The Best Portable Heater For Basement Use in 2023

Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater – Best Overall

The Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Warmer is the finest heater for a basement overall. It has a maximum power output of 1,500 watts, thus it should adequately heat any size basement.

Its blower and heater create 39 decibels (dB) of sound, which is lower than most other space heaters, and it incorporates tip-over and overheat prevention features to assure your safety even while you're not around.

A 12-hour automatic shutoff timer avoids overheating and saves power if you forget to switch off the heater before leaving the room.

Its 19-pound heater's caster wheels make it simple to move, allowing you to place it as needed. In addition, a remote control is included for simple operation.

While the Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater is a decent bargain, with a price that falls in the center of our list, it is a little thicker than other models, making it unsuitable for locations with limited room.

PROS

• Silent functioning of the heater and fan
• The remote control makes operation simple from any location in the room.
• Overturn and overheating prevention
• Rolling wheels

CONS

• Fairly bulky

Best Portable Space Heater for the Money

The GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater with Thermostat is an excellent option for smaller basements, sporadic usage, or if you require a warmer that can be moved from room to room.

It weighs little under 3 pounds and has a broad carry handle, making it simple to transport, and its tiny size makes it perfect for use in even the smallest basements.

It is constructed from flame-retardant materials and incorporates overturn and overheat prevention features, limiting the chance of injury.

It is not as quiet as the Dr. Infrared at 45dB, but it is a quarter of the price, making it the most cost-effective space heater for a basement. Its thermostat effectively maintains the optimum degree of heat or comfort in your basement.

The primary problem of the GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater is that it can only heat places up to 200 square feet; if you have a bigger basement, it may not be able to heat the whole area and may fall short.

PROS

• Portability and portability
• Very affordable
• Overturning and overheating safety functions

CONS

• Only warms areas up to 200 square feet in size.

Duraflame Electric Fireplace - Superior Option

The Duraflame DFI-5010-01 Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove is a fireplace effect space heater that offers up to 5,200 British thermal units (BTU) of heat and, according to the manufacturer, can warm up to 1,000 square feet of area.

It includes an automated, digital, and programmable thermostat that allows you to maintain the ideal temperature in your basement without having to estimate or repeatedly turn the heater on and off.

It is an expensive heater that is not intended to be portable since it weighs over 30 pounds, but it has a great appearance.

The heater features a flame effect behind the logs, and you can pick from five different colors and adjust the flames' brightness and pace.

The heater is also available in a range of colors and has an overheat protection feature. While there is no tip-over safety feature, the Duraflame's shape and weight make it unlikely that it would fall over while in use.

PROS

• Warms up to 1,000 square feet of area
• Several flame settings are available.
• A programmable digital thermostat

CONS

• Expensive
• No anti-tipping safety feature

Aikoper Heating Element

The Aikoper Space Heater is a ceramic heater with a power output of 1,500 watts. It features a thermostat, and the desired temperature may be adjusted in 1°F increments, enabling precise basement heating.

The Aikoper has an 8-hour timer so you can decide when and for how long the warmer operates. The oscillating fan pushes air from the heater and may cover the whole room, as opposed to simply the area in front of the fan.

In addition to the easy-to-use controls on the tower itself, there is also a remote control, allowing you to modify the heating settings without leaving your chair. The tip-over and overheat safety mechanisms provide protection and peace of mind.

While the Aikoper is cheaply priced and has a variety of settings and controls, it is not as effective at spreading heat, making it difficult to heat bigger spaces.

Furthermore, although there is a thermostat, the heater only switches off when the temperature is 4 degrees over or below the intended temperature, resulting in an 8-degree temperature range, which is greater than most.

PROS

• Cost-effective ceramic heater
• Overturning and overheating safety features
• Circulates to disperse heat

CONS

• Extremely effective only in limited regions
• 4-degree temperature deviation

Heat Storm Infrared Heating System

The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WiFi Infrared Heater is an excellent option to portable space heaters if you're seeking for a permanent solution for your basement.

