A fluid heater utilizing a porous ceramic, for example silicon carbide, electrically conductive body as an electrically energized heating element to heat a fluid passing through the pores thereof is provided. A plurality of interconnected annular fluid flow passageways are positioned in the fluid heater so that fluid exiting therefrom surrounds the porous body, further improving the efficiency of the porous fluid heater body. An electrical disc rear contactor is positioned within one end of the cylindrical sleeve to peripherally engage the sleeve and axially electrically engage the body. An electrically conductive disc front contactor is positioned concentrically at an opposite end of the sleeve to peripherally engage the housing in electrical contact relationship and axially engage the body in electrical contact relationship. The front disc contactor closes the front end of the annular flow path between the insulating sleeve and the porous body, and has a central channel therein to provide a fluid flow passage from the central channel of the porous body through the front disc contactor and outwardly of the end of the hollow housing.