Best Under-Desk Heaters for the Office – 2022 Top Picks

| Last Updated: December 20, 2021

Let’s face it, no one likes to type with cold fingers or have to wear 3 pairs of socks to keep their feet worm while working at their desk.

We will take a look at various heater options to help you find the perfect heater for you to use while at your desk. Directly below you will find a comparison table of the top options and further down you will find more in depth info to help you find the best option for you!

Keep reading to learn more about these and other models!

Comparison of the Best Under-Desk Heaters

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • 11 different temperature settings to make sure that you are comfortable
  • Compact size and convenient handle makes it easy to carry this heater around
  • Overheat protection and cool-touch exterior ensures the safety of the users
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  • Innovative vortex technology ensures evenly distribution of heat
  • Automatic safety shut-off system and tip-over protection provides the users with complete peace of mind
  • Small footprint makes this product perfect for both under or on desktop/tabletop use
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  • Energy efficient heater that uses only 250 watts
  • Specially designed to provide the amount of heat that is just right for you
  • Portable heater that easily fulfills your supplemental home heating needs
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  • Easy operation and compact design ensures your warmth and comfort
  • Positive Temperature Coefficient heating system enhance the transfer of heat
  • By heating just the room required you can save on your energy bills
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  • Best Under Desk Radiant Heater
  • Designed to never dry out the air or stir up dust
  • Cool touch design with automatic tip-over shutoff switch
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  • Best Small Under Desk Heater
  • Three adjustable positions for optimized comfort
  • Energy-efficient design that uses one tenth of a ordinary heater's energy
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  • Best Under Desk Panel Heater
  • Energy efficient spot heater designed to provide comfortable heating
  • Built-in thermostat provides easy control and overheating protection
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What Should I Look For When Buying an Under-Desk Heater?

Heaters come in different sizes and shapes. Specifically, under-desk heaters are compact and typically one-tenth the size of a standard electric space heater. Because of their size they are more energy-efficient.

It’s important to evaluate them based on energy efficiency, features and safety parameters. You can use the following points to help you make a decision to buy one.

Heating Capacity

Approximately 10 watts of heating power is needed for every square foot. This means you can expect a 1500 watt heater to be enough for a 150 sq feet space. Of course heat rises, so high ceilings might mean you need a more powerful unit. The same is true if you’re in a particularly drafty part of the home or office. We have provided a calculator here to better help you size your heater.

Noise Levels

Most heaters with fans are noisier than those without fans. Fanless heaters operate nearly silently. Micathermic heaters are the quietest heaters of all.

Type of Heater

For under-desk heaters, you’ll have several options for type of heating, including both convection and radiant heaters. Ceramic and infrared models are among the choices.

Convection heaters include ceramic heaters. Radiant heaters are good for spot heating. Infrared space heaters are radiant heaters that use infrared quartz bulbs as heating agents.

Micathermic heaters are a hybrid models that combine the best of both convection and radiant heating technology.

Design

Personal heaters heat small spaces in a focused manner and are meant for tighter spaces. Some under-desk heaters  can be placed on a night stand, table or floor. Some even have an ergonomic footrest!

Price

When considering price, don’t just look at the price tag. The efficiency, durability and warranty coverage also add to the relative value.

Safety

Of course it’s always important to stay safe. Be sure to check that your heater is certified by an independent organization as being safe.

Recognized testing laboratories such as UL (Underwriters Laboratory) or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) will mark a product as safe only if its construction and performance meet voluntary national safety standards. 

Review of the Best Under-Desk Heaters

Different determinants combined together helped us in creating this list of best under desk heaters. While some made it to the list because of the technology used and heating capacity, some others made it because of the safety features and pricing.

Best Overall

Lasko CD09250 Ceramic Heater

Lasko CD09250 Ceramic Adjustable Thermostat Tabletop or Under-Desk Heater, 9 Inches High, Black

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A

Power (watts): 1500W

Dimensions: 5.7″ x 3.7″ x 9″

Weight: 3.5 pounds

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Review

The Lasko CD09250 has a ceramic heating element with manual controls and an adjustable thermostat. Some of its safety features include automatic overheat protection and a convenient handle. It has two heat settings —1500 Watts and 900 watts. In addition it has a fan-only mode. It is available in two colors, black and silver grey.

