Who doesn’t dream of cozy winter evenings sitting by the heater? Space heaters are a quick solution to spreading warmth, setting the mood, and enjoying your favorite pastime activities, or spending quality time with friends and family. Featuring adjustable settings, this convenient appliance is all you need to provide a boost of heat in large spaces.
Fighting off the chills as winter approaches can be pretty daunting and overwhelming. It can be quite a hassle to look for a reliable product with promising functionality. Nowadays, markets are flooding with arrays of all sorts of heaters, but not many of them are worth your time and money.
Looking for the best heaters to warm up large spaces in no time? Well, look no further because we’ve researched and prepared a complete review of the best heaters to toast your homes, garages, and workplaces. We are sure that this article will gear you with the right amount of knowledge about space heaters for areas as large as 500 square feet.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Heaters For 500 Square Feet
- OUR TOP PICK: Heat Storm Wave HS-1000-WA
- RUNNER-UP: NewAir G73
- Dr Infrared Heater DR968
Comparison of the Best Heaters For 500 Square Feet
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Are All Heaters for 500 Square Feet the Same?
Every product has variations to facilitate different demands and requirements of buyers. Although all heaters for 500 square feet have an indomitable ability to heat up large spaces, they come in different types based on power sources and working methodologies.
Ceramic heaters have gained increasing popularity among buyers due to their affordable price tag and quick heating capabilities by fanning out warm air. Another type of heaters suitable for garages, warehouses, and basements are infrared ones that use radiant technology to direct heat, specifically, which makes them a better option for heating objects instead of places. For entire heating rooms, convection-style heaters make a good choice as they work by circulating air for a mildly heated atmosphere.
The power source varies for each heater, too, so it’s better to opt for something that suits your expenses and necessities. For indoor usage, electric heaters serve as a go-to option because they tend to be convenient and portable and require minimum effort.
Gas-powered heaters rely on propane and natural gas; hence they are useful in areas struggling with the availability of electricity. Gas heaters serve as better options for industrial settings in workplaces.
Review of the Best Heaters for 500 Square Feet
You must know all the details about a particular product to make your investment count. Keeping this in mind, we have assembled a compact review of the top heaters for 500 square feet. These heaters have top-quality performance, longevity, and heating abilities that qualified them into our list.
Best Overall
Heat Storm Wave HS-1000-WA
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 500
Power (watts): 1000
Dimensions: 13 x 3.63 x 16.5 inches
Weight: 8 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Receiving massive customer applause, the Heat Storm Wave HS-1000-WA has been thoughtfully designed to make it stand out. The controls and installation are pretty basic, and the wall mounting feature is a win to save floor space. Being energy-efficient, it produces hot output air in 1000 watts for continued warmth, which has impressed almost all buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
A product that makes it to number one on our list surely features a great deal of versatility and efficiency. The design is clean and attractive, with a built-in anti-trip protective feature to safeguard one from the risks of tripping the circuit breakers. Mounting it on the wall only occupies two square feet area, but it is promising in terms of protection from fire accidents, commonly resulting from tripping over.
Running on 1000 watts, the Heat Storm Wave is energy-efficient but radiates powerful heat, making it suitable for enormous rooms. Included with this product is a remote control that makes customizable heat settings an easy option for all the lazy ones who are too snug to get up.
Bottom Line
An appliance’s versatility lies in its user-friendliness and energy-efficient features that make it a winner amongst all other space heaters. With a Wi-Fi-enabled feature, plenty of heat production, and cost-friendliness, you’re in for a worthy buy!
