When the gentle warmth of the sun is gone and the biting cold of the winter months return, arming yourself with the best electric heater can make all the difference.
Electric space heaters add sufficient warmth to the indoors, keeping you and your family cozy and comfortable. Better still, they are generally inexpensive and don’t consume too much electricity – as long as you pick the right one.
My Overall #1 Rated Pick
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Read on to learn more about these space heaters, including the different electric heater types and how they work.
Best Electric Heater for Home
- Lasko CD09250 ceramic heater – (Best portable electric heater)
- Lasko 6462 Full Circle (Best 360 electric space heater)
- Dr Infrared Space Heater – (Best Overall electric heater)
- Delonghi TRD40615E (Best radiant electric heater)
- DuraFlame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace – (Best Space Heater for Large Room)
- GiveBest Heater with Thermostat (Best budget electric space heater)
- TaoTronics TT-HE001 Heater with Timer (Best ceramic space heater)
1. Lasko CD09250 ceramic heater – Best portable space heater
- ✅【3 QUIET SETTINGS】Including high heat, low heat, and fan only make this electric space heater ideal for warming up an area in your home or home office. Combined with an adjustable thermostat This personal space heater is great for small areas.
- ✅【ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT】Allows you to adjust the heater's 1500 watt ceramic heating element. With 11 different temperature settings you're sure to find a comfortable setting. Simply turn the dial to the heat setting you desire and enjoy comforting heat.
- ✅【CONVENIENT CARRY HANDLE】The built-in handle makes it easy to move the space heater. Thanks to the heater's compact Size and convenient carry handle you can easily move the heater from the kitchen, to the bedroom, or under the desk.
- ✅【BUILT-IN SAFETY FEATURES】Overheat protection ensures the space heater does not overheat even if left on for an extended amount of time. The space heater also features a cool-touch exterior. This allows the space heater's body to stay cool even when it's on high. For added safety, this portable space heater is ETL Listed.
- ✅【FULLY ASSEMBLED】Allows you to take the heater out of the box and have it working it minutes. Simply plug the heater into a wall outlet, select your desired heat and thermostat settings, and enjoy the warmth from your new Lasko space heater.
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Lasco CD09250 is a perfect heater for your home since it’s relatively affordable and can warm your space effectively no matter how large it is.
This ceramic heater is small in size, making it portable and light to carry around. It can also warm up any room faster with less power. The Lasco heater produces 1500 Watts on a high setting and 900 Watts on a low setting.
It is quiet while in use which is a good bonus for the user. This heater can be placed on a table or floor depending on your liking. The heater has three quiet settings, including high heat, fan only, and low heat.
As an excellent complement to other in-built heaters in any home setting, it can be a great addition if you intend to add extra heat in other spaces like garages or animal sheds.
Some customers who’ve bought this heater claim that the fuse blew while using the level 2 knob (1500watts). This electric heater can also eat a good chunk of your energy bills compared to other home appliances.
Pros
- It is affordable and effective.
- Best portable electric heater owing to its small size
- Quiet while in use
- Comes with a three-year warranty for customer support and help
- Can be placed on any surface like floors and tables without tipping over.
- It is a great compliment to other home heating solutions.
Cons
- It has a faulty fan that breaks down and burns out the switch.
- It is expensive owing to claims that it runs huge electricity costs.
