Keep Your Home Warm With a Space Heater

Ever-rising utility costs can make heating an entire house prohibitively pricey. To save money but still keep occupied areas comfortable—say, the living room during a movie marathon—many renters and homeowners take advantage of space heaters. Today’s models offer basic heating features at more affordable prices, newer bells and whistles, and all-important upgraded safety features. To help potential buyers spot those that offer the features they want most, we put the space heaters below through a series of hands-on testing.

The best space heater for any particular area will depend on the room’s size, the type of heater, and whether it will be used in a home with children and/or pets. Testing took place in the home—in real-life scenarios to put performance and safety features on the spot—and gave us an inside look at how their features function over time. We also spoke to Robin Saidov, an energy industry expert, electrical engineer, and the owner of Your Energy Footprint, a company in Westport, Connecticut, that educates consumers on ways they can be more energy efficient. Ahead, learn what we found, how to navigate all of the market options, and find out why the models below are among the best space heaters available.

1. BEST OVERALL: Amazon Basics Portable Manual-Control Radiator Heater
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Amazon Basics 1,500-Watt Oscillating Ceramic Heater
3. UPGRADE PICK: AirNmore Comfort Deluxe Infrared Space Heater
4. DESIGN PICK: Lasko 1500W Designer Series Ceramic Space Heater
5. BEST FOR LARGE ROOMS: Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater
6. BEST FOR BATHROOMS: Vornado VH10 Whole Room Heater
7. BEST FOR BASEMENTS: De’Longhi SlimStyle Digital Convection Panel Heater
8. BEST FOR LIVING ROOMS: Heat Storm 1500-Watt Logan Deluxe Infrared Heater

Before You Buy a Space Heater

A space heater can be a welcome source of supplemental warmth in a chilly room, especially if it also saves money on utility costs by allowing the user to turn the HVAC thermostat down a few degrees. Keep in mind that space heaters get very hot and, if used carelessly, they can lead to a house fire. Before looking for a space heater, it’s a good idea for shoppers to call their homeowners insurance agent, since some insurance policies will not cover damages from a fire caused by a space heater.

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

To qualify as a top pick, a space heater needed to show in our testing that it was powerful enough to heat the intended room. We also made sure each included safety features that would turn the unit off if it fell over. The following models are suited to various heating needs, and any one of them might well serve a variety of situations.

Best Overall

Amazon Basics Portable Manual-Control Radiator Heater

See It

What We Like

• Simple design is easy to assemble
• Runs almost silently
• Produces enough heat for larger rooms

What We Don’t Like

• Might not meet the needs of techier shoppers

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Product Specs

• Watts: 1,500 watts
• Weight: 15.41 pounds
• Dimensions: 26.38 inches tall (with wheels) by 13.19 inches wide by 9.84 inches deep

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 3/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4/5

The Amazon Basics portable manual-control radiator heater is aptly named, as it is a basic space heater. This oil-filled radiator features two control knobs (temperature and output) for setting the heater and letting it do its work, so it is very easy to use.

This model features a 1,500W output, allowing it to heat large rooms. It also features a tip-over switch and overheat protection for safety, and it operates nearly silently, aside from the sound of an air bubble in the oil now and then. It measures 26.38 inches tall (with wheels) by 13.19 inches wide by 9.84 inches deep. It features a top-mounted handle for transport as well, and it weighs 15.41 pounds. 

There isn’t a lot to say about the Amazon Basics oil heater. It was easy to assemble and use, and it produced plenty of heat (although it took 2 hours to heat a living room from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit). There isn’t a digital display or remote control to adjust the temperature, but the fact that it provides silent heat is really a plus—all that’s discernible is a click every now and then when the heating element kicks on and off. It might be a little too simple for tech lovers, however. 

Get the Amazon Basics space heater at Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

Amazon Basics 1,500-Watt Oscillating Ceramic Heater

See It

What We Like

• Lightweight and easy to set up and adjust
• Oscillating feature distributes heat throughout the room
• Small and compact design

What We Don’t Like

• No display to show exact thermostat setting

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Product Specs

• Watts: 1,500
• Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 10.04 inches tall by 6.34 inches wide by 7.52 inches deep

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4/5; Noise 3/5; Portability 5/5; Value 5/5

For a reasonable price, this oscillating heater provides 1,500 watts of heat, enough to keep a 150-square-foot room warm and cozy. It features three power outputs (low, high, and fan only), plus tip-over shutoff for safety should it inadvertently get knocked over. There’s a simple on/off switch for easy operation and a thermostat dial that allows the user to select the desired temperature. After the user sets the thermostat, the heater will turn itself on and off to maintain the selected temperature. It weighs a mere 3.2 pounds and boasts a handle on the back for easy toting from room to room.

