Contents
- 1 Top 7 Best Large Space Heaters Compared
- 1.1 #1 Duraflame 3D 5200 BTU Electric Fireplace
- 1.2 #2 Comfort Zone 1500 W Oscillating Space Heater
- 1.3 #3 Lifesmart Infrared 5100 BTU Fireplace Quartz Heater
- 1.4 #4 Dr Infrared 1500 W Space Heater
- 1.5 #5 DeLonghi TRD40615E 1500W Space Heater
- 1.6 #6 FFDDY 1500W Space Heater
- 1.7 #7 Heat Storm 1000 W Deluxe Space Heater
- 2 Space Heater for Large Room Buyer’s Guide
We’ve looked at a wide range of large space heaters and compared specs, prices, features and reviews to bring you our list of the best space heater for a large room on the market. Not included on this list were any space heaters that didn’t offer at least 100-square feet of useful heating area and which weren’t certified for fire and electrical safety by a recognized national or international standards organization such as UL or ETL. Essential safety features of the best space heater for a large room include an overheat-protection cut out switch and tip-over cut off switch, if the heater is not mounted securely to a wall. You might also want to read our best patio heater guide.
Great for areas of around 1,000 square feet in size, the 5200 BTU Duraflame 3D Space Heater infrared electric fireplace is our top pick among the best large space heaters to keep you cozy and warm this winter. Its IR quartz heating element heats the air quickly without dehumidifying it, while its digital thermostat allows you to save energy.
Top 7 Best Large Space Heaters Compared
#1 Duraflame 3D 5200 BTU Electric Fireplace
Award: Top Pick/1000 Sq Ft
WHY WE LIKE IT: Cozy retro fireplace looks meet effective, energy efficient high tech heating in this 5200 BTU electric space heater, the most powerful heater on our list. It’s great for those looking for a clean way to heat up a living room, cabin, bungalow or garage without central heating and appreciate the classic look of a wood burning stove.
- Infrared quartz heating element doesn’t dry out the air
- Digital thermostat for energy savings
- Built-in overheat protection for safety
- At 30 lbs, it’s heavier than others such as our #2 pick
- 3D-flame effect not everyone’s cup of tea
- Doesn’t feature a directional fan
The Duraflame 3D is our top ranked large space heater. It’s reasonably energy-efficient, using 120 volt/ 12.5 amp current to generate up to 5200 BTU/hr. It produces the most heat of any large space heater on our list, meaning you can actually use it like a fireplace to heat up a room the size of a large living room or even an entire cabin or bungalow. Like many of the options in our best garage heaters buyers guide. It’s also great for converted garages without central heating, as its safer than a gas heater, with no risk of gas leaks or overheating.
The Duraflame 3D also has some high quality design touches, like real beveled glass doors and a realistic “flame” effect flickering behind the “logs.” Its infrared quartz heating element is preferred over ceramic or wire elements since it doesn’t dry out the air as much, keeping you more comfortable and cozy.
#2 Comfort Zone 1500 W Oscillating Space Heater
Award: Honorable Mention/ETL Certified
WHY WE LIKE IT: This efficient, oscillating space heater comes with ETL certification for safety and weighs only 7 pounds. It’s great for those who want a space heater they can comfortably move from room to room, or easily bring on a road trip to the cabin or ski lodge.
- Oscillating tech helps maintain an even temperature
- ETL Certified for safety with auto cut-off switch
- Energy saving ECO mode helps lower energy costs
- Not as powerful as our top pick, the Duraflame 3D
- Fan and oscillation makes it less quiet than panel heaters
- Can be accidentally tipped over (a cut-out switch instantly shuts if off for fire safety if tipped over, but it’s still inconvenient)
Though it energy saving oscillating heater is great for travel and for moving from room to room. It comfortably and easily heats up a space the size of an average bedroom, den or dining room, roughly 150 square feet. It also works well for bathrooms, since it can be dialed down and set to ECO mode, saving electricity when you don’t need full power.