It has a maximum power output of 1,500 watts and requires wall mounting for usage. Wall-mounted heaters do not need floor space, and the power line may be concealed inside the heater if it is located above the outlet.

The heater cannot be used on the floor, therefore it lacks safety precautions against tipping over, and the thermostat is accurate to within 2°F of the target temperature.

The radiator is rather light. It makes it easy to attach and shouldn't create any difficulties with the wall itself, despite the fact that it is wall-mounted and hence cannot be moved.

Moreover, the radiator will not burn the wall and is safe to touch. It is Wi-Fi compatible and may be controlled through a mobile application.

Unfortunately, the heater is wall-mounted, which restricts the area it can heat, and the Heat Storm has difficulty heating anything more than a small room.

PROS

• Wall mounting saves room on the floor
• The thermostat is quite precise
• App-controllable over Wi-Fi

CONS

• Struggles with expansive areas
• Wall-mounted, so not portable and restricting range

Indoor Pelonis Tower Space Heater

The Pelonis PHTPU1501 Ceramic Tower Indoor Space Heater is an oscillating electric ceramic warmer with three power levels, an 8-hour timer, and remote control. A tower design with a carry handle makes it simple to transport this 6 pound warmer.

While the heater oscillates, its oscillation angle of 60 degrees limits its ability to distribute heat over a larger region. It is priced similarly to other heaters on our list and promises to reach 70°F in 3 seconds, so it can supply you with heat rapidly when you need it. It also contains safety mechanisms against overheating and tipping.

In addition to its fairly limited rotational angle, the fan is quite loud, emitting 52dB of sound. In addition, the thermostat is not very accurate.

PROS

• Three power modes, one of which is an automated ECO mode
• Overturning and overheating safety features
• Simple remote control for operation

CONS

• Minimum oscillating angle
• 52dB is fairly loud compared to other decibel levels.

Electric Radiator Heater Pelonis

The Pelonis Electric 1500W Oil Filled Radiator Heater is a radiant heater, while the majority of the aforementioned space heaters use fans or other ways of forcing warm air out so that it distributes across the room.

As there is no fan, the oil heats up and spreads as the air warms. The absence of a fan makes the heater quieter. With just the sound of the oil heating up, it is less efficient in distributing heat around the basement. The radiator is reasonably priced and has three heating choices, including an automated thermostatic mode.

In addition to tip-over and overheat safety features, the Pelonis has a 10-hour timer and a highly visible LCD screen that displays the current settings. It weighs 16 pounds and includes castor wheels for convenient portability, while being heavier than some of the more lightweight fan heaters.

PROS

• Quiet
• Overturning and overheating safety features
• LCD display reveals present settings

CONS

• The radiant heater does not disperse heat.
• It need time to reach the desired temperature.

Ceramic Comfort Zone Space Heater

The Comfort Zone CZ448 Oscillating Portable Ceramic Space Heater is a very affordable and portable electric ceramic heater.

It is a fan heater, so it circulates hot air around the room, and the oscillating fan helps to expand the area and range of the heat.

On the top of the gadget are analog control knobs with two heat levels and a fan-only mode.

Even though it is affordable and portable, it lacks an automated thermostat, has limited settings, and will struggle to heat spaces larger than a closet.

It has a nice oscillation angle, but is roughly 55 decibels of noise close to the device.

PROS

• Excellent oscillation range
• Very inexpensive
• Overturning and overheating safety features

CONS

• Louder than average
• Only really appropriate for limited areas
• Basic capabilities

Lasko Bladeless Heater

The Lasko Bladeless Heater is a ceramic heater that pushes warm air around the room using blowers rather than fans.

It is relatively small and weighs less than 10 pounds; it has high and low settings as well as an automated thermostat setting; it lacks fans, which makes it safer; and it features tip-over and overheat safety capabilities to ensure safe heating.