While this simple heater did well during testing, it doesn’t have any features that make it stand out. The basic heat functions worked well, and the adjustable thermostat triggered an automatic shutoff. However, it could use a display to show the exact temperature setting. The current variable thermostat left us guessing as to the temperature we were choosing. Overall, it’s lightweight, portable, and made quick work of heating a 150-square-foot office.

Get the Amazon Basics oscillating space heater at Amazon.

Upgrade Pick

AirNmore Comfort Deluxe Infrared Space Heater

See It

What We Like

• Onboard cord storage and 4 casters
• Comfortable penetrating heat
• Includes particle filter

What We Don’t Like

• Large size makes it more conspicuous

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Product Specs

• Watts: 1,500
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Dimensions: 16.75 inches tall by 13 inches wide by 16.5 inches deep

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4/5; Noise 3/5; Portability 3/5; Value 4/5

For warmth and peace of mind, consider the ample safety features of the AirNmore Comfort Deluxe infrared space heater. Though it will heat a room up to 150 square feet, its outer casing will remain cool to the touch, which is crucial for homes with kids and pets. The tip-over safety function shuts the unit off if it gets knocked over, but since it weighs 22 pounds, this is a less likely scenario than with some smaller models. A 14-gauge cord with a three-prong heater plug reduces the risk of the cord melting from overheating.

The power level is adjustable, and the heater has a built-in thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature. A removable, washable filter prevents dust from recirculating in the air. Users might mistake this space heater for an old-time radio; it definitely looks more design-friendly than some other more utilitarian models. We loved this heater in testing, although with infrared heaters, users have to direct the heat toward themselves. It’s a penetrating heat, but only if it hits the body.

A tiny remote control let us change modes (low or high) and temperatures while working at a desk, and we liked that we could precisely adjust the temperature setting and see it on the display. The downside with this AirNmore space heater is its size. It’s big and takes up a lot of room while heating up a relatively small 150-square-foot space. However, the casters make moving this behemoth out of the way when not in use fairly easy.

Get the AirNmore space heater at Amazon or Walmart.

Design Pick

Lasko 1500W Designer Series Ceramic Space Heater

See It

What We Like

• Attractive design that doesn’t look like a heater
• 3 automatic timer settings and automatic shutoff
• Comes with a handy remote control
• Warms a room fairly quickly

What We Don’t Like

• Shuts off when the temp is reached

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Product Specs

• Watts: 1,500
• Weight: 6.89 pounds
• Dimensions: 16 inches tall by 11 inches wide by 11 inches deep

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 5/5

This electric heater from Lasko’s Designer series has smooth contours and rests on an attractive base so that it looks more like a work of art than a space heater. Appearance aside, the ceramic model effectively heats rooms up to 150 square feet by oscillating smoothly from side to side for uniform heat distribution. Switch between its adjustable heat settings via the remote; the Lasko can even be programmed in advance to turn on and off when desired. This handsome space heater also features a safety shutoff in case the unit tips over.

This beauty was a pleasant surprise during testing because it cranks out the heat. It might be designed to heat 150-square-foot spaces, but it can do more than that with the heat it puts out. The oscillating setting spread the heat far and wide, quickly warming our 200-square-foot test space (another office) to perfection. We liked that we could pick the temperature setting, though it only goes in 5 degree Fahrenheit increments. Plus, it comes with a timer that automatically turns the unit off after 1, 2, or 4 hours. With that set, we didn’t worry about leaving it on while we were away.

Once the room reaches the set temperature, this space heater automatically shuts off. However, we noticed that if the temperature began to fall, it didn’t automatically turn back on. But we could turn it back on using the remote, so no one actually had to get out of their chair. This model might have made us a little lazy.

Get the Lasko space heater at The Home Depot, Best Buy, or Staples.

Best for Large Rooms

Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater

See It

What We Like

• Puts out fast infrared heat
• Quiet fan helps circulate heat without noise
• Easy thermostat adjustability and setting options
• Remote control

What We Don’t Like

• Quite heavy and cumbersome to move around

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Product Specs

• Watts: 1,500
• Weight: 24 pounds
• Dimensions: 15 inches tall by 13 inches wide by 12 inches deep

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 3/5; Value 4/5

This 1,500-watt portable space heater from Dr. Infrared Heater looks like a classic radio but runs like the high-tech space heater that it is. Emitting only 39 decibels, this infrared heater features quiet air circulation that moves the heat through large spaces. We tested it in a 200-square-foot office, and this space heater made quick work of warming it. Infrared heaters don’t heat the air; instead, they heat objects. This heater’s quiet fan made it feel like the heat permeated farther and made a difference in overall room temperature.

