The 8 Best Space Heaters We Tested for Warm and Cozy Homes

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Rachel Marek

The GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater on wooden flooring near a pair of slippers

People / Rachel Marek

Whether you deal withchronically cold feetor simply want to bring extra coziness to your home, space heaters are a great way to stay warm as the weather cools — without heating an entire room.Experts Say“When you’re choosing a space heater, you’re trying to heat a volume of air, so you’ll typically want 10 watts for every square foot of space.”—Darren Hudema, director of training and technical services atPuroCleanAfter putting more than 30 space heaters through one of the coziest tests we’ve ever done, we found the best options for every home, including heaters that warm up large spaces, small spaces, and more. Keep reading for the best space heaters PEOPLE tested.Our Top PicksBest Space Heater Overall:Better Homes & Gardens Electric Ceramic Tower Heater at Walmart$65Jump to ReviewBest Budget Space Heater:Amazon Basics Small Space Personal Mini Heater at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest Portable Space Heater:SALEAikoper Space Heater at Amazon$40$30Jump to ReviewBest Space Heater for Small Spaces:GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Space Heater for Large Spaces:Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Space Heater at Amazon$91Jump to ReviewBest Space Heater Safety Features:Pelonis Tower Space Heater at Amazon$78Jump to ReviewBest Energy-Saving Space Heater:Andily Electric Space Heater at Amazon$27Jump to ReviewBest Space Heater for Cold Feet:Kismile Portable Space Heater at Amazon$27Jump to Review

Whether you deal withchronically cold feetor simply want to bring extra coziness to your home, space heaters are a great way to stay warm as the weather cools — without heating an entire room.

Experts Say“When you’re choosing a space heater, you’re trying to heat a volume of air, so you’ll typically want 10 watts for every square foot of space.”—Darren Hudema, director of training and technical services atPuroClean

Experts Say

“When you’re choosing a space heater, you’re trying to heat a volume of air, so you’ll typically want 10 watts for every square foot of space.”—Darren Hudema, director of training and technical services atPuroClean

After putting more than 30 space heaters through one of the coziest tests we’ve ever done, we found the best options for every home, including heaters that warm up large spaces, small spaces, and more. Keep reading for the best space heaters PEOPLE tested.

Our Top PicksBest Space Heater Overall:Better Homes & Gardens Electric Ceramic Tower Heater at Walmart$65Jump to ReviewBest Budget Space Heater:Amazon Basics Small Space Personal Mini Heater at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest Portable Space Heater:SALEAikoper Space Heater at Amazon$40$30Jump to ReviewBest Space Heater for Small Spaces:GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Space Heater for Large Spaces:Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Space Heater at Amazon$91Jump to ReviewBest Space Heater Safety Features:Pelonis Tower Space Heater at Amazon$78Jump to ReviewBest Energy-Saving Space Heater:Andily Electric Space Heater at Amazon$27Jump to ReviewBest Space Heater for Cold Feet:Kismile Portable Space Heater at Amazon$27Jump to Review

Best Space Heater Overall:Better Homes & Gardens Electric Ceramic Tower Heater at Walmart$65Jump to ReviewBest Budget Space Heater:Amazon Basics Small Space Personal Mini Heater at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest Portable Space Heater:SALEAikoper Space Heater at Amazon$40$30Jump to ReviewBest Space Heater for Small Spaces:GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Space Heater for Large Spaces:Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Space Heater at Amazon$91Jump to ReviewBest Space Heater Safety Features:Pelonis Tower Space Heater at Amazon$78Jump to ReviewBest Energy-Saving Space Heater:Andily Electric Space Heater at Amazon$27Jump to ReviewBest Space Heater for Cold Feet:Kismile Portable Space Heater at Amazon$27Jump to Review

Best Space Heater Overall:Better Homes & Gardens Electric Ceramic Tower Heater at Walmart$65Jump to Review

Best Space Heater Overall:Better Homes & Gardens Electric Ceramic Tower Heater at Walmart$65

Best Space Heater Overall:

Best Budget Space Heater:Amazon Basics Small Space Personal Mini Heater at Amazon$16Jump to Review

Best Budget Space Heater:Amazon Basics Small Space Personal Mini Heater at Amazon$16

Best Budget Space Heater:

Best Portable Space Heater:SALEAikoper Space Heater at Amazon$40$30Jump to Review

