The Best Infrared Heaters Tested in 2023

The DR-968H model from Dr. Infrared Heater can warm a room up to 150 square feet quickly and efficiently with its quartz heating element and powerful blower. A programmable thermostat allows for setting the exact temperature from 50 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The 1,000-watt “low” output setting and the “high” 1,500-watt setting let you tailor heat output and energy consumption, so you only use as much energy as a particular space requires. Also, the built-in humidifier keeps the warm air comfortable—something most other space heaters cannot do.

It’s also equipped with four durable caster wheels for easy portability from room to room, and it includes a remote control that can operate the heater from across the room. It also features a quiet design. Safety features include a tip-over sensor, an automatic shut-off timer, and a cool-touch exterior.

We’re big fans of the Dr. Infrared portable space heater, and we’ve proven it through several tests. First, we can’t say enough about how nice it is to have a built-in humidifier to keep the air comfortable. We also really enjoy the remote control and the oscillating louvers that move the warm air around the space. Our only real complaint is that this model sits on the floor, and when looking at the display from a standing height, it can be hard to read.

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 1,500
• Style: Wheeled
• Portable: Yes

Pros

• Built-in humidifier keeps air more comfortable for sinuses and plants
• Can be easily adjusted with remote control; allows for hands-free adjustment
• Spreads heat through an entire living space; this heater heats spaces of 150 square feet

Cons

• The display can be tough to read without crouching down

Get the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968H infrared heater at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

When it comes to finding a perfect infrared heater—one that’s portable, powerful, and budget-friendly—Trustech’s infrared heater is a solid option. At just 7.1 inches wide and 9.1 inches tall, this little heater packs 1,500 watts of heating power to keep small spaces toasty. With its lightweight and integrated carrying handle, it can go anywhere with a wall outlet. This infrared heater produces 750 watts on its “low” setting and 1,500 watts on its “high” setting. It can even serve as a summer fan with its third “wind mode” setting.

Crucial to a portable unit, this model includes safety features such as a tip-over shutoff and an automatic overheat protection shutoff. It can only effectively heat a 200-square-foot space, but the portability of this unit is hard to beat.

The Trustech infrared space heater’s beauty lies in its portability. During testing, we found that the only thing holding this little heater back was its power cord—it can go anywhere that has an electrical outlet. We liked the compact design, and when we tipped it over to test its safety switch, it was responsive and shut the heat off immediately (though the fan did continue to run). We’re also “big fans” of that fan, as it can sit on a nightstand or a desk and serve for both cold and hot weather. Our only complaint is that the fan speed was a bit unreliable—switching between the output wattages appeared to adjust the fan speed, but only sometimes.

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 1,500
• Style: Floor or table
• Portable: Yes

Pros

• Incredibly compact design is super easy to take anywhere desired
• Excellent safety shutoff responsiveness; prevents any risk of burning and fires
• Has a fan for hot days, making it useful year-round

Cons

• Fan speeds can be a bit unreliable and inconsistent while in use

Get the Trustech infrared heater at Amazon.

If the ambience of a wood-burning fireplace without the risk and mess is appealing, check out this Duraflame model from Twin Star Home. It has realistic-looking faux logs and a rolling ember effect that can be adjusted with the turn of a knob. Designed as a stationary unit, its dimensions allow it to sit inside most standard fireplaces, or anywhere else for that matter.

As a stationary unit, it doesn’t include as many safety features as typically seen in a portable model, but it does have a cool-touch exterior. It draws 1,500 watts and produces over 5,200 British thermal units (BTUs), making it enough for most 1,000-square-foot spaces.

Although we thought the Duraflame looked more like a Halloween decoration than a space heater, we still gave it a shot. Puns aside, it warmed our hearts. The flames it projected on the wall looked surprisingly realistic, and the amount of heat it produced was impressive. We also liked the remote control, and while this model shouldn’t ever see the light of day in a formal room, it’s actually pretty fun. Our complaints? There are two: The fan is loud and, of course, the design aesthetic is a little cheesy.

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 1,500
• Style: Floor
• Portable: Yes

Pros

• Produces a lot of heat; great for larger spaces including offices, bedrooms, and living rooms
• Comes with a convenient remote for hands-free adjustments when needed
• Unique style doesn’t take itself too seriously; looks like hot embers
• Projects realistic-looking flames onto walls; perfect for setting ambience or for Halloween

Cons

• The fan is loud, which can be disruptive or annoying to some users
• Aesthetic may not be ideal for luxurious or formal spaces

Get the Twin Star Home infrared heater at The Home Depot or Target.

