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If you’re looking to invest in an additional or a brand-new space heater, we’ve got great recommendations for you.
How we picked the best space heaters?
It’s safety first when we assessed the core feature of these appliances. We prioritized safety and review space heaters that have top-notch overheat protection and tip-over protection that are certified. These features are important to ensure safety and help prevent accidents in your home.
Next, to ensure you get the best of both worlds, we look for efficient heating capacity and energy efficiency in the space heaters we assessed.
We also looked into space heaters with low-noise levels. We know this will be an important feature especially if you plan to use the heater in your bedroom or other quiet spaces.
Feel free to take a look at our following go-to list on how to shop for the best space heaters.
Featured image by: Freepik
Table of Contents
Buying guide
- What you should look for in a space heater?
- Types of heaters
1. Convection Heaters
2. Radiant heaters
3. Fan-forced heaters
4. Oil-filled heaters
5. Mica-thermic heaters
Best electric space heaters for large rooms
- DeLonghi TRD40615T Full Room Radiant Heater
- Vornado PVH Whole Room Vortex Heater
- Brightown Freestanding Electric Fireplace
- ARLIME Oil Filled Radiator Heater
- Cadet SoftHeat 35″ Baseboard Heater
- De’Longhi Mica-Thermic Panel Heater
Best small space heaters for indoor use
- De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater
- Dr Infrared Space Heater DR-978
- Dreo Space Atom One Portable Heater
- andily Ceramic Space Heater
Safety tips: How to keep your space heater safe?
Buying Guide
What you should look for in a space heater?
Room size
Space heaters are available in a wide range of heating technologies, which produce heat and provide you with targeted warmth where you need it. To find your ideal space heater, consider the size of the room or area you wish to heat.
You can use the BTU (British Thermal Units) rating to calculate how many watts of heating power the heater can produce. For every square foot of space in a room, you’ll need around 10 watts of heating power. Suffice to say:
- For large rooms (400 sq. ft and above) – You’ll need a heater with a rating of at least 5,000
- For small rooms (150 – 200 sq. ft) – You’ll need a heater with a BTU rating of around 1,500
Safety features
We can’t stress enough how important this is. Space heaters that are equipped with cutting-edge safety features prevent the risk of fires and overheating.
So, look for heaters with safety features as follows:
- Overheat protection: Look for space heaters with sensors that detect overheating.
- Tip-over protection: Regardless of the heater type you choose, this is a crucial feature, especially if you have young children or pets at home.
- Cool-touch exteriors: Prevents the risk of burn-related injuries or accidents.
- Safety certifications and warranties: Ensure that the heater you wish to buy is certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NTRL), such as CSA, ETL-Intertek, and UL, and that it has been tested to guarantee that it does not contain faulty or hazardous electrical components. As for warranties, space heaters often come with 1–5-year warranties. It is worth taking the time to study the user manual to learn about the space heater’s reliability and what is covered under warranty by the manufacturer.
Types of heaters
To help you make the best choice, let’s go through some of the most common types of space heaters and what they’re best suited for below:
Convection heaters
These heaters work by heating the surrounding air, which then circulates throughout the room. They are typically designed for larger rooms and are often more energy-efficient and quiet than other types of heaters. Examples of convection heaters include baseboard heaters, wall heaters, and panel heaters.
Best & top-rated convection heaters:
Radiant heaters
Radiant heaters (not to be confused with radiator heaters) use an infrared bulb, coil or quartz tube to warm objects rather than heating the air in the room.
They are often used for spot heating in small rooms, and can provide instant heat. Examples of radiant heaters include infrared heaters and quartz heaters.
Best & top-rated radiant heaters:
Fan-forced heaters
All fan-forced heaters use an internal blower fan, to circulate warmed air throughout a room. They are often used for small to medium-sized rooms, and can provide quick and efficient heating. Ceramic heaters and forced-air heaters are some examples.
