We researched and tested 16 ceramic space heaters in The Lab, taking into consideration their heating performance , safety features , noise levels , and design . In order to accurately measure the efficiency with which each heater could heat the space at different settings, we used readings from two thermometers that were positioned at varying distances from the heater. To further assess how well the winners worked long-term, we conducted six months of in-home testing with the heaters.
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According to Deane Biermeier , a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, when looking for a ceramic heater, “the most important thing to consider is the size of the space you're trying to heat and the heating capacity of the unit.” He also adds, “Although space heaters are required to meet specific safety requirements, it's good to make sure and look for the UL seal.”
On those extra chilly days when your home’s heating system just doesn’t seem to be reaching all the corners of your home, you may want to rely on a ceramic space heater. This type of heater can help you quickly heat up your space since they are typically energy-efficient compared to other types of heaters.
Best Overall
Dreo Solaris Slim H3 Space Heater
PHOTO:
Dreo
$68 At Amazon
$75 At Walmart
View On Dreo.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Three heating modes and adjustable thermostat
Overheat and tip-over protection
Sleek design
What We Don’t Like
Grill becomes hot
Display is not always on
With an array of adjustable features, the Dreo Solaris Max Space Heater earns our top spot on this list. We tested the heater at the lab and found that the room became substantially warmer after only fifteen minutes of turning it on. In fact, the column form of the heater made our entire body feel warm all around, even when we were a few feet away. There are three distinct heat output settings on this ceramic heater (H1 (low), H2 (medium), and H3 (high), with a power range of 700W to 1500W.
At just 48.1 decibels on its lowest setting, we found the heater to be quite quiet. While it does generate some white noise in the background, we don't think it's something that would necessitate turning up the TV level to drown out. This heater also has a 70-degree oscillation feature and a timer function ranging from one to twelve hours. You can also perfectly customize the temperature of your room with its changeable digital thermostat, which lets you choose from 41 to 95 degrees. One drawback we noted from the thermostat display is that it isn't always in view. When you change a setting, the display will light up to inform you of your new current temperature and setting, but this information quickly disappears. You can use the remote control, which has a straightforward design, to operate the heater from a distance.
In terms of safety, the heater is ETL-certified and has both overheating and tip-over protection. After intentionally tipping over the heater during testing, the tip-over safety feature kicked in when the heater tipped past 45 degrees, with the heater shutting off fully after about 10 or 15 seconds. We had the heater running for 30 minutes, and the body of the unit itself was cool to touch. However, we found that the grill, which was made out of metal, became quite hot after a while. Therefore, we recommend operating the space heater under supervision if you have children or pets.
As for its design, the heater has a rounded and compact shape and an overall modern, clean-cut, and unobtrusive appearance. It stands just under 16 inches tall and is available with a gold or silver rim. At just under 5 pounds, we were able to carry the heater with just one hand with no issues. There is a handle to make moving the heater easier. Overall, this heater is a standout product, offering excellent features and safety measures, making it worth considering if you want a high-quality ceramic heater.
Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.9 x 15.8 inches | Weight: 4.6 pounds | Wattage: 700W-1500W | Oscillating: Yes | Safety Certifications: ETL-certified
Heat output is the amount of heat a space heater produces, so a higher heat output equates to a greater amount of warmth generated. Usually, heat output will be measured and listed in the product description as BTUs per hour, but it can also be measured in watts. (One watt is equal to 3.41 BTUs per hour.)
Biermeier tells us that space heaters designed for homes typically have a 1500W output since it “allows the unit to plug into standard 15-amp house electrical circuits without tripping the breaker while heating a room to around 150 square feet.”
All the space heaters in our roundup have a maximum heat output of 1500W. Most of the options let you choose from different heat outputs. For instance, our pick for the best smart ceramic space heater, the Atomi Smart Smart Wi-Fi Electric Personal Portable Ceramic Oscillating Space Heater, allows you to choose from a mode with a 1000W heat output or a mode with a 1500W output.
