Comparison: Best Space Heater For Emergency (Updated | Dec 17th)
When winter’s wrath strikes unexpectedly or your heating system fails, a reliable space heater becomes your lifeline. We’ve done the legwork, testing and comparing the top contenders to bring you the ultimate guide to emergency space heaters. From safety features to heating efficiency, we’ll help you find the perfect warmth provider that’ll keep you cozy and secure when it matters most.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for rapid safe heating: Dreo Space Heater
- Best for compact survival blankets: Frocopo 6 Pack Emergency Mylar Blanket
- Best for indoor propane heater: 9
- Best for battery-powered warmth: Portable Battery Powered Space Heater
- Best for off-grid heater stove: VESTA Self-Powered Camping Indoor/Outdoor Heater & Stove (Compact
- Best for energy efficient heat: Dreo Space Heater
- Best for durable thermal blankets: DLOUBLEIY Emergency Thermal Blanket 5-Pack – Reusable Mylar Space Blanket for Camping
- Best for lightweight survival blanket: QIO CHUANG Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets -Space Blanket Survival kit Camping Blanket (4-Pack). Perfect for Outdoors
- Best for all-weather emergency blanket: 4 Pack Emergency Blanket
Product Comparison: Best Space Heater For Emergency
Rapid Safe Heating
Dreo Space Heater, Portable Electric Heaters for Indoor Use with Thermostat and Remote, 2024 Upgraded, Digital Display, 12H Timer, 5 Mode, 1500W PTC Ceramic Fast Safety Heat for Office Bedroom Home
Dreo
- Powerful heat that fits everywhere: Dreo space heaters for indoor combines Hyperamics 1500W advanced PTC system with a new heat funnel design to deliver heat within seconds and enhance warm air circulation for up to 200% farther reach than traditional heaters.
- Unbreakable safety: Dreo goes beyond the unexpected to deliver peace of mind with every room heater. The innovative tilt-detection sensor improves accuracy and reliability for better tip-over protection, and built with V0 flame retardant materials, overheat protection, and safety plug, all certified by ETL.
- Ultimate temperature control: The enhanced NTC chipset brings more precision to turn your space heater with thermostat into a smart heating powerhouse, allowing you to set heat on a wider range from 41-95℉ with 1℉ increments, saving you energy while keeping you comfortable.
- Cozy quietness: No more choosing between quiet or warmth, Dreo’s heater for bedroom warms quietly thanks to its brushless DC motor with frictionless performance and a winglet fan design that reduces turbulence, reducing noise to only 34dB.
- Fits into your lifestyle: This portable heater handle makes it easier to carry and is equipped with multiple heating levels and modes to heat as you like (Power heat, ECO, Fan Only). It also features handy extras for a hassle-free experience (remote control, 12-hour timer, mute, child lock, and memory function).
- We Are Always Here for You: To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone while using the heater, it is recommended to carefully read the precautions in the user manual and QSG before use. It is important to note that a hot or loose-fitting plug can be a sign of a worn electrical outlet. We recommend that such outlets be checked and replaced prior to heater use to prevent potential overheating hazards. Let our product experts guide you through any issues or questions you might have with the product at any time with our customer support line.
Compact Survival Blankets
Frocopo 6 Pack Emergency Mylar Blanket, Emergency Blanket Space Blanket Survival Rescue Insulating Reflective foil kit Outdoors Hiking Camping Blanket Perfect for Outdoors, Hiking, Camping Survival
Frocopo
- 6 PACK EMERGENCY BLANKETS: Designed for outdoor use, emergency blankets are perfect for hiking, camping, and mountaineering. They retain body heat, are windproof, waterproof, and provide reliable protection in emergencies to help ensure your safety.
- Premium Thermal Protection: Designed to provide warmth, windproof, and waterproof protection, these blankets effectively conserve body heat during emergencies, ensuring your safety.
- Compact and Convenient: Each Frocopo Space Blanket measures 55 inch x 82 inch, weighs only about 2 ounces, and is individually folded to the size of a credit card. Easy to carry wherever you go, fitting seamlessly into your backpack or pocket.
- Multipurpose Functionality: These Survival Blankets offer endless possibilities. They can be used as ponchos, emergency tents, shelters, moisture pads, lightweight tarpaulins, sheets, sleeping bags, window insulation, ropes, backpack covers, and more.
- High-Quality Materials: Constructed with waterproof, weatherproof aluminum foil for insulation or heat transfer, and a polyester film inner layer for thermal insulation. The aluminum foil outer layer reflects heat back to the body or transfers the sun’s heat, ensuring maximum protection in various conditions.
