Honeywell HZ-385BP Motion Sensor Heater

Bottom line

The Honeywell HZ-385BP is a feature-packed heater with more high-end details than most units at this price. However, reviews suggest that these "features" may not be all they're cracked up to be. The HZ-385BP does warm up quickly and distributes heat well. However, its thermostat is not very reliable, and the motion sensor can cause the unit to turn off more often than desired. Also, the heater creates a lot of racket, and the display panel can be very bright, so it may not be the best choice for bedrooms.

Performance

Inconsistent feedback on heating ability. Reviews are inconclusive on whether the Honeywell HZ-385BP Motion Sensor Heater heats effectively. Most reviewers -- both owners and pros -- agree that the unit does heat up quickly. However, users disagree about what size room it's capable of warming. Some users say it can't heat a space larger than a small bathroom, while others say one unit can effectively heat a large bedroom and multiple units can warm an entire apartment. The fan and oscillation do seem to be relatively effective at moving the heat around; it's unclear whether the heater actually increases temperature in a room. There are also several reports of this heater breaking after only a short time.

Ease of use

Plenty of features though not without flaws. The Honeywell HZ-385BP is very easy to use, according to pro reviewers. It offers more high-end features than most heaters at this price, among them a digital thermostat, timer, heat indicator and oscillation. However, according to owners, these features can be flawed. Several users at Amaon.com and Buzzillions.com say the thermostat is inaccurate or ineffective. It either reads the wrong temperature, or allows wide swings in temperature. One reviewer says the digital thermostat is backlit, which creates a disturbing amount of light in a darkened bedroom.

Safety

Safety features may be overly cautious for some. Slate.com reviewer Dan Crane says the Honeywell HZ-385BP Motion Sensor Heater has more safety features than any other heater he tested. The most notable feature is the motion sensor, which turns the heater off when anything gets too close -- a good precaution for homes with children. This feature may not be the best for all homes, however. Owners say pets and people walking by the unit can easily turn it off. One owner says it's really only appropriate for rooms where there's plenty of space to move around the unit.

Other safety functions include a heat indicator light, tip-over switch and overheat switch. However, while Honeywell says this heater has a cool-touch housing, Good Housekeeping says it gets very hot to the touch, reaching more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Reports from owners agree.

Noise

Creates a clamor. Nearly all reviewers agree that the Honeywell HZ-385BP Motion Sensor Heater creates a good deal of noise. Users say the fan is so noisy it can startle pets, and one user says the oscillation feature creates a noisy creaking sound. Good Housekeeping agrees, saying that the heater is noticeably loud.