Quick Summary: This guide compares reliable 240V portable heaters across categories including infrared shop heaters, high‑power fan‑forced salamanders, and submersible/immersion water heating units suited for pools, tubs, and baptismal tanks. The table below highlights the five selected models so you can scan features at a glance.
| Product | Type | Power / Voltage | Safety Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| DR Infrared Heater DR-988A | Garage / Shop Infrared | 5600W / 240V | NEMA 6-30R outlet required |
| DR. INFRARED DR-PS11024 Salamander | Fan Forced Portable Electric Heater | 10,000W / 240V | Heavy-duty frame, safety guards |
| 240V 3500W Pool Heater (JUPSDDTH) | Submersible Pool Immersion Heater | 3500W / 240V | CFCI leak detection, UL cable |
| 3500W 240V Portable Immersion Heater (JNICEANTAI) | Submersible Pool / Bath Heater | 3500W / 240V | GFCI & auto-reset, 316L stainless |
| 240V 3000W Portable Submersible Heater (JNICEANTAI) | Submersible Pool & Hot Tub Heater | 3000W / 240V | GFCI plug, thermostat |
DR Infrared Heater DR-988A Garage Shop 208/240-Volt
The DR-988A Is Designed For Garage And Workshop Heating Using Infrared Technology That Warms Objects And People Directly Rather Than Relying On Forced Air.
- Power And Voltage: Requires 240-Volt service and draws up to 5600 watts.
- Outlet/Plug: Uses a NEMA 6-30P plug and requires a compatible NEMA 6-30R receptacle rated for 250V/30A.
- Application: Suited For Detached Garages, Small Workshops Or Areas Where Infrared Heat Penetration And Spot Heating Are Useful.
- Considerations: Installation requires an appropriate dedicated circuit and outlet. Infrared heat gives rapid localized warming but less uniform air temperature distribution compared to fan-forced units.
DR. INFRARED HEATER DR-PS11024 Salamander 10000-Watt Portable
The DR-PS11024 Is A High-Capacity Portable Fan-Forced Salamander Heater Built For Construction Sites, Large Garages, And Temporary Jobsite Heating.
- Power And Voltage: Single‑phase 240V with up to 10,000 watts output; requires a heavy-duty 55‑amp circuit breaker.
- Design: Heavy-duty steel frame with safety guards on intake and output to protect users and surroundings.
- Heat Delivery: Fan-forced output provides rapid heating of air volume, making it more effective for warming larger enclosed spaces evenly.
- Considerations: Requires dedicated high‑amp electrical supply and proper connection by a qualified electrician. Fan-forced units may stir dust and require adequate ventilation in enclosed jobsites.
240V 3500W Pool Heater For Swimming & Inflatable Pools
This 3500W 240V Immersion Pool Heater Is Designed For Above-Ground Or Inflatable Pools And Offers High Corrosion Resistance For Saltwater And Chlorinated Environments.
- Power: 3500 watts on 240V, delivering approximately 11,942 BTU/h nominal heat input.
- Construction: 316L stainless steel heating rod for enhanced corrosion resistance compared with 304 stainless options.
- Safety: Includes a CFCI shock prevention plug that detects leakage currents and cuts power in about 0.03 seconds; 3M UL‑certified silicone jacket cable rated to high temperatures.
- Use Notes: Intended to be used in conjunction with a pool cover and filtration outlet. Professional grounding recommended for metal containers. Not a substitute for a permanent pool heater or heater integrated with pool plumbing unless installed per manufacturer guidance.
3500W 240V Portable Immersion Water Heater With GFCI
This JNICEANTAI Unit Is An All‑In‑One Submersible Heater Designed For Small Pools, Bathtubs, Baptistries, And Livestock Tanks With Built-In GFCI Protection And Auto‑Reset.
- Power And Design: 3500W at 240V with a 19.7-inch form factor to fit into tight spaces.
- Safety: Continuous GFCI monitoring with 0.03s leakage cutoff and auto-reset functionality, plus overload protection.
- Materials: Seamless 316L stainless steel
- Application: Best for temporary or seasonal heating of small bodies of water where a submersible element and built-in electrical protection are desired. Professional grounding is recommended when used with metal containers.
