How do you get a lot of heat out of a little box? There are many ways, but if we exclude the more exotic ones, like placing it in a wind tunnel, I can see only three options:

1.) A box with metal "fins" that lets the air cool the surface. A fan will make it even better but it still won't be very small. Perhaps one of those portable heating fans (or whatever you call them) could do? (The sort you use on construction sites and other places)

2.) Evaporative cooling. Use a water cooled resistor and let the water boil off. When the water level goes too low, some switch cuts power. (Could happen if you find a faulty breaker or test a breaker with a higher rating.) Could be rather small, but it will be steaming. [Linked Image]

3.) Water heater: heat water from a tap and let it back into the drain. This way you get a small unit and you get the heat out of the house. The downside is that you get two long hoses...

{Edited for spelling}

[This message has been edited by C-H (edited 01-18-2005).]