Electric portable heaters Electric portable heaters plug into wall sockets and use electricity to generate heat. They can produce black heat or instant heat. Black heat is produced by heating wires wrapped around porcelain insulators, while instant heat uses ribbon heating elements. They are measured by their energy efficiency rating (EER), which is determined by heat output in British thermal units (BTUs) over wattage. Combustion space heaters Combustion space heaters are powered by propane or natural gas. They come in vented and unvented models. Vented heaters release air through a gas flue, while unvented ones filter the air before recirculating. They are extremely powerful and are ideal for outdoor use. Radiant portable heaters Radiant portable heaters have reflector panels that direct heat to objects in the room instead of heating the air. They are more efficient and operate more quietly than other models. They usually operate at 1500 watts. Convection portable heaters Convection portable heaters warm the surrounding air and cause it to rise, creating a continuous flow or warm air around the room. They can heat larger areas, but they usually take longer to achieve ideal temperatures. They are safe to use for homes with small children, because the heating elements are completely sealed. | 
