Does the Ontel Handy Heater Turbo 800W deliver on its heating promises? Review

Description

Design

The Handy Heater Turbo 800 has a compact and minimalistic design that caught my eye right out of the box. Its small size, measuring about 5 inches deep, 6 inches wide, and 5 inches high, makes it incredibly easy to fit into tight spaces. I’ve been using it primarily in my bedroom and occasionally in my bathroom, and I really appreciate that it plugs directly into the wall outlet without taking up any floor space. The plug-in feature is a game-changer in my small apartment, where every inch of space counts. The tower form factor feels modern and clean, and it blends in nicely with most interior decors.

Features

One of my favorite things about this heater is the range of features it offers for such a small device. The adjustable thermostat allows you to set the temperature anywhere between 60°F and 90°F, which is great for tailoring the warmth to your personal preference. The digital LED display is intuitive and shows the current temperature setting clearly. I particularly love the 12-hour programmable timer, which lets me schedule the heater to turn off automatically after I’ve fallen asleep. It’s a thoughtful feature that helps save energy and ensures safety. The auto shut-off gives me peace of mind, especially when I use it in my son’s room at night.

Performance

I tested the Handy Heater Turbo 800 extensively in different rooms, and its performance was impressive for its size. It’s rated to heat spaces up to 250 square feet, and while it works wonderfully in smaller rooms like my bathroom or home office, it struggles a bit to warm up larger spaces. That said, it’s been a lifesaver during cold mornings when I just need to take the chill out of the air in my immediate area. It heats up quickly, too, taking less than five minutes to make a noticeable difference in a small room.

How To Use

Using this heater is straightforward. All you need to do is plug it into a standard 120-volt wall outlet, set your desired temperature on the digital thermostat, and let it do its thing. I’ve found that adjusting the thermostat is incredibly easy, even for my tech-averse dad. The timer function is simple to set, with just a few button presses. I appreciated that the plug can be adjusted to fit upside-down or sideways outlets, making it versatile for any room configuration.

Maintenance

Maintenance for the Handy Heater Turbo 800 is minimal, which is a huge relief for someone like me who doesn’t want another appliance to babysit. Since it doesn’t use filters, there’s no need to replace or clean them. I just wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth every now and then to keep it looking clean. The compact design also means it’s easy to unplug and store away when winter is over.

Noise

One of the first things I noticed is how quiet this heater is. It’s not entirely silent, but the faint hum it emits is barely noticeable, even in a small room. I’ve been using it in my bedroom while I sleep, and it hasn’t disturbed me at all. My coworker, who works from home and has a baby, also mentioned that the quiet operation is a huge plus for her household.

Safety

Safety is a major concern for me, especially with a toddler running around. The Handy Heater Turbo 800 has a cool-touch exterior, so I don’t have to worry about accidental burns if someone brushes against it. The automatic shut-off feature is another key safety aspect that I appreciate. It ensures the heater turns off if it overheats or runs for too long, which adds an extra layer of protection.

Usability

The user-friendly design makes this heater accessible for everyone. My mom, who isn’t very tech-savvy, found it easy to operate. The buttons are labeled clearly, and the digital display is bright enough to see even in dim lighting. I also love how lightweight it is—at just 1.21 pounds, it’s easy to move from room to room.

Warranty

Ontel, the brand behind this heater, offers a standard warranty for the Handy Heater Turbo 800. While I haven’t had any issues that required me to use it, knowing that the warranty is there if something goes wrong is reassuring. However, I do wish the warranty period was a bit longer, as it would provide more confidence in the product’s durability.

Strong Points

• Compact and space-saving design
• Adjustable thermostat for precise temperature control
• 12-hour programmable timer for added convenience
• Quiet operation, perfect for bedrooms or offices

Caveats

• Not powerful enough for larger rooms
• Limited to indoor use only
• Plastic build feels a bit less durable

Competing Products

I’ve compared the Handy Heater Turbo 800 to other popular space heaters like the Lasko Ceramic Heater and the Honeywell HeatBud. While those models also perform well, the Turbo 800 stands out for its wall-mounted design, which saves a ton of space. The Lasko, for instance, is a bit bulkier and takes up floor space, which isn’t ideal for small rooms. However, the Lasko does have a higher heating capacity, making it better suited for larger spaces. The Honeywell HeatBud is similarly compact but lacks the programmable timer and adjustable thermostat, which are significant advantages of the Turbo 800.

Bang for the Buck

This heater offers solid value for its price point. While it may not be the most powerful option out there, its blend of features, safety, and design make it a worthwhile investment for small spaces. It’s especially useful for people like me who need a quick, portable heating solution without breaking the bank.

Additional information