Radiant / convection heater versus convection only space heater

[Smurf]

From a purely comfort / performance perspective (ignoring cost, energy use etc) what are your opinions on space heaters with a radiant panel at the front versus those that simply blow out hot air?

My thinking is that for installation in a living room, the type that has the radiant section plus also blows out hot air would be the better option rather than the somewhat "sterile, commercial" feel of something that just blows hot air only?

I'm not referring to a specific make and model but just in general terms. As I said, my question is about comfort and personal opinions of how well it works, not matters such as running cost. I know that that both will put out the same amount of heat for a given rating, but what about personal preference? There are gas and electric versions of both style of heater so that's not an issue either.

Example of the type that has both radiant and convection Pyrox Executive space heater (http://www.bonaire.com.au/gasheating/space/executive.aspx) or the electric version http://pureheat.com.au/products_overview/fan-forced/royal-series-2

Example of the fan only type Rinnai Australia - Products (http://www.rinnai.com.au/index.php?option=com_products&task=product&Itemid=2&id=298) or there's an electric version of the same heater style here http://pureheat.com.au/products_overview/fan-forced/belmont-series-2

[meepmeep]

Hi, all electric heaters produce 5000 BTU because they are limited to 1500 Watts. There wont be big difference between the types you choose. Gas heaters can get up to 1,5000 BTUs three times the electric space heater's power. So the question remains: gas heater or electric heater is suitable for me? (http://review-home.com/space-heaters/gas-heater-vs-electric-heater) and deciding between convection (oil-filled) and radiant (infrared) heaters (http://review-home.com/space-heaters/oil-filled-radiators-vs-infrared-heaters). But if you are lazy to read the thorough articles the point is that using convection heaters is efficient only if there is a good insulation in the house because they heat the air only. Drafty room sucks away warm air fast. The heaters which blow hot air are convection heaters also. On poorly insulated places radiant heater is the must get which heats the people directly (skin absorbs infrared waves) and doesnt waste power heating the air.

[plum]

Natural gas heaters can deliver up to 40 mj's or 40,000 BTUs if you like. Radiant heaters are operated in conjunction with a fan, but I don't believe give an even heat compared to an enclosed flame space heater.

[Smurf]

I ended up getting an electric one. Bought it second hand for $100 and it's in as new condition. Output is 7kw (equivalent to 25 MJ) which is plenty. I has radiant elements and a fan as well, with both being able to operate independently (so you can have just radiant, just hot air, or both).

Not the most economical means of heating but it does what I want it to do and works nicely.