A space heater is an essential appliance for heating up small personal spaces. Whether you want to heat up a bedroom, an office, or a bathroom, a space heater keeps you warm and snug in wintry weather.
Effective Heating for the Home and Office
When the chilly weather begins, there is no need to buy a large, expensive heater. A space heater has a compact design but it can churn out a lot of heating power and save you on costly energy bills.
The 10 Best Space Heaters
- Dr Infrared Heater Space
- Brightown 750W/1500W Ceramic Space Heater
- Honeywell HCE200W UberHeat Ceramic Heater
- Lasko Designer Series Ceramic Oscillating Heater
- DeLonghi Mica Panel Heater
- Opolar 1500-watts Ceramic Space Heater
- Vornado VH10 Vortex Space Heater
- Costway Oil Filled 700 watts Radiator Space Heater
- Lasko Bathroom Space Heater
- Mr. Heater Buddy Radiant Gas Space Heater
Our Top Pick for the Best Space Heater
Our top pick for the best space heater is the Lasko Bathroom Space Heater.
For fast and efficient heating in the bathroom, office, or bedroom, the Lasko bathroom space heater is the perfect heater for the chilly winter season. The bitter winds may blow and icy snowflakes may fall, but once you switch on this quality heater, you will stay snug and warm.
How to Choose the Best Space Heater
Designs
Space heaters come in 2 main designs: freestanding heaters or wall-mounted heaters.
Freestanding/Desktop Space Heater
A freestanding space heater is very popular as it can be used anywhere you need instant heating. Stand one against a wall, in front of you while you watch television, on a desktop in an office, or place one in the bathroom. While a freestanding heater produces enough heat to keep you cozy in a small space, it is not ideal for a large room.
Wall-mounted Space Heater
The ultimate space-saving heater, a wall-mounted space heater, like the DeLonghi Mica Panel Heater, provides excellent heating for a small or medium-sized room. The only downside with this space heater is that you need to make sure that it is installed in the right position in a room for optimal heating.
Space Heater Operating System
You can choose from many different heating operating systems: electric fan-powered heaters, infrared (radiant) heaters, oil heaters or gas-powered radiant heaters.
Fan-powered Space Heater
A fan-powered space heater, like the Honeywell Space Heater, provide instant heat in seconds. But if you use it for a long time in a very small space, it can make the room very hot and stuffy and it can be noisy.
Infrared or Radiant Space Heater
An infrared or radiant heater emits heat waves that provide instant warmth when you sit in front of it, just like a campfire. These types of heaters are ideal for heating small spaces, but they do not provide enough heating for a large room.
Oil Space Heater
An oil space heater provides a great source of consistent heat for a small to medium-sized room. The only real downside to using an oil space heater is that it can take a while for the oil to heat up inside the heater.
Gas-powered Space Heater
A gas-powered space heater, like Mr. Heater, provide a great source of radiant heat for indoor and outdoor spaces. You can use a gas space heater in a small room in your house, on the porch, in an RV, or at the campsite. You will have to keep the propane tank always topped up with gas and there are strict safety practices to be followed for safe operation.
Important Space Heater Features
To be able to choose the best space heater for your home or office, here are some important features to consider:
- Tip-over protection if the heater falls over.
- An automatic overheating system that switches the heater off.
- Cool-to-the-touch housing.
Here are some Smart Safety Tips for your new space heater.
- Do not leave the heater running when you leave the room, especially in a baby’s nursery or toddler’s room.
- A space heater should be plugged directly into the wall power outlet but if you are using a power board, make sure that it does not have too many plugs which can cause it to overload.
- Do not place a space heater too close to your bed or furniture.
- While most heaters are not designed for bathrooms, choose a space heater that has been specially designed for bathroom use like the Lasko Bathroom Heater.
Easy to move and operate
A space heater should also be easy to pick up and move from room to room. It should be lightweight, have wheels or a handle.
Energy Efficient
The energy efficiency of the space heater will depend on its power wattage and the room size that it is designed to heat. Most heaters have a 750-watt to 1,500-watt power wattage. They may heat a small room that measures 100 square feet, a medium to a large sized room that measures 200 to 300 square feet, or a large room that measures 1,000 square feet.
