The Best Energy-Efficient Space Heaters, Tested and Reviewed

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Today’s energy-efficient space heaters warm individual rooms, so users needn’t heat unoccupied areas of the house. We tested the most popular space heaters on the market—find out which ones performed the best.

Space heaters offer a convenient and cost-effective way to improve home and office comfort. Personal and large versions increase the warmth in living spaces or offer temporary heat in a garage or a workshop.

Since space heaters are not rated by Energy Star, shopping for the best model can be challenging. We tested the top brands and models to see how much heat they produced and whether they offered energy-saving features, such as built-in thermostats and timers.

Keep reading to find out how the following products earned a spot in our top picks list for the best energy-efficient space heater and discover the pros and cons of each one.

1. BEST OVERALL: Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Lasko Electric Oscillating Ceramic Tower Space Heater
3. MOST VERSATILE: Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX Infrared Space Heater
4. BEST OIL-FILLED: NewAir Portable Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater
5. BEST MICATHERMIC: De’Longhi HMP1500-6A Mica Panel Heater 
6. BEST WI-FI: Atomi Smart Wi-Fi Ceramic Space Heater 
7. BEST AMBIENCE: Maxhonor Electric Fireplace Heater With Remote 
8. BEST FOR BATHROOMS: Lasko Ceramic Bathroom Space Heater With Safety Plug
9. BEST SMART HEATER: Govee Smart Space Heater
10. BEST FOR BASEMENTS: De’Longhi SlimStyle Digital Convection Panel Heater

How We Tested the Best Energy-Efficient Space Heaters

We extensively researched more than 35 different space heaters before selecting the models for our hands-on testing. Brand reputation was considered to an extent—manufacturers like Lasko and De’Longhi are known for producing high-quality products. Yet we didn’t automatically eliminate space heaters made by smaller or niche companies, especially if they offered features like timers, programming, automatic thermostat controls, and smart capabilities that could help home users regulate electrical use to save money.

We scored each space heater using a rubric; the better the heater performed on a specific test, the higher the score it received. We followed the manufacturer’s instructions for testing the heaters, noting the maximum watts of each heater and using that to select the room size for testing. We used the formula of 10 watts of power for every square foot of floor space. For example, we tested 1,500-watt electric space heatersin a room as close to 150 square feet as possible. We noted how long it took for the temperature to increase by 5 degrees Fahrenheit in the room.

In addition to producing heat, we also rated each model on ease of operation, noise level, thermostat accuracy (as compared to an indoor thermometer), portability, and safety features. If the heater featured smart capabilities, we synced it with our Wi-Fi or smart device and noted how well the app worked for controlling or monitoring the heater.

However, keep in mind that a space heater will be more or less efficient in different situations, so our results may not be identical to those of other users. Things like high or vaulted ceilings, many windows, inadequate wall insulation, and outdoor temperature affect how quickly a space heater will warm a room.

Our Top Picks

In one of the coziest tests we’ve ever conducted, the following lineup of electric space heaterscame out on top. Each offers a variety of benefits, ranging from quick heating, a cool-touch exterior, remote control, and/or the safe heating of moisture-prone rooms such as bathrooms. Find out what we liked (and didn’t like) about each model before choosing one for your home.

Best Overall

Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater

Right out of the box, we were sold on the attractiveness of the Dr. Infrared Heater. It comes in a solid-wood case that looks right at home in a living room, great room, or bedroom. We tested the Dr. Infrared in a 13-foot-long by 12-foot-wide room (156 square feet) because it’s a 1,500-watt heater.

Straight away we noticed how quiet the heater runs—it emitted just a slight hum during operation. We set the thermostat 5 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the existing temperature, turned the space heater on high, and closed the door to see how long it would take to warm the room. Within 15 minutes, we could feel a temperature difference; at 33 minutes, the room’s temperature had increased by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, we examined the space heater’s other features. We tested the timer function and checked how much heat the unit put out on low and eco modes. We were able to operate the heater from the unit itself and also from the included remote.

We also tested the standby mode, which lets the user know that the heater is plugged in and ready to go, yet the heat is turned off. This feature failed to impress us: A light remains on, but the heater is off while in standby mode, so it just seemed redundant. We did like the timer function that let us turn the unit on and select a running time up to 12 hours. The timer worked well and shut the heater off at the preset time.

Our favorite function on the Dr. Infrared was the thermostat control. We could select the desired temperature, and the heater would go on and off as needed to keep the room at that consistent temperature. Last but not least, we tipped the heater over, and it immediately shut off—a safety feature many electric space heatersinclude to prevent accidental fires.

