Space Heater Buying Guide

A space heater can be a lifesaver during a crisp autumn evening, a bitter winter freeze, or a damp spring thaw. It is an effective way to warm up a drafty spare room, a freezing basement, or a chilly home office when used carefully as a supplemental heat source.

But how do you determine which space heater is the right choice for your needs? The decision depends on the size of the area you intend to heat, the speed at which you want the temperature to rise, and your total budget.

We evaluated nearly 90 different models and discovered that the top-performing units in our ratings can warm a standard family room in approximately 15 minutes.

Read on for a detailed look at our testing process, the various types and brands available, and the essential information you need to select the best heater for your specific situation. Once you understand your requirements, you can review our top-rated picks, including recommendations for home offices, the quietest models, and the best options priced at $100 or less.

We assess how effectively these units heat a standard 204-square-foot room within 15 minutes and how well they warm a nearby person, which we categorize as “spot-heating.” “Our spot-heating test uses a mannequin wired with sensors,” says Samantha Ostrander, who oversees our space heater lab. “We want to know how your body will feel when you’re sitting within 4.5 feet of the appliance.”

Our testers also measure the noise output of each machine while it is running, as well as its portability and ease of use. While heaters equipped with oscillating fans are typically the loudest, they remain relatively quiet and distribute heat more uniformly than fanless models.

Safety is a primary factor in our ratings. Every model undergoes three distinct tests to evaluate its fire risk. We combine the results of our tip-over, overheat, and drape tests to calculate an overall fire safety score. Here is how those tests work:

For the tip-over test, a unit earns a perfect score if it shuts down within 10 seconds of being tipped onto its face. Many models are designed to cut power instantly.

For the overheat test, we wrap the heater in fabric to simulate heat buildup. Models that power off in under 2 minutes without scorching the material receive a perfect score.

In the drape test, we cover a portion of the heater’s outlet with cloth. Units that shut off within 2 minutes or operate for 30 minutes without damaging the fabric earn a perfect score.

Establish your budget. The models we tested range from $18 to $500, but a higher price tag does not always guarantee superior performance. In fact, nearly half of our top-rated heaters cost $75 or less.

You may encounter inexpensive, low-wattage “personal heaters” in stores, but these have historically underperformed in our testing. Performance for low-wattage units is often inconsistent. For instance, the 900-watt Vornado Tempa Nursery heater performed quite well, whereas the 800-watt Black+Decker BHRO608 was the lowest-rated model overall.

While a higher price often buys a quieter motor, a better warranty, and extra features like remotes or timers, you can find highly effective heaters across a wide price spectrum. If you are looking for a reliable, affordable option, consult our list of the best space heaters under $100.

Consider portability. If you intend to move the heater between rooms, look for a lightweight model with a built-in handle. If you need a larger unit for a spacious room, choose one equipped with wheels to make moving it easier.

Determine which features are important to you. A timer or programmable thermostat allows you to control when the unit turns on and off. (Use these features with caution, and never leave a heater running while you are sleeping.) A remote control provides the convenience of adjusting settings from a distance. While these features are helpful, they will increase the total cost of the unit.

Prioritize essential safety features. Space heaters are meant to get hot, but they should not pose a burn or fire hazard. Look for a model with an internal sensor that shuts the unit off if it gets too hot. A tip-over switch is also a valuable safety addition, especially for taller units in homes with children or pets.

Look for a safety certification. Shop for a heater that carries a label from a recognized testing laboratory, such as CSA, ETL (Intertek), or UL Solutions, which confirms that the product meets established U.S. safety standards.

There are many types of space heaters, ranging from small electric desk units to large industrial heaters fueled by propane or natural gas. We no longer test propane-fueled heaters because they can emit lethal carbon monoxide. Even though some models include oxygen depletion sensors and are marketed for indoor use with ventilation, we do not believe they are worth the risk.

Electric heaters for home use warm a room through radiant heat, convection, or a mix of both. Convection heaters warm the air and often use a fan to circulate it, making them effective at heating an entire room. Radiant heaters warm objects and people directly, similar to the sun. These are excellent for spot-heating, but their heating elements can become red-hot, creating a higher fire or burn risk if placed too close to flammable items like curtains.

Ceramic heaters are the most common type of convection unit. They use an internal ceramic element to warm the air, which is then pushed out by a fan. Most of the heaters in our ratings are ceramic, and they are widely available at various price points.

Infrared or radiant heaters are designed for spot-heating and are easily recognized by their red glow. They carry a higher risk of ignition or burns if they are positioned too close to other objects.

