Best Space Heater Reviews and Ultimate Guide 2024

This Ultimate Space Heater Guide brings together Reviews of the best electric heater and gas heater models plus a comprehensive Buying Guide.

It is the conclusion of a series of space heater reviews and buying guides for all space heater types including Portable, Infrared, Most Efficient, Safest, Garage and Best Small & Best Large room heaters.

First, we review the best space heaters available, and then deliver a Space Heater Buying Guide with all the research you might need.

Top 11 Best Space Heaters

Here’s the list put together by our experts.

Reviews of the models follow with an opportunity to see the current lowest price and buy a space heater.

#1 Duraflame 9HM8101-O142 Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Heater

Best Large Room Space Heater

Perfectly safe infrared rays are absorbed by people and objects, so the heating is very direct. This unit is powerful enough for providing heat to people in up to 1,000 square feet.

• Heat Settings: 1500 watts only
• Features include: Infrared heat, digital/adjustable thermostat, electronic timer, remote, caster for smooth rolling, furniture-quality cabinet that stays cool.
• Features Rating: 4.5 | Would be 5 if it had more than one heat setting.
• Safety Rating: 5 | Cool-touch infrared and all safety features.
• Ease of Use Rating: 5 | Remote. Simple control panel.
• Portability: 4.5 |It rolls easily, but is heavier than most electric space heaters.
• Overall Rating: 4.75

#2 Comfort Zone Oscillating Room Heater w/ ECO Mode

Best Portable Space Heater

The Eco mode adjusts the heat level from 1500W to one of the lower settings when thermostat set point is reached. This is an automatic energy-saving feature.

• Heat Settings: 800, 1000 & 1500 watts
• Features include: 70-degree oscillation, Eco mode, digital thermostat, 8hr timer, remote.
• Features Rating: 5 | All the bells & whistles.
• Safety Rating: 5 | Tested by ETL for safety. Cool-touch housing.
• Ease of Use Rating: 5 | Remote, LED display is easy to read and use.
• Portability Rating: 5 | Weighs just 8 pounds and has nice carrying handles. Delivers room-wide heat wherever it is placed.
• Overall Rating: 5

#3 Pro Breeze 1500W Mini Ceramic Room Heater with 3 Operating Modes and Thermostat

Best Affordable Large Space Heater

This unit provides plenty of heating and excellent quality for the money. A great value.

• Heat Settings: 750 & 1500 watts
• Features include: Fan-only mode, non-digital thermostat, compact size.
• Features Rating: 3.5 | Very simple design with few performance features.
• Safety Rating: 4 | Basic safety features. No mention whether it has been safety-tested.
• Ease of Use Rating: 4 | No remote
• Portability: 5 | Weighs about 3 pounds and is ideal for floor or desktop. Goes wherever you do.
• Overall Rating: 4.125

#4 AmazonBasics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater

Best Affordable Small Space Heater

This compact, highly rated heater combines good quality with low cost.

Heat Settings: 500 watts only

Features include: On/Off – Very basic design. Available in 4 colors.

Features Rating: 3 On or off. No thermostat.

Safety Rating: 4.5 | Tip-over switch. Doesn’t get extremely hot.

Ease of Use Rating: 4 | No remote, but it’s a personal heater and should be kept near you.

Portability: 5 | Weighs about 1.5 pounds. Fits in a backpack.

Overall Rating: 4.125

#5 Pelonis Electric, 1500W Portable Oil-Filled Radiator Heater

Best Large Oil-filled Heater

This is one of the most efficient space heaters available, and its ratings are excellent.

• Heat Settings: 900 & 1500 watts + Eco
• Features include: Eco mode will switch to lower heat setting when room is warm, 5 temperatures from 65F to 85F, LCD display, 10hr timer, remote, casters.
• Features Rating: 5 | Everything you expect from the best electric heater in the oil-filled category.
• Safety Rating: 5 | Tip protection, doesn’t get very hot.
• Portability: 4 | Even with casters, oil heaters are a little heavy. This one is 16lbs. Not bad. 
• Ease of Use Rating: 5 | Easy onboard panel plus remote.
• Overall Rating: 4.75

#6 Trustech 700W Portable Compac Mini Radiator Oil Heater

Best Small Oil-filled Heater

This little heater is ideal for beneath a desk or keeping a small office or very small bedroom very comfortable.

