Dreo Solaris Slim H3 Space Heater
Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.89 x 15.79 inches | Weight: 5.85 pounds | Heat settings: 5 | Heating output: 1500 watts
What you’ll love:
- Built-in “tip-over” safety feature
- Reaches 75 degrees Fahrenheit in just 2 seconds
- Quiet operation
Keep in mind:
- Remote control can be tricky to use
The Dreo Solaris Slim H3 Space Heater is a highly rated option that strikes the perfect balance between user-friendly features and price—and it’s all packaged in a beautiful design. This lightweight heater weighs under 6 pounds, but can warm up a space of up to 200 square feet in just two seconds (yes, really), primarily thanks to its powerful built-in fan and 70-degree wide-angle oscillation. It offers five heat settings that can be easily adjusted using the LED touchscreen or the included remote control for added convenience, and the ceramic exterior stays cool to the touch, even at the highest speed. That’s a huge plus if you’ve got pets or young children around (as is the built-in tip-over protection, which provides an extra layer of safety).
Best Value Space Heater For Large Rooms
A Programmable Tower Heater With Plenty Of Safety Features
Pelonis Ceramic Tower Space Heater
Dimensions: 7.7 x 7.7 x 22.9 inches | Weight: 5.6 pounds | Heat settings: 3 | Heating output: 1,500 watts
Pros:
- Programmable heating options
- Built-in carry handle for portability
- Overheating and tip-over protection
Cons:
- May not provide adequate heating for extra-large rooms
Large space heaters can get expensive, but the Pelonis PTH15A4BGB Ceramic Space Heater offers an affordable solution for under $80. It’s designed for rooms up to 250 square feet, and it features three heat settings, with the high setting delivering an impressive 1,500 watts of power (note that this may not be enough for particularly huge spaces like great rooms, but it’s just right for most big areas). Its ceramic design allows the unit to heat up quickly—according to the brand, it can reach 70 degrees in just three seconds, providing fast and efficient warmth. The heater also includes 70-degree oscillation to distribute heat evenly across larger areas and comes with a convenient remote control, making it easy to adjust the settings from anywhere in the room.
Best Upgrade Space Heater For Large Rooms
A Versatile Unit Designed For Year-Round Use
Shark Air Purifier 3-In-1
Dimensions: 12.59 x 12.59 x 29.52 inches | Weight: 17.63 pounds | Heat settings: 1 | Heating output: 1,500 watts
Pros:
- Three-in-one functionality (space heater, air purifier and fan all at once)
- Automatically adjusts settings to maintain the desired temperature
- Equipped with a HEPA filter to capture pet hair and allergens
Cons:
- Filters require regular replacement
If you’re open to investing a bit more in a space heater, the Shark Air Purifier 3-In-1 combines the functionality of a space heater, air purifier and tower fan in one versatile unit. It’s powerful enough to handle spaces up to 1,000 square feet and features a HEPA filter capable of removing the majority of allergens, pet hair and dander from the air while in operation. (However, note that the filter will need replacing approximately every six months, a level of maintenance not typically required with standard space heaters.) In heating mode, you can set your desired temperature, and the unit will automatically adjust to maintain consistent warmth. Simultaneously, it purifies the air as it heats your space. For added safety, it includes tip-over and overheating protection, and an included remote control allows for easy adjustment of settings from across the room.
Best Energy-Efficient Space Heater For Large Rooms
An Infrared Heater That Helps Keep Your Electric Bill In Check
Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater
Dimensions: 13 x 12.5 x 17 inches | Weight: 19 pounds | Heat settings: 3 | Heating output: 5,200 watts
Pros:
- Dual heating system for enhanced warmth
- Mounted on caster wheels for easy portability
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Bulky design
One common drawback of using space heaters is their high energy consumption, especially if used for long periods each day. If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient option, the Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater is a solid candidate. This infrared model heats your space quickly and efficiently, without losing warmth due to air movement. The brand also claims it provides up to 60% more heat than conventional space heaters.
While its design may not be the most visually appealing, it effectively heats rooms up to 576 square feet and operates quietly. Mounted on caster wheels, it’s easy to move around, and the lifetime filter eliminates the need for frequent replacements, saving you money on maintenance.
