Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created by TIME Stamped, under TIME’s direction and produced in accordance with TIME’s editorial guidelines and overseen by TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.
Whether you live in an area that is prone to freezing temperatures or don’t have heat in your living space, you’ll want to consider purchasing a space heater. That’s not to say that snuggling up under the best down comforters and wearing warm socks doesn’t help, but sometimes you need that extra bit of power to make a room more comfortable. A space heater can help keep your place warm while in use without having to get a fire started.
With so many space heaters on the market, it can be hard to narrow down which one is ideal for your needs. To help make the process easier, we’ve rounded up the best space heaters you’ll want to add to your cart, whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one during the holidays and beyond.
This electric ceramic space heater is a solid option for those interested in a budget-friendly option. In less than two seconds, the small heater can heat up and disperse into the surrounding area with its 45-degree oscillation mechanism. There’s the option to pick from two wind settings, hot wind and natural wind, to meet various temperature needs and save energy. Not sure where to put it? It works great in an office, dorm room, or bedroom since it’s small and portable at less than two pounds.
This is a small and more affordable option for those in the market for a space heater that gets warm quickly and has numerous features to ensure safe use at home or in the office.
Sometimes not even the best heated blankets can help keep the chill away at night. Opt for this oil-filled space heater that has three warmth levels to choose from, including 600-watt, 900-watt, and 1500-watt. As it heats up, you’ll barely hear it as it’s virtually noiseless with no rattling or hissing sounds. Additionally, the six-foot power cord makes it easier to plug into those rooms with limited outlets, so it can be used without having to opt for a power strip or extension cord.
The Costway Oil Filled Space Heater is ideal for bedrooms with its various heating levels and accessible design that can be placed in a corner, so it’s out of the way while remaining functional.
If you don’t have floor space for a heater, then you may want to consider this wall-mounted option. This infrared heater is easy to navigate with its included remote and digital screen display, so there’s no fussing around with numerous buttons and settings. It’s great for families with kids, since it can be installed high up on the wall where they can’t reach it. If they do, it’s cool to the touch, so they won’t get hurt. Note that it can reach a maximum temperature of 99°F, so it can definitely get the job done and then some.
This quiet wall mounted space heater is best suited for families who don’t want to have the appliance within arms reach of children.
If you’re looking for a more energy efficient option, then this ceramic space heater might be in your wheelhouse. The sleek space heater has three heat settings and oscillates up to 120°, so it’ll distribute heat over spaces both large and small. It’s also well suited with safety features like a tip-over switch and a child lock, so you and your family can remain safe while it’s in use. Let’s not forget the programmable timer which can be set in 30 minute increments for up to two hours and by the hour for up to 12 hours.
This Lasko tower heater is an energy efficient option for those looking for a safe, adjustable, and easy to use space heater to use during the cold winter months.
This space heater is small but mighty with its steady output of heat that keeps a room, especially smaller ones, warm and comfortable. Although it’s tiny, it can reach a maximum temperature of 120°F, so don’t underestimate its power. There isn’t a remote control, but a dial that can be adjusted to increase the temperature as needed. For added safety, you’ll notice an automatic shut-off and a tip-over switch that can help prevent any unwanted accidents or injuries.
This compact heater is a small, yet powerful device that can warm up rooms up to 150 square feet per hour with its energy efficient and noiseless mechanism.
A portable space heater is a great option for those who have multiple rooms in a home that may need some attention. With a built-in carry handle, this space heater can easily be taken from one room to another when necessary. For optimal heating, the thermostat can be adjusted between 41°F and 95°F and used in one of four modes: high, low, ECO, and fan.
This heater has a carrying handle for easy portability between rooms and its programmable thermostat gives users the ability to find a setting that suits their personal preferences.
This space heater offers 10 feet of coverage per second with its three quiet heat settings (low, high, and fan only). You’ll notice it oscillates 100° and can reach a maximum temperature of 95°F. For added safety, it automatically shuts off after 12 hours.
This Himimi heater can warm up large rooms with its three settings that disperse heat at a rate of 10 feet per second.
This infrared space heater distributes even heat across rooms up to 300 feet. With three heat settings and an adjustable thermostat, this space heater is simple to use and works in minutes. It has a two hour programmable timer that can be set and its built-in UV light does extra work by helping kill germs and bacteria from the air while in use. For additional safety, there’s an overheat switch and tip over protection for angles above 45 degrees, so you can feel comfortable knowing this space heater has your back.
This quartz heater can warm up medium spaces in minutes with its adjustable thermostat and three heat settings, plus the UV light helps kill bacteria and germs from the air.
Space heaters have the potential to use a lot of energy making them not very eco-friendly in most cases. However, this electric space heater has an automatic energy-saving mode (eco) that can be selected to disperse heat in a smart and thoughtful way. The blower is super quiet at 39 decibels and the quartz heater can be adjusted using the included remote control. It also keeps moisture in the air, so you don’t experience unwanted and uncomfortable dryness while using it.
With an eco mode, this heater quietly distributes even heat and won’t run the electric bill too much.
