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The 8 Best Small Space Heaters Reviews in 2023

Jason L. Huff
  Jun 4, 2023 4:19 AM

Even if your home has a good heating and cooling system, drafts are hard to avoid during the coldest months.

If your home is gas-powered, a small, portable space heater keeps you warm and acts as a backup source of heat.

Here are BestForHomes' (bestforhomes.org) assessments of the eight best small space heaters reviews based on price and quality this year.


Reviews

Best Overall: Handy Heater Pure Warmth Space Heater

The ceramic design depends on convection technology to eliminate the cold by warming the air without drying it. The debri-capturing air filter ensures that the air emitted by the heater is cleaner than the air that was drawn in.

For less than $50, the Handy Heater Pure Warmth Space Heater is our top pick for a compact space heater due to its great pricing, particularly given its three heat levels and several features.

It lacks a thermostat, which may upset some users, particularly given that it does not automatically switch off. Yet, this function may be appreciated by some since it eliminates the need to remember to switch it back on.

We like how the warm orange light is visible through the grate. The compact box shape of this heater makes it durable and portable, allowing you to offer warmth to any room in the home.

PROS

  • 3 power settings
  • Ceramic technology does not dehumidify air.
  • Modular air filter
  • Superior quality at a cheap cost
  • Warm orange glow

CONS

  • Having no thermostat
  • No automatic timer

Best Value: Amazon Basics Small Space Personal Tiny Heater

Our favorite tiny space heater for the money is the Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater, which is ideal for workplaces, dormitories, and keeping your power cost within budget.

It costs less than $25, making it our most economical option, yet it is incredibly efficient at preventing cold drafts. It is available in four colors to complement your décor or personality.

This heater's design is simple, and it just has one heat setting, but happily it incorporates safety measures. If it is turned over or put on an uneven surface, it will turn off. Unless it is explicitly turned off, it will continue to run until it is stopped.

Because to its small form, the heating element is positioned quite near to the hot grate; thus, you should avoid brushing your fingers over the surface when it's on.

Also, you should not use the heater near furniture, drapes, or other flammable surfaces, and you should not forget to switch it off, since it does not have an auto-shutoff mechanism until it is knocked over.

PROS

  • Small frame
  • Under $25
  • Available in four colors
  • A safety mechanism turns the heater off if it falls over.

CONS

  • One temperature setting
  • As a result of its closeness to the heating source, the grate becomes very hot.
  • No automatic shutoff function

Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater - The Best Available Option

We like how stylishly the Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Warmer warms the space. The cherry wood and visible "flames" are reminiscent of an antique fireplace.

It is both vintage and contemporary at the same time. We are thrilled with the low, high, and eco settings. It will automatically turn off after 12 hours, when the appropriate temperature is reached, or if it is inadvertently tipped over. The remote allows you to adjust the temperature without having to leave your seat.

At over $100, it is unquestionably a luxury option, but if you're looking for a simple but elegant heater that is both decorative and useful, then Dr. Infrared is our top recommendation.

Caution: this heater is not intended for use outdoors or on power strips. It is designed for indoor usage with the outlet. Several reviews complained that it melted their power strips, but now you know why.

PROS

  • Included as one of the three heat settings is an eco-setting.
  • Creative design
  • Remote controlled

CONS

  • Not for use outdoors
  • For only outlet (no power strips)
  • Somewhat more costly than comparable tiny heaters

Infrared Heater, Ph.D. Space Heating System with Humidifier

This Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Warmer with Humidifier is fitted with a humidifier to combat two of winter's most formidable foes: freezing temperatures and dry air.

We appreciate the dual-purpose design since it's ideal for compact spaces that may not have enough capacity for two appliances, such as a small bathroom or a baby's room. In addition, the space heater has a 12-hour automatic shut-off feature and legs to prevent it from toppling over.

It will switch off immediately if inadvertently knocked over, making it a perfect solution for homes with dogs and young children who may unintentionally knock it over. It is possible to operate the remote control from across the room, which is handy during chilly weather when you may not want to leave the sofa.

Nevertheless, unlike our premium option, there is no eco-setting. Three settings are available: high, low, and automated. You may use the humidifier and warmer concurrently or separately, making it suitable for use in dry climates throughout the summer. Just avoid using it outside or with power strips.

