A space heater is a no-brainer if you're looking to save money on your energy bill this winter.
While winter has been a little funky this year with some parts of the country in record lows and others in record highs, you might be in need of some extra heat. If you're in a chill zone, you might want to invest in a good space heater. During the colder months, these budget-friendly hot boxes don't just prevent frozen feet, the best space heaters can also save you serious money on your energy bill by lowering your dependence on heavy furnace use. They also give you ambient heat in any room you're occupying, without wasting energy.
If you share a home with a cold-tolerant person, a quality space heater can also help create a comfort zone without threatening your significant other with hot flashes. If cold feet are specifically what you're trying to avoid, a space heater can ensure you never have to get out of the bed or shower without a toasty landing pad.
Space heaters come in several varieties, with the easiest being electric models that simply plug into the wall and start delivering heat via a number of various mechanisms. And if you're wondering whether space heaters are safe to use, the answer is yes, if you use them properly. However, there is some risk of fire, so we encourage you to read this space heater safety guide before you plug one in. Below, we've rounded up the best space heater models for 2024 for all your ambient heat needs.
Read more: Ready to Pull Out Your Space Heater? Here's How Much It'll Cost You
Vornado's models topped just about every best list out there where space heaters are concerned, so you can't go wrong with a variety of Vornado products, no matter your space or heat needs this season, with the VH2 being its most consistently singled-out performer. This whole-room space heater circulates heated air throughout a medium-size room, like a furnace in miniature, maintaining a consistent temperature without a significant space requirement. It is reported to be among the quietest models available, with several users remarking that it was quiet enough to sleep with while operating. Its plastic exterior stays comparatively cool to the touch, making it among the safest bets for households with pets and children. Vornado also offers a 5-year support term, making it easy to address technical issues should any arise.
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$38 at Amazon $40 at Ace Hardware $38 at Amazon
At a fraction of the space imprint of the Vornado model above, and about a third of the cost, Lasko's Ceramic Heater 754200 is an excellent starting place if you're still in a trial mindset where a space heater is concerned. Lasko also had a preponderance of mentions for several models among review sites.
Its compact size is better suited to smaller spaces such as small bedrooms or home offices, or even desktop or counter use rather than an entire room. If you live with a perpetually warm person, as mentioned above, this may be an ideal model for creating different heat zones within the same room. Otherwise, users report that it warms up quickly and reliably -- ideal for helping you get out of bed on a chilly morning -- and its lightweight nature makes it especially easy to move around the house with you as your additional heat needs dictate.
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$42 at Walmart $35 at Amazon $42 at Walmart
While the previous two models were the most singled out among product testing sites, this Honeywell model had one of the highest user ratings on retailers' sites. The feature here that significantly sets it apart from every other model is its 360 degrees of air circulation, relying on top and bottom vents to pull in air ad circulate warm air around its circumference. Several users mentioned that because of its multidirectional airflow, it made it especially useful for bedroom use to create ambient warmth in a medium-sized space without an intense, one-directional flow.
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$525 at Amazon $530 at Best Buy $525 at Amazon
While several space heaters here have a fan-only option for cooling during the warmer months, Dyson offers one of the few models that not only has both of these features but works as a HEPA air purifier as well. Dyson's products typically demand a higher price, and this is no exception, but it is perhaps worth it, given its one-and-done functionality and sleek design. This dual model had the highest user satisfaction rating among retailer sites, with many people pointing out that it was especially ideal for allergy sufferers, as well as lauding its year-round utility.
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$110 at Amazon $110 at Amazon
Tower-style space heaters, and especially those that oscillate like this DeLonghi Ceramic Tower Heater model, are some of the best options for heating a large space such as a larger bedroom or living room. Their radiant heat is capable of reaching more space both vertically and horizontally because of its size and functionality. This model also had one of the highest user ratings among retail sites, with many users mentioning how quiet it ran, and singling out the utility of the remote control and digital display, which is a less common feature among the space heaters I researched. Several also commented how this space heater felt like it was capable of heating the whole room, rather than just delivering heat to its immediate surroundings.
