Top 8 most efficient electric heaters of 2023
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Winter is just around the corner and so is the cold. It is time to choose a space heater for your home to stay toasty and warm. While a fuel-burning space heater can be dangerous to use indoor due to the CO emission, an electric one is a perfect heating solution if you want to stay extra safe and keep the energy bills to the minimum.
However, not all electric heaters are energy-efficient. But we are here to save you from the headache. Check our list of 8 most efficient electric heaters that lower your bills without sacrificing heating power:
Pelonis Quiet Digital Oil-filled RadiatorBest Overall
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Heat up fast and evenly
- User-friendly
- The remote control is a life saver
- Quiet operation
- Low maintenance thanks to permanently sealed oil reservoir
- Portable with wheels
Cons
- Loud beeps when you press buttons
- The lowest setting is 65 degrees, which can be hot to some
- Remote control isn't backlit
If you are finding a space heater that is energy-efficient and quiet as the same time, this
Pelonis Quiet Digital Oil-filled Radiator is definitely made for you.
Operating at 1500 watts on high setting, this space heater surely keeps your small to medium rooms warm and toasty all the season. It is easier than ever to adjust your desired temperature with up to 3 heating settings, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for your family.
What we like about this Delonghi heater is that it features Eco mode that actually helps reduce your electricity bills. It will help maintain the desire temperature by adjusting between High & Low setting without using much energy.
Moreover, this space heater is completely safe with a thermal cut-off that prevents over-heating and tip over safety that helps automatically shut off the unit when it is knocked over. User-friendly features such as timer, remote control, power cord storage and caster wheels will make your winter less harsh.
Features | |
---|---|
Type | Floor, oiled-filled heater |
Power | 1500W |
Heating Area (sq.ft) | 160 |
Settings | High, Low & ECO Mode |
Dimensions (inches) | 14.17" x 11. 02" x 25.2" |
Weight (lbs.) | 23.1 |
Highlight Features | High thermal efficiency, Portable, Power cord storage, Quiet, 10-hour timer, Remote control |
Built with safety, efficiency and silence, Pelonis Quiet Digital Oil-filled Radiator is a perfect heating solution to your home this winter.
PELONIS PHTPU1501Top rated
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Wide oscillation for wider warmth coverage
- Fast and efficient heating
- Comes with a remote control
- Cool to the touch, safe around kids and pets
Cons
- A little pricey
- There is a bit noise when it operates
There’s no coincidence that PELONIS PHTPU1501 got the highest ratings from customers. Don’t let the petite silhouette fool you. With 1500 watts on high setting, this little beast can heat a room of up to 200 sq.ft in just 10 seconds.
Along with the wide oscillation angle, the warmth surely covers your whole room without costing any penny on your bills. Maintaining your desired temperature is totally in your clutches with a remote control and 8-hour timer with auto-shutoff.
Small as it may seem to be, it doesn’t lack of any safety features. Overheat protection and automatic anti-fall protection will save you from accidents while you are catching some z’s.
Features | |
---|---|
Type | Ceramic fan-forced |
Power | 1500W |
Heating Area (sq.ft) | 200 |
Settings | High, Low, ECO mode |
Dimensions (inches) | 7 x 7 x 23 |
Weight (lbs.) | 6.29 |
Highlight Features | Wide-angle Oscillation, Lightweight & Compact, Timer, Remote Control, Over-heat Protection & Auto Shut-off, 3 heating options, 8 hours timer |
This powerful yet compact little space heater named PELONIS PHTPU1501 won’t let you down during your cozy retreat from the cold winter.
Vornadobaby Tempa NurseryBest for nursery
Pros
- Specially designed for nursery
- Gives off gentle heat around babies
- Finger-friendly design, cool touch case, tip-over protection, and an automatic safety shut-off
- Curiosity-proof child lock and cord storage
- Mutiple settings
- Packed by a 5-year warranty
Cons
- Not the most powerful space heater
- Only for small rooms
- Lack of timer function
This space heater specially designed for babies can put new parents’ mind at rest. Full of built-for-babies features, Vornadobaby Tempa Nursery must be on your list for your next shopping trip for your little one.