2. Lasko 6462 Full Circle Ceramic Heater – Best 360 Space Heater
- Choice of 2 Heat Settings - including high heat and low heat plus an Auto setting make this electric space heater ideal for warming up an area in your home or home office. With full-circle oscillation this heater distributes warm air throughout the entire room
- 3 Heat Sweep Settings - allows this space heater to distribute warm air throughout large rooms. The full circle design allows you to select 90, 170, or full 360 degree coverage. While an easy to clean filter ensures the heater runs efficiently
- Adjustable Programmable Thermostat - with digital display allows you to adjust the heater's 1500 watt ceramic heating element. With an easy to read digital temperature display you can select a wide range of temperatures in Fahrenheit or Celsius.. Heating coverage: 300 Sq. ft
- Built-in Safety Features - overheat protection ensures the space heater does not overheat even if left on for an extended amount of time. While a cool touch exterior keeps the heater cool to the touch even after running for hours
- Fully Assembled - allows you to take the heater out of the box and have it working it minutes. Simply plug the heater into a wall outlet, adjust the thermostat, and enjoy the warmth from your new Lasko space heater
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The moment you set your eyes on the Lasko Full Circle Heater, you see not only a heater but also a super stylish device that can make your home cozier.
This feature-packed electric heater comes with everything you might ever need from a space heater. It is suitable to warm enough a room of over 300 square feet.
Thanks to the fan and oscillating features, it is an excellent performer that enables it to distribute cozy warmth across a large room more evenly.
While this space heater can swing its heat over a full 360-degree circle, it also allows you to adjust the sweep at different degrees fahrenheit for maximum efficiency, especially when placed near a wall or in a corner.
Like other powerful space heaters, the Lasko maximum output is 1500-watts but has a different heat setting that lets you customize the temperature to the levels you desire.
This is possible; thanks to the thermostat and the digital display, you can adjust the settings, and when the room reaches the set temperature, the device will automatically shut off.
While the digital control on the heater is just enough to get you going, a functional remote control is also included. Therefore, you have two options if you want to control the unit.
The problem is it doesn’t have a tip-over sensor. Good thing, there is an overheat cut-off that will shut the heater down if the room temperature reaches dangerous levels.
Many customers also reported that it is very quiet, you won’t even notice it’s running.
Pros
- Oscillation allows uniform distribution of heat
- Has a digital thermostat for customized heat settings
- Produces enough heat for smaller rooms of up to 300 square feet.
- Cool to the touch exterior
- Includes a remote control, digital display, and overheat cut-off
Cons
- No tip-over sensor
- It releases a strange smell when it’s first activated, but it goes away after any excess paint is burned off
3. Dr. Infrared 1500-watt Portable Space Heater – Most energy efficient electric heater
- Can heat up a large room with Auto Energy Saving Model With High and Low Feature. Tip-over protection and Overheat protection.Heat Up for a large room - Dual Heating System: Infrared Quartz tube + PTC for 60% more heat than others. Rated around 5200 BTU.
- Dual Heating Systems featuring infrared quartz tube + PTC with 12-Hour automatic shut-off timer. Amperage: 12.5 Amps
- IR Remote Control, High Pressure Low Noise Blower with Noise level 39 dB super quiet. Heating can cover for a large room.
- Electronic Thermostat: range 50 to 85 degrees. Caster Wheels and Lifetime Filter
- Weights 24 lbs and uses 12.5 Amps of Power. 1500 Watts. Power Cord is 72-inch-long (6 Feet)
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 1500-watt Dr. Infrared Heater is a product you’ll come across many times and for a good reason.
This radiant heater can keep you warm throughout the cold months without burning a hole in your pocket by combining PTC and dual heating system with quartz infrared elements.
It plugs into a standard 110-volt 3-plug wall outlet. One of the reasons this Dr. Heater is so efficient is that it uses a 7-inch fan.
While other heaters use 3-inch fans, this Dr Heater is equipped with a state-of-the-art 7-inch blower system that moves 60% more air per second.
The operation is completely noise-free. In addition, an automatic energy-saving mode allows you to set the desired temperature between 50-86F.
The space heater also has a thermostat that causes it to cycle on and off to maintain the selected temperatures. This infrared space heater has two heat settings – low (750 watts) and high (1500 watts).
It weighs 24 lbs, comes with a 72-inch cord, and is ideal for large rooms up to 1,000 square feet. It is UL Listed.
