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The 4 Best Space Heaters of 2025

We tested the best 10 space heaters from Vornado, Lasko, Dyson, Amazon Basics, and more.
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Best Space Heater Review (Some of the best space heaters on the market today.)
Some of the best space heaters on the market today.
Credit: Laura Casner
Ross Patton
By Ross Patton ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Updated May 14, 2025

Analysis and Award Winners


A high-quality space heater can precisely provide comfort in your home or office, turning an uninviting place into something cozy. Or at least more tolerable.

We have tested nearly 50 space heaters over the last decade under desks, in warehouses, and throughout our homes. I then take each model to our lab for precise heating and auto-shut-off safety features.

The Vornado AVH10 is the best for most spaces. It has all the crucial features at a great price.

The Lasko Ceramic Digital Tower 755320 is the best feature-rich tower design. Its oscillating function, temp set display, and remote control created the most customizable experience.

The most budget-friendly option would be the Amazon Basics Ceramic 1500W. This thing is a miniature fire-breathing dragon with no frills at a fraction of the price compared to every other heater I tested.

Editor's note: I updated our space heater review on April 7, 2025, to include more in-depth testing, new metrics, and new and updated products.

Top 10 Space Heaters

Displaying 1 - 10 (scroll right)
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Space Heater
Editors' Choice Award
Best Direct Heat
  Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
 Best Buy Award
An Affordable Tower Option
   
Price $100 List$115 List
$62.48 at Amazon
$470 List
$464.70 at Amazon
$190 List
$108.77 at Amazon
$27 List
$23.50 at Amazon
$70 List
Check Price at Amazon
$80 List
$74.99 at Amazon
$45 List
$44.99 at Amazon
$50 List
$44.98 at Amazon
$80 List
$29.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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54
Star Rating
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Pros Power light, digital display, fan function, cord storage in the bottomFilters dust, low setting has good fan speed, solid heat profileAdjustable fan speed, able to tilt, multiple modes for moving air around a room, magnetic remote storageCleanable dust filter, room temp display, remote controlFan only mode, small, easy to use interface, optional oscillating model availableEco-mode adjust heat output, remote controlRemote with storage nook, great overheat safety, quiet, affordableSmall enough to use in tight quarters, fan-only setting, tip-over protectionDust filter, low profile, child lock, whisper quiet, fan-only settingFan-only mode, small enough to use on desk, easy to grab handle
Cons Not the strongest direct heat, footprint sizeCan be a bit intense, lacking fan functionNeeds remote to function, difficult to clean machineButtons are wobbly, front grille melted during safety testingAwkward cord, outdated controlsA bit too intense for consistent heat, lots of reviews showing burned outlets/plugsLacks tip-over sensor, poorly designed carrying handlePartially melted front grille during safety testing, inaccurate temp dial, short push of warm airTouch buttons can be finicky, weaker fan, heat can be a bit intensePoor consistent heat, no digital readout, dial temp is inaccurate
Bottom Line This smaller heater boasts large warmth and a stable of safety featuresYour go-to for instant warmth with adjustable heat settings, and oscillate function that are sure to heat to the coreFast heating in a sleek design, ideal for anywhere in the houseThis larger heater is a great option to heat any room size, offering warmth and comfort in a stylish designSpace saving, quick baking, budget making ceramic heater with all the safety features to give you peace of mindReliable warmth for all environments from home to office and everywhere in between with minimal noiseEnjoy customizable warmth with a space heater that's perfect for home or office useCompact heater with a fan-only option that'll extend its use by months each year and tip-over protectionSmall stature heater with wild direct heat, but the weaker fan hinders its capabilitiesPuts out plenty of heat for cold days and when spring warms up its fan-only mode gives this heater more use throughout the year. , but the narrow spread of warm air makes it difficult to keep consistent
Rating Categories Vornado AVH10 Honeywell Digital C... Dyson Hot+Cool AM09... Dr. Infrared Heater... Amazon Basics Ceram... Pelonis Ceramic 23 Lasko Ceramic Digit... Lasko Portable Cera... Dreo Atom One GiveBest Ceramic PT...
Room Heating (40%)
7.3
6.6
7.0
6.4
6.3
6.3
5.6
5.6
5.7
6.3
Direct Heat (25%)
4.0
9.0
5.5
7.0
9.0
8.5
7.5
9.0
8.5
6.5
Consistent Warmth (25%)
9.5
6.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
5.5
7.0
4.0
4.0
3.0
Sound (10%)
6.0
5.4
6.3
6.2
5.3
6.0
6.5
6.9
7.4
5.0
Specifications Vornado AVH10 Honeywell Digital C... Dyson Hot+Cool AM09... Dr. Infrared Heater... Amazon Basics Ceram... Pelonis Ceramic 23 Lasko Ceramic Digit... Lasko Portable Cera... Dreo Atom One GiveBest Ceramic PT...
Overheat Protection 10 seconds Less than 10 seconds Less than 10 seconds 11 minutes 50 seconds 21 seconds 12 seconds 3 minutes 12 seconds Less than 10 seconds 50 seconds
Overheat Sheet Temperature 120ºF 150ºF 160ºF 245ºF 175ºF 150ºF 130ºF 260ºF 200ºF 230ºF
Fan Only Option Yes No Yes No Yes No No Yes Yes Yes
Oscillate No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes No Yes No
Remote No No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes No
Timer No Yes On the remote On the remote No Yes Yes No Yes No
Tip Over Protection Immediate Immediate Immediate Immediate Immediate Immediate None Immediate 1-3 seconds Immediate
Thermostat User Interface Digital Digital Digital Digital Dial Digital Digital Dial Digital Dial
Average Room Temperature Increase 6.3 ºF 5.6 ºF 6.0 ºF 5.4 ºF 5.3 ºF 5.3 ºF 4.6 ºF 4.6 ºF 4.7 ºF 5.3 ºF
Direct Heat Test Temperature Change 7.8 ºF 17.1 ºF 10.4 ºF 14.0 ºF 15.1 ºF 16.6 ºF 11.9 ºF 0.0 ºF 16.5 ºF 8.4 ºF
Noise Rating 44.2 dBa 46.2 dBa 43.2 dBa 43.5 dBa 46.8 dBa 43.4 dBa 42.5 dBa 41.2 dBa 39.3 dBa 47.7 dBa
Effective Heat Distance 5' 3.5' 6.5' high
5' med
3.5' low
3.5' 3' 3' 3.5' 1.75' 3' 3'

