When shopping for a space heater, it is always important to consider the size of your room. It’s what determines the BTUs (amount of heat the electric heater needs to produce to keep the room warm).
Instead of turning on the thermostat of your central heating system, you can choose a 1500 watt heater. These are portable, energy-efficient, and a favorite choice for heating a small interior.
The best 1500 watt space heater uses 120v and produces 5,100 BTUs of heat, enough to heat rooms up to 150 square feet. However, some are powerful enough to heat rooms between 500 to 1000 square feet.
My Overall #1 Rated Pick
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
So, if your room is about 500 square feet, we have reviewed some of the best 1,500 watt heaters that will keep your room warm during the cold winter.
Best 1,500 Watt Heater
- Dr. Infrared Heater 1,500 Watt Portable Space Heater – space heaters
- Lasko 754200 Ceramic Portable Space Heater – 1,500 watt heater
- Lifesmart Corp Lifelux Series Ultimate 8-Element Infrared Heater – 1,500 watt heater
- Amazon Basics Portable Space Heater 1,500 Watts – 1,500 watt heater
- Unique Heat Next Generation Infrared Whole Room Space Heater – 1,500 watt heater
- EdenPURE CopperSMART 1000 Electric Portable Heater – 1,500 watt heater
6 Best 1,500 Watt Heater Reviews and Buying Guide
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Dr. Infrared Heater 1,500-Watt Portable Space Heater
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Dr. Infrared portable space heater is a popular space heater with unique qualities. First off, it delivers more heat for every watt of electricity consumed.
While similarly-sized space heaters only give you 155⁰F, the Dr. Infrared delivers 250⁰F. Not to mention, the heat is also delivered faster, at 3.5m/s, whereas competing electric space heaters only deliver heat at 2.2m/s.
In the end, you get approximately 60% more heat in your room! Some of Dr Infrared’s top features include a dual-heating system that delivers not only faster but more heat per unit time.
The space heater also boasts a high-velocity, low-noise blowing system that helps to circulate heat within the room faster and more evenly.
In addition, the 1,500w heater is protected by cool-to-touch exterior as well as an anti-tip-over and automatic overheat shutoff.
It has an adjustable thermostat with an auto saving mode and two manual heat settings – Low (1,000 watts) and High (1,500 watts).
The radiant heater weighs 24lbs and is ideal for spaces up to 1,000 square feet. Also, it comes with a 27-inch electric cord that is UL Listed for safety.
Pros
- Gentle radiant heat
- Electronic adjustable thermostat
- IR remote control
- High-velocity, low-noise blower system
Cons
- It’s a bit heavy for a portable heater
- The cord is rather short
2. Lasko 754200 Ceramic Portable Space Heater
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The most affordable product on this list, the Lasko space heater Model 754200, is another wonderful product when shopping for a 1,500 watt heater.
However, the first thing you need to know is that unlike most other products on this list, the Lasko 754200 is a ceramic heater, not an infrared heater.
The ceramic heating element is very effective as it generates lots of heat energy without making noise. What’s more, the space heater has three heat settings (Low, High, and Fan-Only).
Beyond the three settings, you get to enjoy the convenience of an adjustable thermostat for fine-tuning the climate inside your room to the most comfortable level.
Plus, its carry handle makes moving the space heater from room to room effortlessly. Other features of the electric space heater Model 754200 include overheat protection, a cool-to-touch exterior, and anti-tip-over protection.
It’s one of the safest bathroom heaters. Moreover, the space heater comes fully pre-assembled.
Pros
- Built-in carry handle
- ETL Listed
- Built-in safety measure
- Fast, gentle, ceramic heating
Cons
- Manual controls
- Only effective over 300 sq. ft.
3. Lifesmart Corp Lifelux Series Ultimate 8-Element Infrared Heater
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The Lifesmart Corp Lifelux Series Ultimate 8-Element is a Quackerstown oak stained wood cabinet housing an infrared heater. Life Lux lists it as one of their top-of-the-line electric space heaters, and it truly is unique.
The quartz heater’s heating elements are wrapped in a metal heat exchanger coil, ensuring optimum heat production while maintaining maximum safety. There are a few special features to keep an eye out for here.
