Sales of space heaters are sizzling as millions of homeowners buy into the promise of lower-cost heating in an era of soaring utility bills.

Our tests of the latest electric space heaters show that they provide more-consistent heat than those we last tested. And while they're also safer, space heaters still account for 40 percent of the deaths and 30 percent of the injuries each year in this country that are heating related, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Fuel-fired models carry their own risks (see Safety risks).

All of the tested space heaters will comfortably warm a chilly room. But remember, the only way to potentially save money is to use a heater in one room and leave the rest of the house chillier.

Temperature control is key. Most of the heaters controlled room temperature well. Eight models with a thermostat excelled, maintaining temperature within 3° F or less. Buy a space heater without one, and you'll have to turn it off at the desired temperature and on again to heat. Heaters with multiple output settings let you choose the lowest one that keeps a room comfortable, saving energy.

Safety varies among models. One space heater distinguishes itself with a sensor that turns off the unit when the grille is touched. A tip-over switch that shuts down a knocked-over heater is another desirable feature; five tested models lack one.

High-priced models disappoint. Two heaters earned the lowest overall scores. One provided only fair temperature control and ease of use. Its boast that it can cut heating bills by up to half is questionable. The other, equipped with an air purifier, provided lackluster temperature control, cleaned the air poorly, and lacks an overheat-protection feature.