Some space heaters can turn rooms into eyesores with their bulky designs, however, this infrared heater does just the opposite. With its chic black construction, this space heater blends right in and is reminiscent of a nightstand or end table. There are three heat settings available and an eco option that maintains a constant temperature of 68°F. Additionally, it has a lifetime filter, so you don’t need to replace it often.
This heater features a rectangular black exterior reminiscent of a nightstand or end table that effortlessly blends into any room without sticking out in an uncomfortable way.
The price of a space heater varies based on the type, size, and brand. You can find options that fall between $30 - $60 and other more luxurious models that run over $100. Regardless of price, you’ll want to make sure the space heater has the features you’re looking for, whether that’s an adjustable thermostat or automatic shut-off. Right now, many brands are having sales on their household appliances, so you’ll want to take a look because you can save big.
Space heaters can have a variety of heat sources with infrared and ceramic being the most popular. Infrared heating involves the use of electromagnetic waves to transfer energy from the infrared source to the subject without heating the air in between. On the other hand, ceramic heaters use aluminum parts to transfer heat to a ceramic heating element. According to smart home brand Govee, the unit draws in cool air from the base of the heater and pushes it over the ceramic element and metal parts which, in turn, heats the air and disperses it into the room.
As you can probably imagine, space heaters can be dangerous since they often have the ability to reach temperatures in the hundreds. With that in mind, the best space heaters have built-in safety features to ensure that they can be used without damage or injury to the space or yourself.
Two of the most common safety features include tip-over protection and automatic shut-off. In some cases, a space heater can tip over more than forty five degrees, whether that’s due to an accidental encounter or other environmental factor. Regardless, most space heaters have a tip-over switch where they’ll automatically shut off when this happens to reduce the chance of a potential safety hazard to individuals and the surrounding areas.
As for the automatic turn-off, this can mean the heater has a timer feature that prevents the heater from remaining on and active all day so it doesn’t run the electricity bill through the roof. Automatic shut-off can also refer to overheat protection, which means the appliance turns off if it reaches a certain temperature.
You’ll also want to see if the heater has any safety certifications, such as from Electrical Testing Labs (ETL) and/or Underwriters Laboratories (UL). These labels indicate that the product meets certain safety standards and have been evaluated by an independent third party.
To find the best space heaters, we researched different brands on the market and analyzed several based on first-hand testing, user experience, and customer reviews. Our list includes different space heaters well suited for a range of budgets, temperature preferences, and spaces of various sizes.
The best space heater depends on your needs and preferences. According to Detroit Radiant Products Company, infrared heating reduces the circulation of hazardous particles, chemical pollutants, and cross-contamination of regularly occupied areas. On the other hand, ceramic heaters can generally heat up more quickly and last longer as the material doesn’t wear out as quickly in the process.
There are a few ways to care for and maintain a space heater. The first line of business is to make sure you’re changing or washing the filter regularly. This will prevent dust particles from building up and causing disruptions while in use.
In terms of positioning, you’ll want to make sure your space heater is in a place that’s away from both flammable and loose objects. For example, you wouldn’t want your space heater resting near a bed skirt or by a drawer filled with nail polish. A good rule of thumb is to keep it three feet away from any hazardous objects or materials.
As for the cord, you’ll want to make sure to plug the space heater directly into an outlet, not an extension cord. Using a space heater with an extension cord can cause overheating and electrical damage. Also, make sure the wire isn’t frayed. If it is, stop using it immediately.
Space heaters can be safe, but are not the safest option when it comes to staying warm when the temperatures drop. Space heaters will come with an instructional booklet about where to place your space heater, which you’ll want to pay close attention to when setting it up. And just like you would do when shopping for the best electric fireplaces, it’s ideal to pick a heater that has safety certifications, like ETL and/or UL. This ensures that it has current safety features.
Space heaters can be a fire hazard in some cases. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters account for 44% of home heating fires and 88% of home heating deaths. For example, if they are placed near anything that’s flammable or plugged into an extension cord, they can potentially catch fire or cause an electric shock.
Space heaters can be energy efficient if you’re only heating a small area, such as one room or part of a room. If you’re trying to heat multiple rooms or an entire home, it’s less likely that space heaters will be energy efficient, particularly if the heater is only designed to heat smaller spaces and/or if it’s an infrared heater. In that case, central heating is the better option.
Infrared heaters work best if you’re going to be in the room. These heaters directly heat whoever or whatever is nearby, so if you’re not necessarily going to be around the heater—or you need to heat multiple rooms—consider a convection heater, which works by circulating air. (Generally, convection space heaters have a ceramic heating element.) You’ll also want to make sure the heater has the capacity to heat a larger area.
It’s generally not advised to leave a space heater on overnight. You’ll always want to have a watchful eye on the heater in case it were to tip over or come into contact with fabric or other material that may be dangerous. Although you may have it programmed to shut off at a certain point, it’s safer to turn it off at night since you aren’t fully aware of your surroundings at that time.
Space heaters are well suited for those individuals who live in a house with little to no heat. For example, if you live in a historic home, then you might not have central heating or cooling. In this case, a space heater can help warm up the rooms that are most occupied by people including bedrooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, and living rooms.
College students may also benefit from a space heater to add some extra warmth to their dorm room.
The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and overseen by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About Us page.
