When winter’s chill sets in, the best space heater can offset the chill in a drafty room, giving your home’s heating system a little boost. Our top picks of Wirecutter best space heater prioritize warmth and safety, ensuring that you can stay cozy without worry.
Among the best portable options, these heaters are tested for their ability to deliver comfort where it’s most needed. They are reliable, efficient, easy to use, and seamlessly integrated into any living space to fend off the cold.
Key Takeaways on the Wirecutter Best Space Heater
Space heaters draw electricity, with higher wattage units consuming more energy.
Various types of space heaters include convection, ceramic, infrared, and oil-filled heaters, each with different electricity requirements.
Choose energy-efficient models with features like programmable thermostats to lower electricity expenses.
Consider heater wattage, daily usage, and local electricity rates to project accurate monthly and annual expenses.
Top Performers in Space Heating Efficiency
Leading the pack in efficiency, these top performers deliver warm air with advanced features for safety, including overheat protection and tip-over shut-off mechanisms.
The Kismile Portable Space Heater stands out for its compact design and heating capacity, ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. Its user-friendly interface allows for easy adjustments to achieve the desired level of warmth.
Moreover, the heater’s portability means you can move it to where it’s needed most, providing targeted warmth with convenience.
The Dreo Atom One Space Heater has a sleek design and rapid heating technology. It quickly warms up a room while being energy efficient due to its advanced thermostat and eco mode.
This model also prides itself on its quiet operation, making it a discreet addition to any living space or office environment.
Vornado’s Personal Space Heater has vortex air circulation technology, ensuring even heating throughout the room. Its compact size belies its powerful performance, making it a versatile choice for personal use.
Additionally, the safety features included in this model are top-notch, with automatic shut-off functions to prevent overheating and accidents.
The Atomi Smart Wi-Fi Portable Heater stands out for its modern features, allowing users to control the device remotely via a smartphone app. Its sleek design and Wi-Fi compatibility make it convenient for tech-savvy users looking for a smart space heating solution. With the ability to integrate with a built-in smart-home system, the Atomi offers functionality and convenience.
This heater’s digital controls and compatibility with voice assistants enhance the user experience by providing an effortless way to adjust settings. Despite its advanced features, it maintains user-friendliness, appealing to those who prioritize ease of use alongside smart technology.
Pros
Wi-Fi enabled for remote control and smart-home integration
Compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant
Digital thermostat for precise temperature control
Attractive design that blends well with home decor
Cons
Higher price point compared to basic models
Requires a stable internet connection for smart features
May have a steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
The Black+Decker Indoor Infrared Heater is a robust choice for those seeking efficient and direct heat. Its infrared technology heats objects and people in the room before the air, making it a suitable option for drafty spaces. The unit’s compact size and portability ensure it can be easily moved to where it’s most needed.
With an emphasis on safety, this model includes overheat protection and a cool-touch exterior, essential for households with children or pets. The simplicity of its design and operation make it a solid choice for everyday use.
Pros
Infrared heating technology for effective warmth
Portable design with easy-to-use controls
Built-in safety features like overheating protection
Energy-efficient operation to help reduce utility bills
Cons
May not be suitable for large rooms due to their size
No smart-home integration or remote control features
Limited to line-of-sight heating, potentially leaving cold spots
Honeywell’s Ceramic Technology Space Heater provides quick and even heating with its ceramic heating element. It’s a reliable option for those needing a fast solution to cold spots in their home. The compact design makes it a versatile unit for small to medium-sized rooms, and its adjustable thermostat allows for easy temperature regulation.
Designed with safety in mind, this model includes an automatic shut-off feature in case of tipping and overheating. Its user-friendly interface and heat output make it a practical choice for immediate warmth where it’s needed, without the complexity of additional features.