Folks who spend lots of time in the garage all year long benefit from a safe, reliable infrared heater to stay comfortable. Dr. Infrared Heater’s DR-988 model can pump out between 14,335 and 19,110 BTUs—for perspective, 18,500 BTUs of heat can bring a 600-square-foot garage to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It features an adjustable thermostat for dialing in the ideal temperature and a large fan to spread the heat evenly throughout the space. Although this fan produces more noise than most infrared units, it doesn’t exceed 45 decibels (within the noise range of an average fridge). It also has a carrying handle for easy transport.

Safety features include an automatic overheating shutoff and a mesh safety screen in front of the fan. Although a few more safety measures would have been nice, the unit is safety certified by Underwriter Laboratories (UL). Instead of a typical 110-volt power source, it requires a 240-volt power source that needs a dedicated 30-amp fuse.

We’ve tested this heater several times now, and it really does produce quite a bit of heat. It is compact, but the setup is not simple. The problem is that this particular heater’s required volt power and the receptacle that works with it (NEMA #6-30P) were difficult for us to find. But, if you have the ability to run this infrared heater in your garage, it’ll definitely pump out the heat.

Product Specs

• Wattage: 5,600
• Style: Floor
• Portable: Not really—it needs 240-volt power

Pros

• Cranks out the heat to provide consistent warmth throughout entire spaces
• Features overheat protection, an adjustable thermostat, and large fan; can heat small-to-large areas
• Compact design and carrying handle make it easy to transport

Cons

• Users may not have the right receptacle in their garage
• Locating the correct receptacle might be difficult for some buyers

Get the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 infrared heater at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Target.

To keep the patio partying going into chilly weather, consider Dr. Infrared Heater’s DR-238 model, which is rated for outdoor use. This 1,500-watt infrared heater has a weatherproof anodized aluminum housing that won’t degrade, and it includes adjustable mounting brackets to hang it on an outdoor wall or a ceiling. A carbon heating element and three heat settings allow for adjustable heat output, and it comes with a remote control.

During testing, we found Dr. Infrared Heater’s DR-238 model to be outstanding. First, the bracketry for hanging it on the wall or the ceiling makes installation incredibly easy. Also, we liked that this model produces a ton of heat without even the slightest hum. The remote was easy to use, and the heater was immediately responsive, but it was the only remote in the test to come without batteries. Also, we’d prefer a slightly longer cord for a ceiling-mounted model (it’s only 6 feet).

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 1,500
• Style: Ceiling or wall mount
• Portable: No

Pros

• Smart installation bracket design makes the hanging process incredibly easy
• Comes with a remote, which is convenient when installed as a ceiling-mounted unit
• Excellent heat output yet silent operation; will not disrupt any household with noise

Cons

• The remote did not come with batteries; they’ll need to be purchased separately
• The cord could be longer, especially for a ceiling-mounted unit

Get the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 infrared heater at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.

The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI smart infrared heater has a lot to offer folks left in the cold. This compact heater can be installed on a wall with the included brackets or be freestanding using the included legs, providing plenty of flexibility. This heater has two modes: low at 750 watts and high at 1,500 watts. This allows it to heat rooms up to 1,000 square feet.

The Heat Storm has some very convenient features. For one, it connects to a home’s Wi-Fi and integrates with Google Assistant or Alexa, but not Apple HomeKit. It also comes with a remote that is simple to use and a large display that makes it easy to read the temperature settings from across the room. A washable air filter is included to clean the air in the space.

This was truly our favorite heater during testing. It’s compact and hangs on the wall without being obtrusive, but it does come with legs and a tip-over switch to make it a suitable freestanding model. It was powerful enough to heat one of our uninsulated offices quickly and comfortably in the dead of winter. We could set timers and program settings using our smart devices as well. Our biggest complaint with this model was that the high setting could be a little loud in our experience. It was installed under a desk and needed to be set to low for conference calls.

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 1,500
• Style: Wall or floor
• Portable: Yes

Pros

• It can hang from a wall or operate as floor-standing unit for flexibility
• It has plenty of output to heat an uninsulated office, even in the dead of winter
• It integrates with Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing us to control the heater with voice commands

Cons

• The high setting (1,500 watts) can be a little loud for conference calls

Get the Heat Storm infrared heater at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Space heaters aren’t known for durability, but the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-218 greenhouse heater certainly is. This model features all-metal construction, as it’s built for greenhouses and other tough locations, including workshops, garages, and cabins. It’s also water-resistant, guarding against any accidental splashes.

At 1,500 watts, this heater can handle rooms of modest size, garages, and cabins. It has a fan with a sealed ball-bearing motor for sturdiness and longevity, and it requires zero maintenance. It has overheat protection and an adjustable thermostat, plus a fan-only setting.

The one thing we liked most about this model from Dr. Heater was how durable it is. It’s sturdy and rugged, but it’s not overly heavy and cumbersome thanks to its compact design (another big plus). The only problem we had with this heater was that it took a while to warm up, whereas other heaters seemed to heat up much faster.

