There’s a specific kind of cold that central heating just can’t seem to touch. It’s the persistent draught that settles under your desk in the home office, the unwelcoming chill in the spare bedroom, or that corner of the living room that never seems to get warm, no matter how high you crank the thermostat. For years, I battled this in my own study. I’d be wrapped in blankets, typing with stiff fingers, while the rest of the house was perfectly comfortable. Running the entire heating system for one small, stubborn area felt wasteful and expensive. This is the precise problem that personal, portable heaters were designed to solve. They are not just about comfort; they are about creating a usable, productive, and pleasant personal space without the astronomical cost of heating an entire property. The Daewoo Ceramic Heater 1200W 2 Heat Settings enters this arena as a compact, seemingly simple solution promising instant, targeted warmth. But in a market flooded with options, does this little white box have what it takes to truly conquer the cold?
- IDEAL FOR MEDIUM-SIZED ROOMS – The Daewoo 1200W 2 bar ceramic heater is tailored to excel in medium-sized rooms, such as bedrooms, home offices, or any cozy corner, offering targeted and effective...
- ENHANCED SAFETY FEATURES – Equipped with a Tip-Over Switch for automatic shutdown in case of accidental tipping and a Power Indicator to easily monitor its operational status, ensuring a safe and...
What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Heater
An electric heater is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for creating comfort, improving productivity, and managing energy costs effectively. These devices offer targeted “zone heating,” allowing you to warm the space you’re actually in, rather than paying to heat empty rooms. This approach is not only more energy-efficient but also provides immediate relief from the cold, a benefit central heating systems with their slow warm-up times simply can’t match. Whether you’re trying to make a draughty home office bearable or add a touch of cosy warmth to your living room on a winter’s evening, the right electric heater can transform your environment.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing inconsistent temperatures within their home or office. This includes remote workers in chilly studies, individuals in rented accommodation with limited control over the main thermostat, or anyone looking to supplement their primary heating in a specific area like a conservatory or workshop. It’s a perfect fit for those who value speed and convenience. However, it might not be suitable for those who need to heat a very large, open-plan space or are looking for a silent, all-night heating solution for a bedroom, where an oil-filled radiator might be a better choice due to its gentle, sustained heat.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The physical footprint of a heater is critical. A compact tower or floor unit like the Daewoo is designed to fit unobtrusively into smaller spaces. Before buying, measure the intended area to ensure it won’t be a tripping hazard or block walkways. Consider its weight and portability if you plan to move it between rooms frequently.
- Capacity & Performance: A heater’s power is measured in Watts (W). A general rule of thumb is that you need about 10W of heating power for every square foot of space. The Daewoo, with its 1200W maximum output, is therefore best suited for medium-sized rooms (around 120 sq. ft. or 11 sq. meters). Dual heat settings, like the 600W/1200W on this model, offer valuable flexibility for either maintaining a temperature or providing a quick boost of heat.
- Heating Technology & Durability: Ceramic heaters use a ceramic plate that heats up quickly and radiates warmth outwards, often assisted by a fan. They provide fast, direct heat. In contrast, oil-filled radiators heat oil that circulates within fins, providing a slower, more sustained, and silent heat. The Daewoo’s build is primarily durable plastic, which keeps it lightweight but may feel less premium than all-metal units. The 3-year warranty is a strong indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in its internal components.
- Ease of Use & Safety: Simplicity can be a major advantage. Look for straightforward controls, like the simple switches on the Daewoo, rather than complex digital interfaces if you want a no-fuss experience. Crucially, never compromise on safety. A tip-over cut-out switch, which automatically turns the heater off if it’s knocked over, is a non-negotiable feature, especially in homes with children or pets.
Making an informed choice ensures you get a heater that not only warms your space but does so safely and efficiently. The Daewoo Ceramic Heater 1200W 2 Heat Settings scores well on many of these points for its intended purpose, but understanding the broader landscape is key.