Best Portable Space Heater:SALEAikoper Space Heater at Amazon$40$30

Best Portable Space Heater:

SALE

Best Space Heater for Small Spaces:GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater at Amazon$30Jump to Review

Best Space Heater for Small Spaces:GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater at Amazon$30

Best Space Heater for Small Spaces:

Best Space Heater for Large Spaces:Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Space Heater at Amazon$91Jump to Review

Best Space Heater for Large Spaces:Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Space Heater at Amazon$91

Best Space Heater for Large Spaces:

Best Space Heater Safety Features:Pelonis Tower Space Heater at Amazon$78Jump to Review

Best Space Heater Safety Features:Pelonis Tower Space Heater at Amazon$78

Best Space Heater Safety Features:

Best Energy-Saving Space Heater:Andily Electric Space Heater at Amazon$27Jump to Review

Best Energy-Saving Space Heater:Andily Electric Space Heater at Amazon$27

Best Energy-Saving Space Heater:

Best Space Heater for Cold Feet:Kismile Portable Space Heater at Amazon$27Jump to Review

Best Space Heater for Cold Feet:Kismile Portable Space Heater at Amazon$27

Best Space Heater for Cold Feet:

Best Space Heater OverallBetter Homes & Gardens Electric Ceramic Tower HeaterPHOTO: Walmart$65$60 at Walmart

Best Space Heater OverallBetter Homes & Gardens Electric Ceramic Tower Heater

Best Space Heater Overall

Better Homes & Gardens Electric Ceramic Tower Heater

PHOTO: Walmart

Better Homes & Gardens 23-Inch Electric Ceramic Tower Heater

$65$60 at Walmart

Star QualitiesLarge temperature rangeOscillating tower sweeps to direct heat across the roomSafety features include an automatic tip-over shutoff and timerRed FlagsUser manual wasn’t helpful in figuring out settings

Star QualitiesLarge temperature rangeOscillating tower sweeps to direct heat across the roomSafety features include an automatic tip-over shutoff and timer

Large temperature range

Oscillating tower sweeps to direct heat across the room

Safety features include an automatic tip-over shutoff and timer

Red FlagsUser manual wasn’t helpful in figuring out settings

User manual wasn’t helpful in figuring out settings

Out of all the space heaters we tested, this one from Better Homes & Gardens was our favorite. It heated large spaces quickly and was lightweight enough for us to move it easily from room to room.

The 23-inch tower heater can be set between 41 and 95 degrees, an impressive range that is sure to suit every preference. The tower is taller than most other cube-shaped space heaters but can oscillate to circulate heat throughout the room efficiently. We found that the automatic tip-over safety shutoff activated within five seconds of the tower falling over. You can also set a timer in night mode, turning off the heater after you have fallen asleep.

There are multiple heat settings that all work well, even in cold rooms. The user manual does not explain what all of the settings are, but once you get this one going, you’ll be cozy in no time.

How It’s Held UpThis powerful space heater came in handy throughout the winter. Even after six months of use through the winter and spring, the fan heater continued to perform well. We did note that the oscillating feature sometimes produced a clicking sound, but it otherwise functioned exactly as promised.

How It’s Held Up

This powerful space heater came in handy throughout the winter. Even after six months of use through the winter and spring, the fan heater continued to perform well. We did note that the oscillating feature sometimes produced a clicking sound, but it otherwise functioned exactly as promised.

Heating Element: Ceramic |Wattage: 1500 watts |Power Source: Electric |Dimensions:6.89 x 7.67 x 23.20 inches|Weight:9 pounds

PHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel Marek

Better Homes & Gardens 23

Person measuring sound levels of Better Homes & Gardens 23-Inch Electric Ceramic Tower Heater

Better Homes & Gardens 23

Person measuring sound levels of Better Homes & Gardens 23-Inch Electric Ceramic Tower Heater

