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.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Space Heater For Large Room
- BEST PORTABLE HEATER FOR LARGE ROOM: Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater 1500-Watt
- BEST LARGE ROOM ELECTRIC WALL HEATER: Cadet Com-Pak Twin Electric Wall Heater
- BEST INFRARED HEATER FOR LARGE ROOM: LifeSmart Large Room Infrared Quartz Fireplace
Comparison of the Best Heaters for Large Rooms
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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.
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.
Best Portable Heater for Large Room
Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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:
- When using the heater, place it on a hard and flat surface.
- Maintain a three-foot zone around the heater where the kids and pets should not enter.
- Keep the space heater at a safe distance from any flammable materials like furniture, bedding, or curtains.
- Never use a heater near paint, gas cans, or matches.
- Turn off the heater when it is not required.
- Do not touch the heater’s body with your bare hands while it is running or immediately after it has been turned off.
- Occasionally check the cord for impairment and never ignore a tattered cord. Stop using the heater immediately and get it repaired first.
- Do not plug another cord into the same outlet as a heater because it can cause overheating.
- Install smoke alarms in different rooms in your house where the heater is used frequently. Test them often to ensure proper functioning.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
