Best Micathermic Heater Reviews

What is a Micathermic Heater?

A micathermic space heater consists of a heating element(s) covered by thin sheets of mica.Mica is a shiny silicate mineral that has a fine layered structure. It tends to be found as minute scales in granite and other rocks, or as crystals.

It primary use is as a thermal or electrical insulator. Hence it’s adaption to space heater technology. This innovative technology makes an ultra thin design possible and results in a heater with both radiant and convective heating properties.

Radiant heat is felt almost immediately by the occupants of a room while convection, or rising heat, warms the surrounding air.

Micathermic heaters are available in two very different designs. One is the console style which resembles a radiator (but with no fluid inside) and the second is the flat panel design which looks like an LED television. Almost all of the flat panel designs include hardware for optional wall mounting.

Advantages of Micathermic Heaters

Silent operation

The number one space heater complaint is noise. Since a mica heater relies on radiant and convective heat for heat distribution it doesn't need a fan. No fan - no noise; it's that simple.

Instant Heat

In contrast to the oil-filled heater, which can take some time to heat up a space or room, a micathermic heater starts delivering heat almost instantly. Approximately 20% of the heat delivered by a micathermic heater is radiant heat and it is this heat that is most quickly felt as it would warm up all objects and or people in close proximity to the heater when turned on.

Weight and Portability

Although micathermic heaters often resemble radiators, which are surprisingly heavy, they are, in fact, very lightweight. They almost all have built in carry handles. This makes it easy to move and store micathermic heaters for people of all ages.

No Allergens

Micathermic heaters do not use a fan to distribute the warm air into the room. Since there is no fan, the room air retains valuable moisture and harmful airborne allergens are kept to a minimum. Micathermic heaters do not burn oxygen either. The result of this is that using such a heater in an enclosed space does not result in a heady or stuffy sensation.

Disadvantages of Micathermic Heaters

Slower Whole Room Heating than Fan Forced Heaters

Although a mica panel heater warms a room faster than an oil filled heater, any type of space heater without a fan will not warm up a room nearly as fast as one with a fan. The absence of a fan also means it will not heat as large an area as a fan-equipped heater like the Vornado Vortex for example.

Lack of Heat Retention

A micathermic heater does not retain heat like an oil filled heater when it is shut off. This means that it will not continue to provide much in the way of heating when not powered on. Oil-filled heaters are often able to provide heat for quite a while after shut off, making them relatively more efficient.

Where are Micathermic Heaters Best Used

Micathermic heaters are best suited for self contained (walled-in) rooms such as a bedroom, study, or den no larger than 150 square feet.

However, a mica heater is still capable of adding supplemental heat to larger living areas or three season glass additions.

Summary

In many respects micathermic heaters provide the best of all worlds. They provide instant heat like infrared or other radiant heaters but they also provide a significant proportion of their heat by convection, up to 80%. This makes them good for whole room heating.

They are often very low profile and very lightweight meaning that they are not obtrusive in the home or office at all.

All in all there is much that is good about micathermic heaters and for this reason we recommend you take another look at the list of best micathermic heater reviews above.

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