Manufacturers equip space heaters with different features for different purposes. Some of the features will help make the unit more energy-efficient than others. Also, some are designed to prevent the risk of fires and overheating.
One of the features that cut across all these benefits is a thermostat. Actually, a space heater with thermostat allows you to set your desired room temperature, and it cycles on and off to maintain it.
However, space heaters come with different types of thermostats – programmable or adjustable. Therefore, we advise that you choose a space heater with a digital thermostat to avoid having to adjust the temperature yourself.
That said, if you’re unsure of which electric heater to pick, here’s a list of the best space heaters with programmable thermostats that we’ve thoroughly reviewed and tested.
Best Space Heater with Thermostat Reviews 2021
Last update on 2023-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater, 1500 Watts
- 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 2023-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As the name suggests, this is a radiant heater, specifically an infrared heater with a rating of 1,500W and can be used to warm an entire room. It is packed with unique features including a dual heating system and high velocity, low noise Blower. As with all radiant heaters, it produces heat almost instantly. The 3-inch fan then quietly distributes the warmth evenly throughout the room at just 39 decibels.
What’s more, the Dr. Infrared is equipped with a built-in electronic programmable thermostat with a range of 50 to 86⁰C. With the help of the thermostat, you can set the heater to automatically select between the two heat settings. In auto mode, for example, the thermostat causes the heater to cycle on and off to maintain the set temperature.
This large room space heater also features an automatic shutoff timer, tip-over protection, and overheat protection. Moreover, it weighs 24lbs, is rated 1500 watts/12.5 amps, comes with a 72-inch long cord and is approved by the Underwriters Laboratory.
Pros
- An excellent choice for large rooms
- Caster wheels for maneuverability
- Electronic, programmable thermostat
- Multiple safety features
Cons
- A bit bulky
2. Lasko 5165 Digital Ceramic Tower Heater
Lasko manufacturers some of the best HVAC products, and the Model 5165 is a testament to their finesse. The 1500-watt heater brings consistent, comfortable warmth into any living space without blowing a hole in your pocket. Better still, it comes fully pre-assembled, meaning no further installation work is required.
The tower ceramic heating unit helps ensure safety for both occupants and your property. Additional safety is available in the form of automatic overheat protection and a cool-to-touch exterior. Not only that, the unit boasts a programmable thermostat under $100 that you can set and leave for maximum convenience. Even more, you can select from two heat settings (Low and High) using the thermostat.
And it’s built-in carry handle allows you to move the unit around with ease. The heater is ETL listed and comes with a three-year warranty.
Pros
- Programmable thermostat
- Multiple safety features
- Easy to use controls
- Fully assembled with carry handle
Cons
- It’s a bit loud
3. Lasko 5409 Ceramic Portable Space Heater
- ✅【2 QUIET HEAT SETTINGS】This tabletop electric space heater features easy-to-use manual controls with 2 quiet heat settings (high 1500 watts / low 900 watts), plus a fan only mode
- ✅【ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT】The adjustable thermostat maintains the temperature in your space allowing for personalized comfort
- ✅【WIDESPREAD OSCILLATION】The optional widespread oscillation projects heat into the room for full-room coverage and maximum warmth
- ✅【EASY TO USE】The Lasko 5409 ceramic space heater comes fully assembled and ready to use, the built-in carry handle allows for easy transport from room to room
- ✅【BUILT-IN SAFETY FEATURES】Safety is a top priority at Lasko, this space heater features overheat protection, a safe ceramic element and a cool-touch exterior
Last update on 2023-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another Lasko product on the list, the Model 5409 is an oscillating space heater that provides 1500 watts of gentle warmth. It has easy to use controls with a central knob located at the top of the heater. Of course, you can use the knob to adjust the temperature, heat settings, and to turn the oscillation on or off.
Furthermore, this ceramic indoor heater features an adjustable thermostat that allows you to plan your home heating for ultimate convenience. And you get to choose from three heat settings i.e. Low Heat, High Heat, and Fan-Only. Safety features include overheat protection and the cool-to-touch exterior.
The Model 5409 comes fully pre-assembled with a built-in carry handle. Even better, it is ETL Listed and designed for spaces up to 300 square feet. Here are the 300 square feet space heaters.
Pros
- Adjustable thermostat
- Fully pre-assembled
- ETL Listed for safety
- Widespread oscillation
Cons
- Manual controls only
4. Vornado MVH Vortex Heater with Thee Heat Settings
- HEAT DIFFERENTLY — Gently heat all in the air in a small to medium-sized room through vortex air circulation without using intense heat, similar to how a forced air furnace works, just on a smaller scale.
- HEAT SAFELY — Advanced safety features include a cool-touch exterior, tip-over protection, and automatic safety shut-off system for worry-free use.
- HEAT EFFICIENTLY — 3 quiet heat settings (Low/750W, Medium/1125W, High/1500W) to tailor heat output and energy consumption.
- CONTROL YOUR COMFORT — The internal thermostat with seven settings will automatically turn the heater on and off to maintain set temperature.