Pros

Priced very economically

Manufacturer’s 3-year warranty

Cons

Manual controls are a turn-off

Best Small Under-Desk Heater

Vornado VH202 Personal Space Heater

Vornado VH202 Personal Space Heater, Black

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A

Power (watts): 375W / 750W

Dimensions: 7.2″ x 7.9″ x 7.1″

Weight: 1.9 pounds

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Review

The Vornado VH202 distributes heat evenly for small or personal spaces with its Vortex technology. It has deep-pitch blades, an air-guide enclosure and an air-density spiral grill.

This unit could also be used on a table or desktop. It has two heat settings and a fan-only mode. Its safety features include a cool-touch case, tip-over protection and automatic safety shut-off system. It is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.

Pros

Safe, as it is designed for use around kids and pets

Cons

Not a travel-friendly unit. It can also get noisy at times

Best for the Money

Honeywell HCE100B

Honeywell HeatBud Ceramic Space Heater, Black – Energy Efficient Ceramic Heater with Two Heat Settings for Home, School or Office

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A

Power (watts): 170W / 250W

Dimensions: 5″ x 4″ x 7.75″

Weight: 1.05 pounds

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Review

The Honeywell HCE100B provides fast and even heating using ceramic convection heating. It is an energy-efficient option with two heat settings of 170 and 250 watts.

Safety features include cool-touch housing, tip-over, and overheat protection.

Honeywell gives you a wide variety of aesthetic options with this model. It comes in four colors: black, red, green and white.

Pros

Extremely compact in size, this unit can be used on desktop or tabletop and for travel. You will have a quiet experience

Cons

Don’t expect it to cool your entire cubicle, as this is meant for very small spaces

Comfort Zone Bovado USA 166648

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A

Power (watts): 1500W

Dimensions: ‎10″ x 6″ x 6″

Weight: 3.75 pounds

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Review

The Bovado USA 166648 is a ceramic space heater with a “positive temperature coefficient” (PTC) heating system. It has internal ceramic discs for evenly distributing the heat. It’s rated up to 1500 watts.

The manual controls provide two heat settings of high and low. There’s also a fan-only mode.

The unit meets the safety and quality standards of the major international laboratories. Among its features that avoid overheating, burns with heated surface and accidents by tipping over.

Pros

Extremely affordable and mobile unit

At 1500 watts, it provides a great deal of heat for its size

Cons

The fan can get noisy

Best Under-Desk Radiant Heater

QMark Radiant Under Desk Heater

QMark Radiant Under Desk Heater 202SL

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A

Power (watts): N/A

Dimensions: 26″ x 16″ x 2″

Weight: 9 pounds

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What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers seem pretty content with their new investment in this radiant heater due to its subtle heating qualities, where the temperature provided is just what is needed. It is not too hot nor too chilly. Being devoid of a fan, the heater has attracted a lot of buyers who like working in silence. Along with no commotion, buyers claimed that it pushes out no scent, and they love the natural vibe it creates when placed on a desk.

Why it Stands Out to Us

If you are wondering why this specific heater won a place on our list and not any other, it is because of its friendly design. The toggle-style on/off switch adds to the convenience of users as you can operate the unit. Though a little heavy, the sleek design will give your workplace an elegant touch. Moreover, the green light on the display ensures that you are aware that the heater is on. These effective safety features, along with an automatic tip-over switch, makes this under-desk heater outshine among its peers.

Bottom Line

All in all, this radiant under-desk heater has exquisite features that can be quite attractive. With its no-noise and no-scent elements along with even heating properties, the heater is ideal for anyone on the hunt for a reliable and user-friendly machine. Its foot access to the on/off switch makes it stand out!

