With summers getting ready to say good-bye, it is a good idea to start preparing for winter. Though the risks of getting your house burnt down by leaving the fireplace unintended are mostly behind us, it is still not completely safe. Knowing the device you are using and all its safety regulations, if any, are a must.
Space heaters are an efficient way to save money when you don’t have a big home, or you only need to warm up a room or two.
Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best safe space heaters, but before that, let’s see what features you should be looking for in these products.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Safest Space Heaters
- OUR TOP PICK: Aikoper Space Heater
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Minetom Space Heater
- SAFEST SPACE HEATER FOR RV: andily A-750-1500
Comparison of the Safest Space Heaters
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How Do I Choose a Safe Space Heater?
We have mentioned the safety features you should be aware of when buying space heaters, but there are other things as well. What makes a particular heater stand out? Let’s have a look:
Efficiency
Your heater should effectively heat up the room in a small amount of time. Most of the models on our list state that they can heat 200 sq feet within seconds or minutes. This is a good place to start. Efficiency also entails heating within budget. The heater should not make your electricity budget go overboard.
Warranty
Most electric heaters have a warranty of one year. Anything less than that is not a good option. Warranty with electrical and heating equipment is important because it can be unreliable. A product backed with a good warranty shows the manufacturer’s confidence in it.
Temperature Settings
Instead of just one high heat setting, you should have the option of changing the temperature as needed. Having this option also saves you money. Not just that, but your thermometer or temperature sensor should also be adjustable. You should be able to change the limit to what you want; otherwise, the heater might make the room too cold or too hot for your preference.
Space Heater Safety
Even though these products are designed to be safe to use, some areas require caution. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind when using them.
Placement
Space heaters should always be placed on flat surfaces. As we mentioned before, the tip-over protection feature will work only on flat surfaces.
If they are placed on carpets or wooden furniture, there is a chance of overheating and them catching on fire.
Power
Using an extension for heaters and other heavy electrical items as well is never advised. You should always put the cord indirectly to the power outlet. Make sure that the cord is intact and solid. Any breaks and tears in the wire will cause damage.
Review of the Safest Space Heaters
The features we mentioned above are not all that you should be looking for. These are the basics that any safe space heater should always have. But as you will see from the products below, there is a lot more that contributes to a good space heater.
Best Overall
Aikoper Space Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 8.07 x 7.64 x 24.09
Weight: 8.09 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
As per reports, this is a very reliable heater and is good for a family with kids as the exterior does not get hot. It is super quiet and comfortable and keeps the room in perfect condition. Its small size is ideal for carrying it to different locations, and it does not get in the way.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Aikoper space heater has a ceramic body which helps keep it cool from the outside, thereby ensuring safety. It has two heat settings, i.e., high and low, and it also has an adjustable thermometer. When the room temperature reaches your set temperature, the heater will stop automatically.
It also has tip-over protection. The timer will turn off the heater after eight hours to keep you safe in case you fall asleep. The small handle at the back of its ceramic body allows you to carry it anywhere easily.
The temperature values you can choose from are between 40 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, its maximum power is 1500 watts, allowing it to heat instantly, and the oscillation feature ensures that large rooms are heated evenly.
Bottom Line
Convection heaters are popular choices for heating up the entire room and keeping you comfortable in the winter. This space heater does just that. It is light, portable, and safe to use. You can leave it unattended, and it will turn itself off after a set time interval.
Pros
Lightweight and portable
Has an energy-saving mode
Features tip-over protection
Uses flame-retardant material
Comes with adjustable temperature settings
Cons
Remote is difficult to operate
Best for the Money
Minetom Space Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 200
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 6.2 x 7 x 9.2
Weight: 3.2 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent buyers, this compact heater works great in small areas and does not get in the way. It is very easy to adjust the heat with the knob. The safety features work, as well. It turns off immediately when tipped over.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Small radiant heaters are perfect for direct heat and small rooms, and this one is the perfect example. It keeps one comfortable in their space. This particular version has three settings, i.e., 750W, 1500W, and a fan setting. You can also change the thermostat knob from low to high and vice versa. The thermostat will detect the surrounding temperature and turn off when it is too high.
