Desk Mini Panel Electric Space Heater, Small, Blue Grey

I have been wanting a small wattage heater like this to use under my desk- this fits the bill perfectly. Like others have mentioned -it isn't a room heater- it is just over 150 watts( measured by a kill-a-watt P3). It puts out a surprising amount of heat at that wattage level. After using it for a few days- having to turn it on/off because I got too warm- the unit consumed a measly 2 KWH, about 25 cents! I am very energy-conscious so I am delighted with the performance. It does get hot but you can have it right next to your legs without getting burned. Other reviews mention the stink from the unit when it is used for the first day or so- I had to plug mine in and run it in the shop the first day- it was OK after that. I would recommend this to anyone in an office setting or home desk.

When I first took it out of the box, I was impressed with the construction. It is very solidly built, and looks like it was built to last (time will tell). I have it sitting under my desk about one inch away from the drop on the face/back of the desk. It keeps my feet warm; just barely. I would say that you would need another 100 watts if you want your feet/legs to be toasty. Still, I am glad I have it.The problems with it: It puts out just as much, if not more heat out of the back as it does the front. This results in the desk being heated and heat radiating out from the desk and away in the wrong direction.Another problem: The on/off switch is located on one end; the end in which the cord comes out. This results (at least in my case, and probably most) in the on/off switch being on the side going toward the plug, that is under/behind the desk, thus on the "wrong side" of the unit, making it more difficult to get to. I literally have to crawl under the desk to turn it on/off. Too, there is a red indicator light built into to the switch that lets you know the power is on. However, it points away from you (as it is in my case) and you can't see it. Therefore, it is very easy to forget that it is on until the next morning when I am back at my desk and realize it was on all night. I finally solved some of my problems when I realized that since just as much heat was coming out of the back, I could turn the unit around and have the back facing me. The cord was just long enough (6 feet) to still reach my plug), although an extension cord could be used. Now I can easily access the on/off switch.This is what it needs: In addition to fixing the aforementioned issues, there should be a timer on it. I have a heated mattress pad that has a timer. Never do I have to worry about it being left on. The fact that it is heating out of the back and heating up the desk, is cause for concern if you forget to turn it off and have left it unattended.One more thing: I suggest when you first get it; plug it in out in the garage and let it run for about 24 hours. There is a strong odor from the oils in the paint and metal that is given off for a considerable length of time.UPDATE 4/9/2014:The reset button keeps turning the unit off. The unit now typically will run anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour and then the unit shuts down. You have to wait until it cools down before turning back on. Pretty much worthless at this point. I will be looking for a different heater before next winter.

I was torn between comparison between the Lasko MyHeat and the Sengoku. I got the Lasko MyHeat last year for my home office and am overall satisfied with it. I needed a similar heater at the office as I often get cold there (I have a drafty window and cold cement floors) and thought I'd bring the Lasko there since its more discreet and try the Sengoku at home. I now use the Sengoku under my desk at home which is against a north facing wall and is typically the coldest room on this side of the house. Just as the Lasko, the Sengoku warms the air under the desk nicely without having to crank up the house thermostat which is in a warm area of the house. However, it takes longer (10-15 min) to warm up fully. Once warmed up, it is about as hot as a food warming tray on medium-low -- you can still barely touch it but you'd rather use potholders. On the coldest nights, I find the Lasko with its extra 50 W puts out that bit of extra heat to make the area around the desk more comfortable. But, the Sengoku is silent whereas the MyHeat has the fan that, while rather quiet (similar to the hum of an old-style computer case cooling fan), still adds a clearly audible hum that can be distracting, IMO. Also, the Lasko dries the air out more because it produces forced heat and you feel the warm air coming from under the desk and drying out the eyes. The Sengoku also has that effect, but less pronounced.Advantages:- Lower power consumption than the Lasko (150 W vs 200 W)- Silent- Less dry air/itchy eyes- Nice warmth for under a desk or a small area -- keeps me comfortable in a 66-68 degree room and will raise room temperature slightly (1-2 degrees after several hours).-the design also allows it to be used as a towel warmer or to dry socks, etc (although the instructions warn against doing so)-Big enough (see disadvantages) that you don't end up tripping over it. The Lasko is the size of a large coffee mug and easy to knock over if you keep it on the floor (and has no safety switch)Disadvantages:-Higher price (The Lasko goes for less than 20 bucks)-The felt backing smells of off-gassing plasticizers for several days-the unit is big (size about 15 in high x 50 in long). That means heat is distributed evenly but also means it may get in the way or look ugly depending on your decor/taste (the color of the felt panel is a dark-ish blue) or draw attention in your office.-a bit too low power for those coldest nights.-slower to warm up.-because it's silent you forget to turn it off. At this price you'd think they could have put in a timer.Conclusion: I'd buy it again, mainly because its quiet, doesn't dry out the eyes. Minus one star for the smell, the somewhat non-inspiring design and lack of a timer/safety switch.

My Sengoku mini panel heater has been working great for 3+ years now since my purchase at Amazon in 2013. It first served as my own under-the-desk heater, and then we are using it in kids room. It is very reliable, safe, and does its work to warm up your feet and/or smaller space. We live in Northern California and found it more than enough to keep a kids room comfortably warm. What I like the best about this heater is its wattage consumption; it will never spike nor hurt your electricity bill even if you keep it on all the time during the winter. Another great thing is it is quiet not like typical ceramic heaters. As this winter is going to be colder than the past few years, I am ordering another one as my under-the-desk heater again.