Space heaters offer a convenient, portable solution for localized heating during cold months. While they’re cheap and generate heat only when needed, space heaters pose a safety risk.
Portable heaters reportedly cause an average of 65 deaths a year. Choosing the safest space heaters reduces the risk of fires and injuries.
When shopping, choose space heaters with a tip-over switch and cool-touch exterior. Overheat protection and an automatic shut-off ensure optimal safety.
Choosing the Right Space Heater
Check out the various space heater models and their features before choosing the right one.
Types of Space Heaters
- Radiant heaters: They emit infrared radiation to warm people and objects in their line of sight. You can use radiant heaters to spot-heat specific areas.
- Convection heaters: These heaters warm the air through natural circulation. Use these to heat entire rooms.
- Ceramic heaters: These heaters use ceramic heating elements to produce heat. They’re energy-efficient, versatile, and provide even heat distribution.
- Oil-filled heaters: This type uses heat-conserving oil to generate warmth. They’re the best option for long-term heating needs.
- Halogen heaters: Halogen heaters use halogen bulbs to produce radiant heat. They provide instant heat.
- Fan-forced heaters: These heaters use a fan to distribute heat fast. They’re compact and portable.
- Infrared heaters: They use infrared radiation to heat objects without heating the air in between. Infrared heaters are best for outdoor heating or spot heating indoors.
Key Safety Features to Look Out For
When comparing space heaters, consider models with these features.
- Tipover switch: A safety feature that automatically shuts off a heater if it accidentally tips over.
- Cool-touch exterior: Heaters with a cool-touch surface reduce the risk of burns, making them safe for homes with children or pets.
- Overheat protection: This feature turns off the heater if it becomes too hot, preventing fire hazards and increasing the device’s longevity.
- Automatic shut-off timer: A programmable timer allows you to set the heater to turn off after a specific period. This feature helps promote energy efficiency and reduce overheating.
- Adjustable thermostat: A thermostat allows you to control the temperature, preventing the heater from operating at high temperatures.
- Childproof features: If you have kids or pets, choose a heater with extra safety features, such as guards or grills.
- Sturdy base: Ensure the heater has a stable and sturdy base to prevent tipping. Don’t skip this safety tip, especially for heavier or taller heater models.
- Ease of use: Consider models with user-friendly controls and clear instructions. Intuitive controls are easier to operate.
- Portable and lightweight: If you plan on using your heater in multiple rooms, buy a light one with handles for easy portability.
- Cord storage: Consider purchasing a model with proper cord storage to prevent tripping hazards.
Best Safest Space Heaters to Buy
With hundreds of products to choose from, we understand how daunting it must be to settle on one. Here’s a roundup of the best and safest space heaters we recommend.
Best Overall – Aikoper 1500W Portable Electric Heater
Who is the Aikoper 1500W Portable Electric Heater for? Pick this model if you’re looking for premium heating features at an unbeatable price.
If you’re like me and worry about electricity bills, you’ll love that this Aikoper heater is energy-efficient. It has PTC ceramic heating technology, allowing quick and even heat distribution.
The heater has three adjustable heat settings: low, medium, and high. There’s also an ultra-efficient fan-only option for when you need a gentle breeze to cool off.
I’m all for portability and flexibility and had no trouble carrying it around the house with its 2.73 lb weight. Its small dimensions of 6.4 x 4.8 x 9.09 inches allowed me to use it on my desk and the kitchen counter easily.
Also, you can use it daily without any safety concerns since the model is ETL Certified.
Pros
- Overheat protection
- Manual thermostat
- Fast heating
Cons
- It’s too loud at 75.5 dB
Best Budget – BLACK+DECKER Portable Space Heater
Who should buy the Black+Decker Portable Space Heater? It’s the right choice if you want value for money, safety features, and strong heating capabilities.
Don’t let its affordable price tag fool you. This heater from Black+Decker packs a punch.
The Black+Decker heater has two heat settings (900 and 1500 watts) and one fan mode. It differs from Aikoper, which has three heat settings and a fan mode. The fan on the Black+Decker heater is gentle, so if you need something more powerful, opt for the Aikoper.
With dimensions of 7.3 x 6.3 x 9.2 inches, it’s slightly larger than a standard-sized heater, but it’s by no means heavier. The heater weighs 2.8 lbs, which was light enough for me to lug around the house.
A 6-foot cord length is long enough to ensure heat disperses quickly across the room.
The simple two-mode setting is an easier alternative if multiple settings feel somewhat complicated. You can set it to “low” or switch it off once the room gets warm enough.
Pros
- Lightweight
- 6ft cord length
- Tipover switch
Cons
- It emits a chemical-like smell
Best Premium – LifeSmart Life Pro Infrared Space Heater
Who is the LifeSmart Life Pro Infrared Space Heater for? It’s for anyone who wants premium heating features, a posh design, and friendly user controls.
