The 6 Best Energy-Efficient Space Heaters (2024)

Updated November 16, 2022

This ceramic space heater from De'Longhi takes our top spot thanks to its "ECO" energy savings mode, which automatically adjusts the temperature settings to save energy. Heaters that have thermostat settings tend to be the most efficient, because they make it easy for you to pick the right temperature for you and will shut off when they reach the right level of heat.

This model also comes with a remote control, so you can adjust the temperature from across the room. It comes with a three year warranty, and the base oscillates to heat a broader swath of the room. It's suitable for larger rooms, up to 150 square feet.

If a low price is a priority when shopping for a space heater, the small—but mighty—Honeywell 360 Degree Surround Heater is a good choice. The "360 Degree Surround" heat means that this space heater radiates heat in a full circle all the way around the unit. It's best suited for smaller spaces; but it's easy to move, weighing in at just 5 pounds and with a handle on top.

Although this is a lower-cost option, it still features robust safety features. That includes overheat protection, a shut-off switch if the unit tips over, and a case that remains cool to the touch.

Dyson’s futuristic looking bladeless fan, space heater, and air purifier is one of the more expensive heaters on the market, but its three-for-one function and advanced energy features make it a worthy splurge that can be used year-round. The remote-operated system has two modes: jet to focus on one area or diffused for a wider range. The company’s Air Multiplier technology allows for quick and even heating, plus there’s a sleep timer and thermostat, so energy isn’t wasted.

The fan mode is ideal for extra air flow during the summer and can be set to oscillate, however, it does not function as an air conditioner. The air filter combines a HEPA filter with the machine's air circulation technology, which means it's able to clean potential pollutants from further away.

As an engineering company, Dyson emphasizes sustainability in innovation, or what it calls “lean engineering.”

If you’re looking for a space heater for a smaller space, the Vornado VHeat supplies a tremendous amount of heat. It has a vintage look and comes in several finishes. Vornado’s history dates back to the 1940s with its first line of personal fans that utilized vortex air circulation.

The VHeat space heater builds off this concept and has a similar, all-metal housing design (that remains cool to the touch), plus modern safety features such as an automatic shut off and tip-over protection. Available in retro green or white, the space heater has a pivoting head (47 degrees), a low or high setting (750 or 1500 watts), plus an adjustable thermostat. The VHeat also includes a five year warranty.

Most space heaters are designed for use in smaller rooms (250 square feet or less), but a few, like the Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater (DR-968), can handle larger spaces (although for the average home, claims it can heat 1000 square feet are a stretch). The heater uses PTC (positive temperature coefficient) and a quartz tube for dual heating capability.

At 24 pounds, it’s one of the bulkier options but comes with the built-in wheels for mobility. The temperature can be set from 50 to 85 degrees using a remote, tip-over and overheat protection are built in, plus there’s a handy 12-hour timer. Dr. Infrared is designed and engineered in the United States.

Ceramic heaters are a popular style that refer to a ceramic heating element that then uses a fan to disperse heat throughout the room (it doesn’t mean the entire heater is made of ceramic). They are often considered safer than some other heaters because the ceramics pose less of a fire hazard.

This ceramic heater from Lasko is more affordable than our Best Overall pick, but still features a built-in thermostat that allows you to choose your preferred level of heat. It also has an auto shut-off safety feature, and can be run at either the 1,500-watt setting or the 900-watt setting. However, it doesn't have a remote control.

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the De'Longhi Ceramic Tower Heater, because it has a number of energy-saving features. However, if you’re willing to splurge, the Dyson Hot + Cool functions as both a heater and a fan for year-round use.