The fan oscillates a complete 360 degrees, which helps in the distribution of warm air, but it struggles to heat more than a small space and may be insufficient for many basements.

It is quieter than other fan heaters due to the absence of blades, but it emits an odor that is difficult to eliminate. It is also expensive relative to the size of the space it can heat.

PROS

• Complete 360-degree oscillation
• Bladeless design is silent
• Overturning and overheating safety features

CONS

• Difficulty heating huge regions
• Strong smell

Life Smart Infrared Heater, Black

The Life Smart Black 6 Element Infrared Heater is an infrared heater with 1,500 watts of power and three power settings, including full power, 1,000 watts, and eco.

The green setting maintains 68 degrees Fahrenheit while optimizing energy use. The maker says it can heat an area of up to 600 square feet, and its stainless steel enclosure remains cool to the touch. It is quite pricey in relation to its size and features, and it fails to adequately heat big areas.

The fan is also rather noisy, and it is difficult to heat a room since it does not oscillate and must be placed several feet away from any objects or furniture.

PROS

• Eco mode maintains 68 degrees Fahrenheit while optimizing power usage.
• Stainless steel housing is advantageous
• Overturning and overheating safety features

CONS

• A little costly
• Difficulty heating expansive areas
• Fan may be fairly noisy

Since cold air sinks and basements tend to be surrounded by cold soil, the basement may be the home's coldest room. Nevertheless, not everyone has or desires central heating or other heating systems in the basement.

Whether the basement is a living space or a storage room that holds pipes and other necessary components of the property, a space heater may assist improve the temperature and make it more inviting.

What Exactly Is a Space Heater?

A space heater is an individual heater that is not linked to a central heating system or a whole-house system.

These heaters may be driven by gas or electricity, but the majority of indoor heaters are powered by electricity since it is safer, more energy efficient, and provides consistent heat.

There are several varieties of space heaters, including wall-mounted and freestanding models, as well as ceramic and infrared options.

Ceramic vs. Infrared

There are advantages and disadvantages to ceramic and infrared heaters:

Ceramic Furnaces

Ceramic heaters are convection heaters, which means that air is drawn into the heater, passed over a heated ceramic plate, and then pushed out into the room using fans or blowers. They are often more portable than infrared and more energy-efficient than other heating techniques.

Ceramic heaters may also be purchased for a lower price, but since they utilize fans to spread heat, they can be noisy, and they operate best in enclosed environments, so you will need to keep the doors and windows closed for optimal performance.

Radiant Heaters

Infrared heaters are radiant heaters, which means they emit infrared radiation to heat surfaces and other things. These things will warm up and contribute to the heating of the space.

They may also warm those immediately in front of the heater. Theoretically, they do not need windows and doors to be closed, so a basement may still be ventilated while they are in operation, but they are more costly to purchase.

Infrared heaters tend to be more energy-efficient over time, and their absence of a fan makes them quieter than fan-assisted heaters.

What to Search For

There are a variety of space heaters available, and while they may all seem similar, there are key qualities to consider when purchasing one.

Portability

If your heater will always remain in the same location, mobility may not be necessary. Nevertheless, as most space heaters function well and are safer when set several feet away from other objects, they must be used in the center of a room.

This implies that the heater will likely need to be relocated, hence mobility will be important in these instances. In addition to the device's weight, you may seek for those with carry handles or castor wheels so that they can be carried easily from one location to another.

Noise Level

Ceramic fan heaters are the most common kind of fan heater, and they are one of the least expensive alternatives available. They have a number of benefits, but their loudness is one of their greatest negatives.

Fans are audible, and the steady rotation of the blades may be rather distracting. Go for a bladeless fan that directs air out of a blower or an infrared heater that does not utilize fans at all if you require a quiet fan.