Analysis and Award Winners


​​

Best Overall Space Heater


Vornado AVH10


PROS
Indicator running light
Room temperature display
Storage compartment for the cord
CONS
Weaker direct heating scores
Larger footprint
SPECIFICATIONS
Overheat Sheet Temperature  120ºF
Overheat Protection  10 seconds
Fan Only Option Yes
Oscillate No
Remote No

The Vornado AVH10 truly roasted the other competition regarding heating a room and maintaining perfect temperatures throughout the day. During our room heating test, this powerful and consistent unit increased the average room temperature by 6.3 degrees, more than any other heater in our lineup. With added features like a room temp display, fan-only mode, and an easy-to-use interface, the Vornado can heat a room quickly and dispense a broad air output that transformed our offices from Colorado to California in minutes. One tester was thrilled with the Vornado's lasting impression, remarking it was “Overall the best at circulating and getting air around” while it “also heated the room the most overall where the sensors were placed.

Despite scoring the highest marks in our room heating and consistent warmth metrics, the Vornado fell short regarding its direct heat capabilities. I noticed that the heat from the front grille would degrade when starting in a cold room and reduce its capabilities if there was any draft. Don't use this in a drafty warehouse or garage. This medium-sized heater minimizes limitations with multi-overheat protection and a tip-over shutoff switch. For good measure, I tested the surface temperature of each space heater reviewed, and the Vornado passed again with the best marks in our grille temperature test, registering only 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are, however, on a budget and need direct heat at the snap of a finger without breaking the bank, then give a gander at the Amazon Basics Ceramic 1500W; at around a quarter of the price, this little unit excelled in our Direct Heat metric.

