Investing in one of the best space heaters is crucial, regardless of whether you live in a cold area or wish to lower your winter energy expenditures. A space heater will heat the immediate area in a single room far more quickly than a central heating system, which heats the entire house. However, each model performs differently. So, how can you determine whether you are receiving one of the greatest space heaters before purchasing?
To locate the best models to keep you warm this winter, we have tested and evaluated a variety of space heaters. The Lasko FH500 Heater was our top pick if you are looking for versatility and quick results. It looks fantastic and functions as a fan in addition to swiftly and evenly heating a room.
However, the Vornado VH200 Heater may be a better option if you want something more compact and unobtrusive. Therefore, we have chosen the best space heaters to fit any home, demand, and budget, whether a wall-mounted model or one for a large room.
The best Smart heaters you can buy today.
1. Lasko FH500 Heater
Look no further than the Lasko FH500 if getting the best smart heater is your priority. It outperformed all other heaters in our tests in terms of warming space. It was the only one capable of continuously increasing the room’s temperature by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Either the Lasko’s control panel or the included remote control can be used to program it. It can be forced into operation as a fan when the weather is warm. All the information is available in our assessment of the Lasko FH500.
It includes four fan settings, three heat settings, and a high heat option with a low fan speed. For uniform heat distribution, the fan can be adjusted to oscillate, achieving a temperature of roughly 45 degrees. Additionally, an eco mode uses a thermostat that you may adapt to the temperature you want. Once it hits this temperature, it turns on and off to conserve energy. Additionally, you can program a timer to turn the device off after eight hours. Almost all heaters have safety mechanisms that allow them to turn off automatically if they are overheated or tipped over.
Specifications
Wattage: 1500
Heat settings: 3 plus digital thermostat
Weight: 12.5 pounds
Dimensions: 12.5 X 12.5 X 41.9 inches
Heat element: Ceramic Safety
Features: Tip-over protection, Automatic shut off if it overheats
Warranty: 3 years
At its highest setting, the Lasko FH500 outperformed all other heaters we tested in heating a 15 by 10-foot test room by uniformly raising the temperature by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it heated up quickly; within 12 seconds, we could feel its effects. It drew an average of 0.270 kWh of energy, which is ordinary compared to other heaters, although producing a lot of heat.
The Lasko’s surfaces all registered 73°F or 74°F after the heater was set to high for half an hour, but none of them warmed up while in use. Thus, there are no fire risks there. It reaches 48.9 decibels when heated on high with the fan running, which is about average for the space heaters we tested and sounds like a dishwasher operating in your kitchen.
The Lasko’s long vent allowed it to move air effectively, and while in fan mode, it could chill a room. As low as 50°F can be set on the thermostat.
A screwdriver is required for the Lasko FH500’s assembly, which can be completed in roughly fifteen minutes. You can use the included remote control or the panel right on top of the appliance to program the Lasko. On top of the heater’s front, the settings are shown. We did not instantly comprehend what each icon meant, thus at first, we did not find using the controls intuitive. After consulting the manual, we easily figured it out.
2. Vornado VH200 Heater
The Vornado VH200 can easily heat a small space, such as a den or second bedroom, despite its compact size and lack of fancy features. The simple Vornado VH200 heated up uniformly in our tests without overheating or creating a noise.
It is quite simple to use, with a thermostat dial and two little buttons. As you can see from our comprehensive evaluation of the Vornado VH200, it is still among the finest space heaters even though it does not oscillate or have more upscale features.
With dimensions of 10.4 x 9.2 x 10.6 inches, the Vornado VH200 is roughly the size of a bookshelf speaker. It seems modest because of its small size, trapezoid form, and silver-toned case. You may easily stow it away if you are not a fan, but it is neither pretty nor eye-soresome.
One rocker switch allows you to turn the Vornado VH200 Heater on and off, while another allows you to select between low, medium, and high heat settings. When the unit is positioned in a room, the controls are not immediately visible due to their little recessed top, which lessens visual clutter. The Vornado is lightweight and portable at four pounds, however, it lacks a real handle and instead has a grip area beneath the controls. If it overheats or tips over, it will immediately turn off for safety.
