Central heating warms every room equally—including the ones you're not using. A space heater lets you heat just the space you're in, potentially saving...
Central heating warms every room equally—including the ones you're not using. A space heater lets you heat just the space you're in, potentially saving significant energy costs while keeping you comfortable.
Modern space heaters are safer and more efficient than ever. Ceramic heaters, oil-filled radiators, and infrared panels each have their strengths. The right choice depends on your room size, heating needs, and how you'll use it.
Let's find the heater that'll keep you warm without wasting energy.
Space Heater Types Explained
Ceramic Heaters
Electric element heats ceramic plates; fan distributes warmth.
- Pros: Fast heating, compact, affordable, safe surface
- Cons: Dries air, fan noise, heat stops when off
- Best for: Quick heating, small to medium rooms
Oil-Filled Radiators
Electric element heats oil inside sealed fins.
- Pros: Silent, retains heat after off, doesn't dry air
- Cons: Slow to heat, heavy, hot surface
- Best for: Bedrooms, continuous heating, overnight use
Infrared Heaters
Heats objects directly (like sunlight), not air.
- Pros: Instant warmth, efficient, doesn't dry air
- Cons: Only heats what's in front, no residual warmth
- Best for: Spot heating, garages, outdoor spaces
Fan-Forced Heaters
Basic heating element with fan.
- Pros: Very affordable, fast heating
- Cons: Loud, dries air, less efficient
- Best for: Budget option, occasional use
For bedrooms, oil-filled radiators are ideal—silent and safe overnight. For quick warmth in living spaces, ceramic heaters excel.
Top Space Heaters for 2026
Best Overall: Dreo Space Heater
Fast, quiet, and feature-rich.
- Type: Ceramic with ECO mode
- Wattage: 1500W
- Coverage: Up to 300 sq ft
- Features: Thermostat, oscillation, remote, timer, tip-over protection
- Noise: 35 dB
- Price: ~$80
The Dreo heats quickly, oscillates for even distribution, and includes every safety feature you'd want.
Best Oil-Filled: De'Longhi TRD40615E
Premium radiator for silent, steady heat.
- Type: Oil-filled radiator
- Wattage: 1500W
- Coverage: Up to 300 sq ft
- Features: Digital thermostat, 24-hour timer, ECO mode
- Noise: Silent
- Price: ~$130
De'Longhi's patented thermal slots maximize heat output. Completely silent operation is perfect for bedrooms.
Best Value: Lasko 754200
Compact ceramic at budget price.
- Type: Ceramic
- Wattage: 1500W
- Coverage: Up to 200 sq ft
- Features: 3 settings, built-in handle, overheat protection
- Noise: 45 dB
- Price: ~$35
No frills, but effective. The compact size fits anywhere, and it heats small spaces quickly.
Best for Large Rooms: Vornado AVH10
Whole-room vortex heating.
- Type: Vortex (fan-forced)
- Wattage: 1500W
- Coverage: Up to 400 sq ft
- Features: Auto climate control, tip-over protection, cool-touch
- Noise: 40 dB
- Price: ~$130
Vornado's vortex technology circulates heat throughout the room rather than just in front of the heater.
Best Infrared: Dr Infrared Heater DR-968
Powerful infrared with fan assist.
- Type: Infrared + fan
- Wattage: 1500W
- Coverage: Up to 1000 sq ft (supplemental)
- Features: Dual heating, thermostat, remote, casters
- Noise: 39 dB
- Price: ~$140
Combines infrared warmth with fan distribution. The furniture-style cabinet looks better than typical heaters.