Best Budget Space HeaterAmazon Basics Small Space Personal Mini HeaterPHOTO: Amazon$16 at AmazonStar QualitiesCompact and lightweightFront heated grill emits a cozy warmthAutomatically shuts off when tipped overRed FlagsSmall size won’t heat entire roomOnly one heat settingIf you want a small space heater that can provide directed heat for personal use, this affordable option from Amazon Basics is a good choice. It’s compact enough to sit on top of astanding deskand is ideal in a small office setting where it will heat the surrounding feet but not measurably change the overall temperature of the room.The Amazon Basics heater only has one setting but is very intuitive to use. Just press the on button and it starts to heat immediately. If the unit tips over, it shuts off and cools, avoiding fire hazards. While it is budget-friendly, this is a simple space heater that doesn’t have a lot of extra features.Heating Element: Ceramic |Wattage: 750 watts |Power Source: Electric |Dimensions:5.87 x 3.2 x 6 inches |Weight:1.43 poundsPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekThe More You KnowHudema tells PEOPLE that you should always plug a space heater directly into an outlet — never an extension cord.

Best Budget Space HeaterAmazon Basics Small Space Personal Mini HeaterPHOTO: Amazon$16 at Amazon

Best Budget Space HeaterAmazon Basics Small Space Personal Mini Heater

Best Budget Space Heater

Amazon Basics Small Space Personal Mini Heater

PHOTO: Amazon

Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater

$16 at Amazon

Star QualitiesCompact and lightweightFront heated grill emits a cozy warmthAutomatically shuts off when tipped overRed FlagsSmall size won’t heat entire roomOnly one heat setting

Star QualitiesCompact and lightweightFront heated grill emits a cozy warmthAutomatically shuts off when tipped over

Compact and lightweight

Front heated grill emits a cozy warmth

Automatically shuts off when tipped over

Red FlagsSmall size won’t heat entire roomOnly one heat setting

Small size won’t heat entire room

Only one heat setting

If you want a small space heater that can provide directed heat for personal use, this affordable option from Amazon Basics is a good choice. It’s compact enough to sit on top of astanding deskand is ideal in a small office setting where it will heat the surrounding feet but not measurably change the overall temperature of the room.

The Amazon Basics heater only has one setting but is very intuitive to use. Just press the on button and it starts to heat immediately. If the unit tips over, it shuts off and cools, avoiding fire hazards. While it is budget-friendly, this is a simple space heater that doesn’t have a lot of extra features.

Heating Element: Ceramic |Wattage: 750 watts |Power Source: Electric |Dimensions:5.87 x 3.2 x 6 inches |Weight:1.43 pounds

PHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel Marek

Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater sits on desk next to laptop

person holding Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater

hand measuring temperature of Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater

Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater sits on desk next to laptop

person holding Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater

hand measuring temperature of Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater

The More You KnowHudema tells PEOPLE that you should always plug a space heater directly into an outlet — never an extension cord.

The More You Know

Hudema tells PEOPLE that you should always plug a space heater directly into an outlet — never an extension cord.

Best Portable Space HeaterAikoper Space HeaterPHOTO: Amazon$40$30 at Amazon

Best Portable Space HeaterAikoper Space Heater

Best Portable Space Heater

Aikoper Space Heater

Amazon Aikoper 1500W Electric Heaters Indoor Portable with Thermostat

$40$30 at Amazon

Star QualitiesSuper portable with a small handle on the backHeats up instantlyWe felt warmer within seconds of turning it onRed FlagsDoesn’t produce enough heat to drastically change the temperature of a room

Star QualitiesSuper portable with a small handle on the backHeats up instantlyWe felt warmer within seconds of turning it on

Super portable with a small handle on the back

Heats up instantly

We felt warmer within seconds of turning it on

Red FlagsDoesn’t produce enough heat to drastically change the temperature of a room

Doesn’t produce enough heat to drastically change the temperature of a room

This little space heater instantly brought the heat — and we mean thatliterally. As soon as we turned it on, the Aikoper heater made us feel warmer. It has three different heat settings and an automatic shutoff feature that instantly turns the heater off if it tips over.

Heating Element: Ceramic |Wattage: 1500 watts |Power Source: Electric |Dimensions:6.4 x 4.8 x 9 inches|Weight:2.7 pounds

Best Space Heater for Small SpacesGiveBest Portable Electric Space HeaterPHOTO: Amazon$30 at Amazon

Best Space Heater for Small SpacesGiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater

Best Space Heater for Small Spaces

GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater

GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater With Thermostat

$30 at Amazon

Star QualitiesExternal surfaces do not get too hotAutomatic tip-over shutoffBuilt-in handle makes it very portableRed FlagsRequires an outlet for use

Star QualitiesExternal surfaces do not get too hotAutomatic tip-over shutoffBuilt-in handle makes it very portable

External surfaces do not get too hot

Automatic tip-over shutoff

Built-in handle makes it very portable

Red FlagsRequires an outlet for use

Requires an outlet for use

How It’s Held UpOver the next six months, we continued to reach for this portable heater whenever the weather cooled down, which helped to warm up our bathroom and living room without the need for us to turn our HVAC system back on. Because it’s so easy to move around, we even took it outside on the front porch to warm us up while we drank our morning coffee.