Pros

Safely designed to prevent overheating

No more stripping the air of all moisture

Your very own source of warmth in a compact size

Exudes toned down warmth to keep you comfortable

Extremely portable, tuck it in a desk or place it on its legs

Cons

Weighs more than other heaters in the market

Best Foot Heater Under Desk

Cozy Products Toasty Toes Heated Foot Warmer

Indus-Tool TT Toasty Toes Heated Footrest, 18 x 12-In. - Quantity 6

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A

Power (watts): 90W

Dimensions: ‎12″ x 18″ x 5″

Weight: 0.31 pounds

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What Recent Buyers Report

Most buyers appreciate the angle and height of this foot heater. The size has satisfied many buyers where their feet rest just perfectly. The option of adjusting the temperature at their own liking has also been a plus point for many, especially those who love using foot heaters even in the summer with mild heating. Buyers also point out that its no-noise addition has been a bonus point to them.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The feature that took the show in this foot heater is the low energy consumption of just 105 watts. Daily all-day use of a heater can be pretty hefty on the pocket. However, with a low-powered design like this one, you save energy costs throughout the year. Such a battery also pushes away all fears of tripping any breakers and causing havoc in your workplace.

Bottom Line

With comfort paired with affordability, this foot heater is one you shouldn’t miss out on. Another top feature is its ability to circulate heat to the entire foot rather than just the areas exposed to the device. Its alluring design, along with its energy-saving feature, has landed this device under many feet and is there to stay!

Pros

An array of flexible positions to choose

Captivating design to enhance your workplace

Convenient size to place in cramped up places

Self-operating heat buttons for the desired temperature

Designed with an ergonomic foot-rest for a homely experience

Cons

Absence of an automatic on/off safety switch

Non-bulky exterior lets the machine slide when resting the feet

Best Under-Desk Panel Heater

Sengoku SP-160

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A

Power (watts): 150W

Dimensions: 15″ x 1″ x 21″

Weight: 6.75 pounds

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What Recent Buyers Report

On the whole, buyers gave an overall positive response. They particularly complimented the ample amount of heat the heater is capable of for a battery as simple as a 150-watt one. Also, many were satisfied with how this product never dried out the surrounding air, something a lot of panel heaters are unable to achieve. With a reset button, most buyers were able to resolve any issues that the heater brought forth.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This one feature that made it impossible for us to not include this panel heater in our list has been its ‘No hot surface’ property. Unlike many under-desk heaters in the market, this unit is designed innovatively to protect the interests of its users. There’s no more worrying about the unit catching fire, burning fingers, or keeping kids out of reach as this panel heater is engineered to spread out heat on the exterior to ensure safety.

Bottom Line

With a competitive price and energy-saving abilities, some buyers have willingly replaced this panel heater with their old ones. The ‘no hot surface’ feature has grasped the attention of many careful buyers, and the heater has not disappointed them.

Pros

Heat range is a good 6 ft by 6 ft

Doesn’t make any distracting hum

Heats up spaces even in extreme winters

6-foot-long power cord is a user-friendly addition

Designed with a built-in thermostat to regulate temperature

Cons

Scent associated with the air the heater drives out

Bionaire Office Heater

Bionaire Office Heater with Worry Free Motion Sensor

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A

Power (watts): 800W

Dimensions: 5.5″ x 7.5″ x 9.4″

Weight: 2.8 pounds

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Review

The Bionaire Office Heater features motion-sensing technology that automatically shuts off the unit when you’re not around. It comes with two heat settings with a maximum of 800 watts, and allows targeted heat output.

A handy cord wrap keeps the cord out of way. Other safety features include overheat shutoff, manual user reset, a cool-touch exterior and auto shut-off.

You get a one-year limited warranty with this.

Pros

The unit has a decent heating capacity for a desk area. Also, the motion sensor technology is a big plus

Cons

A slight humming sound might disappoint you if you are looking for a hyper-silent heater

Keeping Warm While at the Desk  

On cold days a low temperature at your workplace could prove counterproductive. Even on warm days, you might need to tackle a frigid climate inside the office. Women, in particular, can feel the effects – in general, they have a lower metabolism rate, so they typically need higher temperatures to feel comfortable.

Offices are often on the cool side. Besides providing comfort for people, this is because of the use of computers and servers. These machines need to operate in colder temperatures for their best performance.

Unfortunately, maintenance teams do not increase the temperature to beat the chill. Not all systems are designed well; heating the building is expensive, and many other factors may mean the building or floor is too cold for your taste.

