Looking for the perfect space heater—one that’s efficient, quiet, and reliable? With so many options available, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Not to worry—we’ve done the hard work for you!

In this guide, we highlight the best space heaters for warmth, energy efficiency, and smart features. From wall-mounted designs to portable models, we’ve tested a range of options to bring you the top choices for staying cosy.

We spent over 40 hours reviewing different heaters across key categories, including ceramic, infrared, and budget-friendly picks. Heat output, noise levels, safety, and ease of use were our top considerations.

Ultimately, the Dreo Smart Electric Wall Heater earned our Editor’s Pick for its ultra-quiet operation, smart controls, and efficient performance. If you need an outdoor option, the Luxeva Infrared Heater delivers instant heat and weather resistance.

On a budget? The Dreo 16-Inch Electric Heater offers great warmth, oscillation, and safety at an affordable price. We also highlight one heater to avoid, so you don’t waste your money.

No matter your needs—bedroom, office, or outdoor space—our guide has the best heater for you. Keep reading to stay warm all season long!

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Key Features to Look for in a Space Heater

When buying a space heater, certain features should be a given to ensure efficiency, safety, and long-term reliability. Here’s what to expect:

Essential Features

• Consistent Heating Performance: The heater should provide steady, even warmth without fluctuations.
• Energy Efficiency: Look for eco modes, programmable thermostats, and variable heat settings to save on electricity.
• Quiet Operation: A good heater should run at a low noise level, ideally below 40dB, for minimal disruption.
• Safety Features: Overheat protection, tip-over shut-off, and flame-retardant materials should be standard.
• Adjustable Thermostat: Allows precise temperature control rather than just basic high/low settings.
• Oscillation or Directional Heating: Ensures even heat distribution instead of a single concentrated area.
• Compact and Portable Design: Even if it’s wall-mounted, a space heater should be space-efficient and easy to install or move.
• User-Friendly Controls: A digital display, remote control, or app connectivity for hassle-free operation.

Design and Build Quality

A well-designed space heater should not only function well but also integrate smoothly into your living or working space. Here’s what to look for in terms of design and construction:

• Sturdy Materials: Durable metal or high-quality heat-resistant plastics ensure longevity.
• Stable Base: For freestanding heaters, a wide and weighted base prevents accidental tipping.
• Compact Footprint: Ideal for smaller rooms or desk spaces while still offering effective heat coverage.
• Wall-Mount Options: Some models feature sleek, space-saving designs perfect for permanent installations.
• Cable Management: A long, sturdy power cord with proper storage prevents tangling and trip hazards.
• Water Resistance (for Outdoor Use): If using outside or in a bathroom, ensure it has an IP rating for moisture protection.

The Best Extra Features to Look For

While not always standard, these bonus features can significantly enhance convenience and performance:

• Smart Connectivity: WiFi-enabled models with app control or voice assistant compatibility (Alexa/Google Assistant).
• Multiple Heat Settings: More than just high and low, adjustable increments help fine-tune comfort.
• Eco Mode: Automatically adjusts power usage to maintain the set temperature efficiently.
• Timer Function: Allows scheduled operation for energy savings and convenience.
• Air Purification or Humidification: Some advanced models include additional air quality functions.
• Remote Control: A must-have for ease of use, especially for wall-mounted or larger units.
• Child Lock: Prevents accidental temperature changes or unwanted tampering.
• Automatic Shut-Off: Powers down after a set period to prevent overheating or energy waste.

By keeping these key features in mind, you can confidently choose a space heater that’s efficient, safe, and built to last.

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Editors Pick

Dreo Smart Electric Wall Heater, 28dB Silent Ceramic Space Heaters for Home

The Dreo Smart Electric Wall Heater is a compact, energy-efficient heating solution designed for small to medium-sized spaces. With smart controls, quiet operation, and a sleek wall-mounted design, it offers both convenience and performance.

Key Features

• Efficient Heating: PTC heating system with optimised airflow warms rooms quickly. Ideal for bedrooms, offices, and small spaces.
• Quiet Operation: Runs at 28dB, ensuring minimal noise for work or relaxation.
• Smart Controls: Adjust settings via remote, Dreo app, or Alexa for seamless operation.
• Energy-Saving Eco Mode: Maintains temperature while reducing power consumption.
• Adjustable Heat Direction: 30° tilt lets you direct warmth where needed.
• Easy Installation: Includes a mounting template with a spirit level for quick setup.
• Safety Features: 5VA flame-retardant materials, overheat protection, and IP24 waterproofing for reliable use.

The Dreo Smart Electric Wall Heater impressed us with its powerful performance, quiet operation, and smart features. Installation was quick and hassle-free, thanks to the included mounting template with a built-in spirit level (a thoughtful touch).

