Electric heaters are an affordable and efficient way of heating your home. For many people, the phrase ‘electric heater’ conjures up the image of an old fashioned, two-bar heater, connected to a socket by a dangerously frayed cord, sizzling hazardously in the corner of a dim and dismal room. The truth is that modern electric heaters are nothing like this stereotype.
In our professional opinion the Portable Space Heater, by Dr Infrared Heater, is the best electric heater currently on the market.
The 10 Best Electric Heaters:
Below we have listed the 10 best electric heaters currently available for sale online. This list is reviewed and updated regularly
1. Dr Infrared Heater Portable Electric Space Heater
| Heat Output | 5200 BTU |
|---|---|
| SQ/f heat up | 1000 |
| Weight | 19 pounds |
| Dimensions | 13x11x16 inches |
Pros:
- Cost-efficient heat
- Remote control
- Quiet power
- Programmable timer
- Plenty of safety features
- Quick heating
- Value for money
- Durable
Cons:
- Thermostat is not perfectly accurate
- No fan only option
- Can get very hot if not regulated
Dr. Infrared is a highly trusted brand on the market. This portable 1500-watt infrared heater is compact, easy to carry around and has great heat output to make sure every room is well heated quickly and for your comfort.
You might think that as quick as this heater warms up a room it uses a lot of power, but it’s quite cost-efficient and conserves energy while still performing at a high level. Another feature helping this portable space heater to save you money on your bill is the auto shut-off function and its standby mode.
As soon as the desired temperature is reached the heater goes into standby to conserve power and if you forget to switch it off, it will automatically shut down after 12 hours of use.
One detail that puts this heater above many, if not all others, is the fact that it is built to last, and not many heaters are. 80.000 is the minimum guaranteed to work without any issues and it will most likely last a lot more than that.
Finally, it is not only small in size and will save you space in the room, but you won’t even notice it working as it keeps its working noise down to the absolute minimum. With function being always chosen over aesthetics, the Dr. Infrared portable heater is also nice on the eye and looks the part.
With the user-friendly interface, it can be operated with ease and, at the price it comes, there is no argument why this is one of the most popular portable heaters on the market.
2. Duraflame Electric Infrared Fireplace Heater
| Heat Output | 5200 BTU |
|---|---|
| SQ/f heat up | 1000 |
| Weight | 28.6 pounds |
| Dimensions | 13.1x24x23.4 inches |
Pros:
- Attractive design
- Pleasing and realistic 3D effect
- Remote control
- Energy efficient
- Durable metal construction
Cons:
- Not ideal for larger rooms
- The quality of the buttons is questionable
Speaking of looking the part, this is one of the main reasons why the Duraflame Electric Infrared quartz fireplace stove is a top seller. The look on this heater can make any room feel warm and cozy just by its visual appeal.
The beautifully layered 3D effect of the wood burning in the stove makes for an even more realistic feel. The greatest feature about this effect is that it can be adjusted with the remote for different brightness levels and speeds, and can be turned on without using the heater, so you can enjoy this theme year-round.
The design as sturdy as it looks is lightweight, compact enough for easy transfer from room to room, and can even be a perfect fit for a tiny house or an RV.
The heat output is able to heat up a room of up to 1000 square feet and, like any of the top space heaters, it is safe to use around pets and children and the auto shut-off function comes into play in case of an accidental tip over. Some of the great features of this product might also be a bit of a minus for some.
Although the look is authentic, in order for it to be lightweight some of the parts, like the legs and door handle, might feel flimsy. Another detail to note is that the dial is behind the beautiful glass door, which can be annoying having to get up every time you need to set the stove to the desired temperature and heat output.
This pretty much makes the remote useless, unless only used for the LED flame effect settings. Considering what experience you get out of this beautiful heater, the minor flaws can be overlooked if you are looking to make your home not only warm but even homier.
3. Lasko Designer Series Ceramic Electric Space Heater
| Heat Output | 5200 BTU |
|---|---|
| SQ/f heat up | 300 |
| Weight | 7.25 pounds |
| Dimensions | 8.2×8.2×16.1 inches |
Pros:
- Stylish attractive design
- Great value for money
- Compact
- Adjustable thermostat
- Timer
- No assembly required
- Quiet and effective oscillation
Cons:
- The design will not appeal to all users
- Heater unit, cables, and plugs can get hot
If you are looking to give your room a designer piece that acts not only as a prop but also warms it up and is aesthetically pleasing, then consider the Lasko Designer Series space heater for your home.
