The Best Space Heaters for Keeping Large Rooms Warm and Cozy
Say goodbye to cold drafts and shivering under the covers.
Expert consulted: Dan DiClericoHome Improvement & Outdoor Director
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Size is a key factor when choosing a space heater. Many units that come into the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab for testing are personal heaters designed to keep one or two people warm. Then there are the large space heaters, which can make an entire room toasty.
This report pulls together the seven best large space heaters from our latest tests of 30 different models. Our expert picks have useful features like timers, temperature control, and wireless remotes to stay cozy during frigid temperatures or damp days. Some provide other services too, like purifying the air or switching into cooling mode during the summer months.
Choose the space heater that's right for you and it will take away the chill all winter long. It could even help keep energy costs in check by reducing the need to keep your central heat running full-blast throughout the rest of the house.
Best Deal
Pros
- “Bedtime mode” turns off all distracting lights on the unit
- Has an auto shut-off timer
- Backed by a generous 5-year warranty
Cons
- It operates louder than other heaters
- There is a bright red light on the front of the heater for safety purposes, but some may find it distracting
WHY WE LOVE IT: The Vornado Velocity 5R space heater offers the best balance of features, performance, and price packaged in a sleek design.
HOW IT WORKS: What sets the Velocity 5R apart from competing space heaters is its air circulation abilities. It moves the heat further and faster than the competition, thanks to a powerful fan. The Vornado has two heat settings and an adjustable thermostat. It also supports automatic climate control, meaning it maintains the manually pre-set temperature you desire.
Besides keeping your space toasty warm, it has all the safety features you’d want for some added peace of mind, including tip-over protection, an auto shut-off mode in the rare event it overheats, and a 12-hour timer. We appreciate its cool-to-the-touch design, locking control panel, and the night mode that disables its bright buttons aside from a bright red light on the front for safety purposes that some may find distracting.
Vornado thought of everything with this space heater, including integrated cord storage, a magnetic remote control so it doesn’t get misplaced, and an integrated carrying handle. Best of all, it’s backed by a five-year satisfaction guarantee. On the downside, its operation is louder than some other heaters we tested.
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| Heat settings | 2 |
| Thermostat | Exact numerical temperature with automatic climate |
| Type | Electric |
| Weight | 5.94 lbs |
| Dimensions | 9.9" x 7.32" x 11.44" |
Pros
- Numerous safety features offer peace of mind
- Small footprint
- Includes a remote control and timer—features typically found in pricier models
Cons
- Tower space heaters are more prone to tipping over
- Noisy when high fan speed is enabled
WHY WE LOVE IT: Tower heaters make for excellent whole-room heaters since they are capable of distributing heat across a larger area, especially those that are also equipped with oscillating functionality. When our team set out to develop a Good Housekeeping-branded space heater for larger areas, we designed it with usability, convenience, and safety features in mind.
HOW IT WORKS: This 30-inch oscillating space heater has a footprint of just 8 square inches. Plus, it packs all the safety and convenient features you’d want: a programmable timer, an adjustable thermostat, and an included remote control. When high fan speed is enabled, it can get noisy.
Keep in mind that tower space heaters are more prone to tipping over. Fortunately, this has an auto shut-off feature if it overheats or tips over. “You still need to follow every safety precaution, including keeping any flammable objects at least three feet from the heater,” says Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Director Dan DiClerico “But when used properly, the heater will keep you safe and cozy in spaces up to 200 square feet.”
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| Heat settings | 2 |
| Thermostat | Exact numerical temperature |
| Type | Ceramic |
| Weight | 4.56 lbs |
| Dimensions | 8" x 8" x 31" |
Pros
- Provides hot and cold air, depending on the season
- Wi-Fi-connected for remote operation
- Easy to install and set up
Cons
- Needs to be vented through a window
WHY WE LOVE IT: Portable ACs are best known for providing cooling power in ro0ms where a traditional window AC won't work. The latest versions, including this multitasker from Hisense, will heat the room too. Engineered for spaces up to 350 square feet, the unit uses heat pump technology for efficient temperature control and is Matter-certified for seamless smart home integration.
HOW IT WORKS: Like all portable ACs, the Hisense has to be vented through a window or other opening to the exterior. The dual-hose design (one to take air in and one to exhaust it) does a better job maintaining consistent temperatures than single-hose portable ACs, according to our engineers in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab.
