5 Best Ceramic Heat Emitters for Bearded Dragons (Expert Review)

If you’re a new bearded dragon parent and you want to get your hands on the best ceramic heat emitter, I got you!

Not only will I give you the 5 best ceramic heat emitters, but I’ll provide you with a few tips in selecting one!

As a beardie parent, I was once a newbie in the world of reptiles but my experience taught me far more lessons than books and magazines!

Read more to find out all the details needed for an efficient purchase.

This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

READ MORE: Best Heating Pad for Reptiles

Top Ceramic Heat Emitters at a Glance

• OMAYKEY 100W 2-Pack Ceramic Heat Lamp: WINNER (TOP CHOICE)
• Fluker’s Ceramic Heat Emitter For Reptiles: Best For All Types of Reptiles
• Simple Deluxe Ceramic Heat Emitter: Best Budget-Friendly Ceramic Heat Emitter
• LUCKY HERP Reptile Ceramic Heat Emitter: Best For Overall Effectiveness (Runner-Up)
• ZACRO Reptile Heat Ceramic Lamp (Non-Light): Best For Thermal Efficiency

Don’t have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!

The 5 Best Ceramic Heat Emitters For Reptiles

Of course, not all ceramic heat emitters are made the same. Some are better, while some are far worse than you can imagine.

In more than a decade of dealing with bearded dragons and their maintenance, I came across these five (5) products that truly left me breathless! These can be found below.   

1) OMAYKEY 100W 2-Pack Ceramic Heat Lamp: WINNER (TOP CHOICE)

Of all the many ceramic heat emitters I’ve used in my experience, the OMAYKEY 100W ceramic heat lamp has been the best, the most effective, and most reliable.

It’s the complete package if you’re looking for an effective ceramic heating lamp to keep and maintain the body heat of your reptile friend.  This infrared heat emitter is perfect for the use you want it for! 

It’s made from strong and durable ceramic with metal, so you can expect it not to break and crack easily. Avoid metabolic bone diseases [1] by using the right bulb with the right amounts of UVB!

Features of the OMAYKEY Ceramic Heater

What I liked best about OMAYKEY’s ceramic heating lamp is the fact that it’s applicable to almost all types of reptiles.

You can use it for leopard gecko tanks, bearded dragon terrariums, even for chicken coops! The product is ETL listed and certified, making it safe for all reptiles and amphibians you have in captivity.

This infrared heat lamp claims that it can last 9,000 to 15,000 hours –sometimes even longer. I was able to use it for a year and a half, which was already good considering the usage I have for it.

You can use it on multiple tanks since it can easily be set up and installed! Hence, it can be your primary 24-hour heat source for reptiles!

OMAYKEY Ceramic Reptile Heat Lamp Size

The product measures 4.13 x 3.14 x 3.15 inches and weighs 4.8 ounces. The bulb has a 100-wattage capacity, perfect for the heating that your bearded dragon needs.

The heating surface diameter is approximately 3.15 inches.

Benefits & Drawbacks of Using the OMAYKEY Ceramic Heat Lamp

Benefits	Drawbacks
It utilizes infrared so no light is emitted, your beardies won’t be disturbed!	The heating capacity is not that good.
Installation and setup are easy.	Some users reported not being able to use it longer than four months.
The ceramic material is durable and long-lasting.
It can be used for many different animals/purposes.
It can put out the perfect temperature range for reptiles.

Why the OMAYKEY Ceramic Lamp is the Best

And while the cons may seem daunting, those are isolated cases. The OMAYKEY infrared heat lamp is not singled out to have these cons and drawbacks, so don’t worry!

If you look at it deeper, you’ll see that the pros definitely outweigh the cons. It’s the perfect one-for-all type of ceramic heater available in the market that would hit two (2) birds with one (1) stone.  

Also Check: Best Heating Lamp for Bearded Dragon

2) Fluker’s Ceramic Heat Emitter For Reptiles: Best For All Types of Reptiles

Fluker’s Reptile Ceramic Heat Emitter is what you want for flexibility and versatility. Some heat emitters are made only for a certain type of reptilian species –Fluker’s Ceramic Heat Emitter is not.

