It's August. The air is hot and thick with humidity in many areas of the country. So, you may ask, "Why am I reading about space heaters as I'm sitting here sweating?" Well, now is actually a GREAT time to be reading about — and shopping for — space heaters. Why? Because when those temperatures plummet — and you know they will —  you'll be thanking yourself for swapping out your air conditioner and  being prepared with the best space heater you could find that is ready to keep you warm and cozy when the weather is frosty and freezing.

There are many things to consider when shopping for the best space heater. How large is the area you want to heat? Does it have the safety features you're comfortable with? Is it budget-friendly? We'll answer all of those questions below and provide you with all the info you need to make a wise purchase. So, wipe the sweat off your brow, put down that iced tea, and let's get into some space heaters!

The only infrared heater on our top 10 list, the Unique Heat Space Heater earns a spot here because it's powerful, easy to use, and effective.

Infrared heat is different from the more standard ceramic space heaters because, rather than simply raising the air temperature of the entire room, an infrared heater directly warms you and other objects for an extended period of time. Plus, Unique Heat's patented heat exchange technology doesn't dry out the air like other space heaters and furnaces. Instead, any humidity you have in the air stays in the air, leaving you with warmth that heats evenly from wall to wall and floor to ceiling.

Packed with 5,200 BTU of heating power, this Unique Heat Infrared Heater actually heats larger rooms rather than just a small area. Now, with that extra power comes some extra dollars on the price tag. But it's a worthy investment knowing it'll keep you and your family toasty all winter long.

Despite its size, this heater is actually pretty lightweight and easy to move around thanks to carrying handles and wheels. And even though infrared heat is generally safer to use, this Unique Heat model still values safety as it's equipped with an anti-tip sensor and housing that's cool to the touch. That means it's safe to use in households with little ones and pets.

While neither cheap nor compact, the Unique Heat Infrared Space Heater is a powerful unit that does a fantastic job warming your home and is worth the extra cost if you want to safely and reliably heat larger spaces.

Key Features
  • Infrared heat technology
  • Auto tip-over sensor
  • 5,200 BTU heat output
  • Lifetime air filter
  • Wheels for easy rolling from room to room
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 15.1"W x 11.5"H x 9.6"D
  • Number of Settings: Three
  • Manufacturer: Unique Heat
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Coverage: Whole room up to 1,000 square feet
  • Brand: Unique Heat
Pros
  • Powerful 5,200 BTU heat output effectively heats larger rooms
  • Infrared heat for more direct warmth for longer periods
  • Auto tip-over sensor for safety
  • Cool to the touch
  • Lifetime air filter can be easily removed for cleaning
Cons
  • Relatively large footprint

A compact unit that packs a powerful punch, the ProBreeze 1500W Mini Ceramic Space Heater is a super-budget-friendly way to quickly heat up a smaller room or area.

This ProBreeze space heater is designed with a ceramic heating element to deliver heat faster and more efficiently. Plus, the adjustable thermostat helps maintain a comfortable room temperature.

Its compact design lends itself to being toted from room to room, depending on where you need more heat. And it fits in well no matter where you put it thanks to an aesthetically pleasing design.

Safety is always a concern with space heaters, but rest assured... this unit has you covered with tip-over shutoff and overheating protection. If the heater is accidentally knocked over or gets too hot, it will shut itself off. That's peace of mind you can't put a price tag on.

Speaking of price tags, the ProBreeze 1500W Mini Ceramic Space Heater doesn't have much of one! It provides plenty of value to anyone on a budget who still wants to effectively heat up any small area.

Key Features
  • Ceramic heating technology
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Built-in overheat protection and anti-tip switch
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 9”H x 6.5”W x 5”D
  • Number of Settings: Two
  • Manufacturer: ProBreeze
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Coverage: Up to 300 square feet
Pros
  • Ceramic element provides faster, more efficient heating
  • Adjustable thermostat maintains room temperature
  • Tip-over and overheating protection
Cons
  • Not much difference between high and low settings
  • Somewhat-noisy operation

Compact enough to place on a nightstand to warm up your bedroom. Small enough to put on a desk to keep the office cozy. One of the great things about the JETERY 1500W Ceramic Space Heater is that you can literally place it just about anywhere to provide a powerful pop of heat.

It's perfect for the bedroom thanks to quiet operation. And with tip-over shutoff and overheating protection, you can sleep soundly knowing this heater is designed with your family's safety in mind.

The JETERY 1500W PTC Space Heater is built with a ceramic heating element, which delivers plenty of warmth in a short amount of time. Plus, it's equipped with a timer, so you can have it shut off anytime up to 12 hours.

