Whether shopping for a space heater to help supplement your home’s heating system, or just help you save on your winter heating bills, finding just the right space heater for your situation can be confusing. Heater choices seem endless, and with each one offering slightly different features, knowing what to look for when choosing a heater will ensure you get a space heater that best fits your needs. The following list of space heaters should help you narrow your search and take some of the confusion out of your next space heater purchase.
Best Space Heater For Large Rooms:
When your living room is cold, your kitchen is freezing, and your bathroom is just unbearably cold, a space heater that can heat more than just the little space that is required. The heaters listed here are designed to heat the whole room and not just the space around you. Their energy efficient designs allow you to run them continually without increasing your heating costs. In fact, they are designed to allow you to decrease the thermostat by up to 10 degrees and still maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your room.
Vornado EH1-0034-06 AVH2 Full-Room Vortex Heater
The Vornado EH1-0034-06 AVH2 full-room vortex heater economically heats a large room, allowing you to lower the thermostat on your central heating unit. The simplistic design of the heater controls allows you to quickly adjust the temperature, fan speed and turn off and on the automatic climate control. Read Full Review »
Honeywell Cool Touch Whole Room Heater Model HZ725
The simplistic design of the heater makes it easy to use. The slim design allows you to place it almost anywhere in your room. The adjustable thermostat lets you choose the appropriate temperature for your room. Read Full Review »
Advanced Tech Infrared Heat Quest 1500 Heater
The heater operates on just a few cents a day. The infrared design heats a room quickly and efficiently, letting you lower the thermostat on you central heating unit without sacrificing comfort. Read Full Review »
Duraflame Freestanding Electric Stove with Remote Control DFS-550-7
Place the Duraflame electric stove anywhere in your home. The simple plug-in design allows you to add a fireplace to any room and provide supplemental heating. Read Full Review »
Lasko 5572 Ceramic Tower Heater with Logic Center Remote Control
The Lasko 5572 ceramic tower heater plugs into any standard wall outlet using a 6-foot cord. You can control the heater from anywhere in the room with the logic center remote control. The heat settings allow you to operate the heater on high, low or allow the heater to automatically control the heat in your room. Read Full Review »
Best Space Heater for Small Rooms:
When choosing a space heater for a small room, don’t choose a heater with more wattage than you need. Smaller areas require less electricity to heat them effectively, and the heaters listed here are just the right size to heat small office cubicles, dorm rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms. A smaller heater also offers you the ability to carry your heater with you anywhere.
DeLonghi Portable Oil-Filled Radiator with Programmable Timer TRN0812T
The compact size of the DeLonghi Portable Oil-Filled radiator heater allows you to place the heater practically anywhere. The adjustable thermostat and the programmable timer lets you customize the heater to fit your desired heating needs. Read Full Review »
Lasko LASKO My Heat Personal Heater
The Lasko My Heat Personal Heater costs less than $20 and, at 200 watts, is inexpensive to operate. Its portability and quiet operation let you use it practically anywhere in your home or office. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$13.59
Comfort Zone CZ25 Portable Space Heater & Fan
The small size of the Comfort Zone portable space heater lets it go anywhere you need heat. The fan forces the air across the ceramic heating element and out the front of the heater to quickly heat your small room. Read Full Review »
Soleus Air MS-09 Oscillating Radiant Heater
If you are allergic to dust, love the warmth of the sun upon your skin, have pets and children, and are concerned about energy efficiency, the Soleus Air Oscillating Radiant heater was made specifically for you. The light weight design and the built-in handle let you move the heater to any area in your home that needs additional heat. Read Full Review »
Sunbeam SFH436-UM Bathroom Heater Fan with Digital Thermostat
The Sunbeam Digital Bathroom heater quickly heats the area surrounding it. The lightweight design lets you easily move the heater anywhere, and the built-in timer, clock and thermostat maintains the desired temperature in any room. Read Full Review »
Best Energy Efficient Space Heater:
Choosing the best energy efficient space heater for your home requires finding a heater that not only keeps your space warm, but one that helps you save on skyrocketing winter heating costs as well. The heaters included in the following list will not only help save on your heating bill, but the money they save will help pay for the heater in one season.