Read more: Vornado AVH10 review

The Vornado crushed through our in-house testing, making it easily our favorite little furnace in a stacked space heater lineup.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Best Direct Heat


Honeywell Digital Ceramic HCE322V


PROS
Dust Filter
Great fan speed on low mode
Wide heat panel
CONS
Heat can become intense
No fan-only option
SPECIFICATIONS
Overheat Sheet Temperature  150ºF
Overheat Protection  Less than 10 seconds
Fan Only Option No
Oscillate Yes
Remote No

The Honeywell Digital Ceramic HCE322V earned progressive scores in three out of four testing metrics. Its large hot air output, which we observed over the thermal cameras and throughout our testing, gave it a leg up in its room heating ability and consistent warmth. At the same time, the taller stature of this particular model helps blast direct heat like a flamethrower. It has a digital display for adjustable heat settings, a timer, and a removable dust filter, all adding to its comfort, cleanliness, and customization. Many features in a heater can contribute to or detract from its functionality, such as oscillation mode, heating element design, and changeable fan speeds, all of which helped it crush its competition.

Unfortunately, the Honeywell lacks in some areas — the most concerning came when I tested its front after our overheat sheet test, and the grille was a scorching 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This heater also has no fan-only mode, and when on high, I noticed that this particular unit had a noticeable sound of flapping from the fan blades, which seemed a bit louder than others in the lineup. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the stunning direct heat output of the Honeywell. This was my go-to for the cold warehouse in the morning until things get warmer." If you want the best safety features and a whisper-quiet machine, I recommend looking at the Vornado AVH10 for its ultimate safety and stellar metric scores.

Read more: Honeywell Digital Ceramic HCE322V review

We loved the Honeywell Digital Ceramic's extra features, particularly when setting our temps for a day of work on this article.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Best Bang for the Buck


Amazon Basics Ceramic 1500W


PROS
Fan only function
Space saving
Simple interface
Highly affordable
CONS
Stiff cord
Poor reviews regarding quality control
Inaccurate dial control
SPECIFICATIONS
Overheat Sheet Temperature  175ºF
Overheat Protection  50 seconds
Fan Only Option Yes
Oscillate No
Remote No

If you work in a warehouse, auto shop, or garage, where direct heat is necessary to warm up swiftly between projects, then the low-cost, high-octane Amazon Basics Ceramic 1500W is your space heater in shining armor. With an intense amount of direct heat pumping from the grille of this unit, we were thoroughly pleased to find that it only costs $27 while still packing an MMA-sized punch. Its tiny footprint, simple interface, and safety features allow this packable and portable space heater to move from place to place with you, all while keeping the cold from biting at your toes. Once spring pops out of the snow, the Amazon's fan-only mode and optional oscillating model will keep you covered in fresh air. One of our testers was so inspired by the Amazon 1500W that they noted, “It transformed into quite a fire-breathing dragon. When observing the little heater through our thermal camera, I could see it spews out heat in a very focused pattern when turned on high.

Unsurprisingly, a budget option might be lacking regarding bells, whistles, and a sense of luxury. The temperature setting of the Amazon Basics Ceramic is controlled by a dial, making it challenging to perfect your environment. Our testers repeatedly noted that “It has versatility throughout the seasons, with a fan-only setting and optional oscillating model that can help move stale air or act as a fan.” If it's within your budget to spend a little more, we wholeheartedly believe the Lasko Ceramic Digital Tower is worth the extra expense and provides significantly more useful features.

With high heat output and low wallet impact, the Amazon 1500W won our hearts and a few extra bucks.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Read more: Amazon Basics Ceramic 1500W review

An Affordable Tower Option


Lasko Ceramic Digital Tower 755320


PROS
Remote and storage on the back of the heater
Outstanding overheat safety shutoff function
Budget-friendly
CONS
No tip-over protection
Carry handle is tough to use
SPECIFICATIONS
Overheat Sheet Temperature  130ºF
Overheat Protection  12 seconds
Fan Only Option No
Oscillate Yes
Remote Yes

The Lasko Ceramic Digital Tower was our favorite tower-style we tested. With many features, from its digital display to the remote, timer, and oscillating mode, it pumps out a wide spread of heat that will envelop you with a warm blanket of air in a consistent and supremely customizable fashion. Not only does this space heater have your back covered, but it can also put out an immense amount of direct heat, turning any crisp mancave into a heated hideout. Its tall build is ergonomic and easy to use while maintaining portability due to its small base. The Lasko grew on our testers, mentioning “It took some time for us to appreciate this unit's abilities, but once we began to tune and use each function of this highly customizable machine, we found it was kind of a beast when it came to enveloping us with warmth from every angle.” Best of all, it's substantially more affordable than other tower-style heaters with similar features.