This little heater provides plenty of bang for your buck — plus, by using a space heater in the room you're in rather than turning up your thermostat, you should be able to save some money on your heating bill each month. And since you can easily tote the JETERY 1500W Ceramic Space Heater from room to room with one hand, it's a no-brainer to have it on-hand once the temperatures start falling.

Key Features
  • 1500W high heat mode, 900W low heat mode
  • Timer function up to 12 hours
  • Overheating protection and anti-tip switch
  • Quiet operation
  • LCD display
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 8.17"H x 6.69"W x 5.11"D
  • Number of Settings: Two
  • Manufacturer: JETERY
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Coverage: Whole room
Pros
  • Sleek, compact design
  • Adjustable thermostat to maintain room temperature
  • Overheat and tip-over protection
  • Ceramic heat element for fast heating
  • Quiet operation
Cons
  • Designed mainly to heat smaller rooms such as bedrooms

If you're looking to heat up a small room or space quickly, turn to the DeLonghi 5120 BTU Compact Electric Space Heater. This heater efficiently warms up thanks to ceramic heating and offers multiple heat settings depending on how much you want to warm an area.

Don't expect this DeLonghi space heater to be effective in a large area — it's designed to heat up smaller spaces, and it does a great job of that. It also offers peace of mind thanks to safety features like an automatic tip-over off switch and thermal shutoff that prevents overheating. What does that mean? That you can relax in warmth without worry.

An adjustable thermostat lets you set your comfort level, and the 24-hour programmable timer means you can automatically warm up a room at the coldest time each day. Cool thing is, you don't have to put the DeLonghi 5120 BTU Ceramic Space Heater away for the summer--it offers a fan-only mode that distributes a comfortable breeze during the warmer weather!

The best thing about this space heater though is its ability to deliver heat almost instantly. And when the temperatures drop, you'll be really glad you have the DeLonghi 5120 BTU Ceramic Compact Electric Space Heater in your home.

Key Features
  • SafeHeat automatic tip-over off switch
  • 24-hour programmable timer
  • Multiple heat settings
  • Fan-only setting
  • Adjustable electronic thermostat
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 13.82"H x 9.02"D x 6.97"W
  • Number of Settings: Three
  • Manufacturer: DeLonghi
  • Warranty: 1-year limited
  • Coverage: Up to 200 square feet
Pros
  • 5,120 BTU heating effectively heats rooms up to 200 square feet
  • 24-hour programmable timer
  • Safety features offer peace of mind
Cons
  • Not effective for larger rooms
  • Thermostat not always accurate

Turn the thermostat down this winter. Why? Because if you're primarily going to be in one room for an extended period of time (say, when you're sleeping or watching a movie or binge-watching your favorite show or partaking in an all-night gaming session), it'll save you some on your heating bill. Besides, the Vornado TAVH10 Vortex Heater will take care of the temperature so you're nice and cozy.

The Vornado TAVH10 offers two heat settings, but its best feature may be the Vortex Action airflow, which creates a twisting current of air that circulates the heat throughout the entire room, using walls and ceilings as pathways. That's how this heater can efficiently warm even a larger room. Use the auto climate control to adjust and maintain the room temperature so you're always comfortable.

As with any space heater, safety is paramount. So you'll be glad to know that the Vornado TAVH10 is equipped with plenty of precautions, like a cool-touch casing and safety shutoff. Speaking of peace of mind, Vornado offers a 5-year warranty on this heater!

This heater is also packed with some convenient features like hidden cord storage so no excess cord is hanging all over your room, an integrated carrying handle for easy portability, an LCD display screen with touch-sensitive controls, and a sleek design that will fit in well with your decor. Combine those features with impressive heating capability, and the Vornado TAVH10 Vortex Heater is a smart choice for the cold months.

Key Features
  • LCD screen and touch-sensitive controls
  • Vortex Action airflow
  • Safety shut-off and cool-touch case
  • Two heat settings
  • Remote control
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 12"H x 11.7"W x 9.3"D
  • Number of Settings: Two
  • Manufacturer: Vornado
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Coverage: Whole Room
Pros
  • Whole room heating coverage
  • Vortex Action airflow circulates heat around entire room
  • Auto climate control automatically adjusts and maintains room temperature
  • Cool to the touch
Cons
  • Remote isn't always effective

If you're shopping for an affordable heater that'll warm up a smaller-sized room, the Lasko 5165 Digital Ceramic Tower Heater is a solid option. Its patented blower technology does a nice job of spreading warm air throughout the room--just don't expect it to heat up a huge room. If you're looking to warm a bedroom or similarly sized room, it will do its job. Choose between high and low heat settings to find your perfect comfort level.