Product Specs 

• Type: Infrared
• Watts: 1,500
• Power source: Corded electric

Pros

• Features 3 heating modes (high, low, and eco) to suit individual needs
• Digital numbers are large and easy to see—even from across the room
• Warms up the room quickly and then turns on and off to maintain the temperature
• Caster wheels roll smoothly; the hardwood case is attractive

Cons

• Standby mode doesn’t offer any particular benefits beyond the function of the power switch

Get the Dr. Infrared energy-efficient space heater at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Lasko Electric Oscillating Ceramic Tower Space Heater

There’s no need to spend a lot on a space heater. The 1,500-watt Lasko ceramic tower space heater combines oscillating action with a blower for the effective heating of moderately sized rooms. As with many of today’s electric heaters of this kind, we found the exterior stayed cool to the touch while the heater was running. Plus, there’s tip-over protection to reduce the risk of fires.

This model features 1,500 watts of heat-producing power on high, so we tested it in our 156-square-foot room. Rather than an LED thermostat, the Lasko heater registers the temperature in the room in 5-degree Fahrenheit increments, from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. We used our indoor thermometer to measure the current temperature in the room and then turned the Lasko on high to see how long it would take to raise the temperature by 5 degrees Fahrenheit. According to our indoor thermometer, it took 23 minutes for the Lasko to heat the room by the full 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

This tower model doesn’t boast many bells and whistles, but it does offer a 1-, 2-, and 4-hour timer, and we found the oscillating mode very nice for evenly distributing the heat around the room.There’s also a handle for portability. We would have appreciated a remote control, but this basic heater works well at a very competitive price, so we can definitely recommend it for shoppers on a budget.

Product Specs 

• Type: Ceramic
• Watts: 1,500
• Power source: Corded electric

Pros

• Push-button space heater is simple and straightforward to use
• Oscillating capability allows it to heat the room more evenly
• Turns off immediately when tipped over to prevent fires
• Lightweight construction and a built-in handle make it easy to move from room to room

Cons

• No remote control included

Get the Lasko Tower energy-efficient space heater at Amazon.

Most Versatile

Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX Infrared Space Heater

Flexibility is a great feature in a space heater, and the Heat Storm infrared space heater has it since it can be mounted on a wall or sat on a surface. This unit has 1,500 watts of heating power, so we tested it in the same 156-square-foot room. Since it boasts smart capabilities, we downloaded the Smart Life app and synched the heater with our Wi-Fi and smartphone. From there, we could see the room’s existing temperature and turn the space heater on.

It took just 18 minutes for the Heat Storm to increase the temperature in the room by 5 degrees Fahrenheit. We found it to be pretty quiet, emitting a soft hum from its fan, but it wasn’t an annoying noise.

This model can be hung on a wall or safely placed on a table or floor with a pair of plastic feet that can be attached to the bottom. We found the plastic feet simple to connect, and they kept the heater level and stable. The unit also has tip-over protection for safety.

Unfortunately, we weren’t big fans of the mounting setup. The mounting holes on the backside are 13.75 inches apart, which is too short a distance to mount to wall studs that are typically 16 inches apart. Only one screw can be inserted in a stud, while the other must be inserted in drywall with an anchor bolt. The Heat Storm only weighs 9 pounds, so it’s probably OK to mount it to drywall, but we would have preferred to mount it to two studs for extra stability.

In addition to being Wi-Fi capable, the Heat Storm comes with a remote, and a timer is accessible from the app or the remote. The app also allowed us to set a programming schedule for the heater. We appreciated being able to adjust the temperature from a touch screen on the front of the heater, and overall, we enjoyed the versatility of the unit.

Product Specs

• Type: Infrared
• Watts: 1,500
• Power source: Corded, electric

Pros

• Wi-Fi capable; syncs with a home network
• Can be operated via an app on a smart device
• Either use wall-mounted or on a floor or table
• Comes with a remote control for easy operation

Cons

• Spacing of wall-mounting holes is too narrow to attach to adjacent wall studs

Get the Heat Storm energy-efficient space heater at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Oil-Filled

NewAir Portable Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater

The nice thing about oil-filled space heaters is that once they heat up, they can radiate warmth for hours—similar to the way old-school radiators work. This NewAir model, which features oil-filled channels and has no fan, proved itself quite capable in testing and was completely silent to boot. While it weighs more than 17 pounds, it comes with easy-roll caster wheels, so we had no trouble moving it from one room to another.

