The Best Space Heaters to Keep Your Home Toasty, Tested

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Learn the features that matter most in a space heater so you can find the unit that works best for your needs and budget.

Ever-rising utility costs can make heating an entire house prohibitively pricey. To save money but still keep occupied areas comfortable—say, the living room during a movie marathon—many renters and homeowners take advantage of space heaters. Today’s models offer basic heating features at more affordable prices, newer bells and whistles, and all-important upgraded safety features. To help potential buyers spot those that offer the features they want most, we put the space heaters below through a series of hands-on testing.

The best space heater for any particular area will depend on the room’s size, the type of heater, and whether it will be used in a home with children and/or pets. Testing took place in the home—in real-life scenarios to put performance and safety features on the spot—and gave us an inside look at how their features function over time. We also spoke to Robin Saidov, an energy industry expert, electrical engineer, and the owner of Your Energy Footprint, a company in Westport, Connecticut, that educates consumers on ways they can be more energy efficient. Ahead, learn what we found, how to navigate all of the market options, and find out why the models below are among the best space heaters available.

1. BEST OVERALL: Govee Smart Portable Electric Space Heater
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Amazon Basics 1,500-Watt Oscillating Ceramic Heater
3. UPGRADE PICK: AirNmore Comfort Deluxe Infrared Space Heater
4. DESIGN PICK: Lasko 1500W Designer Series Ceramic Space Heater
5. MOST CONSISTENT TEMP: De’Longhi Dragon Digital Full-Room Radiant Heater
6. BEST FOR LARGE ROOMS: Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater
7. BEST FOR BATHROOMS: Vornado VH10 Whole Room Heater
8. BEST FOR BASEMENTS: De’Longhi SlimStyle Digital Convection Panel Heater
9. BEST FOR LIVING ROOMS: Heat Storm 1500-Watt Logan Deluxe Infrared Heater
10. ALSO CONSIDER: Amazon Basics Portable Manual-Control Radiator Heater

Before You Buy a Space Heater

A space heater can be a welcome source of supplemental warmth in a chilly room, especially if it also saves money on utility costs by allowing the user to turn the HVAC thermostat down a few degrees. Keep in mind that space heaters get very hot and, if used carelessly, they can lead to a house fire. Before looking for a space heater, it’s a good idea for shoppers to call their homeowners insurance agent, since some insurance policies will not cover damages from a fire caused by a space heater.

How We Tested the Best Space Heaters

We tested these space heaters in person, in real-world situations. They were all tested in a home office setting where the office was 150 to 200 square feet in size. One of the test offices also had large windows, so the room temperature fluctuated more often. We tried them on different surfaces, from plush carpet to bare floors.

For models with a digital display, we set the thermostat between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to see how well the space heater kept a consistent room temperature. From there, we made adjustments to settings (low and high), timers, and safety features. For example, we tipped over every single space heater to make sure it turned off.

Models designed to turn on and off based on the thermostat were left running to see how they performed over time. Some stayed in standby mode for hours without turning on because a furnace kept the room at temperature. We wanted to make sure they wouldn’t turn on if it wasn’t necessary. Ease of use was also a consideration, and models with remote controls or intuitive designs got higher marks from us.

Besides taking into account the size of the room you’re planning to heat, Saidov says it’s a good idea to “find a model that has a set temperature.” She adds, “This will ensure that the unit doesn’t overheat the space.” She also says to make sure the space heater is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certified, a third-party certification that means the heater meets certain safety standards. And, most importantly, “Electric space heaters should always be plugged into a wall outlet and grounded. Using extension cords and power strips can be a fire hazard.”

Testing Stats
Products tested	11
Time spent testing	11 hours
Tests performed	4
Price range	$35 to $295

Our Top Picks

To qualify as a top pick, a space heater needed to show in our testing that it was powerful enough to heat the intended room. We also made sure each included safety features that would turn the unit off if it fell over. The following models are suited to various heating needs, and any one of them might well serve a variety of situations.

