Central heating can be expensive, especially if you only need to heat a single room rather than an entire house. The best portable heaters are safe, reliable, and won’t wreak havoc on your electric bill.
In this article, we review several of our favorite portable heaters. We explain setup, features, and we even measure how much power each draws to operate.
In this article:
- 5 Best Portable Heaters
- #1 Editor’s Pick: Dr. Infrared Heater Space Heater
- #2 Runner-Up: Vornado Vortex Heater
- #3 Best Gas-Powered: Mr. Heater Portable Buddy
- #4 Best For Large Rooms: De’Longhi Comfort Temp
- #5 Budget Pick: Andily Ceramic Heater
- Portable Heater Buyers Guide
- Our Review Standards
- Frequently Asked Questions
5 Best Portable Heaters
- Dr. Infrared Heater Space Heater
- Vornado Vortex Heater
- Mr. Heater Portable Buddy
- De’Longhi Comfort Temp
- Andily Ceramic Heater
#1 Editor’s Pick: Dr. Infrared Heater Space Heater
The Dr. Infrared Heater Space Heater is our top pick because it is both efficient and powerful. It features a hybrid (PTC and infrared) dual heating system that is effective and low-energy. This heater has tip-over and overheat protection and even includes a remote control for easy operation.
| Cost | About $95 |
|---|---|
| Power | 1,500.0 Watts |
| Power Source | Corded electric |
| Heating Method | Radiant and forced air |
Our Experience
This heater is a simple plug-and-play operation. There are useful eco and night modes, which help conserve power. Eco mode adjusts output temperature based on the room, and night mode reduces heating power once the unit detects that there is no light.
When turned on, the Dr. Infrared Heater takes little time to warm up, generating noticeably high heat almost immediately. While forcing out hot air, the case remains cool to the touch, which is a nice feature if you have small children or pets.
Running on eco mode, Dr. Heater drew 0.84 kWh in an hour, making it the most efficient heater that we tested.
This heater does not have a space to tuck away the cable when stored. Though this is not a major drawback, it is a convenient feature that other heaters typically have.
| Overall Rating | 4.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Heating Power | 4 out of 5 |
| Efficiency | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Portability | 5 out of 5 |
| Extra Features | 4.5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
With more than 1,500 Amazon reviews, the Dr. Heater infrared space heater has an average Amazon review score of 4.5 stars out of 5. A total of 88 percent of reviews rate this portable heater 4 or more stars.
The majority of reviewers seem to agree that this is a powerful heater given its size and cost. Many appreciate the safety features and are comfortable leaving it on while they sleep or are away at work.
At least one person complained about receiving a faulty product and said that customer service was poor to respond (though they were able to get a refund through Amazon). A few people complain the light emitted by the display is too bright and cannot be dimmed.
#2 Runner-Up: Vornado Vortex Heater
The Vornado Electric Space Heater uses forced air to quickly raise the temperature. This heating method also makes the heater box cool to the touch, even while in use. The Vornado has two heat settings and a fan mode to help regulate energy consumption. It’s also backed by an exceptionally-long five-year warranty.
| Cost | About $100 |
|---|---|
| Power | 1,500.0 Watts |
| Power Source | Corded electric |
| Heating Method | Forced air |
Our Experience
The Vornado heats up very quickly. In a matter of seconds it was noticeably warm, especially directly in front of the fan. We appreciate the safety features such as the tip-over switch and automatic shutoff.
In an hour, the Vornado used 1.12 kWh during our test. This made it slightly less efficient than Dr. Infrared Heater, but on the whole quite efficient. This fan heater is an excellent choice for heating small rooms without jacking up your energy bill.
| Overall Rating | 4 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Heating Power | 4 out of 5 |
| Efficiency | 4 out of 5 |
| Portability | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Extra Features | 3.5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
With over 4,300 ratings, the Vornado heater has an average Amazon review score of 4.3 stars. A total of 82 percent of reviews give this heater 4 or more stars.
This heater is most commonly praised for its quiet operation. It runs nearly noiselessly. The five-year warranty is appreciated, as it’s longer than most competitors.