PROS

  • Dual-purpose technology warms and humidifies the space.
  • Three temperatures
  • Remote controlled

CONS

  • No eco setting
  • Not designed for usage outside
  • Retail only (no power strips)

Two-in-one TRUSTTECH cooler and heater

This TRUSTTECH 2-in-1 cooler and heater is offered at a reasonable price. In the winter, you may use this heater to keep your home warm, and in the summer, you can turn it to cooling mode.

Notably, the "cooler" mode does not really contain coolant; rather, it is a fan mode. Mixing electronics may save you space and money by addressing your temperature regulating requirements throughout the in-between days of spring and fall, when nights might be cool but days can be warm.

Some people say that the fan is too loud and that the temperature is not chilly enough, but the majority believe that the heater performs well.

TRUSTTECH seems to be a prudent winter investment, but it is not a suitable replacement for air conditioning in the summer. This gadget is probably more effective at producing movement in a congested space than at chilling it with air conditioning.

PROS

  • Average price
  • Using a fan, a 2-in-1 system warms and cools.
  • Effective heater

CONS

  • Uncomfortably loud fan
  • Not a replacement for AC

The Ontel Handy Heater Plug-In Personal Heater is a plug-in heater

This surprisingly efficient, compact, and low-wattage Ontel Handy Heater Plug-In Personal Space Heater will gratify the budget-conscious customer seeking a cost-effective solution to heat a small room.

This elegant heater requires no additional room since it plugs straight into the wall socket. The thermostat is automatically set to 90° when the heater is turned on, but may be adjusted as low as 60°.

The only disadvantage is that it seems to start at 90 degrees every time it is switched on. There are no further heat settings, and the heater will only shut off when the specified temperature is reached or after 12 hours of operation.

As it is wall-mounted, you do not have to worry about someone accidentally knocking it over, which eliminates some of the fire risks associated with other compact heaters.

As not every outlet has a 3-prong connection, this is something to keep in mind while searching for the finest heater for your room.

PROS

  • Small design connects straight into the wall
  • Weak wattage
  • The thermostat's range is 60° to 90°.

CONS

  • Three-prong plug
  • Other than the thermostat and a 12-hour automatic shutoff, there are no heat settings.

Portable Space Heater Dreo

Depending on the setting, this Dreo Portable Space Heater features a filter that purifies the air as it warms or cools. There are three heat settings (1500W, 1000W, and eco), in addition to a fan mode for cooling.

Dreo's 70-degree oscillation ensures your comfort from any angle. There’s a programmed 1–12-hour timer if you’d want to switch off the electricity at a specific time, and a digital thermostat.

If no shutdown time is specified, the device will automatically switch down after 24 hours. Several consumers say that the thermostat might be off by 10 degrees.

Yet, it averages 4.5 stars on Amazon, indicating that the majority of consumers are satisfied with their purchase. On the basis of the product's specifications and user ratings, we've determined that it has an average pricing for its quality.

PROS

  • Three heat levels, and a fan setting
  • Oscillating
  • Thermostat and auto-off function

CONS

  • A few nasty client reviews
  • Certain thermostats are more accurate.

KopBeau Space Heater

This KopBeau space heater has three distinct heating settings and one cooling fan mode.

The heater's safety features will immediately switch it off if it is tipped over or reaches a hazardous temperature, making it a great option for households with young children.

Despite its great wattage, customers report that it only warms a tiny area (about 6 feet).

PROS

  • Fan-only cooling mode.
  • Three temperatures
  • Automatic shutoff safeguards against overheating

CONS

  • Only approximately 6 feet in height

Compare Products

Showing  1 - 8  in  8 results
1
  • SCORE
    96.0
    BFP Score

    Our experienced team created the BFH Score rating algorithm. Our BestForHomes algorithm automatically scores it from 0 to 10 based on the facts provided. This score is unrelated to or influenced by any manufacturer or sales agency website. Find out more

  • Brand
    Dr Infrared Heater
2
  • SCORE
    9.7
    BFP Score

    Our experienced team created the BFH Score rating algorithm. Our BestForHomes algorithm automatically scores it from 0 to 10 based on the facts provided. This score is unrelated to or influenced by any manufacturer or sales agency website. Find out more

  • Brand
    Ontel
3
  • SCORE
    9.6
    BFP Score

    Our experienced team created the BFH Score rating algorithm. Our BestForHomes algorithm automatically scores it from 0 to 10 based on the facts provided. This score is unrelated to or influenced by any manufacturer or sales agency website. Find out more