Specifications
Wattage: 1500
Heat Settings: 3 plus adjustable thermostat
Size: 10.4 X 9.2 X 10.6 inches
Weight: 4 pounds
Heat Element: Metal
Safety Features: Tip-over protection, automatic shut off if it overheats
Warranty: 5 years
On its highest setting, the Vornado VH200 Heater was able to raise the temperature by roughly 6 degrees Fahrenheit and deliver even heating throughout a small space that measured 10 by 15 feet. You will feel warmer after approximately 30 seconds if you hold it directly in front of you, which is remarkable for such a small design. In comparison to comparable space heaters, the Vornado consumes an average of 0.26 kWh of energy. However, it does have a numbered thermostat that you may use to conserve energy.
The Vornado will not burn you because after operating on its highest setting for 30 minutes, its surfaces attained temperatures between 75°F and 76°F. When using its maximum heat setting and the fan was blowing, it also hit 45.5 dB. It will not disrupt a TV show or conversation and was the quietest space heater we tested.
If you are searching for a compact, affordable, and inconspicuous space heater that can still provide adequate heating for a room, we believe the Vornado VH200 is a fantastic option. Its heating capabilities are inferior to those of our top pick, the Lasko FH500, which heated the same space by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it will cost you an additional $50, we would suggest the Lasko heater if your room is larger or extremely cold.
3. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-998
The Dr. Infrared Heater DR-998 is a robust space heater that looks like a speaker or small piece of furniture thanks to its wooden housing. With a temperature increase of four degrees Fahrenheit in as little as twenty minutes, it effectively removes the chill from a tiny space.
It is quite simple to configure thanks to the large buttons on the front, but if you would rather use it from the comfort of your couch, a remote control is also included. This model is really special since it can be used to humidify the air in addition to heating it. We rank the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-998 as one of the best space heaters for several reasons, as you will see in our study.
With its rectangular shape and wooden shell, the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-998 looks a lot like a subwoofer speaker. At about 12 x 12 x 15 inches, it is fairly large and well-made, making it stand out in a space. It would go nicely with wood furniture because of its timeless if not necessarily modern, appearance. However, given how trendy pastel color schemes are right now, it can seem out of place in a room.
The Dr. Infrared Heater DR-998 features an LED display that shows the settings with easily readable figures and large, clearly designated control buttons on the front. It features both high and low heat settings in addition to an eco mode that automatically maintains the temperature you choose using a thermostat. For more even heat distribution, this heater may be adjusted to oscillate up to 360 degrees and operate in fan-only mode. You can program the heater to shut off on its own up to twelve hours later by using a timer.
The unit comes with a remote control that allows you to operate it from across the room, which is perfect if you do not want to get up every time you want to adjust the settings. At roughly twenty-five pounds, this space heater is hefty and difficult to move. It can be easily rolled across the floor or into a closet for storage, though, thanks to its wheels. It features automatic shut-off in the event of overheating and tip-over prevention, just like almost all space heaters.
Specifications
Wattage: 1500 watts
Heat Settings: 2 plus digital thermostat
Size: 12.75 X 1 X 15.25 inches
Weight: 25.4 pounds
Heat Element: Infrared
Safety Features: Tip-over protection, automatic shut off if it overheats
Warranty: 3 years
The Dr. Infrared Heater DR-998 was able to raise the temperature in our 15 by 10-foot test room by around 4°F and very evenly when it was operating on high heat. It took less than 30 seconds to warm us up when positioned near where we were seated. When the heater is running, the outside surfaces measure between 72°F and 74°F, so there are no burning hazards. It uses an average amount of energy (0.278 kWh) compared to the other space heaters we evaluated. On the highest setting, it produces a noise level of 51.7 dB, which is about average for the space heaters we tested and as loud as a running dishwasher.
Before using the Dr. Infrared warmer DR-998 for the first time, you should read the instruction booklet. After you do, programming the warmer using the panel or remote control will be simple. Although it requires some setup to set up, this heater can also be used as a humidifier. Additionally, for it to function, the water bottle must remain full of distilled water.
Although the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-998 is a sturdy, well-made heater, it may not be the greatest option for a large or really cold space because it can only warm a room by roughly 4°F. However, it is the only space heater we studied that doubles as a humidifier, demonstrating its adaptability. The control panel is easy to program thanks to its large buttons and digital readout, and it comes with a remote control so you can use it from the comfort of your lounge chair.
4. Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool HP07
Although the Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool HP07 is far more costly than most other space heaters available on the market, it offers many advantages. It can both heat and chill a space while also purifying the air. The included remote control makes it simple to use, and if you would like, you can connect it to Wi-Fi and use a voice assistant or a mobile device to control the fan and air purifier’s operations.
One of the greatest space heaters is the Dyson HP07 because of its exquisite design and a few extra safety measures above other heaters. See our comprehensive review of the Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool HP07 for more information on this device.
A 17-inch oval ring sits on a 14-inch platform that houses the Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool HP07. It conveys excellent quality and is exquisitely polished. It certainly draws attention to itself because of its unusual and futuristic appearance.
Pressing a button on the Dyson HP07 will turn it on and off, but the included remote control is the only way to change its settings. It will return to its previous settings if you switch it on without the remote. The LCD panel on the front of the heater displays all of the settings along with data on temperature, humidity, air quality, and filter levels. Along with adjusting the heat level, you can also configure the unit to oscillate, change the airflow speed, set a timer, and activate the night mode, which lowers the fan speed and dims the display.
By setting the remote to Auto mode, the machine will automatically check the quality of the air and make any adjustments. On the heater’s display, a symbol for the specific pollutant will appear when it lowers the quality of the air. Another way to reroute the airflow is to tilt your head.
Specifications
Wattage: 1500
Heat Settings: In one-degree increments from 34F° to 99°F
Size: 8.7 X 9.8 X 30 inches
Weight: 10 pounds
Heat Element: Metal
Safety Features: Tip-over protection, automatic shut off if it overheats, bladeless, no exposed heating elements,
Warranty: 2 years
This heater weighs only 10 pounds, but it is 30 inches high, making it difficult to maneuver. It will take up room in a closet if you decide to store it when not in use. This heater is among the safest space heaters available because it does not have any exposed heating elements or blades and will turn off when it tips or overheats.
The Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool HP07 heated a 15 by 10-foot space fairly evenly and increased the temperature by roughly 8°F on its highest setting. This heater builds up the warm air more gradually than other types, so you do not get a rush when you sit in front of it.
The Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool HP07 is an elegantly designed, user-friendly device with many special functions. It can be used as an air purifier and chiller in addition to being a good space heater. It costs a lot more than any other model we looked at, though. A very good space heater can be purchased for around a fifth of the price; the Lasko FH500, our best-performing space heater, is only $125, while the Dyson costs $650. For nearly half the price, you could purchase an air purifier, fan, and heater separately.
5. Amazon Basics Small Space Heater
As the name suggests, the Amazon Basics Small Space Warmer is a portable warmer that instantly warms the air where you are sitting or relaxing. It is ideal if you need something to help relieve the chill but do not want to spend a lot of money or heat an entire room. Read our comprehensive Amazon Basics Small Space Heater review to learn everything there is to know about its performance and why it is among the finest space heaters.
The Amazon Basics Small Space Heater is the smallest and most basic space heater available. The small box measures only 5.87 x 3.2 x 6 inches, making it nearly pocket-sized. It will blend in whether placed on a table, desk, or floor thanks to its metal grid and plastic frame. There is only one heat setting, and it may be turned on and off using a tiny rocker switch on the back.
It is easy to carry from room to room because it weighs less than a pound and a half. In addition, it is so compact that it can fit in an office desk drawer and will not take up much space in a closet when not in use. It has safety measures that are quite common on most space heaters, such as turning off automatically if it tips over or overheats.
Specifications
Wattage: 500
Heat Setting: 1
Size: 5.87 X 3.2 x 6 inches
Weight: 1.4 pounds
Heat Element: Ceramic
Safety Features: Tip-over protection, automatic shut off if it overheats
Warranty: 1 year
Our 15 by 10-foot test room’s temperature was uniformly raised by roughly 2.5°F thanks to the Amazon Basics Small Space Heater. Although this may not seem like much, it was able to raise the surrounding temperature by 4°F while it was directly in front of us, which is significantly better. It uses an average of 0.12 kWh less energy than the other heaters we tested because of its modest power.
When the Amazon Basics Small Space Heater is heating, it does feel warm to the touch, especially on the front, where we measured a temperature of 123°F. It is becoming uncomfortable to touch, yet it is not hot enough to burn. We measured a sound level of 51.4 dB, which is typical for a space heater and roughly as noisy as a dishwasher.