With Vornado's vortex airflow, you can put this space heater everywhere in your nursery since it produces gentle heat, keeping your baby warm and comfortable. Aside from 2 heating settings, it comes with 2 fan settings that help circulate heat around the room. The “continuous” mode provides air constant circulation, while “auto” only runs the fan when warming the room.
You don’t have to always worry about you toddler twiddling the space heater thanks to child lock switch and the cord storage that keeps the cord out of sight. Tempa is also cool to the touch and is designed to turn off itself when it is tipped over or overheating is detected.
Features | |
---|---|
Type | Fan-forced |
Power | 900W |
Heating Area (sq.ft) | 100-150 |
Settings | 2 Heat Settings (Low 450W, High 900W) & 2 Fan Settings (Continuous & Auto) |
Dimensions (inches) | 7.5 x 10.1 x 10.9 |
Weight (lbs.) | 4.94 |
Highlight Features | Best-seller made just for the nursery, Cool touch case, Childproof switch, Finger-friendly design, Fully hidden and covered cord storage |
Your baby will be safe and warm when Vornadobaby Tempa Nursery is in the house.
Pro Breeze Mini Ceramic HeaterBest for small work spaces
Pros
- Heats small spaces fast and efficiently
- Super portable
- Multiple heating settings
- Can be used in summer with fan only setting
Cons
- Not suitable for those who don’t like white noise
- Stop providing heat immediately after turned off
Does the cold make your hands go numb and prevent you from typing or writing in your office? Don’t worry, Pro Breeze Mini Ceramic Heater has come to rescue.
The size of this space heater may be small but its power is definitely not small at all. With 1500 watts, it surely keeps your office space warm and cozy even it is frosty and icy outside. Using the leading ceramic heating discs, Pro Breeze heater provides a faster and more efficient heating method to your little working space.
Who says space heaters are useless in summer? With this mini beast, summer heat is no longer a nightmare when it offers cool breeze thanks to the fan-only setting. Overheat protection and anti tip-over switch set your mind at peace when you want to catch some naps during work.
Features | |
---|---|
Type | Ceramic fan-forced |
Power | 1500W |
Heating Area (sq.ft) | 300 |
Settings | Low 750W, High 1500W & Fan only |
Dimensions (inches) | 6.5 x 5 x 9 |
Weight (lbs.) | 2.87 |
Highlight Features | Built-in thermostat, Overheat and Tip-over Protection, Lightweight, UL certified |
From now on, you don't have bring a whole blanket to your office since Pro Breeze Mini Ceramic Heater is here to keep you warm.
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968Best for drafty large rooms
Pros
- 3-in-1 heater with Humidifier and Oscillation Fan
- Provides more heat without building up your bills
- Auto energy saving mode allows you to maintain your desired temperature
- Doesn’t dry out your skin
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a timer
- The blower is a bit loud
DR-968 has long been well-known for its cost-efficiency and fast, even heating for a medium or large room. Thanks to the state-to-the-art Dual Heating System which combines PTC and Quartz Infrared element, this space heater delivers 60% more heat than its counterparts, but it doesn’t mean that it consumes more energy. It actually saves 50% on your next electricity bill. How cool is that?
Along with the auto energy saving mode that allows you to set your desired temperature from 50-86F, this space heater is surely a good option to go for when efficiency is your biggest concern.
DR-968 can ensure a goodnight’s sleep for your family and a quiet cozy retreat at your home. Moreover, dry skin won’t be an issue anymore since this lovely heater doesn’t heat the air and dry out the air moisture thanks to the bulit-in humidifier.
Such a modern space heater cannot go without safety features. Cool-touch silhouette, tip-over protection and auto shut-off overheat protection are what you can find in it to keep you safe during the winter.
Features | |
---|---|
Type | Infrared |
Power | 1500W |
Heating Area (sq.ft) | 1000 |
Settings | Auto, Low 1000W and High 1500W |
Dimensions (inches) | 13 x 11 x 16 |
Weight (lbs.) | 19 |
Highlight Features | Dual Heating System, Humidifier, Oscillation Fan, 7-inch blower, IR Remote Control, Auto energy saving mode, UL USA and Canada certified |
If you are finding a heating solution for your large rooms in your home without increasing the electricity bills, Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 is a perfect choice for you.
