The desired room temperature quickly and efficiently: Infrared heating offers many advantages. But it is not always useful to use it. In the following we present some recommended models and explain what you should consider with infrared heaters.

By Sven Wernicke

Infrared heating is a heating system that can heat up rooms very evenly within a short period of time. In contrast to other devices such as fan heaters, this system works much more efficiently. Another plus point: Due to the design, you can attach an infrared heater to the wall or ceiling like a picture or a mirror so that it is hardly noticeable. In addition, infrared heaters are relatively cheap and quick to install. Many can even be controlled with a smartphone.

In the following we present some selected infrared heaters.

Heidenfeld HF-HP100-2: Powerful model with separate temperature sensor

The manufacturer Heidenfeld stands by its products: you get a ten-year guarantee on the infrared heater. The service life is more than 100,000 hours. That should be enough for many cold winters.

The 1,000 watt model of the HF-HP100-2 is designed for rooms up to 25 square meters. You can conveniently control the heating with your smartphone. For this you need the Tuya app, an application that supports smart devices from different manufacturers and can control them centrally.

Heidenfeld includes a temperature sensor with the heater, which you place in the room you heat. So you always have the actual room temperature in view. Thanks to the IP44 certification, you can also use the infrared heater in the bathroom because it is splash-proof.

Per	against
+ Easy app control	– Without heating thermostat
+ Mounting accessories included
+ Separate temperature sensor
+ IP44 certification

Heidenfeld HF-HP100-2 Buy it now at

Klarstein Wonderwall Air Art Smart: infrared heating as a work of art

An advantage of modern infrared heaters: They fit into different furnishing styles and hardly suggest that it is a heater. A good example of this is the Wonderwall Air Art Smart from Klarstein : this infrared heater looks like an artistic picture. Just hang it on the wall where it will show off beautifully.

It's not just the look that's beautiful about the Wonderwall. She is also very flexible. You can control it via the thermostat, a remote control or via the Klarstein smartphone app. A weekly timer allows you individual programming.

The Klarstein infrared heater has a maximum output of 700 watts and is therefore suitable for rooms up to 15 square meters. Thanks to the IP44 certification with protection against splash water, it is also suitable for use in the bathroom.

Per	against
+ Operation via thermostat, remote control or app	– Cable length (1.5 meters) a bit short
+ Attractive optics in the style of a work of art
+ Various motifs available
+ Mounting accessories included

Klarstein Wonderwall Air Art Smart Buy it now from

Viesta H320-SP: infrared heating in the mirror

It could hardly be more inconspicuous: The Viesta H320-SP looks like a discreet wall mirror, but is a full-fledged infrared heater for the bathroom, hallway or bedroom. With an output of 350 watts, it is suitable for small rooms up to 7 square meters.

You control the H320-SP infrared heater using the included Viesta TH12 thermostat. This can be programmed for all weekly wear and scores with various modes, such as comfort, eco and holiday mode.

Thanks to the IP54 certification, this mirror infrared heater is also suitable for wet rooms. In contrast to devices with protection class IP44, it is even better protected against the ingress of dust.

Per	against
+ Infrared heating as a mirror	– For larger rooms, several devices or a larger model are required
+ IP54 certification
+ Thermostat included
+ Mounting material included

Viesta H320-SP Buy now at

Infrared4you IWF 350-WIFI: Infrared heater with voice control

"Set the heating to 24 degrees!" You can use such voice commands with the IWF 350-WIFI from Infrared4you to regulate the room temperature. The prerequisite is the integration into your smart home via WLAN. The infrared heater supports both the assistant Alexa and the Google Assistant. Alternatively, you can operate the device using the thermostat on the side or with the Infrared4you smartphone app.

The manufacturer recommends the 350 watt infrared heater for rooms up to 8 square meters. Thanks to the IP44 protection class, you can also use them in the bathroom. It is only suitable for wall mounting – you have to provide the mounting material yourself.