It is suitable for heating 200 sq feet within seconds. The cord is six feet long and can be adjusted anywhere. There is also overheat and tip-over protection along with a flame retardant cover. Its safety features are ETL certified.
Bottom Line
Radiant heaters are perfect for a cozy night in your room. They heat up the objects in front of them very quickly. This radiant heater does just that. It is safe to touch, and you can leave it on for long hours without worrying about it being a hazard.
Pros
ETL certified for safety
Heats the area very quickly
Uses safe ceramic material
Has adjustable temperature settings
Automatic shut-off according to room temperature
Cons
Radiant heating might not be your cup of tea
Safest Space Heater For RV
andily A-750-1500
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.74 x 8.3
Weight: 2.7 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Users report that this small heater packs a lot of power within. It heats things up very quickly, and you have to turn the heat down. It is small enough to fit in a bag and be carried around. People take it to their offices as well, and it is the ideal pick for motorhomes.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a mini space heater with a ceramic fan and forced-air heating. It has a high heat setting of 1500W and a low setting of 750W. The heating elements are ceramic, which are faster to heat, safe, and durable. The thermostat will also keep the room temperature at the set limit and not let it get too uncomfortable.
For safety, there is tip-over protection, overheat protection, and power light. It has been certified by ETL, keeping users at ease.
Bottom Line
When your room is not too big or when you need to heat closed spaces like an RV, you don’t need a big heater. Instead, save money and work efficiently by using a compact space heater. This heater packs safety features, efficiency, and power in one and makes for a great investment.
Pros
Heats up the area within two seconds
Features overheat and tip-over protection
Very small and portable, making it ideal for RVing
Adjustable thermostat helps in getting the ideal temperature
Cons
Not suitable for big rooms
Safest Space Heater For Bedroom
Pro Breeze Space Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 7.09 x 5.83 x 9.65
Weight: 2.86 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Cheap heaters have the danger of being not safe, but this Pro Breezer heater is safe to operate. One problem people seem to have is its noise, but it gets the job done when it comes to heating, so they are willing to disregard the noise it makes. Its tiny size makes it suitable to be used under a desk and near a bed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
A number of features make this unit stand out. This white ceramic heater has a built-in thermostat for checking the room’s temperature and making sure it stays within limit. The fan has three settings, i.e., low, high, and just fan. The advanced ceramic technology and PTC heating elements heat much faster than other electric elements.
You can save money on energy bills by using lower heat settings. It is very lightweight and can be taken wherever needed. Its safety features include tip-over and overheat protection.
Bottom Line
Ceramic heaters are safe to operate and very fast. This small and lightweight space heater is perfect for the bedroom. You can enjoy a cold winter day in a warm and comfortable room without fear of burning anything.
Pros
A small yet powerful heater
Portable with long cable length
Comes with an automatic shut-off feature
Low-power mode for less energy consumption
Checks surrounding air temperature to maintain the optimal warmth
Cons
A little noisy
Safest Portable Heater
GiveBest PCT-905
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 200
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 7 x 6.2 x 9.2
Weight: 3.43 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
You cannot tell that it is a small heater by the heat it gives, and users have been impressed by that. It shuts down when the required temperature is reached. This can be annoying sometimes, but it is for the user’s own safety. At the price it comes in, it delivers a lot of functionality and power.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There’s a reason why we find this to be the safest portable heater. The highest temperature possible with it is 158 degrees Fahrenheit. You can adjust it as needed with the thermostat knob. You can also change the heat settings as needed; for instance, you can lower it to save fuel.
It has a one-year warranty and is certified by ETL for safety. Its case material is flame retardant, and it comes with tip-over and overheats protection. It uses PTC ceramic heating, which heats up 200 sq feet within seconds, making it an exceptional unit.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is one of the cheapest portable space heaters, yet it is very durable and safe to use. Its small size makes it portable, but at the same time, it packs a lot of heat and power. Use it on flat surfaces and in small rooms for the best results.