Settings
Some basic space heaters have simple settings like low and high heat. More advanced space heaters have multiple settings that include an adjustable thermostat and a timer, which gives you complete control over the temperature of the heat and how long it lasts.
Oscillating Motion
If you want the heat to circulate around the room so that it warms up more than one person, an oscillating motion feature will keep everyone cozy and warm.
Remote Control
A remote control gives you ultimate control over the heater's functions. You can sit back, relax, and use the remote to turn the heater on and off, control how hot, warm or cool the temperature is, and the direction of the heating.
Best Space Heater Reviews
1. Dr Infrared Heater Space Heater
Dr Infrared Heater's dual heating system combines the energy efficiency of an Infrared Quartz tube and the comfort of PTC thermal heating to heat your room fast and comfortably – without hot or cold spots. Its innovative and safe heating system puts out 60% more heat than other models, which makes it the perfect heater for rooms that measure up to 1000 square feet.
The heater has three power settings: an auto energy saving mode, low 1000 watts, high 1500 watts, and an automatic 12-hour shut-off timer. The adjustable thermostat allows you to set your desired temperature from 50-86° Fahrenheit. For easy visibility, the digital temperature display glows in the dark. You can use the heater's onboard controls or the included remote control.
A super quiet appliance, the Dr Infrared Heater uses a high-velocity low noise blower that operates at a low 39 decibels.
With a durable solid design, the heater is built to last up to 80,000 hours in operation, and its classic wooden exterior will add a touch of style to your home. For easy maneuverability, the portable heater has four sturdy caster wheels.
The cool-to-the-touch exterior and the “no exposed heating element design” makes the heater safe to use around children and pets.
Dr Infrared Heater offers a 3-year warranty on their quality space heater.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- 1500 watts of power
- Can heat up to 1000 square feet
- Stylish wooden exterior
- High and Low settings
- Automatic electronic thermostat
- Auto energy saving mode
- Tip-over protection
- Overheat protection
- 12-hour automatic shut-off timer
- Advanced dual heating system puts out 60% more heat
- Remote control
- Super quiet noise level
- Caster wheels
- Lifetime filter
- Child and pet-friendly
- Cool-to-the-touch design with no exposed heating elements
- Digital display
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Menu and buttons are clunky
- A little too bulky for placement on a desktop
2. Brightown 750W/1500W Ceramic Space Heater
This sleek, stylish and ultraportable radiant space heater from Brightown is a great choice for a small to medium sized bedroom or office.
The portable electric heater has an efficient ceramic element and three heat settings: 750-watts, 1500-watts, and a normal/cool fan. Safety features include an automatic shut off system in case the unit overheats and the heater is ETL listed.
A quiet operator, the space heater is ideal for heating up the bedroom. Its compact size also makes it an excellent choice for use on a tabletop or desktop.
The dial-style controls are easy to use, and the handle allows for easy transport between rooms.
The Brighton space heater is covered by a 1-year guarantee.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- ETL Listed
- Automatic shut-off protection
- Three heat settings
- Ceramic heater element
- Perfect for small to medium size rooms
- Quiet operation
- Adjustable thermostat control
- Lightweight
- Easy to use dial-style controls
- Sleek, stylish design
- Easy gripping handle
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Not to be used in a bathroom
- Still a bit noisy in a small space
3. Honeywell UberHeat Ceramic Heater
The Honeywell Uberheat Ceramic heater is an excellent choice for heating up a small bedroom, an office cubicle or home office.
Its ultra-compact stylish cylindrical design provides the ultimate in heating flexibility to suit your lifestyle.
You can place the space heater on a bedside table or a desktop as it has two sturdy feet and a stand. You will enjoy fast, even heating as Honeywell's innovative ceramic technology provides consistent 1500 watts of comfortable heat to keep you warm in your personal space.
There are 2 fan heat settings: maximum for whole room heating and low for more personalized heating.
