Best Heaters for Large Rooms: 2022 Complete Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated: January 20, 2022

Heating a large room can be difficult and expensive, especially if you choose the wrong heater.

Finding the most efficient solution for your heating needs will ensure that you gain that cozy homely feel without breaking the bank.

Here is a little insight into how to choose the right heater for you, along with a few of the best models on the market.

Compare our top pick with other products

Comparison of the Best Heaters for Large Rooms

IMAGE PRODUCT
  • Advanced heating system
  • Unique combination of Quartz Infrared Element and PTC
  • High Velocity Low Noise Blower and a Dual Heating System
Our Rating: 90%
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  • Designed with dual coil elements
  • Powder coating provides it a high gloss finish while eliminating sharp edges
  • Ideal for heating medium to large-sized rooms
Our Rating: 89%
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  • Portable infrared heating
  • Aesthetic design
  • Included remote control
Our Rating: 87%
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  • 23-inch ceramic heater tower provides comfortable warmth around the room
  • Automatic overheat protection makes this product safe to use
  • Attractive slim design is very easy to store
Our Rating: 85%
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  • Best Energy Efficient Space Heater For Large Room
  • Multiple heat settings with customizable precision control
  • Light-weight design with comfortable handles and wheels for optimized mobility
Our Rating: 82%
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  • Ergonomic design ensures a low surface temperature
  • Wheeled design makes it possible to move it easily from one room to another
  • Comes with a remote and timer which increases convenience
Our Rating: 77%
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Factors to Consider When Buying Heaters for Large Rooms

The first and most important consideration is power. If you want to heat a whole room, you need to measure its size. In general, 10 watts will heat 1 square foot of space, so you will need to find a heater that has the capacity to heat the size of space you are considering.

Secondly, see what you have available and the utility of the heater, so you consider your fuel options. Those with small children may find a propane tank heater a little dangerous. Equally, if you do not have gas lines installed in your house, a gas heater may be out of the question due to the high installation costs and disturbance. Electric heaters tend to be cheaper upfront. That said, gas heaters tend to be cheaper to run than electricity and could be a better option if they fit your criteria.

Think about the space you have to put a heater. Are you looking to recess something into the wall or to have an aesthetically pleasing fireplace?

Alternatively, you may be looking to have a surface wall heater that you can tilt for workshops and garages. Perhaps a free-standing heater is more suitable for portability so you can move it from room to room. Understanding the design will help you narrow down your choices.

You can also consider some of the other added features such as a built-in thermostat, adjustable fan, cool-touch exterior, automatic tip-over, overheat switch-off, remote control, timer, and wheels. All these features help with portability, safety, or convenience.

Photo credit: wisepick.org

Reviews of the Best Heaters for Large Rooms

Remember what to consider before selecting a heater for a large room. Here are some of the best models available on the market today.

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Best Portable Heater for Large Room

Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater

Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater, 1500-Watt, Cherry

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): 1000

Power (watts): 1500

Dimensions: 13 x 12.5 x 17 inches

Weight: 19 pounds

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Review

With both tip-over and overheat protection, this model features a dual heating system using infrared and PTC. It has 1500 watts of power and ranges from temperatures of 122-250F. It has a high-efficiency blower but operates at only 39 decibels.

This heater operates quickly and has the capacity to warm large spaces. However, it is a little costly to run, and despite the plethora of safety features, the grate has a flaw, making it hazardous for children and pets.

