The 10 Best Radiant and Convection Space Heaters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall, Convection

Pelonis Tower Space Heater

$60 At Amazon $80 At Home Depot $94 At Walmart

Our Ratings

• Heating Performance
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Safety
  5/5
• Value
  4/5

The best space heater should be effective, easy to use, and safe. This Pelonis model checks all those boxes and earns our top recommendation based on its excellent performance during testing, where it earned five-star ratings for its heating ability, design, and safety features. 

The Pelonis Ceramic Tower Space Heater is compact enough to fit in most spaces but isn’t short on heating power, thanks to a 1,500-watt ceramic heating element. After a short warm-up period, the heater produced noticeable, consistent heat. When set on low, our body's temperature rose by almost two degrees and an additional 5.8 degrees on high. There are low, high, and Eco heat settings plus a timer and oscillation feature; options are selected with clearly marked touch controls on the top of the tower heater, but we found that the user manual isn’t as clear as it could be on each setting. Even still, we had no trouble testing the heater’s multiple modes and functions. We were also pleased to find that the heater includes a remote control, which can be used to adjust the settings from across the room.

After observing the space heater during use, we were relieved to find that it doesn’t become overly warm, which is an important safety consideration when using a space heater around children or pets. In addition, this model has a safety shut-off mechanism in the event that the unit overheats or tips over. While there is no fan-only mode, the heater does its single job very well, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it as an affordable, user-friendly source of supplemental heat. 

How It Performed Long-Term

We tested the heater for six months in a carpeted office and found it highly effective at warming up the room. The oscillating feature was our favorite thing as it dispersed the warm air evenly throughout the room, resulting in a comfortable environment for extended periods. However, we did encounter a minor issue during the second month of testing when the remote control stopped working. Despite this, we were still able to operate the heater using the control panel on its body without any issues. Overall, we were very impressed with the heater's performance and would highly recommend it for use in any small room. We do want to note that we do not recommend it to heat up larger rooms.

_{Dimensions: 22.95 x 7.2 x 7.2 inches | Heating Element: Ceramic | Wattage: 1500W | Weight: 5.2 pounds | Safety Features: Overheat protection, tip-over shutoff}

Best Overall, Radiant

DeLonghi Oil-Filled Space Heater

$139 At Home Depot

We recommend this oil-filled space heater from DeLonghi as the best choice for long-lasting radiant heat. It’s quiet, effective, and economical. Plus, it has a wheeled base that makes it easier to reposition the heater or move it to another room and includes important safety features like overheat protection, tip-over shut-off, and a child lock. 

This popular space heater warms oil inside of a sealed reservoir. Don’t worry—it never requires refilling. As the oil heats up, the heater radiates the warmth into the surrounding space. Even after you turn the heater off, it continues to release heat. Adding to its efficiency is an Eco mode, which toggles between the unit’s three heat settings (low, medium, and high) to maintain your preferred temperature. 

The DeLonghi TRD50615E includes other user-friendly features, like a 24-hour timer and a digital display. Admittedly, the display and its icons can be hard to interpret at first, but the user manual provides helpful guidance. 

_{Dimensions: 26.1 x 10.3 x 16.4 inches | Heating Element: Oil-Filled | Wattage: 1500W | Weight: 26.6 pounds | Safety Features: Tip-over shutoff, child lock, overheat protection}

Best Budget

Better Homes & Gardens Freestanding Electric Fireplace

$45 At Walmart

Our Ratings

• Heating Performance
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Safety
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

The Better Homes & Gardens Freestanding Ceramic 1500W Portable Electric Fireplace is a space heater with simple, useful features at an affordable price (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by The Spruce's parent company, Dotdash Meredith). We tested this heater at the lab, and within 15 minutes, the room felt warm. This heater is small, lightweight, and has a 3D flame effect that will be the focal point of any space. The heater may be used with both the heat component and the flames or just the flames, so you can enjoy the inviting atmosphere that the flames provide all year round. For added customization, the flames can be adjusted to your desire with five distinct brightness and dimming settings. The ability to change the temperature independently of the light levels was a great feature that allowed us to customize the room's mood. 

Among the heater's notable features was its quiet operation. At its highest setting, the heater produced a noise level of just 48.5 dB, which is about the same as a refrigerator. The heater comes with two heat settings: low and high. You may also adjust the temperature of these settings, which range from 55 to 90 degrees, using the thermostat dial that is included with it. You can also operate the heater with the included remote. However, we found that the buttons on the unit were more responsive. Despite this, we enjoyed the convenience of modifying the heater from afar.