It’s also packed with features including standby, eco, low, and high power modes. The digital display shows the thermostat’s setting, which makes it easy to make adjustments based on comfort levels.

We’re big fans of remote controls. This model’s remote control allowed us to make comfort adjustments without getting out of our office chair. We appreciated that we could leave it on all day while we worked, and it would turn on and off as needed. There’s also an adjustable timer, which can go up to 12 hours before automatically shutting off the heater.

Overall, it’s a nice-looking heater that can handle spaces up to about 850 square feet. It’s not the most mobile unit, weighing 24 pounds, but it does have casters for easier mobility.

Get the Dr. Infrared Heater space heater at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Dr. Heater.

Best for Bathrooms

Vornado VH10 Whole Room Heater

See It

What We Like

• Built with 3 safety features
• Wide base provides more stability
• Vortex action moves a lot of air through the room

What We Don’t Like

• Cannot see the precise temperature setting

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Product Specs

• Watts: 1,500
• Weight: 5.08 pounds
• Dimensions: 12 inches tall by 9.25 inches wide by 11.63 inches deep

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3/5; Performance 5/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4/5

A set of three safety features provides extra security in a bathroom setting. The Vornado’s cool-touch exterior, heat detection, and tilt shutoff create a safer heater for a room where it could easily get knocked over. The heat detection feature turns the heater off if a towel or clothing falls on top of the heater. Among its other features, it has an adjustable thermostat, though there’s no display to show users the exact temperature, and two heat settings—low or high.

The Vornado’s wide base made it more stable than similar space heaters we tested. When that’s coupled with the three safety features, it’s made for places (or homes) where blankets, towels, and clothes could end up on top of the heater, or pets and kids might knock it over. This model moved air beautifully and heated our office space quickly. The only thing we felt was missing was a display so we could have seen the precise temperature setting rather than guessing with the adjustable thermostat.

Get the Vornado space heater at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Target.

Best For Basements

De’Longhi SlimStyle Digital Convection Panel Heater

See It

What We Like

• Slim design
• Features anti-freeze mode
• Attractive design

What We Don’t Like

• It doesn’t come with a remote

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Product Specs

• Watts: 1,500
• Weight: 6.95 pounds
• Dimensions: 21.8 inches tall (with feet) by 32.2 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4/5

Figuring out the heat in a finished basement can be an ordeal but might be easily solved with the De’Longhi SlimStyle digital convection panel heater. This model can be set on the floor or mounted on the wall (the latter being best for basement duty), and it produces up to 1,500 watts of heating power. It measures 21.8 inches tall (with feet) by 32.2 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep. 

The De’Longhi features a convection-style design that is virtually silent in three out of the four modes, and a fourth mode with a fan to help pump out the heat. It also features a fifth mode (anti-freeze), which the manufacturer says kicks on when the temperature in the space reaches 41 degrees Fahrenheit; this is to help prevent frozen pipes. The heater has a built-in tip-over switch as well as an overheat sensor, timers, and an electronic digital display. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a remote. 

We’re not relegating the De’Longhi to the basement because it’s ugly; we honestly found it very nice looking. However, we think it’s best there for its included wall-mount brackets and the fact that it has a freeze-protection mode (ours activated at 45 degrees, not 41 like the manufacturer stated). With so many pipes and mechanicals in a finished basement, we thought this was the perfect solution to protect the investment. Also, most space heaters don’t reach settings that low, so this one works really well for that purpose.

There is one thing we couldn’t figure out, however: Why in the world doesn’t it come with a remote?

Get the De’Longhi SlimStyle space heater at Amazon.

Best For Living Rooms

Heat Storm 1500-Watt Logan Deluxe Infrared Heater

See It

What We Like

• Fabric sides and faux wood provide a cozy look
• Produces plenty of heat
• Remote control and large digital display

What We Don’t Like

• Faux wood not as high quality as real-wood

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Product Specs

• Watts: 1,500 watts
• Weight: 10 pounds
• Dimensions: 15.3 inches tall (with wheels) by 12.3 inches wide by 10.8 inches deep

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4/5

The Heat Storm Logan Deluxe infrared heater is all about coziness. This powerful space heater features a 1,500W output, a digital display, and a remote control for managing the device from the couch. It has a faux-wood box-style design with fabric-covered sides, allowing it to blend in with comfortable living room decor. It can also handle large living rooms, considering it can warm up to 1,000 square feet. 