Honeywell Energy Smart Tower Heater (HZ-8000)
The Honeywell Energy Smart Tower Heater’s oscillating feature and built-in fan quickly spreads warmth throughout your room. Once you choose the temperature setting that best fits your heating needs, the heater automatically chooses the appropriate energy level to maintain your chosen setting. This Energy Smart mode not only saves money by allowing you to lower your home’s thermostat, but saves you money on the cost of operating the space heater. Read Full Review »
Vornado EH1-0034-06 AVH2 Full-Room Vortex Heater
The Vornado Full-Room Vortex Heater utilizes vortex technology to evenly heat an entire room quickly and economically. It forces newly heated air into a room and re-circulates the previously warmed air to keep the temperature regulated. This technology lets you lower your home’s thermostat to save energy dollars, while maintaining a comfortable room temperature. Read Full Review »
DeLonghi Ceramic Tower Heater Model TCH7690ER
The DeLonghi Ceramic Tower Heater’s eco-energy consumption feature analyzes your current room temperature before it turns itself off or on. This feature ensures you save money on the cost of operating the heater, but also ensures you maintain your desired room temperature. Letting the heater maintain the temperature in your room allows you to turn down the temperature on your home’s thermostat to save additional energy dollars. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$65.98
Optimus H-5210 Infrared Quartz Radiant Heater
The Optimus Infrared Quartz Radiant Heater surrounds you in warmth without costing a lot of money. The 400 and 800 watt heat settings use less energy than conventional heaters, and helps save on energy consumption while providing you with the same amount of heat. Read Full Review »
Advanced Tech Infrared Heat Quest 1500 Heater
The ATI Heat Quest provides 5,120 BTUs when operated on high and the fan-forced heating feature quickly spreads the warmth of those BTUs through large rooms. The ability to heat an entire room allows you to turn down the heat on your home’s thermostat and still maintain a very comfortable room temperature. The ease of operation and portability makes this heater an excellent choice for any home. Read Full Review »
Best Electric Space Heater:
Electric space heaters are often utilized when you don’t have adequate heating in your home, or you simply don’t want to face the high energy bills that using your central unit alone can create. Depending on the size, amperage and design of the heater, you can heat a whole room or just the space around you. Adding one or more of these electric space heaters in your home can reduce your bills by around $150 or more over the winter season.
Pelonis 5-Disc Ceramic Furnace Heater #HC461
The Pelonis heater can heat a large space quickly. The 1,500 watt unit produces 5,200 BTUs using only 12.5 amps. You can use this little heater anywhere in your home, including your workshop or garage, providing enough heat to make the area comfortable. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$121.99
Honeywell HZ-385BP Safety Sensor Ceramic Tower Heater
The oscillating design of the Honeywell HZ-385BP Safety Sentinel electronic ceramic tower heater moves the air quickly across a room, maintaining a constant temperature. The upfront cost of this electric heater is quickly made-up with the savings on your energy bill. Read Full Review »
Vornado EH1-0034-06 AVH2 Full-Room Vortex Heater
The Vornado EH1-0034-06 AVH2 full-room vortex heater quickly heats a room by forcing the air up toward the ceiling. The heater re-circulates the heated air, allowing you to adjust the thermostat on your central heating unit to a lower temperature. This same heater operates from any standard electrical outlet in your home. Read Full Review »
Holmes HFH2986-U Whisper Quiet Power Heater
The energy efficient heating of the Holmes HFH2986-U allows you to lower your homes thermostat, while maintaining a comfortable temperature in your room. Operating on 1,500 watts, the heater quickly warms the area surrounding it. This little electric heater lets you customize the temperature to suit your needs. Read Full Review »
Lasko Digital Low-Profile Silent Heater 5620
You can heat up to 300 square feet of space with this 1,500 watt heater. It also comes with a remote control that allows you to control the heater from any point in your room. Set the timer to go off anytime between 1 and 8 hours to ensure the heater turns off even if you forget. Read Full Review »
Best Tower Space Heater:
Tower space heaters are the best choice when space is limited. Occupying a smaller footprint, the tower heater operates as efficiently and effectively as heaters that can take up to twice the space. Modernistic and sleek in design, tower space heaters fit with any decor and can help reduce your heating energy costs over the winter.
