7 Best Space Heaters of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Tested by Kamron Sanders

Space heaters are an essential appliance in many homes. Whether you need to cozy up a cold basement, fight a frigid bathroom or simply warm your hands at your desk, there are space heaters for nearly any need you can dream up. Plus, many modern space heaters come with built-in air purifiers and fan modes, because who needs another single-use appliance in storage?

Due to the countless options available, it can be difficult to choose the right space heater for your needs. Luckily, we've done all the work for you, putting space heaters through a rigorous testing process to see which are worth buying and which aren't.

How We Tested

To find the best space heaters, we put 20 different models from popular brands like Lasko, Honeywell, DREO, Amazon Basics, Dyson, Shark and more through a rigorous testing process in our home. After identifying our picks through in-depth research, here are the tests we chose to showcase the strengths and weaknesses of each space heater.

Heat Distribution Test: To assess each space heater's heat distribution, we set them up in a roughly 20-square-foot room and used each one as a supplemental heat source. While running at a medium heat setting, we used an infrared thermometer to measure heat output from one foot away, noting the temperature of each space heater. After each heater had run for several minutes, we gauged how much heat could be felt throughout the room, versus directly beside the heater.

Settings and Modes Test: As we used each heater, we tested the available settings and modes for each model. These consisted of fan modes, heat modes, air purifier modes, fan speeds, timers, eco modes, heat levels and more.

Functions Test: During testing, we consulted each user manual to grade how effectively the instructions are presented and how user-friendly each control panel is. For models with remotes, we repeated this testing process with the remotes. Some space heater controls were self-explanatory, while others required opening the manual.

Noise Level Test: Most space heaters list a noise level in their user manuals or online, which can be helpful when choosing between options. For example, you may not want a loud space heater in a room where you intend to watch TV. We noted how loud each model was during operation, and whether you could comfortably watch TV or sleep with them on.

Safety Features: Most modern space heaters include various safety features to ensure homeowners, kids and pets stay safe during operation. We noted the available safety features on individual models and, for those with tip-over protection, tipped them over during operation to determine whether they successfully turned off.

What to Consider When Buying a Space Heater

Size and Portability: While not always true, the size of a space heater often correlates with its heat output, which means you may want to choose a larger space heater if you intend to heat a larger space. However, you may also want to consider how often you'll be moving the device around the house, as the shape and weight of a space heater can significantly affect its portability.

Heat Output: There are few considerations more important when choosing a space heater than its heat output. While many larger models claim "up to 300-400 sq. ft.," we found that none of them met these expectations. Generally, we recommend choosing a heater that is overqualified for your needs, then turning it down if it gets too warm.

Features and Controls: Nowadays, many space heaters come with features such as adjustable thermostats, oscillation, remote control, fan modes, air purification and more. Look closely at the available features when shopping to ensure your space heater can do everything you wish.

Safety Features: Space heaters can produce significant heat, and most become notably hot to the touch during operation. Because of this, it's crucial that a space heater turns off if tipped over to avoid a fire hazard. Tip-over protection, overload protection and other safety features come standard on most of the models we tested.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do space heaters use a lot of electricity?

Yes, space heaters use a significant amount of energy, especially when compared to a central heating system. This is why we recommend using a space heater for occasional supplemental heating rather than whole-room or whole-home heating. Space heaters aren't intended to be a primary heat source, and using one in this way will lead to higher utility bills and insufficient heat.

Can you keep a space heater on all night?

Most manufacturers and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) agree that you shouldn't keep a space heater on overnight due to fire risk. While many models have safety features in place to mitigate this risk, it's a better idea to heat your bedroom ahead of time using the space heater, then turn it off just before you go to bed.

Is a ceramic or infrared heater better?

Both ceramic and infrared space heaters have their own advantages and disadvantages. Infrared heaters are generally more expensive upfront, but offer quieter operation, while also being considered a more energy-efficient space heater. Ceramic heaters are generally less expensive, but have a higher noise level, higher power consumption and often lead to drier air.

Where's the best place to keep a space heater?

Most manufacturers specify that the best place to keep a space heater is on a level, hard and non-flammable surface, positioned at least three feet away from any combustible materials. Additionally, the further away from high-traffic areas and pets and children, the better.

Other Space Heaters We Tested

The Dyson AM09 Hot & Cool Bladeless Fan & Heater performed well in testing, and while we liked the overall design and functionality, we found the heat production to be lacking given its premium price point.

The Amazon Basics Portable Mini Ceramic Space Heater performed very well in testing and comes in at a great price. It was similar in many ways to our choice for the "Best Mini" slot, but we found that the Gaiatop Mini Space Heater's smaller size was better for desktop use.

We were intrigued by the 360-degree heat output claims of the Honeywell 360-Degree Surround Fan Heater, but we found the actual heat output less than impressive during testing. Combined with its lack of features and remote control, we simply found other models more appealing.

Why You Should Trust Our Tester

This article was written by Kamron Sanders, a freelance home improvement writer and professional product tester with over 15 years of experience with DIYs, remodeling, construction and woodworking. For this article, Kamron put 20 popular space heater models from various brands to the test, comparing things like heat output and distribution, ease of use, included features, reliability, safety and more.

Why You Should Trust HGTV Shopping Experts

HGTV Shopping Experts believe the best method for testing products is based on how our fans are going to use them in the real world. In each of our Tested and Reviewed stories, products are not tested in sterile laboratory settings that don't mimic real life. Instead, we test products in real homes that reflect our readers' real lives, which can also include pets, kids, partners and more. We follow rigorous testing rubrics designed by our expert editors and take copious notes during the testing process. When choosing our top picks, we evaluate all of our testing data and take into consideration many factors, including ease of use, price, product availability and practicality. Our goal is to choose the best products for our readers.