The Mill Instant Max occupies a special place in the portable electric heater market, combining Scandinavian minimalism with modern heating technology.
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What is this?Portable electric heater with Scandinavian design
What do you know?With 2200W of power, in three stages, it heats rooms up to 25 square meters without a fan
What does it cost?55.000 HUF
Who is it good for?For users looking for a modern, reliable and aesthetic solution for heating a single room
Mill Instant Max – Introduction, or what is this article about?
The story of the Norwegian company Mill began in 2010, when Philip Bryn-Haugland realized during a family vacation that radiator designs were significantly lagging behind the needs of modern homes. In the time since, the company has revolutionized the electric radiator market, winning numerous international awards for its innovative products.
The Mill Instant Max portable heater is one of the latest developments in this development. The device is a perfect example of how a practical and relatively inexpensive household appliance can also be a stylish interior design element. Bearing the characteristic features of Scandinavian design, the heater not only heats, but also represents a distinct aesthetic value.
Energy efficiency is a key consideration these days. The Mill Instant Max has three different power levels, allowing users to adjust energy consumption to their current needs. The device can be particularly useful in home office environments where only one room needs to be heated, or during transitional periods when it is not yet justified to turn on the central heating.
Safe operation is a basic requirement for modern heaters. The Mill Instant Max has all the safety features you would expect from a modern appliance. Overheating protection and automatic shutdown in case of tipping are standard.
Quiet operation is also a key feature, especially when using the device in a living space or office. The Mill Instant Max also delivers outstanding performance in this area, with minimal (in fact, none) noise, so it won't interfere with activities that require concentration.
Mill's environmentally conscious approach is also reflected in the development of the product. The device complies with the EU LOT20 energy efficiency standard, thus contributing to sustainable energy use.
The Mill Instant Max radiator attracts attention at first glance with its clean, elegant appearance. The 620 mm wide, 245 mm deep and 385 mm high housing with a white steel casing fits harmoniously into any modern interior design style. The 4,7 kg weight provides a sufficiently stable base, while still allowing easy movement.
The device's distinctive appearance is defined by soft, rounded corners and gently curved sides. The black center section contrasts with the sleek, elegant design. The radiator's unique appearance is that it appears to float above the floor - an effect made possible by the carefully designed plastic base.
The controls are conveniently located on the side of the device. The mechanical thermostat allows you to set the desired temperature between 0 and 35°C. The power regulator allows you to set the heating power in three stages: you can choose between 1000W, 1200W and 2200W. The controls are well-thought-out, easily accessible and clearly identifiable.
The 160-centimeter black power cable that supplies the power is connected at the end of the device. The length of the cable provides enough room for movement in most usage situations. Looking ahead to the experience, I would like to note here that it was a pretty stupid idea to put the cable on the side of the controls, because that way it always faces the socket and the wall. It would have been much more practical if the connection was on the side opposite the controls.
The device has a grounded connector, which is a basic requirement for safe operation. The heater has an IPX4 protection level, which means it is protected against splashing water, but it is not suitable for bathroom use. It also doesn't matter where the water splashes from, because it won't be so lucky if it hits the heating element and electrical connections from above.
The special feature of the Mill Instant Max is its fan-free operation, in this device the chimney effect (convection heating technology), i.e. the accelerated upward movement of warm air, helps to disperse the heat more effectively. The heater uses virtually no moving parts, so the operation is completely noiseless.
The manufacturer has paid special attention to safety: the device is equipped with overheating protection and a safety switch that activates in case of tipping. These functions work automatically and do not require any special settings or user intervention.
Mill Instant Max – We look behind the technical parameters
The Mill Instant Max heater has a maximum power of 2200 W, which can be adjusted in three different stages. The first stage is 1000 W, the second is 1200 W, while the third provides a full 2200 W. This power range allows the device to be used effectively in rooms of different sizes and to adapt energy consumption to weather conditions.
The heater complies with the European Union LOT20 standard in terms of efficiency, which includes energy efficiency requirements for modern electric heaters. The device is suitable for heating a space of up to 25 square meters in a well-insulated room, and approximately 18 square meters in a less insulated room.
The heating element of the device is a highly efficient wire design, which allows for extremely fast heating. The design of the heating element ensures that the heating effect is felt almost immediately after switching on. Thanks to the convection heating technology, the warm air is distributed in the room by natural flow.
The built-in mechanical thermostat allows you to set the desired temperature between 0 and 35 degrees Celsius. The thermostat maintains the set value precisely: when the room reaches the desired temperature, the device automatically switches off, and then switches on again when the temperature starts to drop. This function significantly contributes to energy-efficient operation.
The Mill Instant Max can be powered by a 230 V mains voltage. The device has a grounded plug, which not only ensures safe operation, but also guarantees compliance with touch protection regulations. The 160 cm power cable provides sufficient space for positioning the device.
Safety features include overheat protection, which prevents the device from overheating, and tip-over protection, which immediately cuts off the power supply if the device tips over. These protection systems operate automatically and require no maintenance or user intervention.
The manufacturer offers a 5-year warranty on the device, which indicates confidence in the reliability and durability of the product. This period significantly exceeds the warranty period usually typical for electrical household appliances.
Mill Instant Max test – one and a half months of practical experience
I tested the Mill Instant Max heater in my approximately 12 square meter office, where there is no central heating (convector and radiator), so some kind of additional electric heating is definitely necessary for the colder winter months. During the testing period, I paid particular attention to the energy efficiency of the device, its heating performance and the practical aspects of use.
