it really depends on your situation and what you feel most comfortable with. I have done all of them, and I am back to my trusty red heat lamp. I attach it in to places with a chain, so it really can’t fall. I also put a wire lid on the brooder and the lamp is above that, so it can never fall into the bedding. I have used the reptile ceramic bulb before but I worry because I can’t see from afar if it is on. We brood in our converted garage, and I can see the red light from our bedroom at night and know all is ok. For tiny ones it is also easier to find the warmth of a red lamp because they are attracted to the light. I worry they might not find the warm area as easily without the light. Now the heat plate also takes a bit of training of the tiny ones to know where to go for warmth. And in a cooler environment it just doesn’t provide enough heat. It’s good if you brood in your home, a garage is usually too cold. And then you need to make sure there’s enough room for all under it, but no one can get trapped, so keep it away from the edges of the brooder. For tiny, especially shipped, weakened chicks the chicks might find the rest of the brooder too cold to go out and eat and drink much, which can make them even weaker. I had some chicks picked up locally once that just disappeared under the plate for hours after arrival. Not good!
Anyway - the red lamp really is the least problematic solution for me, as long as you make sure it is safe (and I still worry about a bulb blowing when I am not there…).
without warning, minding my own business and poof the farm store has chicks! Too cute to pass up! - I will pop a hot water bottle in a box with the chicks while I set up their brooder and they snuggle up on top of it. Giving me plenty of time to not rush. Hot water bottle stays warm for about 6 hours & washes their poop off easily.