Indoor Propane Heater
9,000 BTU Portable Buddy Radiant Propane Heater
Mr. Heater
- Emits 4,000 or 9,000 BTU/hr radiant heat
- Designed and approved for indoor and outdoor use
- Heats up to approximately 225 square feet
- Features emergency low oxygen safety system
- 2 temperature settings: low and high
- Runs 5.4 hours on low and 2.4 hours on high with 1 lb propane cylinder
- Constructed with self-extinguishing materials
- The use of un-authorized accessories/attachments with this heater are expressly prohibited, may cause serious injury, and will void the warranty.
Battery-Powered Warmth
Portable Battery Powered Space Heater, Car Heater Runs on Batteries, Rechargeable Battery Operated Heater for Car Window Defog, With 1/2PCS 1500mah Battery, For Camping Indoors, Long Heating
QCWRJP
- 3-Second Rapid Heating & Dual Hot/Cold Modes: Experience instant warmth in just 3 seconds with advanced PTC heating technology! No more waiting in the cold. This versatile heater also features a cool air function, giving you complete control over your comfort with dual temperature modes for any season or situation
- Powerful Rechargeable Battery & Long-Lasting Operation: Equipped with 1 or 2 high-capacity 1500mAh lithium batteries (configurable), this heater provides extended heating time. It’s fully rechargeable, eliminating the need for messy cords or a car outlet. Perfect for long camping trips, commutes, or emergency use during power outages
- Full 360° 8D Multi-Directional Warmth & Wide Angle Adjustment: Enjoy omnidirectional comfort! Our unique 8D design allows the vents to rotate a full 360 degrees, directing warm air exactly where you need it. Easily adjust the angle to heat both front and back seats in a car or share warmth across a small room
- Quick Car Window Defogger & True Portability: Defrost and defog your car windows swiftly and safely without starting the engine. Its compact, battery-powered design makes it the ultimate portable solution for your vehicle, ensuring clear visibility and a cozy cabin on frosty mornings, all while saving fuel
- Versatile for Indoor & Outdoor Use: Your go-to heater for multiple scenarios! Ideal for personal space heating indoors, in offices, tents during camping, or for backseat passengers. Its cord-free, lightweight design offers unparalleled convenience and comfort wherever you go, making cold environments bearable
Off-Grid Heater Stove
VESTA Self-Powered Camping Indoor/Outdoor Heater & Stove (Compact, Off-Grid, Emergency)
Insta-Fire
- TWO IN ONE: Get a space heater and stove all in one unit. Cook a meal, then warm up an area as much as 200 square feet in size.
- SAFE FOR INDOOR USE: No need to take it outside. Preserve your warmth by powering up the VESTA indoors, safely.
- NO POWER NEEDED: No plugs, no outlets, no electricity. All you need to run the VESTA is a couple of cans of canned heat. Use up to three cans at once for the highest heat.
- DISCREET FOR DISASTERS: The VESTA emits little to no smoke or fumes, making it easier than ever to cook and keep warm without disclosing your location.
- Fueled by Canned Heat (3 Included): Safe for Indoor Use. *Canned heat is chafing fuel—odorless, smokeless, nontoxic, and generally safe for indoor use. It is still HIGHLY recommended to provide adequate ventilation in any room where it is in use.
- LIGHT AS A FEATHER: At just under eight pounds, the VESTA can be carried from place to place with ease.
- Includes: 3 InstaFire 6-Hour Canned Heat
- Won’t reveal your location!
- An Emergency Doesn’t need to be a Disaster!
- Holds up to 3 Canned Heat (The Insta-Fire Vesta Stove Includes 3 cans) *** Shelf Life Insta-Fire Canned Heat: When stored in ambient conditions above its freezing point, this product will last for many years. Product may freeze when temperature reaches 16 degrees Fahrenheit (-8 Celsius).
Energy Efficient 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
- 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
Durable Thermal Blankets
DLOUBLEIY Emergency Thermal Blanket 5-Pack – Reusable Mylar Space Blanket for Camping, Car Survival Kit, Waterproof Outdoor Gear, Heavy-Duty Emergency Heat Retention
DLOUBLEIY
- Emergency Thermal Blanket for Survival: Engineered with aerospace-grade aluminized Mylar, retains 90% body heat to prevent hypothermia during outdoor survival, car emergencies, or sudden storms.