  • Brand
    Amazon Basics
4
  • SCORE
    9.5
    BFP Score

    Our experienced team created the BFH Score rating algorithm. Our BestForHomes algorithm automatically scores it from 0 to 10 based on the facts provided. This score is unrelated to or influenced by any manufacturer or sales agency website. Find out more

  • Brand
    Dr Infrared Heater
5
  • SCORE
    9.5
    BFP Score

    Our experienced team created the BFH Score rating algorithm. Our BestForHomes algorithm automatically scores it from 0 to 10 based on the facts provided. This score is unrelated to or influenced by any manufacturer or sales agency website. Find out more

  • Brand
    TRUSTECH
6
  • SCORE
    9.4
    BFP Score

    Our experienced team created the BFH Score rating algorithm. Our BestForHomes algorithm automatically scores it from 0 to 10 based on the facts provided. This score is unrelated to or influenced by any manufacturer or sales agency website. Find out more

  • Brand
    Ontel
7
  • SCORE
    9.4
    BFP Score

    Our experienced team created the BFH Score rating algorithm. Our BestForHomes algorithm automatically scores it from 0 to 10 based on the facts provided. This score is unrelated to or influenced by any manufacturer or sales agency website. Find out more

  • Brand
    Dreo
8
  • SCORE
    9.3
    BFP Score

    Our experienced team created the BFH Score rating algorithm. Our BestForHomes algorithm automatically scores it from 0 to 10 based on the facts provided. This score is unrelated to or influenced by any manufacturer or sales agency website. Find out more

  • Brand
    KopBeau

Last update on 2023-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buyer's Guide

If you're like us, you'll want to be prepared with a durable heater before the coldest temps arrive. Consider the following things while looking for the best heater for you:

Budget

You can get a simple heater for around $20. Price increases with each specific feature, such as an integrated thermostat, remote control, or other bonuses like an air purifier.

Wattage

A low-wattage heater is ideal for tiny rooms since it conserves power without sacrificing comfort. Yet, a heater's wattage does not always indicate that it can heat a greater room.

Read some reviews to determine how well the device functions. Depending on the brand, some 1500-watt heaters may perform less effectively than a 500-watt heater.

Timer

Are you seeking for a heater that will run continuously throughout the night, or do you need one that will shut off automatically if you forget?

Although the majority of heaters include a safety shut-off option, some may not, which is something to consider if you're seeking continuous heat.

Security measures

If you live with children or animals that may accidentally knock over a tiny heater, it is particularly vital to pay attention to the safety elements.

Some heaters will shut off automatically if they are knocked over, reach a specific temperature, or have been on for a certain period of time.


FAQs

1. Are space heaters more effective than central heating systems?

Absolutely, due to the fact that space heaters only heat individual rooms and not whole living areas, space heaters will use far less energy. If you will just be spending time in your bedroom, use a space heater to avoid heating other rooms.

2. Can't I heat my house using my oven?

As tempting it may be, do not use your oven to remain warm. You run the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, and it is not an efficient method of keeping warm. Consider: ovens are designed to trap heat, not distribute it around the house.

3. Can a space heater be left on overnight?

To be completely safe, do not use your space heater while you are sleeping. Most space heaters have built-in safety precautions to prevent you from injuring yourself or setting your home ablaze, but these safeguards are not foolproof.

We cannot encourage sleeping with the space heater on, but we recognize that there may be occasions when it is necessary. It is also feasible to use a space heater for a time before bed and then turn it off after the lights are dark.

4. Can I keep my space heater running unattended?

Why would you leave your space heater on if you're not in the room it's heating? Even though a quality space heater will have built-in safety safeguards to prevent overheating and malfunction, you shouldn't leave it on while you're not around. Always remain close to your space heater while it is operating so you can intervene if anything goes wrong.


Conclusion

The Handy Heater Pure Warmth, BestForHomes' (bestforhomes.org) top pick overall, provides your room with clean, warm air that does not feel dry.

The Amazon Basics 500-watt ceramic space heater is the ideal present for someone who works in an office or lives in a dorm since it is deceivingly small for how effectively it performs in a small space.

Depending on whether you want an eco-setting or a built-in humidifier, Dr. Infrared offers the third and fourth-best items on our list, although they cost a little more than the average price of the best small space heaters reviews we reviewed.

When choosing the best heater for you, keep in mind the wattage, automatic timers, thermostats, and whether or not you want extra features like an air purifier or humidifier.


4.3
4 ratings

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