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While most homes are equipped with some form of central heating, this isn’t always sufficient for keeping you warm throughout the year. Electric heaters are a great way to provide supplemental heat in your home or office, packing a lot of punch for something that is both portable and quick to turn on or off. These heaters can be moved around the house as needed since they can be plugged into any outlet (no heater on this list surpasses 1500W). Their smaller size and directed airflow make electric heaters a cost-effective and fast option for heating a single room within a larger building without increasing the building’s central heat.
While every model on this list is efficient at heating, there are different products that may be better suited to different scenarios. Oscillating fans tend to be more effective at circulating air and heat around a room, while smart devices may be ideal for busy families or young professionals on the go. Some electric heaters can be wall-mounted, while others are particularly small and lightweight for greater portability. For those on a budget, I’ve included some very effective yet affordably priced options. At the same time, those willing to spend more may get a more chic design or added functionality, such as air purification.
Whatever your needs, there is an electric space heater for you on this list. Read on to find out which is the best electric heater for your home.
While all electric heaters are built to make a space warmer, some are more powerful than others. Depending on the design of the heater, it may circulate air and heat across greater distances or at faster speeds than other models. However, greater power isn’t always better; if you’re heating a smaller space or need less supplemental heat, then an electric heater with lower power or one with varying temperature control settings will be just as effective and more energy-efficient. Colder regions or houses with larger rooms will benefit from more powerful heating units.
If you live in a climate with varying extremes or with people who like different temperature settings, then it may be worth buying an electric heater with several temperature settings so that you can customize the power level to the situation.
Electric heaters are safe for casual home use, but many products offer additional safety features for extra peace of mind. If you live with small children or pets, this will likely be of even greater importance to you, so assess each heater for the extra precautions it provides. Many heaters offer automatic shut-offs, whether due to overheating or tipping over. A few feature covers that stay cool to the touch should a small hand or furred paw come into contact with the heater. Others offer the ability to turn off during the night, so there’s no risk of overheating while you’re asleep.
Perhaps there’s one room in your home that you spend the most time in but gets a bit cold. In that case, you probably care less about portability as the heater will stay put in one place. If you want a model that you can take around the house, to the garage, or to your office, then it will be more important to find a lightweight design that is practical to carry, perhaps with handles or wheels.
While larger heaters can be more powerful than their smaller counterparts, this isn’t always the case, so consider the average area heated by the unit, as well as its dimensions. Some heaters are also designed to be tall and pillar-shaped or wide and flat to better fit into tight spaces; think about where you will most likely use the heater and make sure it will fit comfortably there.
Best affordable electric heater
amazon
$39.99
$32.99
For effective heating at a low price point, you can’t do better than the Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater. Despite its diminutive size, it’s able to heat a space up to 100 square feet as quickly as larger models. Lasko includes two power levels and a fan setting in this heater, as well as built-in safety features that include automatic overheating protection and a tip-over safety switch. The heater doesn’t oscillate, so whatever is directly in front of the unit warms up more efficiently than the rest of the room, but this should pose no problem for smaller bedrooms or offices. Its low weight also makes it easy to transport to different locations as needed. While it’s not as flashy or powerful as some other products on this list, the Lasko Ceramic Heater is great value for its low price of around $30.
For fast warmth, easy portability, and a great price, the Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater is a no brainer.
Get it here: Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater
Best electric heater for small rooms
Walmart
$96.41
amazon
$69.99
$59.99
The Pelonis Tower Space Heater combines the height and oscillating ability of a larger heater with the compact footprint of a much smaller one. At nearly 23 inches tall and with 70 degrees of oscillation, this electric heater is able to emit a lot of heat and circulate it around the room. Although the company states that this is limited to areas up to 160 square feet, reviewers consistently praise it for working in larger settings.
The Pelonis heater includes both a touch control and remote control, a cool-touch flame-resistant coating, and safety features like automatic tip-over shut off. For anyone who plans to get extensive use out of this heater, there is an eco-friendly power setting and an eight-hour timer to “set it and forget it.” While its height makes it more noticeable than other heaters, the slim shape is quite stylish, and it can easily nestle into a corner for a less obvious look.
The Pelonis Tower Space Heater works very efficiently thanks to its height and oscillation while packing in a number of extra safety and energy settings.