While the Daewoo Ceramic Heater 1200W 2 Heat Settings is an excellent choice for targeted warmth, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Powerful 1800-2000W Convector Heater: Alternate between the 3 heat settings (low - 750W / medium – 1250W / high - 2000W) provided to get the perfect temperature in the room of your choice. Utilising...
- 2 POWER SETTINGS: Choose from 1000W and 2000W of power to get your home or office space heated effectively
- 2S Fast Heating Keeps House Warmer - The PALINTH electric heater use advanced 1500W PTC ceraming heating technology combined with the ultra-efficient fan, it deliver heat within 2 seconds, quickly and...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Daewoo Ceramic Heater 1200W 2 Heat Settings
Straight out of the box, the first thing that struck us about the Daewoo Ceramic Heater 1200W 2 Heat Settings is its sheer simplicity and lightness. Weighing in at just 2 kilograms, it’s effortless to lift with one hand, immediately confirming its “portable” credentials. There is no assembly required; it’s a true plug-and-play device. The design is functional and unobtrusive—a clean, white plastic tower that will blend into most environments without drawing attention. The two prominent toggle switches on the top are refreshingly straightforward, and the power indicator light is a simple but welcome feature.
We gave our unit a thorough inspection upon arrival. While it was in perfect condition, we’re aware of isolated user reports mentioning cosmetic damage like dents on delivery. This seems to be a potential trade-off for its very lightweight construction—while making it supremely portable, the casing may be more susceptible to the rigours of shipping than heavier, metal-bodied heaters. That said, the unit feels stable on its base and the core heating elements are well-protected behind the grille. It feels built for purpose: to be a no-frills, portable heat source that you can buy today and be using within minutes of its arrival.
What We Like
- Genuinely Instant Heat: The ceramic bars glow and radiate warmth almost the second you switch them on.
- Extremely Lightweight and Portable: At just 2kg, moving it from the office to the living room is effortless.
- Simple, Intuitive Controls: Two switches for two power levels—it doesn’t get easier to use.
- Essential Tip-Over Safety Switch: Provides critical peace of mind, automatically cutting power if the unit is knocked over.
What We Didn’t Like
- No Thermostat: Lacks the ability to set and maintain a specific room temperature automatically.
- Basic Build Materials: The lightweight plastic casing feels functional but not premium, and could be prone to shipping damage.
Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Daewoo Heater to the Test
A heater can look great and have all the features in the world, but its true value is measured in warmth and usability. We spent considerable time with the Daewoo Ceramic Heater 1200W 2 Heat Settings in various real-world scenarios, from a chilly 10m² home office to a larger, draughty living room, to see how its performance stacks up against its promises. This isn’t just a heater; it’s a personal climate controller, and we evaluated it on heat output, design practicality, and its all-important safety credentials.
Heating Performance: The Power of Instant, Radiant Warmth
The standout feature of this heater is, without a doubt, the speed at which it delivers heat. The term “Instant Heat” is not marketing hyperbole; it’s a literal description. Within five seconds of flicking the switch, a tangible wave of warmth radiates from the two ceramic bars. This is the fundamental advantage of radiant ceramic technology over oil-filled competitors, which can take 15-20 minutes to reach optimal temperature. In our cold home office test, we placed the heater under the desk, aimed at our legs. On the low 600W setting, it produced a pleasant, sustained warmth that was perfect for combating the persistent under-desk chill during a long workday. It was effective without being overwhelming or making the small space stuffy.
To test its full power, we moved it into a medium-sized living room (around 15m²) with a noticeable chill in the air. We switched both bars on for the full 1200W output. It’s crucial to understand this heater’s purpose: it’s a zone heater. It will not raise the ambient temperature of the entire room by several degrees in the same way central heating would. Instead, it creates a wonderfully warm and cosy “bubble” of comfort in a radius of about 2-3 metres. When seated on the sofa in its direct path, the effect was immediate and deeply satisfying. It’s the perfect solution for warming yourself up quickly after coming in from the cold, or for making your favourite armchair the most sought-after spot in the house. The lack of a fan means it operates silently, producing only a very faint hum, a major plus compared to noisy fan heaters. While it excels at personal heating, those needing to raise the overall temperature of a medium or large room should look to higher-wattage convection or oil-filled models. But for its intended purpose, its direct, rapid heating performance is exceptional.