The Oscillating space heater has multiple fan-speed settings and comes with an 8-hour timer and a digital thermostat. Its forced air design helps it heat more air while using less electricity, and it’s ETL-certified for safety, with an automatic tip-over cut out switch and a built-in overheat protection switch. For cooling, check out the best window air conditioner for the best rated models.
#3 Lifesmart Infrared 5100 BTU Fireplace Quartz Heater
Award: Best Oscillating Space Heater/1000 Sq Ft
WHY WE LIKE IT: A powerful space heater rated for 1000 square feet, with a handsome exterior finished in burnished Quakerstown oak. It’s great for anyone looking for a heating option that preserves the ambiance of a fireplace without dealing with the associated fumes and chores of an actual wood-burning fireplace.
- 1000-sq ft. heating area, matching our top rated Duraflame 3D
- Adjustable, optional fireplace graphics
- Efficient, safe IR quartz heating element
- Weighs a hefty 40 lbs
- Fan not as powerful as with the Dr. Heater Infrared Heater, our #4 pick
- At 28 inches long by 20 inches high, it’s too big for some areas
The Liffesmart IR Quartz heater, like the Duraflame 3D, is a “virtual fireplace” that heats up to 1000 square feet using an infrared quartz element. It keeps a rustic, old style ambiance while being more eco friendly than a wood stove and more energy saving than central heating. Using 1500 W of electric power, it’s comparable to other large space heaters like the Duraflame or the Dr. Heater.
The Lifesmart IR Quartz heater benefits from some helpful convenience features, too. A remote control is included, letting you set the heat level or turn the heat off as well as select between two different faux-flame effects. While some might prefer the more subtle glowing-log effect of the top-rated Duraflame 3D, this one does have casters for easier mobility. However, it’s also a rather hefty 40 lbs, making it heavier than most of the heaters on our list. You may also like our best ventilation fans list.
#4 Dr Infrared 1500 W Space Heater
Award: Most High Tech/UL Certified
WHY WE LIKE IT: A handsomely designed space heater that promises more heating power than other 1500W space heaters thanks to a high efficiency, high speed blower good for an estimated airflow rate of over 3 m/s with air heated to about 250-degrees F. It’s great for those who’re looking for an aesthetic, well-designed space heater that’s easy to move from room to room and is UL certified for safety.
- Dual heating elements, infrared quartz and PTC
- Caster wheels for easy movement
- Comes with a remote control
- At 24-lbs, the 3rd heaviest large space heater on our list
- Fewer settings options than the Duraflame or the Comfort Zone
- No “fireplace ambiance” graphics
You use the best modern ceiling fan to cool down, so naturally, you want that garage heated too right? This efficient dual element space heater from Dr Heater promises more heating power than other 1500W space heaters thanks to a high efficiency blower good for an estimated airflow rate of over 3 m/s with air heated to about 250-degrees F. This compares favorably with most large space heaters on the market and matches the temperature performance of the larger Duraflame 3D. The Dr Heater really stands out for its aesthetics as well, with a cool, record player-inspired look that’s retro-futuristic without being corny.
The Dr. Heater Infrared heater may not be a lightweight, at 24 lbs it’s much heavier than the about 7-lb Comfort Zone heater, but it makes up for it by having caster wheels for easier positioning. Plus, the Dr. Heater offers a remote control that lets you change the fan speed, set the thermostat, or turn the heater off from the comfort of the couch. The Dr Heater is UL certified for safety, featuring fail safes such as tip-over auto-stop and overheat protection.
#5 DeLonghi TRD40615E 1500W Space Heater
Award: Quietest
WHY WE LIKE IT: Innovative, durable heavy duty space radiator-type heater on caster wheels, provides fast, virtually noiseless heating while maintaining a low surface temperature to avoid the risk of burns. It’s great for heating apartments and small rooms on a schedule while saving energy since it can be set via a thermostat or on a 24-hr timer.