Best Overall

Govee Smart Portable Electric Space Heater

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Watts: 1,500
• Weight: 4.52 pounds
• Dimensions: 6 inches diameter by 11.4 inches tall

Pros

• Smart heater connects to users’ phones or digital voice assistants to increase usability and function
• Compact design produced enough heat to quickly warm a 150-square-foot room
• At only 4.52 pounds, the heater is plenty portable and versatile
• Features a soothing and customizable night-light that’s perfect for bedrooms

Cons

• No remote control, and will require connecting to phones or smart-home technology to control remotely 

Folks looking for a small electric space heater that has plenty of bells and whistles (and style) will want to consider the Govee electric space heater. This compact model features a 1,5000-watt (W) maximum output while measuring just 6 inches in diameter and 11.4 inches tall. We found it easy to set on a nightstand, the floor, a table, or just about anywhere else, considering it weighs only 4.52 pounds.

This smart space heater has several basic modes. It operates on high, medium, or low and features an auto setting that cycles the heater on and off or to low mode whenever the temperature setting is reached. It has an oscillation mode with a 75-degree range of motion. The Govee can be set to a timer, if desired, and it has a night-light, a tip-over safety mode, overheating protection, a safety lock, and an automatic 24-hour timer.

But the Govee’s basic modes are just a start; it also has smart connectivity that really unlocks its potential. Once linked to the user’s smartphone through the Govee app, users can set the temperature of the Govee to auto through Alexa or Google Assistant, and control all the basic functions from their phones. They can also set up custom night-light colors, gradients, and patterns. The Govee also connects with a compatible (but not included) hygrometer to help the home remain as comfortable as possible. 

Maybe other than the fact that it doesn’t come with its own remote, there’s just too much to like for this heater to be anything but the best overall. We found it easy to use, quiet (under 40 decibels on high), and compact despite producing a lot of heat. It warmed a 150-square-foot bedroom from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in about 10 minutes. We also couldn’t help but admire the night-light, which is totally customizable by color and brightness. 

Get the Govee space heater at Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

Amazon Basics 1,500-Watt Oscillating Ceramic Heater

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4/5; Noise 3/5; Portability 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs

• Watts: 1,500
• Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 10.04 inches tall by 6.34 inches wide by 7.52 inches deep

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to set up and adjust; the controls are simple and intuitive
• Heater’s oscillating feature does a good job distributing heat throughout the room
• Small and compact design makes it easy to store when not in use

Cons

• Does not include a display to show exact thermostat setting, causing a little guess work

For a reasonable price, this oscillating heater provides 1,500 watts of heat, enough to keep a 150-square-foot room warm and cozy. It features three power outputs (low, high, and fan only), plus tip-over shutoff for safety should it inadvertently get knocked over. There’s a simple on/off switch for easy operation and a thermostat dial that allows the user to select the desired temperature. After the user sets the thermostat, the heater will turn itself on and off to maintain the selected temperature. It weighs a mere 3.2 pounds and boasts a handle on the back for easy toting from room to room.

While this simple heater did well during testing, it doesn’t have any features that make it stand out. The basic heat functions worked well, and the adjustable thermostat triggered an automatic shutoff. However, it could use a display to show the exact temperature setting. The current variable thermostat left us guessing as to the temperature we were choosing. Overall, it’s lightweight, portable, and made quick work of heating a 150-square-foot office.

Get the Amazon Basics oscillating space heater at Amazon.

Upgrade Pick

AirNmore Comfort Deluxe Infrared Space Heater

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4/5; Noise 3/5; Portability 3/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs

• Watts: 1,500
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Dimensions: 16.75 inches tall by 13 inches wide by 16.5 inches deep

Pros

• Onboard cord storage and 4 casters add to easy maneuverability and neat storage
• Comfortable penetrating heat is great for heating rooms during cold winter months
• Includes particle filter for cleaner air, making it ideal for sensitive users

Cons

• With its large size, this model is a little more conspicuous space heater

For warmth and peace of mind, consider the ample safety features of the AirNmore Comfort Deluxe infrared space heater. Though it will heat a room up to 150 square feet, its outer casing will remain cool to the touch, which is crucial for homes with kids and pets. The tip-over safety function shuts the unit off if it gets knocked over, but since it weighs 22 pounds, this is a less likely scenario than with some smaller models. A 14-gauge cord with a three-prong heater plug reduces the risk of the cord melting from overheating.