I mostly have good things to say about the Lasko Tower, but some design flaws might be a deal-breaker. The biggest shortcoming I noticed is the lack of a tip-over protection mechanism; somebody could easily knock this unit over. Considering this heater's tall and slender design with a small footprint, we wouldn't recommend it to people with toddlers or big, clumsy dogs in the house. It's also pretty awkward to carry, as one tester noted “It doesn't have a very good weight balance when you're picking it up by the handle.” Despite these drawbacks, this is our go-to recommendation for people in the market for an affordable tower-style space heater. If you want another economical and more portable model with tip-over protection and fan-only mode, check out the Amazon Basics 1500W. While it lacks many luxurious attributes, this cost-friendly and powerful little heater pumps out more direct heat than units twice its size.

Read more: Lasko Ceramic Digital Tower review

space heater - with a sleek remote and storage nook on the back, the lasko ceramic...
With a sleek remote and storage nook on the back, the Lasko Ceramic Digital Tower space heater is hands-free.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
69
Vornado AVH10
Best Overall Space Heater
$100
Editors' Choice Award
69
Honeywell Digital Ceramic HCE322V
Best Direct Heat
$115
Editors' Choice Award
68
Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 Jet Focus
$470
67
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968
$190
66
Amazon Basics Ceramic 1500W
Best Bang for the Buck
$27
Best Buy Award
66
Pelonis Ceramic 23
$70
65
Lasko Ceramic Digital Tower 755320
An Affordable Tower Option
$80
Best Buy Award
62
Lasko Portable Ceramic with Tip-over Switch
$45
61
Dreo Atom One
$50
54
GiveBest Ceramic PTC-905
$80

How We Tested


Here at GearLab, we truly analyze, test, and review all products without predispositions, prejudice, or favoritism. To maintain our “no-bias” Golden Rule, we purchase all of the products we test at full price from the same retailers as our readers to ensure bias does not affect our review by accepting promo or demo models from manufacturers. Our team of experts then performs in-depth tests before poring over, investigating, and crunching all the data to help you find the most suitable space heater for your needs and budget.

space heater - we tested the grill temps of each space heater.
We tested the grill temps of each space heater.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

As Head of Testing at GearLab, I, Austin Palmer, collaborated with our team to devise a series of meticulously crafted experiments to determine the comfort a heater provides in many scenarios, from under a desk in a small office to a drafty warehouse and beyond. I ran each model in our office, lab, warehouse, homes, and garages for several weeks.

I collaborated with the rest of the team to assess how well they add warmth to the room, evaluated their features for convenience, and monitored their power consumption. For more information and a comprehensive explanation of our testing process, be sure to glance at our thorough how we test space heaters article.

Our in-depth testing consists of hundreds of hours of use during real-life testing, but we like to back up our findings with cold, hard, heating data.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Why Trust GearLab


We assembled some of our most experienced testers and editors for this review. Our testing team comprises Austin Palmer, Ross Patton, and Aspen Weaver. Austin Palmer has extensive experience performing hands-on tests for more than 500 products, and he spent time working on an oil rig where the crew would huddle around a space heater when temperatures were so low that running water would freeze.

Having spent his entire life in the snowy mountains, Ross Patton is no stranger to the various ways that people keep their living and workspaces warm. That, coupled with his formal training in environmental science and more than 15 years of product testing experience, has honed his skills for creating in-depth side-by-side tests.

space heater - using our tester's toolbox, we can provide our readers with...
Using our tester's toolbox, we can provide our readers with objective data and real-life knowledge on every space heater's efficiency, power, and performance.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

As a young man Aspen Weaver spent his first 13 years growing up in school buses and yurts in Northern New Mexico's Sangre De Cristo mountains, and might as well write the guide on cold and how to cope.

All heaters have unique differences, so we decided on a unique group of testers to provide our comprehensive review.

Analysis and Test Results


We pitted every space heater against each other in four metrics to see which models worked best for heating specific environments.

[pricevalue]

What's the Best Value?


As with many other products, space heaters can vary significantly in both price and performance, but just because the cost is high doesn't necessarily equate to a better product or one that specifically suits your needs. It is important to consider where you will be using your new heater and for what purpose. Will you be trying to heat an entire room for a few months during the winter? Then, you might want to opt for a more high-end option with a removable dust filter. Or do you need robust supplemental heat at your workbench in the garage? Why not try a cheaper option with high direct output?