Pros
Design is sleek, with excellent finishing to lend a modern impression
Straightforward settings that can be maintained with a remote control
An LCD screen displays the ambient temperature regulated by the thermostat
Can be mounted on the walls with minimum space coverage and no floor mess
Operating on 1000 watts, it can provide complementary heating for 500 square feet
Cons
Some people complained that the fan is loud and noisy
Thermostat does not measure room temperature accurately
Runner-up
NewAir G73
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 500
Power (watts): 5000
Dimensions: 9 x 9.5 x 14 inches
Weight: 15 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of the buyers have given due credit to this heater for warming up their garages to create a warm and bearable environment. The fan directs the heat at a rapid rate to ensure that space as large as 500 square feet gets heated to noticeable levels. They also like that the auto-shutoff feature works perfectly to save one from any kind of danger.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The NewAir G73 has made it to the second spot of our list because it excels in terms of providing unwavering comfort in harsh winter months. The construction proves how this product is built to last, with a heavy stainless-steel framework that can sustain all kinds of damage. With amazing heat generation, you won’t need to worry about temperature regulation, which is subtly controlled by a built-in thermostat.
To regulate heat flow, the swiveling panels and adjustable louvers can direct heat in any specific direction up to a safe distance of 500 square feet, making it suitable for garages, workshops, etc. With this unit, you can put all your worries aside because it’s ETL-certified with extra protective features, including an auto-turn off and cool exteriors that are harmless to touch.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a heater that combines quality heating with enhanced longevity, this is the best one to suit your demands. As a one-time investment, it makes a great buy, and you’ll undoubtedly be pleased with how toasty and warm your room gets in little time.
Pros
ETL-certified in terms of safety and precautionary measures
Can be mounted on the wall, eliminating the chances of tripping over cords
Transfers heat swiftly over a 500 square feet area by a fan-forced mechanism
Heavy-duty steel construction with promising durability, reliability, and longevity
Heat can be focused and directed due to adjustable louvers and tilting brackets
Cons
Device needs to be installed into hardwire so you’ll need professional help
Dr Infrared Heater DR968
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 1000
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 13 x 12.5 x 17 inches
Weight: 19 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Many people recommend buying this unit because of its promising functionality and protection. It will keep running silently to produce hot exhausts of air, keeping large spaces all cozy and warm. The timer, remote, and thermostat are additional perks that make this product a delight to use. It can be maneuvered around easily on caster wheels to park it in any place without trouble.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Dr Infrared is a trusted and renowned brand when it comes to purchasing space heaters. Their top-notch quality, paired with lasting performance, always grabs the attention of buyers. The dual heating system is built with quartz tubes and PTC to project heat quickly, which surely leaves an impact on spaces measuring 500 square feet. To avoid suffocating heat, a humidifier serves to be a great addition that maintains moisture and prevents the air from drying out.
The controls are basic and understandable for a layman, and in case you’re too lazy to walk up to the unit, a remote comes in handy for adjusting the settings. The unit also makes owners feel safe due to the timer that turns the heater off within 12 hours. Not only this, but the appliance will instantly shut off in case of overheating or being knocked off to steer clear of accidents. Lastly, castor wheels allow portability, and a silent fan gets the job done with minimal inconvenience.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is a great heating device that is sure to live up to your expectations. It not only delivers higher heat production for large areas with maximum efficiency but also considers the safety of the users. Dr. Infrared makes sure to incorporate features to make this appliance a treat to use.
Pros
Humidifier keeps moisture locked in to avoid stuffy rooms
Portable wheels, super silent, with a 12-hour automated timer
Remote control feature to monitor the thermostat’s functioning
Dual heating system provides better and quicker heat transference
Fully equipped with safety features, such as tip-over and overheat protection
Cons
Quality of the power cord needs improvement to bear electric heat
Hazardous to touch because the front of the heater heats up quickly
Cadet Com-Pak Twin 4000W
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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What Recent Buyers Report
Presenting a clean, high-gloss, and basic design, this heater has won the hearts of buyers who have praised its exceptional heating abilities. It can battle off stubborn chills in no time at all, maintaining the temperature in a constant range. Many people were a fan of how no wires showed off, and the unit blended in perfectly with the walls.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Being one of its kind, this little unit brings on the heat with unbeatable quality and ensures even warmth distribution throughout the room. It saves up space and saves the risk of tripping over wires, which makes it a viable option for daily use.
Moreover, the fans aren’t noisy, and the built-in thermostat works well enough to keep the temperatures within a consistent range. In case of overheating, the heater will robotically turn itself off, and with no exposed elements, the exterior is safe to touch. The exceptionally strong power owing to a dual coil heating element is all you need for a large area of 500 to 600 square feet.