You can use it for many different types of reptiles because of its highly effective heat output.

Features of Fluker’s Ceramic Lamp

The product uses infrared light as its heating element, guaranteeing intense and focused heat without producing any light.

And while it isn’t ideal for the sunlight that your reptiles need, it can guarantee perfect heat radiation feature without you worrying about too much humidity.

You can purchase Fluker’s ceramic heat emitter for reptiles in two (2) wattage categories, you can choose from 100 watts and 150 watts.

Fluker’s Ceramic Heater Size

The size of this ceramic heater sits at 7 x 4 x 9 inches, weighing in at 6.4 ounces in weight. You can purchase a Fluker’s ceramic light bulb in either 100 or 150 wattages.

Benefits & Drawbacks of Using Fluker’s Ceramic Heat Emitter

Benefits	Drawbacks
It has the same temperature as the tropical desert.	Reports said that the bulbs blow quite swiftly after being installed.
Fluker’s ceramic heat emitter has proven to help with the digestion of your cold-blooded pets.	It was smaller than the expected size.
You can use it with a “light timer” for automated turning off and on the heater.
It’s easily compatible with most sockets (110 V).

Why You Should Choose Fluker’s Ceramic Heater

I liked Fluker’s ceramic heat emitter because of its ease and convenience when being used. Compared to other emitters in the market, this didn’t give me a challenge.

It may not be hot enough than what you would expect, but it can help your beardie with the constant temperature it needs.  

3) Simple Deluxe Ceramic Heat Emitter: Best Budget-Friendly Ceramic Heat Emitter

Simple Deluxe’s ceramic heat emitter is what I found to be the cheapest, most affordable, and most budget-friendly. For its price, you’ll already be able to get the heat your beardie needs.

It’s equipped with an E27 and E26 holder, which makes it easy and convenient to hold. It has a smooth, waterproof, and high-quality surface, which adds up to its overall strength and durability.

Features of Simple Deluxe’s Ceramic Heater

One of the best features of Simple Deluxe’s ceramic heater is its high thermal efficiency which has been rated to be up to 10,000 hours.

It’s a good and affordable heater that can either be the primary or secondary heating device of your glass terrarium; it can definitely 

Simple Deluxe’s Ceramic Heat Emitter Size

The Simple Deluxe Ceramic Heat Emitter is measured at 8.2 x 5.5 x 4.3 inches, weighing about 1.01 pounds, and has about 85 mm of diameter heating surface.

Benefits & Drawbacks of Using Simple Deluxe’s Ceramic Heat Emitter

Benefits	Drawbacks
It has a long lifespan –it has a rating of up to 10,000 hours.	The heat output becomes so hot to the touch, which is dangerous.
You can use it as your 24-hour heat source for reptiles.	As per reports, the heat stops after a few weeks of usage.
It’s made of pure ceramics, which are perfect for protection and security.	It’s so hard that it’s already too fragile.
It will resist breakage due to highly fluctuating temperatures.

Why Choose Simple Deluxe’s Non-Light Ceramic Lamp?

I would recommend the Simple Deluxe Ceramic Heat Emitter to all beginners, especially those that do not want any complications with their reptiles.

It’s a perfect reptile heat lamp that does not have light emission levels that could mess up the sleep of your pet leopard gecko, bearded dragon, or any other reptile! 

Whatever your budget is, I’m pretty sure that you’ll be able to afford Simple Deluxe’s ceramic heat emitter. It’s relatively cheap compared to what you can use it for.  

4) LUCKY HERP Reptile Ceramic Heat Emitter: Best For Overall Effectiveness (Runner-Up)

LUCKY HERP’s reptile ceramic heat emitter is my second go-to product for the heating of my beardies. I consider this my runner-up because of the fact that it’s safe.

