Looking for feedback on Radiant Heater at LV

[Danny]

Is anyone using the Quartz Overhead Radiant Heater available at Lee Valley for $60? http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=44590&cat=1,43456,43465,44590

Looking for something for when working in the garage in the winter months (I'm in Canada).  Would like to hear any feedback from anyone who is/has used this heater.

LV also has this model http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/page.aspx?p=70821&cat=2,42194,70821, but at $370 I'm not sure if the huge price difference is worth it.

Thanks
Danny

 

[roadking]

I have that first heater over my workbench. It certainly won't heat the garage in winter(Winnipeg) but it does warm the tools and anything nearby on the bench. I use a 4800 Watt construction heater to keep the garage from getting below about 1 degC. My home built solar panels warm it up considerably when the sun shines. The infrared just offers some comfort directly under the heating unit when working at the bench, since IR directly heats the object not he air. Here is a lank to some pros and cons on infrared heaters: http://www.air-n-water.com/infrared-heaters-pros-cons.htm

Bill

 

[Danny]

I have that first heater over my workbench. It certainly won't heat the garage in winter(Winnipeg) but it does warm the tools and anything nearby on the bench. I use a 4800 Watt construction heater to keep the garage from getting below about 1 degC. My home built solar panels warm it up considerably when the sun shines. The infrared just offers some comfort directly under the heating unit when working at the bench, since IR directly heats the object not he air. Here is a lank to some pros and cons on infrared heaters: http://www.air-n-water.com/infrared-heaters-pros-cons.htm

Bill

Thank you. Very useful information.  Although I'm only looking at slightly warming up the garage when working in it, radiant heat is probably not what I'm looking for after all.

Any suggestions on a good portable 120V heaters?

Danny

 

[rmwarren]

I also have one of those heaters, I've been using it in a 10' by 12' uninsulated shop. When the temp drops below freezing it will keep me warm standing at the bench, and even bring the air temp up into the 40's-50's (F). I agree with Bill that you will need more heat to warm a typical garage, but for spot heating @ a fixed location it works good.

Dan Clark suggested the Dimplex heater over on this thread, it will heat a small garage.

RMW

 

[roadking]

I second the Dimplex heater. I had another brand(chinese made) and never trusted it. Cleaned and relubed the fan motor a couple of times per season, then replaced it with a 220V dimplex. Just keeps the garage above freezing unless I decide to work out there and turn it up. Garage is 24 x 32 with a high ceiling and the little heater can make it very comfortable quite quickly even in Manitoba winter.  I believe you can get a Dimplex with a better grade, partially enclosed motor, most of the cheaper ones have a totally open motor on them.

Bill

 

[jtwood]

I have had the first one you listed for about 3 years.  I use it to heat the work area over my table saw and surroundings in a 2 car garage in the high desert in SoCal.  During the winter here, the temp can get down into the 40's F, and the heater makes the garage usable.  It does not heat the whole garage, just the area directly underneath it.

I found the quality to be excellent for the price, and I like the ability to adjust the temp.  I find myself turning it down after it has been on for a while.

Steve