LifeSmart LifeProBest for large rooms with high ceilings
Pros
- Perfect for large rooms with high ceiling
- Eco setting allows you to heat small areas efficiently
- Dual timer used to turn on and off the unit 12 hours in advance
- Stylish and cool to the touch metal cabinet
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a remote control
- A bit heavier than other space heaters
Finding a space heater that can replace a central heating system to heat a large room with high ceiling can be a daunting task. However, we have found one for you. Featuring 6 quartz heating elements in one unit, this LifeSmart 6 Element offers ultra-efficient, safe and healthy heat for a large area in your home.
There are 3 heating settings, including an eco setting that allows you to heat a small area to 68 degrees with only 500 watts. Dual timer is a useful function used to turn on and off up to 12 hours ahead. No more worry about adding up the bills when you forget to turn off your space heater.
With a metal cabinet, this space heater is not only stylish but also cool to touch, making it safe around children and pets. It also has some basic safety features such as thermal cut-off and tip over switch, avoiding the risk of setting your house on fire when it overheats or falls.
Features | |
---|---|
Type | Infrared |
Power | 1500W |
Heating Area (sq.ft) | 1000 |
Settings | Eco 500W, Low 1000W and High 1500W |
Dimensions (inches) | 16 x 13 x 16.5 |
Weight (lbs.) | 12.3 |
Highlight Features | 12 Hour Dual Timer, Digital Thermostat with Remote, ETL listed, Lifetime Air Filter, Thermal cut-off, Tip over switch |
LifeSmart LifePro offers a more efficient heating solution than a central heating system when it comes to warming up a large room with high ceilings.
De’Longhi HMP1500Most compact design
Pros
- Compact and sleek design
- Can be mounted on the wall or placed on the floor
- Quiet
- Multiple heat settings allow you to set your desired temperature easily
- Sound an alarm if it is tipped over
Cons
- Does not come with a timer function
- Slow to warm up the room
- A bit pricey
If you are afraid that a space heater may occupy a certain area in your tiny living room or bedroom, De’Longhi HMP1500 has you covered. Coming in a compact, wall-mounted and sleek design that can blend in perfectly with all kinds of decors.
The word micathermic panel heaters may sound strange to you, but we can ensure that they are super efficient since this hybrid type offers both convection and radiant heat. They heat the objects in the same manner of convection heaters, and then the objects will heat the ambient air in return.
With a maximum heating power of 1500 watts, this space heater promises to heat your small to medium rooms quickly and efficiently in multiple directions without taking up much space. A hardware kit included helps putting in on the wall much easier than you may expected.
Operating quietly without fan, and along with many safety features, this space heater lets you sleep worry-free as the same time, saves you from the risk of fire.
Features | |
---|---|
Type | Micathermic Panel |
Power | 1500W |
Heating Area (sq.ft) | 300 |
Settings | Multiple, Lowest 750W and Highest 1500W |
Dimensions (inches) | 27 x 10 x 22 |
Weight (lbs.) | 15.43 |
Highlight Features | Wall-mounted design, Thermal cut-off, Tip over switch, Anti-freeze setting, Multiple heating settings, UL & ETL certified |
Built with outstanding versatility and portability, this reliable De’Longhi HMP1500 is what you cannot live without this winter.
Heat Storm Bathroom HeaterBest for bathrooms
Pros
- Versatile with a standing base and wall mounted tools
- Specially designed for bathrooms
- Equipped with energy saving mode, an adjustable thermostat and a timer, helping you save money on your next electricity bills
- Comes with a remote control
Cons
- Loud beeping noise when you press buttons
- The fan is not so powerful
Another option for rooms with small foot space is Air Choice heater. What’s special about this space heater is it is designed for bathrooms, and of course, you can still use it wherever you want.
A standing base and wall-mounted tools coming with this heater gives you the freedom of choosing the kind of installation you need. Portable space heater allows you to move easily from room to room. if you intend to use it in the bathroom in the winter when you need a hot shower, it is recommended to mount your space heater on the wall.
With 1000 watts of heating power, it can warm up an average room of up to 500 sq.ft without building up your bills thanks to energy saving mode, an adjustable thermostat and a timer.