Although the heater does not have a handle, it has cool-touch housing and it is quite lightweight at 3.75 lbs, so you can easily carry the Uberheat between rooms and there is an extra 6-foot long power cord. Safety features include an automatic-off tip over switch and overheat protection.
Honeywell offers the Uberheat space heater in two stylish designs, black or white, and the heater is covered by a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Very good value for money
- Affordable price
- Powerful, personal heating for small spaces
- Stylish cylindrical design
- Portable and compact
- Lightweight
- 2 heating settings
- Adjustable thermostat
- Easy to use heating controls
- Auto-off tip over switch
- Overheat protection
- Cool touch housing
- 6-foot extra long power cord
- Available in black or white
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- No handle
- Can take a while to get the right thermostat temperature
- A little bit loud when used in a very small space
4. Lasko Designer Series Ceramic Oscillating Heater
The Lasko Designer Series Ceramic Oscillating Heater is a great choice for any room in your house and it will keep you snug and warm.
The heater provides 1500 watts of comforting warmth and its widespread oscillation provide effective heating coverage up to 100 square feet.
Lasko provides some great built-in safety features like the self-regulating ceramic element and automatic overheat protection.
For maximum heating on demand, the space heater has 2 settings, high and low, an adjustable automatic thermostat setting, and a 7-hour timer. You can use the electronic touch-control operation display that is located on the top of the unit or the multi-function remote control.
One of the best features of this fantastic heater is its low and high quiet comfort settings, so you can use it in the bedroom, a baby’s room or in your office.
Stylish as well as functional, the compact heater has an attractive cream color with a crackle finish and its decorative metal scrollwork base will blend in beautifully with any type of surrounding décor.
The Lasko heater comes fully assembled and it is covered by a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- 1500 watts of comforting warmth
- 2 heat settings
- Adjustable thermostat setting
- Wide oscillation provides full-room coverage
- Self-regulating ceramic element
- Stylish decorative metal scrollwork base
- Attractive cream exterior has a crackle finish
- Compact design
- Electronic touch-control operation display
- Multi-function remote control
- 7-hour timer
- 2 quiet settings
- Fully assembled
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- No automatic tip-over switch
- No handle
5. DeLonghi Mica Panel Heater
This stunning black panel heater from DeLonghi is an excellent heating solution for any type of home or office space.
The panel space heater produces 1500 watts (5120 BTUs) of multi-directional radiant and convection heating power that can quickly heat up a room that measures up to 300 square feet. As opposed to noisy fan-operated heaters, the DeLonghi heater utilizes smart Mica-thermic Technology, which is a highly efficient heating system that performs quietly while you enjoy its warmth.
You can customize your heating needs with the adjustable thermostat and two heat settings by using the simple dial-style controls. Choose the high setting for 1500 watts or the low setting for 750 watts.
Safety features include a thermal cut-off switch that prevents overheating, a tip-over switch in case the unit becomes unstable, power/caution indicator lights, and an anti-freeze setting to help prevent freezing pipes.
You do not have to compromise on room space as the heater features a sleek, stylish black panel design and it can be wall-mounted by just removing the feet from the base. If you prefer more flexibility in a small room, the heater comes with factory-installed caster wheels and a convenient carry handle for easy maneuverability.
DeLonghi offers a 1-year warranty on their space panel heater.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Sleek, stylish black panel design
- Energy efficient
- Automatic tip-over “off” switch
- Thermal cut-off switch that prevents overheating
- Can be wall mounted
- Convenient carry handle
- Lightweight
- Factory installed caster wheels
- Mica-thermic technology ensured quiet operation
- Powerful 1500 watts (5120 BTUs)
- Ideal for small to medium rooms up to 300 square feet
- 2 heat settings
- Adjustable thermostat
- Anti-freeze setting to help prevent freezing pipes
- 1-year warranty
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Expensive
- More effective in a small space
6. Opolar 1500-watts Ceramic Space Heater
This mini space heater from Opolar is an excellent choice for personal heating at home, the office, or in your college dorm. Even though it is small and compact, the ceramic heater churns out a lot of heating power and as it produces just 50 decibels, it will not disturb you while you work or sleep.