It has a crack prevention technology that guarantees the strength and durability of your pet reptile. That’s just one, in fact, here are some other features of the LUCKY HERP reptile ceramic heat emitter.

Features of LUCKY HERP’s Reptile Ceramic Heat Emitter

Among the many features of LUCKY HERP’s non-light reptile heat lamp, the best ones are uniform heating, fast and quick temperature rise, and the impeccable customer support of the manufacturer/seller.

You’ll never worry about achieving the high-humidity terrariums with this bad boy!  Uniform heating can help you with your goal of keeping a straight and steady temperature for your beardie.

You can make it seem like they’re just in their natural habitat. Not to mention the fact that the materials it’s made from are all durable and sturdy, you wouldn’t have a problem with it.

The company also has an excellent customer support system to help you all the way!

LUCKY HERP’s Reptile Ceramic Heat Emitter Size

The size of the LUCKY HERP reptile ceramic heat emitter sits at 6.54 x 4.76 x 3.31 inches with a voltage of 120 volts and a wattage of 100 watts.

Benefits & Drawbacks of Using LUCKY HERP’s Reptile Ceramic Heat Emitter

Benefits	Drawbacks
The rate of heating is fast –you don’t need to wait for hours to use it (it only takes 4 minutes to heat up).	It exclusively works with ceramic socket sonly.
It’s effective regardless of the shape, size, and type of tank you have.	The area around the bulb gets hot to the touch.
It packs enough heat to raise the body temperature of your reptiles.
You can use it with almost all brands of thermostats in the market.

Why You Should Choose LUCKY HERP’s Reptile Ceramic Heat Emitter

I consider this my go-to product in case OMAYKEY’s isn’t available because of its sufficient heat output and its ease of installation and setting up.

It gives a perfect heat radiation feature that can help you establish and develop the right temperature for your beardie.  The price is decent as it wouldn’t stress you out!

Go for LUCKY HERP’s reptile ceramic heat emitter if you want good-quality ceramic bulbs without all the complexity of other bulbs in the market.  

5) ZACRO Reptile Heat Ceramic Lamp (Non-Light): Best For Thermal Efficiency

ZACRO’s non-light reptile heat lamp is what you need to get if you’re looking for a product that has excellent levels of thermal efficiency.

It has 99% thermal efficiency, which is a great heat output level for reptiles, particularly bearded dragons without harming or damaging their skins.

It’s one of the best 24-hour heat sources I’ve used and it’s not exclusive to bearded dragons only. You can also use it for other reptiles and amphibians, too!

Features of ZACRO’s Reptile Non-Light Lamps Emitter

ZACRO’s reptile heat lamp is equipped with a thermometer for the monitoring of the temperature within the tank.

In addition to that, the lamp is also compatible with the usual E27 ceramic socket, which deems strength, durability, and longevity.

This non-light reptile heat lamp is also perfect even for nighttime use. Having no light, just heat, it wouldn’t wake your pet reptile leopard gecko or bearded dragon up! 

ZACRO’s Reptile Non-Light Lamps Emitter Size

The size of the ZACRO reptile non-light lamp heat emitter is 4.7 x 3.2 x 3.2 inches and weighs about 6.4 ounces. It also has a wattage rating of 100 watts and a voltage of 110.

Benefits & Drawbacks of Using ZACRO’s Reptile Non-Light Lamps Emitter

Benefits	Drawbacks
It’s equipped with solid ceramics, which is better for heat radiation.	It’s only compatible with ceramic sockets.
It has 99% high thermal efficiency and efficacy.	Some users report that it creates electromagnetic fields.
It has a flat-faced design, which lasts longer than conical-shaped ones.	They’re not UL listed.
It has been tested and assessed to be safe and completely harmless to your pet reptiles.
It can be used for most types of reptiles; it can be a poultry heater, too!

Why Choose ZACRO’s Reptile Non-Light Lamps Emitter?

You can take advantage of ZARCO’s reptile lamp emitter if you want a product that has excellent levels of thermal efficiency.