The thermostat is programmable; however, it can only be programmed in five-degree increments, something worth keeping in mind. Not only will the Lasko 5165 space heater add more comfort to your home, it'll also comfort you with its built-in safety features, such as automatic overheating protection and a cool-to-the-touch housing.

For added convenience, a remote control is included--and so you don't lose it in the couch cushions with your other remotes, the heater features on-board remote storage!

The Lasko 5165 Ceramic Tower Space Heater isn't the fanciest, flashiest, or most powerful heater on the market, but it's a perfect choice if you need some extra warmth in your home during the coldest winter months.

Key Features
  • Patented blower technology
  • Widespread oscillation
  • Two heat settings
  • Thermostat-controlled auto heat
  • Built-in safety features
  • Remote control
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 22.8"H x 7.3"D x 8.1"W
  • Number of Settings: Two
  • Manufacturer: Lasko
  • Warranty: 3-year limited
  • Coverage: Whole Room
Pros
  • Patented blower technology spreads warmth throughout room
  • Programmable thermostat
  • Eight-hour auto-off timer
  • On-board remote control storage
Cons
  • Can only program thermostat in 5-degree increments
  • Loud beeping sound when buttons are pushed

Compact and lightweight, the Orony Ceramic Portable Space Heater is perfect for adding quick heat to smaller spaces. It's small enough to keep under a desk to warm up your feet as you work, and it's just the right size for an apartment or dorm room.

This heater's best feature is its ability to deliver instant heat to any space. Turn it on, and within two seconds this little powerhouse is sending out warm air where you need it most — and fast. Don't worry about kicking this Orony space heater over — it's equipped with a tip-over safety switch that shuts the unit off in the event it falls. One thing to note, however...while the plastic housing stays cool to the touch, the front of the heater can get very hot, so it's best to use caution if you have small children or pets in your home.

Because of this unit's lightweight design, it's meant to go with you from room to room. So instead of jacking up the thermostat, just take the Orony space heater wherever you'll be and enjoy the warmth and comfort without unnecessarily heating your entire home. It even offers a built-in carrying handle for effortless one-handed portability.

Key Features
  • High and low heat settings
  • Overheat protection
  • Tip-over safety switch
  • Quick, two-second heat-up
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 9"H x 5.9"W x 5"D
  • Number of Settings: Two
  • Manufacturer: Orony
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Coverage: Small room
Pros
  • Quick, two-second heat upon start-up
  • Lightweight design with carrying handle for easy portability
  • Overheat protection and tip-over safety switch
Cons
  • Gets hot to the touch
  • Not powerful enough to heat a large room

Hey there, good-lookin'. Sorry... not you, the heater. The AmazonBasics 1500W Portable Space Heater is probably the most attractive heater you'll find, encased in a beautiful wood finish that makes it look like another piece of furniture in the room.

Fortunately, this heater functions as well as it looks. It offers a dual-heating system that delivers plenty of warmth to even larger rooms. You can fall asleep with it in the room, since this heater features a 12-hour programmable timer that automatically shuts off.

Safety first, right? The AmazonBasics 1500W Space Heater has that covered, with an overheat sensor and safety tip-over switch. And it's cool to the touch, making it an ideal unit for homes with kids.

Convenience? The easy-to-read LED display is simple to use. You can purchase wheels to make this heater super-portable. And there's handy cord storage on the back of the unit.

Aside from the wood casing, there's nothing fancy about the AmazonBasics 1500W Space Heater. It just gets the job done, providing the heat you want in your home while looking great doing it.

Key Features
  • Adjustable electronic thermostat
  • Overheating sensor and tip-over switch
  • 12-hour timer with automatic shutoff
  • 1,500W and 1,000W heat settings
  • Remote control
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 13" x 12" x 16"
  • Number of Settings: Two
  • Manufacturer: AmazonBasics
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Coverage: Whole Room up to 1,000 square feet
Pros
  • Dual-heating system provides plenty of warmth
  • Attractive wood casing
  • Overheat sensor and safety tip-over switch
Cons
  • Fairly large unit
  • Prominent logo

Think about your fan...what's one of your favorite features? If you answered "oscillation," then the Comfort Zone Oscillating Ceramic Forced-Fan Space Heater might be the one for you.

It delivers forced-fan heating, meaning it distributes heat effectively. And the oscillation ensures that the heat is evenly circulated throughout the room. If you're looking to maintain a steady room temperature, just set the digital thermostat and the Comfort Zone Oscillating Heater takes care of the rest.

