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The Best Space Heaters to Help You Ditch Your Raggedy Old Blanket for Good

Don’t worry about the impending cold — these space heaters will save the day!

By Michael Natale and Brandon Carte
vornadobaby tempa nursery heater, vornado vheat vintage metal heater, and lasko 1500w electric ceramic space heater
Best Products; Courtesy Vornadobaby, Vornado, Lasko

Whether the space you occupy is poorly insulated, built before our modern comfort standards, or just plain unaccommodating, you no longer need to clutch your cup of soup just for a little heat. Just grab yourself a simple, often compact space heater, plug it in, and enjoy target comfort that can oftentimes fill an entire room!

We’ve researched more than 40 space heaters to find the ones that are reliable, energy-efficient, and certified to be safe for residential use. We understand that there’s a wide variety of spaces you might need a space heater for, so we’ve been sure to highlight both heaters that ideal for certain environments, and those that can be easily moved from place to place. We’ve relied on not just customer reviews across multiple retailers, but other reputable sites’ coverage to ensure the heaters we’ve selected for this list really deliver.

The Best Space Heaters

  • 1
    Ceramic Space Heater

    Best Overall

    Ceramic Space Heater

    Shop at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    VH10 Vortex Space Heater

    Quickest Heating

    VH10 Vortex Space Heater

    Read more
  • 3
    Portable Space Heater

    Most Safety Features

    Portable Space Heater

    Read more
  • 4
    Mica Panel Space Heater

    Best for an Out-of-the-Way Design

    Mica Panel Space Heater

    Read more
  • 5
    Air Logic Bladeless Space Heater

    Best Tower Heater

    Air Logic Bladeless Space Heater

    Read more

What to Consider

  • Size: Now, right off the bat, it should be noted that size isn't necessarily indicative of how much heat a space heater can produce. Trust us, we've got some compact little heaters here that can make a room toasty, and fast. When we talk about size, it's more about how much space it takes up in your chosen space. You want to make sure that the heater can be placed in an area where it can not only provide ample coverage, but won't get in the way. After all, it's about making your space more comfortable, not more cramped.
  • Style: In this case, style means two things. On the one hand, style means the type of space heater you're looking for, be it a compact ceramic heater, a wall-mounted heater, or even a larger bladeless tower heater. But style also means its aesthetic qualities, what look would blend into your space, since you don't want a space heater that sticks out like a sore, albeit warm, thumb.
  • Portability: If you’re dealing with multiple spaces that could use some reliable, customizable warmth, then you want to make sure the space heater you choose is easily portable. And that can mean more than just “Is it small?” Consider its shape, and whether it’s designed to be easily carried.

Space Heater Safety

Lastly, let's talk a moment about space heater safety. The heaters we've selected were all designed with some type of modern safety features in mind, be it an overheating sensor with automatic shut-off, or tipping-prevention. But space heater safety is a two-pronged concept: The manufacturer can ensure the safety of the heater, but you have to ensure the safety of the space. ConsumerReports.org offers some helpful tips on space heater safety, including ensuring that your heater is at least 3 feet away from combustable materials like blankets or curtains, sits on a stable, non-flammable surface, and is unplugged whenever not in use. Also consider the space itself, ensuring that you're not using a space heater in a workshop of garage where gas or paint cans could reside, and that whatever room you do place it in has a smoke detector that is checked regularly.

    Whatever your heating needs in whatever your space, there's a space heater out there that offers what you need. Whether for home, office, or virtually any other venue, send shivers away with one of these reliable space heaters.

    1
    Best Overall

    Ceramic Space Heater

    On Sale
    Ceramic Space Heater
    1
    Best Overall

    Ceramic Space Heater

    $22 at Amazon$31 at Walmart$31 at Home Depot
    Pros
    • Built in automatic overheat protection shuts heater down at dangerous temperatures
    Cons
    • Does not have features to prevent tip-over, which can be a safety concern for some

    This affordable space heater is small, but it sure is powerful. It heats up rooms fast, and it's perfect for those on a tight budget looking to heat smaller spaces like a bathroom or an office.

    Not only is it a top pick for Wirecutter, Reviewed.com, and Business Insider, our colleagues at Good Housekeeping found that it effectively maintained a warm, comfortable temperature. They also appreciated its three adjustable heat settings.

    “I’ve owned several small ceramic heaters over the last 20 years, and surprisingly this little Lasko heater gets the hottest of any I’ve had and is very quiet,” one Walmart reviewer relayed. “It heats up my 12x12 office nicely if I keep the door closed.”

    Another perk? Its automatic overheat protection shuts down the unit when it senses dangerous temperatures. Safety features like these, combined with its compact, lightweight design and simple controls make it a standout pick that won't break the bank, either!

