Space heater sales heat up as temperatures drop. But with CR’s space heater ratings you don’t have to break a sweat trying to find one to keep you comfortable.
The best models can heat an average-sized room (200 square feet), such as a home office, quickly for as little as $40—or as much as $650. We also test personal space heaters that start at just $19, for those looking to warm up a smaller area.
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 always look for one that has safety features that help reduce the risk of fire, such as an automatic shutoff if the unit overheats.
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 a home. Use this guide to choose the right size to efficiently warm either yourself or your space without wasting heat and money.
Small: Look for fast spot heating if you care more about quickly warming just one or two people rather than a roomful of folks. The best small models will quickly warm someone sitting in a room within 15 minutes.
Large: A large unit is ideal for heating a full room. You may also want to consider a larger space heater if you like the look of wood and an electronic flame display. The best large heaters will warm up a standard-sized room, such as a family room, within 15 minutes.
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 unit with 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, ETL (Intertek), or CSA (Canadian Standards Association), verifying that the heater’s construction and performance meet voluntary U.S. safety standards.
Features
Check out these features to help you stay cozy during colder days, and also to use your space heater safely.
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.
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.
Power Cord
Look for a model with a cord that is at least 70 inches long. This gives you more flexibility for placement, but make sure to keep it away from anything flammable, such as a couch, curtains, or your bed. Heaters should always be placed on the floor for safety.
Remote Control
This allows for convenience because the heater should be on the floor for safe operation, and a remote saves bending over.
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.