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$160 at Amazon $170 at Best Buy $160 at Amazon
Good news for those with mid-century decor who can't bear the thought of an industrial appliance interrupting their curated look. Vornado's VHeat Vintage Metal Heater manages to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, called out by basically every review site I considered. Again, Vornado's products overall tended to top the lists of best space heaters, and this model is more than just attractive, functioning accordingly, with users reporting it delivered sufficient heat to a small space on both its low and high settings.
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$54 at Amazon $54 at Amazon
Of all the rooms in your house, none are as disappointing when overly chilly as your bathroom. Who wants to get out of a hot shower on a cold day and be greeted with the rude awakening of arctic air on wet skin? You can't put just any space heater in the bathroom, however, which adds additional safety considerations because of the moisture element. Among those that are specifically designed to be bathroom-safe, this Dreo model was the clear winner, not to mention Amazon's best seller in space heaters overall because of its versatility and price. The Dreo DR-HSH004A is equipped with a special safety plug that cuts the power immediately upon contact with water, and its small footprint makes it ideal for one of the smallest rooms in your house with the biggest heat needs.
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Our list of space heaters was aggregated from numerous review sites for those models that were most frequently mentioned, as well as best-selling models at major retailers such as Amazon, Target, Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond. I researched the space heaters in this list by analyzing specs and user reviews, diving deep for mentions of persistent issues, and considering the available features and functionality compared to price as a measure of each model's overall value. I focused primarily on those models that had extremely high user ratings, typically 4.5 and above with at least 1,000 ratings.
While I didn't bring every model home and perform extensive hands-on testing, I was able to examine most models in person to get a feel for the design, footprint and intuitiveness of its controls.
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Space heaters come in all shapes and sizes and use different elements to heat a room. We're here to help you find the perfect fit for winter.
Most electric space heaters that operate solely in that function, (and not as a dual air purifier, for instance,) are priced below $150, with many models on this list costing less than $100. Several smaller, well-regarded budget models may even run you less than $50. The size of the unit, additional features, number of settings and heating element all contribute to the overall cost of a space heater.
There are no standard sizes or shapes for electric space heaters, and most of the space heaters I researched did not specify the square footage for coverage, other than to mention its capacity to heat a "small to medium" space or to specify room types such as a bedroom or office. Space heaters may be indicated as tabletop, floor, or bathroom models, and many also come as tall but narrow "tower" models, which may or may not oscillate, that have a smaller footprint and therefore a smaller horizontal space requirement.
While this list consists only of electric space heaters, (as opposed to water- or oil-heated models,) there are several different mechanisms that electric space heaters may utilize to create heated air.
Fan-forced: Fan-forced space heaters circulate air by pulling it into the unit, and passing it over a heating element, typically metal coils, expelling the heated air through exhaust vents in the unit.
Infrared: Infrared bulbs are those which convert electricity into radiant heat. This is the least common type among the space heaters we included here, but no less effective.
Ceramic: Ceramic space heaters utilize electricity to heat a ceramic plate within the unit, which then emits radiant heat into the air, with or without the additional use of a fan.
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The simple answer is: Yes, a space heater can be a fire hazard, and therefore is an appliance that must be utilized correctly and with caution. (Please read our guide on How to Safely Run Your Space Heater for more information. Most space heater fires are the result of user error and not a malfunctioning machine.) Most space heaters, and all that we have included in our list, have certain safety features built in, such as tip-over or overheating protection to reduce the risk of fire or injury. This doesn't eliminate all the risk of having a space heater in your home, however, especially if your household has children or pets.
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Space heaters work by emitting heated air in the immediate area, heating a small to medium-size space without needing to use a central heating system. Space heaters work via several possible mechanisms, typically either radiant heat with a ceramic heating unit, or fan-forced, which utilizes air circulation, or both. Infrared space heaters are also available, though less common. While we have focused here on electric space heaters, since they are the most abundant for home use, there are also space heater models that utilize a liquid such as water or oil to produce ambient heat.
