As soon as the cold season arrives, everyone starts searching for the best space heater. And although finding numerous alternatives on the market is a positive thing, the vast range of options might actually prevent you from choosing a suitable space heater in a timely fashion. This overwhelming choice is due to the fact that you have to look for different reviews and customers’ opinions that relate to every single available alternative. Plus, how do you know what features are best for you, or the difference between different types of space heaters, like an electric or infrared heater? Moreover, the details that you might learn about each space heater can easily confuse you if you’re new to the topic.
So, if you’re looking for the best space heater and you wish to avoid this confusion, then this guide is for you. We’ll specifically talk about what type of heater you need, the benefits of using one, and finally, a breakdown of the best brands and models around. By the time you’ve finished reading this guide, you’ll be ready to buy the best space heater for you. So let’s get started.
What Is A Space Heater?
A space heater is a device that uses an energy force or fuel to produce heat, as their purpose is to provide an increased heat source to a space that needs to be warmed up. Some of these devices can produce cold air, too. The heat generated is then circulated either by fans or infrared technology to warm up a specific room.
What Are The Benefits of Using a Space Heater?
First of all, space heaters disperse heat to areas that a radiator can’t reach. They are most commonly used indoors, but you can also purchase specific types to use outdoors, too. Another plus of space heaters is that they are also affordable because they aren’t complex like central heating is; you can simply purchase one, plug it in, and you’re good to go. Additionally, space heaters warm up just one room in your house rather than every room.
The most beneficial factor of owning a space heater is that they have a heat output that keeps you warm in the winter. These devices almost instantly produce hot air so that you can be nice and toasty in seconds. Many space heaters also have settings that allow you to easily increase or decrease the temperature.
What are the Pros and Cons of Buying a Space Heater?
Like anything electric, there are pros and cons worth considering before making a purchase. Here are some important factors to remember:
Pros
- Excellent for instant heat
- No installation required; just plug them in and you’re good to go
- Portable so you can move them around the home
- You can heat up one room without using your central heating
- A cozy and comforting method to update your environment
Cons
- Can be expensive if you don’t use an energy efficient space heater
- Potentially hazardous in a busy household with children and pets
- As these heaters focus on heating a space, they have the potential to damage furniture if not used properly
- Have to properly calculate the size of your room for optimal results
- Requires supervision to ensure the heater is safe
What Things You Should Consider When Buying a Space Heater
To make the right decision for you and your family, you’ll need to consider a few factors when looking at specific space heaters available on the market. For example, not everyone is looking for a space heater that can reach an excessive temperature as some people are more concerned about safety features. Make sure you work with your preferences.
Room Size
First, bear in mind the size of the room you wish to heat, and then you’ll need to look into the heater’s wattage rating. For example, a 1500-watt heater will heat up a room measuring 150 square feet. You can calculate the appropriate wattage for you by multiplying 10 watts x each square foot.
Specific Room You’ll Use It In
Second, consider which room you’ll use the heater for. If you plan to use it in a bedroom, you’ll need one that doesn’t generate much light or noise so you can maintain a calm ambiance before it’s time to sleep. If it’s for the kitchen, opt for the most efficient space heater, as well as one that doesn’t take up much room.
Safety Features
Safety features should never be overlooked and are particularly important in households with children and pets around. Any type of heater can cause a fire if left unattended, so it’s ideal to purchase one with an auto shut-off feature when it reaches an ideal temperature. This setting also turns off the heater if it’s accidentally knocked over or comes into contact with a person or piece of furniture.
Noise Level
Electric heaters work hard to generate heat, and this effort can sometimes make a heater noisy. Would noise bother you? This is definitely worth considering if you work from home or enjoy the silence. If so, opt for a heater without a fan that functions silently for the ultimate peace and quiet.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Space Heater
It might seem obvious, but also consider whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor heater as they’re made from different gases and materials. For example, an outdoor heater is usually made from propane, kerosene, or natural gas, all of which are dangerous for use inside your home. This is because they can produce flames, and they also release carbon monoxide, which is a huge safety hazard for the indoors.
Additional Features
Are you looking for additional features such as a remote control to make your life easier and give you maximum options when using it? A remote control enables you to adjust the heater’s settings without leaving your seat. Maybe it’s essential that your space heater rotates to evenly distribute heat throughout the room.
