If you’re searching for the Most Energy-Efficient Space Heaters, you’ve come to the right place. Today we look at the ten best small space heaters on the market and Why. And, If you are not sure what size space heater you need, refer to our Space Heater Guide below to determine the best space heater for any room in your home.
These Ten Best Space Heaters come in all shapes and sizes, offering the convenience of a personal heater and helping you keep your home comfortable during late fall and snowy winters.
What is an Energy-Efficient Space Heater?
Energy-Efficient Space heaters are small space heaters, which require a smaller amount of electrical power to operate, and are usually placed in small to medium room spaces. Typical energy-efficient space heaters produce between 500-1500 watts.
An energy-efficient space heater of 900 watts, if run for 60 minutes per day – 7 days a week, would cost approximately $5.00/month to operate (based on $0.18 kWh/Hr.).
Most Energy-Efficient Space Heaters For 2023
Editor’s Choice: Vornado MVH – Vortex Heater
Many consumers ask, “Which space heater warms up a living area the fastest?” That answer is easy; it is the Vornado MVH Space Heater. A small and powerful heater with 3-heat settings will push heat faster – by way of a (vortex) forced air fan and circulation design.
This space heater incorporates a “cool-to-the-touch” outside compartment to guard against burns and provide safety to children.
The Vortex space heater is also an excellent option for offices, homes, bedrooms, and dorms, as well as RVs, as it is powerful to distribute heated air to an entire room, not just to those within proximity.
Key features of the Vortex Heater include:
3- Heat Settings -with 750, 1125, and 1500-watt power options.
Tipover safety”shut off” switch. Cool to touch Exterior
Adjustable thermostat – With seven settings
Comes fully assembled out of the box.
This product is Made in the USA (Andover, KS) includes a 5-year Warranty, and features a convenient carry handle that will also shut off automatically with excessive heat.
In our review of the Vortex space heater, we found it to be of great value, based on its robust heat distribution design, multiple features, and longevity as one of the best space heaters on the market.
If you want to warm up quickly after being outdoors, the Vortex model will heat your space fast, which explains why it is consistently a best seller on Amazon.
VORTEX – SPACE HEATER
Runner Up: Lasko 5409 Ceramic Portable Space Heater
Coming in at number one in our list of most efficient electric heaters is the Lasko 5409 Ceramic Portable Space Heater. A small but powerful heater that will do well in almost any small to medium room size.
Of the space heaters described by Bob Villa, the small fan or convection heaters, like this Lasko heater, are the most affordable and efficient types to buy.
The Lasko 5409 small space heater offers the ideal combination of features, affordability, size, functional heating capacity, and overall durability.
At Best Home Gear, we rate the Lasko 5409 as the best space heater for home, office, dorm rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, or RV, as well as the best space heater for a low budget.
Key features of the Lasko Heater include:
1,500-watt power.
300 square foot heating capacity – Overheat “shut off” switch.
Three settings- fan-only, Low, and High Heat – with an Adjustable thermostat.
Comes fully assembled out of the box.
Our Reviews for the Lasko 5409 Space Heater found it very beneficial for heating even in lower-temperature environments. Several buyers mention that they move this heater throughout their homes with them during the day, which is made possible by its small size and very convenient carry handle.
In addition to home use, we recommend this heater as an excellent option for individual office spaces that are a little too chilly.
The Lasko heater fan tends to hum a bit while it runs. In most instances, however, the noise level from this unit won’t be enough to bother or distract you, and the noise is a nice “white background noise.”
LASKO – SPACE HEATER
Premium Pick: Dr. Infrared – Quartz Heater
Next up in our review of the Most efficient space heaters is the Top-Rated Quartz space heater from Dr. Infrared.
If you’re unfamiliar, Infrared heaters are an excellent way to get spaces heated quietly and quickly, making them extremely popular among those looking to heat larger areas.
The Dr. Infrared Heater – Quartz heater with a 1500-watt heating capacity, Remote-controlled convenience, and abundant features – makes it a truly outstanding value. This unit is also the best energy-efficient heater for heating a large room.