Bottom Line
To sum up, the Cadet Com-Pak Twin 4000W is a great investment for garages and large-sized workplaces. It is bound to sustain a cozy and warm atmosphere for long durations. Apart from the fact that turning it off can be a bit time-taking, it has everything to provide reliable heating.
Pros
Double coil quickens the heating process effectively
Silent fan operation to minimize noise and disturbance
Wall-mounting design saves floor space and prevents the need for cords
Can cover up areas as large as 600 square feet with even heat distribution
Cool exterior and overheating protective features already installed in the unit
Cons
No LCD of the temperature to adjust the thermostat
Turning it off can be a hassle as it demands to shut off the circuit breaker/power supply
Where Would a Heater for 500 Square Feet Be Useful?
It is quite hard to heat massive areas up to 500 square feet, but powerful heaters can quickly get the job done in no time. Such heaters are in high demand in winters when chilly winds bring about a lot of discomfort. You can bring out the best from these heaters in areas such as:
Living Rooms and Large Apartments
Having a consistent and warm temperature in your home, particularly in the living room or den, can save up a lot of electricity because the entire family can stay together in one place, saving you the need to buy multiple heaters. You can cherish beautiful evenings playing or talking with your loved ones, especially when guests come over.
These heaters are mainly built for enormous rooms; hence, they’ll prove to be a great addition to your apartment as well. Just one heater is more than enough to keep the entire apartment warm and toasty.
Garages and Basements
Notorious for being extremely cold and frosty in winters, garages and basements hold great uses for a space heater. You can create a cozy and warm atmosphere to transform your basement into an art room, home gym, workplace, or a simple, fun area to hang out with friends for long hours without worrying about catching a cold.
Offices and Warehouses
Maintaining a comfortable work environment is crucial to maximizing output from workers. Having a space heater can easily tackle entire floor plans and cubicles in your workplace, thus ensuring a warm atmosphere for everyone’s comfort. You can also heat up your warehouse, workshop, or storage space with a heater whenever in use, to avoid working in bitter and cold conditions.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Heater for a 500 Sq. Ft. Space?
Heating up an area of 500 square feet requires enormous power, efficiency, and heating capabilities. You need to look for a product featuring similar qualities to suffice bigger areas. No compromise should be made when it comes to safety features too. A few highlighted features you’ll need to consider are:
Temperature and Heating Capacity
The prime features of a heater include heating capabilities and temperature settings. The brand you choose should be powerful and efficient enough to heat up any space instantly with adequate air circulation to ensure a uniform surrounding.
Moreover, adjustable temperature settings are a plus so that you can set the heater to a high or low speed, based on the weather and preferences.
Control Features
An extensive display of features makes a device easier to operate for frequent use. Having a timer in the heater not only makes it safer for daily applications but also saves up electricity. By setting a time limit, your space heater will automatically shut off as the timer runs out.
In addition to this, having a thermostat installed in the device keeps track of the temperature by constantly monitoring it within a balanced range. The temperature is usually displayed on an LCD screen for improved readability. Optimized controls are easier to function if a remote control accompanies your heating device.
Safety
Fire ignition and gas leakage are common life-threatening situations that can be avoided with safety controls. Look for a product that advertises tip-over protection, overheats protection, cool exteriors, and oxygen sensors.
Carpeting and wooden floors are likely to catch fire in a space with kids and pets, so the tip-over protection will turn off the heater in case it’s knocked off.
In case of exceedingly high temperatures, heaters mechanically turn off as a precautionary measure. This factor must not be neglected when deciding on a space heater.
Ease of Use
A product that gifts your room an aesthetic touch should definitely be styled in a fashionable look to complement your interior décor. Portable heaters are a helping hand and can be adjusted wherever you desire. Also, it’s better to choose a unit that operates without noise so that you can spend your time in silence without any production of dust, fumes, or chemicals.
Types of Heaters for 500 Sq. Feet
You’ll come across several types of heaters utilizing different power sources and operating on different mechanisms. Each type has its own pros and cons, so you need to choose a heater that adapts well to your needs and preferences. A brief overview of the different types of heaters for 500 square feet is given below.