This heater, unlike our best overall, does not oscillate, therefore, the heat does not disperse as evenly. But this has no bearing on the heater's efficiency as a whole. In fact, after only a few minutes of using the heater, we started sweating. Despite testing the heater on high and the thermostat's highest setting, the unit maintained a relatively cool temperature. It should be noted that the grill was the only part that heated up a little. It does have overheat and tip-over prevention built in, so if it gets too hot or tips over, it will shut off on its own. With these safety features, you can rest assured that using the heater will not put you in harm's way.

_{Dimensions: 11.9 x 6.9 x 14.7 inches | Heating Element: Ceramic | Wattage: 1500W | Weight: Not listed | Safety Features: Tip-over shutoff, overheat protection}

Best Compact

Dreo Atom One Space Heater

$50 At Amazon $33 At Walmart View On Dreo.com

Our Ratings

• Heating Performance
  4.5/5
• Design
  4.8/5
• Safety
  4.5/5
• Value
  5/5

The compact Dreo Atom One Space Heater is worth considering if you need a budget-friendly space heater, especially for small spaces like a bedroom or office. At 10 inches tall, this heater is small enough for tabletop use but can also sit on the floor in your chosen location. We tested the heater and noticed a difference in the room's temperature within minutes. After fifteen minutes of operation, we measured a 2.87 percent rise in temperature at a distance of four feet from the heater, and after thirty minutes, we measured a 7.34 percent increase at the same distance. The ceramic heating element inside has 1,500 watts of power, heats quickly, and operates at high, medium, low, and Eco settings. 

Some of the highlights of this budget space heater include its oscillation function, which helps to make the most of the heater’s small size, and a fan-only mode that makes this heater functional in all types of weather. It’s worth noting that it has a brushless motor and nine-blade design for quiet, smooth operation while the heater is running. We recorded 51.5 decibels when operating the heater was on high and 48 on low. A remote control adds convenience; we tested it from 4 feet and 8 feet away, and it functioned with no issues.

The biggest downside to the Dreo Atom One Space Heater is its somewhat small coverage area. It’s most effective in spaces of 200 square feet or less, so it’s best suited for use as a personal heater. We actually had to leave the room after the test because it was too hot to stay there, so there is no doubt that it can heat a smaller area. Regardless of where you use it, safety features like a tip-over shut-off and overheating protection are important safeguards while using this space heater.

_{Dimensions: 10.31 x 6.69 x 15 inches | Heating Element: Ceramic | Wattage: 1500W | Weight: 3.8 pounds | Safety Features: Tip-over shutoff, overheat protection}

Best Fireplace

Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove

$230 At Amazon $230 At Wayfair $260 At Walmart

Our Ratings

• Heating Performance
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Safety
  4/5
• Value
  5/5

A fireplace-style space heater adds warmth and ambiance to any room. If that’s what you’re looking for, we highly recommend the Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace. Based on our testing experience, this electric space heater offers substantial heat output, quiet operation, and an attractive aesthetic with hidden digital controls.

This Duraflame fireplace heater has an infrared quartz heating element with up to 5,200 BTU and an adjustable thermostat—making it large enough to provide supplemental heat in rooms up to 1,000 square feet. Even when cranking it up high, we appreciated how quiet this space heater was. 

It’s somewhat limited on safety features, since it’s only equipped with an overheating shut-off mechanism. In addition, the front grill of the heater did become noticeably hot-to-the-touch during testing, although the top and sides of the fireplace stayed relatively cool by comparison. You can also enjoy the realistic flame display without heat, adding to its value and design appeal. This fireplace heater is available in eight different finishes that will complement your decor. 

How It Performed Long-Term

We put this heater through its paces for six months and were pleased with its performance. We enjoyed using the flame effect without generating heat, which created a cozy atmosphere on warmer evenings. Our guests frequently complimented the heater and enjoyed the welcoming vibe it created. Despite frequent use, the quality of the heater remained consistent with our initial test, and we never encountered any issues. If you're in the market for a fireplace alternative, we highly recommend trying this heater. It's a great way to achieve the same look and feel without the hassle of a traditional fireplace.