Safety features? Yep, this heater has plenty of them. If you have small children or pets in your home, you'll love the stay-cool housing — of course you don't want anyone touching the heater, but if someone does, you'll feel better knowing they won't get burned by a super-hot casing. If the unit were to accidentally tip over, the built-in cutoff switch shuts down the heater for your safety.

Lightweight and portable, this Comfort Zone space heater can easily be transported from room to rooms to warm up your entire home. Add in convenience features like a remote control and a large temperature display panel, and the Comfort Zone Oscillating Forced-Fan Ceramic Space Heater is an affordable and efficient way to add extra heat to your house.

Key Features
  • Digital thermostat
  • Overheat protection
  • 8-hour timer with auto shutoff
  • Remote control
  • Ceramic forced fan heating
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 23"H x 8"W
  • Number of Settings: Three
  • Manufacturer: Comfort Zone
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Coverage: Whole room
Pros
  • Forced-fan heating effectively distributes heat
  • Oscillation helps spread heat throughout room
  • Digital thermostat maintains temperature
Cons
  • No fan-only option

The PureGuardian HTR410B Space Heater does it all! In the winter, it delivers powerful heat quickly. In the summer, its fan-only mode provides a cool breeze. But there's really more to this heater...

The oscillation feature helps heat an entire room by spreading the warm air throughout. You can keep the temperature comfortable as well thanks to the programmable thermostat. When the seasons change, flip it to fan-only mode and you've got yourself a great oscillating fan for spring and summer!

The PureGuardian HTR410B is equipped with plenty of safety features for peace of mind. The safety tip-over switch shuts the unit off if it gets knocked over, and overheat protection keeps it from getting too hot. Use the timer to have the unit automatically shut off after the duration of your choice. There's also a debris screen that helps keep the motor free of obstructions.

All in all, the PureGuardian HTR410B Oscillating Space Heater is a very solid choice to keep things warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Key Features
  • 1,500W heat with two settings
  • Programmable thermostat
  • Remote control
  • 12-hour automatic shutoff
  • Debris screen
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 8.25"W x 8.25"D x 27.25"H
  • Number of Settings: Two
  • Manufacturer: PureGuardian
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Coverage: Whole Room
Pros
  • Quick and powerful heating
  • Programmable thermostat to maintain room temperature
  • Fan-only mode for cool air
  • Oscillation helps warm entire room
  • Safety tip-over switch and overheat protection
Cons
  • Fairly noisy operation

High heating bills in the wintertime... a necessary evil, right? Not necessarily. One of the main reasons so many people use space heaters in their homes is that a good heater can effectively and efficiently provide heat to individual rooms or areas. Think of it like this — if you know you're going to be in your family room watching a movie for two hours, plug in a space heater to heat that room while keeping your thermostat down. Or if you tend to get chilly while you sleep, turn the heat down each night and bring a space heater into the bedroom with you. By keeping the overall temperature in your home lower, and only heating the areas you're in, you can potentially save on your monthly heating bill. So, let's look at a few types of space heaters.

A space heater can take on multiple shapes and forms. There are oil radiator heaters, wall heaters, baseboard heaters, and so on. But we're going to focus on the more popular and commonly used type of space heater — the portable. A portable space heater doesn't necessarily mean a tiny unit... larger heaters with wheels are also considered portable. If you can easily move it from room to room, it's a portable space heater. Those are the ones we'll take a look at.

Related: The 10 Best Outdoor Heaters of 2019

Where to start? Let's begin with the type of heater you want. The most common is a ceramic heater, which uses a ceramic (go figure!) heating element. It can regulate its own temperature without wires and coils to generate heat, which causes the element to reduce its own temperature as the desired temperature is reached. This helps ensure reliability, long life, and safety when heating. The other popular choice is an infrared heater. Infrared heaters are generally more energy-efficient than other types of space heaters because, rather than heating the air, infrared heaters only warm the objects that the infrared heat radiation touches —  similarly to how sunlight warms objects.

Once you've established which type of space heater works best for you, it's time to determine how powerful a heater you need. And the way to figure that out is to get a general area measurement of the rooms you plan on heating. The best rule of thumb to follow is, you want 10 watts of power for every square foot of floor area in a room. For example, if your room measures 150 square feet, a 1,500-watt space heater should do the trick. Worth noting, however, is that an infrared heater can potentially heat a larger room due to the type of heat it emits. And if you have ceilings taller than 8 feet, make it 10 watts for every 1.25 square feet so you get the right coverage.

