LifePro Infrared Heater Review : 2022 Guide

The LifePro (or LifeSmart) range of infrared electric heaters are an excellent choice if you have children or are looking for an energy efficient way to heat an area of your house.

The Cool Touch technology makes them extremely safe around young children and pets.

Infrared Heaters vs Other Heaters

Infrared heaters generate warmth that is similar to the sun but without the dangerous UV rays. Unlike open fires or propane heaters, they don’t remove moisture or oxygen from the air and don’t have an open flame that can cause burns when touched.

Our Verdict (If you’re in a hurry)

Because of the 110V power source, the maximum heat output of an Infrared heater is limited to 5,100 BTUs. Even though some manufacturers may claim to produce more heat, the physical limitation comes from the ability to convert electricity into heat.

When it comes time to decide on a model, the choice will come down to what the unit looks like, its physical size, how efficiently the fan distributes heat around the room, and if you want the look of an open fire or glowing heat bars.

Local laws ensure that safety features are standard in all the models that are certified for use in the US or Europe – so this becomes less of a concern. (As long as the unit is certified)

Your final decision will also depend on if you want the classic wooden look of the Lifesmart large heater or the more modern design of the Trustech Portable Heater.

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Comparison of a few top Lifesmart Infrared Heaters

Image	Description	Pricing	Our Rating	More Info
	Lifesmart Large Room Infrared Quartz Fireplace with Oak Finish	$$$		View on Amazon
	LifeSmart 6 Element Large Room Infrared Quartz Heater	$		View on Amazon
	Trustech Portable Space heater	$		View on Amazon
	Duraflame Electric Infrared Fireplace Stove	$$$		View on Amazon
	Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater 1500-Watt	$$		View on Amazon

**Below, you?ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews.

Lifesmart Infrared Heater Review

1) Lifesmart Large Room Infrared Quartz Fireplace with Oak Finish Review

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Available in 3 wood finishes, the large room infrared heater by Lifesmart can heat a room of up to 1,000 sq feet. The heat output is the equivalent of 5,100 BTU and uses the same power as a common hair dryer as requires a 15 amp, grounded power socket.

The infrared heater has a realistic glowing log design and offers three levels of heat (Including an eco mode). It can be installed anywhere as venting is not required. The built-in fan helps to distribute air around the room and the thermostat can be set to keep the room at a constant temperature throughout the day and night. The fan is fairly quiet and only offers a slight hum when the room is completely silent.

One of the things we like about this heater is that the flame effect can be turned on without using the heating functionality. This adds ambiance to a room when you have guests or want to bathe the room in a gentle light.

The heater is supplied on wheels and a remote control. The remote requires two AAA batteries (not included). The overall measurements of the heater are 28 1/2 inch wide x 10 3/4 inch deep and 22 3/4 inch high and it comes fully assembled.

The top surface doesn’t get hot, and even though the manufacturer advises you not to cover the top surface, a lot of owners have reported that they use it to hold a 36-inch flat screen TV and other electrical appliances (Make sure you don’t use the same power point as the heater though)

The verdict

With hundreds of positive reviews, this is an ideal infrared heater in a wooden box design. The wheels make it easy to move around and the flat top is ideal if you want to hold a small flat screen TV. The flame effect is very realistic and the flames can be operated with and without the heat turned on.

2) LifeSmart 6 Element Large Room Infrared Quartz Heater Review

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A less traditional looking heater that produces heat through a large metal grill at the top of a box design with an oak wood veneer coating.

The heater produces 5,100 BTU’s and can heat a room up to 1,400 cubic feet in size. You will need a 15 amp, 3 prong socket to power the heater. You also must ensure that no other devices are plugged into the same socket when the heater is turned on.

Supplied on wheel casters, this heater will suit the decor of most rooms and can easily be rolled between rooms to provide heat where it is needed most. The flat top is cool to touch and can be used for small devices and lamps (but don’t use the same power socket as the heater). The unit is 13 inches wide x 16 1/2 inches deep and 17 1/2 inches high.

With 6 quartz elements and an Eco setting, the heater can be set to use as little as 500 Watts to keep a small area at 68°F. and up to 1,500 Watts for larger rooms and spaces. The built-in fan only runs when the heater is on and for a couple of minutes after the heater shuts down.