This model features several modes—including high, medium, low, and auto—that control the heater based on the preset temperature. It also has a safe-touch exterior that remains cool and safe, a child lock, and overheat protection. The heater operates quietly (measured at 46 decibels on a sound meter app from about 4 feet away) as well. It measures 15.3 inches tall (with wheels) by 12.3 inches wide by 10.8 inches deep.

We’ll be honest and say that this heater has to match a living room decor to be a perfect fit, but if one of the three finish color options works, the unit can sit in the corner of any room and blend in until it’s needed. 

While it’s light (10 pounds), the box itself is simply faux wood, which doesn’t seem as high in quality as other real-wood heaters that we’ve tested in the past. It had a better digital display than any of those other box-style heaters, however, and it produced a lot of heat, bringing a 63 degree Fahrenheit living room to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in about 15 minutes. Also, for those who care, it blows hot air out at the perfect height for one of our old dogs, who instantly laid down in front of it and fell asleep. We assume other four-legged friends will love it, too.  

Get the Heat Storm Logan space heater at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Menards.

Also Tested

Lasko Ceramic Space Heater With Adjustable Thermostat

This space heater performed well in many respects. It has an adjustable thermostat, 11 heat settings, a cool-touch exterior, and a compact design. What it doesn’t have is an automatic tilt shut-off feature. That means if it gets knocked over, it keeps running. In a home with pets, kids, and, honestly, most adults, it could keep running face down, posing a fire hazard. For that reason, it didn’t make our list of top picks.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Space Heaters

We tested these space heaters in person, in real-world situations. They were all tested in a home office setting where the office was 150 to 200 square feet in size. One of the test offices also had large windows, so the room temperature fluctuated more often. We tried them on different surfaces, from plush carpet to bare floors.

For models with a digital display, we set the thermostat between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to see how well the space heater kept a consistent room temperature. From there, we made adjustments to settings (low and high), timers, and safety features. For example, we tipped over every single space heater to make sure it turned off.

Models designed to turn on and off based on the thermostat were left running to see how they performed over time. Some stayed in standby mode for hours without turning on because a furnace kept the room at temperature. We wanted to make sure they wouldn’t turn on if it wasn’t necessary. Ease of use was also a consideration, and models with remote controls or intuitive designs got higher marks from us.

Besides taking into account the size of the room you’re planning to heat, Saidov says it’s a good idea to “find a model that has a set temperature.” She adds, “This will ensure that the unit doesn’t overheat the space.” She also says to make sure the space heater is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certified, a third-party certification that means the heater meets certain safety standards. And, most importantly, “Electric space heaters should always be plugged into a wall outlet and grounded. Using extension cords and power strips can be a fire hazard.”

What to Consider When Choosing a Space Heater

A small space heater might be suitable under a desk or next to a lounge chair, but it likely won’t make a dent in a sizable chilly room. A space heater’s size should suit the room that it will warm and should, of course, be as safe as possible.

Types of Space Heaters

For those just starting to shop for a space heater, it might come as a surprise to find so many different types from which to choose. Each type has its pros and cons, and not all space heaters are suitable for all rooms and situations.

Fan Space Heaters

Fan space heaters function by heating the air around an electric coil or wire elements and then dispersing the heat with a fan. They are among the least expensive models but do not offer the same efficiency as other types. Therefore, fan heaters are best suited to rooms without drafts or for warming a small space quickly.

Convection Space Heaters

Convection space heaters warm air over ceramic plates or disks and allow it to radiate warmth into the room. Some models do include fans for quicker heat dispersal and, like conventional fan heaters, they work best in rooms without drafts. Convection heaters come in compact or tower models, often with exterior cases that are cooler to the touch. Prices vary depending on wattage and added features.

Infrared Space Heaters

Infrared space heaters are among the quietest options for the home. They generate heat quickly by radiating heat to the objects—including people—in front of them. As opposed to heating the air in the room, this type of heater heats the user, making it a good choice for use in drafty rooms. All that’s needed is for the user to aim it directly at where they’re sitting.

Oil-Filled Space Heaters

Oil-filled space heaters (another type of radiant heater) are also a quiet option. Because they are capable of putting off an abundance of heat while using less electricity than fan-type models, these heaters are well suited to larger rooms. Due to the weight of the oil and the steel casing, these heaters are relatively heavy, but many come with wheels to make relocating easier. Oil-filled space heaters take a while to heat up, but they radiate continuously once they do.

