Top 8 Best Space Heaters for 2017

Due to the sheer number of different models of space heaters available on the market, trying to select just one among them is no simple task. Most consumers simply don’t have the time nor the desire to read hundreds of reviews written about all the different space heaters for sale online, which is why we did the research for you.

After investing 22+ hours into researching, analyzing and comparing dozens of different space heaters, we created this list of the eight best units, buying guide and comparison chart. We based our selections on a number of different factors, including heat output, efficiency, controls/features, safety and price.

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a space heater. Type, heating power, safety and price are all important considerations when selecting a space heater best suited for your needs. It’s important that you know what to look for, as the best space heaters have certain qualities and characteristics in common. Also, some aspects may be more important to you than others, depending on what your needs and preferences are. Here is a list of some things you should consider when deciding on which space heater to buy.

Type

Space heaters are categorized based upon the type of heat they generate and how they’re powered/fueled. Here we’re going to be taking a look at the different kinds of space heaters and discussing the pros and cons of each type.

Convection Heaters

Convection space heaters work by heating the air in a room via a heating element (typically a resistor or coil). Some of them utilize a blower or fan to move hot air around a room. One disadvantage of a forced-air convection heater is that, in some of the lower quality models, the fan can be quite loud and distracting, so this is something consumers should be aware of when purchasing a fan-powered unit.

Oil-filled Heaters

They are also known as radiator heaters, or simply oil heaters, and work by using a heating element to heat up metal columns that are filled with oil. One advantage of these types of heaters is that they tend to stay warm even after they’re turned off, making them some of the most energy efficient heaters on the market.

Ceramic Heaters

These space heaters typically utilize a fan to blow hot air around a ceramic heating element and out into the room. They’re some of the safest heaters around, as the heating elements are encased in a housing unit, so the exterior will never get very hot.

Radiant Heaters

Radiant heaters produce a different kind of heat than convection heaters. Instead of heating the air, radiant heaters heat people and objects directly. As a result, they aren’t very well suited for warming up a whole room. However, they heat up almost instantly and are very effective at providing heat to a spot or small area in a room.

Heating Power

You’ll find that most electric space heaters have two heat settings: a low setting (usually 750 watts) and a high setting (1500 watts). For a typical room, it will require approximately 5 to 10 watts to heat 1 square foot of space. This means your average 1,500-watt space heater can heat up a space of about 150 to 300 sq. ft.

Safety

Ensure that any space heater that you buy has the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) logo on it, which indicates that it meets industry safety standards. Generally speaking, the safest space heaters to use are those that have been designed in such a way so as to prevent the exterior from getting too hot. Another safety feature you’ll definitely want to look for is whether the unit will automatically shut itself off if it is ever knocked over. This is an especially important feature to have for those who have children in the home. Although you may’ve heard stories in the past about space heaters causing fires, such instances are very uncommon, and the vast majority of space heaters are quite safe to use.

Price

Space heaters can vary significantly in price. Although most are priced between $40 and $200, some of the cheaper, miniature models can be as cheap as $20 and on the other extreme, a luxury cabinet-style space heater could run you well over $300. Indoor kerosene heaters are usually priced between $100 – $250, and gas heaters can run you anywhere from about $130 up to several thousand dollars depending on size.

Electric Heaters

Electric heaters are very easy to operate. Many of these heaters will be the oil-filled radiator type of unit that has a permanently sealed oil reservoir. All you need to do is plug the unit in and set the temperature. Radiator units can be made with a special feature that will keep the unit at a low surface temperature. This is a great feature if you have children and/or pets who might come into contact with the unit.

Oil-filled heaters are great for rooms where you do not want any distracting noise, such as a bedroom. They operate quietly and can do a very effective job. These types of heaters may take a little bit longer to warm up, but when they do, they keep the room at a comfortable temperature and even manage to maintain warmth for a period of time after being turned off. This feature makes them great choices for heating bedrooms because you will not need to leave the heater on all night. If the unit comes with a timer, that is better yet.