There are many great features to this oscillating heater, each meant to make you consider it even more after looking through them. Even though it can’t heat up as big of a room, it heats up just as fast as the other heaters on the list and will quickly warm up any room you put it in.
The heater itself is very easy to use and comes assembled in the box? so you can put it to use as soon as you receive it. The oscillation feature makes for great even distribution of heat throughout the entire room and the three available settings allow you to choose when you want to conserve more power and don’t need it on full blast.
In terms of safety, this Lasko heater lacks a tip-over auto shut off the safety and it could be quite easy to bump it while walking around. It has, however, auto shut off feature after being used up to a certain amount of time, so you wouldn’t have to worry about forgetting it turned on. Overheating is also not going to be an issue as the automatic overheat protection will make sure the parts last longer.
Another detail to pay attention to when considering this product is that it will cool down quickly after being turned off, so it will not keep much leftover warmth like some other space heaters.
At the end of the day, this is a great designer heater to have in any room for some extra heat, nice decoration and, as long as the space you try to provide warmth to isn’t on the bigger scale, it will do its job in a quiet and energy-efficient manner.
4. Lasko 754200 Ceramic Portable Electric Space Heater
| Heat Output | 5200 BTU |
|---|---|
| SQ/f heat up | 100 |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Dimensions | 7.5×6.7×10 inches |
Pros:
- Adjustable thermostat
- Highly affordable
- Compact and portable
- Attractive design
- Fully assembled
Cons:
- Very basic unit with limited features
- Not the greatest safety features
Lasko are well known for their high-quality products and this little space heater with an adjustable thermostat is no different. If you need to heat up a small or medium-size room or to add a bit more heat to a chilly one, this product is just the right for you.
The adjustable thermostat allows you to regulate the heat output and two heat settings, High and Low, let you choose how much warmth you really want. There is a reason this is one of the top sellers on the market. It gets the job done.
Nothing flashy, nothing too fancy just two dials you can turn on top, easy to carry around from room to room or turn it where you want the heat and you are good to go. The fan is really quiet for such a basic product and the safety features are also quite good.
The heater is cold to the touch and has to overheat protection if you accidentally leave it on for too long. Another little handy feature is the fan only option for when you just need to move the air in the room and feel a nice cool breeze. At this price tag, the Lasko ceramic heater is a steal and a great choice for anyone looking to have a handy tool to quickly warm up a room.
5. Comfort Zone Oscillating Electric Space Heater
| Heat Output | 5120 BTU |
|---|---|
| SQ/f heat up | 100 |
| Weight | 7.05 pounds |
| Dimensions | 23x8x9 inches |
Pros:
- Oscillating feature for heat distribution
- Value for money
- Cool-touch
- Eco-mode
Cons:
- Not very stable
- Short power cable
When you are looking to heat up a room with a powerful heater, but space is an issue, it is nice to have power in a portable slim package. Comfort Zone’s oscillating space heater is just the one that can do this for you while saving you money on your electric bill.
Let us start at the top. This heater is ETL certified, which is a huge plus. The digital thermostat allows you to easily control the temperature with the remote and the three available fan modes as well as the ECO mode will help you better manage power usage so your bill doesn’t eat your wallet. Another great feature is the oscillation of this heater. The wider 70-degree angle can help cover wider areas.
Safety is ensured not only by the ETL certificate but by a number of other features. Accidental tip-overs are not a problem because the heater automatically shuts off in these cases. In the occasion you forget to turn off the heater, it will automatically shut down after 8 hours of continuous use.
The stay-cool body also makes it safe to use around children and pets, while maintaining the heat output. The only thing to consider with this heater is the short power cord, so make sure there is an outlet very close to where you want to position it.
As a final verdict, the Comfort Zone oscillating space heater is a handy one to have at home and, at its competitive price, has more bang for the buck than most of the competitors.
6. ALROCKET Oscillating Electric Space Heater
| Heat Output | 2000 BTU |
| SQ/f heat up | 100 |
| Weight | 4.22 pounds |
| Dimensions | 4.9*4.9*8.1 inches |
Pros:
- Amazingly low price
- Compact
- Effective oscillation
- Energy efficient
- Natural wind option
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Not suitable for large areas
- Short power cord
This is a popular and highly rated heater that is available it an incredibly low price. It is compact and portable so ideal for any home or office environment. The design is basic but attractive and it is easy to use.
It is also extremely versatile and offers a natural wind setting for warmer days. The heater is not designed for large rooms but you can take it with you wherever you need fast effective heat. It will save you money over time as it is highly energy efficient.