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Space heaters typically receive positive reviews from those who use them, and while most of the space heaters I studied did not specify a coverage area, a well-functioning space heater should provide sufficient heat to its immediate area to be able to lower the thermostat on your central heating system. The effectiveness of a space heater is largely a personal perception since it depends on the initial conditions of the space you are trying to heat. Larger rooms with high ceilings and an open plan may be more difficult to heat overall than small spaces that can be enclosed, as are spaces that are colder or damper to begin with than those that get an assist from direct sunlight.
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Your space heater model should include instructions on placement for best use, but typically a space heater should be placed within an enclosed area that you are trying to heat, such as near a desk or chair that you are occupying, or on a table or counter top where you are working. Space heaters should never be placed against a wall, blocking an entryway, near any flammable fabrics such as curtains, or any place where moisture is a threat, except for models that are specifically designed for bathroom use.
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Currently, the US Environmental Protection Agency does not evaluate space heaters for its Energy Star certification. While various space heaters utilize differing amounts of energy depending on their size and output setting, if you're utilizing a space heater to reduce reliance on your central heating system by heating only the room or area you are occupying, many sites have noted that this is an effective way to reduce your energy costs in colder months.
Show moreSpace heaters can be a fast and economical way to warm up your home when temperatures dip — and they can be a beneficial tool to keep on hand in case of emergencies. Whether it’s a drafty bedroom or outside on the patio during a cool night, these portable devices allow you to bring an effective boost of heat wherever you need it.
SKIP AHEAD The best space heaters | How to shop for a space heater
“Outdoor space heaters are a great way to warm up areas of your yard or patio so that you can still get together with friends and family even as the days get cooler,” said Bailey Carson, home-care expert at Angi.
To determine the best space heater for you, we spoke to home and safety experts about the benefits of space heaters, what features to look for when shopping for one and how to use them safely.
To help give you an idea of the space heater choices out there, we rounded up expert-recommended options at various price points. Each one carries either the ETL or UL label, which means they were tested by an independent testing agency to ensure they meet the Underwriters Laboratory requirements for safety. Experts also shared their favorite space heaters from brands like Dyson, Vornado, Lasko and more.
Glenn Wiseman, sales manager of Top Hat Home Comfort Services in Ontario, recommended this portable infrared model for its dual heating system and built-in thermostat that ranges from 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The energy-saving space heater offers 1,500 watts and is powered through a electric cord with 120 volts, which can evenly heat a 150-square-foot room, he said. It also has an automatic 12-hour shutoff timer.
For spaces ranging up to 150 square feet, Arie Van Tuijl, a licensed home inspector and founder of home-maintenance website Home Inspector Secrets, recommended this Lifesmart infrared space heater, which has a maximum setting of 1500 watts. It includes a remote, a 12-hour timer and three different heat modes. It also includes an ”eco setting,” which the brand says maintains a constant 68-degree temperature using less power for when you want to bring it into a smaller room.
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The nice thing about this lightweight, compact space heater is that it can either be mounted on the wall or set on the floor. It also comes with wheels so you can easily move it from room to room. It packs a powerful punch with 1500 watts of heat and has an adjustable thermostat and multiple heat settings so you can personalize for your comfort, according to the brand.
KopBeau’s indoor space heater is Van Tuijl’s overall pick for bedrooms. This oil-fueled convection model has four heating modes: low, medium, high and eco mode, the latter of which the brand says cycles between the highest and lowest settings to maintain your room temperature while reducing energy consumption. The heater also has a 24-hour on/off timer with a remote control for ease of use, according to KopBeau.
Van Tuijl recommends this wall-mounted, convection space heater, which has a temperature controlling thermostat and the brand’s Wall-Sens technology, which cuts out the power for safety when the unit is removed from the wall, according to the brand. The unit, which Envi says heats rooms between 130 and 150 square feet, is just 2 inches thick and can automatically dim the power light in dark rooms.