Best Tower Space Heater For Large Rooms
A Tall, Skinny Heater That Won’t Take Up Much Space
Lasko All Season Tower Fan And Space Heater
Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.5 x 41.88 inches | Weight: 12.5 pounds | Heat settings: 4 | Heating output: 1,500 watts
Pros:
- Space-saving, sleek design
- Doubles as a tower fan for year-round use
- Fan booster mode circulates air effectively throughout the room
Cons:
- Tower design makes it more prone to tipping
If you’re looking for a super sleek tower that won’t take up much floor space in your home, the Lasko All Season Fan And Space Heater is an excellent choice. This versatile unit functions as both a heater and a fan, offering year-round operation to keep you comfortable in any season. It features three heat settings, including a fan booster mode that activates both the fan and heater that help circulate warmth throughout your space more effectively. It also features a convenient 8-hour timer and comes with a remote control for easy operation from across the room. Most importantly, the unit offers oscillation, ensuring even distribution of heat, and comes with a convenient carrying handle for easy portability.
Best Oil-Filled Space Heater For Large Rooms
An Oil-Filled Radiator That’s Easy To Wheel Around
De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Heater
Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.5 x 41.88 inches | Weight: 12.5 pounds | Heat settings: N/A | Heating output: 1,500 watts
Pros
- Larger dissipation area, ideal for open spaces
- Caster wheels for easy mobility
- Straightforward and user-friendly features
Cons:
- May take some time to heat up
While oil-filled radiators aren’t typically the best choice for large rooms, the De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Heater stands out with its thermal slot design, which helps distribute heat more effectively. According to the brand, it provides nearly 20% more heat dissipation compared to similar models. The radiator features an integrated control panel that’s straightforward and easy to use, as well as a handle for convenient transportation.
Due to its larger size, the unit is mounted on four caster wheels for added stability and effortless mobility around your home. It also includes essential safety features like tip-over and overheat protection. However, keep in mind that its exterior can become hot to the touch during operation.
Best Wall-Mounted Space Heater For Large Rooms
A Nifty Wall-Mounted Design Saves Space
Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Heater
Dimensions: 4 x 19 x 16 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Heat settings: N/A | Heating output: 1,500 watts
Pros:
- Wall-mounted design saves space
- Wi-Fi connectivity enables smart features
- Grill remains cool to the touch for added safety
Cons:
- Vent direction is fixed and cannot be adjusted
The Heat Storm Phoenix Heater is designed for wall mounting, making it a space-saving option for your room. It can even be mounted over an electrical outlet to keep the power cord neatly tucked away. The grill stays cool to the touch, ensuring added safety for homes with children or pets. This infrared heater works as a supplementary heat source for spaces up to 150 square feet of zone heating and 750 square feet as a supplemental heating source. Plus, it connects to your home’s Wi-Fi, allowing you to control its settings via your phone or a digital assistant like Amazon Alexa.
Forbes Vetted’s home and kitchen team has dedicated countless hours to researching and testing heating and cooling equipment, ensuring readers have the best options to stay warm during winter—without breaking the bank on electric bills.
- We carefully researched the different types of space heaters available today to figure out which options will work best in large rooms, identifying top-rated models from trusted brands Dreo, Shark, De’Longhi and more.
- For additional expert insights, we consulted Angi Hicks, co-founder of Angi, an online directory and app that connects consumers with local home service providers.
- Author of this story Sholeen Damarwala is the home and kitchen editor at Forbes Vetted. She’s been researching, writing and editing product and consumer shopping stories for over a decade.
How We Chose The Best Space Heaters For Large Rooms
To find the best space heaters for large rooms, we considered a wide variety of factors, including heater type, coverage area, safety features and usability.
- We prioritized models that can effectively be used in spaces of 200 square feet or more, and some of the options listed can heat rooms as large as 1,000 square feet.
- We curated a selection of space heaters in various styles, including tower, oil-filled and wall-mounted designs, so you can choose the option that best suits your home.
- We pored through consumer reviews for real-world insights and considered different budgets, needs and preferences in our selection process.
How To Choose A Space Heater For A Large Room
The following factors are helpful to consider as you shop for space heaters that can handle large spaces.
There are several types of space heaters that you’ll encounter as you shop, including ceramic, fan, infrared and oil-filled heaters. Here are a few of their key differences:
- Ceramic Heaters: These heaters work by heating up ceramic plates inside the unit, with a fan blowing the warmth into your room. They’re the most common type of heaters on the market thanks to their safety features and overall versatility. Plus, they’re compact, heat up quickly and are generally regarded as user-friendly.
