Top space heaters from Consumer Reports' tests

Simply heating a room isn't enough for some people. You'll find space heaters disguised as miniature fireplaces and radiators, and many with promises to trim your utility bill in the bargain. But speedy heating, safety, and even quietness are what matter most to shoppers, according to comments on Consumer Reports' Facebook page and on Twitter. Models that topped Consumer Reports' space heater tests meet those needs for as little as $40.

High style, including ‘flames.' The Crane EE80750, $90, and the larger Heat Surge Roll-n-Glow EV.2, $400, combine quick room heating with a digital flame display. The Dyson AM05, $400, blends a contemporary oval shape with a fan you can set to oscillate for quick, even heating. But it was the noisiest heater we tested, about as loud as a window air conditioner adjusted to its low setting. And Heat Surge says that the wooden cabinets for its Roll-n-Glow and smaller Heat Surge Accent EV.2, $300, are Amish-made, but the workmanship looks more like something we remember from shop class.

Quick comfort—and some slowpokes. Suppose you value instant warmth for yourself more than you do for an entire room—or you use a space heater at your desk in a chilly office. Consumer Reports tests spot-heating speed using a test dummy laden with heat sensors. The small Dyson AM05 and Vornado TVH500, $150, along with the larger Honeywell HZ-980, $190, and the Heat Surge Accent EV.2 aced that test. But speedy spot heating was a challenge for certain models, including the small Honeywell HZ-370GP, $50, and Crane EE-8080, $110, which took a glacial 15 minutes to raise the dummy's 60° F temperature by just about 4 degrees. Most of the others we tested raised it about 11 degrees.

Radiator models leave us cold. Heaters that look like vintage steam radiators are also a style statement. Manufacturers say they're best for room heating rather than spot heating. DeLonghi claims "fast and flexible heating" for the DeLonghi TRN0812T, $60, and DeLonghi TRD0715T1, $75, we tested. But both models were only a notch above the higher-rated Soleus Air HM2-15R-32 at quickly heating our 200-square-foot test chamber. And both were dismally slow at spot heating objects directly in their path.

Some space heaters are marketed as bathroom-safe. Yet among the models we tested, only the Holmes HFH436 and DeLonghi TRN0812T had ground-fault circuit interrupter plugs intended to prevent electric shock, including in moist areas. Even with the GFCI plug, their manufacturers warn against using the heaters near water.

Every space heater we tested has either a switch that shuts it off if it tips over or a feature that shuts the heater off if it overheats. Yet space heaters still account for roughly one-third of all home heating fires and more than 80 percent of associated deaths. And though many were less hot to the touch and have plastic grates rather than metal ones, burns to hands—particularly among kids—remain common. Here's how to keep warm with less risk:

Keep heaters away from flammable items. Be sure that pillows, bedding, furniture, drapes, newspapers, and other flammables are at least 3 feet from any space heater.

Ditch the extension cord. All tested models have cords at least 6 feet long. Manufacturers warn against using an extension cord because you might trip over it. An extension cord can also raise the risk of a fire, especially if it's worn or its gauge isn't thick enough to properly power the heater.

Only use fueled heaters outdoors. In addition to emitting harmful fumes, propane and kerosene heaters tend to get much hotter than the plug-in heaters in our tests. Use them only on an open porch or in another well-ventilated outdoor area. A safer bet during a blackout: Power a heater or your home's heating system with a home generator. Capable portable models such as the 7,000-watt Predator 68530, $600, should power most home items.

Check the warranty. The small Vornado TVH500 and Vornado AVH2 have a five-year warranty; most brands offer warranties of just one to three years. That extra coverage could come in handy based on our user reviews, which cite lots of breakdowns for both models. But the reviews also praise Vornado's quick and attentive customer service.

Look for smart features. The slim Dyson AM05 can be angled back or forward and, like many models, has multiple speeds. Top-mounted controls, as on the small Vornados, are easy to reach without bending or tipping back the heater, which tripped the tip-over shutoff switch on the Honeywell HZ-370GP. Many heaters also have timers and remote control. A "frost guard" activates the Stadler Form Max M-006 and DeLonghi's radiator models at roughly 40° F to keep pipes from freezing. But unimpressive heating speed kept all three off our space heater winners' list.

Don't trust savings claims. Both Vornados are among models that manufacturers claim cut heating costs. Holmes forecasts an annual savings of $208 for the Holmes HEH8031-UM. But because electricity is the priciest kind of heating, no space heater can trim your bill unless you turn down the heat elsewhere in the house—an approach known as zone heating. Instead, have your house checked by a professional, who might suggest adding insulation, especially in the attic floor and any crawl space, to help retain heat in every room of your house.

—Ed Perratore (@edperratore on Twitter)