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
Best Budget
Better Homes & Gardens Freestanding Electric Fireplace
PHOTO:
Walmart
$45 At Walmart
Our Ratings
What We Like
Attractive design
Compact and lightweight
3D flame effects
What We Don’t Like
Temperature never reached 90 degrees
The Better Homes & Gardens Freestanding Ceramic 1500W Portable Electric Fireplace is an excellent option for those looking for a budget-friendly and portable heating solution (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by The Spruce's parent company, Dotdash Meredith). Similar to our top pick overall, we discovered that the space became rather warm in only fifteen minutes—to the point where being in close proximity made it feel excessively warm. With its compact design and effective heat settings, the heater is great for small spaces since it will likely be in your line of sight. The heater is space-conscious enough to sit on a desk, and it has a unique look compared to other heaters on this list. Round in shape and covered in imitation wood paneling that looks like something out of a 1970s basement, this heater is reminiscent of a classic TV and has a charmingly retro vibe. The outside is aesthetically pleasing, but it also serves as a useful safety function by maintaining a cool temperature while in use. We did notice that the front grill was slightly heated, but nothing to cause alarm.
This ceramic heater also stands out from the others because of its realistic flame effect, adding a layer of coziness. There are five different brightness/dim options that you may use to personalize the flames. We appreciated being able to adjust the heat setting separately from the lighting settings. In terms of heating, you can choose from a low or high heat setting, and the heater has a thermostat dial for calibrating the temperature of those settings (from 55 to 90 degrees). Keep in mind that even though we turned the thermostat up to 90 degrees, the maximum temperature we achieved was 84 degrees. It also lacks an oscillation feature, which means the heat tends to be focused and lacks a ton of reach. However, the heater does have overheat and tip-over protection, so it will automatically turn off if it starts to get too hot or is tipped over.
Dimensions: 6.40 x 6.40 x12.60 inches | Weight: Not listed | Wattage: 1500W | Oscillating: No | Safety Certifications: Not listed
The Spruce Home / Henry Wortock
The Spruce Home / Henry Wortock
The Spruce Home / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Compact
Dreo Atom One Space Heater
PHOTO:
Amazon
$45 At Amazon
$50 At Walmart
View On Dreo.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Weighs under 4 pounds
Quiet operation
Removable dust filter
What We Don’t Like
Need to remember to clean dust filter
The Dreo Atom One Space Heater has a small footprint but still offers effective heating power. We tested the heater and found that the room became noticeably warmer within just minutes. The unit measures just 6.7 by 5.5 by 10.3 inches, so you can trust it to be unobtrusive wherever you place it, and it lets you choose from low, high, fan-only, or eco settings. The eco mode will automatically adjust the heater’s settings to help save energy, which is a handy feature for anyone whose top concern is energy efficiency. This model also has an oscillation function, which we found made no additional noise when it was on. When it comes to safety features, this model protects against overheating as well as has a tip-over auto-shutoff feature.
The controls on the unit are user-friendly, and the digital display is clear and easy to read. The heater may also be controlled by remote, which we tested from a variety of distances and found to be reliable. This heater also has a removable filter for collecting dust particles in the air. While it's handy that this model can simultaneously heat and clean the air, it requires extra maintenance since you must remember to clean the dust filter. The unit also has a cool-touch handle for easy carrying and special technology that allows for quiet operation.
Dimensions: 6.7 x 5.5 x 10.3 inches | Weight: 3.8 pounds | Wattage: 1500W | Oscillating: Yes | Safety Certifications: ETL-certified
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce Home / Henry Wortock
The Spruce Home / Henry Wortock
The Spruce Home / Henry Wortock
Best Tower
Pelonis Tower Space Heater
$60 At Amazon
$80 At Home Depot
$94 At Walmart
Our Ratings
What We Like
Heat distributed on all sides
Great features for price point
User-friendly digital display
What We Don’t Like
Unclear instructions
No fan mode
During testing, the PELONIS PTH15A4BGB Ceramic Tower Heater stood out for its design, features, and heating power. The unit offers a high, low, and eco mode, as well as a convenient 8-hour timer option, and it has a maximum temperature of 92 degrees. Its 70-degree oscillation feature functions smoothly, and it operates quietly. The heater also has important safety features—it’s ETL-tested, and features overheat protection and a tip-over auto-shutoff function. In terms of design, the tower stands 23 inches tall, and its compact profile means it won’t take up too much space wherever you place it. It’s lightweight, too, which makes moving it quite easy.
