Space Heater Buying Guide

We evaluate how well space heaters heat up a standard-sized room (204 square feet) in 15 minutes, and how well they warm a nearby person (reflected in our ratings as “spot heating”). “Our spot-heating test uses a mannequin wired with sensors,” says test engineer Chris Regan, who oversees our space heater lab. “We want to know how your body will feel when you’re sitting within 4.5 feet of the appliance.”

CR’s space heater testers also assess how noisy each machine is while running (here are our picks of the quietest space heaters), as well as how easy each is to use and move around any given space. Safety is critical to our space heater ratings. Each model undergoes three tests to determine its potential for causing a fire. Results of those three tests—tip-over, overheat, and drape—are combined for our overall fire safety score.

• For the tip-over test, a unit gets a perfect score if it shuts off in less than 10 seconds after being tilted on its face. (Many shut off instantly.)
• For the overheat test, the heater is wrapped in fabric, causing heat to build up in the unit. Models that shut off in under 2 minutes without scorching the fabric earn a perfect score.
• In the drape test, a portion of the heater’s outlet is covered with cloth. Models that shut off within 2 minutes, or run for 30 minutes without scorching the fabric, land a perfect score in that test.

Determine your budget. The models in CR’s tests cost between $25 and $650. But a high price doesn’t always correlate with top performance. In fact, the Comfort Zone CZ499R, which costs about $65, is the top space heater in our tests. Another highly rated model, the Lasko Designer Series 6435 Space Heater, costs a bit less. (If you’re looking for a budget-friendly model, check out our roundup of the best space heaters for $100 or less.)

Factor in portability. If you’re planning to move a space heater from room to room, you want one that’s lightweight, such as the 2-pound Comfort Zone CZ45E or the 3-pound Honeywell HCE311V. If you’re looking for a larger space heater—to heat a big room, for example—look for one with wheels for easier movement.

Identify which features you want. A programmable thermostat—even a timer—lets you set when the heater turns on and off. A remote control lets you adjust the heater from afar. These features are nice to have but will add to the cost of your space heater, so make sure the heater still falls within your budget.

Look for key safety features. Space heaters are, of course, designed to be hot. But they shouldn’t burn you or create a fire hazard. Look for a unit with a sensor that shuts the heater off if it overheats. A switch that does the same if the heater tips over is a welcome plus for taller models, especially if kids and/or pets use the room. Read on to see other safety tips for space heaters.

Look for a safety certification. Shop for a space heater with a label from a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL Solutions, ETL (Intertek), or CSA (Canadian Standards Association), verifying that the heater’s construction and performance meet recommended U.S. safety standards.

Along with the pros at the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and the National Fire Protection Association, our experts offer the following safety tips.

• Place the heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface. These appliances are intended to sit on the floor, not on a table.
• Establish a 3-foot kid- and pet-free zone around the heater, and never put a space heater in a child’s room.
• Keep the space heater at least 3 feet away from combustible materials, such as furniture, bedding, and curtains. A taller heater may need to be even farther away.
• Don’t use a heater in a workshop or garage near paint, gas cans, or matches.
• Turn the heater off when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Don’t place anything like a rug, a carpet, or furniture over a space heater cord, which can cause damage or overheating.
• Unplug the heater when it’s not in use by pulling the plug straight from the outlet. Check the cord for damage periodically, and don’t use the heater if the cord is frayed or worn.
• Don’t plug another electrical device or an extension cord into the same outlet as a heater—that can cause overheating.
• Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom, and test them monthly.
• Be wary of using space heaters in bathrooms, where wet floors and splashes can occur. Make sure your bathroom is equipped with ground-fault interrupter (GFCI) outlets, and try to find a space heater with an appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI) plug, which provides additional protection against electric shock.