This Lasko space heater has a bladeless design at a more affordable price than similar brands, like Dyson. Lasko says it’s equipped with a slew of safety features, including a safe touch surface and an automatic 8-hour shut-off switch. With its quiet oscillating mode, this tower can evenly distribute heat in rooms up to 300 square feet, according to the brand.
The AVH10 Vortex Heater from Vornado, a brand that Wiseman says has good safety standards, also has two heat settings and a fan-only option, along with an adjustable thermostat. It can heat rooms up to 300 square feet and features a hidden cord storage compartment at the bottom of the heater, according to Vornado.
Van Tuijl recommends this convection space heater from Dreo due to its easy-to-use touch screen panel, strong heat output and remote control capabilities. This model has three heating modes and a digital thermostat that ranges from 41 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has a timer that automatically shuts off after 12 hours, and the remote lets you turn the unit off from up to 26 feet away, according to the brand.
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04 FanThe bladeless Dyson Pure Hot + Cold is a remote-controlled heater, fan and air purifier all in one, according to the brand. The remote-controlled fan can oscillate up to 350 degrees and offers different modes, including a backward airflow mode that diverts air through the rear of the space heater, continuing its purifying effect without the draft, according to the brand. It also includes a nighttime mode that uses a dimmed display, according to Dyson. Wiseman noted this space heater is “substantially quieter” than many other models and can regulate indoor air quality: using a HEPA-style filter, it can capture 99.97 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns in size, says the brand. The unit can also connect to Wi-Fi so you can control your machine remotely and schedule when your air purifier is on, using the Dyson Link app.
The most affordable option on this list, the portable Lasko Oscillating Ceramic Heater can be a worthwhile option if you’re on a budget. Lasko says this space heater can heat rooms up to 300 square feet and offers two heat levels — low heat and high heat — along with a cool air fan setting. You can also use the thermostat knob to both turn on the unit and have it shut off automatically once a certain temperature has been reached (though the knob itself doesn’t list actual numbers), according to the brand.
The first step when shopping for a space heater is determining the size of the area you plan to warm. Van Tuijl generally recommends buying a space heater that is in the 500-1000 watts range for smaller rooms (which are typically considered 120 square feet or less), and between 1,000 and 1,500 watts for larger rooms.
As a general rule of thumb, according to indoor air-quality company Sylvane, you need roughly 10 watts of heating power for every square foot of floor area in the room. This means that a 1,500-watt space heater can be the primary heat source for an area measuring up to 150 square feet. Carson also says it’s important to make sure your heater is compatible with your space: “If you’re shopping for an indoor space heater, stay away from gas and propane models. If you need a heater for your patio, a gas model may be a good option as long as it’s the correct size. Do a lot of research and read the manufacturer’s guidelines.” Some other key features to look out for while shopping include:
Frequently asked questions
Space heaters are portable devices designed to heat single rooms rather than entire houses, explains Van Tuijl. If you have central heating and some spots in your home get chilly, or you just want a blast of warm air in a given area, space heaters are a great option, he adds. Instead of paying to heat up an entire house and keep it warm, space heaters act as a supplement to your main HVAC system to only increase the temperature in a given area. If you’re on a budget, Carson says an electric space heater will likely “give you the extra warmth you need without breaking the bank.”
But Van Tuijl also adds that a drafty house can reduce the effectiveness of space heaters. “If there are bottom gaps in the exterior doors, a door sweep should be installed, [and] windows frequently have small gaps at the top that can be sealed with weather stripping,” he says. Carson contends that space heaters are predominantly a short-term solution for a specific area. “They aren’t meant to replace a solid heating system — if you find yourself using space heaters to mask uneven heating in your home, bring in a pro to address the root of the problem,” she advises.
In addition to heating up a room, space heaters have several other potential benefits.