- SUPERIOR SUPPORT — Backed by a 5-year promise and supported by a customer service team based in Andover, KS
Last update on 2023-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The most noteworthy feature about MVH is the Vornado’s patented Vortex Technology which ensures instant heat generation and gentle, fast distribution of warmth throughout the space.
The unit’s adjustable thermostat comes alongside three heat settings that allow you to fine-tune your indoor climate to meet your needs. Plus, its’ automatic shutoff ensures safety in case the unit overheats. With regards to safety, the unit comes with tip-over protection and a cool-to-touch exterior, making it one of the best kid safe space heaters for nurseries.
The MVH weighs 3.76 lbs and has a maximum heat rating of 1500 watts. Moreover, it is designed for spaces up to 180 square feet and comes with a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- Three heat settings (low/Medium/High)
- Built-in adjustable thermostat
- Multiple safety features
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Improper use voids all warranties
5. Andily Ceramic Small Space Heater for Home and Office
- SMALL HEATER MEASURES: 6.2" X 4.74" x 8.3" . Manual controls. Fully Assembled. Carrying handle for easy transport. Adjustable thermostat for comfortable warmth—ideal for home or office
- THREE MODES HEATER WITH FAN: 1. High Heat (1500-watt), 2. Low Heat(750-watt ), 3. Fan Only. The power indicator light lets you know when it’s plugged in
- CERAMIC HEATER ELEMENTS: Ceramic space heaters are fast to heat, produce abundant heat without open coils, and are long-lasting
- SPACE HEATER WITH THERMOSTAT: The thermostat system can according to the thermostat setting let your room remain at a comfortable temperature. This heater can be used in a small area (such as warming your feet), meanwhile warms up your surroundings
- FOR SAFETY: 1. An automatic overheat system will shut the unit off when the parts of the heater overheat. 2. TIP-OVER SWITCH will shut off unite when tipped forward or backward. 3. Power indicate light can lets you know at a glance that it’s plugged in. 4. ETL certified
Last update on 2023-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The powerful Andily is another option worth exploring. A beautiful 1500-watt ceramic heater with an easy to access handle that allows for effortless manoeuvrability, the Andily heats up within as little as two seconds. A fan within the unit helps to gently blow the warmth into and throughout the room.
The Andily has three heat modes – Low Heat, High Heat, and Fan-Only. Also, the unit packs an adjustable thermostat for greater control of your indoor climate. Fo safety, it’s protected by an automatic overheat switch and an anti-tip-over system.
Even better, the Andily is ETL Certified and comes fully pre-assembled. Plus, it weighs 2.9 pounds and is made from flame-resistant materials.
Pros
- Small, portable heater
- Three heating modes
- Safe, ceramic heating
- Adjustable thermostat
Cons
- Manual control only
6. CostWay Oil-Filled Radiator Mini Portable Electric Heater
- ☀️ 【Adjustable Thermostat】In order to meet your different heating needs, this oil filled radiator heater allows you to adjust the temperature from low to high (32℉ - 194℉) by rotating the thermostat knob. Besides, it features the thermostat. If the room reaches the desired temperature, it will auto-off for energy-saving.
- ☀️【Effective Heating】Equipped with 7 heating fins and diathermic oil that no need to refill, this electric space heater is able to heat up small spaces evenly. Meanwhile, the 360 full-area heat dissipation provides comfy and steady warmth for people around it.
- ☀️ 【Designed for Safety】Considering your security, this portable radiator heater comes with overheat and tip-over protection. If it overheats or accidentally dumps, this space heater will automatically shut off for safe protection. At the same time, the ETL certification adds extra safety.
- ☀️ 【Quiet Operation】Working without any fans and winds, this electric oil filled radiator creates a noiseless environment for you to work. Likewise, there are no dazzling lights that avoid disturbing your sleeping. Therefore, you can use this space oil filled heater day and night.
- ☀️ 【Portable Space Heater】With the handy handle and lightweight design, this oil filled radiator electric heater makes movement conveniently so that you can move it from one room to another effortlessly. In addition, the compact size is perfect for different places, such as home, apartment and office etc.
Last update on 2023-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 700-watt rated CostWay is the smallest heater on this list in terms of the amount of heat generated per unit time. However, it’s also one of the most energy-efficient. Being an oil-filled radiator, it loses very little heat. The special oil absorbs almost 99% of the heat and releases most of it to the surrounding air. Oil can also retain heat for a long time, meaning that the CostWay continues releasing heat even a few hours after the unit is turned off.
Not to mention, the CostWay packs several useful features, chief among them is an adjustable thermostat. With the help of the thermostat, you can closely control indoor temperatures for perfect comfort. And a carry handle, overheating protection, and tip-over protection are also other notable features of CostWay radiator. It’s LED power indicator light reminds you that the heater is turned on.
The CostWay is, however, a bit bulky at 8.6 lbs, measures 14 inches tall (high) and operates noiselessly.
Pros
- Adjustable thermostat
- Quiet, safe oil heating
- Anti-tip protection
- Overheat shutoff switch
Cons
- Bit bulky at 8.6 pounds
- Low power rating of 700 watts
Best Space Heater with Thermostat Buying Guide
Now that you know some of the best space heaters with thermostat control, let’s learn how to pick the right one for your needs.