Space Heater Comparison
| Heater | Type | Coverage | Noise | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dreo | Ceramic | 300 sq ft | 35 dB | Full | $80 |
| De'Longhi TRD40615E | Oil-filled | 300 sq ft | Silent | Full | $130 |
| Lasko 754200 | Ceramic | 200 sq ft | 45 dB | Basic | $35 |
| Vornado AVH10 | Vortex | 400 sq ft | 40 dB | Full | $130 |
| Dr Infrared DR-968 | Infrared | 1000 sq ft | 39 dB | Full | $140 |
Safety Features (Non-Negotiable)
Essential Safety Features
- Tip-over protection: Shuts off if knocked over
- Overheat protection: Shuts off if too hot
- Cool-touch housing: Safe around children/pets
- Certification: UL or ETL listed
Additional Safety Considerations
- Keep 3 feet from flammable materials
- Never use with extension cords
- Don't leave unattended (except oil-filled)
- Place on flat, stable surface
- Never cover or block vents
Space heaters cause approximately 25,000 house fires annually. Buy only certified heaters with modern safety features.
Choosing the Right Size
Wattage Guidelines
Most space heaters max at 1500W (standard outlet limit). General rule:
- 10 watts per square foot for primary heating
- 5 watts per square foot for supplemental heating
| Room Size | Primary Heat | Supplemental |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 1000W | 500W |
| 150 sq ft | 1500W | 750W |
| 200 sq ft | 1500W+ | 1000W |
| 300 sq ft | Need 2 units | 1500W |
Realistic Expectations
A 1500W heater can:
- Primary heat a small room (150 sq ft)
- Supplement heating in medium room (300 sq ft)
- Provide spot warmth in large room
It cannot:
- Replace central heating for large spaces
- Heat poorly insulated rooms effectively
- Overcome significant heat loss
Energy Efficiency
Operating Costs
All 1500W heaters use the same electricity. Cost depends on runtime:
| Hours/Day | Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|
| 4 hours | $20-25 |
| 8 hours | $40-50 |
| 12 hours | $60-75 |
*At $0.12/kWh
Saving Money with Space Heaters
Space heaters save money when you:
- Lower central thermostat and heat only occupied rooms
- Heat small spaces instead of whole house
- Use for short periods (not 24/7)
They waste money when you:
- Run alongside full central heating
- Heat large or poorly insulated spaces
- Run continuously
ECO Mode
Many heaters include ECO mode that:
- Cycles between high and low settings
- Maintains temperature efficiently
- Reduces energy use by 20-40%
Best Heater by Use Case
For Bedrooms
Best: Oil-filled radiator (De'Longhi)
- Silent operation
- Safe for overnight use
- Retains heat after shutoff
- Doesn't dry air
For Home Offices
Best: Ceramic with thermostat (Dreo)
- Quick heating
- Maintains set temperature
- Compact footprint
- Oscillation for even warmth
For Living Rooms
Best: Vortex heater (Vornado)
- Whole-room circulation
- Handles larger spaces
- Even heat distribution
For Garages/Workshops
Best: Infrared (Dr Infrared)
- Heats objects, not air
- Works in drafty spaces
- Instant warmth
Got Questions About Space Heaters? Let's Clear Things Up.
Are space heaters expensive to run?
At 1500W, a space heater costs about $0.18/hour at average electricity rates. Running 8 hours daily costs ~$45/month. They save money only if you reduce central heating—otherwise, you're paying twice.
Can I leave a space heater on overnight?
Only oil-filled radiators are recommended for overnight use—they have no exposed elements and retain heat safely. Ceramic and fan heaters should be turned off when sleeping or leaving the room.
What size space heater do I need?
For a typical bedroom (150 sq ft), a 1500W heater provides primary heat. For larger rooms, use 1500W as supplemental heat alongside central heating. No single portable heater effectively heats spaces over 300 sq ft.
Are infrared heaters better?
Infrared heaters are better for spot heating and drafty spaces—they heat you directly rather than the air. For enclosed rooms where you want ambient warmth, ceramic or oil-filled heaters work better.
Do space heaters dry out the air?
Ceramic and fan-forced heaters can reduce relative humidity. Oil-filled radiators and infrared heaters don't affect humidity. If dryness is a concern, pair with a humidifier.
A space heater provides targeted warmth where you need it, potentially reducing heating costs. The Dreo ceramic heater offers the best all-around performance, while the De'Longhi oil-filled radiator is ideal for bedrooms. For cooling needs, check our portable air conditioner guide or ceiling fan recommendations.
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