Colder temperatures can point out the weak spots in a home’s insulation and heating system. When that space is a bedroom, it may seem as if no amount of blankets or flannel sheets can break the chill of the room.
If your bedroom stays cool and damp, a space heater can help. These safe, convenient little heaters create enough warmth to make a cold, drafty room feel downright cozy without taking up too much power or space. Read on for some of the best space heaters for bedrooms and some shopping considerations to keep in mind as you shop.
- BEST OVERALL: Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater, 1500-Watt
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Lasko 5775 Electric 1500W Ceramic Space Heater
- UPGRADE PICK: De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater 1500W
- BEST OIL-FILLED: PELONIS Oil Filled Radiator Portable Space Heater
- BEST ELECTRIC: Lasko 5586 Digital Ceramic Tower Heater with Remote
- BEST RADIANT: Mr. Heater Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater
- BEST MICATHERMIC: De’Longhi Convection Panel Heater, Full Room Quiet
- BEST KEROSENE: Sengoku KeroHeat 10,000-BTU Indoor/Outdoor Heater
- BEST WITH FAN: PELONIS Portable 2 in 1 Vortex Heater with Fan
- BEST WIFI-ENABLED: Atomi Smart WiFi Portable Tower Space Heater
How We Chose the Best Space Heaters for Bedrooms
We researched the most sought-after space heaters for bedrooms in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their type, fuel source, wattage and BTUs, coverage area, and other special features included by top brands.
To satisfy a range of preferences, we included fan, convection, micathermic, and infrared heaters. While select heaters are non-electric and rely on propane and kerosene for fuel, many are electric and low-maintenance. No matter the type, these selected top picks emit heat outputs of 5,100 to 10,000 BTUs, and the electric models rely on 900 to 1,500 watts to function. Plus, these picks can heat spaces of 144 to 750 square-foot spaces depending on the size of your bedroom.
Many of these heaters come with digital control panels or remote controls to adjust the oscillation, heat settings, and air speed to save energy. As for safety features, many of these heaters have tip-over and overheat protection features to prevent burns or fires. Finally, select picks included in this list can be adjusted via WiFi connection with a smartphone or tablet.
Our Top Picks
Before choosing the best space heater for bedroom warmth in your home, this guide can help. The following list contains some of the best space heaters for bedrooms, including electric, oil-filled, and even radiant models.
Photo: amazon.com
For sleepers who prefer the benefit of the instant heat that an infrared heater can provide, but who also need a quiet environment for optimal sleep, Dr Infrared Heater’s Portable Space Heater is an excellent option. Since it uses infrared heating plus a high-pressure blower, this 1,500-watt electric heater can heat a large room quickly. Still, at just 39 decibels, it operates quietly.
This radiant electric space heater features an automatic energy-saving mode and high and low temperature settings. Program it with a remote, ideal for quick adjustments. If the heater tips over, an automatic shutoff disables it immediately.
Product Specs
- Type: Infrared
- Fuel Source: Electric
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Heat Output: 5,200 BTUs
- Coverage Area: 400 square feet
Pros
- High-pressure blower and multiple heat settings warm large rooms quickly
- Energy-saving mode programmable with included remote control
- 39-decibel operating volume; quiet enough for use during sleep
Cons
- Pricey compared to other space heater options
- Heavyweight; limited portability
Get the Dr Infrared heater at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Photo: homedepot.com
The 1,500-watt Lasko Electric Ceramic Space Heater is another option that uses ceramic technology and combines oscillating action with a blower for effective heating around the home or the office. As with most electric heaters of this kind, the exterior stays cool to the touch and there’s overload and tip over protection to prevent accidents.
This electric heater also uses 5100 BTUs which can heat over 300 square feet with the help of its forced air power. There are two modes of 900 and 1,500 watts. A thermostat offers six preset temperatures, and there’s a built-in timer with a maximum duration of 7 hours.
This electric space heater also comes with a handle for portability. The functions on offer are fewer than some other models and there’s no remote control, but this is a perfectly adequate heater at a very competitive price for many shoppers.
Product Specs
- Type: Fan
- Fuel Source: Electric
- Wattage: 900 to 1,500 watts
- Heat Output: 5,100 BTUs
- Coverage Area: 300 square feet
Pros
- Thermostat offers 6 preset temperature options
- Built-in timer of up to 7 hours to keep bedrooms warm all night
- Overload and tip-over protection keep space heater safe during sleep
- Lightweight design and built-in handle for room-to-room portability
Cons
- No remote control included
Get the Lasko 5775 space heater tower at The Home Depot or Target.