    More: The Best Gifts for People Who Are Always Cold

    Key Specs

    Height9.2 inches
    Width6 inches
    Weight4 pounds
    2
    Quickest Heating

    VH10 Vortex Space Heater

    VH10 Vortex Space Heater
    2
    Quickest Heating

    VH10 Vortex Space Heater

    Pros
    • Very quiet and quick to heat
    Cons
    • Some reviewers find the control buttons difficult to operate

    The Vornado Vortex VH10 checks all the boxes for what we look for in a space heater. It sports a clean-looking design, it's powerful, and most importantly — is packed with plenty of safety features. Of the space heaters we've compared, this one offers one of the longest warranties (5 years) and is the quickest to heat a room.

    Although it's priced more expensively than competing space heaters, an editor at review site Your Best Digs said the higher price is worth it, given the heater's state-of-the-art safety precautions, like tip-over protection and overheating prevention.

    Plus, it features a precise digital thermostat and more evenly distributes heat throughout the room better than the competition. Though, it should be noted that several reviewers, like this 4-star Amazon review, describe the buttons as "quite cheap-looking."

    Key Specs

    Height7.7 inches
    Width7.2 inches
    Weight2.2 pounds
    3
    Most Safety Features

    Portable Space Heater

    Portable Space Heater
    3
    Most Safety Features

    Portable Space Heater

    Pros
    • Automatic shut-off and warm-to-touch design makes this heater the safest choice
    Cons
    • A larger size and heftier price tag than other comparable heaters on this list

    Don't sweat at the thought of an accident. No matter how long you've been running the heater, the warm-to-the-touch surface makes this space heater safe for your kids and pets.

    Other safety features include overheat protection and an automatic shutoff if the heater gets accidentally tipped over. No burns, scars, or exposed heating elements that can cause a fire here!

    This heater is also a favorite of BestReviews for its attractive design, sturdy build, and impressive dual heating systems.

    Key Specs

    Height17 inches
    Width12.5 inches
    Weight19 pounds
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    4
    Best for an Out-of-the-Way Design

    Mica Panel Space Heater

    Mica Panel Space Heater
    4
    Best for an Out-of-the-Way Design

    Mica Panel Space Heater

    Now 10% Off
    Pros
    • Adjustable heat that can reach a height of 95 degrees Fahrenheit
    Cons
    • Takes a while to warm up

    With this affordable 1,500-watt space heater, you can either place it on your wall or on the ground, and it'll blend right in. The heater is on wheels, so you can roll it around from room to room. It's a win for space-savers and penny-pinchers alike.

    During their test with the DeLonghi space heater, editors at Reviewed.com found that it could output a maximum temperature of almost 95 degrees Fahrenheit. If the higher-heat option is too much for you, you can reduce it to 750 watts for a less intense heating experience. Safety features include an automatic shutoff if it tips over or overheats.

    Key Specs

    Height22 inches
    Width27 inches
    Weight15.43 pounds
    5
    Best Tower Heater

    Air Logic Bladeless Space Heater

    Air Logic Bladeless Space Heater
    5
    Best Tower Heater

    Air Logic Bladeless Space Heater

    Pros
    • An affordable tower heater option
    Cons
    • Battery hatch on remote can be difficult to open

    The Lasko AW300 Air Logic bladeless heater is four times cheaper than Dyson's bladeless option, and it offers comparable performance without breaking the bank. At just 25 inches tall, the heater sports a sleek design and it has a small footprint.

    Features include an 8-hour timer, adjustable heat settings, and widespread oscillation. It even includes a remote control. Our colleagues at Popular Mechanics said the heater offers a large amount of air flow and even heat distribution. Their only complaint was that the battery hatch on the remote was difficult to remove.

    Key Specs

    Heights27.17 inches
    Width9.16 inches
    Weight9.4 pounds
    6
    Best Splurge

    Hot+Cool Purifying Fan Heater

    Best Tested
    Hot+Cool Purifying Fan Heater
    6
    Best Splurge

    Hot+Cool Purifying Fan Heater

    Pros
    • Heats and cools an entire room efficiently
    • Can be controlled via app
    • Doubles as an air purifier
    Cons
    • Expensive

    If you're looking to get an entire room toasty, Dyson's Hot+Cool Purifying Fan Heater is well worth the investment. It has long-range projection technology that allows it to quickly heat up or cool (yes, it does both) an entire room quickly and efficiently — all while purifying the air too. You can control your heating preferences and oscillation via a remote or the MyDyson app, where you can also monitor things like air quality and filter life.