When in the mood to splurge, pick up the LifeSmart Life Pro Infrared Space Heater.
I liked that it has user-friendly controls and a bright LED display. However, the light is powerful enough to disrupt your sleep at night.
It comes with a remote control, allowing you to change the settings from wherever you are in the room. You also get a 68°F eco-setting. At its maximum setting, the heater uses 1500 watts of power.
With zone heating, you can reduce the amount of energy used.
Kids or pets at home? You’ll appreciate the cool-touch exterior, ensuring safety when little ones or pets accidentally touch the heater.
The heater features a rustic design courtesy of the furniture-grade wood used to construct it. The design adds a homey, traditional touch to your interior decor.
This space heater has a lifetime washable air filter, which makes it low maintenance. The LifeSmart Life Pro heater cools off within 30 seconds of switching it off.
Pros
- Warms the room fast
- Doesn’t dry air
- Sturdy enough to prevent tip-overs
Cons
- The light is too bright at night
Best Eco-Friendly – Dreo Portable Space Heaters
Who should buy the Dreo Portable Space Heaters? This is an excellent buy if you’re enthusiastic about products with little to no environmental impact.
You’ll be impressed by how fast this heater warms up. Although I didn’t measure this, the Dreo heater promises efficiency through its 40% energy-saving performance.
It offers a 200% longer heating range than the Aikoper and the Black+Decker models.
The Dreo Portable Speaker features a tilt-detection sensor to detect when the heater tips over.
At 3 lbs, it’s heavier than the two previous models. But you’ll have no problem moving it around different parts of the house.
This heater has a DC brushless motor, which makes it a quiet model. It was easy sleeping through the night with the heater on.
You’ll love this heater’s design if you like sleek, modern designs. It features a touch-control LED display and a nook for easy portability.
Pros
- Very quiet
- Flame-retardant material
- 12-hour timer
Cons
- Unreliable thermostat
Best for Bathrooms – Dreo Electric Space Heater for Bathroom and Indoor
Who should purchase the Dreo Electric Space Heater for Bathrooms? Choose this if you’d love a little extra heat in your bathroom after a bath.
Unlike most heaters on this list, you can use the Dreo Electric Space Heater in your bathroom and other rooms. No one wants to come out of the shower only to be hit by a draft of cold air. This heater takes care of that problem.
This heater uses V-0-rated flame-retardant materials with enhanced safety and protected electrical components.
The heater also features a built-in ALCI safety plug that cuts off the power supply in case of surges.
It’s also the only heater on our list that offers five heating modes compared to the standard two or three modes.
For safety, this heater comes with a tip-over switch and overheat protection. It also has a 24-hour auto-shut feature in case you forget to set the timer or turn it off.
At 10 inches high, this compact heater can easily fit on your desk, bedroom, kitchen, or living room.
Weighing 3.8 pounds, it’s the heaviest heater on our list, yet it remains portable.
Pros
- Ideal for bathroom use
- Very quiet
- Fast heating
Cons
- Unreliable thermostat
Download this FREE cheat sheet to find 28 tricks that can help you save on your electricity and heating bill each month.
Click here to get a FREE Cheat-SheatHow to Keep Space Heaters Safe
In addition to the safety features, here are the best tips to keep space heaters safe.
Proper Placement
Always place the space heater on a flat, stable surface. Ensure no flammable materials are nearby and there’s ample clearance from walls and furniture.
Manufacturer guidelines always offer the recommended distance between the heater and other objects.
Ventilation
Use space heaters in areas with proper ventilation, and don’t use an outdoor heater indoors. Increased airflow helps prevent carbon monoxide buildup, more so in enclosed spaces.
Regular Maintenance
Dust and debris accumulation pose a safety risk and affect a heater’s performance. Always keep the heater clean and well-maintained. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how best to clean it.
Child and Pet Safety
If you have kids or an overexcited pet, choose heaters with extra safety features like guards or rails. Also, opt for heaters with a cool-touch exterior in case your child or pet accidentally touches it.
Appropriate Sizing
Select a space heater with the proper wattage for the room size. A powerful heater in a small room is inefficient and can lead to overheating. On the other hand, an underpowered heater may struggle to provide sufficient warmth.
Conclusion
Budget-friendly, eco-conscious, or high-end, there are safe space heaters to suit anyone’s needs. With our top recommendations, you’re not just getting warmth and coziness but also heaters with extra safety features.
With the right safe space heater, you can protect your children and pets, prevent accidental fires, and have peace of mind.
Download this FREE cheat sheet to find 28 tricks that can help you save on your electricity and heating bill each month.
Click here to get a FREE Cheat-Sheat