Photo: amazon.com
The oil-filled radiator-style 1,500W De’Longhi electric heater features a digital control panel with programmable settings, timers, and high-low automatic temperature settings. It has thermal chimneys that allow cold air to pass through the fins more effectively, heating the room faster and more evenly through quiet convection.
The De’Longhi features a rust-resistant finish that should look good for years to come. Its metal fins help reduce surface temperature without sacrificing heating capability, and the thermal cutoff function automatically shuts down the heater if it begins to overheat.
Product Specs
- Type: Convection
- Fuel Source: Electric
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Heat Output: 5,120 BTUs
- Coverage Area: 144 square feet
Pros
- Digital control panel with timer
- Programmable settings and thermostat keep spaces consistently comfortable
- Thermal chimneys heat rooms faster and more evenly
- Automatic shut-off protects unit from overheating
- Rust-resistant for long-term durability
Cons
- Pricey compared to other space heaters
Get the DeLonghi space heater on Amazon or at The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
This 1,500-watt PELONIS electric oil-filled heater produces an evenly warm heat, even in spaces too large for many heaters. The unit features five different temperature settings ranging from 65 to 85 degrees.
Like most oil-filled heaters, it can make some noise as the oil heats and cools. It also features a five-setting timer, providing heat for two, four, six, eight, or 10 hours at a time. It features a high and low setting and an eco-friendly mode that turns the heater on and off. It sits on four easy-rolling casters to move it with ease. The built-in tip-over switch and overheat protection help provide some peace of mind.
Product Specs
- Type: Convection
- Fuel Source: Electric
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Heat Output: 5,120 BTUs
- Coverage Area: 164 square feet
Pros
- Multiple temperature settings; adequate for medium to large spaces
- 5-setting timer providers options for short- and long-duration heating
- High and low air output settings with eco-friendly mode
- 4 rolling casters for easy movement throughout the house
Cons
- Oversized; may take up some space
- May make some noise while heating or cooling down
Get the PELONIS oil-filled space heater on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Lasko 5586 Digital Ceramic Tower Heater has a remote control, a programmable digital thermostat, an eight-hour auto-off timer, and an adjustable setting between 900 and 1,500 watts. It also has a quiet oscillating function to blow warm air around the room to help distribute heat in 150 square-foot rooms.
Its cool-touch housing helps prevent burns or accidents, while an overheat protection will shut off the unit if it gets too hot.
Product Specs
- Type: Fan
- Fuel Source: Electric
- Wattage: 900 to 1,500 watts
- Heat Output: Unlisted
- Coverage Area: 150 square feet
Pros
- Auto-off timer keeps heater on in 8-hour timespans
- Programmable digital thermostat for consistent temperature regulation
- Cool-touch construction; safe for children and pets
- Includes a remote control
- Affordable yet offers useful features
Cons
- Some users report manufacturing defects
- May have a loud operating volume that could disrupt light sleepers
Get the Lasko 5586 space heater on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
For heating an off-grid cabin or keeping the bedroom warm, Mr. Heater’s Buddy Indoor-Safe Radiant Heater can deliver. This propane-powered heater is safe for both indoor and outdoor use, and one small propane bottle can power it through an entire night.
This heater produces radiant heat, has a built-in piezo igniter, and features a low-oxygen shutoff to disable the unit when the oxygen supply is low. Should it fall over, a tip-over switch will shut off the heater. The heater creates an “ideal burn” that poses no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, like other fuel-burning heaters, this Mr. Heater unit isn’t entirely silent.
Product Specs
- Type: Micathermic/radiant
- Fuel Source: Propane
- Wattage: N/A
- Heat Output: 4,000 to 9,000 BTUs
- Coverage Area: 225 square feet
Pros
- Compact size makes for a highly portable option
- Runs on a 1-pound cylinder propane tank
- Can be used in a bedroom, garage, tent, or camper without any concern regarding carbon monoxide
Cons
- Only runs up to 3 hours at maximum burn
- Produces some noise while running
Get the Mr. Heater space heater at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.