Supplied with a remote control and a timer that allows you to turn the heater on and off for up to 12 hours ahead. Safety features include a cutout if the heater is tipped over, and a child lock on the remote that can be activated by holding the button down for 10 seconds.

The verdict

A simple heater that works as soon as it is pulled out of the box. 3 heat settings with a 500 Watt Eco mode makes the heater versatile for small and large rooms. Just make sure you have a 15 amp, 3 prong socket before purchasing this heater.

3) Trustech Portable Space heater Review

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A modern looking black and silver heater with three heat settings is what you get when you buy the Portable Space Heater from Trustech. The Eco setting keeps the room at a constant temperature and allows you to leave the heater plugged in and turned on all the time.

The box is a little smaller than the wooden model and stands a foot tall. Because of its size, the heater has handles instead of wheels to help you move it around the house. The size also makes it ideal to put on top of a small table or shelf.

Standard tip-over and overheating safety features, with a 12-hour timer round out the offering on this heater. The remote control takes two AAA batteries (not included)

The verdict

This is a super high-quality product. Quiet. Strong. Heated an 1100 square foot area in no time. A Big Bang for the buck. Awesome craftsmanship and value.

4) Duraflame Electric Infrared Fireplace Stove Review

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If you like a realistic flame effect, this is one of the best infrared heaters we’ve seen. Unlike other heaters, the flame dance at the front, rear, and middle of the log set to create a realistic, layered look to the flame effect. With the flame effect, people will avoid touching it thinking they will get burnt. (The unit does not get hot and is safe for kids and pets)

Like the other heaters, this model has tip-over and overheating safety features. However, unlike the other models, the Duraflame Electric Fireplace Stove also has a safety cutoff built into the plug itself. (US patent 13/707,405)

The stove design has a unique look that will suit most home decors. But don’t assume that the top of the heater can be used to keep a pot of coffee warm like a traditional stove. The top of the heater is cool to the touch and the heat is projected out the front of the heater through a vent just below the flat top. The top is not stable enough for a TV, but you could put a vase with fake flowers on top.

When you get the heater, you will need to do some simple assembly to attach the legs to the body. It measures 24 inches wide x 23.4 inches high and 12.9 inches deep.

The heater will output between 5,000 and 5,500 BTU. This is the maximum output that any heaters running on 110 volt can output. (You will need a three prong, 15 amp socket) The fire effect has 5 brightness settings (but can’t be turned off completely when the heater is running).

The verdict

The 3D flames are amazing and worth the price alone. When you compare it to other quartz infrared heaters, it also ticks all the boxes. A good option if you are looking for a stove top design with an impressive fire effect.

5) Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater 1500-Watt Review

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With literally thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, this is one of the most popular infrared heaters on the market with a wood cabinet.

This is largely due to the claim by Dr. Heater that this model can deliver 60% more heat than other 1,500 watt heaters. While most other heaters have a 3-inch fan to circulate the air, the Dr. Heater has a 7-inch blower to move larger volumes of air at a lower speed. The slow speed also means that the fan is remarkably quiet, despite its size.

From a safety point of view, the remote control won’t function unless the heater is turned on or in standby mode first. This is done by pressing a button on the heater itself.

The Dr Infrared Heater is 13 inches x 11 inches x 16 inches in size and comes with wheels to help move it around the house.

Like most infrared heaters, the heater is safe around young children and can be left on throughout the day and night with the built-in thermostat able to maintain between 50 and 86°F.

The verdict

The heat is instant and hot. If that’s all you want from a heater then look no further. Low power mode is great for small rooms or a loaded power circuit. Looks great and the wheels roll well. Comes with a heavy duty power cord and removable filter.

Things to consider before buying an Infrared Heater

Overall size and appearance

Lifesmart heaters come in a wide range of sizes and styles.

The small desktop heaters and fans can be used in small spaces, while larger heaters are designed to be wall mounted or to stand on their own feet to heat an entire room. Some of the larger models also come on wheels that allow you to easily move the heater from room to room.

For a more traditional look, select a heater with an oak wood finish. The black and brushed metal designs give a modern look that’s suitable for most homes or offices.

Thermostat

Heaters with built-in thermostats have the ability to turn themselves on and off as the room heats and cools down.

