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Comparison: Best Space Heater Ceramic Vs Infrared (Updated | Dec 17th)

When winter’s chill creeps into your home, choosing the right space heater can make all the difference between cozy comfort and shivering frustration. Ceramic heaters excel at rapid room heating and safety features, while infrared models provide targeted warmth with impressive energy efficiency. Understanding these differences will help you select the perfect heating solution for your specific needs, ensuring you stay warm without breaking the bank on energy bills.

Editor’s Choice

Dreo Space Heater Large Room

Dreo Space Heater Large Room
Ultra Quiet Room Heater

Best for a specific purpose

Product Comparison: Best Space Heater Ceramic Vs Infrared

Dual Heating Power

Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater, Original, 1500-Watt, Cherry (Pack of 1)

Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater, Original, 1500-Watt, Cherry (Pack of 1)

DR. INFRARED HEATER
  • Can heat up a large room with Auto Energy Saving Model With High and Low Feature. Tip-over protection and Overheat protection.Heat Up for a large room – Dual Heating System: Infrared Quartz tube + PTC for 60% more heat than others. Rated around 5200 BTU.
  • Dual Heating Systems featuring infrared quartz tube + PTC with 12-Hour automatic shut-off timer. Amperage: 12.5 Amps
  • IR Remote Control, High Pressure Low Noise Blower with Noise level 39 dB super quiet. Heating can cover for a large room.
  • Electronic Thermostat: range 50 to 85 degrees. Caster Wheels and Lifetime Filter
  • Weights 24 lbs and uses 12.5 Amps of Power. 1500 Watts. Power Cord is 72-inch-long (6 Feet)

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Humidifying Heat

Dr. Infrared Heater, 1500W, Advanced Humidifier and Oscillation Fan and Remote Control, Walnut DR998, Dual Heating System

Dr. Infrared Heater, 1500W, Advanced Humidifier and Oscillation Fan and Remote Control, Walnut DR998, Dual Heating System

DR. INFRARED HEATER
  • Can heat up a large room with dual heating system: Infrared quartz tube + ptc. Tip-over protection and overheat protection
  • Built-in humidifier produces a cool mist to add much needed humidity to dry, winter air
  • Oscillation function distributes warmth throughout your entire Area evenly and faster.Can be operated as a fan with humidifier or without, good for summer time
  • Electronic thermostat: range 50 to 85 degrees. Lifetime filter
  • The DR-998 portable Infrared space heater is a 1500W portable heater featuring a dual-heating system with both Infrared and ceramic heating elements inside

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Quiet Ceramic Heat

Dreo Space Heater, 1500W Electric Heaters for Indoor Use with Thermostat, 70° Oscillation, 8 Safety Protections, 5 Modes, Remote, 12H Timer, Quiet Portable Heater for Office, Bedroom, Large Room

Dreo Space Heater, 1500W Electric Heaters for Indoor Use with Thermostat, 70° Oscillation, 8 Safety Protections, 5 Modes, Remote, 12H Timer, Quiet Portable Heater for Office, Bedroom, Large Room

Dreo
  • ETL-Certified Safety: Made of V0 flame-retardant materials with multiple safety features including built-in smart tip-over protection, overheat protection, 12-hour timer, 24-hour automatic power off without interaction, V0 flame retardant 2-prong plug, and sturdy 6ft long flat power cord. Safe and worry-free all-day use. Safety Reminder: Please do not use with an extension cord. Only plug directly into the wall outlet.
  • Fast Indoor Ceramic Heater: Powerful 1500W PTC ceramic heating allows this space heater to heat up in seconds, suitable for warming up spaces in the home including bedrooms, basements, garages, living rooms, and can also be used in offices, dorms, hot yoga studios, etc. Heating Coverage:270 sq.ft.
  • Quiet Heating: 34dB – almost as quiet as a library. The fan wheel uses oblique airflow technology, which effectively reduces wind noise and makes the room heater 12% quieter than traditional electric heaters. Calm airflow lets you sleep soundly and work undisturbed during the cold winter
  • Uniform Heating: Experience enhanced comfort in large rooms with the exclusive trackball system, engineered for smooth and whisper-quiet oscillation. The 70° wide-angle oscillation, with a lifespan of over 750,000 cycles, boosts heating coverage by 20%, which helps distribute the warm air more evenly towards the room’s corners
  • Energy Efficiency: Save on energy bills and live more sustainably. With a built-in precise temperature sensor, the smart ECO mode adjusts the working mode independently (with a low of 900W and high of 1500W to efficiently maintain your desired indoor temperature) based on the ambient temperature