• Heat Settings: 700 watts only
• Features include: Low to High dial (no numbers), carrying handle. No casters, but it is light enough to easily carry. No fan, so very quiet.
• Features Rating: 3.5 | Very basic performance keeps the cost low.
• Safety Rating: 5 | Overheat  protection. Warm to the touch – not hot.
• Portability: 4 | At 8lbs, it is lighter than most oil-filled electric space heaters.
• Ease of Use Rating: 4 | On/Off, temperature dial. No remote.
• Overall Rating: 4

#7 DeLonghi HMP1500 Mica Panel Heater

Best Wall-mounted Space Heater

This wall-mounted electric heater is thin, light and easy to mount with the included kit.

This slim, innovative and very quiet heater packs 1500 watts of heat. Wall kit and optional feet included for versatile use.

• Pros: Space-saving design. Kit included. Efficient micathermic heat. Installs on wall, not in wall.
• Cons: No fan, so heat takes longer to radiate to furthest part of the room.
• Best Use: Anywhere you want quiet heating – bedroom, TV room, office, etc.
• Heat Settings: 750 & 1500 watts
• Features include: Manually adjustable thermostat, optional feet with casters included, quiet operation,
• Features Rating: 4 | About what you can expect from most electric wall heaters.
• Safety Rating: 5 | All necessary safety features and it doesn’t get hot enough to burn.
• Ease of Use Rating: 4.5 | No remote.
• Portability: 4 | Not portable if fixed to wall, but if you use the feet, it is easy to move.
• Overall Rating: 4.375

#8 Duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove with 3D Flame Effect

Best Fireplace Style Space Heater

This attractive electric heater adds charm and a pretty realistic fireplace ambience to any room. It has a flame-only mode for when you don’t want heat.

• Heat Settings: 1500 watts only
• Features include: 3D logs and flame, remote control, cool-touch, infrared heat, adjustable thermostat.
• Features Rating: 5 | The controls give you customized comfort performance.
• Safety Rating: 5 | All standard features plus an overheat sensor in the plug. If you’ve ever had a space heater plug melt or burn out your outlet, you know this is valuable.
• Ease of Use Rating: 5 | Adjust with the remote or on the heater panel.
• Portability: 4 | It weighs 28 pounds, so not ideal for moving from room to room.
• Overall Rating: 4.75

#9 Lasko CD08200 Bathroom Heater

Safest Space Heater

Most space heaters are pretty safe. This one takes safety to the next level with an ALCI plug that will interrupt the electrical current, immediately shutting off the heater if it contacts water. This prevents electric shock.

• Heat Settings: 750 & 1500 watts
• Features include: 1hr high-heat button, low & high settings and the safety plug.
• Features Rating: 4 | No timer, thermostat or remote. Built for safe use in a bathroom, kitchen, laundry or other location where there might be water.
• Safety Rating: 5 | Standard features plus the ALCI plug.
• Ease of Use Rating: 4 | No remote.
• Portability: 5 | Weighs less than 4lbs and is very compact for carrying or placing on a tabletop or under a desk.
• Overall Rating: 4.5

#10 Stanley ST-60HB2-GFA Gas Forced Air Heater 60K BTU

Best Overall Propane Space Heater

Designed for ventilated spaces including garages, decks/patios, hunting/camping and worksites, this large propane heater delivers 60,000 BTUs of heat – as much as a small furnace.

• Heat Settings: Adjustable up to 60,000 BTU
• Features include: Hose and regulator included, Piezo button light, carrying handle.
• Features Rating: 4.5
• Safety Rating: 4 |Remember, the space must have some ventilation. Read and follow the Use and Safety operating instructions.
• Ease of Use Rating: 5 | Very easy to light and adjust the heat level.
• Portability: 4 | Must be used with a propane cylinder rather than a small bottle.
• Overall Rating: 4.375

#11 Mr. Heater MH18BRV Big Buddy Grey Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Heater

Best Indoor-safe Propane Space Heater

This clean-burning, low-emission propane heater is perfect for a range of indoor, garage, pole-building and outdoor uses. It can be fueled by 2 bottles or with a hose, regulator and propane cylinder or tank.

• Heat Settings: 4,000, 9,000 and 18,000 BTUs.
• Features include: Near 100% combustion, oxygen depletion sensor (ODS), tip-over switch, knob for 3 heat settings.
• Features Rating: 5 | All the best safety, performance and convenience features.
• Safety Rating: 4.5 | While safe, propane heaters can cause burns.
• Ease of Use Rating: 5 |Piezo spark makes it easy to light. One knob for heat adjustment.
• Portability: 4.5 | Very portable when using 1lb bottles. Not quite as portable when attached to a 20lb or 30lb cylinder.
• Overall Rating: 4.75

There is general information here and very specific and detailed info too. It might not all be of use to you. 