Photo: amazon.com
The De’Longhi 1,500-watt convection heater contains a sheet of mica and dual fans that heat and distribute warmth through the air to start a convection cycle. And, it does so nearly silently.
While the De’Longhi works well in the middle of the room, it also comes with the hardware necessary to mount it on a wall. The heater has a digital control panel for dialing in the ideal room temperature. Users can choose to set a timer to save energy, but it also has an automatic energy-saving mode to adjust heat output and power.
Product Specs
- Type: Convection/micathermic
- Fuel Source: Electric
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Heat Output: 5,120 BTUs
- Coverage Area: 400 square feet
Pros
- Dual fans distribute warmth evenly through the air
- Features a built-in sheet of mica
- Silent operation ideal for overnight use
- Mounting hardware included for operation as a wall unit
- Digital control panel with easy-to-adjust settings
Cons
- Pricey compared to other space heaters for bedrooms
Get the De’Longhi panel heater on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Sengoku KeroHeat 10,000-BTU heater is safe for indoor and outdoor settings, and it can warm spaces up to 400 square feet. The 1.2-gallon fuel tank provides a 14-hour run time.
The KeroHeat features an automatic off switch for both tip-overs and high-heat situations. It also has an electronic ignition for match- and lighter-free starts. The easy-to-read fuel window allows users to check fuel levels before going to bed. This heater does produce white noise.
Product Specs
- Type: Micathermic/radiant
- Fuel Source: Kerosene
- Wattage: N/A
- Heat Output: 10,000 BTUs
- Coverage Area: 400 square feet
Pros
- Very high heat output capable of warming larger bedrooms and other spaces
- Automatic shutoff reacts to both overheating and being tipped over
- Electric ignition offers match- and lighter-free starts
- Easy-to-read fuel levels prevent unanticipated outages
Cons
- Pricey for a space heater
- Makes white noise, which not every user will like
Get the Sengoku heater at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
The PELONIS portable two-in-one vortex heater is an electric heater and fan combination with 1,500-watt high and a 900-watt low settings.
It features a top-mounted digital control panel with adjustments for speed, temperature, and output. It also has an overheat shutoff and a tip-over switch. The heater’s compact design means it can be set on a table, dresser, or end table.
Product Specs
- Type: Fan/convection
- Fuel Source: Electric
- Wattage: 900 to 1,500 watts
- Heat Output: Unlisted
- Coverage Area: 175 square feet
Pros
- Works as a fan and heater; great for spaces with wider temperature fluctuations
- Digital control panel with adjustable speed, temperature, and output
- Overheat shutoff and tip-over switch
- Affordable option for smaller rooms
Cons
- Some users report manufacturing defects
- May not have ample heat distribution
Get the PELONIS heater with fan on Amazon or at Best Buy.
Photo: amazon.com
The Atomi Smart WiFi Portable Tower Space Heater has an app that allows users to adjust the temperature or switch between high, low, or economy mode. From their phones, users also can set timers, control oscillation, and more. It’s also compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant.
Apart from its smart features, the Atomi can quietly heat spaces up to 750 square feet, which means it can heat a bedroom or possibly an entire small apartment. It has a tip-over switch to disable it should the unit fall on its side, and it will also send an immediate notification to the user’s phone to alert them of an accident.
Product Specs
- Type: Fan
- Fuel Source: Electric
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Heat Output: 5,119 BTUs
- Coverage Area: 750 square feet
Pros
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant to provide convenient control and notifications
- Digital control panel
- High, low, and economy modes able to meet the needs of larger spaces
- Oscillating fan delivers heat over a wider radius
- Tip-over switch disables operation in case of accident
Cons
- Pricey option due to additional features
Get the Atomi Smart space heater at The Home Depot or Lowe’s.
A Recap of Our Recommendations
- BEST OVERALL: Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater, 1500-Watt
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Lasko 5775 Electric 1500W Ceramic Space Heater
- UPGRADE PICK: De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater 1500W
- BEST OIL-FILLED: PELONIS Oil Filled Radiator Portable Space Heater
- BEST ELECTRIC: Lasko 5586 Digital Ceramic Tower Heater with Remote
- BEST RADIANT: Mr. Heater Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater
- BEST MICATHERMIC: De’Longhi Convection Panel Heater, Full Room Quiet
- BEST KEROSENE: Sengoku KeroHeat 10,000-BTU Indoor/Outdoor Heater
- BEST WITH FAN: PELONIS Portable 2 in 1 Vortex Heater with Fan
- BEST WIFI-ENABLED: Atomi Smart WiFi Portable Tower Space Heater
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Space Heaters for Bedrooms
Before purchasing a space heater for a bedroom, keep in mind some important considerations. Give each point some thought to help choose the best space heater for bedroom warmth in your home.