The initial setup of the device was extremely easy. Out of the box, all you had to do was attach the base and the heater was ready to use. The controls are logically placed, although I must say that the power cord is not located on the side of the controls – it would have been more practical if it was on the back of the device or on the opposite side.
The heating performance is surprisingly good: it heated the 12 square meter room to a comfortable temperature in about 2200 minutes at the highest setting of 10 W. I should note that it did not have to start from zero degrees, the task was really just to temper the room. The mechanical thermostat allows for precise temperature control, although it is important to note that the temperature measured by the thermostat depends on the placement of the device.
When placed under the window, the temperature reading was not completely representative of the room as a whole. To be precise, the real temperature was slightly lower than what Mill's solution measured. The cube was simply turned upside down, and in this case the radiator measured a little lower than the real temperature. However, the situation is not infinite, the measurement difference remained between half and one degree.
In my small office, the lowest of the three power levels, 1000 W, proved to be sufficient to maintain the temperature during everyday use. The fan function would have been useful, if it had been there, the warm air would probably have been distributed even more evenly and faster. But for some reason, without a fan there is no noise and the number of parts that can fail is also lower.
In terms of energy consumption, it was a pleasant surprise: the thermostat maintains the set temperature accurately, the device turns on and off in a timely manner. Due to the heat storage ability of the heating element, the heating effect can still be felt for a (short) time after switching off, which further improves energy efficiency.
The stability of the device is adequate, the aluminum base seemed absolutely stable at first glance. This was also proven in practical use, it is sufficiently stable, it is an art to accidentally tip it over, but if you do manage to do so, the anti-tip protection immediately comes into play. The safety functions worked reliably during the test period.
In terms of design, the Mill Instant Max really stands out from the crowd of traditional heaters. The white color, the sleek aluminum base and bracket, and the minimalist shape fit well in my office. The surface of the device is easy to clean, does not attract dust, and even after a month and a half of use, it did not show any discoloration or wear.
The portability of the device was a particularly positive experience: the 4,7 kg weight allows for easy movement, so I could have used it in other rooms if necessary. The 160 cm power cable proved to be long enough in most situations.
Mill Instant Max – The Final Verdict
The Mill Instant Max portable heater is a well-designed, modern device that successfully combines Scandinavian design with efficient heating technology. The 2200 W maximum power and three-stage power control provide the flexibility to heat spaces of different sizes, while also maintaining energy efficiency.
The device's strengths include its fast heat-up capability, quiet operation, and reliable thermostat. Built-in safety features, such as overheating and tip-over protection, and a 5-year warranty provide users with a sense of security. The use of quality materials and careful workmanship promise a long service life.
Of course, there are some details that could be improved, such as the location of the power cord, but these do not significantly affect the basic functions and usability of the device.
In terms of price-performance ratio, the Mill Instant Max belongs to the lower end of the premium category, but the high quality, reliable operation and outstanding design justify this pricing. The device is particularly recommended for users who are looking for a modern, reliable and aesthetic solution for heating a single room and are willing to invest in quality. The device performs excellently in a home office environment, bedroom or in rooms where central heating needs to be supplemented. For example, the wardrobe is such a room in our case.
You can buy the heater in Hungary for 55 thousand forints, the following link will help you with your purchase:
Mill Instant Max heater
Frequently asked questions about the Mill Instant Max heater
Q: How large an area can the Mill Instant Max heat? A: In a well-insulated room, it is effective at heating up to 25 square meters, and in a less insulated room, it is effective at heating up to approximately 18 square meters.
Q: What is the maximum power of the Mill Instant Max? A: The maximum power of the device is 2200W, adjustable in three levels: 1000W, 1200W and 2200W.
Q: Can the Mill Instant Max be used in the bathroom? A: No, although it has an IPX4 rating, which protects against splashing water, the device is not designed for bathroom use.
Q: How long is the power cord on the Mill Instant Max? A: The device is equipped with a 160-centimeter black power cord.
Q: Does the Mill Instant Max heater have a fan? A: Yes, it has a built-in fan that can be turned on and off for more efficient heat dissipation.
Q: How much does the Mill Instant Max weigh? A: The device weighs 4,7 kg, which allows for easy portability.
Q: What is the temperature range of the Mill Instant Max Mec thermostat? A: The mechanical thermostat can be adjusted between 0 and 35 degrees Celsius.
Q: What safety features does the Mill Instant Max have? A: The device has overheating protection and an automatic shut-off in case of tipping.
Q: How long does the manufacturer's warranty cover the Mill Instant Max? A: The manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty on the product.
Q: How loud is the Mill Instant Max when operating? A: It is almost silent in fanless mode and produces minimal noise even with the fan on.
- Minimalist, elegant Scandinavian design
- Completely silent operation thanks to fanless design
- Three power levels (1000W, 1200W, 2200W)
- Fast heating ability
- Reliable, accurate thermostat
- Stable aluminum base
- Easy-to-clean surface
- 5 years warranty
- IPX4 protection
- Excellent safety features (overheating and tip-over protection)
- Power cable location is impractical (it is on the side of the controls)
- Premium pricing
- Heat distribution is slower due to the lack of a fan
- Thermostat measurement depends on the device placement