Pros
- Auto energy-saving mode
- Dual heating system
- Tip-over protection
- Quiet operation (39dB)
- Portable heater
Cons
- No remote control
4. DeLonghi EW7707CM Comfort Room Radiant Heater
- Digital control panel with LED display for easy selection includes all the available functions and 24 hour timer.
- De'Longhi Exclusive: 75% more radiant surface area than RadiaS due to unique design*- the more radiant surface= the more heat transferred to you and your environment
- Quick Heat Up: Warm air is rapidly distributed thanks to the increased convection heating effect and exclusive battery design.
- Better Heating- delivers gentle heat minimizing dry air, creating a better breathing environment that is more allergy friendly with no fan to stir up dust, pollen and dander.
- Integrated handle and control panel allow you to easily operate and relocate your heater at any time during or after use.
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The DeLonghi is another efficient space heater to consider if you want to heat a medium to a large room. An oil-filled heater, the DeLonghi cuts heating expenses by automatically maintaining optimal temperature and power settings.
All you have to do is press the ComforTemp button for ultimate energy settings. In addition, an adjustable thermostat is available to help you further maintain the desired temperatures.
The Delonghi is a maintenance-free system. The oil is sealed and doesn’t need replacing, and the internal components don’t need regular cleaning. Thermal shutoff cuts of power to the heater in case overheating is detected.
Anti-tip-over protection and a cool-to-touch exterior are the other safety features. In addition, the electric heater comes on castor wheels for easy mobility and seven fins for further heat control.
The electric heater is fully pre-assembled, meaning that no further installation is required. In addition, it has three heat settings and features an easy-to-access user-friendly control panel.
Pros
- No assembly required
- Auto Mode available
- Adjustable thermostat
- Low maintenance
- Cool to the touch
- Portable heater
Cons
- Oil leaks can occur
- It’s a bit heavy
5. DuraFlame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove – Best Electric Fireplace for Large Room
- 5,200 BTU heater provides supplemental zone heating for up to 1,000 square feet to help you save money
- Infrared quartz heat helps keep more natural humidity in the air, for comfortable heat without drying out the room's air
- Flame effect can be operated with or without heat, for the ambiance of a gentle rolling fire all year long
- Adjustable, digital thermostat allows you to decide the temperature of your room
- Electronic timer function: automatic timed shut off from 30 minutes up to 9 hours
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 5,200 BTU model DFI-5010-01 heater is one of the best electric fireplace heaters. Designed for supplemental heating in large rooms up to 1,000 square feet.
The electric heater features a patented 3D flame effect technology with realistic flames that dance on and behind the life-like logs. Five adjustable brightness settings mean you can customize the flame to suit the occasion.
However, the best part of the space heater is that you can use the flame with or without the heat. This makes the fireplace a valuable appliance for round-the-year use.
When you don’t need heating during the warm months, all you need to do is select the flame-only setting, and the fireplace will display the dancing flames and glowing ember without the heat.
An infrared quartz electric heating element facilitates the heating process throughout a room. Infrared heat is gentle heat (similar to the sun’s rays) that doesn’t interfere with indoor comfort.
Also, there are no blowers to raise dust or fan movement to create noise. The heater uses remote control for greater convenience and features cool-to-the-touch surfaces for safety.