For example, the Amazon Basics Ceramic 1500W has intense direct heating power and a compact build, and it costs only $27 MSRP, making it an excellent option for anyone needing affordable portable heat close at hand.

space heater - the amazon 1500w has by far the best price-to-heat ratio.
The Amazon 1500W has by far the best price-to-heat ratio.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

If you're searching for a bigger unit with a remote control and more technology, then the Lasko Ceramic Digital Tower was our choice for a budget-friendly tower space heater, which costs less than half the other space heaters I tested. Conversely, if budget is less of an obstacle for you, then the stylish, large, and function-filled Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 is a great choice for someone needing more consistent and direct heat. Now, if you want all the bells and whistles that come with designer home technology, then the Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 Jet Focus is undoubtedly the crème de la crème. It has many unique fan functions, easy-to-use room temp settings, a remote, fan-only mode, and a removable dust filter, all of which impressed us, but also have the potential to leave a deep dent in your wallet.

space heater - the hot+cool am09 jet focus has special airflow functions unique to...
The Hot+Cool AM09 Jet Focus has special airflow functions unique to Dyson that allow for superior airflow and spread around every room.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Room Heating


A space heater primarily serves to warm the room to a given temperature, providing an added heat boost. We used them for days to understand how each heater performs, from the office and warehouse to the garage and home. We ran through all the settings and moved products around to understand and fine-tune each heater's efficiency. After thorough real-life testing, I wanted more objective data and brought all models into a 1680 cubic foot room with eight strategically placed industrial-strength iButton temperature sensors. Starting at a controlled temperature of 64 degrees, I ran each heater for an hour while observing and recording any temperature changes. With all of our data and notes compiled, I could finally add tallies and determine every heater's Room Heating score.


The Vornado AVH10 outperformed every other space heater in our Room Heating metric by sitting lower to the ground and utilizing a powerful fan that easily blasts hot air across the room in a large cone pattern.

space heater - the vornado's fan makes up much of its build, allowing extra power...
The Vornado's fan makes up much of its build, allowing extra power when circulating hot air through any size room.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
It is more efficient at spreading warmth than other models, making six of the eight temperature sensors rise by more than 6 degrees, while other heaters struggled to reach a 3-4 degree difference.

space heater - all things being equal, the vornado avh10 increased our test room's...
All things being equal, the Vornado AVH10 increased our test room's air to the highest temperature in an hour. Notably, the Honeywell HCE322V started strong and stayed consistent until time was up.
Credit: Ross Patton

The GiveBest Ceramic PTC-905 and the Amazon Basics Ceramic 1500W scored average in our room heating test. Still, they are smaller units with less air distribution capabilities and would be more suitable for small rooms or underneath a desk or workbench.

space heater - through our thermal camera, you can see how a small unit with a...
Through our thermal camera, you can see how a small unit with a weaker fan doesn't blast air far enough to heat a large room.
Credit: Austin Palmer

If you're the type of person with a heart set on both function and fashion, then the Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 Jet Focus is almost guaranteed to catch your eye. Its slim and modern looks are backed by a solid Room Heating score, and for good reason. Not only do the oscillation and variable fan speed modes flow air into every corner and crevice of a room, but this powerful fan produces enough force on high to blast hot air 6'-7' from the front of the unit. All this quickly makes the Dyson one of the best options if you yearn to be warmly embraced.

space heater - the dyson has a knack for blanketing a gigantic amount of space with...
The Dyson has a knack for blanketing a gigantic amount of space with warm air.
Credit: Austin Palmer

Two tower options that performed well in our Room Heating metric were the Pelonis Ceramic 23 inch and Honeywell Digital Ceramic HCE322V. They each have an oscillating mode and powerful enough fans to reach across the room, awarding them average and slightly above-average scores.

space heater - the pelonis 23-inch has plenty of power to push hot air across the...
The Pelonis 23-inch has plenty of power to push hot air across the room and an oscillating function that pours into every corner.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Direct Heat


A space heater's direct heating capabilities can be a savior when temperatures plummet. They can save money by providing supplemental warmth rather than relying on central heating. They can also save us from the cold by dispensing a quick blast of isolated heat to warm a particular space or ourselves.


