Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I wanted to share my thoughts on this product because I feel that it has been unfairly reviewed by many others. I read every single online review I could find on this heater before purchasing. Ultimately, I purchased the 250 watt model (#110250) to take the edge off a poorly insulated 11x9 bedroom. Since the 250 watt version isn't available from Amazon, I am posting this review under the 400 watt version. When reading the reviews, I didn't like that fact that many of them gave one star without even using the product (for example, the unit arrived cracked or was hotter to the touch than they expected). My main concern was that lots of folks were reporting that the units developed cracks over time. I contacted the manufacturer twice by email about this. Both times they responded within 24 hours with helpful answers. Their website states the following: "ECO-heaters (models NA400S, 110400, 110250) have recently been redesigned and are now made from a calcium silicate ceramic that is more resistant to cracking than the previous fiber cement. The heating element is now encased in fiberglass." In looking back at the dates and models of the reviews reporting cracking, most of them were older models. My unit arrived in good shape and I have been using it for 2 months with no cracks. Hopefully, they have fixed this problem because I am very pleased with the performance of this heater. I think that many people who reviewed it negatively had unrealistic expectations when it came to the heat output. A heater with such low wattage is not going to be able to heat as big a room as hot or as fast as a 1500 watt space heater with a fan. This heater is designed to be left on all the time and provide a slow, steady, and silent source of heat, which it does. (Some people complained about the switch wearing out, which is not surprising as it's not meant to be turned on and off daily). I have the 250 watt version in an 11x9 bedroom and found that it raised the temperature 6-8 degrees. After applying energy film to the window, the temp was consistently 8-12 degrees warmer. (I do not have the reflector panel behind the heater, which supposedly makes it more efficient.) Remember that I have the 250 watt model-- presumably the 400 watt version would put out even more heat. Some people complained that the heater was dangerously hot. I didn't find that to be the case and think that maybe they got a faulty product. I can place my whole palm on the center of the heater (the hottest part) for several seconds before it's uncomfortably hot. Others complained that the heater had a horrible smell. I have a pretty sensitive nose, to the point that I don't use perfume or other scented products. For the first day or two, the heater had a new smell, but not a bad or toxic-smelling odor. It completely went away after a few days. Also, in case anyone is considering this heater for use around birds, I am using it in an indoor aviary and the birds have had no problems with it. The manufacturer wouldn't make any claims of it's safety around birds, probably for liability reasons. But in doing my research it seems that lots of people are safely using them in chicken coops and aviaries. Another item of note was that I keep a hydrogemeter in the room and this heater did not dry out the air. Regarding the wall-mounting of the product, I did it myself with no problems. I admit, I was reluctant to drill and anchor this thing to the wall, fearing that it might crack or malfunction and I'd have to repair the drywall. But it's been 2 months now and so far I am very pleased with the heater. My advice to anyone considering this product is to do your research and don't have unrealistic expectations as to what you can expect from a low-watt heater. *****UPDATE*****MAY 2012****** I kept this heater running 24/7 for 6 months and just removed it from the wall to store it during the warm months. There was not a single crack on the back of the heater, the switch still works fine, the cord is not frayed. In short, I am very, very happy with this product. It kept the small bedroom nice and warm during the cooler months. I compared my electric bill from the previous year to this year and the heater paid for itself several times over. I recommend it to everyone and would definitely buy one again. *****UPDATE****OCT 2013****** Going into my third winter with this little heater and it's still working great. No problems, no cracks. To clarify, since someone asked, I am using it in a small bedroom which functions as an aviary. And to the crazy lady who accused this of being a fake review...get a life. I'm just a consumer trying to help other consumers make educated decisions. *******UPDATE********MAY 2014 Still going strong. Highly recommend it. *******UPDATE*******APRIL 2015 Still working great. In fact, I wanted to purchase another one this past winter and was disappointed to see that they no longer offer the 250 watt model. ********UPDATE*****FEB 2016 Still love it. ********UPDATE*****FEB 2017 Still working and still love it. ********UPDATE*****OCT 26 2019 Turned it on a month ago when the nights starting cooling off. Still going strong. ********UPDATE*****NOV 28 2020 I know this product isn't available anymore, but I keep adding to my review because I am impressed all over again every fall when I turn it on. Still loving it.