Best & top-rated fan-forced heaters:
Oil-filled heater
An oil-filled heater is ideal if you want to keep a room at a steady temperature. These heaters work by heating heavy metal fins filled with oil which is sealed inside the unit, which then radiates heat into the room, covering a larger surface area.
They are often used for larger rooms, and can provide long-lasting heat. They also include radiator heaters and column heaters. If you have children or pets, consider purchasing a shielded radiator.
Howver, there may be a few drawbacks – the oiled radiator may take longer to heat up and as a result, they aren’t effective at heating up a chilly room quickly.
Best & top-rated oil-filled heaters:
Mica-thermic heaters
Mica-thermic heaters function similarly to oil-filled radiators, with the exception that they heat up thin sheets of mica rather than heavy metal fins filled with hot oil. The heater provides radiant heat in the form of electromagnetic rays. They can be more energy-efficient than other types of heaters.
These heaters typically have a slimmer and space-saving design which makes it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. Some models can be wall-mounted. Examples of mica-thermic heaters include flat-panel heaters and tower heaters.
Best & top-rated mica-thermic heaters:
Best electric space heaters for large rooms
1. DeLonghi TRD40615T Full Room Radiant Heater
The De’Longhi TRD40615T Full Room Radiant Heater offers up to 40% more radiant heat surface. It’s perfect for larger rooms as it provides uniform heating and quickly removes the chill from the air.
When the temperature drops below 40°F, the anti-freeze standby mode automatically turns the heater on.
The built-in safety features on this DeLonghi space heater are excellent. It is equipped with a child lock, a tip-over switch, and a thermal cut-off mechanism in the event of over-heating.
It’s portable and preassembled, with patented Smart Snap wheels. You can wheel this De’Longhi space heater and use it to heat your living room, bedroom, kitchen, and many other spaces in your home.
Voltage: 115V
Heat output: 1500 watts
Heating method: Radiant and infra-red
Heating coverage: 144 sq. ft
What we love about this heater?
• Excellent safety feature
• Produces efficient heat and energy-saving
• The increased convection heating feature distributes warm air quickly
• Durable and low-maintenance – made with high-quality steel and a permanently-sealed diathermic oil reservoir that never needs to be refilled.
2. Vornado PVH Whole Room Vortex Heater
The Vornado Heater uses Vortex forced-air technology to move the air in a tornado-like pattern to distribute heat evenly. It delivers continuous, uniform heat and can heat your room quickly, quietly, and efficiently.
There’s also an adjustable thermostat with 2 heat settings built into the unit: Low heat (750 watts) or high heat (1500 watts).
This Vornado is also equipped with a PVH cool-touch case. It’s suitable and safe to be placed in your bedroom or small office and with pets or children around.
Voltage: 120V
Heat output: Up to 1500 watts
Heating method: Forced air
Heating coverage: Up to 200 sq. ft
What we love about this heater?
• Very quiet
• Temperature-control thermostat
• Excellent safety feature
• Certified, safety-tested and meets the U.S voltage requirements.
3. Brightown Freestanding Electric Fireplace
The Brightown Electric Fireplace will not only create an enchanting fireplace in your living room, it can also heat up to 400 sq. ft of space.
This freestanding electric fireplace has energy-saving features and a balanced heating technology that automatically turns on and off when it detects a change in indoor temperature. It’s also ETL and FCC certified.
The flame effect features a 5-level brightness that can be remote controlled, while the infrared beam heaters deliver heat akin to a real fireplace.
The Brightown’s cool-touch exterior makes this fireplace safe for your children and pets. It also has air outlets that prevent overheating.
Voltage: 120V
Heat output: 4600 British Thermal Units (BTU)
Heating coverage: Up to 400 sq. ft
Ventilation type: Vent free
What we love about this heater?
• Heats a room quickly
• Wireless remote control and energy-saving
• Excellent and certified safety features with fire-resistant metal frame.