- Infrared Heaters: Unlike ceramic heaters that warm the air, infrared heaters directly warm up objects in the surrounding area. They emit electromagnetic rays that heat furniture, walls and of course, people. Infrared heaters are the most energy-efficient option, but their heat is directional, meaning they only warm objects directly in front of them.
- Fan Heaters: Typically the most affordable option, fan heaters operate similarly to ceramic heaters but use a metal filament or coil to produce heat instead of ceramic plates. These heaters are lightweight and portable, making them a practical choice for small spaces.
- Oil-Filled Heaters: Also known as oil-filled radiators, these heaters contain oil-filled fins that are warmed by electric heating elements. They produce radiant heat and remain warm even after being turned off, offering energy efficiency. Oil-filled heaters are silent, as they lack a fan component, but they tend to be bulky and their surfaces can become hot to the touch.
When selecting a space heater, it’s important to consider the size of your room—choosing a unit that’s too small may leave the space inadequately heated.
When it comes to larger spaces, you’ll want to consider a large capacity tower or whole-room heater to effectively heat the entire area. These heaters are designed to use larger blower systems and oscillation features to distribute heat evenly, ensuring every corner gets adequate warmth. This approach maximizes both comfort and efficiency.
While some space heaters list their recommended coverage area in square feet, this isn’t a standard specification across all products. If coverage isn’t provided, you can estimate a heater’s capabilities by considering its size and wattage.
When selecting a space heater, prioritizing safety features is crucial—especially in households with children or pets. Look for models equipped with tip-over protection, overheat shutoff, adjustable thermostats, and auto-shutoff timers. Tip-over protection automatically powers down the unit if it’s knocked over, minimizing accidents, while overheat shutoff ensures the heater turns off if it becomes too hot, reducing fire risks. Adjustable thermostats help you maintain a comfortable temperature while avoiding energy waste, and auto-shutoff timers allow you to set a specific operating time, ensuring the heater doesn’t stay on longer than necessary.
“If you’re concerned about the safety of your children or pets, it might be a good idea to get a radiant heater,” advises Hicks. “Radiant heaters stay cool to the touch and typically shut off when tipped over, so they’re usually the safest option.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Safest Space Heater For A Large Room?
If used incorrectly, space heaters can pose safety risks and are a leading cause of house fires each year. To safeguard your home and family, it’s essential to choose a model with adequate safety features and ETL certification. Look for units with a cool-touch exterior, tip-over protection and automatic shut-off functions to minimize potential hazards. A low center of gravity can also add to the stability of a unit and reduce the risk of accidental tipping.
Even with the safest models, proper usage is crucial. Always place the heater on a level, non-flammable surface, and keep it away from walls, furniture and other objects. Never leave the heater unattended, and ensure it’s turned off when not in use. Keep the surrounding area clear, and make sure children and pets maintain a safe distance to prevent accidents.
What Size Space Heater Do I Need For A Large Room?
When choosing a space heater, it’s important to consider the size of the room. “Common areas like living rooms or open-concept kitchens typically require larger heaters than smaller spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms,” advises Angi Hicks, co-founder of Angi. “Measuring your space and selecting a heater with a similar square footage capacity ensures better results.” A general rule of thumb is to select a heater that provides 10 to 15 watts of power per square foot. However, for extra-large rooms, this can be challenging, as most residential heaters cap at around 1,500 watts. In such cases, opting for a unit with oscillation and a powerful fan can help distribute heat more effectively across the area.
For particularly large spaces, keep in mind that even high-capacity space heaters have limitations. The heat they generate may not distribute evenly, making it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature. In these instances, it’s often more effective to rely on central heating systems or use multiple space heaters strategically placed throughout the room to ensure adequate warmth.
Does A Space Heater Put Less Strain On A Home’s Main Heating System?
Space heaters can provide extra comfort on particularly cold days, but they shouldn’t be your sole source of heat. If your home’s heating system isn’t effectively warming your space, it’s worth consulting a professional for an inspection. “Space heaters are designed to be supplemental, so if you’re constantly relying on one to achieve a comfortable temperature, it may be time to diagnose and address the underlying issues with your heating system for a more permanent solution,” advises Hicks.