Another benefit is that it is extremely quiet so you will barely notice it is on. For peace of mind, it has all the necessary safety protections built-in. It is a versatile little hater that gets the job done. The many positive reviews speak for themselves.
7. Vornado MVH Vortex Electric Heater with 3 Heat Settings
| Heat Output | 5 100 BTU |
| SQ/f heat up | 150 |
| Weight | 3.76 pounds |
| Dimensions | 9.2 x 10.4 x 10.6 inches |
Pros:
- Value for money
- Compact and portable
- Sleek modern design
- Safe
- Efficient heating
- Good warranty and after-sales-service
- Three heat settings
Cons:
- Only suitable for smaller rooms
- No remote control
- No fan setting
Vornado is a popular choice and the MHV Vortex is no exception. It is ideal for portability and heating up smaller rooms. It has three heat settings so you can achieve the ideal warmth for the space in which you use it. The thermostat offers even more precise control.
The MVH has great safety features so you can use it with confidence in any environment. It is easy to use and heats up quickly for fast effective warmth. It operates silently so will not disturb you as it heats up the room.
The air circulation is excellent which means that it distributes heats evenly and comfortably through the room. This gives rapid and comforting warmth. The Vortec airflow has been patented by Vornado. Another advantage is that it works efficiently, saving you money over time.
8. Dyson 61874-01 Electric Fan Heater
| Heat Output | 1 500 Watt |
| SQ/f heat up | 150 Plus |
| Weight | 5.91 lbs |
| Dimensions | 8.03 x 6.02 x 23.40 inches |
Pros:
- Modern minimalistic design
- Heating and cooling
- Extremely safe
- Intelligent intuitive thermostat
- Efficient Air Multiplier technology
- Precise temperature control
- Ultra-quiet
- Remote control
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Some found it to lack heating power
If you want a modern, streamlined and effective heater fan combo this popular choice from market leaders Dyson is one to consider. The elegant design will look good in most environments and the AM09 works for both cold and hot days. The addition of a fan is a great advantage and allows you to get so much more out of your heater.
It is quiet and effective with Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology, something they have patented. This makes is fast and efficient. The intelligent thermostat will keep the area at the desired temperature. It also has a remote control which makes operating it easy and convenient.
This one of the safer electric space heaters available as there are no blades or exposed heating elements. It is also cool if you touch it so safe for family and pets. The design also makes it efficient so it should not cost too much to run.
9. DeLonghi Dragon4 Programmable Portable Electric Heater
| Heat Output | 5 120 BTU |
| SQ/f heat up | 144 |
| Weight | 24.00 lbs |
| Dimensions | 16.00 x 6.50 x 25.00 inches |
Pros:
- Consistent effective heat
- No assembly required
- Reasonably priced
- Programmable
- Effective heat dispersion
- Tough and durable
- Energy efficient
- Silent
Cons:
- Short cable
- No remote control
- Not as portable as other options
DeLonghi is a trusted and popular brand and this highly effective heater is super-safe and effective. Electric oil-fin or radiator heaters are efficient and effective. They warm up a room and keep it hot for a long time while saving you on power costs in the long run. This model has a large surface area for improved heat output.
It might take a bit longer than other models to get to full heat but once it is there it produces comforting cost-effective warmth for a long time. It is solidly built and durable but perhaps not as portable as other options.
Another advantage is that it is completely silent so will not disturb your rest and relaxation. These heaters are extremely safe. It also features a timer for added convenience.
10. Heat Storm HS-1500-TT Infrared Electric Heater
| Heat Output | 5 200 BTU |
| SQ/f heat up | 150 plus |
| Weight | 16.81 pounds |
| Dimensions | 40.25 x 12.75 x 7.75 inches |
Pros:
- Versatile
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Weatherproof (IPX4)
- Long power cable
- Fast heat
- Easy to use
- Quiet
Cons:
- Slightly industrial looking
- Limited mounting options
This is a well-designed heater that is portable and extremely versatile. It has a tripod base meaning you can set it up anywhere quickly and easily. It will deliver fast heat and has a 5 200 BTU output. It is also weatherproof (IPX4) so can be used outdoors on cold evenings.
It might not be the most attractive heater on the market but the potability and fast effectiveness more than make up for it. Feedback is positive and most consumers love this product. It is versatile and can be used in many environments and does not need much space.
It uses a parabolic reflector to enhance and direct the heat so it will warm up the area quickly, effectively, and efficiently. The device is safe and easy to use.