4. ARLIME Oil Filled Radiator Heater
The ARLIME Oil Filled Radiator Heater can heat up a room fairly quickly with its adjustable 3-level heat settings (600w / 900w / 1500w).
This portable heater with wheels is equipped with 7 oil-filled fins (no refilling needed) that are permanently sealed with diathermic oil. If a maximum temperature is reached, it automatically turns off. It’s very quiet too when in operation.
Feel free to wheel this heater from room to room. Additionally, there is an additional wire storage rack that can be used to neatly wind and store cables when not in use, which makes this heater neat and space-saving.
Voltage: 120 Volts
Heat output: 1500 watts
Heating method: Oil filled radiator
Heating coverage: 250 sq. ft
What we love about this heater?
• Very safe for families, children and pets
• Portable, light and compact design
• Built-in multiple safety functions – including flame-retardant housing materials, overheating and tipping protection sensors.
5. Cadet SoftHeat 59″ Hydronic Baseboard Heater
The Cadet 59″ is a portable Baseboard Heater that can heat up to 500 sq. ft space and delivers lasting warmth.
It saves energy by retaining heat to generate residual warmth, even after the thermostat is turned off. If maximum temperature is reached, the unit will shut down automatically.
As this is a portable baseboard heater, no installation is required. Feel free to use it in your living room, bedroom or home office. This space heater is also suitable for people with severe allergies.
Voltage: 120 Volts
Heat output: 1500 watts
Heating method: Convection, radiant
Heating coverage: 500 sq. ft
What we love about this heater?
• Portable and energy saving
• Great safety features
• Comes with 7-year warranty
• Can heat up large rooms effectively.
6. De’Longhi Mica-Thermic Panel Heater
The De’Longhi Mica Panel Heater complements any room décor. It is designed to quickly and effectively provide multi-directional warmth in large rooms without taking up too much floor space, thanks to its tiny footprint and handy wall-mount option (hardware provided).
The Mica-Thermic technology used in its adjustable room thermostat ensures that the heat is distributed evenly without the use of a fan, keeping a comfortable temperature in your room.
It is a very energy efficient space heater that utilizes real energy to offer continuous heat, while raising the room temperature to your desired temperature.
When the temperature falls below 41°F (5°C), the anti-freeze setting activates the heater, which helps prevent frozen pipes, especially in basements or vacation homes.
This space heater is also suitable for people with severe allergies.
Voltage: 110 Volts
Heat output: 1500 watts
Heating method: Mica-thermic, radiant & infrared, fan & forced air
Heating coverage: 400 sq. ft
What we love about this heater?
• Space-saving and slim design
• Built to last and very energy efficient
• Very quiet and delivers gentle heat
• Easy-to-use thermostat controls with multiple heat-settings.
Best small space heaters for indoor use
1. De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater
The De’Longhi Oil-Filled Space Heater provides gentle heat to your room. It produces 25% more radiant surface area, allowing it to warm up faster.
This new heater design incorporates thermal chimneys to give maximum heating while maintaining a low surface temperature. The control panel includes an adjustable thermostat, multiple heat settings, and a 24-hour programmable timer.
The anti-freeze setting allows the appliance to turn on automatically when the temperature falls below 44°F (6.67°C).
Safety features include rust-resistant sturdy metal construction and a thermal overheat auto shut-off function. It’s also suitable for families with children and pets.
Voltage: 110 Volts
Heat output: 1500 watts
Heating method: Convection, oil-filled radiator
Heating coverage: Small to medium spaces
What we love about this heater?
• Quiet operation
• Intuitive and energy-efficient ECO features
• Children and pet-friendly safety features
• Durable and solid, with a high-quality steel assembly and a diathermic oil reservoir that is permanently sealed.
2. Dr Infrared Space Heater DR-978
The Dr Infrared Heater’s one-of-a-kind hybrid heating mechanism increases heat distribution and heat transfer rate.