To test each space heater in our Direct Heat metric, I hang a sheet and a horizontal set of five temperature sensors in the middle of our test control room. The sensors record data at three feet, located directly in front, to the mid-left, mid-right, far left, and far right of the heaters. Starting at 64 degrees Fahrenheit, I ran each test subject for 5 minutes while observing and logging any change in sensor readouts. To properly understand how every device forced out and spread hot air, I used a thermal camera and turned the blast sideways to our sheet, observing how far and in what pattern heat came from the grille of each product.

The Honeywell HCE322V produces a powerful blast of air and spreads it effectively by combining an oscillation function and digital temp display.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

The heater that raised our direct temp sensors the most was the Honeywell Digital Ceramic HCE322V with a staggering 17.1-degree temperature change over 5 minutes. The significant rectangular heating element, higher standing build, and decently sized air spread gave it a 9 out of 10 in our direct heat score, only being rivaled by the much smaller Amazon Basics Ceramic 1500 W and Lasko Portable Ceramic with Tip-over. It's no surprise that, utilizing almost all of those 1500 watts while on high, the little Amazon Basics heater could kick out a smaller blast of air over 3 feet away while being highly portable and powerful. The Lasko Portable also boasts a compellingly powerful heating element while being somewhat compact. Still, the fan is significantly weaker, and you must be directly in front of the tiny space heater to appreciate its warmth.

space heater - the amazon 1500w's powerful little fan can push out a surprising...
The Amazon 1500W's powerful little fan can push out a surprising amount of direct heat.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

After the top three models took the podium in our Direct Heat metric, many more space heaters, including two towers, appeared in the contest. The Pelonis Ceramic 23 inch and Lasko Ceramic Digital Tower 755320 scored top marks and are comparable in their abilities to heat localized areas or subjects directly. Their digital displays are a bonus to anyone looking for a set-it-and-forget-it tower. It is important to note that towers are easier to knock over than other models, and the Lasko Ceramic Tower is the only product we tested without any tip-over protection.

space heater - a digital display meter can be essential for anyone needing to walk...
A digital display meter can be essential for anyone needing to walk away after setting their room temperature.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

The Dreo Atom One is a highly portable option with tip-over protection, which performed above average in our direct heat results. It produces a broader fan spread than the comparable Amazon and does a fair job warming up the room. I also observed through our thermal cameras that the Dreo didn't make a hotspot on the ground in front of it, which is comforting. Combining this discovery with tip-over and overheat protection, this little heater gave us more peace of mind than most other models.

space heater - tip over protection is a serious consideration if you have pets or...
Tip over protection is a serious consideration if you have pets or children who love to let the wiggles out.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

When it comes to direct heat, all these products rely on a fan to disperse air over a scorching heating element before blasting out of the front grille. This combination can create a fire hazard for any poorly designed space heater without safety standards. I noted whether each model had tip-over protection or overheat shutoff functions, and I even put a sheet over the top of every product, recording how long they would take to shut off and how hot their grilles became.

Testing each unit's safety features is among our highest priorities.

Almost every unit passed the grille test, and all but two heaters shut themselves off in less than a minute during the overheat sheet test. The Lasko Portable Ceramic with tip-over didn't shut off for 3 minutes 12 seconds, registering 260 degrees Fahrenheit, and ended up having the front grille melt away from the body of the heater, which was quite concerning.

Overheat Protection Test
 Sheet TempTime to shut off
Amazon Basics175 degrees F0.83 minutes
Dr. Infrared Heater245 degrees F11.00 minutes
Dreo Atom One190 degrees F0.17 minutes
Dyson Hot+Cool150 degrees F0.17 minutes
GiveBest230 degrees F0.83 minutes
Honeywell HCE322V150 degrees F0.17 minutes
Lasko Tower130 degrees F0.20 minutes
Lasko Portable260 degrees F3.20 minutes
Pelonis150 degrees F0.35 minutes
Vornado AVH10120 degrees F0.17 minutes

The Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 fared even worse in our sheet test and didn't shut off for 11 minutes. There was a wood-burning smell, and the front grille melted and warped after enduring 245-degree temperatures.

space heater - unfortunately, the dr infrared dr 968 gives us a bit of hesitation...
Unfortunately, the Dr Infrared DR 968 gives us a bit of hesitation due to its melted grille after performing our overheat sheet test.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Consistent Warmth


Without efficient and proper consistent warmth, a space heater can become uncomfortable, create hotspots, and waste energy to maintain a comfortable temperature close by while other areas become chilly. Therefore, we weigh our Consistent Warmth metric at 25% of the final tally.