Get it here: Pelonis Tower Space Heater
Best electric heater for large rooms
The Home Depot
$59.99
amazon
$103.28
$76.19
The Vornado VH200 is so much more powerful than it looks. While it weighs barely four pounds and reaches just over ten inches in height, this electric heater can comfortably warm rooms up to 250 square feet in size. Not only that, but it does so almost silently, so you can be confident of there being minimal disruption whenever you have it on.
The Vornado VH200 features three different power settings (low, medium, and high) for greater versatility and includes a tip-over switch and automatic shutdown mechanism. In addition to being lightweight, there’s a carry handle on top for easy portability and a cool-touch case, so there’s no risk of burning your hands. You can get all this power for only $60, just don’t expect it to be the most stylish or modern-looking heater around. However, you can choose between three colors: Black, champagne, and charcoal.
The Vornado VH200 is the go-to pick for anyone who wants to heat up a larger space and do so quickly, quietly, and inexpensively.
Get it here: Vornado VH200 Space Heater
Most stylish electric heater
buy on Pottery Barn
amazon
$159.99
Unlike the VH200, Vornado’s VHEAT Vintage Metal Heater is an attractive addition to any home, with its old-school design (inspired by the original 1945 Vornadofan) and light color options of sage green or cream. It uses a unique heating design to better warm a room without blasting hot air; instead, vortex air circulation allows for more gentle yet effective heating. In addition to the two main power settings (low/high), there is an adjustable thermostat and a 47-degree pivoting head so that you can better customize the heat level and direction of airflow. As with the VH200, the VHEAT includes tip-over protection and automatic safety shut off for greater peace of mind, while the metal structure helps create a durable product that will last for years.
For an attractive heater that looks as good as it performs, the Vornado VHEAT heater is an investment buy that heats your room gently but quickly.
Get it here: Vornado VHEAT Vintage Metal Heater
Best wall-mounted electric heater
The Home Depot
$100.52
amazon
$119.99
$97.59
While a standing heater is portable, a wall-mounted electric heater frees up floor space and removes the risk of tripping. It’s a particularly good idea if you have kids or pets who might be a little too curious about the hot air blower! The Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Heater is my pick for the best wall-mounted unit, thanks to its slim profile and clear digital display, which can dim during the night so as not to disrupt your sleep.
The heater comes with a control for remote access and features two power settings, with the higher setting able to heat 150 square feet as a primary method of heat, or 750 square feet as a secondary method. If you do want to detach it from the wall and place it on the floor, the Heat Storm includes attachable feet with your purchase. In addition to a tip-over switch, the unit includes a child lock, and the entire exterior is touchable and heat-proof. This costs a little over $100, which I think is a reasonable price for its heating abilities and space efficiency.
Heat Storm’s Phoenix Infrared Heater is a discreet, wall-mounted heater with a dimmable digital display, child-safe features and a mid-level price.
Get it here: Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Heater
Best electric fireplace space heater
Wayfair
$464.99
$229.99
amazon
$229.99
The DuraFlame 3D Electric Fireplace Stove is designed to be a centerpiece, not something you hide away in the corner. The flame function mimics the appearance of a real fire and can run with or without heating to enjoy the aesthetic, no matter the weather. Unlike some electric fireplaces, this one also comes in several colors, including navy and cinnamon, so you can be confident it will suit whichever room you put it in.
Infrared quartz heat helps to maintain the room’s natural humidity while adding warmth, which can heat a room up to 1,000 square feet in size. The DuraFlame stove is also easy to use, thanks to a control panel that features an adjustable thermostat, a timer, and five brightness settings. One thing to note is that you’ll pay a high price for this product ($230), and there are no safety features beyond overheat protection, so it may not be safe for small children or pets.
Enjoy the look and coziness of a fireplace year-round with the DuraFlame 3D Electric Fireplace Stove, which mimics a fire, heats the room, and looks stylish at the same time.
Get it here: DuraFlame 3D Electric Fireplace Stove
Best family-friendly heater
amazon
$90.99
$80.27
Not only does the PUR Honeywell ThermaWave Ceramic Heater look sleek and modern, it features a few additional safety features that make it a great family-friendly model. As well as the standard tip-over shutoff function, the Honeywell has two separate overheat protections and an outer plastic shell that stays cool to the touch throughout use.
