use the timer. Set it to run while you fall asleep and shut itself off — you stay warm without running it all night.
• Point it at the seating area, not at a wall. Warm air circulates better when it has room to move.

The safety features built in

RapidHeat has overheat protection that cuts power if internal temperature rises too far, an automatic shut-off, a flame-retardant housing and a cool-touch body. The programmable timer means it does not have to run unattended all night. As with any space heater, keep it clear of flammable materials and never cover it.

Full specifications

Heating technology

PTC ceramic convection with Instaheat plates

Warm-up time

Warm air in about 60 seconds

Coverage

Up to ~130 sq ft per unit

Noise level

Under 30 dB

Controls

Touch panel + handheld remote (power, +/-, speed, timer)

Timer

Programmable auto shut-off timer

Safety

Overheat protection, tip-safe housing, auto shut-off

Filter

Antimicrobial air filter

Power

Standard 120V US outlet

In the box

Heater, remote control, US quick-start guide

Want to see how it compares with the heating you already have? Read our side-by-side comparison.