Over the next six months, we continued to reach for this portable heater whenever the weather cooled down, which helped to warm up our bathroom and living room without the need for us to turn our HVAC system back on. Because it’s so easy to move around, we even took it outside on the front porch to warm us up while we drank our morning coffee.

Heating Element: Forced air |Wattage: 1500 watts |Power Source: Electric |Dimensions:6.2 x 7 x 9.2 inches|Weight:3.2 pounds

Give Best Portable Electric Space Heater sitting on the floor next to a pair of slippers

A person placing the GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater With Thermostat on the ground

A hand using a tool to test the Give Best Portable Electric Space Heater

Give Best Portable Electric Space Heater sitting on the floor next to a pair of slippers

A person placing the GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater With Thermostat on the ground

A hand using a tool to test the Give Best Portable Electric Space Heater

Best Space Heater for Large SpacesHoneywell ThermaWave 6 Space HeaterPHOTO: Amazon$91 at Amazon$91 at Target$134 at WalmartStar QualitiesHeats up large rooms faster than any other device we testedCustomizable with four temperature settingsMultiple safety features, including an auto shutoff if device gets too hotRed FlagsUses a lot of power compared to other units we testedThe heating output of this affordable space heater is impressive. We found that it heated the testing room a full four degrees within 30 minutes. It has two settings as well as four additional temperature settings and a fan-only option. The grill on the heater is at the top of the large unit, which helps the heat circulate into the room rather than just on the floor.The safety features of this space heater are some of the best we’ve found. It has an auto shutoff if the unit overheats but keeps the fan running to help it cool down even faster. If it tips over, the unit shuts off. You can also set a timer for it to start and a timer for it to turn off.Heating Element: Ceramic |Wattage: 1500 watts |Power Source: Electric |Dimensions:18.5 x 8.43 x 18 inches|Weight:13.17 poundsPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekThe More You KnowMost people like to keep their homes between 65 and 75 degrees, and the World Health Organization recommends 64 degrees Fahrenheit as a safe indoor temperature. To keep your pipes from freezing, most heaters with an auto-turn-on function heat rooms to keep them above 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best Space Heater for Large SpacesHoneywell ThermaWave 6 Space HeaterPHOTO: Amazon$91 at Amazon$91 at Target$134 at Walmart

Best Space Heater for Large SpacesHoneywell ThermaWave 6 Space Heater

Best Space Heater for Large Spaces

Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Space Heater

Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Ceramic Technology Space Heater

$91 at Amazon$91 at Target$134 at Walmart

Star QualitiesHeats up large rooms faster than any other device we testedCustomizable with four temperature settingsMultiple safety features, including an auto shutoff if device gets too hotRed FlagsUses a lot of power compared to other units we tested

Star QualitiesHeats up large rooms faster than any other device we testedCustomizable with four temperature settingsMultiple safety features, including an auto shutoff if device gets too hot

Heats up large rooms faster than any other device we tested

Customizable with four temperature settings

Multiple safety features, including an auto shutoff if device gets too hot

Red FlagsUses a lot of power compared to other units we tested

Uses a lot of power compared to other units we tested

The heating output of this affordable space heater is impressive. We found that it heated the testing room a full four degrees within 30 minutes. It has two settings as well as four additional temperature settings and a fan-only option. The grill on the heater is at the top of the large unit, which helps the heat circulate into the room rather than just on the floor.

The safety features of this space heater are some of the best we’ve found. It has an auto shutoff if the unit overheats but keeps the fan running to help it cool down even faster. If it tips over, the unit shuts off. You can also set a timer for it to start and a timer for it to turn off.