There are also three different timer settings (two, four, or eight hours), so whether you have curious children or pets, you can rest easy that they’ll be safe around this heater. The air vents are placed on the upper part of the heater, allowing it to more effectively direct warm air around a room than some ground units, although keep in mind that these vents can’t be redirected downwards. Overall, we think this heater looks and performs like a heater that’s much more expensive than it is.
The PUR Honeywell ThermaWave Ceramic Heater looks grown-up and expensive yet is child-friendly, affordable, and quick to heat up large spaces.
Get it here: PUR Honeywell ThermaWave Ceramic Heater
Best portable electric heater
amazon
$74.99
$67.49
The Dreo Solaris Slim H3 looks more like a portable speaker than a heater, thanks to its six-inch by six-inch footprint and 16-inch height. Weighing under five pounds and with a hidden handle, this column unit is easy to carry and stylish wherever you put it down. The touch control panel features several buttons, including a favorite temperature setting and an oscillating function of 70 degrees for greater heating efficiency. There’s also a remote control if you want to operate the device from further away.
The Dreo Solaris Slim can heat areas up to 200 square feet and can reach 75 degrees Fahrenheit in just two seconds, making it much more powerful than its size suggests. The black color and metallic accents make it look expensive, but this heater costs under $70. It’s also very quiet on any of its five settings. The only cause for caution is that the grill can get hot after extended use, so children and pets should be supervised while it’s turned on.
The Dreo Solaris Slim H3 is incredibly powerful for its size and stylish for its price, with five power settings packed into a small, 5 lb unit.
Get it here: Dreo Solaris Slim H3
Best heater with smart features
buy on Autonomous Inc
All you need from your electric heater is the ability to turn on and warm up a room, but additional smart capabilities can really streamline and elevate the experience. BOLDR’s FARA Smart Energy Desktop Heater is designed to support optional add-on smart features, all linked to a smartphone application. From this app, users can adjust the temperature of different zones in the house from anywhere; you could set the house to begin warming up on your way home or switch off the heater upstairs while you’re downstairs.
Real-time cost monitoring allows you to measure your energy consumption at any time, and you can set a heating schedule so that your FARA heater knows exactly when to run for greater energy efficiency. FARA also connects to voice devices like Google Home and Alexa so that you can control your heating through convenient voice commands.
Even without the smart features, this is a nifty little heater: Weighing just 1.5 pounds, this desktop unit can comfortably and attractively slot into any space and still has the power to heat spaces up to 215 square feet. Unsurprisingly, this comes at a higher price of $160, but if you appreciate smart functionality, then this price will be a steal.
The BOLDR FARA Desktop Heater is smart in appearance and design, with a convenient app that allows for remote access, real-time cost monitoring, and schedule setting.
Get it here: BOLDR FARA Smart Energy Saving Desktop Heater
Best oil-filled heater
DeLonghi
$149.95
amazon
$129.95
While most space heaters nowadays are ceramic, oil-filled heaters are ideal for heating large spaces for longer periods of time. They take longer to warm up, but the results linger, creating a more ambient warmth that’s great for gatherings or slow, cozy evenings in. The De’Longhi Dragon Oil Filled Radiator Heater is my favorite of the bunch, thanks to its sturdy construction and ergonomic portability; although it’s a larger heater at 25 pounds, front and rear handles plus smart snap wheels ensure easy mobility.
The De’Longhi heater is silent when in use and has 75% more surface area than competitors for more efficient heat distribution. Because it doesn’t deploy a fan, there’s no risk of stirring up dust or drying out the air like some ceramic models. It also features a tip-over switch, overheat protection, and a child lock, plus a cool-touch coating to keep small hands safe. For energy-conscious users, this heater offers an Eco Plus mode and a range of temperature and power levels, with a programmable 24-hour timer.
For long-lasting ambient warmth, the De’Longhi Dragon Oil Filled Radiator Heater is a sturdy, silent heater that works slowly but effectively over long periods of time.
Get it here: De'Longhi Dragon Oil Filled Radiator Heater
Most versatile electric heater
amazon
$629.99
$580.00
If you’re willing to splurge on a state-of-the-art, multidimensional appliance, then the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP02 is a powerful product that does it all. This isn’t just a heater–it’s also an air conditioner and an air purifier. This makes it particularly effective in areas of high pollution or areas that are susceptible to wildfires, as this device is proven to capture wildfire smoke. The purifier can also monitor and detect shifts in air quality, which are then reported instantly via the MyDyson smartphone app.