For example, Lifesmart has three energy saving settings, including an Eco Setting that heats smaller spaces at 68⁰C using balanced heat energy for maximum efficiency.
Also, the space heater features a removable and cleanable Lifetime Air Filter and a new, larger remote control device from which you can control the digital thermostat and dual timer.
The 1500 watt heater packs multiple safety features and is ideal for spaces up to 1,800 square feet – the highest on this list. In addition, it is ETL Listed and comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros
- It comes in a stylish oak cabinet
- Digital thermostat with remote control
- Three heat settings
- Heats up to 1800 square feet
Cons
- It costs a pretty penny
- No remote control
4. Amazon Basics Portable Space Heater 1,500 Watts
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The moderately priced classic Amazon Basics portable heater is also a great 1,500 watt electric heater worth exploring.
Ideal for homes and offices, the powerful heater generates gentle warmth and quickly disperses it throughout the room without making any noises.
A radiant heater uses a quartz tube and Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) to generate heat. Not only that, the 1500 watt heater has two settings; Low (750 watts) and High (1,500 watts).
An LED light indicates which of the two settings is on. Even better, the Amazon heater has an Eco-Smart setting that automatically cycles between wattages to maintain set temperatures while minimizing power usage.
Moreover, the heater is ideal for spaces up to 1,000 square feet, ETL Listed, and an Amazon Basics one-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Remote control
- 18-hour timer
- Multiple safety features
- Ideal for up to 1,000 sq. ft
Cons
- Remote device batteries not included
5. Unique Heat Next Generation Infrared Whole Room Space Heater
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Yet another infrared heater, the Unique Heat Next Gen heater, is a safe, quiet, and cool-to-the-touch heater that heats up in a flash.
The space heater has three temperature settings and allows you to choose your preferred settings in Celsius or Fahrenheit. An LED light indicates which of the heat settings is on.
Anti-tip-over protection and automatic overheat shutoff highlight the safety features. And air sanitizers also help with the removal of harmful microorganisms from the air introduced into your rooms.
The lifetime air filters mean you don’t need to worry about buying new filters. In addition, it comes with wheels for moving it around, and it’s extremely quiet when operating.
Additionally, the Unique Heat is ideal for spaces between 800 and 1,000 square feet, weighs 15lbs, and comes with a 6-foot electric cord. Therefore, it can be the best heater for very large basements.
Pros
- Lifetime air filters
- Three temperature settings
- LED control displays
- It comes with a six-foot cord
Cons
- It doesn’t come cheap
6. EdenPURE CopperSMART 1000 Electric Portable Heater
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The EdenPURE CopperSmart is one of the best 1,500 watt space heaters you can lay your hands on at the moment, and that’s no exaggeration.
The portable zone-heater has a PTC heating element at its core. PTC elements are designed for many years of durable use.
Better still, the electric heater has more than 4.5 square feet of copper surface area – one of the highest in its category. There being no exposed heating elements, the CopperSmart 1000 is an inherently safe heater.
It gets better; the PTC element never gets hotter than the set temperature! Indeed, this is a safety feature unmatched by any other radiant heater manufacturer.
In addition, the electric heater is also equipped with a dual-high limit sensor for enhanced safety.
What’s more, the Copper Smart 1000 has 24 heat settings, includes a remote control, has lifetime filters, and comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- Copper PTC with Auto Reboot
- Remote control
- Lifetime filter
- One-year warranty
- Dual high-limit sensors
Cons
- Most expensive product on this list
- It weighs a massive 23.5Lbs
Best 1500 Watt Heater Buying Guide
A 1500 watt heater generates 5,100 British Thermal Units (BTU) of heat. Therefore, when sizing a heater, the rule of thumb allocates 10 watts of heat to every square foot.
One (1) watt is equivalent to 3.41 BTU. A 1,500 watt (about 5,115 BTU) heater, therefore, would be ideal for a 1,500/10 = 150 square-foot-room.
A 1,500-watt rating means that the heater generates 1,500 watts of heat when operating at full throttle. Most medium-sized and large room heaters have two or more heat settings.