Some users report a strong plastic smell. While this was not the case with the unit we tested, many claim to have received heaters that need to be “broken in.” The plastic smell goes away after the heater runs for several hours outside.
#3 Best Gas-Powered: Mr. Heater Portable Buddy
The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy uses propane gas to generate heat and does not require an outlet. This lightweight heater is easy to carry and set up, and offers up to 9,000.0 BTU of heat. Many portable heaters are designed for indoor use only, so this is a good pick if you need something you want to use outside, at a job site or campground.
| Cost | About $95 |
|---|---|
| Power | 9,000.0 BTU |
| Power Source | Propane |
| Heating Method | Radiant |
Our Experience
To use this heater, you need to purchase a propane tank. Setup is simple: Screw in the propane tank and flip the on switch. It throws a good amount of heat, comparable to the other space heaters that we tested, though it takes a little to warm up.
Because it doesn’t use electricity, we weren’t able to measure the power draw of the Portable Buddy. Even a small tank of propane should last for six or more hours. We ran a 1.0-pound canister for 2.5 hours and used less than half of the tank.
| Overall Rating | 3.9 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Heating Power | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Efficiency | 4 out of 5 |
| Portability | 5 out of 5 |
| Extra Features | 3 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
This portable heater has an Amazon’s Choice designation, and an average score of 4.7 based on more than 400 ratings. A total of 95 percent of reviewers give this heater 4 or more stars.
Many praise this heater as very reliable. It works well in especially cold conditions where some electric heaters can fail.
Some complain about the smell produced by the heater. Any gas heater will have an odor. While we found the fumes to be mild, we wouldn’t recommend running this heater in a small indoor space.
#4 Best For Large Rooms: De’Longhi Comfort Temp
This small radiator is designed to be as easy and maintenance-free as possible. The oil system is completely sealed, meaning the user never needs to maintain the oil supply. It comes with foldable casters for easy maneuvering and the cord can be coiled and stowed when not in use.
This room heater also has an adjustable thermostat to measure room temperature and only provide as much heating power as needed.
| Cost | About $90 |
|---|---|
| Power | 1,500.0 Watts |
| Power Source | Corded electric |
| Heating Method | Radiant |
Our Experience
The De’Longhi requires virtually no setup. The casters are already attached and can be unfolded if needed. Once plugged in, there are two switches to adjust the temperature and a comfort mode that conserves energy. You can set the temperature, and the De’Longhi will operate as efficiently as possible.
This heater offers a decent heat output, helped by its relatively larger size compared to other portable heaters. However, it takes longer to get warm than smaller units. You won’t get instant heat from the De’Longhi, but it is a good choice for heating large spaces.
| Overall Rating | 3.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Heating Power | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Efficiency | 4 out of 5 |
| Portability | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Extra Features | 3 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
The De’Longhi also has an Amazon’s Choice designation, having earned a 4.4 average rating based on more than 8,100 reviews. A total of 86 percent of reviews rate the heater 4 or more stars.
While many note that it does take some time for the De’Longhi to heat up, once going it is quite effective. Because of the temperature monitoring, the Comfort Temp can run optimally, drawing as little power as needed to heat your space. Many feel this is a safe, hassle-free heating source. Some claim to have used this heater for several years with no issues.
Some note that for a portable heater, the De’Longhi is on the heavy side (it weighs about 25.0 pounds). Another issue some have noted is that the power cord is short, though this can be remedied with an extension cord.
#5 Budget Pick: Andily Ceramic Heater
The Andily ceramic heater is a reliable and small space heater at a low price point. It includes important safety features such as overheat protection and a tip-over switch and heats up quickly.
This is a good choice for those looking for a cheap option for fast and easy heat. We wouldn’t recommend this unit for heavy use (continual daily use), however, as it lacks the energy efficiency provided by other options.
| Cost | About $40 |
|---|---|
| Power | 1,500.0 Watts |
| Power Source | Corded electric |
| Heating Method | Forced air |
Our Experience
As with many of the best portable heaters, operating the Andily is simple. Plug it in and adjust the dials to the desired settings. It warms very quickly, though it doesn’t provide a ton of power.