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Rapid Tower Heat

PELONIS 30” Ceramic Tower Space Heater with Adjustable Thermostat for Large Room, 75° Oscillation, Remote Control & 12H Timer, Tip-Over Switch & Overheating Protection, 1500W, PHF15RSAPH30, Black

PELONIS 30” Ceramic Tower Space Heater with Adjustable Thermostat for Large Room, 75° Oscillation, Remote Control & 12H Timer, Tip-Over Switch & Overheating Protection, 1500W, PHF15RSAPH30, Black

PELONIS
  • 【RAPID HEATING & CONSTANT TEMPERATURE】Using reliable and effective ceramic heating technology, this powerful 1500W heater quickly heats up to 70°F in 3S, providing a consistent and comfortable temperature. With 26% more hot air vents, you can feel the change from cold to warm quickly and fully.
  • 【WIDE HEATING COVERAGE】 Our 30” tower heater can cover up to 280 ft², paired with a 75° wide Oscillation helps the heat cover every corner of the room, perfect choice for large bedrooms and large living rooms.
  • 【EASY TO USE】One touch to change the temperature and mode on the digital panel, you can also use the remote control. Choose the most precise and comfortable temperature with 1F of adjustment. In addition, the extra-long 12H timer takes a lot of the hassle out of operation.
  • 【4 QUIET SETTINGS】This tower heater has 4 functions (High, Low, ECO, Fan) for customized temperature settings, 2 heat levels and adjustable thermostat setting will meet all your needs, ECO mode maximizes efficiency while maintaining a constant temperature, <55dB operation noise make it perfect for heating a bedroom, home office or anywhere of home.
  • 【COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY PROTECTION】Made of high quality V0 flame retardant materials, US standard socket can directly plug into outlet without any adapter or extension cord. Overheating & tip-over switch protection to ensure your whole family worry-free use all day.

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Whisper Quiet Heat

Dreo Quiet Space Heater, 1500W Portable Heaters for Indoor Use with Remote, 70° Oscillation, Fast and Safety Electric PTC Ceramic for Desk Office Bedroom, 12H Timer

Dreo Quiet Space Heater, 1500W Portable Heaters for Indoor Use with Remote, 70° Oscillation, Fast and Safety Electric PTC Ceramic for Desk Office Bedroom, 12H Timer

Dreo
  • Powerful and Efficient Heating: This Dreo Heater 319 space heater for indoor use utilizes a Hyperamics 1500W advanced PTC system, efficiently heating up any space quickly and improving the circulation of warm air. Compared to traditional heaters, Heater 319 can reach areas up to 200% farther, ensuring efficient and widespread heating in home, bedroom, and office
  • Cozy Tranquility: Dreo’s heater for bedroom provides whisper-quiet operation, thanks to its brushless DC motor and winglet fan design that minimizes turbulence. Enjoy warmth in serenity and ensure a better sleep, with noise levels as low as 34dB
  • Comprehensive Safety: The electric heater is built with a child-lock, tip-over protection, V0 flame retardant material, overheat protection, and a safety plug, all certified by ETL. It provides robust safety protections for your family, enhancing safety for children, strengthening defenses against accidents, and ensuring peace of mind for users
  • Always at the Perfect Temperature: This heater for home with Thermostat allows you to set your desired heat level within a wide range of 41-95℉ with ±1℉ increments, ensuring precise and efficient heating. This feature not only keeps you comfortable but also helps save energy
  • Experience even heat distribution: Our ceramic heater with a 70-degree oscillation function ensures warmth in every corner of your room. Set the heat flow to your preference, directing it in a specific direction or enjoying broader coverage