    Our tester says, "I've owned a few space heaters across all price points, and nothing comes close to how well this space heater heats my drafty basement. It's the only space heater I've used that makes my ordinarily cold basement feel like it's being warmed up by an in-house heating system. The app is super convenient, and its useful technology warrants its price point. I'm confident this is the last space heater I'll own for quite some time and could not be happier with it."

    Key Specs

    Height30 inches
    Width8.1 inches
    Weight12.5 pounds
    Number of Speed Settings10
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    7
    Best Looking Heater

    VHEAT Whole Room Vintage Space Heater

    On Sale
    VHEAT Whole Room Vintage Space Heater
    7
    Best Looking Heater

    VHEAT Whole Room Vintage Space Heater

    Pros
    • A stylish heater ideal for small spaces
    Cons
    • Not ideal for large spaces

    Yes, you can have effortless style and reliable heating. Just look at this Vornado model with a retro aesthetic and sturdy metal construction.

    With two heat settings and multidirectional airflow, you can place it just about anywhere to circulate some much needed-warm airflow this winter. Plus, it gives your place a nice midcentury look to top it all off!

    “We’ve had the Vornado Vintage Metal Heater for over a year and it is quiet and efficient,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “We use it in a 27-foot travel trailer, which is like a small room, so the usage doesn’t compare to someone with a large bedroom and high ceilings, but in an RV it works great!”

    Key Specs

    Height13.7 inches
    Width11 inches
    Weight8.8 pounds
    8
    Best Contemporary Design

    Designer Series Oscillating Space Heater

    Designer Series Oscillating Space Heater
    8
    Best Contemporary Design

    Designer Series Oscillating Space Heater

    Pros
    • Oscillates to evenly heat the whole space
    Cons
    • With no obvious area to hold it by, it's difficult to take from room to room

    A space heater doesn't have to be an eyesore! This offering from Lasko looks more like a nice vase than a gadget that'll keep your home toasty. It offers 1,500 watts of power, which is enough to fill a room with heat.

    Plus, it oscillates to ensure every corner of the room gets warmer. It features three settings — low, high, and quiet comfort — making it a great option for any room in the house.

    However, if you’re hoping for an easy way to transport it from one room to another, that can be tricky. “It would be nice if there were a handle or something,” one reviewer wrote. “It doesn’t weigh much but it’s awkward to carry.”

    Key Specs

    Height16 inches
    Width10 inches
    Weight6.5 pounds
    9
    The Smart Wall-Mounted Option

    Infrared Wi-Fi Wall-Mounted Heater

    On Sale
    Infrared Wi-Fi Wall-Mounted Heater
    9
    The Smart Wall-Mounted Option

    Infrared Wi-Fi Wall-Mounted Heater

    Now 35% Off
    Pros
    • Can be integrated into a smart home setup
    Cons
    • Lacks a timer feature

    For those who need a wall-mounted heater but don’t want to fuss with yet another remote control, we recommend this infrared heater. It can be controlled from a smartphone app or with your voice if you have a Google Assistant- or Alexa-powered smart speaker.

    The heater is quiet and keeps cool to the touch when operating. Although it doesn't have a timer feature, you can create a schedule to turn it on automatically within the app.

    Key Specs

    Height16 inches
    Width19 inches
    Weight9 pounds
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    10
    Best for the Bedroom or Nursery

    Tempa Nursery Space Heater

    Tempa Nursery Space Heater
    10
    Best for the Bedroom or Nursery

    Tempa Nursery Space Heater

    Pros
    • Multiple safety features make it a reliable choice for a nursery
    Cons
    • Some reviewers with the adjustable heat settings were more precise

    If the Vornado VH10 Vortex we previously mentioned is a bit too powerful for your needs, consider this smaller and more affordable option. It's designed to be used in nurseries and offers built-in safety features for worry-free use.

    Parents will have some peace of mind knowing it has a child lock switch, covered cord, a cool-touch exterior, and an automatic shutoff setting if it gets tipped over. This heater is backed by an impressive 5-year warranty and has two adjustable heat and fan settings.

    Key Specs

    Height10.9 inches
    Width10.1 inches
    Weight3.8 pounds
    Headshot of Michael Natale
    Michael Natale
    News Editor

    Michael Natale is the news editor for Best Products, covering a wide range of topics like gifting, lifestyle, pop culture, and more. He has covered pop culture and commerce professionally for over a decade. His past journalistic writing can be found on sites such as Yahoo! and Comic Book Resources, his podcast appearances can be found wherever you get your podcasts, and his fiction can’t be found anywhere, because it’s not particularly good. 

    Headshot of Brandon Carte
    Senior Electronics Editor

    Brandon Carte has been covering technology at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been writing about the latest gadgets, appliances, and scouring the internet for the products that make life easier. His reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com, Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify, and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.

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