Gas Powered Heaters
These heaters employ combustible fuels to heat up substantial areas. The fuel may be natural gas, kerosene, or propane, but they all work on the same principle to burn the gas and generate warmth in the surroundings. Such devices are more feasible for outdoor setups because they produce bulk amounts of heat, making them a favorable option for large areas.
Although they save one from electrical expenses, these heaters generate harmful gases that could damage one’s health with long-term use.
Radiant or Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters can either be operated by a gas source, or they can be powered by electricity. Radiative heaters are designed to transfer heat directly onto a focused material. This is why they tend to heat up objects and people, rather than the entire atmosphere. It contributes to a more balanced warming environment instead of ending up in a stuffy and suffocating room.
Convection Heaters
Based on fluid heating properties, convection heaters depend on oils or hot water coils to set up air currents for heat transfer. As warm air rises from the heater, the cold air is sucked into for heating, and the process goes on, gradually creating a circulating air current in the room. Such heaters typically take some time to create a cozy environment, but they are great at keeping the temperature consistent and steady.
Electric Heaters
As the name suggests, these units run on electricity and heat up pretty fast. They are a particular favorite for indoor use because electricity is easily available. Requiring minimal effort, all you need to do is plug them into an electrical outlet to heat up large rooms and workplaces.
Ceramic heaters are a new introduction to this field but have gained mushrooming fame because they provide heat faster and quicker. A fan dispels the hot air over the heated ceramic plate, making it a reliable heating mechanism in bigger areas.
Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind
A little know-how about space heaters is good, but you also need to be rightfully aware of certain elements to make your buy worth it. Space heaters come in a great range; hence, you need to be sure of buying something that pairs well with your lifestyle and needs. Keeping the following in mind will be of massive help:
Wattage
Having a rough estimate of the electrical power that your heater will draw is crucial for estimating electricity costs and heating capabilities. Higher watts escalate the electricity finances, but they also provide ample power to heat up large spaces. For a 500 square feet room, a heater of about 4000 watts will make the right choice.
Power Source
Depending on your living style, the power source is also another factor to be kept in mind. Electricity might be slightly costly, but it sure is convenient, easily available, and simpler to use. On the other hand, gas heaters are better for remote areas because they are cheaper with quicker heating, but tend to be hazardous and polluting for human health.
Added Features
Don’t settle for a heater without additional controls. A thermostat, protective features, timer, and variable heat settings are basic components that almost every brand offers. Always remember that convenience is vital, so a compact, portable, and efficient heater should catch your attention.
Room Dimensions
If you’re searching for heaters to tackle 500 square feet, you need to reconsider your surroundings and invest in a product that will adapt to your desired location. The heater’s positioning is vital to distribute warmth evenly across the room.
Lesser windows and insulated walls help maintain a cozy environment. At the same time, don’t forget that the ceiling height is a significant factor that determines how fast the room warms up.
Conclusion
Space heaters are great assistance for all those who are struggling with enormous areas. We have tried to provide you all the required knowledge in an attempt to empower your decision above. Once you learn everything there is about space heaters, their types, pros and cons, and models that would make a great pick; you’re ready to make a purchase. All there’s left to do is look forward to toasty afternoons and snuggly evenings!
People Also Ask
If you didn’t know anything about heaters formerly, you might have learned a great deal by reading our review. Still, if you’ve got any unanswered questions, check out this section for some commonly asked queries. We hope it clears out any doubts in your mind.
Baseboard heaters are ideal space-saving solutions to heat up large areas effortlessly. They consume cooler air and heat it up to be replaced by warmer air that takes its place. For heating up a bigger room of around 500 square feet, you’ll require 4500 to 5000 watts of electric baseboard heating.
Additional features will cause the price tag to go higher, but you can generally get a top-notch heater at an economical price. For a large-sized zone of 500 square feet, a cost of $50 to $150 is the typical market price, whereas advanced heaters can go as high as $300 as well. You’ll need to keep in mind your budget because fuel and electricity bills are separate expenses from heaters.
