Comparison: Best Space Heater To Use With Generator (Updated | Dec 16th)
When winter storms knock out your power, staying warm becomes a top priority. But not all space heaters play nice with generators, and choosing the wrong combo can leave you shivering in the dark. We’ve tested dozens of heater-generator pairages to find the perfect matches that’ll keep you cozy without overloading your system. From energy-efficient ceramic models to powerful propane options, we’ll guide you through the best space heaters that work seamlessly with your generator, ensuring you stay comfortable during any power outage.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for generator-safe heating: Dreo Space Heater
- Best for all-around safety choice: Dreo Space Heater
- Best for whisper-quiet warmth: Dreo Space Heater
- Best for adjustable directional heat: Dreo Space Heater 1500W
- Best for slim space saver: Honeywell Slim Ceramic Tower Heater
- Best for dual-heat technology: Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater
- Best for large room champion: Dreo Space Heater for Large Room
- Best for 3d room coverage: Dreo Whole Room Heater 714
- Best for portable powerhouse: GiveBest Space Heater
Product Comparison: Best Space Heater To Use With Generator
Generator-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.
All-Around Safety Choice
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
Whisper-Quiet Warmth
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
Adjustable Directional Heat
Dreo Space Heater 1500W, 60° Adjustable Tilt, 10.5ft/s Portable Electric Heaters for Indoor Use with Thermostat, 8 Safety Protections, 3 Modes, Remote, Quiet Desk Heater for Bedroom, Office, Black
Dreo
- Fast Warm Air Delivery: Powered by 1500W Hyperamics tech, this space heater for indoor use delivers warmth in just 2 seconds and produces 53.9% more heated air than traditional heaters
- Vertical Tilt for Full-Body Warmth: Manually tilt the portable heater from 0°-20°-40°-60°, enjoying warmth from your head to toe. Place it on a table or floor, heating wherever you need it
- Unbreakable Safety: Enjoy peace of mind with the electric heater featuring advanced tip-over protection, V0 flame retardant materials, overheat protection, and a safety plug, all certified by ETL
- Precise Temperature Control: The advanced NTC chipset lets you set your heater for office from 41-95℉ in precise 1℉ increments, delivering smart, energy-saving comfort tailored to your needs
- Enjoy Distraction-Free Warmth: DREO’s desk heater uses a brushless DC motor and winglet fan design to reduce turbulence, operating as quietly as 34dB for peaceful comfort
Slim Space Saver
Honeywell Slim Ceramic Tower Heater, Large Room, Black – Easy to Use – Slim Space Heater with Two Heat Settings
Honeywell
- SLIM SPACE HEATERS FOR INDOOR USE – Use the Honeywell Slim Ceramic Tower Heater in any room; this tower heater features easy-to-use digital controls with two heat settings: high heat (1500 watts), low heat (750 watts), and a programmable thermostat
- SAFETY MATTERS: This large room heater has multiple safety options including 2x Overheat Protection with an overheat sensor and cut off fuse; these electric heaters for indoor use feature a 360-degree tip over switch, and an auto off timer option
- INCREASE YOUR COMFORT – Always be comfortable, no matter what season it is; this personal heater has a slim design, sturdy base, oscillation and cool touch plastic housing, so it fits into any room in your home and as a space heater for bedrooms
- SMART SAVINGS – Worried about heating costs? Room heaters for indoor use can help you save up to $276* in heating costs this year; a space heater for indoor use can help you save money while providing soothing warmth
- HONEYWELL QUALITY: Help improve heating and energy savings in your home, bedroom or office using Honeywell portable heaters for indoor use; Honeywell offers whole room heaters, tower heaters and oscillating heaters
Dual-Heat Technology
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)
Large Room Champion
Dreo Space Heater for Large Room, 23 Inch Electric Heaters for Indoor Use, 8 Safe Protection Tower, 70° Oscillation, PTC Ceramic with Thermostat and Remote, Quiet, 12H Timer, Bedroom, Office
Dreo
- Twice the heat power: With dual DC motors, this DREO heater doubles airflow at 10ft/s, heats up in 2s, plus a 25% larger heating plate that efficiently warms rooms up to 250 sq.ft.
- Worry-free warmth: With child-lock, safety plug, overheat, tip-over protection and cool-touch housing, this ETL-listed electric heater provides safe, efficient warmth indoors.
- Energy-efficient heating: Save up to 40% on energy with ECO mode, along with precise temp control (41-95°F) in 1°F increments, 3 heat levels, and a fan mode for optimal comfort.
- Even heat distribution: Enjoy a cozy room with 70° wide oscillating, ensuring heat spreads to every corner for consistent warmth, making it perfect for large spaces on chilly days.
- Whisper-quiet comfort: At a mere 34db, this heater brings warmth to your large room without noise disruption. The 12hr timer offers convenience for effortless heating all day long.