Our Lab engineers also praised the Smart Tower’s intuitive controls and silent operation. At nearly 50 inches tall, the unit is larger than most space heaters, but it benefits from a sleek design. In extended home evaluations, consumer testers appreciated the smart features, including remote start and voice control through Google Home. Setup via the ConnectLife app was quick and intuitive, and the wheeled base made it easy to move.
Features at a Glance
| Heat settings | 3 |
| Thermostat | Exact numerical temperature |
| Type | Heat pump |
| Weight | 68.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 13.8" x 13.2" x 49.4" |
Pros
- Purifies air while it heats or cools
- Wi-Fi-enabled to work with Dyson app or Alexa, Siri, and Google Home
- Features digital display
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Expensive
WHY WE LOVE IT: Though it's priced well above most space heaters, the Dyson is another multifunctional machine that can heat large spaces while also removing harmful contaminants from the air. Come summertime, it can also go into fan mode to cool down interior spaces.
HOW IT WORKS: The heat function on the Dyson is controlled by a thermostat, so you can choose the exact temperature you want. In the automatic setting, the fan will kick into high gear until your desired temperature is reached and then will quiet back down to maintain your ideal environment. It's also safe: The fan is bladeless, and there are no visible heating elements. Plus, the Dyson will automatically shut off when tipped over.
Our experts also like that while a remote is provided, you can use the MyDyson app to control your air quality or voice assistants such as Alexa, Siri, and Google for quick, hands-free adjustments. A digital display shows you the air quality at a glance, among other settings like fan speed. Just keep in mind that at over 10 pounds, it's not the easiest space heater to move around.
Features at a Glance
| Heat settings | 10 |
| Thermostat | Exact numerical temperature |
| Type | Metal |
| Weight | 12.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 5.12" x 8.1" x 30" |
Pros
- It has dual displays, making it easy to see the temperature from across the room
- Energy Sync shows your heater's energy use in real-time
- There’s a button to turn off all the lights on the heater
Cons
- The unit only has touch-sensitive (non-physical) controls
WHY WE LOVE IT: The VMHi600 is Vornado’s flagship ultra-modern stainless steel heater. Measuring in under a foot tall, this space heater is small but mighty since it heats up large rooms fast. For your safety, it includes an automatic shut-off mechanism in case of tipping or overheating.
HOW IT WORKS: The space heater features two heat settings, a fan-only mode, automatic climate control, a timer, and an adjustable thermostat for customizable comfort and energy efficiency. With dual LED displays (one on top and another on the front), the heater provides easy temperature monitoring and adjustment. There’s even a unique Energy Sync LED ring around the front display that shifts colors from warm to cool to reflect your heater’s power usage.
It has an integrated handle that conveniently can stow the included remote control. Plus, there’s a button to turn off all the lights on the heater so they won't be disruptive to sleep.
Overall, it’s the best option for folks who are willing to pay a price premium for added convenience, given its extensive feature set. Though the unit only has touch-sensitive (non-physical) controls.
| Heat settings | 2 |
| Thermostat | Exact numerical temperature with automatic climate |
| Type | Electric |
| Weight | 9.8 lbs |
| Dimensions | 9.2" x 9.38" x 11.67" |
Pros
- Narrow design makes it blend into spaces nicely
- Heats spaces are as large as 300 square feet
- Can automatically turn on if ambient temperature dips below 41°F
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a remote control
- If you use it on the floor, it’s heavy and difficult to move
WHY WE LOVE IT: Perfect for those who are short on space, this reasonably priced space heater can be placed on your wall or the ground. With its compact size of just 3 inches deep and 32 inches wide, it blends seamlessly into any space.
HOW IT WORKS: It delivers 1,500 watts of power, which is more than enough to heat rooms as large as 300 square feet. Our experts recommend leaving extra space around the heater to accommodate the side vents and ensure optimal airflow. The heater is quiet, easy to adjust, and features a 24-hour programmable timer.
Equipped with safety features such as tip-over protection and auto-shut-off, this heater also has a handy frost protection setting that turns it on automatically at temperatures below 41°F. There is no remote control, and if you use it on the floor, it’s heavy and difficult to move.
| Heat settings | 3 |
| Thermostat | Relative temperature settings 1–6 |
| Type | Fan |
| Weight | 29 lbs |
| Dimensions | 26.9" x 3.5" x 18.1" |
Pros
- Has an luxurious-looking vintage design
- Heats spaces incredibly quickly
- Offers adjustable airflow angle
Cons
- Due to its metal build, it’s heavy and hard to move
- Only has two heat settings
WHY WE LOVE IT: This luxurious-looking heater, inspired by a classic 1945 design, offers effortless style and reliable heating. We love its retro aesthetic, sturdy metal construction, and modern engineering that makes it safe, powerful, and sleek. Available in green or white, the heater’s nostalgic charm is enhanced by its classic knobs, buttons, and switches.