Not all manufacturers indicate the noise level of their fans, but it is particularly significant if you sleep in the basement or are searching for a fan to use during meditation, work, or any other activity that demands concentration and stillness.

Security Measures

Regardless matter the sort of heater you choose, safety should be your main priority.

One of the leading causes of home fires is heaters, which often ignite when the fan overheats or when it is pushed over and comes into touch with the floor.

Tip-over shut off indicates that the heater turns off if it is pushed over and typically turns back on when it is returned to its upright position.

A safety mechanism that turns off the heater if it exceeds a certain temperature may avoid fires caused by blockages, malfunctions, or anything put too near to the heater.

Additional safety precautions include grills to protect the fan blades and cold-touch housing to avoid burning of fingers and pets.

Oscillation

Fans and blowers generally push warm air straight forward, and regardless of how well they are constructed, they struggle to heat a large area, depending instead on air bouncing off objects and hot air spreading around a room.

Oscillating fans rotate, which allows them to push hot air throughout a broader area without physically moving the fan. If you want to heat many individuals or a whole room, an oscillating heater is a wonderful option.

Is It Safe to Use an Electric Space Heater in the Basement?

Space heaters should be positioned on the floor and at least a few feet away from things such as furniture and personal possessions.

As long as these rules and any manufacturer requirements are followed, using a space heater in a basement is just as safe as using it in any other area of the home.

Should a basement be heated during the winter?

Space heaters are solely intended for heating a single room. But, hot air does rise, so if you successfully heat the whole basement, the warmth will rise and enter the rest of the home.

Particularly, it can warm the flooring on the level above, but you should not depend on a space heater in the basement to heat the whole home.

Why Is My Basement So Chilly During the Winter?

Basements may be more moist than other rooms in the home, and dampness causes temperatures to drop. In addition, cold air is denser than warm air, so when colder air enters your home, it will naturally sink to the basement, while any warm air will ascend to the roof.

Do space heaters use a great deal of electricity?

Space heaters are regarded as significant energy consumers. Even though they are tiny and their producers use phrases like "100% efficient," using one for 8 hours per day may add $50 to your monthly energy bill.

Reduce the amount of energy you must use by only heating the basement when necessary, using the heater's economy settings, and installing insulation and other energy- and heat-saving measures in the basement.

Can a Space Heater Be Left On Overnight?

Although while ceramic and infrared space heaters are far safer than electric coil heaters, there are still hazards associated with their use, and you should not leave them on overnight.

Several contemporary heaters include timer settings that allow you to program them to shut off after a certain number of hours.

This is a fantastic technique to guarantee that you have heat in the evening without running the danger of keeping the heater on for 8–10 hours while you're away.

1. Can the temperature of your basement heater be adjusted?

That may not be feasible with all basement heaters on the market, but the majority of them have an integrated thermostat. This enables you to select any desired temperature on this thermostat to guarantee that your basement heater warms your basement to the precise degree you choose.

2. Why does my basement heater have an included fan?

In certain instances, your basement heaters may have an integrated fan for further functionality. While this fan has nothing to do with heating your basement, it helps promote ventilation, allowing hot air to travel throughout the space.

3. Which is the superior alternative between oil radiator heaters and coil heaters?

Even if you choose an electric basement heater, there are coil heaters and oil radiator heaters available. And of these two, an oil radiator heater will be the superior alternative due to its superior efficiency. In some instances, a coil heater may make the air overly dry, which is not to everyone's liking.

On BestForHomes' (bestforhomes.org) list of the best space heaters for a basement, you will discover ceramic and infrared heaters. To get the best portable heater for basement use, be careful to choose a heater with enough safety features and based on the size of your basement.

The Dr. Infrared Heater portable space heater utilizes infrared to heat the room. It is quiet and energy-efficient but somewhat more costly than ceramic heaters with comparable features. If you're searching for an economical option, the GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater with Thermostat is portable and inexpensive.