Heating Element: Ceramic |Wattage: 1500 watts |Power Source: Electric |Dimensions:18.5 x 8.43 x 18 inches|Weight:13.17 pounds

Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Ceramic Technology Space Heater displayed on wooden floor next to slippers

Closeup of person holding the Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Ceramic Technology Space Heater by the handle

A person using a tool to test the Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Ceramic Technology Space Heater tested

Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Ceramic Technology Space Heater displayed on wooden floor next to slippers

Closeup of person holding the Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Ceramic Technology Space Heater by the handle

A person using a tool to test the Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Ceramic Technology Space Heater tested

The More You KnowMost people like to keep their homes between 65 and 75 degrees, and the World Health Organization recommends 64 degrees Fahrenheit as a safe indoor temperature. To keep your pipes from freezing, most heaters with an auto-turn-on function heat rooms to keep them above 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most people like to keep their homes between 65 and 75 degrees, and the World Health Organization recommends 64 degrees Fahrenheit as a safe indoor temperature. To keep your pipes from freezing, most heaters with an auto-turn-on function heat rooms to keep them above 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best Space Heater Safety FeaturesPelonis Tower Space HeaterPHOTO: Amazon$78 at Amazon$60 at Walmart$87 at Home DepotStar QualitiesHeats up small- to medium-sized roomsStays cool to the touchAnti-tip safety feature automatically shuts off if heater falls over70-degree oscillation spreads heat evenlyRed FlagsTaller and bulkier than others on the listNot powerful enough to heat spaces larger than 160 square feetThe Pelonis ceramic tower heater has anti-tip over protection that shuts the unit off if it tips more than 30 degrees and an auto shutoff feature. Plus, it is also very cool to the touch, making it a good option for those with pets or kids who may brush against or even touch the heater.The heat moves through the room via a 70-degree oscillating tower. This makes it a bit louder and bulkier but helps with overall heat output. It might be too big for small spaces, although the tower design allows it to take up minimal floor space. It works best in rooms up to 160 square feet and may not be powerful enough to heat the largest of spaces. It is a good mid-size tower heater and fan.How It’s Held UpThe Pelonis heater is still a mainstay in our arsenal of cold-weather gear, and we continued to use the device to heat our office space in the winter months. But, while it still works exceptionally well to heat up small spaces quickly, we were frustrated that the remote control stopped working consistently.Heating Element: Convection |Wattage: 1500 watts |Power Source: Electric |Dimensions:26 x 7.6 x 17 inches|Weight:6.29 poundsPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekThe More You KnowIf you run a space heater in a room witha fan, the heat output will remain the same, but you can move heated air through the room more efficiently. Many space heaters have a built-in fan to push the warm air away from the unit and into the space. You can add a fan to further this, but it may not be necessary. You may also cool the air with a fan, defeating the purpose of the space heater. Also keep in mind that a space heater can dry out your space, so think about runninga humidifierif you use the heater a lot.

Best Space Heater Safety FeaturesPelonis Tower Space HeaterPHOTO: Amazon$78 at Amazon$60 at Walmart$87 at Home Depot

Best Space Heater Safety FeaturesPelonis Tower Space Heater

Best Space Heater Safety Features

Pelonis Tower Space Heater

Pelonis Ceramic Tower Space Heater

$78 at Amazon$60 at Walmart$87 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesHeats up small- to medium-sized roomsStays cool to the touchAnti-tip safety feature automatically shuts off if heater falls over70-degree oscillation spreads heat evenlyRed FlagsTaller and bulkier than others on the listNot powerful enough to heat spaces larger than 160 square feet

Star QualitiesHeats up small- to medium-sized roomsStays cool to the touchAnti-tip safety feature automatically shuts off if heater falls over70-degree oscillation spreads heat evenly

Heats up small- to medium-sized rooms

Stays cool to the touch

Anti-tip safety feature automatically shuts off if heater falls over

70-degree oscillation spreads heat evenly

Red FlagsTaller and bulkier than others on the listNot powerful enough to heat spaces larger than 160 square feet

Taller and bulkier than others on the list

Not powerful enough to heat spaces larger than 160 square feet

The Pelonis ceramic tower heater has anti-tip over protection that shuts the unit off if it tips more than 30 degrees and an auto shutoff feature. Plus, it is also very cool to the touch, making it a good option for those with pets or kids who may brush against or even touch the heater.

