Comparison: Best Comfort Tower Quartz Space Heater (Updated | Dec 16th)

Quartz heaters use glowing quartz tubes to produce radiant heat, which warms objects and people directly, much like the sun. This makes them feel warmer faster in your immediate line of sight. In contrast, ceramic heaters use a fan to blow convection heat to warm the entire room air, which can feel less instant but is better for whole-room circulation.

As a general rule, you need about 10 watts of heating power for every square foot of room space. For a standard 150 sq ft bedroom, a 1500-watt heater is usually sufficient. Always check the manufacturer’s recommended room size, as factors like ceiling height and insulation can affect performance.

Essential safety features include overheat protection, which automatically shuts the unit off if it gets too hot, and a cool-touch exterior to prevent burns. A tip-over switch is also critical, as it will instantly power down the heater if it’s accidentally knocked over. For added peace of mind, look for models with UL or ETL certification.

No, all electric space heaters with the same wattage (e.g., 1500W) will cost roughly the same amount to operate per hour. The value comes from efficiency; quartz heaters can make you feel warmer faster at a lower setting, potentially saving energy. The main cost difference is the initial purchase price, not the ongoing electricity usage.

Oscillation is a very valuable feature for distributing radiant heat across a wider area instead of just one spot. A remote control adds significant convenience, allowing you to adjust temperature, settings, and timers without getting up. These features greatly enhance user comfort and are common on mid-to-high-end models.

An ECO mode helps manage energy consumption by cycling the heater on and off to maintain your desired temperature, rather than running continuously. This can reduce energy use and lower your heating bill compared to keeping it on a high setting. It’s an excellent feature for maintaining comfortable background heat over several hours.

Generally, you should not use a standard space heater in a bathroom due to the high risk of water contact, which can cause electric shock. For bathroom use, you must specifically look for a heater with a ‘Bathroom Safe’ rating or an ALCI (Appliance Leakage Circuit Interrupter) plug. Always prioritize safety and check the product specifications before using it in damp areas.

Quartz heaters are often quieter than ceramic heaters because they primarily produce radiant heat without needing a powerful fan. However, most models still have a small fan for air circulation and a built-in thermostat that can make a faint clicking sound. If silence is a priority, look for models marketed as ‘whisper-quiet’ or ‘fan-free’.