I personally loved it because of this, and I wasn’t able to see any other product that is as effective and as productive as this ceramic heat emitter when it came to thermal efficiency.

Thinking about purchasing a reptile heat mat? Here’s a video comparing a ceramic heat emitter and a heat mat: 

Things to Consider Before Buying Your Ceramic Heat Emitter

In order for you to land on the best ceramic bearded dragon heaters, you need to consider the type, lifespan, size, and overall power so you know the device you’re dealing with by heart.

1. Knowing the Specific Type of Emitter

There are a few different types of emitters in the market, but the top three (3) are halogen heat emitters, ceramic heat emitters, and incandescent heat emitters.

Halogen Heaters

These are the most complex types of emitters as they require more energy. It works by heating the spot where it’s directed without heating the surrounding air.

The difference they have with ceramic heat emitters is that they put out and emit dimmed lighting [2].

Ceramic Heaters

Ceramic heat emitters are among the best because they do not produce light, just UVB rays, and heat to the spot where you direct it. They are, however, more expensive and costlier compared to other types of emitters.

Incandescent Heaters

Lastly, incandescent emitters are the typical emitters that you see around your house. They’re not, in any way, purposely made for reptiles and amphibians, but they can work as a secondary heating unit.

NOTE: Knowing these is important because you might be looking at the wrong or incorrect product. Make sure that what you’re purchasing would be the best choice for your reptile friend.

2. Understanding the Standard Lifespan

Probably the most crucial thing to note would be the lifespan of your ceramic heat emitter. Some emitters have a lifespan of 5,000 hours, while some have 9,000 to 10,000 hours.

Knowing the lifespan could help you plan ahead on when you need to purchase a new one so you can avoid problems concerning heat and warmth for your reptile.

Imagine not having a blanket during cold winter nights –that’s how your beardies will feel if they go days without a ceramic heat emitter.

3. Understanding What Size Ceramic Heat Emitter I Need  

Whoever said that size doesn’t matter does not understand the whole thing. You need to make sure that the size of the ceramic heat emitter perfectly fits the size of your glass tank.

Having a small emitter on a big tank could be ineffective; using a big bulb on a small tank could cause the tank to overheat, which is dangerous for your reptiles.

NOTE: Before purchasing, get the dimensions of your tank and measure the ceramic heat emitter to it accordingly.

4. Knowing Its Overall Power

Last, but most definitely not least is to know and be aware of its overall power. Keep a keen eye on the wattage and the voltage of the bulb.

Doing so will allow your experience to be much better because you’ll avoid sparks, accidents, and you’ll have a better idea of the heat output of your bulb.

These four (4) factors are the most important things you need to consider before you purchase your heat emitter.

NOTE: Your ceramic heat emitter needs to be able to give the perfect heat radiation feature needed to guarantee safety and effectiveness. 

Remember, you’ll encounter multiple types of heat emitters in the market, make sure you’re buying the correct one!

READ MORE: How Long Do Ceramic Heat Emitters Last?

To ensure the longevity and happiness of your bearded dragon, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of its ideal cage temperature and humidity requirements. Read up on the topic of ‘bearded dragon cage temperature and humidity‘ to become an expert caregiver.

FAQs

Want to add more to the current knowledge you have of ceramic heat emitters? Here’s a list of the most-asked questions of pet reptile owners just like you!

Final Thoughts – What Ceramic Heat Emitter Would You Go With?

The best ceramic heat emitter would vary in your situation. Not all of us have the same needs and requirements, and most definitely not all of us want the same things.

But, I crafted this guide in order to help you find what you think is the best ceramic heat emitter for you and your bearded dragon.  

In your opinion, what is the best ceramic heat emitter? Let us know below!

References

• 1. Bearded Dragons – Diseases [Internet]. vca_corporate. 2009. Available from: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/bearded-dragons-diseases
• 2. Dickinson HC, Fa JE. Ultraviolet light and heat source selection in captive spiny-tailed iguanas (Oplurus cuvieri). Zoo Biology. 1997;16:391–401.