With a heat rating of 5200 BTU, the thermostat regulates the heater to keep your room at a pleasant temperature of 50°F (10°C) to 86°F (30°C).
It has no exposed heating elements that could catch fire. The Dr Infrared Heater has an energy-saving ECO Mode, a high-1500W setting, and a low-1200W option with a 12-hour timer.
Dr Infrared is completely safe to use around children and pets.
Voltage: 120 Volts
Heat output: 1500 watts
Heating method: Infrared, fan-forced, radiant
Heating coverage: 300 sq. ft
What we love about this heater?
• Energy-saving ECO Mode
• Certified tip-over and overheat shut off protection
• Powerful and space-saving – ideal for direct heat.
3. Dreo Space Atom One Portable Heater
The Dreo Space Atom One heater heats up really quickly. This portable space heater is safe to use indoors and can be placed by your feet, on the floor, on a desk, or carried about.
The Atom One is made with flame-retardant materials and comes with Shield360° technology, which protects against tip-over and overheating, as well as an improved safety plug.
You can conveniently adjust the thermostat from 41°F (5°C) to 95°F (35°C) with its digital remote control to set up your heater the way you want.
This heater knows when it is plugged in (a light on the display illuminates) and remembers your last setting.
Voltage: 120 Volts
Heat output: 1500 watts
Heating method: Fan-forced, radiant
Heating coverage: 200 sq. ft
What we love about this heater?
• User-friendly remote control
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Washable, and detachable filter
• Powerful and space-saving – ideal for direct heat
• Enhanced safety plug, overheat and tip-over protection.
4. andily Ceramic Space Heater
The andily Ceramic Space Heater is small, but packs a punch! It’s a ceramic space heater that heats up very quickly and ideal for both home and office use.
It can warm up your room very quickly, and you can maintain a comfortable temperature by using the adjustable thermostat’s high-heat (1500 watts), low-heat (750 watts) and fan-only settings.
Voltage: 230 Volts
Heat output: 1500 watts
Heating method: Fan-forced, convection, radiant
Heating coverage: 260 sq. ft
What we love about this heater?
• Generates a lot of heat
• Easy to carry and space-saving
• Heats up a room in less than 5 minutes
• Certified tip-over and overheat shut off protection.
Safety tips: How to keep your space heater safe?
Though most modern space heaters have safety mechanisms that help prevent the appliance from catching fire, some precautions must still be taken when using them to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Here are some additional safety precautions:
1. Keep the heater on a level surface
Always place the heater on a level or flat surface, and at least 3 feet away from any flammable objects, such as curtains, bedding, papers, etc. Remember not to put anything on top of the heater as well.
2. Keep the heater away from water
If you need to put one in your bathroom, keep it away from the sink or bath tub, to prevent the risk of electric shock. And don’t touch the heater with your wet hands!
For more information on installing heaters safely in bathrooms, check out this How to Select a Bathroom Heater article.
3. Read the instructions and warning labels
To ensure safe usage, only operate the space heater as per the instruction and warning labels.
4. Use a grounded outlet
Always plug the heater into a grounded or wall outlet to reduce the risk of electric shock. A grounded outlet is an electrical outlet that is designed to protect against electrical shock by providing a safe path for excess electrical current.
The grounding wire is connected to the earth, which provides a path for excess electrical current to flow into the ground if there is a short circuit or other electrical problem. This helps protect against electrical shock and can prevent damage to electrical appliances.
It’s also important to note that using an extension cord or power strip with a space heater is not recommended, as this can increase the risk of a fire. If you need to use an extension cord, be sure it is rated for the heater’s wattage and has a heavy-duty, three-pronged cord.
5. Unplug the heater when not in use
This is especially important when you leave the room. Always turn it off and never leave the heater unattended while it is running.
6. Keep children and pets away from the heater
To prevent accidental burns or other injuries, keep young children and animals supervised and away from the heater when it’s in use.
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