Buying guide
Space Heater Buying Guide (2026)
How to choose a space heater: oil vs ceramic vs infrared, room sizing, safety features, and running costs.
Heater types explained
Oil-filled radiators heat slowly and silently, then radiate warmth long after cycling off. Best for bedrooms. Ceramic fan heaters warm rooms fast and are light to move. Best for living areas. Infrared heaters warm people and objects directly rather than the air, good for drafty spots. Micathermic heaters combine convection and radiant heat in a slim panel. Match the type to the room, not just the price.
Sizing your heater
Most portable heaters top out at 1500 watts, which realistically covers about 150 square feet. For larger rooms, check the manufacturer's coverage rating and be skeptical of big claims. Two smaller heaters placed apart often beat one large unit in an awkward layout.
Safety checklist
Non-negotiable features: tip-over shut-off, overheat protection, and a sturdy base. Cool-touch exteriors are worth seeking in homes with kids or pets. Always plug directly into a wall outlet, never a power strip, and keep three feet of clearance from bedding, curtains, and furniture.
Running costs
A 1500-watt heater draws 1.5 kWh per hour at full power. Thermostats and timers are the real money-savers, cutting runtime once the room is warm. Heating one occupied room with a space heater while lowering central heat is usually cheaper than heating the whole house.
Questions, answered
Can a space heater be left unattended?
Modern heaters with tip-over and overheat protection are designed for it, but always maintain clearance from flammables and prefer models with thermostats and timers.
Why does my heater keep tripping the breaker?
A 1500-watt heater draws most of a standard 15-amp circuit. Run it on a dedicated outlet and avoid sharing the circuit with other heavy appliances.
Do heaters dry out the air?
Fan-forced heaters can make air feel drier. Oil radiators are gentler. In very dry winters, pair any heater with a humidifier.
What is the safest type of space heater?
Oil-filled radiators and cool-touch ceramic models with tip-over and overheat protection are among the safest. No portable heater is safe pressed against bedding or curtains.