Space heaters, versatile appliances designed to provide localized heat, have become essential for keeping people warm and comfortable during chilly seasons. With their energy efficiency and portability, the best space heaters offer a convenient and cost-effective heating solution for various indoor spaces.
Best Overall | Bang for Your Buck | Best on a Budget | Best for Large Spaces | Best for Office Use |
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Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 | Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater | Amazon Basics Oscillating Ceramic Heater | Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater | Honeywell UberHeat Ceramic Heater |
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A premium, multifunctional heater, air purifier, and cooling fan that removes 99.97% of particles, with a 350° oscillation range for year-round comfort and clean air. | An affordable tower heater with adjustable settings and a remote control for convenient heating in medium-sized rooms and apartments. | A budget-friendly ceramic heater ideal for small spaces, offering adjustable temperature settings, safety features, and oscillation for even heat distribution. | A powerful infrared heater with a dual heating system and 5200 BTU output, designed to efficiently warm large rooms with quiet operation and a 12-hour timer. | A compact and efficient ceramic heater that provides powerful warmth with multiple safety features, making it a safe choice for small office spaces. |
What Is a Space Heater?
A space heater is a compact heating device to warm up small areas or rooms. It operates on electricity, natural gas, propane, or other fuels, and its primary function is to provide supplementary heat in specific locations, offering an alternative to central heating systems.
Why Buy a Space Heater?
There are several reasons why someone would opt to buy a space heater. Firstly, they are ideal for supplementing the heating in colder rooms or areas with poor insulation. This can lead to energy savings by allowing users to reduce the overall temperature of the central heating system while keeping specific spaces warm. Additionally, space heaters are often more cost-effective for heating small spaces compared to cranking up central heating, especially in well-insulated homes. Furthermore, their portability allows users to move them from one room to another, making them versatile and convenient heating solutions.
Space Heaters: What to Look For
Before making a purchase, consider the following essential features when choosing a space heater:
Best Overall: Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10
Image credit: Dyson
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The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 stands out as a top choice for space heaters due to its exceptional functionality and cutting-edge air purification. Equipped with Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology, the HP10 distributes purified air evenly, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment. The HEPA filtration system captures particles down to 0.3 microns, effectively removing allergens and pollutants, making this model ideal for those sensitive to air quality issues.
Additionally, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP10’s versatility is a key benefit. It serves as a reliable space heater during winter and offers cooling capabilities in warmer months, providing year-round comfort without the need for multiple devices. For added convenience, the HP10 includes a curved and magnetized remote control that neatly stores on the device, though it is not app compatible.
The unit’s user-friendly features enhance the overall experience. It includes programmed intervals of 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours for automatic shut-off, along with a night mode for quieter operation and a dimmed display. The HP10’s sealed HEPA-standard design ensures that all captured pollutants stay contained, enhancing both safety and efficiency. Overall, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 sets a new standard by combining robust heating, air purification, and sleek design in one premium device.
Bang for Your Buck: Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater
Image credit: Lasko
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The Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater is the best “bang for your buck” space heater due to its excellent features and budget-friendly price. With two quiet heat settings and an adjustable thermostat, users can find their ideal comfort level while saving on energy consumption. The programmable timer is valuable, allowing users to set specific operating durations and avoid unnecessary energy usage.
The inclusion of a multi-function remote control further enhances the convenience of operating the heater from a distance, eliminating the need to manually adjust settings. Plus, the remote-control storage on the back of the heater ensures it won’t be misplaced. The widespread oscillation feature ensures even heat distribution across the room, creating a cozy environment for users.
The Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater prioritizes safety with built-in overheat protection and a cool-touch exterior. These safety measures provide peace of mind, especially when using the heater for extended periods. The brand’s reputation for quality, reliability, and a three-year limited warranty reinforces its value as a trusted heating solution for various living spaces. Overall, the Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater offers an excellent combination of performance, convenience, and safety at an affordable price, making it the best “bang for your buck” space heater on the market today.
Best on a Budget: Amazon Basics Oscillating Ceramic Heater
Image credit: Amazon
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The Amazon Basics Oscillating Ceramic Heater is today’s best budget space heater due to its attractive price point and valuable features. Its compact size and lightweight design make it a cost-effective heating solution for smaller rooms or personal spaces. The adjustable thermostat allows users to control the level of warmth they desire, ensuring energy efficiency and comfort.
The heater’s oscillating feature sets it apart as an excellent budget option. Distributing heat in multiple directions effectively warms up the entire room, eliminating cold spots and providing consistent warmth. The three output options add to its versatility, allowing users to choose between low, high, or fan-only settings based on their heating needs.
Safety is a top priority with the Amazon Basics Oscillating Ceramic Heater. A tip-over switch and overheat protection ensures automatic shut-off in case of accidental tipping or excessive heat, reducing the risk of fire hazards. The TUV certification further confirms its compliance with safety standards.
With its sleek design, easy-to-use controls, and carrying handle for portability, the Amazon Basics Oscillating Ceramic Heater offers an impressive combination of functionality, safety, and affordability. It’s ideal for those seeking an efficient and budget-friendly space heater without compromising on essential features. Backed by an Amazon Basics limited one-year warranty, this heater provides users with reliable heating performance and peace of mind at an unbeatable price.
