Optimus H-5210 Infrared Quartz Radiant Heater Review
The Optimus H-5210 infrared quartz radiant heater is the best selling portable quartz heater in North America.
And it's no wonder.
Where else can you get all the benefits of infrared heat in a compact enclosure for $23? The Optimus H-5210 receives consistently high reviews from consumers who have bought this heater.
That is not to say it is perfect; but we'll get to that in a minute.
The heat source for the Optimus is two quartz infrared tubes.
This allows the choice of two heat settings from a simple Hi/Low switch.
The low setting powers one tube equal to 400 watts while the high setting turns on both tubes for a combined maximum power of 800 watts.
More than a few users of this heater claim the 800 watt output equals the heat output from more powerful 1,500 watt heaters they have owned.
And with the heater set on 400 watts, it works well as an office heater when placed near a work station or desk.
Since infrared heat warms people and objects rather than the surrounding air, a cold metal desk quickly becomes comfortably warm.
The Optimus H-5210 in not only inexpensive to purchase, it's also one of the least expensive electric space heaters to operate.
Assuming an electric rate of 15¢ per kWh, it would cost 6¢ per hour on the low, 400 watt setting, and 12¢ per hour set at 800 watts.
Additional features appreciated by actual owners are its light weight portability, tip-over shut-off protection, and noise free operation.
The reason it runs so quietly is that it doesn't have a fan.
This is a big plus for most people, but disappointing to those looking for faster room heat up times afforded by a fan.
Another plus for the Optimus H-5210 that occasionally turns into a minus for some users is the operation of the tip-over shut-off switch.
Apparently, if the flooring in your home is uneven, or not as level as it should be, the tip-over switch could activate and turn the heater off.
If you haven't seen a picture of this heater yet, once you do, you'll realize this isn't the type of heater you'd want your little ones crawling around.
But pet owners say their dogs and cats enjoy stretching out in front of it.
If you're interested in a pet and child friendly version of an infrared quartz radiant heater, you'll have to trade up to something larger like the Dr Heater.
And it's no wonder.
Where else can you get all the benefits of infrared heat in a compact enclosure for $23? The Optimus H-5210 receives consistently high reviews from consumers who have bought this heater.
That is not to say it is perfect; but we'll get to that in a minute.
The heat source for the Optimus is two quartz infrared tubes.
This allows the choice of two heat settings from a simple Hi/Low switch.
The low setting powers one tube equal to 400 watts while the high setting turns on both tubes for a combined maximum power of 800 watts.
More than a few users of this heater claim the 800 watt output equals the heat output from more powerful 1,500 watt heaters they have owned.
And with the heater set on 400 watts, it works well as an office heater when placed near a work station or desk.
Since infrared heat warms people and objects rather than the surrounding air, a cold metal desk quickly becomes comfortably warm.
The Optimus H-5210 in not only inexpensive to purchase, it's also one of the least expensive electric space heaters to operate.
Assuming an electric rate of 15¢ per kWh, it would cost 6¢ per hour on the low, 400 watt setting, and 12¢ per hour set at 800 watts.
Additional features appreciated by actual owners are its light weight portability, tip-over shut-off protection, and noise free operation.
The reason it runs so quietly is that it doesn't have a fan.
This is a big plus for most people, but disappointing to those looking for faster room heat up times afforded by a fan.
Another plus for the Optimus H-5210 that occasionally turns into a minus for some users is the operation of the tip-over shut-off switch.
Apparently, if the flooring in your home is uneven, or not as level as it should be, the tip-over switch could activate and turn the heater off.
If you haven't seen a picture of this heater yet, once you do, you'll realize this isn't the type of heater you'd want your little ones crawling around.
But pet owners say their dogs and cats enjoy stretching out in front of it.
If you're interested in a pet and child friendly version of an infrared quartz radiant heater, you'll have to trade up to something larger like the Dr Heater.