Pros

Has wheels for easy portability

The blower is both efficient and quiet

Contains technology that does not dry the air out

Tip-over and over-heat protection as well as being cool-to-touch and having a 12-hour automatic shut-off, making it very safe

Can heat up to 250F at 3.5 meters per second, meaning it can produce 60% more heat than other heaters with the same wattage

Cons

The grate on the front of the heater gets very hot to touch

Uses a lot of electricity so can be quite expensive to run

Best Large Room Electric Wall Heater

Cadet Com-Pak Twin Electric Wall Heater

Cadet Com-Pak Twin Electric Wall Heater Complete Unit with Thermostat (Model: CSTC402TW, Part: 67527), 13648/10236 BTU, 240/208 Volt, 4000/3000 Watt, White

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): 600

Power (watts): 4000

Dimensions: ‎16.5 x 19.5 x 13.63 inches

Weight: 12 pounds

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Review

This wall-mounted 4000-watt heater can heat up to 600 square feet. It comes with a wall can, grill, and thermostat for easy installation. It has an automatic overheat function and a fan to dissipate the heat.

It is a very powerful wall-mounted heater that’s easy to install and that heats a room quickly. If you’re looking to have your own thermostat, this model might not be the most appropriate.

Pros

Very easy to install

Relatively quiet for a fan heater

Can heat up to 250 square meters in less than 5 minutes

Designed to heat very large spaces and has the wattage to cover this effectively

Cons

Thermostat isn’t as precise as it could be

If you want to install an external thermostat, the internal one is hard to bypass

Best Infrared Heater for a Large Room

LifeSmart Large Room Infrared Quartz Fireplace

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Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): 1000

Power (watts): 1500

Dimensions: 28 x 11 x 20 inches

Weight: 40 pounds

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Review

Aesthetically designed to mimic a log fireplace, this electric heater has 2 levels of fire glow and produces heat using infrared. It heats 1000 square meters and has a beautiful oak framing and mantlepiece. It has three heat settings, including an eco mode, and a 12-hour timer. You can use the flames whether the heater is on or not.

It is a very beautiful supplement to the home, with a realistic fireplace touch. Aside from the loud fan, this model fits into any room nicely, and you can move it around.

Pros

Infrared technology does not dehydrate the air

The flames are very realistic, creating a cozy feel

Very energy efficient, heating up to 1000 square meters, using only 1500 watts

Despite being quite large, this model is portable and can, therefore, be used for zonal heating

Cons

The fan is extremely loud

There is no automatic shut off if it overheats

Best Ceramic Heater For a Large Room

Lasko 5160 Ceramic Tower Heater

Lasko Portable Electric 1500 Watt Room Oscillating Ceramic Tower Space Heater with Remote, Adjustable Thermostat, Digital Controls, and Timer, Black

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): 300

Power (watts): N/A

Dimensions: 8.5 x 7.25 x 23 inches

Weight: 6.45 pounds

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Review

With an adjustable, programmable thermostat, and an oscillating design, this model is made to create even heat distribution throughout a room. It has a cool-touch exterior and 1500 watts of power.

It is a great model for people with children or pets as it is cool-to-touch and can take a knock. It heats rooms quickly but isn’t always the most accurate.

Pros

Very quiet and therefore, you can use it in the bedroom

The cool-touch exterior makes it a safe choice for children and pets

Durable and doesn’t seem to crack if accidentally knocked over

Despite being small in size, it puts out a lot of heat and can warm a room very quickly

Cons

Thermometer is not very accurate

The ‘auto’ setting uses the highest amount of power

Best Energy-Efficient Space Heater for a Large Room

De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater

DeLonghi Mica Panel Space Heater, 1500W quiet electric space heater for indoor use, adjustable thermostat, freestanding/ easy wall mount, full room heating with built-in safety features, HMP1500 Black

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): 300

Power (watts): 1500

Dimensions: 27 x 10 x 22 inches

Weight: 15.43 pounds

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What Recent Buyers Report

Previous customers of De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater have reported contentment with this compact unit. People love its customizable settings as well as the dual option of mounting on the wall or setting on the floor based on your needs. Moreover, it comes with an included kit to mount on any wall and is easy to assemble.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Its sleek and efficient model is a mechanical example of beauty with brains. To move it from room to room is a tension-free process as it is compact and comes with a convenient handle and wheels. Its safety features make one worry less as they include a power/caution indicator light along with overheat protection.