If you often feel cold when relaxing, we believe the Amazon Basics Small Space Heater is a great alternative to a sweater or throw. Despite not being able to heat an entire room, it is far more affordable and smaller than any of the other heaters we looked at.
The Vornado VH200 is a good choice if you want a compact model that can heat a bigger space. The Lasko FH500 is what we suggest for the best heating. This heated the identical space by 10°F, making it our winner.
6. Honeywell 360 Degree Surround Heater
A straightforward type for heating a small space is the Honeywell 360 Degree Surround Heater. It is ideal if you want to cool off while working at a desk or lounging on the couch and do not want to heat the entire space.
As our study of the Honeywell 360-degree surround heater demonstrates, it is really simple to operate with only two buttons and a changeable thermostat. Part of the reason it is on our list of the best space heaters is that it is easy to carry from one place to another thanks to its handle.
At 6 x 5.87 x 3.2 inches, the barrel-shaped Honeywell 360 Degree Surround Heater is small and compact, making it reasonably inconspicuous in a family room or den. However, it will not win any design honors. It just has two dials: one for the thermostat and another for choosing a heat setting, with low and high possibilities. In contrast, the $20 Amazon Basics space heater merely features an on/off button.
The Honeywell 360 Degree Surround Heater did not heat a 15 by 10-foot space very evenly, and on its high heat setting, it could only raise the temperature by 2 to 5°F, depending on where you stood. But it will swiftly heat you when it is right next to you.
Specifications
Wattage: 1500
Heat Settings: 2 plus variable thermostat
Size: 6 x 5.87 X 3.2 inches
Weight: 5.4 pounds
Heat Element: Electric
Safety Features: Tip-over protection, shuts off if lifted, automatic shut off if it overheats
Warranty: 3 years
Its average energy consumption is 0.268 kWh, which is rather good. The unit’s surfaces warm up by roughly 10°F over room temperature while it is operating, but not nearly enough to pose a burning threat.
This is the loudest space heater we tested, at 59.9 decibels, which is around the volume of an electric toothbrush. If you need to focus, you should not have it next to you. The Honeywell is simple to set, with just two dials and two heat settings. You may adjust the temperature with a changeable thermostat once it has warmed up. You will need to get up and manually regulate the temperature because there is no remote control.
A nice option for staying warm while watching TV or working at a desk is the Honeywell 360 Degree Surround Heater. It cannot, however, be relied upon to heat a whole room. It is easier to use because it has fewer features than nearly every other space heater we examined. It is one of the simplest types to transfer from room to room or store away when not in use because it is so lightweight and compact.
Another option is the Amazon Basics Small Space Heater, which is more compact, less costly, and uses less energy while still providing superior heating for the immediate vicinity. Our favorite choice is the Vornado VH200 if you want to use a compact model to heat an entire room.
7. Dreo Smart Wall Space Heater
In addition to being the greatest space heater for a mid-sized room, Dreo’s WH517S Smart Wall Heater is also very easy to install on a wall.
With its user-friendly panel, remote control, Dreo app, or voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant, adjusting the heater is a breeze. Its adjustable louvers guide the air where it is required. With four winter heating settings and a fan-only summer option, the WH517S is a set-and-forget machine that has more than enough warming capability for the typical room. Although installing it only takes a few minutes, its excessive electricity use can cause a power bill to skyrocket.
The silver, white, and black WH517S heater has a very neutral appearance that goes well with almost any type of décor. When installed on the wall, it allows a half-inch space for room air to enter the unit, and it measures 15.7 x 12.2 x 4.7 inches.
Through black plastic louvers that may be rotated 30 degrees up or down but not left or right, the heated air exits below. It features a child lock setting for further protection, and there is a warning notice telling you not to handle them while they are cooking.
With indicators for power, heating, and Wi-Fi connectivity surrounding the edge, the circular 2.4-inch screen clearly displays the current temperature in huge white digits. In addition to the buttons on the control panel, you may use the remote control, Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri voice control, and a Dreo app that can regulate the temperature. Later, more on that.