If it is cold outside, you will be warm as toast as the special PTC ceramic element creates efficient heating in seconds through the aluminum radiator.
You can choose from two settings: low heating at 750 watts or high heating at 1500 watts. Control the temperature from hot to cool with the adjustable thermostat that has a highly-responsive temperature sensor. For on-demand warmth in a large space, use the auto-oscillating wide angle 50-degrees setting. Featuring a user-friendly design, the large control dial is conveniently located on the front of the unit.
The space heater is made from V-O flame-resistant materials, but if it does get hot, the overheat protection feature turns the heater off and resumes its normal operation once it gets to a safe temperature. The heater also has tip-over protection in case it gets knocked over.
You can move the heater easily between rooms as it is very lightweight at 3.9lbs and there is a convenient handle on the back of the unit.
Opolar offers a 1-year warranty on their super little space heater.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Ultra-compact design
- Lightweight
- 2 heat settings
- Also produces a cool wind
- Adjustable thermostat has a highly responsive temperature sensor
- Wide angle 50-degrees auto-oscillating feature
- Tip-over and overheating protection
- V-O flame-resistant material
- Fast heating in 3 seconds
- Powerful
- Very quiet and produces a noise that is less than 50 dB
- Convenient handle
- Large easy-to-use control dial is conveniently located on the front of the heater
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive for its size
- The heater is still a bit loud in a very small space
7. Vornado VH10 Vortex Space Heater
If you want a super quiet heater that provides great heating for a small space, the Vornado VH10 Vortex Heater is an excellent investment for the home or office.
Vornado's unique Vortex Action airflow system circulates gentle, warm, spiraling heat throughout an entire room using walls and ceilings as pathways, which provides a balanced cozy warm temperature.
You can choose from 2 heat settings, low (750 watts) and high (1500 watts), or use the adjustable thermostat to select your desired comfort level.
The Vortex heater has been safety certified and safety tested. It has a cool-touch case, even after hours of extended operation. If the heater does overheat, the automatic safety shut-off system will kick in. Its tip-over protection shuts the heater off if it is knocked over. Although the heater does not have a handle, it is quite lightweight at 5.1 lbs.
For easy storage, the heater has an integrated power cord wrap that allows you to store the cord neatly under the unit.
Vornado offers a 5-year satisfaction guarantee on their fast and effective space heater.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Lightweight and compact
- Modern black and silver high gloss space age design
- Unique Vortex Action Air system
- Provides fast and even heating
- Quiet fan
- 2 heat settings
- Adjustable thermostat for selecting desired comfort level
- Easy to use
- Cool-touch case
- Tip-over protection
- Automatic safety shut-off system
- Integrated power cord wrap
- 5-year satisfaction guarantee
- Built to meet U.S. voltage requirements
- 5-year warranty
- Certified and safety-tested
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited heating controls
- No handle
- Warranty is only available in the United States
8. Costway Oil Filled 700 watts Radiator Space Heater
For fast and effective heating for a small to medium space, the Costway oil heater delivers a powerful performance.
With 700 watts of heating power, the Costco heater provides energy-efficient and constant heating for a small to medium sized room like a bedroom, lounge room or office.
The simple mechanically controlled dial allows you to set your preferred level of heating from minimum to maximum to suit your changing heating needs.
The heater is equipped with permanently sealed oil and the oil heats up quickly, so you will enjoy continuous, effective heating at the push of a button.
As the Costway heater has a slimline, lightweight 8.6 lbs design and a handle, it is very easy to transport between rooms. Best of all, its silent operation means you can use it in the bedroom or the office without having to worry about being disturbed while you sleep or work.
Safety features include two sturdy feet and an automatic shut-off system in case the heater gets knocked over. The power indicator light reminds you that the heater is still turned on.
