We’ve all heard the horror stories and the warnings about house fires when space heaters are mentioned. So why do so many people still rely on them for warmth in the winter months? Let’s face it, a space heater is simply one of the best ways to keep us warm and comfortable. Central heating can be a massive source of wasted energy by heating an entire house whether you are in a certain room or not. A space heater uses far less energy and only heats parts of the house that are occupied.

There are many different kinds of space heaters, but the safety measures taken are all going to be the same. Staying on top of space heater safety is very important and can prevent a major loss of property or injury to family members. Follow these guidelines for proper space heater use:

• Make sure the space heater is on a level surface that is solid and nonflammable
• Look for safety approval seal (usually the “UL” label) and follow the owners manual when operating the space heater
• Keep everything 3 feet away from the space heater at all times. Especially any furniture, bedding, or drapes
• Plug the space heater directly into a wall outlet or use a heavy gauge extension cord if necessary
• Look for a unit that automatically shuts off when tipped over
• Make sure children and pets stay away from the space heater while it is operating. Sometimes surfaces can get very hot
• Turn the space heater off when you leave the room and unplug it when you leave the house. Do not leave the heater on when you go to sleep
• As always, make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and close to every bedroom

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do… See more about Brian

By Brian Jones

As temperatures drop we are in constant search of ways to keep ourselves warm. Central heating is a great option, but it can be expensive and in some cases inefficient. Bundling up is always a way to go, but not particularly when we are seeking comfort in the winter months. Space heaters are an answer for many people who wish for comfort and efficiency in their heating option. We reviewed 10 of the best space heaters out there and rated them according to the following criteria:

1. Heating power
2. Electricity consumption
3. Adjustable thermostat
4. Safety features like auto shut-off and tip over shut-off
5. Dimensions and space usage
6. Portability
7. Included manufacturer warranty

Remote control Overheat shutoff Very quiet operation 2-year limited warranty 9-4/5” H x 11-2/5” W x 11-1/2”

This small space heater from Vornado is powerful and feature laden. Heating an entire room becomes a worry of the past since it is designed for a 16×16 room with an 8 foot ceiling. The TVH500 comes with a remote, shutoff features, a handle for easy portability, and three different fan speeds.

Prices

Oscillating ceramic heater Multi-function remote 3 year warranty 900-1500 watts 23″ H x 7.25″ W x 8.5″ D

The Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater comes with a remote control for added usefulness. The unit is very quiet during operation and also has an 8-hour timer so you can leave it alone and know it will turn off.

Prices

Radiator heater Never needs refilling Automatic on/off feature 1-year limited warranty 1500 watts 9.1” W x 25.6” H x 14.2” D

Oil-filled radiators are great at heating any room in the house. This model has a built-in thermostat to keep the room at a comfortable temperature while keeping energy consumption low.

Prices

Radiant propane heater Multiple safety shutoff triggers 1-year limited warranty 4000-9000 BTU 9” H x 14-1/5” W x 14-2/5”

One of the biggest draws to this rugged heater is safety. It is approved for indoor and outdoor use. Said to heat up to a 200 square-foot space, the Mr.Heater will probably be your best friend in cold weather.

Prices

Oscillating ceramic heater Washable filter Range of safety cutoffs 1-year warranty 600-1200 watts 6” H x 4-1/2” W x 13-3/4”

You can get this ceramic heater for a great deal. It has an oscillating mode for even room heating, two settings, and a fan-only mode. Safety features like overheat protection, thermal cut-off, and tip-over protection add peace of mind.

Prices

Cearamic Heater 3-year warranty 900-1500 watts 7.4” W x 6.6” H x 10” D

A low priced heater perfect for heating small rooms on chilly days. This ceramic heater has 3-settings, a self-regulating ceramic element, is very quiet, and utilizes an automatic overheat protection feature for safety.

Prices

Cord free Thermostat controlled 1000-1500 watts 8″ H x 9 1/2″ W x 4 1/2″

This unique heater is wall-mounted to an electric outlet which frees up space in your room and eliminates having another cord to trip over. Designed for small to midsize rooms, this Seabreeze heater is a great alternative to central heating in terms of cost and performance. The unit features an outlet so an entire outlet is not devoted to the heater.

Prices

Parabolic dish radiant heater 2 heat settings: 800–1200 watts Overheat and tip over shutoff Cool touch housing 3-year limited warranty 21” H x 10” D x 17” W

Although it lacks a thermostat, the Optimus H-4439 is ideal for small to mid-size rooms. This heater gives off a radiant heat, runs quietly, and oscillates. It consumes very low amounts of energy while on the low setting and has numerous automatic shut-off triggers to give you peace of mind.

Prices

Featured Space Heater Articles

Space Heater Safety Tips

We’ve all heard the horror stories and the warnings about house fires when space heaters are mentioned. So why do so many people still rely on them for warmth in the winter months? Let’s face it, a space heater is simply one of the best ways to keep us warm and comfortable. Central heating can be a massive source of wasted energy… [more]