When Should a Space Heater Be Used?

It is generally understood that a space heater is designed for temporary, supplemental heat. A space heater shouldn’t be the only source of heat in a home or room.

Constant use as the only source of heat is a major factor in the many space heater every year. Some of them are deadly.

We’re not trying to scare you away from space heaters. When used properly, they are generally safe. But it is wise to have a healthy respect for their danger.

See the section Space Heater Safety below for details.

The best uses for space heating are:

1. Supplemental Heat

There are two reasons to need supplemental heat:

You turn down the central heat thermostat to save money.

This is the most economical reason for space heating. It is explored in detail in the section below How to Use a Space Heater Efficiently.

Your space isn’t adequately warmed by central heat.

Many homes and apartments have rooms that are colder than others. It’s usually the result of an undersized or old central heat source or ductwork that is insufficient or leaky.

Office space is notorious for being cold due to penny-pinching owners/managers or bad building mechanicals.

In these instances, a space heater can boost the temperature to a comfortable level.

Boost of up to 10 degrees: You’ll need about 10 watts per square foot when using an electric space heater.

 As we detailed in our Most Efficient Space Heater Guide:

• 500 watts: Up to 50 square feet (5×10, 7×7) – Bathroom, cubicle, door room, desktop and similar
• 750 watts: Up to 75 square feet (7.5×10, 8×9) – Bathroom, small office or small bedroom
• 1000 watts: Up to 100 square feet (10×10, 12×8) – Large bathroom, office, small bedroom, galley kitchen
• 1500 watts: Up to 150 square feet (10×15, 12×12) – Bedroom, office, kitchen, den

Boost of 11-15 degrees: This will take up to 20 watts per square foot. For example, you’ll need a 1000-watt heater for a 50-square foot space, and so forth.

More than 15 degrees? It’s very difficult to raise the temperature of cold space more than 15 degrees with a space heater. This is especially true if the space is poorly insulated and/or it is very cold outside.

When this is attempted, the risk of fire goes up exponentially.

2. Emergency Heat

In Northern climates, a winter power outage is more than an inconvenience. Even if you have a warm place to go, your pipes do not. And freezing temperatures cause water in pipes to freeze, which will burst the pipes and potentially cause flooding. The damage can be extremely costly.

What are the best space heaters for emergency heat?

Propane heaters are the best type for emergency heat.

They are the right choice for 2 reasons.

• Many do not need electricity to operate, or they can run on battery power (so the power outage doesn’t affect them)
• They produce much more heat than electric space heaters, and that’s what you need in an emergency.

Tips for Using a Propane Heater for Emergencies

Be sure the propane space heater you choose does not need to be plugged into an outlet to work – or consider buying a generator to power it.  

And open a nearby window for ventilation unless the heater is specially rated for safe indoor use. The Mr. Heater model in our Best Space Heater list above is rated for indoors. There are others available too. 

Space Heater Types: Pros, Cons, Costs

If you have shopped for space heaters, the variety and types can be confusing.

This section sorts out your options.

Electric vs Combustion

These are the two broad categories.

Space heaters are either:

• Electric: Powered by your home’s electrical system.
• Combustion: Powered by a fossil fuel – propane is the most common, but there are kerosene and natural gas heaters too.

When to Choose an Electric Heater

Electric space heaters are far more practical and popular than combustion heaters because they are:

• Simple to use. Plug it into an outlet, and turn it on.
• Equipped withexcellent features like timers, thermostats, multiple heat settings, fan-only mode, safety features and remotes. Not all features are available on all models. See the section below Space Heater Features to Consider for full details.
• Available in themany varieties detailed next.
• Safe to use without ventilation.

When to Choose a Combustion Heater

Combustion space heaters do have their place. Consider a propane or similar heater for these reasons:

• Fast, large-capacity heating. A 1500W electric heater gives off about 5,100 BTUs of heat. Propane heaters start at 4,000 BTUs, but most produce a maximum of 18K to 60K BTUs. Some are even larger.
• Emergency heating in freezing weather. We noted this earlier. Most propane heaters do not require electricity. A few have a fan that can be powered with batteries. They’re ideal for use during power outages.
• Outdoor use. There are a few electric infrared heaters designed for decks, patios and other outdoor locations. A few are even waterproof. But the best heaters for outdoor recreation are combustion space heaters.  

Both/And? It doesn’t have to be either/or. Many households have both electric and combustion heaters and use them for differing purposes.

Types of Electric Heaters

If you decide, as most consumers do, that an electric heater would be useful, you have several options.