The downside to an electric heater is the fact that you cannot use it when there is a power outage. If you want a heater that will provide warmth in emergency situations where the power may be out, it would be better to obtain a propane unit.

Electric heaters can also be somewhat costly to run if you leave the heater on for any length of time. Depending on the type of electric heater you purchase, it may also be somewhat bulky in size and take up more space in the room where it is placed. If you have ample space, then a heater that is larger in size should present no problem. Smaller rooms with limited space, though, may not be able to accommodate a bulky heater as easily. Oil-filled radiator heaters take up a bit more room, but tower heaters, being tall, will not require as much space.

Of course, not all space heaters run on electricity, as some use propane or kerosene as their source of power. They’re usually great for emergency situations where a power outage has occurred. The downside, however, is that you will always need to have propane/kerosene on hand for the unit to work. If you run out of fuel, you have no heat. Also, not all propane heaters are designed for indoor use, so if you’re interested in going that route then you need to make sure to check whether the unit of your choice is recommended for both indoor and outdoor use.

Radiant vs. Convection

Space heaters can be either radiant or convection. With a radiant heater, people and objects in the room will be warmed first, then the air will warm up. Convection heaters are just the opposite, with the air warming first and the heated air then transferring to people and objects in the room.

Of convection and radiant heat, radiant is more efficient. The reason for this is because radiant heaters will produce heat at the level where they are placed and not push the heat to the ceiling, thus resulting in less loss of energy.

Radiant heaters can work well in areas that will be occupied for a shorter period of time, and they do a good job in a room where people will not be moving around a great deal. To feel the heat most effectively, though, you need to be close to the heater. The farther away you move from a radiant unit, the less you will feel the warmth. Radiant heaters can also do a good job for a limited period of time but may not be the best choice if you want the warmth to last for an extended period.

Radiant heaters take longer to heat a room, and they also get hot to the touch. This is something to keep in mind if children or pets might be in the vicinity where a radiant heater may be in use. If you want to save money on your heater, a convection unit will be less costly than a radiant unit. Convection heaters can keep a room warm for long periods of time, and they also work very quickly. These heaters are usually designed with the heating element covered by other parts of the unit, and this means that the heater will not be able to burn you.

Convection heaters work by moving the air in a room. If cold air should enter the area and come in contact with the unit, it will take longer for the unit to heat the room since the recirculated air will be colder than elsewhere in the area. If you use this type of heater in a room that will be subjected to the frequent opening of doors, it may slow down the effectiveness of the unit. You’ll also want to place a convection heater in an area where there will not be any objects blocking the flow of air into and out of the unit, as they work most efficiently if there is good air flow around the heater.

With a convection heater, you will experience more energy loss due to the heater pushing hot air to the ceiling. A convection heater may also be more noisy than a radiant unit and will not be the best choice for areas where you want to keep the noise level down to a minimum.

Kerosene Heaters vs. Propane Heaters

Kerosene is a relatively inexpensive fuel so this type of heater can be very cost-efficient. Kerosene units are also remarkably good at heating when the temperatures are very cold. Another benefit of kerosene is that it is easier to use than propane because it does not need to be pressurized. Propane must be stored in pressurized tanks that will have to be kept outside. These tanks should never be kept inside a house because of the danger of an explosion should a leak occur.

Kerosene heaters are a good unit for use in emergency situations as you can store kerosene in larger amounts. If your emergency situation involves a power outage, though, you will need to have an operating generator on hand as the heater will require electricity in order to function. Propane heaters usually do not require electricity, depending on the type of heater you purchase.

If you need a heater for daily or frequent use, you will also need to buy kerosene and keep it on hand at all times if you have a kerosene unit. The fuel should also be properly stored or it can present a fire hazard.

Since propane heaters can be attached to large tanks, they can operate for long periods of time without frequent refilling. With a kerosene heater, you will need to keep an eye on the level of fuel and refill more frequently.