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Energy Smart Heat

Dreo Space Heater, 1500W Portable Electric Heaters for Indoor Use, PTC Ceramic Heater for Office with Remote, Thermostat, 70°Oscillation, 12H Timer, 5 Modes, Safe Quiet Room Heater for Bedroom

Dreo Space Heater, 1500W Portable Electric Heaters for Indoor Use, PTC Ceramic Heater for Office with Remote, Thermostat, 70°Oscillation, 12H Timer, 5 Modes, Safe Quiet Room Heater for Bedroom

Dreo
  • Faster Heat Than Ever: Powered by Dreo Hyperamics Technology, Atom One space heater heats up more efficiently with up to 1500W working power, reaching your desired temperature immediately, letting you feel fast, balmy heat straight away. This electric heater is meant to sit by your feet on the floor, near your hands on a desk, or carry around indoors. Add our heaters for indoors use to your cart & experience our amazing heater and customer service
  • Shield360° Protection: Dreo Room Heater Heat up your day and night without worries. ETL-listed Shield360° system provides tip-over and overheat protection, as well as an enhanced safety plug. Along with UL94 V-0 flame-retardant materials to ensure ultimate safety in all aspects
  • Save More on Energy Bills: ECO Mode adjusts the heat level automatically to reach your desired temperature while saving more on energy bills. Personalize your own comfort with the digital thermostat from 41 to 95 ℉, adjustable in 1℉ increments. Precise Heat, Precise Comfort
  • Warm Any Angle: Experience the heat that envelopes you in the widest way possible. 70° wide-angle oscillation sweeps around to cover the whole area, providing wide-reaching heat for your bedroom, garage, basement, office, desktop, etc
  • Engineered to be Quieter: Brushless DC motor and 9 aerodynamic blades smooth out airflow and eliminate air turbulence, delivering soft, tranquil warmth. As quiet as 37.5 dB, you can sleep or work with peace of mind
  • Heat the Way You Like: With various modes (High/Medium/Low/ECO/Fan Only), the heat comes in many forms, from powerful heat to more energy-saving ECO heat. Dreo Atom One electric heater with remote control easily provides the balance you want between heat and energy saving

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Wide Angle Heat

Lasko Ellipse Ceramic Tower Heater for Home with Tipover Switch, Child Lock, Digital Display, Thermostat, Wide Oscillation, Remote, Timer, For Bedroom, Office, Living Room, Den, 1500W, Black, CT18950

Lasko Ellipse Ceramic Tower Heater for Home with Tipover Switch, Child Lock, Digital Display, Thermostat, Wide Oscillation, Remote, Timer, For Bedroom, Office, Living Room, Den, 1500W, Black, CT18950

Lasko
  • BRILLIANTLY DESIGNED: Lasko’s newest sleek wide curved design space heater offers excellent heat distribution along with safety features like a ceramic insert plug to prevent overheating, a tip-over sensor, a child lock, and cool touch housing so you can enjoy your cozy space with peace of mind
  • 120° HEAT DISTRIBUTION: The Ellipse 18″ Space heater is ideal for medium sized to large rooms, it features a wider grill and widespread oscillation, allowing for 120° degree heat distribution throughout your room. This tower heater is perfect for the home office, bedroom or living room
  • USE 50% LESS ENERGY: Save energy with the Auto ECO Mode. The Auto Eco Mode automatically adjusts the tower heater’s output to keep a comfortable temperature while conserving energy. You can still crank it to high and feel the heat from over 5ft away
  • 3 HEAT SETTING & 2 FAN SETTINGS: Use the Touch Sensing controls to select from 3 heat settings and 2 fan settings to customize your comfort, the large digital display is easy to read and features auto-dimming technology. The included remote control offers convenience, letting you operate this space heater from the comfort of your bed or sofa
  • AUTO-OFF TIMER: The timer on the Ellipse tower space heater can be set for up to 12 hours, then it will automatically turn off after the selected time. The timer can be set in 30-minute increments up to 2 hours, and then in 1-hour increments up to 12 hours
  • MULTI-FUNCTION REMOTE CONTROL: The 7-function remote control offers convenience from a distance, turn the heater on/off, select the heater speed, set the timer, select the mode, adjust the temperature, turn the oscillation on/off and snooze the display lights all from the comfort from you bed or sofa. Plus, there is storage for the remote on the back of the space heater
  • QUIET OPERATION: This portable space heater operates at <40dB, allowing for maximum heating without the noise
  • TRUSTED FOR GENERATIONS: Lasko has been a leader in the home comfort category since we started in Pennsylvania back in 1906. The Ellipse line builds on our legacy of safety with its power cord overheat protection