Types of Space Heaters
Anyone who intends to find the best possible space heater should know that there are a few differences between the top products that exist on the market these days. These differences lie in their unique benefits and functions. Here is a list of different types of space heaters and how they generally work.
1. Electric Space Heaters
Electric space heaters are ideal for chilly rooms and small spaces. These types of devices allow you to save money heating your rooms since they cost significantly less than other heaters.
We would describe an electric space heater as cheap to purchase and safe to use. It isn’t powered by hazardous fuels nor does it produce carbon monoxide. The open flames are merely an illusion for a cozy feel, so it’s safe to use indoors. It’s also one of the easiest space heaters to set up as it doesn’t require any unique installation.
2. Ceramic Space Heaters
Ceramic space heaters work wonders for people who are always cold, especially during the winter season. This type of device boasts the advantage of high temperatures that can boot the cold out of a large area. Heat is distributed throughout the room by a fan that blows hot air produced from the absorbed aluminum.
The usual complaint with many types of heaters is that since they cover a vast area, they also consume a lot of electricity, making your bill soar. In contrast, ceramic space heaters have a feature that causes a reduction in electric current as temperature rises. This also helps them to heat up and cool down quickly.
A ceramic space heater is portable and can be placed in rooms using minimal space – such as the bathroom or in cubicles. These heaters present themselves in a variety of sizes, so you can place some small models on a desk. For clumsy people who fear they might destroy the device, tipping over the heater is less of a concern since its weight and balanced design also makes it more stable.
This type of space heater also features overheating protection as its ceramic material prevents it from exceeding its maximum temperature. This might be important for those with busy households, or for those who aren’t looking for excessive heat, but a simple burst of warm air every now and then.
Many ceramic space heaters are also equipped with an automatic switch-off feature when the desired temperature is reached. To maintain heat in your room, the ceramic core still emits store heat even when it’s no longer switched on.
The temperature produced by ceramic heaters wouldn’t even burn a piece of paper, so the risk of a fire breaking out is highly unlikely. Hot debris cannot escape the ceramic core, and if it did, the ceramic housing would ensure that it is safely contained and unable to do any damage.
3. Small Space Heater
The label ‘small space heater’ describes the physical dimensions of the unit and that these are also used to heat small areas. One would purchase a small space heater because it’s easy to transport around the house and easy to find ample space for its location. Also, a smaller unit means it contains fewer heat emissions which is ideal for a limited area inside the house.
Most small space heaters have a simple design and shape to avoid any obstructions when they move. This makes a small space heater ideal if you have a large room but a lot of furniture in it.
4. Gas Space Heaters
The heat emitted by gas space heaters comes from various materials and/or substances. This type of heater provides comfort and warmth by heating the room you’re in.
Since gas space heaters use propane or natural gas, you’d need to move it away from furniture to prevent accidents such as a fire or an explosion. You should also only use this type of unit in a well-ventilated area as gas space heaters can produce carbon monoxide. That being said, it’d be perfect to use outdoors, such as on a patio. Make sure that you know where you can get the gas needed to power such a heater as it can be difficult to obtain depending on where you live.
Gas space heaters should be carefully distanced, at least 18 inches away from flammable objects and surfaces. On a similar note, it’s important for these types of heaters to have an auto shut-off feature in case the unit is toppled over. For extra safety, never leave this type of heater unattended – especially if young children or animals are around.
5. Oil Space Heater
With a simple construction, an oil space heater comes with fins that have inner pipes for the oil to run through. The fins release the heat generated by the circulated oil. It even has automatic shut-off or turn-on features so the heater switches on and off to reach the desired temperature.
It would be too distracting, not to mention tiring, for the user to constantly refill the oil used for the heater. Fortunately, many oil space heaters last a long time once filled and don’t require constant replacing or refilling. However, enjoying the warmth of the heat will have to wait since the oil takes some time to heat up.
For people who have a flair for style and interior decorating, they may find the old-fashioned oil space heater to clash with their modernly-designed rooms. For others who delight in antiquities and old-fashioned things, this device would enhance the beauty of the surroundings in their eyes.
In contrast to other heaters with fans that often produce an unpleasant amount of noise, pol space heaters are much quieter.
