We researched electric heaters from the top appliance and home brands, assessing heat output, safety features, temperature control, and ease of use. Our best overall pick, the Duraflame Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove, looks like a real fireplace, can be controlled remotely, and provides supplemental heat for an area measuring up to 1,000 square feet. Here are the best electric heaters. If you’re looking for an electric heater with the look and feel of a fireplace, check out this model from DuraFlame. Available in five different finishes (including on-trend colors like French gray, navy, and cinnamon), this metal body electric fireplace is complete with logs and 3D flames that look more realistic than many other models. The heater itself puts out 5,200 BTUs of heat—plenty to heat a medium-to-large room and spaces up to 1,000 square feet, according to the manufacturer. Concealed beneath the beveled glass door is a digital temperature display, along with the controls for the flame and heat settings, along with a timer. You can also adjust this electric fireplace heater using the included remote control. Price at time of publish: $300 Using micathermic heating technology, which involves the use of a mica stone, this heater combines the best of both radiant and convection heater principles. As a result, the DiamondHeat panel of this electric heater radiates heat into the room while operating nearly silently, thanks to the fact that no blower fan is required. Keep in mind that this electric heater is rated for rooms up to 160 square feet in size, though some users find that it’s capable of warming up bedrooms and other spaces that are slightly larger. Price at time of publish: $130 This panel heater has 1,500 watts of power on high and 750 watts on low. It can be mounted on the wall but includes caster wheels if you want to use this as a freestanding electric heater. To ensure peace of mind when using this electric heater, the DeLonghi HMP1500 includes sensors that will shut off the unit if it’s in danger of overheating or tips over. Price at time of publish: $239 Pre-punched holes for mounting and universal wiring allows you to connect either end of this baseboard heater to a power supply, making it easier to install. Keep in mind that a thermostat is required for use with this heater, and you’ll need to buy and install it separately. Price at time of publish: $67 A 60-minute timer enables you to set the heater for maximum power to quickly raise room temperatures, before cycling on and off to maintain the set temperature of the thermostat. While some electric heaters draw criticism for having inaccurate or finicky thermometers, this model is thoroughly reliable. Price at time of publish: $141 This model from Cadet Com-Pak is a complete unit—it includes the wall can, heater, grill, and thermostat. It’s available in 1,000 watts, 1,500 watts, or 2,000 watts of power, depending on your heating needs. Price at time of publish: $157
Square Footage
Consider whether you’re looking for an electric heater for a small personal space or to warm a large room. Not all electric heaters are up to the challenge of heating a big area and trying to use an underpowered electric heater will prove to be inefficient and ineffective. In general, the more square footage you have to heat, the more watts you want in an electric heater. For a 10’ x 10’ room or smaller (assuming the home has average insulation), an electric heater with up to 750 watts of power should be sufficient. For larger rooms of 20’ x 20’, look for a unit with 1,500 watts or more.
Temperature Control
Some electric heaters only have an “on” or “off” mode, without the ability to set a specific temperature. Other electric heaters are equipped with a dial thermostat setting or a digital thermostat that makes setting your target temperature super simple. Electric heaters with a thermostat may be more efficient in the long run since they can turn on and off to maintain the right temperature without wasting energy.