The basic distinction is convection vs infrared.

How do they heat?

• Convection heaters warm the air like an electric stove element.
• Infrared heaters warm people, pets and objects that absorb the infrared rays.

How much space do they heat?

• A 1500W convection heater is designed for up to 400 square feet.
• A 1500W infrared heater is designed for up to 1,000 square feet.

With those important differences in mind, here is a closer look at each.

Types of Combustion Heaters

Propane is by far the most popular fuel, but kerosene (K-1) heaters have advantages too.

Space Heater Features to Consider

Here’s a brief summary of electric heater features and their advantages. As we noted, not all heaters have all features.

Multiple heat settings: Most with two or more heat settings are 750 and 1500 watts, though some models are different. The first advantage is versatility. Use the lower heat setting in a smaller space, the larger in bigger rooms. Secondly, it makes the heater efficient because you’re not using a higher heat setting and more energy than needed.

Eco mode: Economy mode is found on some space heaters with two heat settings. In Eco mode, the heater will use high heat until the thermostat is satisfied, and then adjust to the lower heat setting. If the temperature falls, it will boost to higher heat again.

Thermostat: Most units have a thermostat. Some are simple dials with hash marks or numbers. These are on affordable space heaters. Costlier models have digital/programable thermostats that are more accurate.

Timer: Timers are 1-8, 1-10 or 1-12 hours. Most are not programable. Rather, you can select a time, e.g., 1, 2, 4 or 8 hours. Obviously, the more options, the more effective the timer. Using the timer means you can “set it and forget it,” which offers convenience and efficiency – the heater won’t run for very long with nobody using its heat.

Remote control: This adds convenience. Most have the same range of functions as the control panel on the heater.

Fan-only mode: Only a few models have this. It’s a nice feature. Fan-only can be used for cooling in warm weather. Some users like it as “white noise” when sleeping or studying or when a baby is napping.

Current-interruption plugs: These are labeled GFCI, GFI, ALCI or AFCI. The “I” means “interrupt.” If water contacts the wiring so as to affect the current, meaning there is a shock risk, the unit will shut off automatically. Of course, these units are ideal for bathrooms.

Casters: These wheels make it easier to roll a large heater. They don’t always work well on plush carpet though.

How to Choose the Right Space Heater for You

Much of this information is found throughout this guide, but we’ll make a few brief points.

1. Sizing your Space Heater

As we said above, you’ll need about 10 watts per square foot to boost heat up to 10 degrees. 20 watts per square foot are preferred for raising the temperature 11-15 degrees.

Room Size (Sq. Feet)	Watts	BTUs
50	500	1705
75	750	2557
100	1000	3410
125	1250	4262
155	1550	5115
160	1600	5456
200	2000	6820
250	2500	8525
300	3000	10230
400	4000	13640

 Examples are:

• 500 watts: Up to 50 square feet (5×10, 7×7) – Bathroom, cubicle, door room, desktop and similar
• 750 watts: Up to 75 square feet (7.5×10, 8×9) – Bathroom, small office or small bedroom
• 1000 watts: Up to 100 square feet (10×10, 12×8) – Large bathroom, office, small bedroom, galley kitchen
• 1500 watts: Up to 150 square feet (10×15, 12×12) – Bedroom, office, kitchen, den

For larger spaces, electric space heaters are made that produce 2,000 to 4,000. Some require a 220V outlet, so keep that in mind.

An indoor-safe propane space heater is another option for large spaces, as discussed above.

2. Choosing your Style

What is the best electric heater for your uses?

Tower

They have a small footprint, so are ideal for areas with limited floorspace. Most are oscillating. They sweep the room with heat. This makes them a good choice when people are moving around or seated in various parts of the room.

An oscillating tower isn’t best for single-person use. Also, the small base makes them prone to tipping from big dogs and rambunctious kids.

Cabinet

These are mostly infrared heaters. They are best for stationary positions where they can be directed right at people, e.g., on a couch, in a bed or seated on a bench on the deck.

They have casters, so are portable, but you might not want to carry one of these 25-pound+ units up and down stairs.

Portable

Many ceramic heaters are compact and light. Best uses are under desks or on a desktop, workbench, in small bathrooms, offices, dorm rooms or bedrooms. Some are small and light enough to fit in a backpack to take from home to work.

The compact size can be a danger. Small space heaters are not easy to see when set on the ground, and this presents a trip & fall hazard, especially to anyone with mobility challenges.

Wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted

These are mostly infrared or micathermic infrared/convection hybrids. Units for indoor use often come with optional attachable feet and wall-mountable. Large units for the garage are often mounted to the ceiling.