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Compact Tower Heat

PELONIS 23” Oscillating Ceramic Tower Space Heater with Remote & Thermostat, Electric Energy Efficient Floor Heater for Indoor Use Large Room Safe with Timer, ECO Mode, 1500W, White

PELONIS 23” Oscillating Ceramic Tower Space Heater with Remote & Thermostat, Electric Energy Efficient Floor Heater for Indoor Use Large Room Safe with Timer, ECO Mode, 1500W, White

PELONIS
  • Fast Heating & Constant Temperature: Ceramic heaters are, typically, the most effective type of electric-resistance radiant heaters. Quickly heat-up to 70°F in 3 second with reliable ceramic heating technology, offering steady comfortable temperature.
  • Safety to Use: The PTC indoor space heater made of high quality cool touch flame resistant material. US standard socket can directly plug into outlet without any adapter or extension cord. Overheating & tip-over switch protection to you and your family.
  • Programmable Thermostats Heater: Tower heater, with 3 heating options (High, Low, ECO mode) to achieve customized temperature settings with maximized efficiency and warmth. ECO setting automatically helps energy-saving based on your ambient temperature.
  • User Friendly Space Heater: Touch Control, remote control, oscillation, 8hours timer and carry handle are features that you can also look for in the quiet electric heater (50dB working noise). Perfect tower heater for your bedroom, living room, office.
  • Manufacturer: Pelonis, the American brand heating appliances manufacturer will offer all the consumers a 1-Year manufacture with your purchase. Feel free to contact with us at any time
  • Voltage: 110 Volts. Area Coverage 106-167sq.ft

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Ultra Quiet Room Heater

Dreo Space Heater Large Room, 30″ Electric Heaters with Remote, 120° Oscillation, Adjustable Thermostat, 5 Heat & 3 Fan levels, 8 Safety Protections, 25dB Quiet, 1-12H Timer, Heater for Office, Black

Dreo Space Heater Large Room, 30

Dreo
  • Powerful and Widespread Heating: Experience instant and efficient warmth with Dreo’s 30″ ceramic heater featuring a 308mm large PTC element, upgraded Hyperamics thermal design, and 30°-60°-90°-120° customizable oscillation, perfect for large rooms up to 300 ft². For optimal performance, please ensure a stable voltage environment in your home.
  • All-around Safety: Stay warm this winter with peace of mind. Our heaters for indoor use offers 8 comprehensive protections, including V0 flame-retardant material, cool-touch housing, FortPlug, thermal insulated wiring, child lock, 45° tip-over protection and overheat protection, all certified by ETL.
  • Heat the Way You Like: This electric space heater offers 9 comfort levels to suit your needs. Choose from 5 heat levels and ECO mode for optimal warmth, or switch to 3 fan levels to create air circulation.
  • Precise Temperature Control: Powered by advanced controllable silicon technology, this energy-efficient space heater provides precise temperature control and up to 50% energy savings, bringing you all-day comfort without worrying about your electricity bills.
  • 25 dB Extreme Quietness: Enjoy a warm, comfortable environment without disturbance. DREO’s innovative airflow design reduces noise to an ultra-quiet 25 dB, making this heater for bedroom ideal for a peaceful night’s sleep or a quiet, focused workspace.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Buying Guide