Type
Several types of space heaters are on the market, each of which produces heat differently. These include convection, infrared, micathermic, and fan heaters.
- Fan heaters have electric coils that produce heat and spinning fan blades that push warm air into the room. Position these electric heaters on a desk or dresser and aim them toward the bed while you sleep.
- Convection heaters produce heat with electric coils, ceramic plates, or oil-filled fins. As the heat rises, it pushes cold air down toward the heater. Convection heaters then warm the cold air, which rises and pushes colder air back down.
- Infrared heaters warm objects in front of the heater, not the air around it. Infrared heaters are excellent for producing localized heat, but some models struggle to produce a uniform amount of heat. Moreover, the bright glow of the coils can affect light sleepers.
- Micathermic heaters use electric coils to warm a sheet of mica sandwiched between them. They produce both convection and radiant heat.
Safety
Safety is the most important consideration when using a space heater. For example, a heater placed too close to a curtain, bedspread, or other combustible object could cause a fire. It’s critical to keep space heaters away from objects. Also ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
To help mitigate danger, many manufacturers install safety features on their space heaters, the most important of which may be the tip-over switch, which shuts off the unit if it falls over. Also, space heaters that use combustible fuels sometimes feature low-oxygen cutoffs that disable the unit when enough oxygen isn’t available for safe combustion. Prior to using any type of space heater, read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions.
Heating
Nearly all heaters complete some type of convection cycle, which means they can heat most rooms if sized correctly. Luckily, most bedrooms are relatively small compared to wide-open great rooms or the primary living space, which means nearly any space heater will do.
Space heaters come in either watt ratings (labeled “W”) or British thermal units (described as BTUs). Almost all electric space heaters are rated for either 750 or 1,500 watts; the smaller size is suitable for small rooms, and the larger size for larger spaces. As to BTUs, a heater that produces 9,000 BTUs is typically plenty for even a large bedroom.
Energy Efficiency
Whether the heater uses electricity, a fossil fuel, or some other type of fuel source, energy efficiency should be a factor when choosing the best space heater for bedrooms. While heating an entire home with space heaters would not be an efficient use of energy, using one to heat a bedroom while the rest of the house stays at a lower temperature can actually save money.
In homes without heating zones, the temperature throughout the entire home might need to be quite high to make the bedroom comfortable overnight. With a space heater, the rest of the home’s heating system can hover at energy-efficient temperatures while the bedroom stays toasty warm.
Noise Level
Any extra noise in the bedroom can affect a light sleeper’s rest. On a space heater, typical fan levels measure about 35 to 45 decibels, equivalent to a quiet background conversation. Oil-filled heaters usually make bubbling sounds that are clearly audible within the room.
Product labels don’t often list noise level, so if absolute silence is necessary, a micathermic heater might be the way to go. This type of heater doesn’t use a fan or oil, so the heat is produced quietly and comfortably.
FAQs
Now that you’ve learned a bit more about using space heaters to heat the bedrooms in your home, some new questions may have popped up. A collection of some of the most frequently asked questions about the best space heaters for bedrooms appears below.
Q. Can a space heater catch fire?
It’s highly unlikely that the space heater itself will catch fire, but a fire can result from a space heater touching combustible materials. Make sure space heaters are kept away from any combustibles.
Q. Do space heaters create carbon dioxide?
Kerosene or propane heaters can create carbon dioxide, but if running properly, they don’t pose a threat of poisoning. However, users should have operational carbon monoxide detectors in their home.
Q. Is it safe to leave a space heater on all night?
Yes, as long as the area is clear of combustible materials and carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are installed, running a space heater at night is safe.
Q. How long does a space heater last?
Generally speaking, space heaters are only used for a few months a year, so they can last for years. Maintain them by cleaning any filters and coils and keeping them free of moisture.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series, including This Old House and Bob Vila’s Home Again, he popularized and became synonymous with “do it yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
