Best Space Heaters

HOW TO CHOOSE

When looking for the best space heaters, experts say to keep the following points in mind:

Look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal. This indicates that the electrical-certification group has tested the model for possible safety problems.

Avoid overloading circuits. If a heater plug or wire gets warm, this can be a sign of a problem with the wiring in the outlet or circuit.

Opt for automatic shutoff. Automatic safety shutoffs include tip-over switches, overheat protection and touch sensors, which shut the heater off if the grill is touched. The Department of Energy says that a tip-over switch, in particular, is essential.

Location is key. Your best space heaters should always be placed on a level surface out of the path of traffic. It is also best to plug a heater directly into the outlet and avoid using an extension cord.

Make sure all combustible materials, such as curtains and bedding, are at least 3 feet from the front of the heater and well clear of the sides and back. Also, place your heater in such a way that its air intake is not blocked.

Some flat-panel heaters can mount directly on a wall. Don't use an electric heater in a damp area, such as a bathroom or laundry room, unless it is designed for this purpose.

Extra technology can be convenient. Users say that timers, digital thermostats and remote controls are all very convenient features to have. Many owners who don't have these features say they wish their heater had them.

Check the lights. Owners often report that LED lights on heater controls are bothersome at night, and some heaters have brighter display lights than others.

THE REVIEWS

Best Space Heater with fan = Lasko 755320 Ceramic Tower Heater

Owners say this compact electric space heater is easy to use and very effective in warming a room. The Lasko space heater has two power levels (900 and 1,500 watts) and an adjustable thermostat. Its oscillating fan… distributes warm air throughout a room. It also comes with a programmable, eight-hour timer and a remote control, two features users find handy.

The fan on this heater is less noisy than some, but the machine does produce a loud beep when it is set, which many users find annoying. Like most space heaters, it elicits some complaints from users who say their machine broke down soon after purchase. The heater shuts off by itself if it becomes too hot, and it comes with a three-year warranty and it sells for about $55.

Quiet convection heater = DeLonghi Mica Panel Radiator HHP 1500 If you want to heat a whole room but you need a quiet heater, a convection model without a fan is a good choice. Experts say flat-panel heaters like the DeLonghi Mica Panel Radiator HHP 1500 are as effective as oil-filled… radiators, another type of electric space heater. However, they cannot leak like the radiators and are less likely to produce an unpleasant odor. They sell for $95.

Budget radiant space heater = Optimus H-5210 Infrared Quartz Heater Radiant heaters produce comforting warmth almost instantly, but they have a limited heating range. Reviewers recommend this type of unit for heating a small space, like the drafty corner of an office or workshop. The… Optimus H-5210 Infrared Quartz Heater doesn't have a built-in fan, and it's effective only within a few feet. This is a bargain at $30.

Best Prices found at: Amazon.com

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