Types of Electric Heaters
The important consideration when choosing an electric heater is to find the type of heater that best suits your needs, what the BTU requirement is, and the area in which you mean to install it. Given the wide variety of electric heaters on the market, this is not going to be a difficult task.
However, before you can make your decision, it is wise to become familiar with the basic types of heaters available in order to help you make an informed choice.
There are several main categories of electric heaters and a basic understanding of these categories can help you to make your choice. These categories are defined either by the method used to convert electricity into heat or their placement. Each of these methods is used in hundreds of different types of heaters designed to meet specific needs.
Radiant heaters
Radiant heaters are the descendant of the two-bar heater. These heaters are nowadays most commonly encased behind glass and provide a direct, radiant heat useful for direct warming.
Convection heaters produce hot air through vents to heat up the surrounding area.
Fan heaters generate heat in much the same way as convection heaters but include a fan that blows out the hot air to heat up space rapidly.
Panel heaters
Panel Heaters / Electric Radiator Heaters– these heaters are portable or fixed oil or water-filled units that are heated with electricity.
Storage heaters are particularly economical as they take advantage of cheaper night-time electricity by storing heat during the night and releasing it during the day.
Underfloor electric heaters are increasingly popular as this form of heating provides a constant temperature in any room. One of the most economical forms of heating is electric ground source heat pumps which extract residual heat from the earth to heat your home or office.
With a heater to suit every space, every design, and every pocket you can be sure you’ll find the electric heater that best suits your needs. —-Move paragraph to yellow comments above.
Electric Space Heaters
An economical way to heat a room is by using electric space heaters and/or ceramic space heaters. These aren’t meant for large areas as they are designed as being an alternative to turning up the heating around the whole house. Electric space heaters are effective at warming one room at a time, but there are a number of safety tips to consider.
Ensure there is appropriate guarding over the heating coils.
Some space heaters may have auto turn-off safety settings in case the heater is knocked over.
Find out if the space heater has an overheat protection to avoid dangerously high temperatures.
If you are after portable electric heaters? then the space heater type might be ideal. Most are easy to carry but look for the lightweight models if you are going to constantly move it from room to room.
Electric Wall Heaters
Nowadays there are much better alternatives to electric wall heaters, although they are still sometimes used in homes where there are cold spots. Although you won’t want to be covering your whole house with electric wall heaters, they still might come in useful for heating outbuildings.
Electric Baseboard Heaters
Electric baseboard heaters are often placed beneath windows to counter the heat loss that occurs through the glass. By using convection, these heaters draw cool air in which is then warmed by fins and coils.
Electric Heater Safety
Quality electric heaters are perfectly safe if used correctly but there are a few things to ensure they do not pose any risk. Always read the instructions and use them responsibly.
Do not leave an electric heater on overnight or unattended. Do not cover it with anything. Ensure it is on a flat level surface and away from curtains or other objects. Watch out for pets or children playing near the heater.
Features such as tip-over protection and overheat protection will help to ensure they are completely safe however you still need to use them correctly.
FAQs
During the course of researching the best electric heaters we came across a number of frequently asked questions. Here are some of the main ones:
Which electric heater is the most efficient?
The purchase price is only one cost to consider. More important is the ongoing cost of electricity to keep your environment warm. Some designs and technologies are more efficient than others.
The watts will indicate how much power the unit consumes at maximum power. Oil-based or halogen heaters typically consume less power than a bar or fan heaters. This has to be weighed in comparison to how quickly these heaters will warm a room and how well the heat is dispersed.
Which electric heater is the best for a large room?
Larger rooms take a fair amount of power to heat up and keep warm. As such, you want one that is not only effective but also energy efficient. Convection heaters are good for larger rooms. Electrical oil-based heaters are especially effective. Although they will take a while to warm up, they deliver consistent powerful heat that spreads and lasts for a long time.
Which electric heater type is the best?
There is no perfect answer to this question and it will depend on the size of your room, the temperature, your needs, and your budget. We have covered the most popular options available as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Can you leave an electric heater on all night?
It is not the best idea to leave an electric heater on all night. While most have good safety features an unattended ed heater poses a potential risk. Apart from the safety risk, it could also dry your skin as well as the air that you breathe. Rather warm the room up before sleeping and then turn the heater off overnight.
Final Thoughts
There is no need to suffer through the cold days and nights. The best electric heater will warm up your space quickly and effectively. They do not need to cost a fortune to buy and run. This review should help you to find the best solution to keep you warm and comfortable. Consider the size of the room, your budget, and other requirements to find the ideal solution for your needs.