The power level is adjustable, and the heater has a built-in thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature. A removable, washable filter prevents dust from recirculating in the air. Users might mistake this space heater for an old-time radio; it definitely looks more design-friendly than some other more utilitarian models. We loved this heater in testing, although with infrared heaters, users have to direct the heat toward themselves. It’s a penetrating heat, but only if it hits the body.

A tiny remote control let us change modes (low or high) and temperatures while working at a desk, and we liked that we could precisely adjust the temperature setting and see it on the display. The downside with this AirNmore space heater is its size. It’s big and takes up a lot of room while heating up a relatively small 150-square-foot space. However, the casters make moving this behemoth out of the way when not in use fairly easy.

Get the AirNmore space heater at Amazon or Walmart.

Design Pick

Lasko 1500W Designer Series Ceramic Space Heater

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs

• Watts: 1,500
• Weight: 6.89 pounds
• Dimensions: 16 inches tall by 11 inches wide by 11 inches deep

Pros

• Attractive design that doesn’t look like a heater, allowing it to blend in well 
• Has 3 automatic timer settings and automatic shutoff for added peace of mind
• Comes with a handy remote control to adjust any of the settings from across the room
• Warms a room fairly quickly, making it ideal for medium-size rooms

Cons

• Shuts off when the desired temp is reached, and then has to be turned on again

This electric heater from Lasko’s Designer series has smooth contours and rests on an attractive base so that it looks more like a work of art than a space heater. Appearance aside, the ceramic model effectively heats rooms up to 150 square feet by oscillating smoothly from side to side for uniform heat distribution. Switch between its adjustable heat settings via the remote; the Lasko can even be programmed in advance to turn on and off when desired. This handsome space heater also features a safety shutoff in case the unit tips over.

This beauty was a pleasant surprise during testing because it cranks out the heat. It might be designed to heat 150-square-foot spaces, but it can do more than that with the heat it puts out. The oscillating setting spread the heat far and wide, quickly warming our 200-square-foot test space (another office) to perfection. We liked that we could pick the temperature setting, though it only goes in 5 degree Fahrenheit increments. Plus, it comes with a timer that automatically turns the unit off after 1, 2, or 4 hours. With that set, we didn’t worry about leaving it on while we were away.

Once the room reaches the set temperature, this space heater automatically shuts off. However, we noticed that if the temperature began to fall, it didn’t automatically turn back on. But we could turn it back on using the remote, so no one actually had to get out of their chair. This model might have made us a little lazy.

Get the Lasko space heater at The Home Depot, Best Buy, or Staples.

Most Consistent Temp

De’Longhi Dragon Digital Full-Room Radiant Heater

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Product Specs

• Watts: 1,500
• Weight: 26.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 26.1 inches tall by 16.4 inches wide by 10.3 inches deep

Pros

• Quiet operation with no distracting, loud fans blowing during use
• Automatically turns on and off based on the thermostat setting
• Makes room temperature feel comfortable without the need to have a fan blowing

Cons

• Can be quite slow to heat the space so it needs to be turned on in advance
• Heavy and difficult to move around despite being on wheels
• Tall, narrow design makes it susceptible to tipping over

The permanently sealed oil reservoir of the De’Longhi Dragon digital space heater comes filled with oil and never needs refilling, as the oil level is never reduced and never runs out. At 1,500 watts, this radiator provides soothing warmth in rooms up to 150 square feet. An adjustable thermostat keeps the room at a consistent temperature, and users can select an efficient eco mode to optimize energy consumption.

A safety shut-off feature keeps the unit from overheating, while insulated wiring and reinforced connections offer additional safety. Its low-surface-temperature case reduces the risk of accidental burns. Weighing a substantial 26.6 pounds, it comes with wheels to make relocation easier.

This large heater doesn’t blow heat at users like many of the other models. Radiant heat permeates the room, slowly raising the temperature. The De’Longhi kept a 150-square-foot office comfortable and was easy to leave on all day because it turned on and off as the temperature fluctuated. The controls took a little more work to understand, but it was a set-it-and-forget-it space heater once we figured it out. It’s quiet and only reminds users it’s there with the clicks and pops of its normal operation.

Overall, this model’s slow, quiet heat was comfortable and less noticeable than that of models with a fan. The downside was that its tall, narrow design can make it more susceptible to tipping over.

Get the De’Longhi Dragon space heater at Lowe’s.

Best for Large Rooms

Dr.