Key features of the Dr. Infrared 968 Space Heater:
1,500-watt maximum power
Heats up to 1,000 square feet efficiently
Infrared quartz elements
Low-noise fan to circulate air
Attractive wood exterior, Includes Tip-Over and Overheating Shut-off, Built-in Timer, and Remote Control.
The Dr. Infrared heater – Model DR-968 is the most popular – among people who have larger spaces, they need to warm up fast. Buyers find this model offers plenty of heating capacity without sacrificing energy efficiency or quality – even for spaces up to 1,000 square feet.
Everyone knows how excellent radiant heat from a fire pit or powerful space heater can be to gather around. This is one of those indoor infrared heaters that will provide that radiant heat indoors better than most.
If there is a downside to space heaters, their dry heat can dry out building materials or affect air quality.
Check out the Dr. Infrared Heater Video below:
DR. INFRARED – SPACE HEATER
DeLonghi – Best “Panel Heater” – HCX9115E “Wall or Floor Mount”
Newer to the portable Space Heater world – Delonghi manufacturing is the increasingly popular panel space heater. A leader in portable heaters and air conditioners, DeLonghi introduced this revolutionary “space-saving” design – to solve issues other space heaters cannot.
Those features include silent heat radiating from the thermic panel and a sleek panel design that can be mounted on provided casters or wall-mounted entirely off the floor. In addition, the space heater offers a Thermostat with 2- heat settings.
Thermal overload switch to shut off if overheating occurs, and a tip-over shut-off switch.
Key features of this DeLonghi Heater include:
750 or 1,500-watt power heat settings
300 square foot heating capacity – Overheat “shut off” switch.
Adjustable thermostat. Can be wall (OR) floor mounted
Convection technology for Silent Heat – Convenient carry handle built-in.
DeLonghi is an innovator – and this space heater is no exception. Check out the DeLonghi Panel Space Heater Video:
DELONGHI – Wall or Floor Mount Slim Panel – SPACE HEATER
Best Value Space Heater – Amazon Basics – Mini Ceramic 1500 Watt
The Amazon Basics – Ceramic Electric Heater for Home and Office is our Best Value energy-efficient space heater. Like the Lasko 5409, this heater from Amazon Basics is compact, energy-efficient, and very convenient.
Key features of the Amazon basics Heater include:
- 1500 Watt Space Heater
- Ceramic Coils
- Adjustable Thermostat
- Available in Blue, Black, Pink, and White
- Tip-over and overheat protection safety features
- Ceramic heating elements
Reviews of this space heater from Amazon Basics Space Heater are universally positive, with many buyers commenting on its high quality and great value. Many users buy this heater in bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, or desk heaters.
Still, others have noted that it is powerful enough to heat a small apartment-sized room efficiently. Many reviews of the Amazon Basics Electric Heater for Home and Office frequently cite its small size as a convenient feature.
While complaints about this heater seem few and far between, some users have noted that the heater, without a fan, does not warm up or circulate heat as quickly as more expensive electric space heaters.
AMAZON BASICS – SPACE HEATER
Best Tower Heater: Lasko 755320 Ceramic Tower Space Heater
If you’re looking for an excellent tower heater, the Lasko 755320 Ceramic Tower Heater is a perfect option. Standing just under 23 inches tall, the Lasko 755320 is a taller tower heater that puts out the right amount of heat and doesn’t take up much floor space.
Key features of this Lasko Heater include:
1,500-watt maximum power
Ceramic heating element with overheating shut-off switch
High and low thermostat settings
Automatic Timer
Blower included
Remote control
Comes fully assembled
It does not have a Tip-Over shut-off switch
Users of the Lasko 755320 find it does a great job in spaces of up to 350 square feet. While it isn’t made to be an independent heat source, some users even keep this heater in their garages to maintain more comfortable temperatures during winter.
Another major plus of this heater is the speed with which it can heat space. Thanks to its blower feature, it can rapidly distribute heat, allowing users to wait for less for their rooms to come up to temperature.
With its height, cool-to-the-touch exterior, and automatic timer, we also rate the Lasko tower heater as the best space for a nursery and kids’ bedrooms.
One note – The Lasko tower space heater only offers its oscillation feature when the heat temperature is high. While this isn’t a huge problem, some users may prefer an oscillating tower heater that will work on any heat setting.