Once set up, the heater warmed our space rapidly and evenly, maintaining a comfortable temperature without excessive noise (just 28dB, making it one of the quietest heaters we've used).

The Dreo app was incredibly intuitive, allowing us to control the heat remotely, schedule warming times, and even adjust settings using Alexa. While the heat direction is limited to up/down, it still distributes warmth efficiently. The sleek, wall-mounted design saves space and blends well into any room.

For anyone looking for a smart, efficient, and whisper-quiet heater, this is a standout choice. Whether for a bedroom, office, or small workshop, it delivers consistent warmth with modern convenience.

Runner Up

Luxeva Infrared Outdoor Heater, Electric Patio Heater

The Luxeva Infrared Outdoor Heater is a versatile, energy-efficient heating solution for both indoor and outdoor spaces. With its rapid heating, multiple heat settings, and smart controls, it delivers instant warmth while maintaining a sleek and portable design.

Key Features

• Rapid Heat: Heats up in 3 seconds, providing immediate warmth for any space.
• Multiple Heat Settings: Six adjustable heat levels allow for custom temperature control.
• Energy-Efficient: The carbon heating element covers areas up to 25m² while conserving energy.
• Smart Control: Operate the heater using the Luxeva app (iOS & Android) or the included remote.
• Durable & Weather-Resistant: IP65-rated for waterproof and dustproof protection, making it safe for outdoor use.
• Safe & Stable: Built-in tip-over protection ensures added safety, while the compact design makes placement easy.
• Timer Function: Adjustable timer settings from 1 to 9 hours to optimise energy use.

We recently tested the Luxeva Infrared Outdoor Heater, and it impressed us with its instant heat and smart functionality. The six heat levels allow for easy adjustments, while the remote and app control provide seamless operation.

Its sleek, compact design makes it easy to move between indoor and outdoor spaces. While the base is stable, adding weight may be necessary for windy conditions. The waterproof and dustproof build ensures durability, making it a solid choice for outdoor patios, garages, and workspaces.

For those seeking a powerful, efficient, and modern heating solution, this heater offers instant warmth and convenience in any environment. For best performance, it should be plugged directly into a mains socket, as extension cords are not recommended.

Budget Pick

Dreo 16-Inch Electric Heater, Energy Efficient Space Heaters

The Dreo 16-Inch Electric Heater is a powerful and energy-efficient solution for heating indoor spaces. With 2000W PTC ceramic heating technology, it delivers fast, even warmth, making it a great option for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.

Key Features

• Fast & Efficient Heating: Produces heat at 11.6 ft/s, covering 200 sq. ft. for quick, consistent warmth.
• Wide-Angle Coverage: 70° oscillation distributes heat evenly, minimising cold spots.
• Adjustable Temperature Control: A digital thermostat adjusts between 5-35°C in ±1°C increments, ensuring comfort and efficiency.
• Quiet Operation: Runs at 34dB with a brushless DC motor, making it ideal for quiet spaces.
• Enhanced Safety Features: Includes tip-over and overheat protection, auto-off function, and V-0 flame-retardant materials.
• User-Friendly Design: A clear display, remote control, and hidden carry handle allow easy use and portability.

The Dreo 16-Inch Electric Heater exceeded our expectations with its fast heating, whisper-quiet operation, and intelligent safety features. It quickly warms up a room (within seconds), covering up to 200 sq. ft. while maintaining a comfortable, consistent temperature.

The digital thermostat is highly precise, allowing fine-tuned control, and the remote control makes adjustments effortless. Its sleek, modern design fits seamlessly into any space, and the oscillation feature ensures even heat distribution.

The safety features—including tip-over and overheat protection—add peace of mind.

A minor drawback is the build quality, which, while functional, doesn’t feel as premium as it looks. However, this does not impact performance, and the heater remains one of the best options for reliable, energy-efficient warmth.

If you need a compact yet powerful heater that combines efficiency, safety, and affordability, this is a standout choice.

Best Infrared Space Saving Heater Pick

Fraxinus Electric Heater 2KW, Portable Space Heater

The Fraxinus Electric Heater 2KW is a compact, efficient, and silent heating solution. Featuring micathermic panel technology, it ensures even heat distribution and serves as a reliable alternative to oil-filled radiator heaters.

Key Features

• Fast & Even Heating: Warms up quickly, providing immediate relief from the cold. Distributes heat evenly from both sides and the top for full-room coverage.
• Ease of Use & Portability: Lightweight and easy to carry with a heat-insulated handle. 360° caster wheels ensure smooth movement between rooms. A manual thermostat allows for easy temperature adjustments.
• Safety Features: Overheat protection prevents excessive temperatures, while tip-over safety shuts the heater off if knocked over. A cool-touch protective mesh reduces burn risks.
• Energy Efficiency & Silent Operation: Oil-free heating offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative. No fan heater operation ensures quiet performance without disturbing warm air flow or dust circulation.