The three most common settings are Low, Medium, and High. If shopping for a 1500 watt heater, ensure that the 1,500 watts are the maximum possible heat production rate.
Even more importantly, check the label to verify this fact. For example, all-electric space heaters have a label with product details. First, check to verify that the heater has a 1,500 watt Max Output.
If you can’t find the wattage rating, ask the sales rep or move on to the next product. You don’t want to take home a heater that may be too large for your application as it creates an unnecessary cost burden and safety risk.
Calculating a Heater’s Power Consumption Rate
Before we discuss the calculation process, it’s important to understand that electric space heaters have two wattage values. The first one is the power consumption rating, and the other is the heating capacity.
The value you’ll see is the heat output, not the power consumption. As such, a 1,500 watt rating means the heater produces 1,500 watts of heat.
However, you may also want to find out the power consumption rate of your heater to find out how much electricity you’ll be using and how much the heating process will cost you.
You’ll likely find this value at the bottom of the space heater under the electrical rating section. Alternatively, use the voltage and amperage values to calculate the power consumption rate using the formula:
Wattage = Volts x Amps x Power Factor. The Power Factor is usually one (1). For a 115-Volt, 10Amp heater, therefore, the power consumption rate would be 1,150 watts. Most 1,500 watt heaters are rated 120-Volt, 12.5Amp.
How Much Space Does a 1500 Watt Heater Heat Up?
A 1500 watt heater generates 5,100 British Thermal Units (BTU) of heat. Therefore, when sizing a heater, the rule of thumb allocates 10 watts of heat to every square foot.
One (1) watt is equivalent to 3.41 BTU. A 1,500-watt (about 5,115 BTU) heater, therefore, would be ideal for a 1,500/10 = 150 square-foot-room.
There are a few things to keep in mind, however. First, the formula above assumes that all rooms have a standard ceiling height (8 feet).
But, what if the ceiling in your home is higher or lower? Then, you would need to adjust the heating requirements accordingly.
Secondly, how many people will be occupying the room at any given time? A 1500 watt heater will only be effective in a 150 sq. ft. space if one person primarily occupies the room.
If you regularly have two or more people in the room at any given time, you may need more heating power. Finally, insulation is another critical factor.
A newer room with excellent insulation would retain most heat, meaning the 1,500-watt space heater would work well, even a 300 sq. ft. space.
But, in older homes with average to poor insulation, things get a little complicated. The consistent heat loss means you’d need to generate more heat to maintain the desired indoor temperatures.
A 150 square-foot room might therefore need a much larger heater, possibly up to 3,000 watts. In that case, a 1,500-watt heater might only suffice a 100 sq. ft. or less.
How Much Does it Cost to Run My Heater?
The cost of running an electrical appliance depends on the cost of electricity in your area. Consumers are currently paying between 25 cents and 40 cents per kilowatt-hour in Australia, depending on location and the electricity provider.
The cost of heating is calculated as follows; Total Cost = Heater Power Rating in Kilowatts x Cost of Electricity.
This means that for a 1,500 watt (1.5killowatts), you can expect to pay between 1.5 x 25 cents to 1.4 x 40 cents per hour.
This comes to 37.5 to 60 cents/hour whenever the heater is running. Therefore, operating a 1500 watt heater for 24 hours would cost you between 900 and 1440 cents or $9-14.4.
Other Considerations When Buying 1500 Watt Heater
As you plan for your purchase, remember that wattage isn’t the only thing you should be looking for. In addition to the 1,500 watts, you need to consider other factors such as the space heater;
- Working mechanism
- Safety features
- Portability
- Programmable thermostat
- Aesthetics
Related posts:
Best Heater for 500 Square Feet
Best Propane Mounted Heaters with Thermostat and Blower
Best Heating Unit and Cooling Fan Combo
Final Thoughts
A 1500 watt heater would be a valuable investment when looking for a space heater for small to medium-sized rooms.
They generate enough power to warm up to 150 square feet (12 x 12.5 rooms) and typically comes with multiple controls and safety features for optimal convenience.
Remember, however, that the age of your home, the expected number of regular room occupants, and insulation greatly impact the heater’s effectiveness.
