Heat Runner Portable Heater 33551 Review

Filed in:

Appliance, College, Furnaces, Heating, Home and Garden, Space Heaters, Tires, Winter

Pin It

Also see our full Space Heaters review:

Summary:
Users say the Heat Runner 33551 just doesn't last. Many report that, after several months or even days of use, it turns itself off and never comes back on. This convection space heater comes with four heat settings, including one fan-only setting, and the automatic-shutoff safety feature.

Heat Runner 33551 (starting at $24, Amazon) reviews are few and far between, but those we did find are quite negative. Heat Runner 33551 reviews on Amazon carp about the limited lifespan of this budget space heater. One user reports that the unit died within a year and others report it lasted just weeks. Still, one consumer's Heat Runner 33551 review says this portable heater helps even out the ups and downs of temperature in the office and the adjustable settings are a plus.

The Heat Runner 33551 is a convection space heater with four settings (500 watts, 1000 watts, 1500 watts, and fan-only) and an adjustable thermostat. Automatic shutoff is the only safety feature. The unit's dimensions are 12.75 inches high by 8.75 inches wide by 8 inches deep and it weighs about five pounds.

On paper the Heat Runner 33551 Portable Heater looks like a decent choice. Yes, it lacks an adjustable thermostat, but we'd be willing to overlook that if it weren't for the negative user reviews. We don't like the fact that those who did provide comments report disappointing durability. This space heater isn't particularly cheap enough, and we suggest you look elsewhere.

By Cheapism editors – October 6, 2011

Other Recommended Space Heaters

Lasko Ceramic Heater 754200

Reviewers are impressed with the Lasko 754200, saying it easily heats up small and moderately large spaces -- even the lowest setting is powerful and efficient -- runs quietly and has a long lifespan. This convection space heater comes with automatic shutoff, two heat settings, a fan-only setting, and an adjustable thermostat. Read more »

Optimus Infrared Quartz Heater H-5210

Consumers favor the Optimus Infrared Quartz Heater H-5210 for its ability to heat up quickly and for its easy portability and storage. This is a radiant space heater with two heat settings, automatic shutoff if the unit gets too hot, a tilt switch safety feature, and an outer casing that remains cool to the touch. Read more »

DeLonghi Ceramic Heater DCH1030

Users are quick to compliment the DeLonghi DCH1030 Ceramic Heater, saying it may be small, but puts out lots of heat in no time. The fan on this convection space heater is a bit loud for some, but the low price tag and generous heat output offset this minor irritant. The DeLonghi Ceramic Heater features high, low, and fan-only settings and an anti-freeze feature that turns on the unit if the temperature drops below 44 degrees. Read more »

Honeywell Mini Tower Heater HZ-2200

(*The Honeywell HZ-2200 was recently replaced by the HZ-0360 (starting at $30, Amazon), a slightly updated version for which there are few reviews. Until we can collect sufficient input, Honeywell HZ-2200 reviews will suffice.) Although users complain that the Honeywell HZ-2200 doesn't have a handle, it gets positive reviews based on its heating ability. Users seem to appreciate the 360-degree design of this convection space heater, which sends heat out all around. It comes with two heat settings, one fan setting, and an adjustable thermostat. Safety features include automatic shutoff, a tilt switch, and a child-resistant knob. Read more »