LASKO – SPACE HEATER
Best Oscillating Space Heater: Lasko Heater 16″ High
Yet another energy-efficient space heater from Lasko is the Space-Saving 16″ High Oscillating Heater. This stylish and attractive space heater is perfect for small spaces and fits nicely into almost any home decor scheme. Key features of this product include:
Ceramic heating elements – Only 16″ High – Oscillating Tower
Overheating protection – 1500 Watts/2-Speeds
The Exterior remains cool to the touch
Adjustable thermostat
Built-in timer No tip-over shut-off switch
Reviews of this designer space heater tend to be highly positive, with many users commenting on its overall quality, high energy efficiency, good looks, and value.
Our reviews of this Lasko model show how versatile it is, and we value it for everything from heating relatively large rooms to keeping RVs warm during the cold months.
One of the few issues with the Lasko Oscillating heater is that its thermostat control is adjustable only in intervals of five degrees, making it somewhat tricky to exert precision control over the temperature in a room.
When adjusted, the controls also make a beeping sound and do not feature a volume control function. While this can be slightly obnoxious, it’s a reasonably minimal problem compared to the advantages of this heater.
Best Radiant Heater – Pelonis “Oil Filled” 1500 Watt Heater
Pelonis has created one of the most popular heaters on the market with its 1500 Watt Oil-filled Portable Radiator Space Heater. It offers everything you could want to heat a home, bedroom, or office. With no fan (radiant heat), it is also the quietest space heater we rated and recommend.
Key features of the Pelonis Space Heater include:
- Three heating options (900w, 1500w, mode) and five temperature settings (65F, 70F, 75F, 80F, 85F)
- User-friendly features include the LCD screen, programmable thermostat, remote control, and 10-hour timer.
- 4- swivel Caster Wheels capable of 360°rotation provide easy portability to move Pelonis radiator space heater from room to room.
- A power indicator light lets you know the unit is ON, built-in safety, over-heat protection, and a tip-over safety switch to shut the heater off if accidentally knocked over.
- No Fan. No annoying heater sounds to disturb you from sleep, work, meditation, chat, or anything that requires quiet.
- The 1-Year manufacturer warranty
The Pelonis Oil-Filled Radiant Heater is one of the most popular space heaters on Amazon. The Pelonis heaters do not include a fan, which can dry out your skin, and home.
Instead, the Pelonis radiates heat via its highly efficient oil-filled radiator design fins. is very popular among those with larger spaces that need to warm up.
In addition, if you’re a light sleeper looking for a bedroom heater energy-efficient in design with an adjustable thermostat – the Pelonis radiator heater is the one to use for a complete piece of mine.
Pelonis has created the ultra-portable space heater, a classic design offering multiple heat settings, safety features, and affordability. If your space and design aesthetics accommodate this Pelonis heater, this space heater will make a great addition to your home or office.
PELONIS – OIL-FILLED RADIATOR HEATER
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Best Small Space Heater – Grelife 1500 Watt
If you’re looking for a small but mighty space heater with an adjustable thermostat, this small but efficient space heater from Grelife is one of our top choices.
While compact and light enough to be carried easily, this heater is also powerful enough to add a reasonable amount of extra heat to a small space such as a bedroom, living room, or office.
Key features of the Grelife Space Heater include:
Up to 1,500-watt power – With 3-heat Modes
10″ High x 9.5″ wide x 5″ deep -and Low noise operation
Adjustable thermostat – and Up to 12 Hour Auto Shut-off
Overheat protection safety feature – and Wide Angle Heat Distribution
Tip-over safety feature – and Dual ceramic Heat Elements
The Grelife Space Heater offers a surprising amount of heating capacity, given its small size. Our in-house review of the Grelife heater found it very suitable for use while sleeping or working in the office.
Portability and Value are also big advantages of this efficient space heater, as it sells for a very reasonable price relative to its features.
The only consideration we have regarding the Grelife heater is the adequacy to heat larger spaces. It goes without saying, but small space heaters are designed to warm up smaller spaces, such as bedrooms, dens, or small offices.
