Best Space Heater

The best space heaters are fantastic for warming up a room quickly and keeping away the chill. They come in either electric or propane options, with propane heaters usually better for larger rooms. Here are several of the best space heaters available on the market. 

This Pelonis space heater is set on wheels that rotate, so it’s easy to move it from room to room.  The power indicator light lets you know the unit is one while the built-in safety features mean you can heat your space without worrying about the radiator overheating. A clever additional feature is its tip-over safety switch that shuts off the heater if it is accidentally knocked over. The thermostat isn't the most accurate, meaning a room can actually heat up too much. Also, the beeping sounds from the control panel are loud enough to wake a person in the next room.

The Lasko space heater has an overheat sensor to prevent it from getting too hot while the fan puts out about 62 decibels of noise, which is normal for this type of product. Its case is made of plastic, which makes the unit light and easy to use. And because it is an electric heater, you don't have to worry about purchasing or filling it with oil or propane. Although this space heater had many useful features, it is missing a few things that would make it better. In particular it lacks a fan-only mode, which means you can't use it during warmer days to cool of. Also, the Lasko 6462 doesn't have a tip-over sensor to turn the unit off if it's knocked over.

The Mr. Heater is a slick, compact model with a smart, retro look so it won’t stick out like a sore thumb. This space heater is approved for both indoor and outdoor use, so it’s a good choice for camping. It is handy to use in an RV as it's not in the least bit noisy. It's clean-burning and nearly 100-percent efficient, runs for three hours at the maximum output or six hours on its lowest setting. This heater does require propane and has an exposed flame that you can see when the Mr. Heater is on. Because of this, it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations of where to place this heater while in use.

The heater itself stays cool to the touch, so it’s a good choice if you have children or pets around. Its onboard self-diagnostics check will alert you if maintenance or servicing is needed. The thermostat of the Rinnai heater is very responsive, so your room stays as your desired temperature level without your intervention. It comes with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) that means it automatically shuts off if inadequate oxygen levels are detected. This space heater does come with a high price tag. Also, emissions from the propane as it burns can bring in a lot of moisture, which in turn can cause mildew. And there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if the space it not vented properly. This heater is recommended for larger area and not for bedrooms or small apartments.

This space heater has a summer ventilation mode - a fan - and an adjustable thermostat. There are two power settings while means you're able to optimize energy consumption depending on the size of the room being heated. It's equipped with a 24-hour digital timer and multiple heat settings including Eco Plus to save energy. It has an automatic shut-off safety feature should it ever tip over, as well as a thermal shut-off to prevent overheating. As with most ceramic space heaters, the Delonghi Capsule is a little loud while running. It shouldn't interrupt conversations or drown out the television, but it definitely lets you know it's there.

How to choose the best space heater

Not sure where to start when it comes to choosing a new space heater? Here's what you need to know...

The different types of space heater
Energy Source Space heaters come in two main types: electric and propane. Electric models are the best choice for indoor heating and don't require you to buy any fuel canisters. In contrast, propane space heaters are better suited for outdoor environments and are much more portable. Be aware that you shouldn't use propane space heaters indoors without adequate ventilation to prevent the dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide.

Heating power & energy consumption
A space heater’s energy source, heating power, and energy consumption indicate whether it’s powerful enough to warm a given space effectively. Electric models list power in watts, while propane heaters use British thermal units or Btu. In general, you need 10 watts or 34 Btu per square foot in a room. This means a space heater rated for 1,500 watts or 5,100 Btu can effectively heat a room around 150 square feet.

If necessary, you can convert watts to Btu to get a better idea of how much space a heater can heat. Multiply the watts by 3.41 to get a Btu rating. For example, a 1,500-watt space heater can produce around 5,100 Btu. However, remember that heating power and energy consumption are linked, so larger, more powerful heaters cost more to run than smaller ones.

Safety
Space heaters pose a higher risk for fire than a home furnace. Although these heaters are designed to sit on flat surfaces, their lightweight designs make them prone to falling over, which can put them in contact with flammable materials. For this reason, choose a space heater with a tip-over sensor that shuts the device off if it's knocked over. The best space heaters also have other important safety features such as an overheat shutdown, which turns the unit off when it gets too hot, and a cool-touch exterior, which prevents accidental contact with the heating element.

Some propane heaters have a feature called an oxygen depletion sensor, which turns them off before the volume of breathable air in a space reaches a dangerously low level. However, this isn’t a complete replacement for good ventilation and a carbon monoxide detector.

Convenience features
Choosing a space heater with a built-in timer or thermostat makes it easier to get the perfect heat settings for your needs. If the heater comes with a fan, as most electric models do, it can usually be used without the heating element to help cool you down during warmer months.

Tips for using your space heater

Here are some tips to keep in mind when using your space heater. By following these precautions, you can stay warm and safe:

* Don’t set it and forget it: Space heaters aren't meant to be left unattended. As such, you shouldn't leave one running in an unoccupied room or use one while you sleep.

* No extension cords: Space heaters tend to draw a lot of power, so it's best to plug them directly into a wall. If you use an extension cord and it's the wrong gauge, your space heater can melt the cord's shielding and potentially cause a fire.

* Give me some space: Space heaters are not clothes dryers. It is never safe to drape clothing or other items, especially if they are wet, on a space heater. This can cause the heater to overheat, short out and burn the items you set on top.

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