Lasko 5572 Ceramic Tower Heater with Logic Center Remote Control
The set it and forget it design of the Lasko ceramic tower heater takes the headache out of deciphering the heater's controls. The oscillating design and the fan quickly moves the heated air throughout the room, making your room cozy and comfy. Read Full Review »
Honeywell Energy Smart Tower Heater (HZ-8000)
By choosing the most efficient power setting on the Honeywell Energy Smart tower heater, you can save more money on your heating bills. The cool touch cabinet makes it safe for children and pets. Read Full Review »
DeLonghi Ceramic Tower Heater Model TCH7690ER
The DeLonghi heater’s 24 hour programmable timer allows you to set the timer to operate the heater anywhere from one to 24 hours before it turns itself off. Using the adjustable thermostat allows you to keep the room at your desired temperature, changing it when necessary. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$65.98
Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater 755320
The small footprint of the Lasko ceramic tower takes up very little space and still keeps the room warm. Using the automatic thermostat keeps your room at a constant temperature for your ultimate comfort without moving from your chair. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$47.00
Bionaire Ceramic Mini Tower Heater BCH9212-U
The Bionaire ceramic mini tower works in the smallest of areas. The two heat settings work to keep your room warm, while the remote control lets you adjust the heater from across the room. Read Full Review »
Best Oscillating Space Heater:
The general design of a conventional space heater focuses the heat to the area directly in front of it, but an oscillating space heater distributes warmth to a wider area by rotating from side to side. All the heaters featured in this list oscillate, but utilize different types of heating elements to ensure you find the best heater to meet your needs.
DeLonghi Ceramic Tower Heater Model TCH7690ER
With a full-feature remote control and a 24 hour programmable timer, the DeLonghi Ceramic Tower Heater is a smart addition to any home. The timer feature turns the heater on when you need it and off when you don’t, keeping any room warm and cozy, even before you arrive. Operating the heater on the eco-energy consumption function guarantees energy savings while keeping your room at a comfortable temperature. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$65.98
Soleus Air MS-09 Oscillating Radiant Heater
The Soleus Air Oscillating Radiant heater silently provides instant heat to any room. The oscillating feature lets it heat more surface area than a stationary heater, adding additional warmth. The heater does not disturb the dust in your room, as it uses a reflective surface to distribute heat, rather than a fan. This Soleus heater is excellent for spot heating and is energy efficient. Read Full Review »
Howard Berger Comfort Zone Flat Panel Halogen Heater CZHTV9
The Howard Berger Comfort Zone Flat Panel Halogen Heater saves you money by operating on lower wattages while providing warmth to any area. The oscillating feature evenly distributes the heat throughout your room. Read Full Review »
Soleus Ceramic Tower Heater HC7-15-01
The Soleus Air Ceramic Tower Heater lets you target-heat a specific location. Its ability to heat quickly and its slim design allows the heater to be placed practically anywhere in your home where additional warmth is required. Read Full Review »
Lasko 5572 Ceramic Tower Heater with Logic Center Remote Control
The Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater’s automatic temperature control maintains a preselected room temperature. It turns itself off when the room temperature reaches two degrees above the selected thermostat setting, and turns back on as soon as the room temperature drops one degree below the setting. The oscillating feature ensures an even temperature throughout the room. Read Full Review »
Best Budget Electric Space Heater:
Trying to save money on your heating cost shouldn’t require spending a lot of upfront dollars. Many heaters on the market today not only help save you money on your energy bills, but their upfront cost easily fits into your budget. The following heaters are all priced under $30 and will allow you to lower your home’s thermostat while maintaining a comfortable temperature around you.
Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater with Adjustable Thermostat
The size of the Lasko Ceramic Heater with Adjustable Thermostat allows it to fit comfortably in even the smallest of rooms. Its cost and size does not diminish the amount of heat this 1,500 watt heater produces. This little heater quietly and quickly heats your room to a comfortable temperature. Read Full Review »
Optimus H-1321 Portable 2-Speed Fan Heater with Thermostat
For the money, the Optimus Portable 2-Speed Fan Heater with Thermostat is a small heater that provides the warmth of a space heater twice its size. The built-in fan forces the heat from the heater to warm the surrounding area, providing you with the additional heat you need. Read Full Review »
Lasko LASKO My Heat Personal Heater
The Lasko My Heat Personal Heater easily fits in a tote bag, so you can carry it with you wherever you go. This 200 watt heater is easy to operate, uses very little electricity, and the ceramic heating element concentrates the warmth where you need it. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$13.59
Vornado VH101 Personal Vortex Heater
The vortex technology of the Vornado VH101 Personal Vortex Heater makes it an excellent choice for heating personal spaces as well as small to medium size rooms. The heater’s quiet operation will not disturb you while you work or sleep, and the low watt operation saves you money on your energy bills. Read Full Review »
Optimus H-5210 Infrared Quartz Radiant Heater
The Optimus Infrared Quartz Radiant Heater quickly and quietly heats your room and surrounds you in warmth. The heater’s money-saving 400 and 800 watt settings use less energy than larger, conventional space heaters. You can easily move the heater from room to room to instantly heat any space you occupy. Read Full Review »
Best Fan Space Heater:
Fan space heaters use built-in fans to quickly circulate the heat throughout your room, as opposed to conventional space heaters that slowly radiate heat, making you wait until the room reaches your desired temperature. Not only do these heaters quickly move the heat through the air, they offer fan-only settings, so there is no need to purchase a separate fan for the warm summer months. The following list of heaters can help narrow your search for the perfect fan space heater.
DeLonghi Ceramic Tower Heater Model TCH7690ER
The DeLonghi Ceramic Tower Heater uses eco-energy to automatically regulate its power consumption based on your desired room temperature. This feature helps you save up to 40 percent on your winter heating bills. The heater’s three heat settings, oscillating capabilities and integral fan evenly distributes the heat throughout your room. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$65.98
Comfort Zone CZ25 Portable Space Heater & Fan
The Comfort Zone Portable Space Heater utilizes a built-in fan to force heated air from the heater to instantly heat the space around you. Not only does this small heater use the fan to force the heat throughout your room, but it does double duty during the summer months to cool your personal space. Read Full Review »
Vornado PVH Black Flat Panel Heater 1500W
The technology behind the Vornado PVH Black Flat Panel Heater gives the heater the ability to heat an entire room quickly and evenly. The fan helps to circulate the air to keep the heat distributed throughout the whole room. The vortex technology allows you to turn down your home’s thermostat and save money while keeping the room at a comfortable temperature. Read Full Review »
Holmes HFH421-U Power Heater Fan with Viziheat
The Holmes Heater Fan with Adjustable Thermostat can quickly heat small rooms with practically no waiting. Its quiet operation lets you place the heater anywhere without disturbing your co-workers or family members. Choosing the fan-only setting lets the heater perform double-duty as a cooling fan during the hot summer months. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$23.71
Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater with Adjustable Thermostat
The Lasko Ceramic Heater with Adjustable Thermostat easily heats a bedroom or home office. It gives you the ability to lower your home’s thermostat to save on heating cost, without sacrificing the comfort level in the room you currently occupy. The built-in carry handle lets you move the heater to another room, and the heater’s fan circulates the heat to quickly warm your new space. Read Full Review »
I suddenly need to replace a 19 year old SleekHeat cube (Therm Technology Corp) due to a broken switch. I have yet to find a small heat cube that comes close to this old one! Here's what I need, from most important to least:
*Works with a heavy-duty digital timer (so the bathroom is warm BEFORE we wake up!)
*Is small (think shoebox or less) and can be placed on a tile floor near a wall (fairly open space on all but one side)
*Accurate thermostat. I don't care if it accurately labels increments on the knob, but I'd like it not to let the temperature change by more than +/- 2 or 3 degrees F. This is where most others FAIL and we enter the bathroom to find it's way too cold or way too hot!
*Variable power settings. My old one had a continuously-variable 500W-1500W knob. Now I see just fan/low/hi.
*White is best for my bathroom!
Now, so far as most not being recommended for bathrooms, this will be plugged into a GFCI outlet far from the toilet and sink, so don't worry about that.
Thanks!