It also comes with a remote control that saves you from leaving your hot comfy bathtub to adjust the temperature.
Features | |
---|---|
Type | Infrared fan heater |
Power | 100W |
Heating Area (sq.ft) | 500 |
Settings | Energy 500W, 1000W |
Dimensions (inches) | 13 x 3.63 x 16.5 |
Weight (lbs.) | 6.1 |
Highlight Features | Timer, Built-in turbo fan, Waterproof On Switch, Screen Lock |
No more being hit by freezing cold air after getting a hot shower, this Heat Storm heater keeps you warm from your bathroom all the way to your bedroom.
How To Choose The Most Efficient Electric Heater
There are many factors that can affect your space heater’s electricity consumption.
The size of your room
There is no need to go for a big-sized space heater when your room is under 300 square feet. Usually, a fan-forced or a micathermic panel space heater is designed for small to medium rooms while a oil-filled or an infrared heater is capable of heating a larger area. So depending on the size of your room, you can opt for a suitable type of heater to optimize its performance and save your energy bill from surging.
Energy Efficiency Features
Look for an electric space heater that has at least one of the features we mention below.
Multiple heating setting feature can save you a lot of money. When you don’t want your room to be too hot, you can set your heater at the lowest setting or adjust it to your desired temperature.
Some space heaters also come with eco/ energy saving mode which switches back and forth between low and high settings to maintain your desired temperature.
For example, a space heater has 750W & 1500W settings, you set the heater thermostat to 72°F and turn on the eco mode. The space heater will use 1500W to warm the room to 72°F, then switch to 750W setting to maintain the temperature, when the temperature drops, it will automatically switch back to 1500W.
Also look for a heater that has a timer function. If you often forget to turn off your space heater or wake up in the middle of the night because of the overheated room, this function is a perfect solution for you.
An adjustable thermostat coming with the space heater can keep your bill from skyrocketing. Simply crack down the thermostat a few degrees and you can save as much as 3% for each degree you sacrifice.
Safety Features
Space heaters may look small but they are really dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters are responsible for one third of winter house fire and more than 80% of the winter heating fire deaths. So it is be wise and safe to choose a space heater that has tip-over safety switch and overheat protection. They help automatically turn off the space heater when it falls on the ground or when overheating is detected.
Moreover, you can opt for some model that have seal of nationally recognized testing laboratory such as ETL (Edison Testing Laboratories) or UL (Underwriter Laboratories).
Check out this picture which gives you a clearer idea of which space heaters you should buy:

Who Makes The Most Efficient Electric Heaters?
De'Longhi
The company needs no introduction about its quality and performance. Established in 1902 the company has gained its popularity in 33 countries for its excellent coffee makers, kitchen appliances, ACs and space heaters.
Promising to make the everyday better, De'Longhi surely brings the most innovative and stylish products to every corner of your home.
Vornado
Born in 1945 as an offspring of the aviation industry, Vornado now become a leading manufacturer in home comfort with its high quality room circulators, heaters, humidifiers and air purifiers. No matter on what time of the year, Vornado always satisfies its customers with well-designed and innovative products.
The company has developed a special product line only for baby, bringing comfort and safety to your nursery. These baby products, called VornadoBaby, are trusted among millions of parents around the world.
LifeSmart
To LifeSmart, every home is a smart home and every office is a smart office, so it commits to developing most stable and fashionable products in the industry along with AI and cloud service.
We’re sure LifeSmart products will win over your heart if you’re a techie.
Dr.Infrared Heater
You can tell by the name the company’s dedication to heaters. Dr.Infrared Heater has been developing an amazing line of products using infrared heating that directly heats the objects in the room, saving you a lot on your bills.
FAQs
How much does it cost to run a 1500 watt heater for a month?
The wattage (power) of a 1500 Watt heater is 1500 Watts (quite obvious), also written 1.5 kiloWatt (kW). (1,000 Watt = 1 kiloWatt) Let’s assume the heater is actually heating 8 hours a day. So, for a 30 days month, the heater will be running 30x8=240 hours.Then, the average electricity rate in the US in August 2019 is of 13.19 cents per kWh consumed, which is 0.1319 $/kWh.