Now let's look at some features. For set-it-and-forget-it convenience, make sure your space heater has a programmable thermostat and timer. That way, you can set the temperature to your desired comfort level, let it do its thing, and the heater will shut off once it reaches that temperature or time limit. Many space heaters also come with remote controls, so you don't even have to get out of bed or off the couch to adjust settings or power the unit on and off. Some people like having a fan-only option so the heater can be used in warmer weather as well. And oscillation is a nice feature to have, for more even heat distribution.

Safety is key when it comes to space heaters. Fortunately, most units (regardless of type) are designed with safety in mind and feature some type of automatic shutoff — it might be a sensor, or it might be a cutoff switch--that activates if the heater is knocked over or picked up. This is a huge comfort, knowing the heater will not keep running if it's tipped over. There are quite a few heaters out there with stay-cool housing as well, meaning it's cool to the touch even while it's running. This is an awesome feature if you have small kids or pets in your home.

Space heaters are great to have around once the temperatures drop, and now that you have all the info you need, you can confidently choose the one that's right for you!

Resources— Sylvane, The Spruce, Newair.

FAQ

Q: What are the different types of indoor space heaters?

There are many different types of space heaters, and some can be ideal in specific situations due to the way they create and conduct heat. There are ceramic heaters, which create heat from heated ceramic plates; water, or oil-filled heaters, which emit heat from water or oil that is thermostatically controlled; infrared heaters, which can use a metallic spiral or quartz element that is electrically charged; and vortex heaters, which use a fan to blow out hot air to warm your space.

Usually if you have a larger space, and want the room to be heated, water and oil-filled convection heaters do the job well by circulating heat throughout the area. For those who prefer to be heated themselves with the space heater, a vortex type can be more helpful to you, although it’s important to be careful that these aren’t set too close to any object, wall, or person, to avoid danger and ensure safe use.

Q: What’s the difference between a radiant and a convection heater?

A radiant heater is a space heater that conducts heat via a fan blowing hot air into the room or area. These are most ideal for those who prefer to have heat in one specific area, such as for an object or person in the room, rather than heating the whole room. It provides quick warmth to whatever is set in front of it, and because of this, they can become dangerous if they aren’t watched properly when in use. Too-close proximity to these heaters can cause burning, as well as posing fire threats to objects that are near it.

Convection heaters are great for warming up a whole room, as they circulate hot air through the room by allowing it to rise to the ceiling, with cooler air to falling to the floor. These heaters can be very hot to the touch, so should be set in an area with less foot traffic.

Q: What should I do if my space heater gives off a burning smell?

In some cases, a burning smell coming from your space heater may not be a cause for alarm, as it could be an issue of dust burning once you turn on your heater after a while. In this case, the smell is likely not too strong, and will dissipate after the first use or so.

If the smell is more alarming and consistent, it could be an issue of a clogged air filter in your heater. Replacing the air filter can give your heater a much less frightening, and cleaner smell. Burning smells can also be due to anything near your heater being too close in proximity, so it’s best to move objects from around your heater to ensure that no flammable objects are at risk.

Q: Are space heaters safe to leave on while I’m asleep or not at home?

Generally, it is not a good idea to leave space heaters on for a prolonged amount of time. Not only can they pose a fire threat to any flammable objects around, but they can cause internal mechanical issues if left on for too long, and can even cause dry skin.

The best thing to do with your space heater is to heat your room for 2-3 hours before you plan on going to bed. This way, your room will conserve heat and may stay warm for several hours while you sleep, and you won’t have to worry about potentially getting up in the middle of the night in a sweltering room to turn off your heater.

If you are away from your home, it is never a good idea to leave a space heater on, as you could cause a fire you might not be able to stop if you’re not there. Turning off your space heaters when you’re away is a habit that will be well worth your time to avoid any potential danger.

Q: How should I clean my space heater if it gets dusty?

Because space heaters can tend to collect a lot of dust build up, it’s important to keep them clean to allow them to continue working properly, and working well for your space-heating needs. To keep your space heater clean, be sure that your heater is fully unplugged and/or cooled down to the touch before attempting to clean it off. Dusting your heater is an easy way to keep dust at bay, and doing this weekly will allow you to see great performance in your heater.

You could also use a vacuum cleaner to suck up the dust from the grill or vent of your heater. General manual cleaning also works well, but it is best to use dry cloths to clean instead of wet or damp cleaning agents, as this can get too far into your unit and prevent your heater from functioning altogether. Also be sure to check your manufacturer’s cleaning guides to ensure that you’re cleaning your unit’s filters properly.

Share this Buyers Guide About The Author