Design, Portability, and Build Quality
The design of the Daewoo Ceramic Heater 1200W 2 Heat Settings is a masterclass in functional minimalism. Its compact tower form factor (35 x 27 x 26 cm) allows it to be placed discreetly in a corner, under a desk, or next to a sofa without dominating the space. The all-white finish is neutral and clean. The entire unit weighs just 2kg, which fundamentally changes how you use it. This isn’t a semi-permanent fixture; it’s a truly portable appliance you can grab and move to wherever you need it at a moment’s notice—from the bathroom for a pre-shower warm-up to the garage for a chilly DIY project.
The controls are brilliantly simple. Two tactile toggle switches on the top each control one of the heating bars. One switch on for 600W, the other on for another 600W, or both on for the full 1200W. There’s no learning curve, no confusing digital menus—just immediate, logical control. The small red power indicator light is a simple but effective visual cue that the unit is active. The build is predominantly a lightweight plastic. While this is key to its portability, it’s also its main potential weakness. As noted from some user feedback, this construction could make it vulnerable to damage during shipping if not handled with care. Our test unit showed no flaws, but it doesn’t have the rugged, indestructible feel of a heavy steel-cased radiator. However, this is a reasonable trade-off. You are choosing this model for its lightness and convenience, and in that, the design excels. The generous 3-year warranty (activated upon registration) provides significant reassurance about the durability of the internal heating components themselves, which is where it truly counts.
Safety and Usability: Peace of Mind as a Standard Feature
When dealing with any heating appliance, safety is paramount, and this is an area where the Daewoo Ceramic Heater 1200W 2 Heat Settings gives no cause for concern. The most important safety feature is the tip-over cut-out switch, located on the underside of the base. We tested this multiple times, and it worked flawlessly every single time. The moment the heater is tilted or lifted even slightly from a flat surface, the power is instantly cut. The click of the switch is audible, and the glowing bars extinguish immediately. This single feature makes it a viable option for households with curious pets or active children, providing a layer of protection against accidental knocks and falls that is absolutely essential.
In terms of day-to-day usability, it’s as simple as it gets. The cord is of a reasonable length for reaching nearby sockets, and the stable base prevents it from wobbling on flat surfaces like hardwood floors or low-pile carpets. The primary operational drawback is the absence of a thermostat. You cannot set it to maintain a specific temperature; it’s either on (at 600W or 1200W) or it’s off. This means it requires manual management. If the room gets too warm, you have to physically switch it off or to a lower setting. For users who want a “set it and forget it” heater, this will be a limitation. However, for its primary use case—providing on-demand, direct heat when you are present—this is less of an issue. The simplicity is part of its appeal and contributes to its affordable price point. It’s a reliable and safe tool that does one job, and does it very well, as you can see from its full feature set and user reviews.
What Other Users Are Saying
While our hands-on testing forms the core of our review, we always analyze wider user feedback to get a complete picture. The sentiment for this Daewoo heater is generally focused on its effectiveness for its intended purpose. Users frequently praise its ability to heat up a small to medium space very quickly, highlighting the “instant” nature of the ceramic elements as a major benefit over other heater types.
However, the most specific piece of critical feedback we encountered was from a user who stated their heater arrived with a dent: “Coming with dent”. While this appears to be an isolated incident related to shipping rather than a product defect, it corroborates our own assessment of the heater’s lightweight build. It suggests that while the internal components are robust, the external plastic casing can be susceptible to damage in transit. We advise any purchaser to inspect the unit carefully upon arrival. Despite this, the overwhelming impression is that for those seeking a simple, fast, and effective personal heater, the Daewoo delivers exactly what it promises.