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 1,500
• Style: Floor
• Portable: Yes

Pros

• This heater’s rugged weather-resistant design features a durable all-metal construction
• Compact size with enough output for workshops, greenhouses, garages, and cabins
• Features overheat protection, an adjustable thermostat, and a fan-only setting

Cons

• Slow to produce heat, especially compared to other infrared heaters

Get the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-218 infrared heater at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Folks who want the look of a real wood stove, but would prefer to keep the mess to a minimum, might want to check out Duraflame’s 3D infrared quartz fireplace stove heater. This floor-standing model mimics a wood stove and has a light design that looks like real flames inside the unit.

This Duraflame heater features infrared heat with a blower motor; the combination can warm objects and the air in the room. It produces 5,200 BTUs of heat, enough to warm up to 1,000 square feet of space. Temperature adjustments range between 62 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit in 2-degree increments. It comes with a remote, but there is also a control panel hidden behind the door. Although it does not have wheels, this heater is light enough to carry from space to space.

We really enjoyed this Duraflame 3D infrared heater during testing. With 1,500 watts, we felt the heat warming objects in the room quickly, as infrared heat is meant to do. We noticed that the flames did actually look realistic and were relaxing to watch. This helps bolster the charming rustic design even more. We didn’t like that the legs, which had to be attached during setup, were plastic and seemed relatively low quality. But the overall design and output make it suitable for a den, office, or bedroom, though it’s powerful enough to handle much larger rooms. And, should you want to move it, it’s light enough to do so—but we think its good looks will earn it a permanent spot somewhere in the home.

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 1,500
• Style: Floor
• Portable: Yes, but only because it’s light enough

Pros

• Charming rustic design mimics a real wood stove’s design but not its mess
• Flame effect actually looks like real flames and provides a relaxing ambience
• Light enough to carry from space to space, but it will probably earn a permanent spot somewhere

Cons

• Legs are plastic and seem low quality

Get the Duraflame infrared heater at Amazon or Walmart.

One of the biggest drawbacks of forced-air-style heaters and space heaters is the impact they can have on air quality. The EdenPure infrared heater aims to combat that, featuring a lifetime washable filter that can keep the air fresh and clean. This 1,500-watt heater also offers a copper heating element, which is designed to distribute heat evenly and efficiently. It has a tip-over sensor and a touch-safe front grill cover for safety.

Temperature settings range from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it useful for garages or living rooms, and most spaces in between. Adjustments are easy to make using either the built-in control panel or the remote control. It can heat rooms up to 1,000 square feet. A set of wheels makes it easy to roll from room to room. Two brackets keep excess cord length tidy while in use or when stored away in the summer.

The EdenPure packs a lot of punch for a small heater, measuring just under 17 inches tall by 13 inches wide by 16.5 inches deep. We found it’s very easy to roll around (it even rolled a bit on its own on our slightly unlevel floors), making it a great choice for folks with multiple rooms to heat. The control panel is clearly visible and the remote works well, so it’s easy to adjust the temperature settings from across the room. The air filter is simple to remove and wash. The design might be a little boring, but the heat output was excellent, and knowing it produces clean air is a nice touch.

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 1,500
• Style: Floor
• Portable: Yes

Pros

• Features a washable filter that helps maintain air quality during use
• Wide temperature range makes it useful for a variety of spaces
• Easily rolls from room to room, allowing users to place it wherever they need it most

Cons

• The design is slightly boring compared to most other infrared heaters

Get the EdenPure infrared heater at Amazon.

Infrared heat is perfect for outdoor patios and decks, and the Briza infrared carbon heater makes a great choice. This infrared heater features a weatherproof design that can withstand the outdoor rigors of rain, snow, and dust. But, since it’s electric, it can also be used in a screened-in porch or a three-season room, adding to its versatility.

The model has three settings, including 750 watts; 1,200 watts; and 1,500 watts. It comes with an adjustable tripod for portability but also features brackets to install it on a wall.

What we really liked about the Briza is that it’s true infrared heat, not infrared heat blowing hot, dry air. This warms the objects in the space around it, making it an excellent choice for outdoor heating. It also produces this heat nearly silently (there’s just a low buzz), which means your guests won’t have to elevate their voices while staying warm on the patio. We would have preferred a programmable thermostat that turns the heater on and off automatically, but it does feature a timer to make it slightly more programmable.

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 1,500
• Style: Floor
• Portable: Yes, but also mountable

Pros

• Weatherproof design allows users to bring it to outdoor patios and decks to stay warm
• Comes with an adjustable tripod and the brackets to install it on a wall
• True infrared heat without forced air keeps it nearly silent other than a slight buzz

Cons

• It doesn’t have a programmable thermostat to turn it on and off automatically

Get the Briza infrared heater at Amazon or Walmart.