The Fraxinus Electric Heater 2KW impressed us with its exceptional heating performance. It warms up quickly, providing instant comfort in smaller rooms, and distributes heat evenly from all sides.

The lightweight design and 360° caster wheels make it incredibly easy to move around, ensuring warmth wherever needed.

We appreciated the silent operation (no noisy fans or airflow disturbances), making it perfect for bedrooms or workspaces. The overheat and tip-over protection add an extra layer of safety, giving us peace of mind while using it.

While the manual thermostat lacks precise temperature markings, it’s easy enough to adjust to a comfortable setting with a bit of trial and error. Additionally, it’s best suited for small to medium-sized rooms rather than large spaces.

Overall, this is a superb choice for those looking for a portable, efficient, and quiet heating solution that delivers warmth quickly and safely.

Energy Efficient Electric Heater Pick

PELONIS Electric Heater, 2000W Energy Efficient Space Silent Room Heater

The PELONIS Electric Heater is a compact, energy-efficient heating solution designed for small to medium-sized rooms. With fast heating, multiple settings, and built-in safety features, it provides reliable warmth while maintaining ease of use.

Key Features

• Fast Heating & Energy Efficiency: Uses PTC Ceramic Heating Technology to deliver quick and efficient warmth. Offers two heat settings plus an ECO mode to optimise energy use. Strong airflow ensures even heat distribution.
• Convenient & User-Friendly Design: Compact and lightweight for easy portability. 75° oscillation enhances heat coverage. Features a digital thermostat with LED display for precise control. Includes touch and remote control options for added convenience.
• Advanced Safety Features: Built with overheat and tip-over protection for secure operation. A beep alert signals when the unit is knocked over. Constructed with V0 flame-retardant material for extra safety.

The PELONIS Electric Heater impressed us with its fast and efficient heating, making cold days much more comfortable. It warms up rooms quickly and evenly, thanks to its PTC Ceramic Heating Technology and 75° oscillation.

The digital thermostat and remote control add convenience, allowing effortless adjustments from across the room. Safety is another highlight, with overheat and tip-over protection, plus a flame-retardant build for peace of mind.

It’s also lightweight and easy to move, making it a versatile option for different spaces. While it does produce some noise (comparable to a standard cooling fan), it’s not disruptive and is a fair trade-off for the strong heating performance.

Overall, this heater offers a great balance of efficiency, safety, and ease of use. Whether for a home office, bedroom, or living space, it’s a reliable winter companion that delivers warmth exactly when you need it

One To Avoid

Belaco New Space Heater, Electric Heater

We've also tested the Belaco PTC Ceramic Heater, and while it has a few positives, it ultimately falls short in several key areas.

The heater does warm up quickly, reaching its full heat in about three seconds, which is great for those needing instant warmth. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to move around, and the built-in carry handle adds to its portability. However, that’s where the advantages end.

Despite being advertised as an oscillating heater, it remains completely static, which is misleading. The heat output is also underwhelming, making it suitable only for personal warmth rather than heating a whole room.

For those expecting a quiet heater, this one isn’t it. The noise level is comparable to a standard desk fan, which can be distracting in quiet settings.

Safety features like the tip-over switch are a good addition, but the heater must stay stationary while in use, which can be limiting. Given the lack of oscillation, the modest heat output, and the noticeable noise, this is not a heater we would recommend.

If you're looking for something truly effective and quiet, this one is best left off your list.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Space Heaters

Finding the best space heater isn’t just about turning one on and seeing if it gets warm. We put each model through a series of thorough tests to evaluate performance, efficiency, safety, and ease of use. Here’s how we did it.

Heating Performance

A space heater’s main job is to provide consistent and effective warmth. To measure this, we tested how quickly each model could heat small, medium, and large rooms, tracking the time it took to reach a comfortable temperature.

We used a digital thermometer to compare the actual room temperature against the heater’s settings, ensuring accuracy. For models with oscillation or directional heating, we assessed how well they distributed warmth throughout the space and whether they left any cold spots.

Energy Efficiency

A heater’s efficiency can make a significant difference in electricity costs over time. Using an energy consumption monitor, we measured how much heating power each model used at different heat settings.

We also tested eco modes to see if they effectively maintained a comfortable temperature while reducing energy use.

The thermostat’s sensitivity was another factor—we observed how frequently each heater cycled on and off to maintain the desired warmth, as excessive cycling can indicate inefficiency.

Noise Levels

A quiet heater is ideal for bedrooms, offices, and shared spaces. We measured noise levels at different heat settings and distances, checking if any models emitted distracting sounds.