- Antifreeze mode can be used to prevent frozen pipes
- Quietest large space heater on our list
- Takes up less floor space than the Lifesmart, our #3 pick
- Less heating area, at only 144 square feet compared to the Duraflame 3D’s 1000-square feet
- Less of a decor item than the Dr Heater, our #4 pick
- Priced similarly to units that offer more features
The DeLonghi TRD4 offers 1500 watts of heating power, matching the Lifesmart IR and the Comfort Zone. A radiator based design rather than using a heating element, the DeLonghi claims a 25 percent improvement in radiant area in this model compared to earlier versions.
Among the advantages of this design is that it’s more compact than heating element space heaters of similar output. It’s also much quieter than fan-based or oscillating space heaters. It’s also a good pick for offices and studios and other high traffic areas, since its maintenance-free radiator design, lacking an exposed heating element, is likely more durable than any of the other large space heaters on our list. In addition, the DeLonghi benefits from safety features like a built-in overheat protection switch and a fully sealed radiator, which makes it both more durable and safer. On the flip side, its heat circulation isn’t as far reaching as with larger quartz element heaters like the Dr. Heater, our #4 pick. You should also look at the best air purifier for mold, since garages tend to get moist.
#6 FFDDY 1500W Space Heater
Award: Best Budget/Most Portable
WHY WE LIKE IT: The smallest heater on our list and the most portable choice with simple, easy to use controls, it matches the power of more expensive heaters like the Comfort Zone, our #2 pick, while still including safety features like automatic tip over cut-off. It’s great for college students looking to heat up a chilly dorm, or for heating cabins, bathrooms, and other smallish spaces.
- Small footprint so it can be placed almost anywhere
- Built-in overheat and tip-over cut offs for safety
- 90-degrees of rotation for even room heating
- Not as effective for larger areas as the IR Quartz models, like our #4 pick
- Fewer custom settings than models such as the Lifesmart or DeLonghi
- Not as quiet as the DeLonghi, our # 5 pick
The FFDDY space heater is a simple and unobtrusive design that offers the same 1500 watts of heating as the much more expensive Comfort Zone space heater. It also matches the other best large space heaters on our list in such safety features as standard tip-over protection and an automatic overheat cut-off switch.
The FFDDY even stands out with 90-degree rotation helping it to evenly heat the room. While it doesn’t have casters or a fancy flame-effect, it is compact enough that it works where some larger heaters like the Duraflame 3D or the Lifesmart IR won’t. You can compare it to the best heaters to see if its features are right for you.
#7 Heat Storm 1000 W Deluxe Space Heater
Award: Best Wall Mounted Space Heater
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 1000W infrared wall heater is rated for 500 square feet, while taking up minimal floor space. Its wall-mounted design adds to safety by eliminating tip over risk, making it great for places with pets. It’s also great for use in apartments, art and recording studios, “tiny houses,” and anywhere else space is at a premium.
- Doesn’t take up floor space thanks to its wall-mount design
- Clear LED ambient temp display and easy-to-use controls
- Remote control included
- Requires mounting
- Less powerful than the similarly priced Comfort Zone and Dr Heater models
- Only heats 500 sq ft compared to the 1000 sq ft Duraflame
The Heat Storm Deluxe stands out on our list of the best large space heaters since it has a wall-mounted design that saves floor space. This makes it great for kitchens, bathrooms and smaller apartments as well as tiny houses, art studios and bungalows. It requires an extra step for set up compared to the mobile caster mounted units like the Dr. Heater, but it does come with a remote control for added convenience.
This wall-mounted space heater is also a pleasing design, eschewing fancy effects for a clean, “space-age” look. It features a large LED temperature readout and a programmable thermostat. While it’s 3200 BTU output is less than our top-rated Duraflame 3D, it also requires less electoral power, 1000 W compared to 1500. The Heat Storm Deluxe comes with a 1 year warranty. If you’re looking for an outdoor heating option instead, try one of the best outdoor patio heaters.