3D Room Coverage
Dreo Whole Room Heater 714, 60° Vertical & 90° Horizontal 3D Oscillating Heating, 12 ft/s Long-Range Circulator, 3 Heat & 3 Fan Settings, Space Heaters for Indoor Use, Bedroom, Office, Black
Dreo
- 3𝘿 𝙒𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚-𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: This heater for bedroom delivers 12ft/s airflow with 60° vertical and 90° horizontal oscillation, ensuring fast, even warmth that keeps every corner cozy.
- 𝙉𝙚𝙭𝙩-𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: Powered by 1500W PTC, this portable ceramic heater delivers 2s instant warmth with a 92% boost and 120CFM airflow for quick, even heating throughout any room.
- 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙖𝙛𝙚𝙩𝙮 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙: With overheat shutoff, tip-over protection, and flame-retardant housing, this ETL-listed room heater brings safe, reliable warmth you can trust daily.
- 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚, 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚: With ECO Mode, this heater for office maintains perfect warmth from 41-95°F in 1°F increments, giving you tailored comfort while using less power to cut daily energy costs.
- 𝙁𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙩𝙝, 𝙯𝙚𝙧𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙞𝙨𝙚: With a brushless DC motor and upgraded Bionic Blade design, this desk heater stays whisper-quiet at 34dB, keeping your space cozy without distraction. Simply set the 12H timer and let comfort run on your schedule.
Portable Powerhouse
GiveBest Space Heater, 1500W Portable Heaters for Indoor Use, PTC Ceramic Heater with Heating and Fan Modes, Overheat & Tip-Over Protection, Ideal for Bedroom, Office & Desk Use, Black
GiveBest
- 【Portable Personal Heater】This lightweight 6.4″ x 6.4″ x 8.9″ mini heater fits perfectly on desks, office floors, or bedside tables. Its space-saving design with integrated handle easily moves between rooms, efficiently heating up to 200 sq ft while only weighing 2.8 lbs.
- 【3-Mode Ceramic Heater for Instant Warmth】Advanced PTC ceramic heating technology delivers instant warmth in just 3 seconds. Choose from Fan, Low heating(900W), or High heating (1500W) settings to perfectly match your comfort needs. Small and powerful, it saves more energy compared to conventional heaters. Ideal for living room, bedrooms, offices and personal spaces.
- 【Multiple Safety Protection】Equipped with overheat protection (auto shut-off above 176°F) and tip-over protection for instant power cutoff. UL certified for guaranteed safety, featuring flame-resistant materials and reinforced plug design – perfect for homes with kids and pets.
- 【Silent & Comfortable Heating】Enjoy peaceful warmth with whisper-silent operation (≤45dB) that won’t disturb your rest. This heater combines rapid heating with near-silent performance, perfect for restful sleep, focused work, or relaxing at home.
- 【Warranty Protection】Designed with a comfortable built-in handle, allowing you to easily move the space heater to any room you want. Enjoy a 1-year warranty and responsive support, ensuring a worry-free experience and long-lasting satisfaction.
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 type of space heater is best for a generator?
You should prioritize a heater with low wattage, typically between 750 and 1500 watts, to ensure it doesn’t overload your generator’s capacity. Ceramic or oil-filled radiators are excellent choices because they often have multiple low-wattage settings. Always check the generator’s rated output to confirm it can handle the heater’s starting and running wattage.
How do I match a heater to my generator’s power?
First, find the running watts of your space heater, which is usually listed on its label or in the manual. Your generator must have a higher running wattage rating than the heater to operate safely. It’s also wise to leave a power buffer, so a 2000W generator is a better match for a 1500W heater than a 1600W generator.
Are ceramic heaters better than oil-filled for this use?
Ceramic heaters are generally better for spot heating, warming up a person or a small area very quickly. Oil-filled radiators, on the other hand, are more efficient for heating an entire room over a longer period, though they take more time to get warm. For conserving generator fuel, an oil-filled radiator on a low setting is often the most economical choice.
What key safety features should I look for?
Essential safety features include overheat protection, which automatically shuts the unit off if it gets too hot, and tip-over protection that turns it off if it’s knocked over. A cool-to-the-touch exterior is also critical, especially in homes with children or pets. A certification from a safety testing lab like UL or ETL indicates the heater meets strict safety standards.
Is a heater with a thermostat important for generator use?
Yes, a built-in thermostat is highly valuable as it helps conserve fuel by cycling the heater on and off to maintain a set temperature. This prevents the heater from running continuously at full power, which would drain your generator’s fuel supply much faster. It allows you to maintain comfort more efficiently.
What are the main differences between a 750W and 1500W heater?
A 750W heater consumes half the power of a 1500W model, making it a much safer bet for smaller generators and drastically extending your runtime on a tank of fuel. However, a 1500W heater will produce significantly more heat and warm a space much faster. Many models offer both settings, giving you the flexibility to choose between maximum heat and maximum fuel efficiency.
How can I get the most value and efficiency from my heater?
To maximize efficiency, use the heater in a smaller, enclosed space and close doors to keep the heat concentrated. Start the heater on a high setting to warm the room quickly, then switch to a lower setting or use the thermostat to maintain the temperature. This strategy reduces the overall power draw and saves on generator fuel.