Not only does this save electricity, but it also means that a constant temperature can be set and the thermostat takes care of keeping the room at a constant heat.

With a programmable thermostat, the heater can be programmed to turn on or off at a preset time. This is excellent if you work during the day or leave the heater on at night before you go to bed.

According to ENERGY STAR, a homeowner can save as much as 15% a year in heating and cooling costs by turning back the thermostat between 10 and 15 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day.

During the winter, the ideal thermostat house temperature is 68°F (when you’re at home), and 10 to 15 degrees lower when you are at work or when you’re sleeping. By reducing the temperature, you can save up to 15% of your home heating bill and you will often sleep better.

The Heating Element

Most traditional electric heaters pass electricity through a metal alloy to produce heat. The most common conventional elements are made of Nichrome which has a melting point of around 500°C. Some manufacturers encase the resistive wire in a ceramic shell to retain the heat and to make the heater more efficient.

On the other hand, an Infrared heater produces heat by converting electricity into large quantities of infrared light. To produce this type of heat, the wires need to be heated to over 1,600°F. Nichrome elements would melt at these temperatures. To overcome this, infrared elements are made from quartz, tungsten and carbon fiber.

An infrared element is highly efficient. Most Infrared heaters emit up to 86% of their input energy as radiant heat. In fact, nearly all of the electricity used in the heater is converted into infrared light which, in turn, produces infrared heat.

Unlike conventional heaters, an infrared heating element doesn’t need to heat the air between you and the heater to transfer heat. Instead, the light waves travel through the air to directly heat any object within its path.

Power Requirements

Most infrared heaters require a 15 amp power socket.

It is always a good idea to check the cord and plug for damage whenever the unit is moved or first installed.

Safety Features

Look for a heater with good safety features.

At the very least, they should automatically turn off if they are tipped over or if they overheat.

If you have children in the home, a child safety lock is also a good feature to look for.

Remote Control

Models that come with remote controls allow you to adjust the temperature without getting out of your seat.

Most remotes allow you to turn the heater on and off. However, more advanced remotes also allow you to set a timer that will turn the heater off after a preset number of hours or minutes.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the life expectancy of the heating elements?

Most heating elements last for 25,000 hours (That’s more than 1,000 days of continuous use – or three years without turning the heater off)

The reality is that you won’t have the heater on all the time, and the heating element will last significantly longer with intermittent use.

Even though the heating element can be purchased online, the manufacturer recommends that you get an authorized LifeSmart agent to replace it for you.

Do I need a grounded power point?

It is essential that you don’t remove the ground prong. If you don’t have a grounded outlet, contact an electrician for advice.

How long will it take to heat the room?

In most cases, it will take about 1/2 hour to feel a temperature change.

The amount of time it takes to heat a room depends on several factors. If you have a small room with good insulation and floor coverings (carpets etc), you may notice the heat change within a few minutes.

However, a large room with several doors/windows and concrete floors may take up to 24 hours to heat up. The same applies to large open plan designs. If you have this type of home, you may want to consider a Natural Gas or LPG heater as it will heat the area significantly faster and for less cost.

Quick reviews of the LifePro Infrared Heaters

Image	Description	Pricing	Our Rating	More Info
	Lifesmart Large Room Infrared Quartz Fireplace with Oak Finish	$$$		View on Amazon
	LifeSmart 6 Element Large Room Infrared Quartz Heater	$		View on Amazon
	Trustech Portable Space heater	$		View on Amazon
	Duraflame Electric Infrared Fireplace Stove	$$$		View on Amazon
	Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater 1500-Watt	$$		View on Amazon

Conclusion

Because of the 110V power source, the maximum heat output of an Infrared heater is limited to 5,100 BTUs. Even though some manufacturers may claim to produce more heat, the physical limitation comes from the ability to convert electricity into heat.

When it comes time to decide on a model, the choice will come down to what the unit looks like, its physical size, how efficiently the fan distributes heat around the room, and if you want the look of an open fire or glowing heat bars.

Local laws ensure that safety features are standard in all the models that are certified for use in the US or Europe – so this becomes less of a concern. (As long as the unit is certified)

Your final decision will also depend on if you want the classic wooden look of the Lifesmart large heater or the more modern design of the Trustech Portable Heater.

VIEW ON AMAZON