Bottom Line

To conclude, this panel heater puts out a gentle heat that can be set at either 1500 watts or 750 watts according to the requirement by using the thermostat. Moreover, it enhances the charm of the room it is present in.

Pros

Provides an excellent heat output

Comes in two colors, white and black

Easily portable because of the low weight

Has two heating settings thanks to an adjustable thermostat

Equipped with a safety thermal shut-off for overheating protection and tip-over protection

Cons

Structure is sensitive

Makes an unpleasant humming sound

Hurricane Heat Series Digital Radiant Heater

Hurricane Radiant Heater | Digital Display w/ Remote Control

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A

Power (watts): 1500

Dimensions: 26 x 15 x 6.5 inches

Weight: 19.25 pounds

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Review

It is a whole-room oil-filled radiant heater. It has 1500 watts of power and three heat settings. It has a remote control for convenience and a digital display and features wheels for portability.

This radiant heater is a good option for those looking for a portable model with convenient timer settings and quiet operation.

Pros

The timer settings make it very convenient

Easy to put together and very simple to use

Extremely quiet when it’s operating

Eco mode saves a lot of energy but provides a significant amount of heat

Can easily be moved from place to place depending on the room that needs heating

Cons

The sound of the digital display is very loud

The angles on the remote control are not very good, so you often have to move to make it function

What Is the Best Type of Space Heater for a Large Room?

There are three main types of heaters when it comes to heating a large room: radiant, convection, and combination heaters. Radiant heaters, powered by electricity or fuel, gas, kerosene, etc., work in the same way as the sun, by radiating heat outwards. Some of these are infrared models. These heaters work by being pointed in the direction to heat, and some have reflectors to conduct heat in specific directions. These types of heaters work best to warm objects rather than whole spaces.

Convection heaters work by creating air circulation, relying on the natural flow of hot air rising. As air rises out of the heater, it creates a vacuum for cold air to be sucked in. This makes air circulate naturally as warm air flows into the vacuum of cold air. This type of heaters are designed to heat the entire room because they heat the air rather than specific objects.

Some heaters, such as ceramic radiant heaters, are a combination of both as they use a fan to circulate the heat that gets produced.

You will also find four main designs of heaters: wall, baseboard, freestanding, and electric fireplace heaters. Each is aesthetically different and circulates heat differently. The major consideration is the space that you have for it and the way you would like the heat to rise.

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Safety Features to Look For

When installing a heater, safety is important, therefore, identifying the features of a large room heater is integral. First, you want to ensure it has been tested for safety. Look for a label from a recognized testing lab such as UL (Underwriters Laboratory), ETL (Intertek), or CSA (Canadian Standards Association).will verify the safety of the model.

Next, consider the safety features that come with the heater. The Cool-touch exterior will stop the outside of the heater from getting hot and posing a fire risk. Some heaters feature an automatic switch-off function when the heater starts to overheat. Moreover, you will find that some heaters will automatically turn off if the heater tips over.

You can find another great and often forgotten safety feature on gas heaters. It is a carbon monoxide-related feature that switches the heater off when there is not enough oxygen for combustion. It prevents carbon monoxide from being formed. When using a gas heater in your home, always make sure to have a vented combustion heater; unvented heaters can be very dangerous.

Can You Really Find a Quality Large Room Space Heater That’s Affordable? 

In the market, the usual trend is that the price of anything increases with the improvement in its design, functioning, credibility, or efficacy. However, what many people do not know is that not all cheap products have poor quality. 

Many companies now manufacture space heaters that are of good quality and are affordable. The space heaters for large rooms mentioned above are also good in terms of quality and pricing, which makes them stand out.

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How Much Does a Space Heater for a Large Room Cost?

The price of a space heater for a large room can range from $50 to $1000. More expensive models may be available on the market, with prices increasing due to improved features or the brand name.

What Size Space Heater Do I Need for a Large Room?