Pros
Quick heating with ceramic technology
Adjustable thermostat for temperature control
Tip-over and overheat safety features
Portable and suitable for various room sizes
Cons
Lacks Wi-Fi connectivity and smart-home capabilities
No remote control for convenience
In Comparison
Here’s an in-comparison table for the above-mentioned space heaters:
Feature
Kismile Portable
Dreo Atom One
Vornado Personal
Atomi Smart Wi-Fi
Black+Decker Infrared
Honeywell Ceramic
Heating Capacity
Small to Medium
Small to Medium
Personal
Small to Medium
Small to Medium
Small to Medium
Design
Compact
Sleek
Compact
Modern
Compact
Compact
Portability
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Controls
User-friendly
Advanced
Easy-to-use
Smartphone app
Easy-to-use
Easy-to-use
Heating Technology
N/A
Rapid Heating
Vortex Air
Infrared
Infrared
Ceramic
Safety Features
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Energy Efficiency
Moderate
High
High
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Noise Level
Moderate
Quiet
Moderate
N/A
N/A
Moderate
Smart Features
No
No
No
Wi-Fi
No
No
Price
Affordable
Moderate
Affordable
Moderate
Affordable
Affordable
Buyer's Guide for Prospective Heater Owners
When considering a space heater, look beyond just the wattage. A safe purchase involves understanding the heating capacity, energy efficiency, and extra features like smart-home compatibility and safety mechanisms.
Identifying Must-have Features in Your Space Heater
Selecting the right space heater starts with identifying essential features. Consider whether you need a model with a timer, adjustable thermostat, or multiple heat settings. Features like tip-over protection and an auto shut-off mechanism are critical for those concerned about safety. It’s also worth considering whether you want a space heater that can be integrated into your smart-home system for added convenience.
Other must-have features may include ease of portability, the presence of a remote control, and energy-saving modes. The ideal heater will strike a balance between providing sufficient warmth and incorporating these key functionalities, tailored to your individual needs and the specifics of your living space.
Deciphering Heater Specifications for a Smart Purchase
To ensure a smart purchase, deciphering heater specifications is fundamental. Pay attention to the unit’s wattage and the estimated square footage it can comfortably heat. Plugging a space heater into a power strip is not recommended; instead, plug it directly into a wall outlet to avoid potential electrical hazards. Consider the type of heating element used, as this affects how the heat is distributed and how quickly the room warms up.
A smart space heater with built-in smart-home capabilities can offer more control and efficiency. These models allow for remote adjustments and can potentially be synced with other smart devices for a seamless home environment. Always check the heater’s specifications against your room’s dimensions and desired comfort level before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most effective type of space heater?
The most effective type of space heater is often one that heats directly, such as infrared heaters for spot warming or oil-filled radiators for consistent, longer-lasting heat. The choice depends on the specific needs of the space and user preferences for quick heating versus sustained warmth.
2. What works better than a space heater?
While space heaters are excellent for targeted heating or boosting the temperature of a room, central heating systems are generally more effective for heating an entire home. Alternative methods, such as heat pumps or radiant floor heating, can offer greater efficiency and comfort for larger spaces.
3. Are space heaters 100% efficient?
While electric heaters convert nearly all their energy into heat, none are 100% efficient for heating a space. Factors like heater type, room size, and heat distribution affect overall efficiency. Oscillating heaters can better distribute heat across a room. However, when a heater reaches its highest setting or if a heating element is exposed, efficiency can decrease as heat is lost to the surrounding area. Although measured, the noise level does not directly affect heating efficiency; it is a consideration for overall comfort.
Conclusion: Warm Up with Confidence
Choosing the right portable electric space heater means embracing comfort and safety. For those seeking a different kind of warmth, infrared heaters provide infrared warmth, perfect for targeted heating. But outdoor patio heaters are ideal for those crisp evenings under the stars. Ultimately, the goal is to select a space heater that fits your specific needs, allowing you to warm up.
Hi everyone! My name is Jason, and I am the founder of HeaterWise.com. Having run my own business as a Heating Engineer for 21 years, I have picked up a few things along the way.
I wanted to create Heater Wise as a place where anyone could come, from far and wide, to find the information that they need.
I hope you will join us here at Heater Wise, to get started on your own journey, to expand your knowledge, and make the best heating choices for you and your family.