The heat moves through the room via a 70-degree oscillating tower. This makes it a bit louder and bulkier but helps with overall heat output. It might be too big for small spaces, although the tower design allows it to take up minimal floor space. It works best in rooms up to 160 square feet and may not be powerful enough to heat the largest of spaces. It is a good mid-size tower heater and fan.

How It’s Held UpThe Pelonis heater is still a mainstay in our arsenal of cold-weather gear, and we continued to use the device to heat our office space in the winter months. But, while it still works exceptionally well to heat up small spaces quickly, we were frustrated that the remote control stopped working consistently.

The Pelonis heater is still a mainstay in our arsenal of cold-weather gear, and we continued to use the device to heat our office space in the winter months. But, while it still works exceptionally well to heat up small spaces quickly, we were frustrated that the remote control stopped working consistently.

Heating Element: Convection |Wattage: 1500 watts |Power Source: Electric |Dimensions:26 x 7.6 x 17 inches|Weight:6.29 pounds

Pelonis Ceramic Tower Space Heater displayed on the wooden floor next to a table

A hand pressing a button on the Pelonis Ceramic Tower Space Heater

Pelonis Ceramic Tower Space Heater displayed on the wooden floor next to a table

A hand pressing a button on the Pelonis Ceramic Tower Space Heater

The More You KnowIf you run a space heater in a room witha fan, the heat output will remain the same, but you can move heated air through the room more efficiently. Many space heaters have a built-in fan to push the warm air away from the unit and into the space. You can add a fan to further this, but it may not be necessary. You may also cool the air with a fan, defeating the purpose of the space heater. Also keep in mind that a space heater can dry out your space, so think about runninga humidifierif you use the heater a lot.

If you run a space heater in a room witha fan, the heat output will remain the same, but you can move heated air through the room more efficiently. Many space heaters have a built-in fan to push the warm air away from the unit and into the space. You can add a fan to further this, but it may not be necessary. You may also cool the air with a fan, defeating the purpose of the space heater. Also keep in mind that a space heater can dry out your space, so think about runninga humidifierif you use the heater a lot.

Best Energy-Saving Space HeaterAndily Electric Space HeaterPHOTO: Amazon$27 at AmazonStar QualitiesUses the least amount of energy compared to others we testedSmall, portable, simple designAutomatically shuts off when tipped overRed FlagsWasn’t strong enough to heat up the entire roomThis small space heater has two settings, low and high, and did exactly what we needed it to do: It made us feel warm and cozy. The features are pretty simple, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing if you’re looking for a basic heater that warms up quickly without using a lot of energy. In fact, compared to all of the other space heaters we’ve tested, this one uses the least energy to power (a big win for your electricity bill and the environment).This space heater may be simple, but its safety features work surprisingly well. As soon as we knocked the device over, it instantly went into its auto-shutoff mode. Though it definitely made us warmer, this portable space heater didn’t do much to heat our test room. But, for the size and price, we wouldn’t really expect it to.How It’s Held UpSix months later, we still love the Andily unit’s ability to take the chill out of our spaces quickly and quietly. We used the portable space heater around the house through spring, especially to warm our feet while sitting at a desk or to take the cold bite out of the air in our bathrooms in the morning. Plus, it still looks as new as the day we unboxed it.Heating Element: Ceramic |Wattage: 750/1500 watts |Power Source: Electric |Dimensions:4.74 x 6.2 x 8.3 inches |Weight:2.64 poundsPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekThe More You KnowEach heater on our list uses corded electric power. Larger heaters with higher heat outputs tend to use more electricity, increasing overall energy costs. Units that have fans can also use more electricity because they need to power the fan as well as the heating element. Ceramic can heat up faster and more efficiently, making it one of the more economical choices.

Best Energy-Saving Space HeaterAndily Electric Space HeaterPHOTO: Amazon$27 at Amazon

Best Energy-Saving Space HeaterAndily Electric Space Heater

Best Energy-Saving Space Heater

Andily Electric Space Heater

andily Space Heater Electric Heater for Home and Office

$27 at Amazon

Star QualitiesUses the least amount of energy compared to others we testedSmall, portable, simple designAutomatically shuts off when tipped overRed FlagsWasn’t strong enough to heat up the entire room

Star QualitiesUses the least amount of energy compared to others we testedSmall, portable, simple designAutomatically shuts off when tipped over

Uses the least amount of energy compared to others we tested

Small, portable, simple design

Red FlagsWasn’t strong enough to heat up the entire room

Wasn’t strong enough to heat up the entire room

This small space heater has two settings, low and high, and did exactly what we needed it to do: It made us feel warm and cozy. The features are pretty simple, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing if you’re looking for a basic heater that warms up quickly without using a lot of energy. In fact, compared to all of the other space heaters we’ve tested, this one uses the least energy to power (a big win for your electricity bill and the environment).