Outdoor infrared heaters are waterproof and perfect for heating those beneath them on a deck or patio. These are heaters with very specific uses, so not as popular as portable space heaters.

3. Multiple Room, Multiple Setting & Portability

If you plan to move the heater, a model with more than one setting is nice. This allows you to be comfortable without overheating the space. For example, 750W is perfect for a small bathroom, but 1500W is better for a bedroom or office. A portable ceramic space heater makes a great choice for this kind of use.

Two or more heat settings also give you options for how much supplemental heat a room needs.

In spring and fall, you might only need a few extra degrees of heat. The low setting might do the job, and using a space heater in the room you’re occupying might mean you won’t have to turn on your central heat source.

In winter, the higher heat setting might be required in the same room to bring it up to a comfortable temperature.

Space Heater Safety

According to widely reported statistics, “the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires and more than 300 deaths are caused each year by space heaters. More than 6,000 Americans receive hospital emergency room care annually for burn injuries associated with room heaters.”

The key is safe use, which we covered at length in our Best Small Space Heater Guide.

Here is a recap of the information found there.

1. Read and follow the operating instructions.

2. Turn it off when you leave the area for more than a few minutes.

3. Don’t fall asleep with a space heater on the table or desk in front of you.

4. Stay 1.5 feet for 500W heaters and 3 feet for 1000W and 1500W heaters.

5. Keep children and pets safe from getting too close. Or buy a cool-touch infrared heater.

6. In the bathroom, use a heater with a GFCI/AFCI plug, and keep the heater away from water sources.

7. Throw away damaged heaters (frayed cord, heat/burn marks on the plug, vibrating fan blades, unknown odor or “hot” smell).

How to Use a Space Heater Efficiently

We’ve completed an entire guide on this subject – The Most Efficient Space Heater Reviews and Guide. It is full of detail with depth you probably won’t find anywhere else.

Here is the summary, but we really do recommend reading the guide if you want to maximize heating efficiency.

1. Turn Down the Central Heat & Use a Space heater for One Room at a Time

2. Use for Supplemental and Emergency Heat Only

3.Choose a Space Heater with Efficiency Features

These include multiple heat settings, Eco mode, digital thermostat and a timer. A few WiFi space heaters are available. You can turn them off from the phone app if you forget to do so when you leave home.

4.Match Heater Size to Room Size

5. Make your Home Energy Efficient

The materials to do this include:

• Attic insulation
• Weather-stripping for doors and windows
• Caulk for door and window frames
• Tape and mastic for sealing ducts
• Insulated windows and blinds
• Major upgrades when renovating your home: Insulated doors, windows with Energy Star glass, Energy Star certified roofing and an energy-efficient HVAC system

Noise Levels of Space Heaters

Most space heaters have very few moving parts, therefore, the amount of noise they are going to create is minimal. However, there is one big exception to that rule, and that is those convection space heaters which use fans to blow out hot air.

Space heaters which will normally have fans include propane heaters, ceramic heaters, and electric baseboard heaters. With each of these, the amount of noise they generate can be difficult to predict, given that you wouldn’t normally see or hear one in operation before you buy it.

One option is to read the reviews for each product to see what those who are already using one are saying about the noise levels. One caveat here though is that what might be loud to one person, may not be loud to another, so even this is not a perfect way to assess it.

Overall, the fans in ceramic and baseboard heaters not going to be that loud that you cannot carry on a conversation while sitting next to one. The fans on propane gas heaters can be a bit louder but bear in mind these are not normally designed for use in the home, but rather they are mostly for heating garages and for outdoor use.

Wandering which space heater is the quietest one? We’ve already selected them for you! Read our 6 Most Quiet Space Heater Reviews and Buying Guide.

Everyone Buys a Space Heater Sometime

There is a lot more to choosing the right space heater than many consumers ever think about.

When you follow the buying tips found here and in our other Space Heater Guides, you will likely choose a space heater that fits your heating needs.

Are you looking for heater suggestions? If so, our overall Best Electric Space Heater list begins this page.

Each of the other Guides each has a list too –

• Most Efficient Heaters
• Best Large Room Heater
• Best Small Room Heater
• Best Infrared Heater
• Best Garage Heater
• Best Portable Heater

See those guides for space heater recommendations, reviews and complete buying guides.

Just about everyone buys a space heater at some time..

Most of use by many of them over the years. Perhaps your friends would appreciate this comprehensive guide complete with a list of the best electric heater models.

If you think they would, please pass it along using the social media buttons on this page!