Specifications
Wattage: 1500 Watts
Heat Settings: Four heating modes plus a digital thermostat
Size: 15.7 x 12.2 x 4.7 inches
Weight: 6.0 pounds
Heat Element: Forced Air, PTC
Safety Features: Tip over protection automatic shut off if it overheats, child lock
Warranty: 1 year
The Dreo heater’s design will appeal to people who value a straightforward, practical look. That is another excellent wall-mounted heater that is more aesthetically pleasing than the Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Space Heater.
The WH517S is a well-made product with a one-year warranty that can be extended with registration. The label on the side of the unit includes the company’s support phone number and hours (9 AM to 5 PM, Pacific time), but Dreo’s support pages currently do not have any information specifically concerning the WH517S.
I made sure the circuit breaker that would supply power to the wall heater was rated at 15 amps before I started. I noted the positions of the four mounting screws using the provided template, which has a built-in level. I mounted the heater on the wall after screwing them in and wrapping the extra power cable on the spool.
Approximately 5,000 BTUs of heating potential per hour can be achieved using the WH517S’s 1,500-watt heating capacity. On a chilly day, this ought to be more than sufficient to heat a 200-square-foot space. In the United States, a bedroom is typically 132 square feet.
To ensure safety, the WH517S has an IP24 intrusion rating, a 5VA flammability rating, and Intertek’s ETL safety certification. That is, it is OK for a garage or bathroom. Its two-prong power socket eliminates the need for a three-prong outlet, which is very important for older homes.
The WH517S uses a brushless fan to swiftly circulate heated air using Dreo’s Hyperamic ceramic heating element. This was very close to our winner, the Lasko FH500 heater, which took only 12 seconds to warm a room. H1 at 136°F and H2 at 167°F are two of its four heating modes. With the fan running at full speed, the H3 setting produced air that was 146°F. Also, there is an Eco mode with a full fan and air temperature of 146°F.
Dreo’s WH517S is a professional-looking set-and-forget heater that can keep a mid-sized room warm and cozy all winter long. It mounts effortlessly on a wall. The WH517S may significantly contribute to maintaining a cozy and warm home with its four heat setting options and fan-only mode.
8. Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Space Heater
To be out of the way, the Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Space Heater is made to be mounted on the wall. Although it appears like it belongs in a hotel rather than a house, it does a terrific job warming up a space.
Even though it is not the most attractive space heater, it still has a lot to offer, which is why it is on the list of the best. Read our comprehensive evaluation of the Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Space Heater to discover all of its benefits and drawbacks.
The Heat Storm Phoenix appears more like an air conditioner than a space heater due to its sleek shape and glossy plastic finish, giving it an overall institutional image. It can be installed on a unit that has tiny feet or flush on a wall, where it will protrude 4 inches. Even while hanging it up and having it permanently placed may seem convenient, keep in mind that the cord will be seen running across the wall if it is far from the outlet. To assist with this, however, there is a place on the rear to keep any extra cord. If the heater is wall-mounted, the large display of the brand name on the front may be very unsightly.
To operate and show the settings, the Phoenix features a touch screen. It is helpful that the screen’s brightness can be changed. In addition to choosing between high and low heat settings, you can also use the auto option, which is comparable to what other manufacturers refer to as an eco mode that lets you choose the temperature you want and has the unit adjust the heat level to keep it there. It can also be programmed to switch on or off automatically.
Specifications
Wattage: 1500
Heat Settings: 2 plus digital thermostat
Size: 19 X 4 X 16 inches
Weight: 8.5 pounds
Heat Element: Infrared
Safety Features: Tip-over protection, automatic shut off if it overheats, child lock
Warranty: 1 year
On its highest setting, the Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Space Heater uniformly increased the temperature in a 15 by 10-foot space by 5°F. It took longer than others to warm us up when we sat in front of it, but we were talking about a minute or two instead of seconds. At 0.27 kWh, its energy consumption is normal for a space heater.
Using the provided feet, we tested this space heater and found that it wasted energy by raising the floor temperature by 6°F directly below. However, if it were wall-mounted, the effects would probably be less pronounced.
The two filters must be removed and vacuumed or washed once a month, and they must be snapped in before using the Phoenix. Installing, removing, and reinstalling them was simple for us.
The Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Space Heater comes with little feet that you may use or you can mount it on the wall. You will need a Philips screwdriver and a drill to mount it on the wall. The wingnuts that come with the unit must be used to attach the feet, and doing so was not too difficult.