The formula to calculate the cost is : power x duration x electricity pricing. The units have to be the same. We will use dollars, kWh, kW and hours. So, our formula becomes: power (in kW) x duration (hours/month) x electricity pricing (kWh) = monthly cost ($/month)
1.5 x 240 x 0.1319 = 47.5 $/month
To conclude, a space heater running 8 hours a day will monthly cost you $47.5.
Contact us if you require help for this calculation. Note that, it’s theoretical. You might not be using the whole wattage of the heater or using less… Anyway, you now know how to calculate.
Are oil filled heaters more efficient?
Even though oil filled heaters are sometimes called ‘radiators’ because of the fact that they look and heat like steam and hot water radiators, they actually heat by convection. Since they operate at relatively low temperature, they give off a pretty small amount of heat by infrared radiation. They also take time to heat up, but take time to cool down (hence providing heat for a while after turning them off).
Consequently, oil filled heaters are a wise choice to heat rooms entirely. However, they will not not warm you up until the entire room is warmed up - they warm you up by making the room warmer.
Infrared heaters, on the other hand, heat by infrared radiation. This makes them a nice choice when you want to warm people quickly despite the surrounding air might still be cold. Infrared heaters are also a good choice in areas that cannot really be heated. Therefore, they are a solution for garages, workshops, or even outdoors.
To conclude, consider what you want to do with your heater. To warm rooms, go for an oil filled heater. To warm people in cold areas which cannot easily be heated, choose a infrared heater.
Which is more efficient space heater or central heat?
The answer depends on how large of the area you want to warm up. In general, electric space heaters are more cost-effective when they are used to heat one or two rooms/areas or to supplement inadequate heating in one room.
However, when it comes to heating larger areas or every corner of the house, gas furnaces only cost 43% of the total cost of using a space heater to warm up the same area.
How do you make your home more heat efficient?
Insulate your attic and walls
This DIY project may take you the whole weekend and yet it adds up a significant amount to your savings every year. According to the Department of Energy, a properly insulated attic can cut down 10-15% on your electricity bills, whether you are using a central heating system or a space heater.
The maps and the table below show how much of insulation you should add to your home according to the particular region you are living in.
Upgrade or replace windows
If your windows are old and leaky, it’s high time to replace them with more energy-efficient models or add weather-stripping to boast their efficiency.
If you go for the first option, in many areas, the cost of Energy Star-rated replacement windows is reasonable, about $15 each, which is initial cost-effective and profitable in the long-term too.
Install insulated curtains and blinds
Curtains and blinds will definitely reduce the heat loss from your windows by up to 25%, prevent chilly drafts getting your cozy home and dampen sound too.
Plant shade trees and shrubs around your house
Here is a good news for any landscapers and gardeners. A properly designed landscape can increase your home’s energy efficiency and reduce air pollution. It can also cut down your heating and cooling bills up to 40%.
Plant some large deciduous trees on the south and west-facing sides of your home. They can block the radiant heat from the sun that overheat your home in the summer and let the sun shine through your home in the winter when the leaves are gone.
Also plant evergreen trees and shrubs to the north and northwest of the home to provide your home natural windbreak that prevents the winter from stealing heat away.
Clean your space heater
Dust generated by the fan or the fins can make your space heater less efficient. make sure that you clean it regularly and at the same time, check if there is any problem and have it repaired by a qualified expert as soon as possible to prevent any unfortunate accident.
Lower the thermostat
You can save as much as 3% on your heating bills for every degree you crack down the thermostat.
You can easily save money by setting the thermostat at 68 degrees when you’re awake and setting it lower when you’re asleep or away.
When you return home, the first thing you probably feel is the cold inside your home. However, don’t just turn the thermostat all the way up to 75 degrees, it won’t warm your home quicker. Instead, set the thermostat back to 68 degrees, and put on some clothes, socks or blanket.
Dress properly
How about putting on more warm clothes instead of increase your heater setting? It definitely saves you a lot of money.
Conclusion
Heating can be costly if you don’t insulate your home properly and without a energy-efficient space heater. We hope that with our buying guide and list of most efficient electric heaters, you will have a warm and toasty winter without worrying about paying the bills at the end of each month.