Best for Large Spaces: Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater
Image credit: Dr. Infrared Heater
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The Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater stands out as the best for large spaces today due to its exceptional heating capabilities and efficient design. The dual heating system, combining infrared quartz tubes and PTC, ensures rapid and consistent heating throughout the room. With a heat output of around 5200 BTU, this heater excels at warming up sizeable areas, making it perfect for large living rooms, open-concept spaces, and even offices.
Another feature that makes the Dr. Infrared Heater ideal for large spaces is its 12-hour automatic shut-off timer. This allows users to set the heater to run for a specific period, ensuring energy efficiency and preventing unnecessary operation when not needed. The IR remote control adds to the convenience, enabling users to control the heater’s settings from across the room without having to get up or walk to the heater.
Furthermore, the Dr. Infrared Heater’s high-pressure low-noise blower operates at a super quiet 39 dB, ensuring that the powerful heating performance doesn’t disturb the tranquility of the space. The caster wheels make moving the heater from one room to another easy, providing portability despite its weight. With its electronic thermostat and a wide temperature range from 50 to 85 degrees, users can precisely adjust the heat output to match their comfort preferences.
The Dr. Infrared Heater also incorporates safety features, including tip-over and overheat protection, ensuring peace of mind during extended usage. The inclusion of a lifetime filter eliminates the need for frequent filter replacements, adding to the heater’s overall convenience and cost-effectiveness. With its impressive heating power, thoughtful features, and suitability for large spaces, the Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater is the top choice for those seeking an efficient and reliable heating solution for larger rooms or areas.
Best for Office Use: Honeywell UberHeat Ceramic Heater
Image credit: Honeywell
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The Honeywell UberHeat Ceramic Heater is the best space heater for the office today due to its compact design, powerful heating capabilities, and enhanced safety features. Its sleek appearance and quiet operation make it an unobtrusive addition to any office space, providing warmth without distracting noise. The heater’s small size and floor mounting option ensure it doesn’t take up much valuable space, making it a perfect fit for desks, workstations, or small offices.
Safety is a top priority with the Honeywell UberHeat Ceramic Heater, making it a reliable choice for office use. Including a tip-over switch and 2x overheat protection ensures automatic shut-off in case of accidental tipping or excessive heat, reducing the risk of fire hazards. The cool-touch housing adds an extra layer of safety, ensuring that the heater’s exterior remains safe to touch, even after running for extended periods.
Additionally, the heater’s adjustable thermostat with two comfort settings (high and low) allows users to customize their comfort levels, making it suitable for various temperature preferences in the office environment. The Honeywell UberHeat Ceramic Heater’s energy efficiency further adds to its appeal for office use, as it can help users save on heating costs while providing soothing warmth during chilly workdays. With Honeywell’s commitment to exceeding industry-standard safety requirements through its Safety Matters program, users can rely on this space heater to deliver reliable, safe, and efficient heating performance for their office spaces.
What size space heater do I need for my room?
Generally, a 1,500-watt space heater can comfortably heat rooms up to 150 square feet. For larger areas, look for models with a higher BTU rating or dual heating systems for more effective warmth distribution.
Are space heaters energy-efficient?
Many space heaters are designed with energy-saving features, like thermostats, programmable timers, and eco-modes, to minimize energy consumption. They’re most efficient in small or well-insulated rooms, where they reduce the need to turn up central heating. Click the button below to learn more!
Are space heaters safe to use around children and pets?
Yes, as long as they have built-in safety features such as tip-over protection, cool-to-touch exteriors, and overheat protection. Always choose a space heater with these features if you have kids or pets in the home.
What’s the difference between ceramic, infrared, and radiant space heaters?
Ceramic heaters use electricity to heat a ceramic plate and are effective for small to medium spaces. Infrared heaters emit radiant heat that warms objects directly, making them ideal for larger rooms. Radiant heaters also warm objects directly and are usually best for small areas or personal use.
Can I leave a space heater on overnight?
It’s generally recommended to avoid leaving a space heater on unattended. If you must, look for models with a timer or sleep mode and ensure they have reliable safety features like automatic shut-off in case of overheating.
How can I maximize the efficiency of my space heater?
To improve efficiency, use the heater in a well-insulated space, keep doors closed to retain heat, and utilize settings like eco-mode or low heat when possible. Placing the heater in a central position within the room can also help evenly distribute warmth.
Are smart space heaters worth it?
Smart space heaters allow you to control settings remotely, which can enhance convenience and energy savings, especially in larger homes. They’re ideal for users who prefer smartphone or smart-home integration for added flexibility.
Do space heaters dry out the air?
Space heaters, particularly electric ones, can slightly reduce humidity in a room. If dryness is an issue, consider using a humidifier alongside your heater to maintain comfortable moisture levels.
How often should I clean my space heater?
Clean your space heater at least once a season to remove dust buildup from vents and surfaces. HEPA-filtered heaters may need more frequent filter replacements or cleanings to maintain air quality.