HOW IT WORKS: The space heater has two heat settings, multidirectional airflow, and a long power cord. Of course, it also features all the essential safety features including tip-over protection and an auto-off mode in case of overheating. Because it is made of metal, it is heavy and may be difficult to move.
| Heat settings | 2 |
| Thermostat | Relative temperature settings 1–10 |
| Type | Fan |
| Weight | 9.05 lbs |
| Dimensions | 8.7" x 11" x 13.7" |
How we test space heaters
The engineers and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test a range of HVAC essentials, from air purifiers to humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and more. Over the last five years, our team in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab has tested and reviewed 45 space heaters. We first evaluated how easy they are to set up, use, and adjust. We also consider each space heater’s footprint, weight, and features.
To ensure accuracy and consistency, we conducted our tests in a controlled environment and monitored the performance of each space heater in a 50°F room for a 90-minute time interval. We closely noted temperature, electrical usage (wattage), heat distribution, and noise levels.
Safety is paramount and we assessed each heater’s stability or resistance to tipping over and evaluated the heater’s surface temperatures to ensure it remains safe to touch. We also accessed the materials used in each heater’s construction to determine their flammability.
What to look for when shopping for the best space heaters for a large rooms
When shopping for space heaters, you’ll come across a variety of options. Here's what to look out for:
✔️ Type: Space heaters use a heating element to operate, and there are three main types to choose from with various pros and cons.
- Fan heaters use a metal coil as their heating element. An internal fan blows hot air from the coil into the room. “Fan heaters deliver solid heat distribution, but they’re noisy, especially on the highest fan settings,” says DiClerico.
- Electric heaters use electricity to directly heat up metal components, radiating heat into the surrounding area.
- Ceramic heaters are like fan heaters, except that they use ceramic plates instead of metal coils. The plates heat up very quickly as electricity passes through them and a fan distributes the air into the room. “These are effective and inexpensive, but also on the noisy side,” DiClerico says.
- Infrared heaters use radiant heat that instantly warms up objects and people, rather than the air in the room. “That makes them quiet and energy efficient, but they’re not the best at heating large spaces,” says DiClerico.
✔️ Size: Unsurprisingly, space heaters for large rooms are bigger than traditional spot-heating space heaters, so you’ll want to ensure the heater can be placed in an area that can provide ample coverage while also being out of the way of furniture.
✔️ Features: Typically, the more extensive the feature set, the more expensive the space heater. We highly suggest opting for a model that has a built-in timer so you can have some peace of mind that the space heater isn’t running when people are asleep or not around. Some models have adjustable thermostats to choose specific temperatures, and almost all have adjustable heat settings. Lastly, if you want to control your space heater from afar, double-check that the model you’re shopping for includes a remote control.
✔️ Safety: Seek out models that have been vetted by independent safety-testing laboratories such as UL or ETL. We also recommend shopping for models with overheat protection, cool-to-the-touch exteriors, and tip-over auto shut-off to reduce fires and injury.
Are space heaters safe?
Space heaters can be safe, but they still pose a fire risk if used incorrectly. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 1,500 residential fires each year are associated with space heater use, so it’s imperative to follow safety guidelines and read your space heater’s included manual to ensure you’re using and storing it correctly.
Here are other tips to keep in mind:
- Space heaters should be kept at least 3 feet away from flammable materials like bedding, curtains, and furniture.
- They should be plugged directly into wall outlets not extension cords or surge protectors.
- They should be unplugged when not in use.
- They should only be placed on the floor and be kept off rugs and carpets if possible.
- They shouldn’t be left unattended or used when you’re sleeping.
- If you ever notice any signs of damage to power cords, the heater should be immediately disposed of.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Good Housekeeping Contributing Commerce Editor Brandon Carte wrote this guide. He has over a decade of experience testing and researching products, from space heaters and fans to home goods, consumer tech, and leaf vacuums. He urges people to have an easily accessible fire extinguisher on each floor of their home.
He consulted the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Improvement and Outdoor Director Dan DiClerico, as well as the Lab’s extensive testing data, to include the latest, most-reliable, and top-performing space heaters.
Brandon Carte is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering technology, gadgets and appliances. His reporting has been featured on Best Products, Top Ten Revies, Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