_{Dimensions: 24 x 12.9 x 23.4 inches | Heating Element: Infrared quartz | Wattage: 1500W | Weight: 28 pounds | Safety Features: Overheating protection}

Best Quiet

Dreo Solaris Slim H3 Space Heater

$75 At Amazon $75 At Walmart View On Dreo.com

Our Ratings

• Heating Performance
  4.8/5
• Design
  4.8/5
• Safety
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

The Dreo Solaris Slim H3 Space Heater is an excellent option if you value a space heater that operates at a whisper-quiet level. During our testing, we found that running the heater on high produced a noise level of 48.1 dB (the manufacturer claims the heater operates at just 40 decibels, which is as quiet as a library). Even when the heater's settings were changed, the heater only produced a little white noise that was scarcely audible. With its oblique airflow technique, the fan wheel of this heater significantly lowers wind noise, making it quieter than conventional electric heaters.

Besides how quietly it operated, we were also impressed with how well the unit heated the room in minutes. When we tested the tower heater on low, we found that the body temperature increased by about two degrees; on high, it increased by an extra 5.8 degrees. In addition to a timer and oscillation function, the heater has three heat settings (low, high, and Eco). The top of the heater has touch controls that make selecting the options a breeze. During testing, we noticed that the grill did get rather hot, even though the whole appliance remained cold to the touch—something to consider if you're using the heater near children or pets. Despite this, we were pretty impressed with the heater's safety feature. The heater's tip-over safety function activated when it tipped past 45 degrees during testing, and it entirely shut off after ten or fifteen seconds.

_{Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.9 x 15.8 inches | Heating Element: Ceramic | Wattage: 700–1500W | Weight: 4.6 pounds | Safety Features: Overheating protection}

Best for Large Rooms

Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Space Heater

$89 At Amazon $85 At Walmart $91 At Best Buy

Our Ratings

• Heating Performance
  5/5
• Design
  4.5/5
• Safety
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

During testing, the Honeywell ThermaWave 6 wowed us with its heat output, user-friendly controls, and abundant safety features. Based on its performance and ease of use, we recommend this as the best space heater for large rooms, like your living room. It won’t look too bulky or conspicuous, either—it has a streamlined, simple appearance and weighs about 10 pounds. 

A ceramic heating element with 5,118 BTU gives this space heater its gusto, and when we kicked the heater from low to high, we noticed a definite uptick in the warmth produced (there’s also a fan-only setting). It has about the same BTU as the Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove, but offers a different form factor and a lower price than that model. It’s also equipped with an adjustable louver, which helps focus the heat in a specific direction—although you can’t aim it downward, which would help with warming your feet or the floor on a cold day. A digital control panel is intuitive and easy to use, although there is no remote control to change the heater settings from across the room. 

There’s a long list of safety features for this space heater, which makes it a good choice for large rooms that often see high traffic from kids and pets passing through. It has an automatic timer shut-off (adjustable but set to 8 hours by default), overheating protection, a tip-over shut-off, and cool-touch housing. When we picked up the heater to move it during testing, it promptly shut off, and we were pleased to see that the handle on the back of the heater wasn’t hot to the touch. All in all, we think that the Honeywell ThermaWave 6 makes a great, affordable choice. 

How It Performed Long-Term

We tested the heater's effectiveness in our TV room for a couple of months by setting the heat to level three and putting on the timer for 2 hours at a time. After observation, we found that this space heater did a great job of heating up the immediate area around our seating area. However, we do wish that the fan blew the heat farther. Also, it's worth noting that the space heater is a bit more on the louder side, which can be a bit of a distraction. Depending on what we were watching, we found that we had to turn up the TV volume a bit to drown out the noise of the heater. Despite this, we were pleased to find that the quality of the heater is still holding up well.

_{Dimensions: 18.5 x 7.75 x 18.1 inches | Heating Element: Ceramic | Wattage: 1500W | Weight: 10.89 pounds | Safety Features: Automatic timer shut-off, overheat protection, tip-over shutoff, and cool-touch housing}

Best Wall Mounted

Heat Storm Phoenix Space Heater

$98 At Amazon $120 At Wayfair $108 At Home Depot

Our Ratings

• Heating Performance
  4/5
• Design
  4.5/5
• Safety
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

During testing, we were impressed by the heating function and quiet operation of the Heat Storm Phoenix. Its slim profile and multiple installation options make it our top choice for a wall-mounted space heater. With its clean, modern design, it won’t be a major eyesore, either.

The digital display panel gives easy access to the heater settings, or you can use the included remote control, although we sometimes found that we had to push the buttons multiple times to get the heater to respond. Overall, however, we were very pleased with the functionality and design of this wall-mounted space heater. We found it to be noticeably quiet during operation, but it put off substantial warmth, especially on its highest setting. 

