Buying guide
How to choose a space heater that is safe and efficient
Choose a space heater by room size and safety. A 1,500-watt electric heater warms about 150 square feet as a rule of thumb. Ceramic heaters warm a spot quickly; oil-filled radiators give quiet, steady heat. Pick one with tip-over and overheat shutoff and a UL, ETL or CSA certification mark.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Price | Store | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80W Soldering Iron Kit Adjustable Temperature LCD Solder Welding Tools Ceramic Heater Soldering Tips Tweezers Soldering Wire | Fast heat for a small room | $4.99 | AliExpress | — |
| DREO Oil Filled Radiator Heater, Electric Heaters for indoor use Large Room | Quiet, steady heat | $104.15 | Amazon | — |
| DREO Space Heater, Portable Electric Heaters for Indoor Use with Thermostat | 2026 Upgraded, 34dB Quiet, 12H Timer, 5 Mode, Remote, 1500W PTC Ceramic Fast Safety Heat for Office Bedroom Home, Gold | Most popular space heater | $39.99 | Amazon | — |
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What size space heater do I need?
A common rule is about 10 watts per square foot of room. Most plug-in heaters top out at 1,500 watts, which suits rooms up to about 150 square feet.
| Room | Size | Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Desk or small office | Up to 50 sq ft | Personal heater, 200 to 500 watts |
| Bedroom | 100 to 150 sq ft | 1,500-watt heater |
| Living room | Over 150 sq ft | Supplement only: a space heater will not heat it all |
Space heater deals
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Lightning deal
DREO Space Heater, Portable Electric Heaters for Indoor Use with Thermostat | 70°Oscillation, Remote, ECO, 12H Timer, 5 Modes, Safe Quiet Room Heater for Bedroom, 1500W PTC Ceramic Heater for Office
Now $44.93
Was $49.99, 10% off
Save $5.06
Space Heater, WINHL Portable Electric Heaters for Indoor Use,70°Oscillation
Now $29.99
Was $33.49, 10% off
Save $3.50
Lightning deal
Lasko Space Heater for Indoor Use, Portable Electric Heater, Thermostat | Fast Heat, 23'' Oscillating Heater, Ceramic Tower, Remote Control, Timer, 1500W, Cool Touch, Great for Bedroom & Office
Now $67.99
Was $79.99, 15% off
Save $12.00
Ceramic, oil-filled or infrared?
- Ceramic with a fan: heats a spot fast and is compact. A bit of fan noise.
- Oil-filled radiator: silent, steady heat that lasts after it turns off. Slower to warm up and heavier.
- Infrared: warms people and objects in front of it, good for a desk or a drafty spot.
Which safety features matter most?
The CPSC recommends a heater certified by a recognized testing lab. Look for:
- A UL, ETL or CSA certification mark.
- Automatic shutoff if it tips over.
- Overheat protection.
- A cool-touch case if you have kids or pets.
How do I use a space heater safely?
- Keep it at least 3 feet from beds, curtains, furniture and anything that can burn.
- Plug it straight into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
- Put it on a hard, level floor and turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Have working smoke alarms on every level and in each bedroom.
Is a space heater cheaper than central heat?
It can be when you heat one room and turn the thermostat down for the rest of the house. Heating the whole house with several space heaters usually costs more.
Our picks
Fast heat for a small room
80W Soldering Iron Kit Adjustable Temperature LCD Solder Welding Tools Ceramic Heater Soldering Tips Tweezers Soldering Wire
$4.99
Quiet, steady heat
DREO Oil Filled Radiator Heater, Electric Heaters for indoor use Large Room
$104.15
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest type of space heater?
An electric heater certified by UL, ETL or CSA, with tip-over and overheat shutoff. Oil-filled radiators and cool-touch models are good choices for homes with kids or pets.
Can I leave a space heater on overnight?
Safety agencies advise against it. Turn it off when you go to sleep or leave the room.
Can I plug a space heater into a power strip?
No. Plug it straight into a wall outlet. Power strips and extension cords can overheat.
How big a room can a 1,500-watt heater heat?
About 150 square feet, using the rule of 10 watts per square foot.