You also don’t have to question its portability as the wheels on the bottom make sliding it from room to room easy.
6. Energy-Efficient Space Heaters
Some buyers choose a heating appliance based on its low cost while others don’t care about the price but simply focus on the capabilities of the device. Energy-efficient space heaters are meant for people who are conscious of their bills. Since these kinds of heaters lower the cost of a heating bill, these will surely fit a tight budget.
That being said, having this kind of space heater does not necessarily mean that the electricity bill will be lowered. You must be able to use the device effectively for heating and cooling in order for that to happen. Turning down the heat in the house or building is the key to decreasing the electricity cost. After reducing the heat, then the space heater can shine and show what it is capable of doing in the preferred room. Additionally, this type of heater will be even more energy efficient if it has an automatic temperature control feature so that room temperature would not change from day to night.
Energy-efficient space heaters have become possible with the technological advancements made over the years.
7. Infrared Space Heater
An infrared space heater spreads heat in a room with its oscillating function and is energy-efficient because it heats objects rather than the air. This is a typical heater for pubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes to use as it creates a considerable amount of warmth. Staying outdoors during the weekend is also made possible with this type of space heater as it is not affected by windy weather. That being said, the heating element in an infrared heater doesn’t reach the maximum temperatures that other space heaters can, which means you’ll need to use one in conjunction with other heating appliances to further heat a room.
Infrared space heaters are a good option for people who are not sure if gas heating is indeed safe for use in their homes.
Since this device eliminates the cold in large establishments, people can enjoy their time shopping, strolling, and doing whatever their hearts desire – even during the winter. Infrared heaters also don’t dry out the air in the room or move around dust, which is essential for general health and hygiene. For those who are very health conscious, this device can warm people even without burning the oxygen in the area.
8. Kerosene Space Heater
A kerosene space heater can generate heat even without electricity as it produces hot air by burning kerosene and directing it onto nearby objects. This makes it ideal in situations in which power supply is cut off. Keep in mind, though, that you would need to make sure you always have kerosene on hand in order to actually power this kind of space heater in the event of a power outage. The fact that a kerosene space heater doesn’t need electricity in order to work also means that you can use this in places that aren’t near a power supply, such as the back garden.
Compared to other space heaters, a kerosene unit is generally much cheaper to run which is ideal for everyone. It might cost more to buy one than an electric heater, but kerosene is a cheaper fuel to use than using electricity. You can save around $70 per season compared to electric heaters!
9. Propane Space Heater
Propane is a flammable, colorless, and odorless hydrocarbon gas. Many household owners prefer a propane space heater because propane is much more widely available around the country than natural gas, making it easier to operate.
While some owners of this type of heater claim that a propane space heater takes quite a bit of time to install, they are often less costly to operate than some other electric space heaters. Propane-fueled space heaters can raise temperatures twice as fast as their competing electricity-run appliances. Owners of propane space heaters happily report that they take up minimal room, too.
Keep in mind that propane space heaters don’t work 4,500 feet above sea level, so if this describes the location you’d need it for, it’s probably not for you.
10. Radiant Heater
A radiant heater uses electromagnetic energy to generate heat onto objects and people rather than warming up the air itself. These are suitable for quickly distributing heat in a room, but a drawback is that the heat very quickly dissipates once turned off.
Having a radiant heater is also great for a garage as it often features a large light so you can see and stay warm at the same time. However, the design of this type of heater can cause accidental ignition of nearby materials, so it’s crucial to make sure you distance it from furniture and other objects.
Tungsten Filament: The Most Energy-Efficient Type of Space Heater
If you choose a space heater made of a tungsten filament, this will feature numerous heat settings and heat up quickly, too. This is the most energy efficient space heater because it maintains a constant temperature to prevent it from producing too much heat and thus increasing your cost of spending. Tungsten filament heats up quickly and only requires a small amount of electricity to reach its optimum temperature.
The Best Space Heaters: Our Recommendations
At this point in the article, you should now be more aware of the essential features to look for in a space heater. With that said, here are some of the best space heaters to invest in that are safe for the entire family.