This space heater may be simple, but its safety features work surprisingly well. As soon as we knocked the device over, it instantly went into its auto-shutoff mode. Though it definitely made us warmer, this portable space heater didn’t do much to heat our test room. But, for the size and price, we wouldn’t really expect it to.

How It’s Held UpSix months later, we still love the Andily unit’s ability to take the chill out of our spaces quickly and quietly. We used the portable space heater around the house through spring, especially to warm our feet while sitting at a desk or to take the cold bite out of the air in our bathrooms in the morning. Plus, it still looks as new as the day we unboxed it.

Six months later, we still love the Andily unit’s ability to take the chill out of our spaces quickly and quietly. We used the portable space heater around the house through spring, especially to warm our feet while sitting at a desk or to take the cold bite out of the air in our bathrooms in the morning. Plus, it still looks as new as the day we unboxed it.

Heating Element: Ceramic |Wattage: 750/1500 watts |Power Source: Electric |Dimensions:4.74 x 6.2 x 8.3 inches |Weight:2.64 pounds

andily Space Heater Electric Heater for Home and Office displayed on a desk next to pen stand and a laptop

Person touching regulator of andily Space Heater Electric Heater for Home and Office

Person checking temperature of andily Space Heater Electric Heater for Home and Office

andily Space Heater Electric Heater for Home and Office displayed on a desk next to pen stand and a laptop

Person touching regulator of andily Space Heater Electric Heater for Home and Office

Person checking temperature of andily Space Heater Electric Heater for Home and Office

The More You KnowEach heater on our list uses corded electric power. Larger heaters with higher heat outputs tend to use more electricity, increasing overall energy costs. Units that have fans can also use more electricity because they need to power the fan as well as the heating element. Ceramic can heat up faster and more efficiently, making it one of the more economical choices.

Each heater on our list uses corded electric power. Larger heaters with higher heat outputs tend to use more electricity, increasing overall energy costs. Units that have fans can also use more electricity because they need to power the fan as well as the heating element. Ceramic can heat up faster and more efficiently, making it one of the more economical choices.

Best Space Heater for Cold FeetKismile Portable Space HeaterPHOTO: Amazon$27$25 at Amazon$30 at WalmartStar QualitiesDirects heat straight out rather than to the sideMultiple heat settingsAnti-tip safety featureRed FlagsOne of the louder space heaters we’ve testedSmall and easy to kick overThis portable space heater will get your toes nice and toasty. The heat is directed in front of the unit rather than to the sides, meaning that it heats that small area quickly and efficiently. You can put it under your desk in the winter months to keep your feet from getting cold. (Just don’t expect it to heat the rest of you or your room.)It has good safety features, which is important if it is out of sight. It can be easy to kick over the unit, but it will shut off if tipped over. There are high, low, and fan settings, as well as adjustable temperatures within each. The fan is a bit loud, especially considering it is a small unit and a small fan. For such a small, affordable heater, it really does come with a lot of features to get a custom comfy space.How It’s Held UpThis solid, reliable little space heater continued to provide us with immense comfort, and we found ourselves reaching for it constantly. In fact, one tester called the Kismile space heater their “best friend” for the comfort that it provides. Six months later, the little heater still works well to quickly provide warmth, without the device itself ever feeling too hot to the touch.Heating Element: Convection |Wattage: 1500 watts |Power Source: Electric |Dimensions:7.28 x 6.5 x 9.65 inches|Weight:3.47 poundsPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel Marek

Best Space Heater for Cold FeetKismile Portable Space HeaterPHOTO: Amazon$27$25 at Amazon$30 at Walmart

Best Space Heater for Cold FeetKismile Portable Space Heater

Best Space Heater for Cold Feet

Kismile Portable Space Heater

Kismile Portable Electric Space Heater

$27$25 at Amazon$30 at Walmart

Star QualitiesDirects heat straight out rather than to the sideMultiple heat settingsAnti-tip safety featureRed FlagsOne of the louder space heaters we’ve testedSmall and easy to kick over

