Also: The best smart thermostats
The best space heaters can handle the task efficiently and safely. However, there are many to choose from. This guide to best space heaters offers a shortlist of models worth considering and how to choose the right one for your needs.
GiveBest’s portable electric space heater is affordable and lightweight enough to quickly and efficiently heat up a room. It can quickly eliminate cold spots at a little over three pounds anywhere there’s an electrical outlet available.
The ceramic heating elements safely warm up the area without becoming overly hot. In addition, tip and overheating sensors can shut off the unit to avoid fires.
Pros
Portable with integrated carry handleIntegrated high-speed fanQuiet operation
Cons
Small heating areaLower 750W setting blows cold air from side
Dreo’s tower-style space heater is the ideal choice when an entire room could use warm, inviting heat. The model oscillates up to 70" and blows air up to 10 feet per second to change the ambient temperature in a room in as little as two seconds. Although the space heater is larger than many of the models in this guide, it’s incredibly quiet with an available eco mode to keep your electric bill affordable. In addition, you’ll forget the heater is even running. It’s the quietest setting that outputs roughly 40db of sound, described as the same amount of noise you’d hear in a quiet library. Pros
Warms a small to medium room in just two secondsOscillates to cover more area evenlyProgrammable timer for heating times between one and twelve hours
Cons
The unit may be too large for some small spacesThe actual heating element is smaller than the photo provided
Most of the best space heaters work by blowing or radiating hot air in a room. While the traditional method may be effective, it can also be extremely drying and inefficient. An infrared space heater such as Heat Storm’s Phoenix model transfers heat to objects, such as someone sitting near it – without heating the air or the unit itself. Since the air isn’t heated, humidity is preserved to keep you comfortable. Don’t let the gentle nature of this infrared heating unit fool you – the model can output up to 5200 BTU. Best of all, it uses significantly less energy than a standard heater for a more efficient way to stay warm and cozy. Pros
More efficient heating warms objects and not the airIt does not affect a room’s humidity levelCan be wall-mounted or freestanding using the included legs
Cons
Lack of extra features such as remotes, adjustments and sensorsMost effective in very small areas
Vornado is well-known for its powerful room fans that create a vortex of air. The company’s heater combines its patented air circulation with a heating element to distribute warmth quickly. What makes the Vornado MVH Vortex heater unique from other space heaters is how it circulates heat to warm the room. Instead of an intensely-focused hotspot that may cause you to feel like you’re overheating, the Vornado carries warm air throughout the room, similar to a whole-house, forced-air system. Pros
Gentle heating with no hotspotsAdjustable thermostatExtremely lightweight and portable
Cons
Only effective in very small spaces
Dreo’s radiator heater is filled with oil to convect heat more effectively. The oil is contained within the unit to maintain an even heat temperature and never needs to be replaced or refilled. The heater can warm up to 300 square feet of area, making it a great solution for larger rooms. You can even program it to switch on before you arrive home so that your arrival is more comfortable. Pros
Eco mode helps you save on your utility bill without compromising comfortFour casters and an integrated handle make it easy to move the unit aroundHeat radiates from all sides of the unit
Cons
No app or wireless control available
Space heaters can be a lifesaver in case of an extreme cold spell or to warm a cold and drafty room. However, using one regularly can drive up your electric bill. Mr. Heater’s model uses natural gas instead of electricity to warm a room. It could come in handy if there is a power outage since your unit could continue to run. Plus, the blue flame can provide some ambiance to the room you choose to warm. Pros
Uses natural gas instead of electricityCan warm extra-large spaces of up to 1,000 sq. ft.Can stand on included legs or be wall mounted
Cons
Not for bathrooms and bedrooms
Besides an area’s size, you’ll need to decide on how much you’ll use a space heater. You may want to go with a lighter-weight style that’s easy to move from room to room. Many space heaters come with an integrated handle that makes it possible to pick up and take with you to use at your office or in a drafty area of your home. Lastly, consider the kind of space heater and how it can impact your home’s environment. Most space heaters can dry the skin considerably because they heat up the air enough to rob it of its moisture. Infrared or radiator-style space heaters deliver gentler, more targeted heating that won’t affect your room’s humidity level.
Safety: First and foremost, safety is an important factor. All the models included have sensors that detect if the heater is in danger of overheating or tipped over. In case either occurs, the unit will shut off immediately. The units selected were also chosen for their materials, with priority given to models that had cool-touch surfaces that reduce the risk of accidental burns.Price: The units chosen were comparatively low in price to competitors without skimping on safety and quality. The space heaters reviewed may be relatively inexpensive, but will likely bring you years of enjoyment.Heat capacity: Our picks for best space heaters can all quickly warm a space. However, the size of the room can affect heating capacity. Some space heaters are best for small spaces such as a bathroom or under your desk. Others are capable of heating a large room. Heat capacity has a lot to do with how well the heater works. We chose models that produced and delivered more heat than competing units.Energy efficiency: Space heaters with a thermostat and adjustable settings tend to be more energy-efficient since they allow you to adjust how long they run to maintain the level of heat you need. Some heaters include timers that can be set to shut off after a specific amount of time. These features can ultimately save you money on your utility bills. Special features: We considered space heaters that had at least a couple of extra features such as a remote control or smartphone app to add to the convenience of running one. Sound level: Most individuals expect to use their space heater in a bedroom, nursery or home office. Some of the most effective heaters have fans or blowers that could be noisy. A heater that runs quietly is one of the main criteria we used to narrow down the list of best space heaters.Customer reviews: Reviews from existing customers can provide you with a wealth of information on the actual quality and function of a space heater. We choose models with the highest number of ratings and reviews.
It’s perfectly fine to run a space heater all night as long as it’s not working hard at keeping a room warm. If you’d like some extra peace of mind, many space heaters come with a timer you can set to shut off automatically. Simply select the heat level you’d like to maintain and set the timer to shut off after an hour or more so you don’t forget to turn it off. An infrared heater works by transferring radiant heat to objects instead of heating the air itself. A room’s humidity level isn’t as affected since the air is not changed. However, even space heaters with oscillating blowers may not effectively warm a larger room enough, especially if the space is drafty. Address your insulation issues first to take care of drafts and cold spots, and consider investing in a radiator-style heater or an infrared version to keep you warm.