We found that this heater does an excellent job of distributing heat evenly throughout a room. Unlike other heaters where warmth is only felt around the front grill, the PELONIS effectively distributes heat all around the unit, providing even warmth from all angles. We also appreciated how its heating power remained consistent while operating, as well as how the unit's exterior didn’t get too hot and stayed cool-to-touch. The instructions could have been more clear, and we wish the unit had a fan. On the plus side, the digital display was user-friendly and it comes with a handy remote, so you have multiple ways to control the unit.
How It Performed Long-Term
Over the course of six months, we thoroughly tested the heater and found that it still works perfectly and effectively warms up our office. Unfortunately, the remote control stopped working during our first two months of testing. As a result, we had to rely on the actual unit itself to regulate the temperature, which was a bit of an inconvenience. Despite this, we found that it kept our office toasty without increasing our electric bill. The heater makes a reasonable amount of noise, which is good from a safety standpoint because it lets you know it is on. Overall, we're pretty satisfied with the heater's performance and recommend it for smaller spaces.
Dimensions: 17 x 7.6 x 26 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Wattage: 1500W | Oscillating: Yes | Safety Certifications: ETL-certified
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Oscillating
Better Homes & Gardens Electric Ceramic Tower Heater
PHOTO:
Walmart
$55 At Walmart
Our Ratings
What We Like
Good heating performance
Safety features
Temperature range
What We Don’t Like
Instructions could be better
Display could be more straightforward
The Better Homes & Gardens Electric Ceramic Tower Heater is one of the models we tested in The Lab, and we appreciated its heating power, range of settings, and various features. You have the option of setting the digital thermostat between 41 to 95 degrees and choosing between a low, medium, high, or eco mode. The heater also has a functioning oscillation feature that helps distribute warm air throughout the room. We were pleasantly surprised at how quickly it provided warmth and comfort to the room. In fact, our starting body temperature increased by 7.6 degrees from 81.1 to 88.7 when using the space heater on low and 10 degrees on high.
While we do wish that the heater's instructions could have been more straightforward and the digital display more user-friendly, these minor drawbacks did not significantly affect the overall performance of the heater. In fact, we appreciated the range of useful features, like an 8-hour timer and convenient remote control. The magnetic storage for the remote is a thoughtful touch that ensures you won't lose it around your house. As for safety, this is an ETL-tested model with overheat protection and a tip-over auto-shutoff. To test the heater's tip-over safety feature, we carefully knocked it over, and it took only about five seconds for the heater to turn off.
How It Performed Long-Term
We put this heater through its paces for six months by using it in several rooms where the temperature drops regularly. The heater was able to heat up the space efficiently, and we were impressed with its performance. However, we did notice that when the heater was oscillating, it made an annoying clicking sound. Despite this, all of the other functions of the heater worked perfectly fine. Overall, we highly recommend this heater due to its impressive heating capabilities, safety features, and added convenience.
Dimensions: 7.67 x 6.89 x 23.2 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Wattage: 1500W | Oscillating: Yes | Safety Certifications: ETL-certified
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Safety Features
Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Space Heater
PHOTO:
Amazon
$89 At Amazon
$85 At Walmart
$86 At Best Buy
Our Ratings
What We Like
Remains cool-to-touch
Sleek and modern look
What We Don’t Like
Airflow directed upward
Could be more energy efficient
During our testing of the Honeywell ThermaWave 6 Ceramic Technology Space Heater in our lab, we extensively evaluated its safety features and heating capabilities. We were thoroughly impressed by the range and effectiveness of the safety features built into this UL-tested unit. The heater has an automatic shutoff in case it is knocked over, keeping you safe from any potential fires. It is important to remember that once the heater has been set upright again, it will need to be turned back on manually. In the event that the internal heater sensors detect an unsafe temperature. The heater will turn off if it gets too hot, and it will stay off for 20 minutes before turning back on. Additionally, the heater has an auto-timer that automatically turns it off after 8 hours of operation. After the unit is turned off, a fan runs for one minute to ensure a smooth cooling process. We found the exterior of the unit to remain cool-to-touch, making it safe to use around children and pets.