To simulate real-world use, we tested them in a silent room to see if the noise remained unobtrusive, particularly during work or sleep.

Safety Features

Electric space heaters can pose fire and electrical risks if not designed properly, so we took safety testing seriously. Each heater was run on its highest setting for an extended period to test for overheating shut-off protection.

We also checked tip-over shutoff by gently tilting and knocking over each unit to ensure it turned off instantly. The heater’s casing was assessed for heat retention—models that became too hot to touch were noted as potential burn hazards.

Additionally, we inspected the power cord and plug for any signs of overheating, as this could indicate a risk of electrical failure.

Ease of Use

A great space heater should be simple to operate. We examined how intuitive the controls were, whether digital, manual, or app-based. Models with remotes or smart connectivity were tested for responsiveness and range.

For portable heaters, we considered weight and handle design to see if they were easy to move from room to room. For wall-mounted options, we looked at how straightforward the installation process was, including mounting instructions and included hardware.

Design and Build Quality

A space heater should be durable and well-constructed. We assessed the materials used, checking whether the heater felt sturdy or cheaply made. Compactness was another key factor—heaters that took up unnecessary space or had awkward designs were noted.

We also tested cord length and cable management, as a short or poorly placed cord can limit placement options and create trip hazards.

Extra Features

Some models come with additional features designed to enhance convenience and functionality. We tested smart connectivity, checking how well heaters integrated with WiFi and voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. Timer functions were verified to ensure they worked accurately.

Safety locks were tested to confirm they prevented accidental changes to settings. Some high-end models even included air purifier or humidification features, which we evaluated to determine if they provided any noticeable benefit.

Value for Money

Finally, we compared the overall performance, durability, and features of each heater against its price. We looked at whether budget-friendly models performed well enough to compete with high-end options.

Manufacturer warranties and customer support availability were also considered, as these can indicate long-term reliability.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Space Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity?

Space heaters can use a significant amount of electricity, depending on their wattage and how long they are running. Most models operate at 1,000 to 2,500 watts, which can quickly add up in energy costs.

Choosing an energy-efficient model with an eco mode can help reduce electricity consumption while maintaining warmth.

Is It OK to Leave a Space Heater on All Night?

Leaving a space heater on all night is generally not recommended due to fire risks and potential overheating. If overnight heating is necessary, a heater with automatic shut-off, tip-over protection, and a timer function is the safest option.

However, it's always best to use alternative heating methods for long-term warmth.

Are Space Heaters 100% Efficient?

Space heaters are close to 100% efficient in converting electricity into heat, but they can still lead to high energy costs. Unlike central heating, which spreads warmth throughout the home, space heaters only heat specific areas, making them less efficient for larger spaces.

Insulation and room size also affect overall heating effectiveness.

Where Is the Best Place to Put a Space Heater in a Room?

The best place to put a space heater in a room is on a flat, stable surface away from flammable materials like curtains or furniture. Positioning it near the coldest area, such as under a window, helps improve heat distribution. It should also be placed at least three feet from beds or sofas for safety.

How Long Is It OK to Run a Space Heater?

A space heater can be safely run for a few hours at a time, but it should never be left unattended for extended periods. Many models come with timers and automatic shut-off features to prevent overheating. Regularly checking the heater while in use ensures safe and efficient operation.

What Is the Lifespan of a Space Heater?

The lifespan of a space heater typically ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on the build quality and frequency of use. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning dust buildup and inspecting the power cord, can extend its longevity.

Higher-end models with safety certifications tend to last longer than cheaper alternatives.

What Is the 3-Foot Rule for Space Heaters?

The 3-foot rule for space heaters is a safety guideline that advises keeping at least three feet of clearance around the heater. This reduces fire hazards by preventing contact with flammable objects like curtains, bedding, or furniture.

Following this rule ensures safe operation and effective heat distribution in any room.

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Final Word

Hopefully, you found our best space heater guide helpful in choosing the right model for your needs. With so many great options, it’s not an easy decision, but there is a clear standout for us.

The Dreo Smart Electric Wall Heater takes our top spot for its ultra-quiet operation, smart controls, and efficient heating performance. It delivers reliable warmth while saving space, making it a fantastic choice for bedrooms, offices, and more.

While most of the heaters in this guide are excellent options, we strongly recommend avoiding the Belaco PTC Ceramic Heater. Despite its compact design and quick heat-up time, it falls short in key areas—lacking real oscillation, underwhelming heat output, and producing noticeable noise.

If you want something truly effective and quiet, this one is best left off your list.

What did you think of our guide to the best space heaters? Have you found your perfect heater, or are you still weighing your options? We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop us a message in the comments below!