To gather data and score each product based on how long and consistently the heaters can maintain warmth around the entire body, we needed to log days of use around the home, in the office, and everywhere. We fine-tuned every dial, button, mode, and knob throughout the days so as not to become overwhelmingly hot or cold, noting how often we had to move, touch, or change positions. The trick was keeping a good heat balance throughout many variables and closely analyzing performance before awarding all heating units their final Consistent Warmth scores.

Only a handful of heaters produced consistent heat easily, and two units stood out for different reasons. The Vornado AVH10 outscored all other heaters mainly due to its large fan, which creates a massive spread of air that blows over 5 feet out. This made hot air flow around corners, enclaves, and entire rooms while keeping our bodies wrapped in a warm blanket.

space heater - consistent warmth creates comfort. and boy, did the vornado make us...
Consistent warmth creates comfort. And boy, did the Vornado make us comfy enough to nap.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

The Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 Jet Focus hugged us in the heat with its high-tech fan spread, adjustable speeds, and oscillating option. Its fan could also blow at an astounding length of 4 feet on low, 5 feet on medium, and a whopping 6-7 feet on high, giving it more power to push hot air throughout larger rooms and garages.

Each heater's fan has different amounts of power and size, giving them varying spread and distance.


The Lasko Ceramic digital tower 755320 and Honeywell Digital Ceramic HCE322V also performed well at maintaining consistent temperatures. They have powerful enough fans, more extensive heat spreads, and their ability to oscillate makes them excellent choices for anyone needing to move air throughout rooms that aren't drafty. Another option that scored above average is the Dr. Infrared DR-968, however, we relied heavily on its variable fan speeds to maintain thorough and constant heat around our bodies without an oscillating option.
The Dr. Infrared creates a widespread pattern and blows plenty of hot air to maintain warmth.

When the temps rise, check out our reviews of the top-ranked fans, top portable air conditioners, and window air conditioners to help you cool off.

Sound


The final metric, sound, weighs only 10% of every space heater's overall score, but it can be crucial to anyone with small children, sensitive pets, or a need for pure quiet. We used a professional sound level meter, an SPL, to record decibel levels for this test. We got our final sound metric score by combining this objective data with hours of listening for frustrating squeaks, grinds, or whirs emitted by the products.


We were delighted that the Dreo Atom One is a silent assassin and the only heater with a decibel level under 40 dBa at 39.3 dBa. Fortunately, most space heaters are constructed with a heating element and spinning fan, so none of the options chosen are particularly loud. Still, the Dreo is the quietest option, and we could barely tell whether it was on, making it a perfect product for someone like a massage therapist who needs extra heat in a small room with little sound.

Every heater we test with a professional sound meter (SPL).

Both Lasko products scored nearly the same, yet we noticed that the Lasko Ceramic Digital Tower 755320 had a low hum when the fan was on, with no other noticeable noises. The Lasko Portable Ceramic with Tip-over was quieter than its counterpart. As we were testing with the SPL, it registered a sneeze in the other room that was louder than the sound emitted by the Lasko Portable Ceramic. The Honeywell Digital Ceramic HCE322V was quite different, and we could tell when the heater was turned on due to clear flapping sounds from the fan blades. Similarly, the GiveBest Ceramic was our loudest unit tested, registering 47.7 dBa, and we could easily tell when the unit was on.

Every heater we tested is relatively quiet, but seeing their raw dBa data allowed us to dive deeper into each unit's respective sound levels.

Surprisingly, some of our smaller options in the lineup performed the worst in our sound metric. We weren't surprised that the Amazon Basics Ceramic 1500W was noticeably loud once we turned the unit off due to its affordable price and build. The Dr somewhat took us aback. Infrared DR-968 scores, which were the lowest throughout our entire lineup. Fortunately, neither the Dr Infrared nor the Amazon 1500W had any unfortunate squeals or clicks, and we would still recommend them if the other features interest you.

space heater - despite the amazon 1500w being one of our loudest models tested...
Despite the Amazon 1500W being one of our loudest models tested, none of these space heaters registered over 47.7 dBa and most likely wouldn't be a nuisance in a work or household environment.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

How to Choose A Space Heater


We conducted hundreds of hours of research, testing, and observation before noting how a few critical factors can influence which space heater you want to purchase. Below are some key points to consider, but to better understand how to choose the right space heater, check out our buying advice article.