That said, Grelife heaters include an industry-leading 80-degree wide-angle heat distribution, Tip-over protection, quiet operation, Overheat shut-off, and three heat modes up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Summary; If you have limited space or budget and need a small portable heater to warm up any small to medium-sized room of your home or office, the Grelife performed flawlessly and exactly as described during our use and in-house testing.
GRELIFE – SPACE HEATER
Most Efficient Compact Heater: Lasko Model 100 MyHeat
This tiny heater from Lasko ranks as our best small room heater list. The Model 100 is a highly compact heater with only 200 watts of power; it can also be set on a tabletop or desktop to provide extra heat.
While not nearly as powerful as the other space heaters on this list, the Lasko Model 100 is great for giving off just a bit of warmth. This personal heater is also small enough to take with you wherever you go, making it very convenient during winter.
Key features of the compact Lasko Space Heater include:
Small heater – 200-watt -682 BTU power maximum
Ceramic heating element
Fan for faster heat distribution
Cool-touch exterior and overheat protection
6-inches tall and 4″ x 4″ overall width (it’s tiny)
The Lasko has an overheat shut-off switch but no thermostat, timer, or tip-over safety features.
Most users find this heater perfect for warming them up at their desks or in small spaces without drawing too much power. Despite its fan feature, the Lasko Model 100 is relatively quiet, delivering a small amount of “white noise” and will not distract you while you’re working.
Some might complain about this heater, expecting more heating capacity than it can offer. Of course, the simple answer to that dilemma is: Buy a bigger space heater 🙂
LASKO – SPACE HEATER
Andily Electric Heater for Home and Office
Coming in at a close second in our energy-efficient space heater list is the Andily Electric Heater for Home and Office. Like the Lasko 5409, this heater from Andily is compact, energy-efficient, and very convenient.
Key features of the Andily Space Heater include:
1,500-watt maximum power
3 settings, including fan-only mode
Tip-over and overheat protection safety features
Ceramic heating elements and Thermostat
Comes fully assembled
Reviews of this space heater from Andily are universally positive, with many buyers commenting on its high quality and value.
Many users buy this heater specifically for use in bedrooms or offices, but others have noted that it is powerful enough to heat an entire apartment or small home in just over a few hours.
As with the Lasko 5409, reviews of the Andily Electric Heater for Home and Office frequently cite its small size as a convenient feature.
We did notice that the heater can make either hum or rattle slightly, producing a bit of background noise while it’s running.
ANDILLY – SPACE HEATER
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Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ
What “Size” space heater do I need?
As a general rule of thumb, it is advised to have 10 watts of power for every square foot of space you’re trying to heat with a space heater.
For example, a 1500-watt space heater can provide a “primary heat” source for a room up to 150 square feet (10′ x 15′ room); summary: 150-square-foot room x 10 watts = 1500-watt heating requirement.
What is the Difference Between Ceramic and Infrared Heaters?
- Infrared heaters can produce more heat than typical ceramic element space heaters by using a Quartz Tube or “short wave” radiant infrared heat. Infrared heaters provide a better living and breathing environment than ceramic heaters because they radiate heat to warm objects around them.
- Ceramic heaters are generally less expensive than infrared heaters and typically use forced air to heat the space. Forced air heat can dry out your skin and other room objects more quickly.
- Quartz “radiant’ Infrared heaters are known for their very quiet to nearly silent heating. This is because many Infrared heaters don’t require a fan, which is generally the source of noise in space heaters. Infrared space heaters are an excellent choice for the bedroom or an office.
- Infrared heaters have no moving parts and require less maintenance than infrared heating units. No cleaning or maintenance is needed, with no motor parts, fans, or filters.
Do Space Heaters “Save money”?
The short answer is “Yes” – space heaters save money for stand-alone rooms or smaller spaces. And, If you’re heating one or two small rooms, a thermostat-controlled space heater will be even more cost-effective.
Note: If you’re attempting to heat an entire house or apartment, gas energy furnaces are far more efficient than multiple space heaters, as shown here at Wikipedia.org Electric space heaters.
Energy Cost Savings Formula for Space Heaters:
Here is a handy Cost savings formula for Space heaters:
Using the space heater on a typical mid-range setting, it will employ about 900 Watts.