The size of a space heater for a large room depends upon the size of the room, insulation, and climatic conditions. According to a rough estimate, ten watts of power is required to heat a square foot of area. 

Now, consider a room of area equal to 150 square feet. Then 1500 watts of power will be required to heat that room. To calculate the size of a required gas heater, we multiply 1500 watts with 3.41 BTUs.

How to Safely Use a Space Heater

To ensure safe usage of a heater, before you buy the product, make sure that it is laboratory-certified, has an in-built protective gear, is not damaged, and has a durable cord. After that, make sure to keep the following tips in mind so that you’re not in harm’s way when a space heater is on:

  1. When using the heater, place it on a hard and flat surface.

  2. Maintain a three-foot zone around the heater where the kids and pets should not enter.

  3. Keep the space heater at a safe distance from any flammable materials like furniture, bedding, or curtains.

  4. Never use a heater near paint, gas cans, or matches.

  5. Turn off the heater when it is not required.

  6. Do not touch the heater’s body with your bare hands while it is running or immediately after it has been turned off.

  7. Occasionally check the cord for impairment and never ignore a tattered cord. Stop using the heater immediately and get it repaired first.

  8. Do not plug another cord into the same outlet as a heater because it can cause overheating.

  9. Install smoke alarms in different rooms in your house where the heater is used frequently. Test them often to ensure proper functioning.
Cadet Manufacturing 67527

Conclusion

Finding a heater to warm large rooms, such as basements, can be a chore. The best way to go about it is to understand your needs in terms of shape, size, style, and power. That way you’ll understand which model you want. Just remember that your lifestyle will dictate the heater you choose, so consider everything before.

People Also Ask

If you’re looking for answers to a few questions related to space heaters, then this portion might be helpful to you. Here are a few questions people ask that are quite common, with answers listed below: 

Where to Place a Space Heater in a Large Room?

In a large room, a heater must be placed at least three feet from all sorts of flammable or fragile materials. Also, pets or kids should not be allowed to enter this three-foot region. Other than that, it should be at a point where everyone can get a comfortable amount of heat.

Are Space Heaters for Large Rooms Energy-Efficient?

Space heaters for large rooms can prove more energy-efficient if they are bought according to the size of the room. Heaters that are too small will not warm up all the corners, while those that are too large will result in excessive energy loss. On average, a space heater consumes 1.5 kWh of electricity, which costs about 16 cents, which is quite reasonable.

How Big of a Room Can a Space Heater Heat?

Making an approximation, you would require 10 watts of heat for every square foot of surface area on the floor in each room. So, in that case, a 1500-watt heater can warm an area of a total of 150 square feet. 

How Large a Room Will a 1500-Watt Heater Heat?

A 1500-watt heater can easily warm up a small space or room. It can produce up to 5100 BTUs of heat an hour and 34 BTUs of heat per square foot. So, 34 BTUs is equal to 10 watts, and an overall 150 square feet of coverage. For room dimensions, that is equal to a 10-by-15-foot room with an 8-foot ceiling.

Can You Leave a Space Heater on All Night?

No, you should most definitely not. Even though technological advancements have been made, it is never recommended to leave the heater on (gas or electric) all night, as the extreme heat is enough to start a fire in the home. You can also be poisoned by carbon monoxide while sleeping if you own a gas heater, and it is on all night. 

How Much Electricity Does a Space Heater Use?

The cost of electricity taken up by a space heater is billed for each kilowatt per hour of electricity used. Most of the time, a space heater consumes about 1500 kilowatts of energy per day, considering that it is on 24 hours a day. To help you compute, here is a calculator you may use:



My name is Bob Wells and I am a retired HVAC tech from Washington state. I am currently retired and no longer do much with HVAC, however, I feel like I have a lot of knowledge in the subject and I wanted to create a website where I could talk about what I've learned and help upcoming HVAC techs. Find more info about me and HVAC Training 101.