Space Heaters
Space Heater Buying Guide

Space heater sales heat up as temperatures plummet. But with our ratings you don’t have to break a sweat trying to find one to keep you comfortable. The best models can warm you up or heat an average-sized room quickly for as little as $40 or as much as $450. Whichever model you choose, get one with a fan, which helps distribute heat more quickly. Some models can oscillate for more even heating, so you’ll never feel left out in the cold. And, finally, always look for one that has safety features the help reduce the risk of fire.

Choose the Correct Size

Space heaters are great for making you comfortable but not necessarily for saving money or energy. More than 60 percent of homeowners we polled thought that space heaters could trim their energy bills. But the only way you can save is if you lower heat in all other rooms, because electricity is the most expensive way to heat. Use this guide to choose the right size to efficiently warm either yourself or your family without wasting heat and money.

A small silver-gray space heater.

Small: Look for fast spot heating if you care more about quickly warming just one or two people rather than a roomful of guests. The best will quickly warm someone sitting in a room within 15 minutes. 

View Ratings for Small Space Heater Models
A large space heater with a fake flame display.

Large: For heating a full room. Consider larger heaters if you like the look of wood and an electronic flame display. The best will warm up a standard-sized room—such as a family room—in 15 minutes.

See Our Space Heater Ratings for Tested Large Models

Interactive Space Heater Buying Guide

Watch our video below for more details. You can skip to chapters about space heater types, features, and safety.

Shop For Safety

Space heaters are, of course, designed to be hot. But they shouldn’t burn you or create a fire hazard.

Look for a sensor that shuts the heater off if it overheats. A switch that does the same if the heater tips over is a welcome plus for taller models, especially if kids and/or pets use the room, too.

Damaged power cords are one of the major causes of fires, injuries, and deaths associated with space heaters. Inspect electric space heater cords for damage regularly and never use an extension cord with an electric heater.

When you shop for an electric space heater, look for a label from a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratory), ETL (Intertek), or CSA (Canadian Standards Association), verifying that the heater’s construction and performance meet voluntary U.S. safety standards.

Space heater safety labels: UL, ETL, and CSA.
Go to Space Heater Ratings

Features

Check out these features to help you stay cozy during colder days, and also to use your space heater safely.

A space heater's thermostat reading.

Thermostat

A thermostat maintains the temperature you set, saving you the hassle of turning the heater on and off as the room temperature varies. Heaters with multiple output settings conserve energy by letting you choose the lowest setting that keeps a room comfortable.
 

A space heater timer.

Timer

This lets you set the time the heater operates, so it’s not on when you’re out of the room, saving you money.

A space heater power cord.

Power Cord

Look for a model with a cord that is at least 70 inches long. This gives you more flexibility with placement options and avoiding anything flammable such as a couch, curtains, or your bed without using an extension cord—which is not recommended. Heaters should always be on the floor for safety.

A remote control for a space heater.

Remote Control

This allows for easier operation, because the heater should be on the floor for safe operation and a remote saves bending over.
 

A space heater's top handle.

Handle

If you'll be moving the heater from room to room, look for a lightweight model with a handle that provides a safe grip. Check the weight on the box.

Space Heater Brands

DeLonghi Holmes Honeywell Lasko Other Brands
DeLonghi sells mostly convection heaters in the ceramic category, with models covering most types but primarily oil-filled and micathermic. The products are sold at Amazon, Best Buy, Sears, Target, and many online retailers. Prices range from $30 to $200.
The parent company of Holmes, Jarden, also owns Bionaire, Coleman, Patton, and Sunbeam, giving it about 40 percent of the U.S. space heater market. Jarden manufactures convection and radiant products, and its main types are quartz and ceramic. The products are widely available at Home Depot, Target, Walmart, and regional appliance dealers. Prices range from $20 to $70.
Honeywell is part of the Helen of Troy group of products. HOT makes many small appliances, including hair dryers. Honeywell-brand space heaters are primarily the ceramic type with a fan. Honeywell products are sold at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Prices range from $25 to $80.
Lasko's primary type of space heater is ceramic with a fan. The heaters are available in many configurations, such as tower and pedestal. You'll find Lasko heaters at Home Depot, Lowe's, Target, and Walmart. Prices range from $20 to $100.
Additional space heater brands to look at include Bionaire, Crane, Dyson, Heat Storm, and Vornado.
When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more.

More From Consumer Reports

Everything You Need to Host Overnight Guests for the Holidays
5 Essential Products to Help Weather a Winter Storm
8 Fall Chores You Can't Afford to Ignore
Most Common Appliance Problems and Repairs