First Things First, What is a Thermostat?
A thermostat is a device used to measure the home’s ambient temperature. Often connected to an HVAC device such as a heater or air conditioner, the main purpose of the thermostat is to continually read the current indoor temperature and compare it to the required heating/cooling value. If there’s a mismatch, the thermostat relays the information to the heater/air conditioner to initiate or stop the heating or cooling process.
How Does a Thermostat Work?
Different thermostats work in different ways. The very first home heating thermostat developed way back in the 17th century comprised a float inside a mercury thermometer. The device was then connected to a damper in a furnace. Whenever the mercury climbed to a specified level, the float caused the damper to close.
Similarly, modern thermostats apply the same mechanism. Today’s thermostats have temperature sensors that cause an electric switch to open or close depending on the degree of heat detected. When the switch opens, it breaks an electric circuit, causing heating to stop. When it closes, the circuit is completed and heating starts.
Types of Thermostats
Before you go ahead to purchase your best space heater with thermostat, you also need to understand the different types of thermostats. Although most modern space heaters use programmable thermostats, there are four broad categories of thermostats; mercury contract, mechanical contract, digital, and electronic programmable.
1. Mercury contract thermostats
Mercury contract thermostats, the oldest on this list, are analog thermostats that were once the most common thermostats on home furnaces. The thermostats contain a bimetallic strip that moves up or down as the temperature increases or decreases. Consequently, the moving bimetallic strip closes or opens a glass vial contact known as an ampoule. As a result, it completes or breaks the flow of electric current.
2. Mechanical contact
Mechanical contact thermostats are pretty much similar to mercury contact thermostats except for the type of contact used. In mechanical contact thermostats, a bimetallic coil that includes a heat anticipator is usually used.
3. Digital thermostats
As you may have guessed, mercury and mechanical contact thermostats aren’t very common anymore. Space heaters, in particular, use either digital or electronic programmable thermostats. Digital thermostats use electronic controls instead of a bimetallic coil/strip to sense temperature changes. They also feature prominent digital displays, have on/off switches, and are more accurate.
4. Electronic programmable thermostats
The most advanced thermostats at the moment, however, are programmable options, especially smart models. A programmable thermostat is a digital thermostat that can take instructions for later application. You can, for instance, set the thermostat to go OFF after eight hours of heating. The thermostat for steam heat systems is a good example of programmable thermostats.
Smart thermostats go one level up. Instead of just taking instructions, they learn your habits and use the information to make smart decisions. These thermostats learn a family’s behaviours and preferences, digest the data, and use the information to self-program. Smart thermostats can also be connected to other smart home devices such as tablets, computers, and smartphones, and even controlled via Siri and Alexa.
Benefits of Using a Small Heaters with Thermostats
Not all space heaters come with thermostats. Therefore, the reason you should consider models with a thermostat include;
- Maintain the desired indoor temperatures: When you have a thermostat-controlled heater, temperature fluctuations become a thing of the past. Whenever indoor temperatures go below or above the set value, the thermostat instructs the heater to slow down, ramp up heat production, or go ON/OFF until the desired temperature is achieved.
- Spend less time adjusting: The best part is that, with programmable and smart thermostats, you don’t need to worry about making adjustments yourself. The thermostat automatically adjusts heat production to keep you comfortable round the clock.
- Increased energy efficiency: When you program your thermostat to go off when you’re away, you’re guaranteed significant energy savings. So, if you can create a heating and cooling schedule that follows your family’s routine, you’ll certainly save plenty of bucks.
- Help out your HVAC appliances by optimizing workload: With a thermostat in place, there’s less risk of overworking the heater and other connected appliances. This can help reduce wear and tear and keep your expensive appliances operational and in top condition for a long time, further increasing savings.
- Embrace the smart home trend: Finally, the shift to a connected world is real. If you’re a digital enthusiast, upgrading to a heater with a smart thermostat would be the way to go because the units can be connected to other smart devices in the home. This way, you can control your heating and other tasks from your smartphone, tablet, computer, or smart home devices such as Siri and Alexa.
Is Your Thermostat Working Correctly?
Thermostat malfunction is a common problem, especially in hot water baseboard thermostat. When this happens, the heater might stop working or exhibit several other malfunction signs. For example, you may find that the room temperature and the thermostat setting don’t match. Or, the heater may not shut off/turn on as programmed. Such problems probably point to a thermostat issue. If you encounter such an issue, we recommend that you contact an HVAC professional or the manufacturer.
Related Article: Best Radiant Floor Heat Thermostat
Wrap Up
In a nutshell, you would greatly benefit from a home heating system that has a thermostat. Indeed, that small device makes it possible to fully control your heater for optimal heating and ideal indoor comfort. So, the next time you go shopping for space heaters, make sure to check the features to see whether “thermostat” is included.
Also, there are different types of thermostats. These include digital, programmable, and smart models. If you’re not on a fixed budget, smart thermostats are the best although programmable, and even digital models, would suffice depending on the application.