Per	against
+ Alexa and Google Assistant support	– Only suitable for small spaces
+ Cleverly placed thermostat	– Mounting material not included
+ Remote control via smartphone app

Infrared4you IWF 350-WIFI Buy it now at

Könighaus P1000 infrared heater: individually adaptable

The Könighaus P1000 is simple, efficient and flexible. It is up to you whether you attach the infrared heater in portrait or landscape format. The cable routing can be adjusted on the back. You also have the choice of mounting the heater on the wall or ceiling – or using it as a mobile device: there are separately available stands for this purpose.

A normal thermostat for control on the device is supplied. If necessary, you can retrofit a smart thermostat or order it directly. This allows you to integrate the infrared heater into your smart home and control it with your smartphone using the Könighaus Smart Home app.

The P1000 scores with a maximum heat output of 1,000 watts. It can heat rooms up to 25 square meters. You can also use this model in the bathroom, it is drip-proof.

Per	against
+ Flexible assembly	– Due to the high performance also higher power consumption
+ Mobile usable
+ Unobtrusive, attractive design
+ Also suitable for large rooms

Könighaus P1000 Buy now from

How does infrared heating work?

Infrared heaters work differently than classic radiators, which heat the cool room air according to the principle of convection. The infrared waves that give it its name do not heat the air, but rather the objects in a room that are illuminated, such as furniture, floors, walls and ceilings. The objects absorb the infrared radiation and emit the heat evenly into the room.

A special feature of infrared heating is that the heat feels similar to the rays of the sun – and that leaves a very natural impression. This is more pleasant than, for example, a fan heater.

How much power should my infrared heater have?

The power of an infrared heater (specified in watts, in short: W) indicates how much heat it can emit. The higher the value, the larger the area that the model can heat. As a rough rule of thumb: For large rooms with more than 20 square meters you need a device with 1,000 watts (or more). 300 watts are sufficient for small rooms of less than 10 square meters.

How many watts an infrared heater needs specifically for your needs depends on various factors. The room volume and the insulation of the building play an important role here.

The room volume is calculated as follows:

Living space (in m²) × room height (in m) = volume of the room (in m³)

When choosing the right infrared heater, you should also consider the insulation of the building. The infrared arena experts give the following guideline values for the different building types:

Construction type/material	Performance per m³
Old building/solid wood	27 watts
Old building/brick	29 watts
Old building/aerated concrete	30 watts
Old building/drywall	27 watts
New construction/solid wood	22 watts
New construction/brick	20 watts
New construction/aerated concrete	20 watts
New build/drywall	18 watts
low-energy house	16 – 19 watts
passive house	7 – 10 watts
conservatory	30 – 45 watts
workshop/warehouse	10 – 30 watts

Experts recommend the use of infrared heaters primarily for very well insulated houses, so-called low or passive energy houses. They have a particularly low heating requirement (HWB). You can ask the landlord or look it up in the construction documents for your house whether the building you live in falls into one of these categories.

Example: For a 10 square meter room with a ceiling height of 2.50 meters in a brick old building, you would need a heating output of 725 watts (10 m² x 2.5 mx 29 W/m³). It is recommended to add a certain reserve power. A heater with 800 watts could therefore be suitable for the room described. In larger rooms, several devices can be used.

Pros and cons of infrared heaters

Infrared heaters have many advantages. But they also have one major disadvantage: They run on electricity and consume a lot of energy. Despite the now very good level of efficiency, long-term operation is usually more expensive than, for example, gas heating. Therefore, infrared heating should always only be a temporary or additional heating solution.

The advantages and disadvantages of modern infrared heaters at a glance:

advantages	Disadvantages
Relatively low purchase price	Very expensive with expensive electricity tariffs and poor building insulation
Flexible in assembly and construction	Very high emission values for electricity from fossil fuels
Pleasant, evenly distributed warmth	Several infrared heaters needed for large rooms
Allergy friendly as air does not circulate
Long service life of the devices
No annual maintenance costs
Prevents mold growth
Usually uncomplicated installation possible without craftsmen
Short heating times
Diverse designs: unobtrusive models that fit seamlessly, mirror infrared heaters or devices in the form of a picture