Comparison: Best Space Heater For Your Money (Updated | Dec 16th)

The most critical factor is the heater’s wattage, which directly correlates to its heating power. For a standard room, a 1,500-watt heater is typically sufficient, but smaller spaces can be adequately heated with a 750-watt model. Always match the heater’s output to the size of the room you intend to warm for the best efficiency and comfort.

Ceramic heaters use a ceramic element to heat quickly and are great for small to medium rooms, while infrared heaters provide instant, radiant heat to objects and people directly, making them ideal for spot heating. Oil-filled heaters operate silently and retain heat for a long time, offering a more consistent and energy-efficient warmth for larger spaces, though they take longer to heat up initially.

For safety, always choose a heater with tip-over protection, which automatically shuts the unit off if it’s knocked over. An overheat protection sensor is also essential, as it prevents the heater from becoming dangerously hot. Look for models certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) to ensure they meet strict safety standards.

A good rule of thumb is to use about 10 watts of heating power for every square foot of floor space. For example, a 150-square-foot room would require a heater with around 1,500 watts of power. You can also check the product’s specifications, which often list the recommended room size in square feet.

Not necessarily. While pricier models often offer more advanced features like smart home connectivity, digital thermostats, and superior build quality, many budget-friendly heaters provide excellent and reliable warmth. Focus on finding a heater with the right wattage, essential safety features, and positive user reviews within your budget to get the best value.

Beyond basic heating, features that add value include an adjustable thermostat for maintaining a set temperature and multiple heat settings for energy control. A programmable timer allows you to schedule heating times, reducing energy waste when you’re not home. A remote control can also add a layer of convenience that makes the heater more user-friendly.

The cost to run a space heater depends on its wattage, your local electricity rate, and how long you use it. A standard 1,500-watt heater running for one hour typically consumes about 1.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. To calculate the exact cost, multiply 1.5 kWh by your utility’s price per kWh.

Convection heaters work by warming the air in a room, which then circulates to heat the entire space, making them ideal for heating a whole room over time. Radiant heaters, like infrared models, emit infrared rays that directly warm objects and people in their path, providing immediate, focused warmth without needing to heat the surrounding air.