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Dr Infrared Heater DR-978 — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home HeatersDr Infrared Heater DR-978

Dr Infrared Heater DR-978 — image 1

Dr. Infrared Heater

Dr Infrared Heater DR-978

Expert Review Analysis

The Dr. Infrared Heater DR-978 is a 1500W portable electric space heater that uses a hybrid PTC and quartz infrared system to deliver 5200 BTU/hour, covering rooms up to about 400‑500 ft². It features a quiet high‑velocity blower, programmable thermostat, remote control, and multiple safety protections.

✓ Best for: Ideal for individuals or small families needing supplemental heat in medium bedrooms, home offices, or living areas of 150‑500 ft², particularly where quiet operation, safety around children/pets, and remote control convenience are priorities.✗ Not ideal for: Not suited for very large or open spaces, outdoor use, or situations where a wide heat spread via oscillation is required.

Pros

✓Hybrid dual heating system combining PTC and quartz infrared delivers higher heat output of 5200 BTU/hour, outperforming standard single‑element heaters.
✓Quiet high‑velocity blower provides strong air circulation without noticeable noise, suitable for bedrooms and offices.
✓

Price History

Current

$87.99

Average

$86.42

Lowest

$68.59

Highest

$99.99

Price trend (90d):+2.2%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#140Best#123Worst#354 +101

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating4.4/ 5Reviews2,606+348 reviews -0.10

Specifications

Accessories

Remote ControlIncluded

Controls

Thermostat Range50°F to 85°F

Timer12 hours minutes

Control TypePush-button

Design

Height12.0 in mm

Width9.0 in mm

Depth10.0 in mm

Weight10.0 lb g

MaterialSteel frame

Display

Display TypeDigital

Features

Heating SystemHybrid dual (PTC + Quartz Infrared)

BlowerHigh-velocity low-noise

OscillationNo

Safety FeaturesTip-over switch, overheat shut-off, cool-touch housing, no exposed elements

Heat Settings3 (High 1500W, Low 1000W, ECO)

General

BrandDr. Infrared Heater

ManufacturerDr. Heater USA

ModelDR-978

ColorBlack

Release Date2019-09-13

Performance

Heat Output5200 BTU/h

Room Coverage150-500 ft²

Power

Maximum Power1500 W W

Low Power1000 W W

Voltage120 V V

Current12.5 A A

Frequency60 Hz Hz

Heating System

Hybrid Dual SystemPTC + Quartz Infrared elements

Heat Output

BTU per hour5200 BTU/h

Thermostat

Temperature Range50°F to 85°F

Timer

Auto On/OffUp to 12‑hour programmable

Safety Features

Protective MechanismsTip‑over switch, overheat shut‑off, cool‑touch housing

Dimensions & Weight

Height12.0 inches

Width9.0 inches

Depth10.0 inches

Weight10.0 pounds

Research Sources

northerntool.com

drheaterusa.com

tractorsupply.com

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User Reviews

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4.4

(2,606 reviews)

$87.99$139.0037% off

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DR-978BlackDR-978 Hybrid 3-Year parts & components Limited Warranty

Comprehensive safety suite includes tip‑over switch, overheat shut‑off, and cool‑touch housing, making it safe for children and pets.

✓12‑hour programmable timer and ECO mode enable energy‑saving operation and set‑and‑forget convenience.

✓Remote control and digital display allow easy temperature adjustments from across the room.

Cons

✗Lack of oscillation means heat is directed in a fixed pattern, which can cause uneven warming in larger rooms.
✗Reported inconsistency in low‑heat wattage (some sources list 1000 W, others 1200 W) may confuse users selecting the appropriate setting.
✗Assembly may require adult tools despite minimal parts, adding a small setup hurdle for some buyers.
✗Coverage claims vary widely (150‑500 ft²), making it unclear how effective the unit is in the upper range of room sizes.
✗The power cord length is limited to 6 ft, which may restrict placement relative to wall outlets.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Professional reviewers highlight the hybrid system's superior heat output compared to basic PTC or infrared models.
✓Low‑noise blower is praised for delivering strong airflow without disturbing bedroom environments.
✓Safety certifications (UL/cUL) and reliable thermostat are noted for set‑it‑and‑forget‑it heating efficiency.

Criticized by Experts

✗Editors point out the absence of oscillation, limiting even heat distribution in larger spaces.
✗Some professional sources mention inconsistent reporting of the low‑heat wattage setting.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Everyday users appreciate the quick heating capability that warms 200‑400 ft² spaces rapidly.
✓Quiet fan operation is frequently mentioned as a major comfort factor in bedrooms and offices.
✓Safety features are valued by families with children and pets, noting the cool‑touch housing.
✓Customers cite a reliable 10,000‑hour runtime, indicating long‑term durability.

Users Complain About

✗Consumers report uneven heating in rooms because the unit does not oscillate.
✗A few users note minor discrepancies in the low‑heat setting values, causing confusion.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers and editors consistently commend the DR-978 for its hybrid heating technology, delivering higher BTU output than comparable single‑element heaters, while the quiet blower and robust safety certifications make it a reliable choice for medium‑sized indoor spaces. The main criticisms focus on the lack of oscillation and occasional confusion over low‑heat wattage specifications.

What Users Say

Everyday users generally express satisfaction with the heater's rapid warming, quiet operation, and safety features, especially in homes with children or pets. While most praise its performance in rooms up to 400 ft², recurring themes include a desire for oscillation to improve heat distribution and clarification of low‑heat power levels.

Common Complaints

Common issues include uneven heating due to fixed airflow direction, lack of oscillation, inconsistent low‑heat wattage reporting, and limited 6‑ft power cord length restricting placement.

What People Are Saying

“Reliable 10,000-hour runtime.”
5/5 ★Tractor Supply

How It Compares

vs. Competitor A (≈1500W PTC)

Advantages

✓Typically lighter at around 8 lb, making it marginally more portable.

Disadvantages

✗Provides lower heat output and smaller coverage area (≈125 ft²) compared to the DR-978’s 5200 BTU and up to 500 ft² coverage.

Choose Competitor A if ultra‑light weight is the top priority and heating a small area.

vs. Competitor B (≈1500W Infrared)

Advantages

✓Infrared element can heat objects directly without moving air.

Disadvantages

✗Lacks a blower, resulting in slower room‑wide temperature rise and no air circulation.

Select Competitor B for silent, spot‑heating needs where airflow isn’t required.

vs. Competitor C (blower heater)

Advantages

✓Higher overall coverage (up to 3600 ft²) when properly vented.

Disadvantages

✗Heavier (≈12 lb) and often requires venting, reducing portability and ease of indoor use.

Opt for Competitor C for large, well‑ventilated spaces; otherwise the DR-978 offers better portability and safety for medium rooms.