Even without all these added functions, the heater ability of the Hot+Cool is impressive, with the ability to choose between diffused or focused airflow thanks to optional 70-degree oscillation. A quiet Night Mode and programmable schedule ensure you can be kept at a comfortable temperature throughout the day without disruption or unnecessary energy consumption. While the price is high at $550, it’s three high-end appliances in one, making the price tag a bit more reasonable.
The Dyson Hot+Cool HP02 does more than just heat well–it’s also an air purifier and air conditioner, so you get three state-of-the-art appliances in one sleek, if expensive, package.
Get it here: Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Link Purifier HP02
While all electric heaters are 100% energy efficient and nearly all operate at 1500W when on high power, they aren’t all as effective at diffusing heat. They also vary when it comes to safety features, aesthetics, price, smart capabilities, and added functionality. For this piece, I researched each model in depth and assessed the heaters on the above criteria, as well as taking into account the first-hand experience of industry experts and the general public.
I also considered the different needs and budgets of potential customers and looked for heaters that consistently performed over long periods of time. I incorporated the guidance of industry professionals and my own first-hand experience so that I could draw up a list that represented the most three-dimensional experience of each of these products.
Central heating uses gas for energy, instead of the electricity used by space heaters. As gas is generally cheaper than electricity, central heating tends to be more affordable than electric heaters when used to heat the same amount of space. This will, of course, vary depending on where you live and the utility prices in your area. However, electric heaters can be much more targeted in their heat emission than radiators or other central air units, which means they are very effective in smaller spaces.
Central heating might take more overall energy to get a single room to the temperature you want, as it could be heating other rooms as well. If you’re looking to just raise the temperature of a single space, then electric heaters can be overall more cost effective than turning on central heating. You can enhance this by utilizing energy-saving modes on your heater, monitoring your consumption, and looking for models that automatically shut off once the desired temperature has been reached.
Electric heaters can last as long as five to ten years, depending on the unit you have, the frequency of use, and the amount of maintenance conducted. Heaters that are left on all day or even for days on end will likely break sooner than electric heaters that are used more sparingly. Some models on this list have a warranty of up to five years, and others, such as the De’Longhi Oil Filled Heater, are considered more durable and long-lasting than ceramic heaters. In general, you can expect several years of use as long as you take care of your unit.
This will all come down to personal preference. Some heaters are designed to heat the immediate surroundings quickly (radiant heat), while others heat the entire room but at a slower pace (convection heat). Portability may be important for some people who want to heat multiple rooms but only one at a time, while others may prioritize power and heat efficiency in a single space. A higher price doesn’t always mean a more effective heater; the price may also include elevated design features, smart capabilities, and a more fashionable look. This may be worth it to some but not to others, so the best one is the one that works for you.
Nearly all of the electric heaters on this list use 1500W when at high power. This is quite a lot of electricity; while you can plug any of these heaters into a standard wall outlet, it is recommended that you don’t use them with an extension cord as this may overload it and cause a fire. However, electric heaters convert all of this electricity into heat, making them energy efficient. To maximize effectiveness while minimizing energy use, it is recommended that electric heaters be used as supplementary heat, not the sole source of heat in the home.
In general, electric heaters are approved for indoor use, but we’ve also made sure to only include electric heaters that feature basic safety functions such as overheat protection. This ensures that the device will turn off once it reaches a certain heat threshold, reducing the risk of harm or fire. Tip-over switches, cool-touch coatings, and child locks can all improve the safety of a heater for greater peace of mind. It is generally recommended that electric heaters not be left on overnight just as an added safety precaution, in case of an automatic shut-off malfunction.
Electric heaters can be available for as low as $30, while other models can cost several hundreds of dollars. The price will depend on the materials used, the size of the unit, its additional features and smart capabilities, and its aesthetic. More expensive units are not necessarily better at heating but may offer valuable other components such as eco-modes, remote access, or air purification.
It is recommended that electric space heaters only be used for a few hours at a time and not left to run overnight to reduce the risk of overheating or malfunction. In the worst cases, a heater left on for too long could create a fire hazard, although all of the devices on this list feature automatic shut-off and overheat protection. Another reason to reduce the duration of the heating is that electric heaters use a lot of energy, so it can be very expensive to run a space heater for hours on end. Instead, these units are effective at shorter-term, direct heating of small spaces, as opposed to long-term ambient heating; for that, central heating is likely to be more efficient, safe, and affordable.