- Mylar Blankets with PET Reinforcement: 15μm tear-resistant material + anti-snag grid withstands rugged camping/hiking, solving 35% user complaints about fragile emergency blankets.
- 5-Pack Bulk Emergency Blankets: Individually sealed family preparedness kits fit car gloveboxes, backpacks, and survival gear—ideal for charity donations or group adventures.
- Credit-Card Sized Portable Emergency Blanket: Weighing 2oz and folding to 3″x5″ (smaller than phones), slips into emergency car kits or purses for instant access.
- Waterproof Space Blanket for All-Weather Use: Windproof outer layer + waterproof seams create emergency shelter or thermal barrier during blizzards/rainstorms.
Lightweight Survival Blanket
QIO CHUANG Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets -Space Blanket Survival kit Camping Blanket (4-Pack). Perfect for Outdoors, Hiking, Survival, Bug Out Bag ，Marathons or First Aid 1
QIO CHUANG
- Emergency Protection: Highly reflective Mylar fabric traps heat and provides warmth in cold or emergency situations
- Space-Saving Design: Compact and lightweight, perfect for packing in backpacks, bug-out bags, or car emergency kits
- Durable & Versatile: Made of heavyweight Polyester, suitable for camping, hiking, fishing, and survival uses
- Easy to Use & Clean: Machine washable for convenient care and maintenance
- Ideal for Adults: Designed for unisex use, with a size of 84 inches x 55 inches to fit most adults
All-Weather Emergency Blanket
4 Pack Emergency Blanket, Premium Mylar Bankets, Thermal Blanket for Camping, Space Blankets Survival, Foil Blankets for Warmth, Heat Reflective Blanket for Outdoors, Hiking, Marathons, First Aid
Htaexpu
- OUR ORIGIN：When I was a child, I experienced a violent storm, the humble house collapsed in an instant, my mother waited helplessly for help with her arms around me, the storm soaked us to the skin! At that time, I thought it would be great if there was an emergency blanket that could protect us from the wind and rain! I finally did it now
- OUR MISSION: To create a better lifestyle with better products! If there is any problem in the use, feel free to get in touch with our team, we will reply you within 24 hours
- THERMAL INSULATION：Constructed from advanced aluminized Mylar material, these space blankets are designed to retain 90% of body heat, effectively preventing hypothermia
- COMPACT AND CONVENINT: Each Frocopo Space Blanket measures 52 inch x 84 inch, weighs only about 7.2 ounces, and is individually folded to the size of a credit card. Easy to carry wherever you go, fitting seamlessly into your backpack or pocket
- HIGH QUALITY: Made to withstand outdoor conditions, these mylar emergency blankets are reusable, waterproof, windproof, and moisture-proof, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability
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
FAQs
What should I look for in an emergency space heater?
Prioritize safety features like tip-over and overheat protection to prevent accidents. Look for heaters with adjustable heat settings and a compact design for easy storage. Energy efficiency is also important to minimize power usage during emergencies.
How do electric and propane heaters compare for emergencies?
Electric heaters are safer indoors and easier to use but rely on power availability. Propane heaters work during power outages but require proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Choose based on your emergency scenario and safety precautions.
Are ceramic heaters a good choice for emergencies?
Ceramic heaters heat up quickly and are energy-efficient, making them ideal for short-term use. They often include safety features like cool-touch exteriors. However, they may not be suitable for large spaces or prolonged outages.
What size heater do I need for an emergency?
A small heater (750-1,500 watts) is sufficient for a single room or personal use. For larger areas, consider a heater with higher wattage or multiple units. Always match the heater’s capacity to the room size for optimal efficiency.
How can I ensure my heater is safe during an emergency?
Check for certifications like UL or ETL to verify safety standards. Keep the heater away from flammable materials and never leave it unattended. Regularly inspect the cord and plug for damage before use.
Do I need a heater with a thermostat for emergencies?
A thermostat helps maintain a consistent temperature and saves energy by cycling on and off. It’s especially useful for extended outages. However, basic models without thermostats can still provide adequate heat for short-term needs.
What’s the best value for an emergency space heater?
Look for a balance between price, safety features, and energy efficiency. Mid-range models often offer the best combination of performance and reliability. Avoid overly cheap options that may lack essential safety certifications.
Can I use a space heater in a tent or RV during an emergency?
Only use heaters specifically designed for indoor or enclosed spaces like RVs. Propane heaters labeled for indoor use are safer for tents, but ventilation is critical. Always follow manufacturer guidelines to prevent hazards.