This heater lets you choose from a low, high, or auto heat output, and it has an adjustable thermostat and multiple timer options. While the heater provides great options for controlling the heat output and temperature, it lacks an oscillation feature, and the grill is located at the top of the unit, causing the heat to flow upward with no option for adjusting its direction. We noted that the watts per hour of use are higher than the general 1.5 threshold, which means this heater could perform better in terms of energy efficiency. However, we were overall pleased with the amount of heat this model produced. The heater has an attractive, sleek appearance, and it also has a built-in handle that makes carrying it easy. We found that the handle is in a good location to avoid potential burns from heat on the front of the unit.
How It Performed Long-Term
After six months of use, we can confidently say that this ceramic space heater is an excellent investment, as it has reliably kept our home toasty during the colder months. However, we wish the fan could be more potent, extending the range over which the heat dissipates. Despite being mostly white, the heater retains its shine and appears to be as new as the day we brought it home from the lab. Overall, we think the heater is a must-have for anyone who wants to keep their space warm.
Dimensions: 18.11 x 18.54 x 7.75 inches | Weight: 13.17 pounds | Wattage: 1500W | Oscillating: No | Safety Certifications: UL-tested
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Many ceramic space heaters have safety features — such as overheat protection, tip-over auto-shut-offs, and timers — that can make it tempting to leave them on overnight. However, it's best to only use space heaters when you are able to properly monitor them.
Biermeier warns that “despite the safety requirements demanded of space heaters, leaving a space heater unattended while you sleep is dangerous simply because if something does go wrong, you can't respond until it's potentially too late.”
Best Smart
Atomi Smart Wireless Tabletop Heater
PHOTO:
Amazon
$100 At Amazon
$80 At Walmart
Our Ratings
What We Like
Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
Efficiently heats up
User-friendly features
What We Don’t Like
Had a smell on highest setting
Trouble with app setup
The Atomi Smart Table Top Space Heater stands out for all of its user-friendly features. It’s Alexa- and Google Assistant-compatible, so you can use voice commands if you have the proper voice assistant-enable devices. It also works with app controls, allowing you to conveniently operate it from your smartphone. However, we did have some difficulties connecting the heater to the app. If you prefer not to use the smart features, you can use the easy-to-read, highly responsive digital display.
We were pleased with the warmth this heater provided and how quickly it heated up the space. The exterior did start to feel warm while it was operating, but not excessively hot. On the highest setting, we did notice the heater produced a slight smell, which was unfortunate, but it wasn’t an overbearing scent. This ETL-tested heater compensates for this minor con with other handy features, such as an eco-mode for saving energy, various timer settings, and an oscillation setting with a 70-degree coverage. It also operates quietly and has a sleek, futuristic appearance, so it won’t be obtrusive wherever you place it in your home.
How It Performed Long-Term
We used the heater for six months and found that once it was turned on, our room temperature rose to a pleasant 70 degrees, so we did not have to wait long before feeling warm and cozy. Overall, we found it is lightweight and simple to relocate if necessary. If you have kids or pets, you will appreciate the space heater's Wi-Fi connectivity and the accompanying alerts in an emergency, such as the appliance being knocked over or becoming too hot.
Dimensions: 8.27 x 9.06 x 18.11 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Wattage: 1500W | Oscillating: Yes | Safety Certifications: ETL-certified
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The 7 Best Electric Blankets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
✓ Oil filled radiators – Efficient and adaptable, they provide steady, all-day heating for larger spaces, making them ideal for main living areas.
✓ Ceramic radiators – Known for rapid heat-up times and flexibility in installation, they offer efficient and convenient heating, particularly suitable for smaller to mid-sized rooms or draught-prone spaces.
✓ Costs and heating performance – While oil filled radiators may have a higher initial cost, both types are equally efficient in terms of heat performance and running costs, with the key difference lying in if you prefer scheduled or ad-hoc heating.
✓ Aesthetics and design – Oil filled radiators offer diverse styles and orientations, while ceramic radiators boast a more sleek, uniform design.
✓ Installation and maintenance – Oil filled radiators require professional hardwired installation, while ceramic radiators can be DIY-mounted to the wall or made freestanding. Both are low maintenance with comparable warranties.
✓ Programming – Both come equipped with advanced features for precise temperature regulation, smart control and energy efficiency. Ceramic radiators often have recessed digital displays that may make manual programming easier.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Heater for Electric Car. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.