Micathermic heaters utilize panels made of the mineral mica to produce both radiant and convective heat. They are known for heating up quickly, distributing warmth evenly, and featuring a slim profile. However, the panels can become very hot. We do not currently test micathermic heaters.

Oil-filled radiators are electric convection units that heat sealed oil to provide steady, slow-dispersing warmth. They are quiet and offer long-lasting heat. Because the surface can get quite hot, they pose a burn risk to children and pets, but they are less likely to ignite nearby objects since they lack exposed flames or glowing elements. We no longer test radiator heaters.

With insights from our rigorous testing, our experts provide the information you need before making a purchase.

Our experts, alongside professionals from the National Fire Protection Association and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, recommend the following safety tips.

Place the heater on a nonflammable, level, and hard surface.

Maintain a 3-foot zone around the heater that is free of pets and children, and never use a heater in a child’s bedroom.

Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from curtains, bedding, furniture, and other combustible materials. Taller units may require even more clearance.

Do not operate a heater in a garage or workshop near matches, gas cans, or paint.

Always turn the heater off before going to bed or leaving the room.

Never place furniture, rugs, or carpeting over the power cord, as this can lead to overheating or damage.

Unplug the heater when it is not in use by pulling the plug directly from the wall. Periodically inspect the cord for wear, and do not use the heater if the cord appears frayed.

Avoid plugging an extension cord or another electrical device into the same outlet as the heater, as this can cause the outlet to overheat.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom, and be sure to test them every month.

Use caution with space heaters in bathrooms, where splashes or wet floors are possible. Ensure your bathroom has ground-fault interrupter (GFCI) outlets, and look for a heater with an appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI) plug for added protection against shock.

Do not use space heaters outdoors or on patios, where they can be damaged by the elements or collect dirt and dust.

If you suspect your space heater is an older model, you should consider replacing it with a newer unit.

Consider these features to help you stay warm and safe during cold weather.

A thermostat maintains your desired temperature, eliminating the need to manually turn the heater on and off. Models with multiple heat settings can also save energy by allowing you to select the lowest setting necessary to keep the room comfortable.

Black+Decker manufactures products for various home needs, including kitchen appliances, power tools, air purifiers, and a selection of fan-forced and ceramic space heaters priced between $35 and $100. These units are available at major retailers like Target, Home Depot, Amazon, and Walmart.

Comfort Zone offers a variety of electric radiator, infrared, ceramic, and fan-forced heaters ranging from $20 to over $200. Their products often include safety features like tip-over switches, overheat sensors, and stay-cool housings, along with energy-efficient technology. They are sold at Wayfair, Walmart, Amazon, Ace Hardware, and various tool and camping stores.

DeLonghi primarily sells convection heaters, including micathermic and oil-filled models, with prices ranging from $60 to over $200. Their products are available at Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sears, Amazon, Walmart, and many other online retailers.

Founded in 1993, Dyson is a British firm that produces vacuums, purifiers, fans, hair dryers, and high-tech, design-focused space heaters. Their heaters are priced between $500 and $950 and are sold through major retailers like Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and Amazon, as well as directly from Dyson.

Energy Wise Solutions provides a line of portable infrared Heat Storm heaters, which feature touch screens and matte black or camouflage finishes. These units, which can reach 1,500 watts, use quartz infrared technology and dual-wall construction to heat rooms quickly while reducing temperature fluctuations. They are priced from $75 to $480 and are available at Lowe’s, Home Depot, Best Buy, and Wayfair.

Honeywell, part of the Helen of Troy group, manufactures various small appliances. Their space heaters are mostly fan-forced ceramic models, priced between $25 and $120. You can find them at Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Best Buy.

Lasko produces a wide range of ceramic heaters, including console, tabletop, and tower models, as well as heaters specifically designed for bathrooms. Their products range from $30 to $155 and are sold at Target, Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.

Pelonis offers fan-forced, infrared, oil radiator, and ceramic heaters priced from $25 to $100. Their lineup includes large and small tower models with three-speed settings and fast-heating capabilities up to 1,500 watts. These are available at Walmart, Home Depot, Amazon, and other regional retailers.

Vornado manufactures air purifiers, humidifiers, fabric steamers, fans, and space heaters ranging from $35 to $200. Their Velocity series includes compact, sleek personal and whole-room heaters. They are sold at retailers such as West Elm, Pottery Barn, Kohl’s, Best Buy, Amazon, and Ace Hardware.

Other brands to consider include Andily, Amazon Basics, Atomi Smart, Better Homes and Gardens, Costway, Lifesmart, Mill, Soleil, and Woozoo.