Pros
- Powerful 1500-watt heater
- Incorporates fireplace for ambiance
- Realistic 3-D flame effect
- Adjustable, digital thermostat
- Instant shutoff protection
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- No smart controls
- It’s a bit pricey
6. GiveBest Ceramic Heater with Thermostat – Best Space Heater for Small Spaces
- 2 in 1 heater fan: This ceramic heater provides two heat levels, 1500W or 750W and one cool air fan, you can use it both for winter and summer. Thermostat control of the heater will turn the heater off when it reaches a preset temperature and turn the heater back on when the temperature dips below the thermostat setting
- Multi protection safety system: These heaters are made of flame retardant material avoiding any fire hazard. Automatic safety shutoff system will shut the heater off when the heater overheat. The tip over protection system will also shut the heater off when the heater was knocked over by accident and it will come back on automatically if it is up righted
- Compact and powerful: 6.2 inch x 7 inch x 10.2 inch, 2.9 pounds Portable mini heater with build in carry handle helps to reinforce the potential of rather low electrical bills by using at the place where you need when you don't want to warm the full house with other centralized heaters
- Quiet and fast heating: The noise this ceramic heater makes is lower than 45 decibels, quiet enough for most people to use in a bedroom while sleeping. With PTC ceramic heating tech and high speed fan, this heater put out tons of heat to heat up 200 square feet in seconds
- Upgrade abs material: Upgrade abs material applied, which is more flame-retardant. The room heater with six feet lead cord and 2 prong connection has a long lasting life
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another excellent electric heater for a small living room, the Model 903 heater from GiveBest belongs to PTC ceramic heaters. PTC devices are known for their energy efficiency.
They convert pretty much all the electric current into useful heat. This model has a fan for heat distribution and is also extremely portable for flexible use. A handle at the top allows for convenient carrying.
It’s also one of the best electric space heaters when it comes to controls. An adjusting knob on the top right allows you to select heating levels with ease.
“I” is for producing 750 watts, while “II” instructs the unit to generate the full 1500 watts. Finally, a “FAN” mode blows out air – a feature that can prove useful during the warmer months.
The unit cycles on-off to maintain the set temperatures. The 3.2-pound garage heater plugs into a 120-volt outlet and arrives with a 6-foot, 2-prong cable for easy installation.
A tip-over switch shuts it down automatically if there are signs of overheating, while a tip-over safety valve offers protection in the event of tipping.
Pros
- Up to 3 heat settings
- Fan-only setting available
- Convenient carry handle
- Multiple safety features
- Built-in thermostat
Cons
- Manual knob control
- Best for small rooms (up to 200 Sq. Ft.)
7. TaoTronics TT-HE001 Heater with Timer – Best Electric Heater for Large Room
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Fast and efficient, the 1500-watt ceramic space heater heats up quickly and employs wide-range oscillation to ensure that heat reaches every corner of the room. Additional features like an ECO Mode for energy-saving heating and a 12-hour timer.
In the energy-saving mode, the ceramic space heater automatically self-adjusts based on ambient temperatures to keep you cozy without creating excessive heat.
The 12-hour timer, meanwhile, allows you to pre-program the heater for the ultimate convenience. All these settings can be made from a touch-control panel at the top or remotely. It includes a remote device.
You’ll also love that the heater employs LED lights to tell you whether the unit is running or not. Both the LED lights and LCD control panel shut off automatically after two minutes for peaceful heating.
In addition, it comes with safety features such as anti-tip-over protection to shut off the unit if it falls and overheating protection in case this portable electric heater gets too hot.
Pros
- Powerful 1500-watt heater
- Fast ceramic heating
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- Ideal for smaller rooms (up to 200 square feet)
- The housing may get very hot
Types of Electric Heaters For Houses
Heaters come in a variety of designs, but we’ll discuss five broad categories for room heating;
Electric Panel Heaters
Electric panel space heaters are light, flat panels that heat the room by convection. Heating elements within the panel body heat the air as it circulates throughout the room, keeping the room’s occupants cozy and warm.
Some of the heat is also transferred via radiation in straight lines. Best space heaters for the secondary heat source and don’t take up any space on the floor as they’re wall mounted.
Advantages
- Wall mounted, thus excellent for small rooms.
- They don’t require much maintenance, except for the periodic wipe down.
- Extremely energy efficient. Very little energy is wasted.
Drawbacks
- They can’t heat items that are several away since there’s no blower mechanism.
- The panels can get extremely hot, creating a burn risk for pets and children.