We tested it in our 156-square-foot room because it’s rated at 1,500 watts, but it took nearly 40 minutes (on high) to raise the room’s temperature by 5 degrees Fahrenheit. We felt that was due to the heater being completely radiant (no fan to disperse the hot air). But once it warmed up, it continued to radiate gentle heat continuously.

There are five temperature settings in addition to five timer settings, ranging from 2 hours to 10 hours. It can be controlled from the panel on the front or from the remote. The heater shut off when we tipped it over, but it still took about 15 minutes to cool down enough to touch it safely—and that is its only real downside. The NewAir gets quite hot to the touch—it’s a radiator, after all—so it’s not suitable for use around small children.

Product Specs 

• Type: Oil-filled
• Watts: 1,500
• Power source: Corded, electric

Pros

• Radiant heat doesn’t dry the air; boon in winter when dry heat can cause discomfort
• Oil-filled space heater has no fan, so it’s completely silent during operation
• Smooth caster wheels make it easy to roll the heater from room to room

Cons

• Took 40 minutes during testing for the heater to raise the room temperature by 5 degrees Fahrenheit
• Gets very hot to the touch, making it unsuitable for use around small children

Get the NewAir energy-efficient space heater at The Home Depot or NewAir.

Best Micathermic

De’Longhi HMP1500-6A Mica Panel Heater

Micathermic heaters use a combination of convection and infrared heating to bring warmth to the room. During testing, this 1,500-watt De’Longhi model, set on high, raised the temperature in our 156-square-foot room by 5 full degrees Fahrenheit in 18 minutes. It has a narrow panel design that produces radiant heat from the front of the heater while the sides and back remain cool. This compact, slim design is also space saving, and the unit was pretty quiet while running.

The included caster wheels were easy to attach via hand-twisted knobs on the bottom (no tools necessary). This heater can also be mounted on a wall but will require drywall anchors, which are not included. By simply twisting the control dials on the side of the heater, we could adjust the heat level and fan speed. It turned off immediately when we tipped it over. Our only concern is that the front panel does become hot to the touch, so we would not recommend it for families with small children unless it’s mounted out of reach on a wall.

Product Specs

• Type: Micathermic
• Watts: 1,500
• Power source: Corded, electric

Pros

• 2 side dials turn to adjust both heat output and fan
• Shuts off immediately when tipped over—an important safety feature
• Either attach the caster wheels for easy rolling or mount the unit to a wall

Cons

• Front panel becomes hot to the touch, making it unsuitable for rooms with small children

Get the De’Longhi energy-efficient space heater at De’Longhi.

Best Wi-Fi

Atomi Smart Wi-Fi Ceramic Space Heater

The 1,500-watt Atomi tower space heater is ideal for folks who prefer to control the warmth in a room via an app. This efficient electric space heater has three power settings, a thermostat, a timer, and standard safety features. In testing, it heated our 156-square-foot test room quickly, raising the temperature 5 degrees Fahrenheit in just 17 minutes.

We liked the convenience of operating the unit from its touch panel or from our smartphone via the Atomi app. We downloaded the app, and it walked us through the setup process. Users must have a Wi-Fi home network to control the heater with the app.

We could adjust the desired temperature in 1 degree Fahrenheit increments or select high, medium, or eco settings. There’s also a countdown timer with 1-hour increments, and we were able to set daily and weekly schedules for turning the heater on and off. The only downside to the Atomi is that lengthy schedules can’t be programmed from the touch screen—that must be done from the app.

This is a safer space heater than some because the outer case remains cool to the touch. The Atomi shut off immediately when we tipped it over and sent an alert to our smartphone. In addition, we could use the app to sync the Atomi heater with our Alexa system and then use voice controls, such as “Alexa, turn off the heater.”Though operation isn’t completely silent, we found the sound of the fan to be minimal.

Product Specs

• Type: Ceramic
• Watts: 1,500
• Power source: Corded electric

Pros

• Multiple heat settings; ability to program heating schedules via Atomi app
• Voice control is possible with Alexa or Google Home smart-home systems
• Produces ample heat and oscillates to distribute warmth uniformly

Cons

• On the pricey side compared to other tower heaters
• Scheduling programs is only possible from the app and not the touch screen

Get the Atomi Smart energy-efficient space heater at Amazon.

Best Ambience

Maxhonor Electric Fireplace Heater With Remote

Most space heaters don’t do much for ambience, but the Maxhonor electric fireplace lights things up with delightful faux flames, so we enjoyed both the ambience of the heater and its cozy warmth. While it’s a 1,500-watt heater, it took almost 30 minutes on high to rai