If you run the space heater 24 hours a day x 7 days a week for a month, it would cost approximately $120 (assuming the electrical cost is $0.18/kWh).
However, If you used the same setting for only 30 min a day, it would cost $2.50/month – (again, at $0.18 kWh/Hr.). The costs of a typical 1500-watt heater would be approximately double that of a 900-watt heater.
It is vital to mention space heaters are not indeed a “high efficiency” source of heat. This is why the appliance rating site “Energy Star” – does not rate the energy use of space heaters.
However, space heaters serve a valuable function for quick temporary heat in homes, offices, RVs, etc., and take that “chill” out of your small to medium size living space.
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“Safety Features” to Consider for Space Heaters:
- Auto shut off – In case the space heater “Overheats,” the unit shuts off automatically
- Tip Feature – If a space heater is Tipped over – this feature shuts off the space heater.
- Thermostat – Better space heaters include a thermostat to set maximum temperature and avoid overheating a space.
- Certification – Most space heaters in the U.S. carry a certificate “label” on the device itself. Look for a UL (Underwriters Laboratory), ETL, Or CSA International safety label.
- Ground fault interrupter (GFI). Do not use electric space heaters near water without plugging into a GFI.
- Extension cords – Most space heaters are sold with a six-foot max. Length power cord. This cord is specifically designed for this device to avoid overheating the cord. Never use an extension cord or power strip with a space heater.
Please Check Out the Space Heater Safety Video Below:
How To Use a Space Heater:
Our friends at the American Association of Appliance Manufacturers (AAAM) – Offer these smart “Safety Tips” for using Space Heaters:
- According to Energy.Gov – Only place portable heaters on a firm, level surface
- Establish a 3-foot perimeter “safe space” for pets or children’s safety.
- If using a space heater around pets or children, consider space heaters with cool-to-the-touch surfaces.
- Do not use space heaters near stored gasoline or combustible chemicals in a garage or basement.
- Turn the space heater off when going to bed or leave the room for longer.
- Always unplug the heater by grasping the plug, not the cord, when you uplug it.
- Make sure all smoke alarms are installed and working correctly.
Do Space Heaters Work in a Garage?
Well, Yes & No. If you intend to place an indoor space heater on your workbench to take a little “chill off your boots,” energy-efficient space heaters could help. However, If you want to change the temperature of your entire garage, you should look at the Best Garage heaters you can buy at Amazon.
Garage Heaters are designed with more powerful heating capability, perfect for unheated – outdoor spaces.
How to Select the Right Heater For Your Home
Conclusion:
Before selecting the most energy-efficient space heater for your needs, you should consider a few factors. First and foremost, you need to know how ample your space is.
Many buyers select units that aren’t sufficient in size for the areas they’re trying to heat and end up – disappointed in the products they get.
Another thing to remember is the range of safety features you want. Overheating protection is essential and comes standard on almost all heaters. If your heater will be placed in a location that receives foot traffic or if you have pets or children, it’s also worth investing in an electric space heater with tip-over protection.
Finally, be sure to consider the features you want. If your heater is primarily used in a bedroom, for instance, it is an excellent idea to get a remote-controlled model or one with a built-in thermostat – that can adjust without getting you out of bed.
Carefully considering the features that will be most useful to you is the best way to ensure you get a product you’re happy with.
By keeping these things in mind, you can pick out an energy-efficient heater that will meet your needs and perform as you need it to. Whatever your needs, there’s a good chance that one of the models on this list of the top 8 most energy-efficient space heaters will keep you toasty warm.
While we recommend the Lasko 5409 Space Heater as the Best space heater for the most significant number of users, you may find that one of the other models, like our Best Value space heater from JoyDay, is a better fit for your budget or needs.
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References & Additional Resources
- Which room is the Best spot To Place Space Heater in? Lasko.Com
- The Most Efficient Electric Heater for Garage – Besthomegear.com
- Clean Up The Yard with the best Leaf Vacuum Blower you can buy – Besthomegear.com
- Space Heater Safety Tips – ESFI.Org
- What are the Best “Infrared – Quartz Heaters For Home? – Besthomegear.com
- How To Keep Cold Air Coming Through Windows– TheGlassDoctor.Com