In an hour, this ceramic space heater used 1.57 kWh of energy, making it the least efficient of the heaters that we tested. Still, running this heater occasionally shouldn’t break the bank.
| Overall Rating | 3.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Heating Power | 3 out of 5 |
| Efficiency | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Portability | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Extra Features | 3 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
The Andily ceramic heater has more than 28,000 reviews on Amazon and an average rating of 4.5 stars. A total of 88 percent of reviewers give this heater 4 or more stars.
Reviewers claim that this heater is good at keeping well-insulated rooms toasty. It works well for its size but isn’t miraculous. Don’t expect it to throw heat more than about 10.0 feet.
Some complain that this heater is loud when set to high. We tested the heater on this setting and didn’t notice a loud noise, but we only tested it for a couple of hours. This heater can get noisy if run for an extended time.
Portable Heater Buyers Guide
When shopping for a portable heater, you’ll want to consider cost, efficiency, size, and heating power. Evaluate the space that you’re trying to heat and choose a heater able to effectively warm that area. Larger rooms require more powerful heaters. The rule of thumb is that you’ll need 10.0 Watts or 35.0 BTU of heating power per square foot that you want to heat.
Most household outlets are 120.0 volts, and you shouldn’t connect a heater more powerful than 1,500.0 Watts to such a circuit. Stronger heaters will require special, dedicated connections.
If you need a portable heater for an indoor space, be sure that space is well-insulated. It’s no use heating an uninsulated room – you’ll end up wasting a lot of power to little effect.
Indoor Vs. Outdoor
Many portable heaters are not rated for outdoor use. If you plan to use your heater outside, make sure you select an appropriate option. If you’re outside, you may not have access to an outlet, so in this case, a gas-powered heater is likely your best bet.
Forced Air Or Radiant
Radiant heaters employ infrared radiation, while forced air heaters vent warm air outwards. Typically, radiant heaters are more energy-efficient but aren’t as good at warming large areas.
Safety Features
If you plan to use your heater indoors, especially if you plan to sleep while it is in use or plan to leave it unattended, it’s a good idea to look for heaters with safety features like tip-over switches and overheat protection.
Our Review Standards
The portable heaters in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching Amazon for top products, looking at factors like Prime shipping eligibility, customer ratings, Amazon superlatives, and prices.
The portable heaters that best met these standards were ordered by our team for testing. A team member tried each heater, taking note of ease of use, efficiency, and heating power. We also tried and noted each of the features (such as a remote or eco mode). Each portable was given a rating out of 5 stars based on the following criteria:
- Heating Power: Heaters that warm quickly and throw a lot of heat score best in this category.
- Efficiency: We used an energy meter to measure the power draw of each heater over an hour. Those that used the least amount of energy to run score best in this category.
- Portability: A portable heater needs to be portable. Heaters that are easiest to carry, maneuver, and position score best in this category.
- Extra Features: Many heaters have useful extra features such as remotes, safety shut-off switches, and programmable timers. Portable heaters with the most useful extra features score highest in this category.
Portable Heater Testing Process
To test the portable heaters for this review a member of our testing team set up each heater according to the included directions. We ran each heater at roughly equivalent settings for at least 15 minutes. If a heater had any special features or functions, these were also tested.
Any electric heaters that we tested were connected to a power monitor to measure power draw.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best portable heater you can buy?
The best portable heater depends on your intended use. But for value, efficiency, and heating ability, we think the Dr. Infrared Heater Space Heater is one of the best options on the market. If you’re in need of an outdoor portable heater, consider the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy.
What is the most efficient type of portable heater?
Radiant heaters are generally more efficient than forced-air heaters. Among the heaters that we tested, we found that the Dr. Heater infrared space heater was the most efficient corded electric heater.
What space heater gives off the most heat?
To determine which space heaters give off the most heat, check the wattage or BTU capacity. These numbers indicate the power supplied by a heater. Some natural gas heaters can throw 30,000 BTU of heat output.
What is the cheapest way to heat a room?
The cheapest way to heat a whole room is to first make sure that it is well insulated. Keeping a room insulated will reduce the amount of energy needed to get warm and stay warm. Rugs and insulated curtains can help.
Are there heaters that don’t require electricity?
Yes, there are many portable heaters that use propane gas rather than electricity, including the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