Space heaters that fit under or near the desk can literally be tucked away or placed out of the way in a corner of your cubicle. These electric heaters are small and energy-efficient so you won’t have to worry about a substantially higher electric bill. They are also safe because they don’t emit any chemicals or gases and come with a cool surface.

Can You Really Find a Quality Under Desk Heater That’s Affordable? 

It is highly misconceived that buying an expensive product will ultimately be a genuine investment while buying a ‘cheap’ one will definitely result in a poor deal. You must have heard people raving about how their unit is still scratch-less because they splurged on a pricey one and how you will always have to trade quality for a price if your budget is low.

If you are one of these people, you have never been more wrong!

Similar products in terms of design with a vast difference in price can work and last the same. It is all about you researching and finding the right products for yourself! If you take the example of under-desk heaters, all of them provide the best functionality, but at a pretty reasonable cost. 

So, do not let flashy companies fool you into adding cents into a product that has a similar alternative available for cheaper. 

Photo credit: hvacforhome.com

Staying Safe

Space heaters contribute to a reasonable number of fire accidents across the nation. Many of these arise from improper use.

Under-desk heaters are usually electrical appliances so they carry less risk than heaters that use fuel like kerosene. Still, a few precautions and policies can help avoid injury to yourself or damage to your home or office.

  1. Keep them away from flammable liquids or any combustible material.

  2. Use only heaters certified by national bodies like UL.

  3. Make sure all cords and plugs are intact

  4. Do not stack anything on a heater. Don’t use it as a supplement to your desk or as a clothes rack. Keep it at least several inches from walls, the sides of your desk and other surfaces or items

  5. Avoid placing the heater in a high-traffic area.

  6. Pick heaters with features like a cool surface, auto-shutoff mode and tip-over shutoff

  7. Ensure that it is turned off when not in use.

Conclusion

Research shows that productivity at work drops when people are exposed to extremely cold temperatures for a long time. To help keep yourself comfortable and working at an optimal level, a space heater for under your desk can be a great option. Having to work is enough of a burden as it is: don’t get stuck feeling like a popsicle too!

People Also Ask

If you feel chilly in the office and want to keep warm, there are a bunch of options available in the market catering to this need. If you need to clear a few doubts, then this frequently asked questions’ portion is for you.

Are Space Heaters Allowed in Office Buildings?

There are workplace safety laws that forbid the use of space heater at workplaces, since, in chilly weather, it is quite important to ensure the workers’ health. It can be hazardous if it’s not taken care of properly, but they can be used safely if precautionary measures are taken. 

Can You Put a Space Heater on a Desk?

It is not recommendable to keep a space heater near your desk. In fact, your office supplies like papers, paperclips, and other stationery should be kept 3 feet away from your space heater to keep them safe from getting burnt or starting a fire.

Are Space Heaters a Fire Hazard in Work Cubicles?

Fires can be started in a work cubicle if they are not properly managed, or safety features are neglected. This is why there should be safety precautions taken by the office management and employees so that the consequences aren’t catastrophic.

Should Space Heaters Be Left Unattended?

Space heaters should never be left unattended because they can emit harmful gases, which can be fatal to humans. So, if a person is leaving the office or their room/cubicle, they should never leave the space heater on.

How Long Can I Leave on a Space Heater Under My Desk?

If you have a heater with an automatic on/off feature, tip-over switch off, and a thermostat, you can leave it on for long periods, including while you sleep. 

However, it is safer to never leave the heater unattended, especially with pets or kids in the same room. Also, keep it away from flammable materials.

Why Do Most Manufacturers Discourage Using an Extension Cord With a Portable Heater?

Since under-desk heaters use maximum currents allowed in the room, there is a higher risk of wires overheating and catching fire. This is because the wiring of a typical household extension is too simple for a heater’s complexity. So, using extension cords could create a fire hazard!

How Much Heat Does an Under-Desk Heater Produce?

To understand better, a rule of thumb is often used.

For every ten watts of heating power, one square foot of area is sufficiently heated. So, if you have an under-desk heater that is powered by a 1500-watt battery, it will be the source of warmth for 150 square feet.



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.