Micathermic Space Heaters

Micathermic space heaters combine convection and radiant heating processes. Designed as a panel to stand or hang on a wall like a piece of artwork, they create a welcoming ambience for the senses by mimicking the look of a real fire and radiating heat. Some models include fans for greater efficiency and remote controls for extra convenience. These advanced heaters vary widely in price.

Safety

Space heaters are a leading cause of house fires, so the best space heaters boast safety features to reduce risk. Manufacturers have introduced automatic shutoffs that kick in when a unit overheats or gets inadvertently knocked over. In addition, many have exterior cases that keep units cool to the touch at all times. Some models even come equipped with motion sensors that automatically turn the heater off when a pet or child comes too close. For extra peace of mind when purchasing, look for the letters NRTL on the space heater packaging, which indicates that the model has been tested for safety by the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.

Your Heating Needs

As a general rule of thumb, select a space heater that will produce 10 watts of power for every square foot. For instance, to heat a 12-foot-long by 10-foot-wide room, a shopper would need to purchase a 1,200W space heater. A very large room may require more than one space heater to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout.

Other factors that affect a space heater’s efficiency include ceiling height, the insulating factor of the exterior walls, the number of windows, and the available outlets. While high-wattage heaters offer more heat than lower-wattage models, they’re limited to the capacity of the electrical outlet; a home’s standard 110-volt electrical outlet can only provide 1,500W of power, so that must be the wattage cap for any machine plugged into it.

Energy Efficiency 

One of the main reasons for using a space heater is to save on energy costs. But unlike many other appliances, space heaters do not require energy testing by the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the agency issue Energy Star ratings for them, so those who are serious about saving will want to opt for the most efficient type.

Oil-filled space heaters are among the most efficient because they heat the oil and the metal casing, gradually dispersing radiant warmth into the room. Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, less energy is needed to maintain that temperature. Even after an oil-filled heater is turned off, it will continue to radiate heat for up to 30 minutes or more. Next in energy efficiency are infrared space heaters, which use up to 10 percent less energy than space heaters with coils and fans.

Noise Level 

For the most part, space heaters are among the quietest of all small appliances. Space heaters that use radiant heat, either infrared or oil-filled, make virtually no noise. Traditional space heaters with fans will emit an average of 35 to 45 decibels of sound, approximately the same as soft indoor conversation (which could be suitable to use as a white noise machine).

The Advantages of Owning the Best Space Heater

• A good space heater will keep a room’s occupants warm and comfortable, even if the rest of the house is chilly.
• Homeowners and renters can save on heating costs by using a space heater in one room and lowering the thermostat for the rest of the house.
• Many of today’s space heaters come with built-in thermostats, enabling them to keep the room at a consistent and cozy temp.
• Space heaters are portable and can be moved from room to room as necessary.

Tips for Using a Space Heater

Homeowners and renters can save on utility costs by using a space heater in one or more rooms rather than heating the entire home. For the toastiest—and safest—results, check out these useful tips.

• Maintain a 3-foot safety area around the space heater, and do not allow blankets, furniture, draperies, children, or pets within this zone.
• Install both carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms in the home when using space heaters, and test them monthly to ensure the batteries and the detectors are working.
• For safety’s sake, it’s important for users to turn off the space heater when leaving the room or going to bed. The exception to this rule is an oil-filled radiant heater, which may be left running. However, consult the owner’s manual, and follow all other safety precautions.
• Never use an extension cord with a space heater. Household extension cords are often not heavy-duty enough to handle the amount of electricity a space heater draws during operation.
• Remember to close the door in the room being heated to keep that toastiness from escaping to hallways and unoccupied areas.

FAQs

Q. Is it OK to have a space heater on all night?

Most space heaters should be turned off at night and when you leave a room. The exception is an oil-filled radiating space heater, which can be left on. However, make certain not to leave anything flammable within 3 feet of the radiator.

Q. What space heaters use the least electricity?

Oil-filled radiant heaters use the least amount of electricity because once they heat up, it takes very little energy to keep them warm. Plus, they will radiate heat for up to 30 minutes or more after they’ve been turned off.

Q. What is the safest type of space heater?

The safest space heater is one that will automatically shut off if it overheats or if it accidentally tips over.

Meet the Testers

Stacey L. Nash is a writer and product tester with a background in home and garden products. She’s researched and tested home products for over 5 years. That research is coupled with the practical experience that comes from living life with four kids and a DIY husband on 12 acres that require clearing and upkeep. Now she tests and writes about home appliances, kitchen tools, lighting, cleaning products, and garden tools.

Tom Scalisi is a full-time DIY and construction writer for many of the largest websites in the industry, including BobVila.com, This Old House, Family Handyman, and Forbes as well as his own pest control blog.

Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor.

 

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