Space Heater Buying Guide

We evaluate how well space heaters heat a standard-sized room (204 square feet) in 15 minutes and how effectively they warm a nearby person (reflected in our ratings as “spot-heating”). “Our spot-heating test uses a mannequin wired with sensors,” says Samantha Ostrander, who oversees our space heater lab. “We want to know how your body will feel when you’re sitting within 4.5 feet of the appliance.”

CR’s space heater testers also assess the noise level of each machine while running, as well as its ease of use and portability (how easy it is to move around). Heaters with oscillating fans tend to be noisiest, but they’re still relatively quiet and deliver heat more evenly than heaters without fans.

Safety is critical to our space heater ratings. Each model undergoes three tests to determine its potential for causing a fire. The results of the three tests—tip-over, overheat, and drape—are combined to determine our overall fire safety score. Here’s what they entail:

• For the tip-over test, a unit gets a perfect score if it shuts off in less than 10 seconds after being tilted on its face. (Many shut off instantly.)
• For the overheat test, the heater is wrapped in fabric, causing heat to build up in the unit. Models that shut off in under 2 minutes without scorching the fabric earn a perfect score.
• In the drape test, a portion of the heater’s outlet is covered with cloth. Models that shut off within 2 minutes or run for 30 minutes without scorching the fabric get a perfect score.

Determine your budget. The models in CR’s tests cost $18 to $500. But that doesn’t mean a high price always correlates with top performance. In fact, nearly half of the top-rated space heaters in our tests cost $75 or less.

You may see cheaper, lower-watt “personal heaters” on the market, but they typically underperformed in our past tests. Lower-watt heaters are generally hit or miss when it comes to performance. For example, the 900-watt Vornado Tempa Nursery heater performed very well in our tests, while the 800-watt Black+Decker BHRO608 was, by far, the worst-rated space heater overall.

A higher price will often yield a quieter machine, a longer warranty, and additional features such as timers and remotes. But you can find an effective space heater in a wide price range. If you’re looking for a good, budget-friendly model, check out our roundup of the best space heaters for $100 or less.

Factor in portability. If you’re planning to move a space heater from room to room, you’ll want one that’s lightweight and has a handle. If you’re looking for a larger space heater to heat a big room, for example, try one with wheels for easier movement.

Identify which features you want. A programmable thermostat or timer allows you to set the heater’s on and off times. (Use caution with these features, however, and don’t be tempted to leave a space heater running while you’re asleep.) A remote control lets you adjust the heater from afar. These features are nice to have, but they will add to the cost of your space heater.

Look for key safety features. Space heaters are, of course, designed to be hot. But they shouldn’t burn you or create a fire hazard. Look for a unit with a sensor that shuts the heater off if it overheats. A shutoff switch that activates if the heater tips over is a useful addition for taller models, especially if kids and/or pets use the room.

Look for a safety certification. Shop for a space heater with a label from a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL Solutions, ETL (Intertek), or CSA (Canadian Standards Association), verifying that its construction and performance meet recommended U.S. safety standards.

There are various types of space heaters, ranging from small electric models that can sit on a desk to large propane or natural gas-fueled units designed for industrial use. CR no longer tests propane-fueled space heaters, which can produce deadly carbon monoxide. While some models have oxygen depletion sensors and are intended to be safe for indoor use with proper ventilation, CR doesn’t consider them worth the risk.  

Electric space heaters designed for home use heat spaces using convection or radiant heat, or a combination of the two. Convection heaters warm the air and may use a fan to circulate it around a room. They’re most effective at dispersing heat throughout a space. Radiant heaters warm people and objects directly, similar to sunlight. They’re good for spot-heating, but their heating elements can glow red-hot and pose a greater burn or fire risk if a flammable object, such as a curtain, is too close.

Ceramic space heaters are the most common type of convection units. An interior ceramic element warms the air, which may be circulated by a fan. Most space heaters in CR’s ratings are ceramic models, which are widely available in a broad price range. 

Infrared or radiant heaters are marketed for spot-heating and can be identified by the red glow they produce. They can pose a higher burn and ignition risk if placed too close to objects.

Micathermic heaters use panels composed of the mineral mica to generate both convective and radiant heat. They heat up quickly, spread warmth evenly, and usually have a slim panel design. The panel can get quite hot. CR currently doesn’t test micathermic heaters.

Oil-filled radiators are electric convection units that heat sealed interior oil to create warmth that disperses slowly and steadily into a room. They’re quiet and provide long-lasting heat. The surface can get very hot, carrying a higher burn risk, especially for children and pets. But because there’s no exposed flame or glowing element, they’re less likely to ignite nearby objects. CR no longer tests radiator heaters.

Our experts, along with the pros at the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and the National Fire Protection Association, offer the following safety tips.

• Place the heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface.
• Establish a 3-foot kid- and pet-free zone around a heater, and never put one in a child’s room.
• Keep the space heater at least 3 feet away from combustible materials, such as furniture, bedding, and curtains. A taller heater may need to be even farther away.
• Don’t use a heater in a workshop or garage near paint, gas cans, or matches.
• Turn the heater off when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Don’t place a rug, carpet, or furniture over a space heater cord, as this can cause damage or overheating.
• Unplug the heater when it’s not in use by pulling the plug straight from the outlet. Check the cord for damage periodically, and don’t use the heater if the cord is frayed or worn.
• Don’t plug another electrical device or an extension cord into the same outlet as a heater, as this can cause overheating.
• Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom, and test them monthly.
• Be wary of using space heaters in bathrooms, where wet floors and splashes can occur. Make sure your bathroom is equipped with ground-fault interrupter (GFCI) outlets, and try to find a space heater with an appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI) plug, which provides additional protection against electric shock.
• Don’t use a space heater outdoors or on a patio, where it can collect dust and dirt or be affected by the elements.
• If you think your space heater is an older model, consider replacing it with a new one.