Costway also makes a 24.5 and 25-inch high oil heater.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Powerful heating performance
- Perfect for small to medium rooms
- Adjustable thermostat for minimum and maximum heat
- Permanently sealed oil
- Silent operation
- Automatic shut-off system
- Overheating protection system
- Power indicator light
- Compact, portable and lightweight design
- Front carrying handle
- 2 sturdy feet
- Simple mechanical control dial
- Available in a 24.5 and 25-inch size
Cons
- Limited heating settings
- Not ideal for larger spaces
9. Lasko Bathroom Space Heater
Highly versatile, the Lasko bathroom heater provides a maximum of 1500 watts of comforting warmth that can quickly heat up a bathroom, a small bedroom or an office that measures 225 square feet.
One of the most user-friendly heaters, the Lasko has simple-to-use push button controls and it produces an audible beep when you plug it in. You can select from two settings, low and high heat, or use the simple 1-hour timer.
For much-needed safety, the Lasko is ETL safety listed and the ALCI safety plug is specially designed just for bathroom use. Its ceramic element is self-regulating for enhanced safety. The automatic overheat protection shuts the heater off after 1-hour of use, and the exterior stays cool-to-the-touch.
The heater's compact design means you can place the heater anywhere. As well as using it in the bathroom, it can be placed on your desk or even use it on the kitchen table for those chilly winter mornings.
The attractive white color will blend in beautifully into your bathroom, bedroom or office decor. As the heater is incredibly lightweight at only 4lbs, it is very easy to transport between rooms.
The Lasko space heater comes fully-assembled and is covered by a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Quickly heats areas up to 225 square feet
- 1 hour shut off timer
- Two settings, low and high heat
- Self-regulating ceramic element
- Provides fast and effective heating
- Simple push-button controls
- Automatic overheat protection
- Exterior stays cool-to-the-touch
- Compact size
- Lightweight
- Attractive silver design
- ALCI safety plug for bathroom use
- ETL listed
- Comes fully assembled
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
- No thermostat
- No handle
10. Mr. Heater Buddy Radiant Gas Space Heater
If you like the vibrant warmth of gas heating, the Mr. Heater Buddy Gas-powered Radiant Heater is a great space heater for any small indoor or outdoor space.
The Buddy heater generates 4,000 to 9,000-BTU of super warm radiant heat that is directed through the large porcelain-coated heating surface, which can effectively heat up a space that measures up to 225 square feet. As the heater provides safe, reliable gas-powered heating, you can use the heater in your home, on the porch, in an RV on a road trip, or even take it away camping.
The heater has an easy-start four-position bright red control switch, a built-in Piezo igniter, and three settings: off, low and high heat.
Mr. Heater offers excellent safety features. The high-temperature wire guard protects you from the radiant element. The heater has a low-oxygen shut-off system and a tip-over safety shut-off system. The ceramic burner tile housing is mounted with shock absorbing insulation for additional durability and easy replacement.
You can use the heater with a 1lb propane tank (not included), and for quick and easy LP cylinder and hose installation, there is a swivel-out fuel connection. For easy portability, the heater has a fold-down handle.
Mr. Heater offers a 1-year limited warranty on their funky red and black space heater.
Pros
- High-quality
- Very good value for money
- Two heat settings
- Clean burning gas
- 4,000 and 9,000 BTU
- Efficient heating performance
- Ideal for 225 square feet
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Fold-down handle
- Four position control with built-in Piezo igniter off
- High-temperature wire guard
- Swivel regulator for easy 1lb LP cylinder and hose installation
- Large durable porcelain-coated heating surface
- Low-oxygen safety shut-off (ODS)
- Tip-over safety shut-off
- Ceramic burner tile mounted with durable shock absorbing insulation
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Too bulky for a desktop
- Not available in Canada and Massachusetts
- When operating the heater at altitudes over 7,000 feet above sea level, the heater may shut off
- Propane tank is not included
Our Top Pick for the Best Space Heater
Our top pick for the best space heater is the Lasko Bathroom Space Heater.
For fast and efficient heating in the bathroom, office, or bedroom, the Lasko bathroom space heater is the perfect heater for the chilly winter season. The bitter winds may blow and icy snowflakes may fall, but once you switch on this quality heater, you will stay snug and warm.