1. Vornado Space Heater
Equipped with Vortex technology, this space heater seems to heat up all areas of the room while eliminating noise at the same time. This heater also offers three heat settings that you can comfortably adjust to the right temperature for you. This space heater is ideal for homes with young children running around as it’ll automatically switch off if its accidentally knocked over. With a cool casing, it’s safe to touch no matter how warm it gets.
The Vornado Space Heater also heats up your room quickly which makes it a great purchase to use in place of your central heating. The heater is powered with technology to stay at the desired temperature so the room doesn’t get hotter than desired. This also means that it’ll automatically reboot if someone opens the window. Perfect for drafty homes! We also like the design of this space heater as it isn’t too bulky, and you can store it in the corner of the room so that it remains unnoticeable. This is a great bonus as other models can be large and unattractive.
2. Dyson Space Heater
Dyson is a brand you can trust, and this space heater won’t let you down. Not only can this device warm up a room, but with your control, it can also cool down a room. When you first look at it, you’ll see that this Dyson Space Heater resembles a fan as it presents itself in a modern and sleek design. It’ll have guests saying “what’s that?” because it’s so intriguing, rather than taking up space in the home like traditional space heaters do. Available in black and white, you can also choose a shade that suits your home.
This Dyson space heater is one of the tallest we’ve seen, which makes it the best space heater for large rooms out of our top selections. You can store it in the corner of the room and it’ll rotate to evenly distribute heat around throughout. With this two-in-one device, you won’t have to find somewhere to store it in the summer as you can switch to the cool mode for a hot summer’s night. With an included remote control, you can intensify the heat or cool air at any time that suits you. Plus, this Dyson Space Heater comes with a sleep timer so you can fall asleep to the perfect temperature without sacrificing any safety precautions.
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3. Lasko Space Heater
If you’re on a budget, this Lasko space heater is a great option. It’s versatile enough to use in all homes in the house, from the kitchen to the garage. With excellent room coverage, this space heater offers a ton of air to warm up all areas of the room. In total, there are three speeds which give this space heater excellent versatility to suit your needs.
Lasko appreciated that some customers want to carry a space heater from room to room, and consequently included a handle on this design to make it portable. Plus, it’s lightweight too! However, not so lightweight that it’ll topple over when programmed to its highest speed. We also love that Lasko considered safety by placing a fuse in the power cord’s plug to detect when there’s an electrical fault. If so, the heater will automatically switch off.
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4. GreenTech Environmental Space Heater
This GreenTech Space Heater offers three temperatures (66, 72, and 78 degrees) to help you find your optimal comfort level. If you feel like cooling off instead, this space heater has a fan setting to provide a gentle breeze. This is ideal for rooms that get stuffy like your home gym. We can all be forgetful sometimes, which is why GreenTech incorporated an automatic shut-off on this device. Also, you can select a length of time between 1-3 hours for when the space heater should switch off. This helps to reduce energy waste and save your money.
Although this space heater might not blend into your decor due to its bulky design, it operates at 13 decibels. This whisper-quiet setting means that you can use this heater in the bedroom and your office and maintain a quiet atmosphere. The most important features of this space heater are that it heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature from floor to ceiling. Therefore, the temperature won’t suddenly go cold when you switch it off, and you won’t encounter cold patches in your room.
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5. The DeLonghi Mica Panel Radiator
The DeLonghi Mica Panel Radiator is one of the best selling small space heaters on the market. You can easily customize the heating on this space heater with the easily-adjustable dial. There are two heat settings to choose from, which isn’t much of a choice, but you have the option of 750 watts or 1500 watts depending on the size of your room. Once the space heater reaches its optimum temperature, a safety thermal cutoff kicks in to prevent it from overheating.
With two watt options and a convenient carry handle, this small space heater is designed for carrying around the home. You can even mount this heater to a wall which makes it ideal for limited spacing and add to the room’s design.
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What Are Your Thoughts on Space Heaters?
To summarize, this guide has given you a general overview of the best space heaters. In particular, we talked about the main types available, the benefits of using them, and some of the best brands and models to look out for. Now that you’ve finished reading this guide, you should be able to find the best space heater for your needs.
Now that you know the basic pros and cons of using a space heater, think about if this type of device is suitable for your home and lifestyle, and share your thoughts in the comments.
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Great post! I like all the different types of heaters you picked as well as brands/models. Thanks for sharing!