Space Heater for Large Room Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Safety cut-off switch
All the best large space heaters on our list feature at least an overheat failsafe switch and all the floor-mounted and caster-mounted models come with a tip-over cut off switch. This is important because it helps reduce the risk of fire. - Programmable Thermostat
To save energy and add convenience, most of the best large space heaters come with a thermostat that lets you select a desired temperature. Some, like the DeLonghi, have an extra energy saving “anti-freeze” mode. Designed to help keep pipes from freezing and to use minimal energy, this lets it turn on only when the ambient temperature drops below 44 degrees F. - Timer
A timer is useful since you can set the space heater to only go on, regardless of temperature, when you’re actually using a room. Great for zone heating, it cuts down on heating costs compared to relying on a central heater. - Types of Heating Elements
The best large space heaters here use either a solid ceramic heating element and a circulating fan, or an IR quartz solid heating element and fan or, alternatively, a sealed oil-filled radiator design as in the DeLonghi space heater. An IR quartz element is the most efficient at turning electrical power into heat, and it has the added benefit of maintaining the natural humidity in the room. Ceramic element heaters heat up fast and are typically less expensive than the IQ quartz models, making them great for more temporary or occasional use or for smaller rooms such as bathrooms. Radiator-type space heaters, since they don’t rely on a powerful fan to circulate the air, are much quieter and can be used to silently and quickly heat a room. They also tend to be more durable, since there’s no exposed heating element. - Certifications
The best large space heaters come with safety certification from UL or ETL or another national or international standards laboratory. This means they’ve been extensively tested and their safety features proven to work to avoid accidental fires and electrical injuries. Key safety features, in addition to an, overheat cut-out switch, include an insulating or heat-resistant outer panel, so that no surface of the heater becomes hot enough to cause burns, and, for the floor-mounted models, a tip-over cut out switch as well.
Space Heater for Large Room FAQs
Why are some rated in watts and others in BTU?
BTU or British Thermal Unit, is a unit of heating power; Watts, the SI unit of power, can also be used to refer to heating power, but here’s the confusing part: when rating these large space heaters, the watts typically refers to how much electrical power is required to operate the heater, not specifically to how much heat it outputs. Unlike machines that do some other kind of work, however, heaters are typically very “efficient” since thermodynamics is on their side. There’s very little energy wasted when all the energy is “wasted” as heat.
What’s the deal with the different types of heating elements?
The best large space heaters on our list use either an IR Quartz element and a fan to circulate the heated air, a ceramic element and a fan, or an oil-filled radiator, as with the DeLonghi TRD4, our #5 pick. An IR quartz element is good because it doesn’t dry out the air. It also transfers heat more efficiently than ceramics, though it may take a little longer to heat up. Radiator designs are quieter and typically take up less space.
What makes space heaters dangerous?
The best space heaters manage to minimize the risks associated with space heaters very well. Traditionally the concern is that upright space heaters may tip over, especially onto carpet or fabrics, causing a risk of starting a fire. Older radiator-style heaters, such as the iron radiators still used in many apartment buildings, may get hot enough to the touch that they can cause burns.
Do space heaters save money?
When used efficiently and thoughtfully, a space heater can save you money by lowering the amount of central heating you need. Zone heating, or only heating parts of the house or apartment you’re using, is often less wasteful than central heating. Today you can save quite a bit of money on heating and cooling with smart devices.
Are ceramic heaters better than fan heaters?
This depends on your particular needs, as both have their advantages and disadvantages. Fan heaters are better at quickly circulating hot air, but they are less energy efficient in general since some of the electricity has to go toward running the fan rather than generating heat. Ceramic heaters also have the advantage of being quieter than fan heaters, making them great for office and studio spaces.
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