Electric Fan Heaters
As the name suggests, fan heaters comprise a blower fan that helps distribute warm air throughout the room.
A heating element within the heater body generates heat when an electric current is passed through it. The fan system then helps disperse the warm air throughout the home for even heating.
The heater-cooler fan system’s other function is to draw cool air into the heat exchanger inside the heater. This cool air is then warmed, and the fan helps push it back into the room.
Advantages
- Even distribution of heat throughout the room.
- Most popular space heater type. Thus prices are competitive.
- Typically feature built-in safety controls such as thermal cut-off and thermostatic control.
- Portable heating space heaters that you can use in many different applications.
Drawbacks
- The presence of a fan makes them noisy during operation.
- Require significant maintenance to keep the fan running optimally.
Oil-Filled Radiators
Also known as oil heaters, oil-filled radiators are convective heaters. The main distinction from traditional convective space heaters is that the heating elements don’t transfer heat to the room directly.
Instead, the heat is first transferred to a reservoir of enclosed thermal oil inside the appliance. Then, once the oil reaches a certain temperature, it begins to radiate some of the heat to the room.
Advantages
- Thermal oil retains heat for a long time, allowing oil radiators to emit heat for several hours after the unit is shut off.
- Oil radiators are typically amongst the best portable space heaters because of their wheels.
- Low-maintenance, with the thermal oil, permanently sealed and no refilling needed.
- Oil-filled radiators are some of the quietest. You’ll barely notice the heater is running.
- Best heater for large rooms such as living spaces. Can also be used in the bathroom and offices.
Drawbacks
- The housing can get extremely hot during operation, posing a safety risk to home occupants.
- Oil-filled radiators are typically more expensive than the traditional convective heater.
Electric Convector Heaters
Don’t be confused by the name. Convector is just a short way of saying convection. The space heaters work primarily on the principle of convection, i.e., hot air rising and cold air taking its place within the room.
They take in cool air close to the ground and release warm air towards the top. The convection process helps maintain the cycle, pushing warm air towards the floor and into the heater.
Some have fans, but others are exclusively convective.
Advantages
- Quick heat warming up your living room in no time.
- Multiple installation options, from floor-standing to wall-mounted and so forth
- Fan-free models are extremely quiet, typically running at 35 decibels or lower.
- Modern devices come with multiple convenience features.
Halogen Heaters
Halogen heaters are not as unique as the name may sound. The only difference from standard electric space heaters is that they use a halogen element inside a lamp to generate heat, whereas traditional electric space heaters use a resistance wire element.
Halogen gas inside the lamp increases the brightness of the bulb and the lifespan of the heater. It also prevents the bulbs from darkening.
Advantages
- Provide heat almost instantly, effectively reducing the amount of heat needed to warm up the room.
- Environmentally friendly. They don’t emit smoke or carbon monoxide.
- The halogen heater doesn’t get as hot as traditional heating elements. Therefore, they are safer.
- Easy to install and require very little maintenance. The lamp can last for many years.
Read also: gas space heaters for residentals
Drawbacks
- More expensive to run as the halogen heating element tends to draw more electric current.
- Not very effective in heating large spaces or even in standard space heating.
Ceramic Heaters
Ceramic space heaters are slow to heat (compared to infrared space heaters) but retain their heat for a much longer time.
Most are portable and light, so you can easily move them around from room to room. You may want to read our Best Ceramic Space Heater Reviews to find more ceramic models.
Features to Consider When Buying the Best Space Heater
Obviously, the first thing you want to consider is the type of heater. Look at the pros and cons of each option and make an informed decision. In addition, consider the following factors;
Heating Capacity
The heating capacity of electric heaters is measured in watts. If you already know about British Thermal Units (BTU), 1 Watt = 3.412 BTU.
As a rule of thumb, you need about 10 watts per square foot. This means approximately 1,500 watts for a 150 square foot room. But, this only applies if you intend to use the electric heater as your primary heat source.
