An electric heater (10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 70, 80), especially for heating surfaces of components, is provided with an inner metal jacket (11, 21, 31, 41, 61, 71, 81) and an outer metal jacket (14, 24, 34, 44, 64, 74, 84), which are arranged relative to one another such that a space is present between the inner metal jacket (11, 21, 31, 41, 61, 71, 81) and outer metal jacket (14, 24, 34, 44, 64, 74, 84). At least one heat conductor (13, 23, 33, 43, 63, 73, 83) is arranged at least in some sections in the space between the inner metal jacket (11, 21, 31, 41, 61, 71, 81) and outer metal jacket (14, 24, 34, 44, 64, 74, 84). At least two spacers (12, 22, 32, 36, 42, 62, 72, 82), arranged between the heat conductor (13, 23, 33, 43, 63, 73, 83) and inner metal jacket (11, 21, 31, 41, 61, 71, 81) are provided, over which the sections of the heat conductor (13, 23, 33, 43, 63, 73, 83) are guided.