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We’ve included options below for personal use, as well as for heating larger spaces.
The Spruce
This heater also has a 70-degree oscillation feature and a timer function ranging from one to 12 hours.
At just under 5 pounds, the heater is very portable.
We were able to carry it with just one hand thanks to its light weight and built-in handle.
PHOTO: Dreo
Heat output is usually measured in Btu per hour, but it can also be measured in watts.
(One watt is equal to 3.41 Btu per hour.)
Its one of the most affordable (if notthemost affordable) space heaters weve ever tested.
We found the built-in handle made the Dreo Solaris Slim Space Heater easy to carry.The Spruce
You cant set the exact temperature by degrees, though.
We love the comfortable handle that never got hot and was easy to carry while testing.
But we love that this one has a handle which makes it even more convenient to carry.
We tested the effectiveness of the Dreo Solaris Slim H3 Space Heater’s remote control from several distances.PHOTO: The Spruce
This heater was also easy to use, with just one knob to control all of the controls.
Overall, we think its a great little heater thats nice enough to display year-round.
It also includes excellent safety features, which is particularly appreciated in a tall heater that could topple over.
But when we did tip it over, it shut off like it was supposed to.
It also shuts off when picked up.
Honeywell also offers alarger model with a motion sensor featurethat turns it off if an object is too close.
We tested the heater in the lab and found that the room became noticeably warmer within just minutes.
It lets you choose from low, high, fan-only, or eco controls.
This model also has an oscillation function, which we found made no additional noise when it was on.
When it comes to safety features, this model protects against overheating and has a tip-over auto-shutoff feature.
The unit also has a cool-touch handle for easy carrying and special technology that allows for quiet operation.
We were thoroughly impressed by the range and effectiveness of the safety features built into this UL-tested unit.
Additionally, the heater has an auto-timer that automatically turns it off after eight hours of operation.
After the unit is turned off, a fan runs for one minute to ensure a smooth cooling process.
We found the unit’s exterior to remain cool-to-touch, making it safe to use around children and pets.
However, we were overall pleased with the amount of heat this model produced.
However, it’s best to only use space heaters when you are able to properly monitor them.
You will also want to ensure the space heater you want to buy meets U.S. safety standards.
But, all of the heaters on our list have one of these safety certifications and auto-shutoff features.
Adjustable Heating Options
Different heaters offer different types of temperature controls.
A heater may have dials, buttons, or a digital display.
Timers are another handy control feature to look for when searching for a heater.
However, ceramic heaters tend to be the most energy-efficient option among different types of heaters.
Timer features can also be a handy way to save energy.
At less than 3 pounds, the Amazon Basics Portable Ceramic Indoor Space Heater is very easy to carry.PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
For effective heat distribution, confirm you place your heater in an open, unobstructed part of the room.
Heater noise levels are measured in decibels.
TheDreo Solaris Slim H3 Space Heater, our best heater overall, has a decibel rating of 48.1 dB.
The inset handle is small, but the heater is light enough that there’s no issue picking up and moving it.The Spruce
Consider the Size and Portability
Radiant and convection space heaterscan vary in size.
Some may be tall and slim towers, while others may be compact enough to fit under a desk.
Keep in mind that size does not always equate to heat output.
The Amazon Basics Portable Space Heater puts out a lot of heat for its size, according to our tests.PHOTO: The Spruce
Just because a heater looks bigger and more powerful doesnt mean it has the best heating power.
All of the heaters on this list actually have the same heat output of 1,500 watts.
That means looking for a lightweight heater, ideally with an easy-to-grip handle.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Jenica Currieis an editor who has been writing and testing products for The Spruce since 2020.
Current List of NRTLs.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Small Space Heaters, Energy.gov.
The heater weighs less than 3 pounds so it’s easy to lift and carry around.PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
The DeLonghi Capsule Electric Space Heater stood out for its comfortable handle and stylish design.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
The Honeywell Digital Ceramic Tower Heater’s wide base helped keep it sturdy while testing.The Spruce
The Honeywell Digital Ceramic Tower Heater’s height and oscillation helps it heat a larger area.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce Home / Henry Wortock
We liked having two options to control the settings, through the remote or the top control panel.The Spruce
Although it’s larger than many options, we found its sleek design was not obtrusive.PHOTO: The Spruce / Rachel Marek
While the Honeywell ThermaWave 6 is a larger space heater, the built-in handle made it easier to carry.PHOTO: The Spruce
We measured the heating performance of each heater from different distances.The Spruce
We tested the safety features, including the automatic shut-off feature when tipped over, for each ceramic space heater.The Spruce
We tested features like carrying straps and built-in handles to see how portable each ceramic heater was.The Spruce