Space heaters work fast: A space heater takes less time to distribute heat and warmth within an area compared to an HVAC system, explains Wiseman. “Central heating often takes some time to reach a set temperature,” he says. “It's a convenient way that you can quickly raise the room temperature and add warmth to any space needed.”
Space heaters are consistent: Some space heaters offer a simple high or low heat setting; others allow you to set a specific temperature between 60 and 80 degrees. Regardless, once you find your ideal heat level, space heaters maintain that level in a space for as long as you want.
Portable space heaters come in various shapes and sizes and can work in nearly any space, says Carson. As a rule of thumb , according to indoor air-quality company Sylvane, you need roughly 10 watts of heating power for every square foot of floor area in the room. This means that a 1,500-watt space heater can be the primary heat source for an area measuring up to 150 square feet. There are a few different types to choose from, and each is designed to heat up your space through a different method. There are three main types of space heaters: radiant, convection and combination.
Radiant space heaters
“Radiant heaters are great for large rooms,” says Carson, because rather than warming up an entire area, they emit infrared radiation to heat what’s directly in front of them (not unlike a campfire). “This makes them very good at keeping you warm in large, open spaces,” says Carson. One relevant advantage of these heaters for anyone working from home is that they are silent, portable and easy to install.
Convection space heaters
While radiant heaters will typically warm an individual spot or group of people, convection heaters warm the air in a room. According to Wiseman, the air inside a convector heats up and becomes less dense than the surrounding air. When that happens, the air rises and the cooler air on the floor is drawn into the convector, creating a constant flow. Since convection systems rely on hot air rising and cold air falling, they’re able to silently disperse the heat without using a fan.
Although these space heaters take the longest to warm a room, they are ideal if your goal is even heat distribution, according to experts we spoke to. Common convection models include baseboard or floor heaters (these are typically more permanent options that you can control with a thermostat, but portable options exist too). Those include ceramic convection heaters, which warm the air over hot ceramic plates using a fan, and oil-filled convection heaters, which work by using an electrical element to heat a reservoir of thermal oil inside the appliance. A convection option that can save floor space is a wall heater—some models can be plugged into a wall outlet, but most need to be professionally installed and hardwired inside the wall.
“Convection heaters may not be suitable for homes with small children because they [can] get hot to the touch,” Van Tuijl says.
Combination heaters
Combination heaters utilize a fan to disperse heat relatively quickly, but they can be noisier than convection or radiant options. “The nice thing about these heaters is that they don't get hot enough to become a fire or burn risk and there is no annoying orange glow,” says Van Tuijl. However, he adds that these types of heaters can “dry out the skin” and typically make a lot of noise.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates more than 25,000 residential fires are associated with the use of space heaters every year, and an estimated 6,000 people go to the emergency room for burn injuries associated with contacting the hot surfaces of heaters.
To prevent fires and injuries, many experts recommend looking for space heaters that are tested by independent safety laboratories, like Intertek (ETL) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Joel Hawk, principal engineering manager for small appliances at UL, tells us that these laboratories test space heaters based on nationally recognized safety standards, and add that space heaters can be very safe as long as they’re used per the instructions.
While the features that can certify products as “reasonably safe” vary from one space heater to the other, Hawk says his engineers typically look at whether the product adequately responds to overheating conditions or a malfunction (and if it permanently shuts down in unsafe conditions) and whether there are features that prevent electric shock, like suitable insulation and heat-resistant cords. Another important attribute that’s tested is what Hawk calls “personal injury” — UL tests to ensure the unit won’t catch fire and that there aren’t surfaces hot enough to cause a thermal burn or moving parts that may cause injury if they’re touched.
While independent testing and built-in safety features from the manufacturer can mean a space heater is functionally safe, our experts note that common sense also plays a big role in safety. The CPSC recommends the following safety tips to minimize the risk of fire:
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Mili Godio is an updates editor at Select who covers a wide range of topics including home and kitchen, pet supplies and more. For this article, she spoke to industry experts about how to find the best space heaters and what to keep in mind while shopping.
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