Pros
Cheap to operate
ETL certified for safety
Suitable for small spaces
Provides multiple heat settings
Thermostat limits power use, making it cost-effective
Cons
Thermostat is not programmable
Safest Heater For Nursery
Vornadobaby Tempa
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): N/A
Dimensions: 7.5 x 10.1 x 10.9
Weight: 5.34 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Most users state that this is the perfect heater for a child’s room. You don’t want your kid to get cold, but you also don’t want to leave them in a room with a heater. Therefore, the safety features of this heater give you peace of mind and keep your child safe.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One thing that stands out about this unit is that it will heat the room evenly wherever you place it, and its heat will not be uncomfortable; rather, it will be quite gentle. For usage around a baby, this heater has round, smooth edges, and controls are locked, so the child does not accidentally change anything.
The cord is tucked in a storage bag and out of the way to avoid any tripping accidents. It has two heat and fan settings along with an adjustable thermostat to set things just right. Moreover, the case is cool to touch, and it has tip-over protection as it is something that will happen a lot in a nursery.
Bottom Line
Finding things like a heater that is dangerous even for adults for a child’s room is no easy job. You should do your research properly and then make a decision. Like anything in a nursery, it should be child-locked. This small and non-sharp heater gives you all that, making it the ideal unit for a nursery.
Pros
Has a cool to touch exterior
Automatic shut-off protection
Comes with a child lock switch
Hidden and covered cord storage
Adjustable thermostat settings allow personalized heating
Cons
Only tested to be used in the US
Safest Space Heater For Garage
Dr. Heater DR966
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 6000
Dimensions: 14.5 x 13 x 14.5
Weight: 27 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Considering this is a commercial heater, users find the price of the unit very reasonable. Some labor is involved in installing it, but it comes with a labor warranty, taking the hassle of installation away. It is not too big and has a quiet operation. It is very powerful and can be used to heat a small shop effectively.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a commercial space heater with a 240 volts and 3000 Watts power supply. It can be mounted on both the wall and ceiling and comes with the brackets needed to do that.
It is also UL and UCL-listed. The five adjustable louvers help direct the flow of heat to where you want. The thermostat settings can be adjusted as needed. You can also use the lower setting in mild winters.
You can effectively use it in areas like schools, workshops, garages, hospitals, etc. The metal heating elements heat evenly and are very durable. Its motor is also thermally protected and enclosed to increase its life.
Bottom Line
If you don’t want or don’t have central heating, but the space you want to heat up is big, then commercial space heaters are the way to go. For that, this Dr. Heater unit is one of the best options. It comes with a labor warranty to make installation easier and heats up space quite efficiently.
Pros
Has labor warranty
UL-certified space heater
A heavy-duty commercial heater
Louvers for changing heat direction
Comes with an adjustable thermostat
Cons
Power cord not included
Safest Propane Heater
Mr. Heater F232000
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 225
Power (watts): N/A
Dimensions: 7.7 x 13.4 x 15
Weight: 9 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers find this to be the perfect outdoor heater for a camping trip or a barbeque night. Battery operated heaters are not very powerful, so this safe-to-use propane heater becomes the obvious choice. There is no need to install or set anything up with this unit, and it is very easy to use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Electric space heaters are great, but when it comes to outdoor heating, they don’t work. You will need to find an outlet first. So if you plan on going camping in the winter, this small propane space heater is a good option.
It can be connected to a propane cylinder when outdoors and to some gas connection when indoors. Its efficiency is 4000 to 9000 BTU, and it can heat up an area of up to 225 sq feet easily. It is a clean-burning heater that saves your fuel.
It stops working when tipped over or when the oxygen levels are low. An oxygen depletion sensor is used for this purpose. It also shuts down when the pilot light goes off, so it is safe to use in your tent.
Bottom Line
Our final pick for the safest space heaters is this Mr.Heater propane model. It might not seem like the obvious choice, but it is one of the best when used appropriately. You should only buy it if you plan on going outside, allowing you to enjoy cold winter nights with your friends and family.