Star QualitiesDirects heat straight out rather than to the sideMultiple heat settingsAnti-tip safety feature

Directs heat straight out rather than to the side

Multiple heat settings

Anti-tip safety feature

Red FlagsOne of the louder space heaters we’ve testedSmall and easy to kick over

One of the louder space heaters we’ve tested

Small and easy to kick over

This portable space heater will get your toes nice and toasty. The heat is directed in front of the unit rather than to the sides, meaning that it heats that small area quickly and efficiently. You can put it under your desk in the winter months to keep your feet from getting cold. (Just don’t expect it to heat the rest of you or your room.)

It has good safety features, which is important if it is out of sight. It can be easy to kick over the unit, but it will shut off if tipped over. There are high, low, and fan settings, as well as adjustable temperatures within each. The fan is a bit loud, especially considering it is a small unit and a small fan. For such a small, affordable heater, it really does come with a lot of features to get a custom comfy space.

How It’s Held UpThis solid, reliable little space heater continued to provide us with immense comfort, and we found ourselves reaching for it constantly. In fact, one tester called the Kismile space heater their “best friend” for the comfort that it provides. Six months later, the little heater still works well to quickly provide warmth, without the device itself ever feeling too hot to the touch.

This solid, reliable little space heater continued to provide us with immense comfort, and we found ourselves reaching for it constantly. In fact, one tester called the Kismile space heater their “best friend” for the comfort that it provides. Six months later, the little heater still works well to quickly provide warmth, without the device itself ever feeling too hot to the touch.

Heating Element: Convection |Wattage: 1500 watts |Power Source: Electric |Dimensions:7.28 x 6.5 x 9.65 inches|Weight:3.47 pounds

Kismile Portable Electric Space Heater displayed on the table with a laptop

A person holding the Kismile Portable Electric Space Heater tested on the ground

Person checking temperature of the Kismile Portable Electric Space Heater displayed on carpeted flooring

Kismile Portable Electric Space Heater displayed on the table with a laptop

A person holding the Kismile Portable Electric Space Heater tested on the ground

Person checking temperature of the Kismile Portable Electric Space Heater displayed on carpeted flooring

Other Space Heaters We Tried

Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Space Heater: This $120 space heater has the unique ability to hang up or sit on the floor with foldable feet. On the highest setting, it provided some nice warmth and was able to moderately heat the room. But, for its price, we’d expect this unit to have the ability to heat a room more substantially. But that aside, this is a good space heater if you want one that can hang or sit on the floor.

Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Space Heater and remoter on wooden floor

What to Know About Space Heaters

Heating Ability

Not all space heaters provide the same level of warmth, so it’s important to find one that has the right output for the size of your space. If you’re looking for a space heater to warm up a larger room, then look for one with a large fan, like theBetter Homes & Gardens Tower Ceramic Heater, or ceramic heating, like theHoneywell ThermaWave 6 Space Heater. For smaller spaces, you can opt for a more portable device that uses less power, like theAmazon Basics Ceramic Space Heater, which is compact and easy to carry from room to room.

Design

If you plan on leaving your space heater out in your home, you may want to consider its visual design. Do you want something that looks cozy or one that works in a small space but doesn’t draw the eye, like theKismile Space Heater? Consider the size of your space, if you want an oscillating unit or directional heat, and how you want to be able to adjust the heater. Some are available in multiple colors, although most lean more utilitarian in style.

Safety

This is one of the most important considerations for most space heater users. All of the top-rated space heaters on our list have safety features, including automatic shutoff if they are tipped over and an auto-off timer. Also, think about how hot the sides, top, front, and back get, especially if you have children or pets who may brush up against the heater.

A foot pushing over the GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater With Thermostat

We tested 31 space heaters of all sizes and outputs and scored them based on heating performance, design, safety, and value. We put the heaters through the following tests:

Our Expert PanelDarren Hudema, the director of training and technical services atPuroClean, provided insights on safety and how to pick the right space heater for your home.

Our Expert Panel

Darren Hudema, the director of training and technical services atPuroClean, provided insights on safety and how to pick the right space heater for your home.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com