Safety


A space heater is simply a fan forcing air over a large electrically powered heating element, which has some obvious dangers. Add in daily human or animal activity, and the possibilities of risk become higher. Fortunately for anyone purchasing a space heater, most models nowadays have safety precautions. Many of the units we tested come with tip-over protection triggers that will turn off the unit if it falls over. Some come with overheat protection shutoffs, which are designed to cut power to the heater if any part of the product rises to an alarming temperature. Safety is of supreme importance to us. Therefore, we tested and noted each product's safety measures to inform our readers of any hazardous occurrences.

Tip Over Protection
 Tip Over Protection
Amazon BasicsImmediate
Dr. Infrared HeaterImmediate
Dreo Atom One1-3 seconds
Dyson Hot+CoolImmediate
GiveBestImmediate
Honeywell HCE322VImmediate
Lasko TowerNone
Lasko PortableImmediate
PelonisImmediate
Vornado AVH10Immediate

Convenience


The convenience of using any home appliance, like a space heater, can be a deciding factor when purchasing. These devices have various controls, temperature displays, and remotes to help easily tune in your specific environment. Some space heaters even have an optional fan-only mode that can pump out fresh air with the heating element disengaged. While we can all appreciate bells and whistles and understand that these features may separate a good product from a great one, we also don't forget that a basic model with enough power to get the job done quickly might be the most convenient option for some.

Feature Checklist
 Fan Only OptionOscillateRemote
Amazon BasicsYesNoNo
Dr. Infrared HeaterNoNoYes
Dreo Atom OneYesYesYes
Dyson Hot+CoolYesYesYes
GiveBestYesNoNo
Honeywell HCE322VNoYesNo
Lasko TowerNoYesYes
Lasko PortableYesNoNo
PelonisNoYesYes
Vornado AVH10YesNoNo

Power Consumption


Power consumption can be essential when deciding which space heater best suits your budget. Each device in our review is 1500 watts, and every single one, when tested, uses between 1248 and 1464 Watts while set on high mode. Just because all the heaters run around the same wattage on high doesn't necessarily mean that they all function equally; many of these heaters have a low setting, which can bring their energy consumption down to as little as 723 watts.

Power Consumption
 HighMedLowFan Only
Amazon Basics1,387 Watts880 Watts24 Watts
Dr. Infrared Heater1,353 Watts890 Watts
Dreo Atom One1,295 Watts1,195 Watts896 Watts4 Watts
Dyson Hot+Cool1,326 Watts1,180 Watts1,028 Watts12 Watts
GiveBest1,374 Watts723 Watts5 Watts
Honeywell HCE322V1,325 Watts830 Watts
Lasko Tower1,327 Watts837 Watts
Lasko Portable1,248 Watts788 Watts18 Watts
Pelonis1,464 Watts885 Watts
Vornado AVH101,437 Watts739 Watts21 Watts

All of the heaters we tested use comparable power over short periods. However, extrapolated to a full day of use, consumption begins to vary more. Suppose you are considering running a space heater instead of central heating. In that case, we recommend a more efficient model with a timer feature to prevent energy consumption and adverse effects on your bank account.

If you are still unsure how to choose and purchase the right product for your needs, we recommend reading our article on how to choose the right space heater.

space heater - after rigorous testing, our goal is to provide you with the...
After rigorous testing, our goal is to provide you with the information necessary to choose a space heater that will fit not only into your habitat but also your lifestyle.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Conclusion


After reading this review, we hope that you will be confident enough in what you have learned to purchase the best space heater for your individual needs. Our home appliance experts have tested many other home products for keeping your home comfortable, regardless of season or climate.

For more advice on staying toasty indoors, see our picks for the top electric blankets. We've also tested outdoor heaters to ensure you're warm when outside. And for those looking to improve the air quality in their homes, we've also tested the top-rated humidifiers and outlined our favorite air purifiers.

Ross Patton, Buck Yedor, Austin Palmer, Craig D'Innocente, and Aspen Rain Weaver