Buying Guide: Best Space Heater Ceramic Vs Infrared

Heating Technology & Efficiency

  • Ceramic heaters use a ceramic plate to heat surrounding air, providing quick warmth
  • Infrared heaters emit infrared radiation that directly heats objects and people in their path
  • Ceramic heaters are generally more energy-efficient for smaller spaces
  • Infrared heaters are more efficient for larger, open areas as they don’t waste energy heating air

Heating Speed & Coverage

  • Ceramic heaters typically heat up faster and provide immediate warmth
  • Infrared heaters provide instant directional heat but may take longer to warm an entire room
  • Ceramic heaters are better for insulated rooms where air circulation is good
  • Infrared heaters excel at spot heating and work well in drafty or poorly insulated spaces

Safety Features

  • Ceramic heaters typically have cool-touch exteriors, reducing burn risks
  • Infrared heaters can become very hot to the touch, requiring more caution
  • Both types should include tip-over protection for safety
  • Look for overheat protection in both ceramic and infrared models
  • Infrared heaters often include a protective cage to prevent direct contact with heating elements

Size & Portability

  • Ceramic heaters are often more compact and lightweight for easy mobility
  • Infrared heaters come in both portable and larger, more permanent designs
  • Consider the intended room size when choosing between the two technologies
  • Check for built-in handles or casters for easier movement
  • Evaluate cord length to ensure it will reach your desired outlet location

Noise Level

  • Ceramic heaters typically use fans to distribute heat, which creates some noise
  • Infrared heaters are generally quieter as they don’t rely on fans for heat distribution
  • Consider noise sensitivity in bedrooms or offices when choosing between types
  • Some ceramic models offer quiet or whisper-quiet fan settings
  • Infrared models may make slight clicking sounds as they cycle on and off

Additional Features

  • Look for programmable thermostats for precise temperature control
  • Consider models with timers for automatic shut-off
  • Some models offer oscillation for better heat distribution
  • Check for remote control capabilities for convenient operation
  • Evaluate energy-saving modes and eco-friendly features

FAQs

What’s the main difference between ceramic and infrared heaters?

Ceramic heaters use a fan to blow air over a hot ceramic element, providing fast, widespread heat for a room. Infrared heaters emit invisible light that directly warms objects and people, offering a more immediate and targeted warmth without drying the air.

Which type is more energy efficient?

Infrared heaters are often more efficient for personal or spot heating since they directly warm you rather than the entire room. Ceramic heaters with ECO modes can be efficient for maintaining a consistent ambient temperature in a larger space over time.

Are ceramic or infrared heaters quieter?

Infrared heaters are typically quieter because many models don’t use a fan to distribute heat, operating almost silently. Ceramic heaters rely on a fan, which can generate noise, though many modern models are engineered for quiet operation.

What safety features are most important?

Crucial safety features include tip-over and overheat protection, which automatically shut the unit off if it falls or gets too hot. A cool-touch exterior and certification from safety organizations like ETL or UL provide additional peace of mind.

How do I choose the right size heater for my room?

A general rule is to use about 10 watts of heating power per square foot of space. For a 150 sq. ft. room, a 1500-watt heater is usually sufficient, but always check the manufacturer’s recommended coverage area for best performance.

Is it better to have a heater with a remote control?

A remote control significantly adds convenience, allowing you to adjust temperature, oscillation, and modes without getting up. This feature is especially valuable for heaters placed in the corner of a room or used in a bedroom at night.

What is the benefit of a heater with built-in humidification?

Heaters with built-in humidifiers, like some Dr. Infrared models, add moisture back into the air, preventing the dryness often caused by heating. This creates a more comfortable environment and can be beneficial for respiratory health during winter months.

Should I get a heater with oscillation?

Oscillation is highly beneficial for heating a larger area evenly, as it distributes warm air across a wide angle instead of in one direction. It helps eliminate cold spots in a room and makes the heater more effective for whole-room comfort.

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