240V 3000W Portable Fully Submersible Electric Pool Heater
This 3000W Submersible Model Provides Thermostat Control And GFCI Protection For Controlled Heating Of Bathtubs, Inflatable Pools, And Small Above-Ground Swimming Areas.
- Power: 3000W
- Safety: GFCI protection with auto-reset reduces electrocution risk and offers overload protection.
- Construction: Utilizes 316L stainless steel for improved durability in chlorinated or saltwater environments.
- Use Case: Appropriate Where Moderately Fast Water Heating Is Needed Without Permanently Installed Pool heaters. Requires proper grounding and adherence to electrical safety guidelines.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right 240V Portable Heater
Selecting a 240V portable heater depends on the application, available electrical infrastructure, safety needs, and portability expectations. Below are key factors and comparative perspectives to help match a model to your needs.
1. Intended Use And Heat Delivery
- Workshop/Garage Heating: Choose infrared or fan‑forced salamander heaters. Infrared (DR-988A) is effective for spot heating and warming people/tools quickly. Fan‑forced large units (DR-PS11024) warm air more uniformly across larger volumes.
- Water Heating: For pools, tubs, or baptismal tanks, choose submersible immersion heaters with proper corrosion resistance (316L stainless) and GFCI/CFCI protection.
2. Electrical Supply And Plug Requirements
- Circuit Capacity: High‑wattage units (5.6kW–10kW) demand dedicated circuits and appropriate breakers (e.g., 30A or 55A). Verify your panel and outlet type before purchase.
- Outlet Type: Shop heaters may require specific plugs like NEMA 6-30R. Immersion heaters often include GFCI plugs for safety. Consult an electrician for installation if unsure.
3. Safety Features And Certifications
- GFCI/CFCI Protection: Non-negotiable for water applications. Built-in devices that cut power within 0.03s reduce shock risk.
- Material Durability: For pool/tub heaters, prefer 316L stainless steel for better corrosion resistance in chlorinated or saltwater environments.
- Physical Guards/Frames: Construction site heaters should have protective guards and stable mounting to prevent tip‑over and contact burns.
4. Heat Type: Infrared Vs. Fan-Forced Vs. Immersion
- Infrared: Direct radiant heat that warms objects and people quickly; best for spot heating and energy efficiency in intermittently occupied spaces.
- Fan-Forced Salamander: Moves heated air to raise ambient temperature over a larger space; better for sustained uniform heating of larger enclosures.
- Immersion: Directly heats liquid mass; effective for pools and tubs but not appropriate for space heating.
5. Portability And Installation
- Weight & Form Factor: Consider mobility: light-weight immersion heaters are easily moved, whereas 10kW salamanders are heavy and often used stationary on jobsites.
- Electrical Hookup: Portable does not mean plug‑and‑play if you lack the proper outlet. Plan for installation or temporary wiring upgrades if necessary.
6. Efficiency, Recovery Rate, And Application Size
- Output vs. Volume: Estimate the heated volume or water mass. Higher wattage yields faster temperature rises but requires more electrical capacity.
- Recovery Rate For Pools: Use heater wattage and pool volume to estimate degrees/hour. Pair with a pool cover to retain heat and improve effective efficiency.
7. Maintenance And Longevity
- Corrosion Resistance: 316L stainless components increase service life in corrosive water environments.
- Electrical Protections: Replace or service GFCI/CFCI components promptly if tripping or damaged to maintain safety.
8. Regulatory And Local Code Considerations
- Permits And Wiring Code: High-amperage 240V circuits might require permits or licensed electrician installation to meet local codes.
- Grounding And Metal Tanks: Professional grounding is recommended for metal containers when using immersion heaters.
Comparison Checklist
- If You Need Spot Heat For People/Tools: Consider infrared (DR-988A).
- If You Need Rapid Uniform Air Heating For Large Spaces: Consider fan-forced salamander (DR-PS11024).
- If You Need To Heat Water Temporarily With Safety Protections: Choose submersible immersion heaters with GFCI/CFCI and 316L stainless construction.
- If You Lack A Dedicated Outlet Or Circuit: Factor installation cost and wiring upgrades into your decision.