This infrared space heater can be mounted to the wall, thanks to its thin dimensions and included hanging hardware. But if you’d rather use it as a portable space heater, it includes feet to give it a stable base. While we found the quality of the feet to be questionable, we didn’t have any issues with setting up or using this space heater during testing. It’s also worth noting that it has a tip-over shut-off and a front-facing grill that doesn’t become hot to the touch, making it a safe choice for children or pets. 

How It Performed Long-Term

After using this space heater in our bedroom, which tends to be chilly, we've noticed a significant improvement in our comfort levels, and our furry friends seem to agree. Thanks to its temperature control feature, the heater is highly efficient in warming up our room quickly and effectively. We enjoyed the convenience of having a remote control, which allows us to switch on the heater at any time without having to leave the comfort of our bed. It has become a staple in our home, making cold nights much more bearable.

_{Dimensions: 19 x 5 x 13 inches | Heating Element: Infrared quartz | Wattage: 1500W | Weight: 9 pounds | Safety Features: Tip-over shutoff, overheating protection, child lock, cool-touch housing}

Best Efficient

Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater

$136 At Amazon $141 At Wayfair $118 At Home Depot

Our Ratings

• Heating Performance
  4/5
• Design
  4/5
• Safety
  5/5
• Value
  3/5

We’ve tested the Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater in the Lab and at home, and in both scenarios, its performance has earned it our approval. We specifically like it combines infrared radiant heat and convection heating technology to efficiently warm a variety of spaces—even a large primary bedroom. It has a cabinet-like design that may not be a fit for every decor style, but it’s functional and provides an alternative to the plastic housing found on many other space heaters. 

Compared to convection heaters that aim to raise the ambient temperature of the room by circulating warm air, a radiant heater makes you feel warmer more quickly. “Radiant heaters are typically more energy-efficient, heating objects directly,” says Roberson. Since infrared heat transfers to people and objects in the path of the heater, its efficiency isn’t impacted by drafty windows or doors like it is for convection heaters. Since this Dr. Infrared model is equipped with both types of heating technology, you’ll feel the heat right away but also reap the benefits of a warmer room as the heater’s convection element releases warm air. 

Two features that also stand out about the Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater are its included remote control and wheeled cabinet design. At 25 pounds, it's heavier than most other heaters on our list, but the fact that it’s mounted on four caster wheels means you don’t have to pick it up to move it around—unless you’re taking it up or down a flight of stairs. 

_{Dimensions: 13 x 12 x 15 inches | Heating Element: Infrared quartz and ceramic | Wattage: 1500W | Weight: 23 pounds | Safety Features: Tip-over shutoff, overheating protection, automatic timer shut-off}

Best for Bedrooms

Lasko Bladeless Ceramic Heater

$93 At Amazon $100 At Home Depot $100 At Walmart

Our Ratings

• Heating Performance
  4/5
• Design
  5/5

The Lasko Bladeless Ceramic Heater impressed us out of the box with its sleek, lightweight bladeless tower design. However, its quiet operation, included remote control, and auto-dimming display impressed us even more and that’s why we recommend this model as the best space heater for bedrooms.

Many of the best space heaters have a digital display, which often includes icons for heat settings, modes of operation, or a display of the target temperature. That’s helpful when adjusting the heater but intrusive while sleeping or watching television in a dark bedroom. So we were impressed that this Lasko model has an auto-dimming mode that reduces the brightness of the display 10 seconds after the last button is pushed. As a perk, the remote control can be used to adjust the heater without the need to crawl out from a warm and comfortable bed.

There was hardly any noise while running this oscillating space heater, which is another plus if you plan to use it in a bedroom or other quiet environment. But we wish that it had a tip-over safety shut-off, and it should be noted that its heating performance is compromised in a large space. It’s designed to warm about 300 square feet, and when tested in a bedroom, it warmed up the space in about 15 minutes when set to 70 degrees. If you plan to use it in a larger room, you’ll probably want to keep it close by—that’s what we did while watching television or reading a book. Since it weighs less than 10 pounds, this heater is light enough to easily reposition as needed.

_{Dimensions: 10.8 x 27.17 x 9.16 inches | Heating Element: Ceramic | Wattage: 1500W | Weight: 9.4 pounds | Safety Features: Cool-to-the-touch housing, automatic timer shut-off}