How Does the Daewoo Ceramic Heater Compare to the Alternatives?
No product exists in a vacuum. To understand if the Daewoo Ceramic Heater 1200W 2 Heat Settings is the right choice for you, it’s essential to see how it stacks up against other popular options on the market. We’ve compared it to three distinct alternatives, each with its own strengths. Seeing these options side-by-side can help clarify whether you need the Daewoo’s rapid radiant heat or if a different heating style would better suit your needs. For those still weighing their options, you can check the latest price and availability of the Daewoo model as you compare.
1. Belaco 11 Fins Oil Filled Radiator 2500W
The Belaco Oil Filled Radiator is a completely different beast. With a powerful 2500W output and 11 large fins, it’s designed to heat a much larger space than the Daewoo. Its oil-filled technology provides a slow, gentle, and sustained ambient heat that warms the air in the entire room over time. This makes it ideal for bedrooms or living rooms where you want to maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature for many hours. Unlike the Daewoo’s instant warmth, the Belaco takes time to heat up but retains heat for a while even after being switched off. Someone who needs to heat a larger room or prefers silent, background heat for extended periods would prefer the Belaco. However, it is much heavier, less portable, and slower to provide initial warmth.
2. Belaco 11 Fins Oil Filled Radiator 2500W
This is another variant of the 2500W Belaco oil-filled radiator, sharing the same core characteristics as the one above. Its key strengths lie in its high power output and ability to deliver consistent, silent, convective heat. Featuring an adjustable thermostat and three heat settings, it offers more granular control over the room’s temperature compared to the Daewoo’s simple two-setting system. This model is the clear choice for users whose primary goal is to heat an entire medium-to-large room to a stable temperature. In contrast, the Daewoo is for personal, targeted heating. If your goal is to quickly warm yourself at your desk or on your sofa, the Daewoo’s instant radiant heat is far superior.
3. Dimplex OFRB7N Eco Mini Oil Free Radiator Heater
- DIMPLEX ECO CHICO MINI RADIATOR - A compact and versatile home heating solution with near silent operation, oil free energy saving technology, rotary dial and 700 watt heat output
- PORTABLE FREESTANDING HEATER - Dimplex mini oil free heaters are ideal for heating smaller rooms, such as a lounge, study or bedroom, by efficiently heating your space whilst using less electricity
The Dimplex Eco Chico sits somewhere between the two extremes. It is an oil-free radiator, which means it heats up faster than a traditional oil-filled model but provides a similar style of radiant and convective heat. At 700W, its power output is lower than the Daewoo’s maximum setting, making it suitable for providing gentle background heat in a small room or office. It includes a thermostat for temperature regulation, a feature the Daewoo lacks. A user who wants a small, very energy-efficient heater for maintaining a low level of warmth consistently in a compact space might prefer the Dimplex. However, for a powerful, quick blast of heat to combat a sudden chill, the 1200W Daewoo is the more potent and faster-acting choice.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Daewoo Ceramic Heater 1200W 2 Heat Settings?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Daewoo Ceramic Heater 1200W 2 Heat Settings is an outstanding choice for its specific, intended purpose: providing fast, direct, and personal heat. It is not designed to replace your central heating, but as a supplementary tool to eliminate cold spots, it excels. Its greatest strengths are its instantaneous heat output, its extreme portability, and its refreshingly simple operation. The inclusion of a critical tip-over safety switch provides essential peace of mind.
While the lack of a thermostat and its basic plastic construction are notable compromises, they are acceptable trade-offs for its affordable price and focused performance. We recommend this heater wholeheartedly to students, home-office workers, or anyone who needs to create a pocket of warmth quickly and efficiently without heating an entire house. If you’re tired of shivering at your desk or on your sofa, this is an effective and energy-smart solution. For rapid relief from the cold in any medium-sized room, the Daewoo is a powerful and reliable ally. You can check its current price and get it delivered straight to your door right here.
Last update on 2025-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API