As a supplementary heater, a lower-rated heater would be just fine. For instance, a 1,500-watt heater would be an excellent supplemental heater for a large room up to 600 square feet.
If you want the best models for your large room, read our Best Space heater for large room review.
Other Related Posts: How to Heat Up a Crawl Space
Energy Efficiency
The most efficient heaters convert nearly every watt drawn from the electric supply into useful heat. So if any heat is lost, it should be very little.
To this end, you want to take a close look at energy efficiency ratings and standards compliance. Always look for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings.
It should be close to 100%. Also, consider Energy Star certification. Energy Star certified models are tested and proven to consume very little electricity. They also don’t waste energy.
It’s worth noting from the video below that energy efficiency depends on how you use the heater rather than the type.
Installation options
Installation style is critical as it determines how much space the heater actually consumes in the room and how safe occupants are when the heater is running. Read more on Heaters Safety Overnight.
Space heaters that stand on the floor are best for mobility. However, they can tip over, thus creating a significant safety risk, especially in families with kids and pets.
Models installed on the wall remove the risk of tipping over but require substantial installation work – which increases upfront costs.
Some electric heaters offer both installation options – freestanding or wall-installed. Some, especially panel heaters, also install on the ceiling.
Convenience features
Convenience features are the controls and functions that make electric heaters easier to use and more satisfying for the user.
For instance, the presence of a thermostat in heaters can be a game-changer as it allows for easy temperature monitoring and control.
Other convenience features to consider are remote control and smart controls. Smart control, in particular, allows you to integrate your heater with the rest of your intelligent home systems for the ultimate convenience.
Best space heaters also come with wheels making it easy to move around from room to room. Touch-screen control panels and Wi-Fi compatibility for smartphone control are other features to consider.
Safety Features
Finally, all great electric heaters are safe enough for indoor use. You want to focus on these key safety features;
- Tip-over protection: Forces the heater to automatically shut off if the electric heater is knocked over.
- Overheat protection: space heaters with overheat protection automatically go off if the heater’s internal components become too hot.
- Cool-to-the-touch housing: A cool-to-the-touch exterior remains cool when touched even at peak operation. This safety feature helps to prevent burns.
- Self-regulation: Finally, some heaters self-regulate such that the amount of heat produced reduces once a set temperature is reached.
Lastly, safety standards compliance is the ultimate proof that the electric heater is designed with your safety in mind. Therefore, we recommend that you prioritize compliance with UL, CUL, ETL standards.
How to Position Your Electric Heater
The proper way to position a space heater will depend on the type of heater you have and the size of your room. Consider the following best practices;
- If using ducts/vent heating: Ensure that the vents are installed per the Building Codes of Australia (BCA). One of the requirements of the BCA is that you provide at least 400mm clearance between ducts and your ceiling.
- For permanently installed heaters: Don’t install the electric heater too close to corners. Also, ensure that there’s sufficient clearance (at least three feet) all around the heater. The best place for wall-mounted heaters is under windows to achieve an even room temperature.
- Positioning portable heaters: Portable heaters pose the highest safety risk. First, you need to place the heater on the floor, not on the table or desk. The lower it is, the better. Secondly, provide sufficient clearance.
Final Thoughts on Best Electric Heater
The best electric heater provides a cost effective and energy-efficient way to add cozy warmth to your home. The space heaters are also inherently safer than fuel-burning options such as propane and wood-burning stoves.
The best overall electric heater for home is the Dr. Infrared Heater because it’s safe to use, easy to move, and has a low noise level of 39 Db.
Besides its two temperature settings, this efficient space heater can warm up a large room far more quickly than its counterparts.
If you choose to invest in any of our top picks, keep in mind what you intend to use the heater for.
You may also want to read the Best Electric Space Heater For 300 Sq Ft and Best Space Heater For Bathroom Reviews.
