Contents
Functional testing
My aural estimate of the fan speed is about 2250RPM on full speed and 1900RPM reduced (low heat), so a rather modest reduction; sound level and pitch are accordingly lowered, though noise “signature” remains basically the same. Spin-up to full speed is 2 to 3 seconds; at full speed, there seems to be less broadband noise but more tonal “roar” than from the Kambrook KFH6x0.
At the hottest position in front of the heater, temperature rise (above intake ambient) measures 64K on 2400W, 40K on 1500W, and (with the reduced fan speed) 30K on 900W; not appreciably different from the Kambrook models, although the steel grille may pose a slightly greater burn risk (but still nowhere near as bad as fanless convectors or most ceramic heaters, let alone bar radiators). The Kambrooks do have an edge in heat distribution (with their horizontal slats keeping the airflow more-or-less in horizontal planes), but I think this DēLonghi model is still capable enough at that. (Even fanless convectors warm the room more-evenly than you’d expect from their upgoing heat output, in my experience using them.)
Blocking the airflow trips the thermal cut-out in about 2 seconds on high, 7 seconds on low; medium takes the longest (about 8 seconds) since the 1500W element is at the back (and starts to glow visibly in normal lighting; this explains why 2-heat models like the Kambrook use the front element on half-power), but still easily passes the test.
You will then need to switch the heater (including fan) off and wait a few minutes for the Klixon TH11 to reset.
Conclusion
If you want really well-built heaters at sane prices (for retail anyway), DēLonghi remain the one game in town.
The earlier revision was already excellent, and EX:3 fixes (most of) its few minor flaws.
 Pros |
+ built like a tank, steel front grille + 3 power settings (2400W, 1500W, 900W with reduced fan speed) + self-holding Klixon TH11 for indefinite overheat protection + EX:3 revision has mica heater terminal board (rather than plastic) and additional mica heat shields + ergonomic switch knob |
 Cons |
− more tonal than the Kambrook; still not very quiet on 900W |
 Be aware of… |
/?\ neon lit whenever plugged in (and driven fairly hard); will it last? /?\ trim finish options (if available) /?\ sporadic availability /?\ foam feet might be misplaced on older versions (and drain holes might not be open) |
The earlier version, with two misplaced feet, fell just short of getting an award from me.
But now that’s been fixed (and with the internal mica adornments), I can wholeheartedly give one of these:
Of course, you’ll still struggle to justify the price if you only use the heater in one location for a short time.
But if you move it around often you’ll appreciate the build quality, and if you run it for hours on end the purchase price will become quite academic.
By this price range (AU$100 up) I’d rather see a more-reputable cordset (e.g. PATELEC which DēLonghi’s coffee machines use) than the usual Chinese/Taiwanese stuff (up to 10A I’d even take a quality 1mm2 over CN/TW 1.5mm2), or even invest engineering resources into improving the robustness of plug construction; but the cable itself seems fine and the plug is easy enough to replace if it starts to overheat.
In the last few years I haven’t bought a heater of any other brand, apart from a few niche models (low power, radiators) where nothing better than the generic Chinesium is available here. (Kambrook made solid mid-priced models for the longest time, but are now asking AU$100 for the KFH770; so realistically, Australian buyers should either settle for the thermostat‑less AU$65 KFH700, or go all the way with this DēLonghi.) There’s a Dimplex model which looks somewhat interesting (a Vornado-esque fan + heater, which even has an intake filter), but with only 1800W and all-plastic construction (even the impeller!) for over AU$300, I wasn’t keen to bet on it. (But if I meet someone who owns one, I’ll try it out…)
Come to think of it, it’s probably because heaters are an aside for DēLonghi, that they can build them to last while selling them at reasonable prices. (After all they never become technologically obsolete, and have very limited scope for innovations; so once someone has all the portable heaters they need, it’s very hard to sell a replacement until the old unit finally does fail. DēLonghi’s main business of course being coffee machines and other kitchen appliances.)
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