Pros
Has tip-over protection
Easy and safe to turn on
Automatic shut-off at low oxygen levels
Clean burning and efficient space heater
Can be connected to a cylinder or remote gas supply
Cons
Cannot operate 7,000 feet above sea level
Bovado HS1 by Comfort Zone
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): N/A
Dimensions: 25 x 9.5 x 9
Weight: 7.13 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
You can call this an intelligent space heater that regulates the temperature of the room very well. It does not let things get too hot or too cold. The energy bills with this are also not too high. The safety features work, and they make sure the unit is turned off whenever there is an unstable current or too much heat.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This oscillating space heater has a modern and sleek design. It is small and lightweight and can be carried around with you. There is a digital display of temperature and timer settings at the top. You can set the thermostat limits according to your preference. The timer feature programs the heater to shut off automatically after the given time.
The outside body of the heater does not get too hot and is therefore safe to touch. It also has tip-over protection, so if it trips or falls by accident, the heating will stop. There is also overheat protection. When the heater gets too hot, it will turn off. The ECO mode reduces the wattage down to save energy and lower costs.
Bottom Line
All in all, this unit ticks all the things you need in a safe space heater. Its various features not only protect you and your family from a fire hazard but also save you on energy bills along the way.
Pros
An ETL-certified unit
Has an energy-saving mode
Very lightweight and portable
Features an automatic timer shutoff
Uses a high-quality digital thermostat
Cons
Not compatible with 220v
What Safety Features Should I Look For When Buying a Space Heater?
Some products might claim to be safe, but they don’t follow the regulations or have the features to ensure safety. Therefore, when buying space heaters, you should know the basics of what constitutes a safe unit.
Tip-Over and Overheating Shutoff
Tip-over safety features ensure that the space heater stops heating if it falls over or is lifted from the ground. There’s a spring-loaded post at the bottom which, when pressed, allows the heater to heat. When it is lifted, and the post is no longer pressed, the heating is stopped.
For overheating protection, space heaters are equipped with temperature sensors. When the room temperature reaches a certain limit, they stop heating (like some air conditioners).
Certifications
If you don’t want to know all the technical details of space heater safety; one thing you can look for is the mark of nationally and internationally recognized safety tests. Look for Underwater Laboratories, ETL, and CSA International certifications.
GFCI Plug
A GFCI plug is a ground fault circuit interrupter. These plugs are highly sensitive to any changes in the current. So when the current fluctuates, it automatically stops the heater and saves it from damage. This can happen if, for example, the heater falls in the water.
Guards
A heater of any kind, electric or combustion, big or small, needs to have guards around the heating element. Without them, it will not be safe in a home with pets and children.
Are All Space Heaters Safe?
Space heaters are not all the same. There are two broad categories, i.e., electrical and combustion. The former is further divided into three types, i.e., convection, radiant, and combination.
The latter uses fuels like gas, propane, kerosene, and wood, etc. and is generally considered not safe for indoor use. You can use them but never leave them unattended.
On the other hand, electric space heaters can be safely operated indoors, but you should still be careful when you touch it. Out of these, radiant heaters get the hottest and are often overshadowed by convection space heaters.
Other Safety Considerations
Keep the heater at a safe distance from anything that can catch fire. Even though they have to overheat protection, these things can stop working or get damaged. For precaution, install fire alarms where you use them and turn them off when you leave the room.
Are Space Heaters a Fire Hazard?
They become a fire hazard when not used properly and when placed near combustible items.
Is it Safe to Use a Power Strip With a Space Heater?
It is not advised to use a power strip or extension cord with space heaters.
Is It Safe To Leave a Space Heater Plugged In
While there is no certain answer to this, it is better to unplug the heater when it is not in use.
How Long Is It Safe To Leave a Space Heater On?
If your heater has adequate protection like overheat, temperature sensors, and a timer, you can leave it overnight or for long hours. But make sure that your heater is certified by nationally and internationally recognized labs.
Is It Safe To Put a Space Heater On Carpet?
No, a carpet can catch fire, so it is never recommended to put heaters on carpets.
Conclusion
Buying heaters and air conditioners require a lot of research. These things can be expensive and dangerous. Something you bring in your home should be a good investment and safe. All the products on our list have been chosen for their safety and reliability. Remember, before you purchase a unit, make sure that it is capable of heating the space you require; otherwise, it will be of no use to you.
People Also Ask
If there are still some doubts or unanswered questions in your mind regarding space heaters, read these frequently asked questions.
To stop a space heater fire, don’t place them near or on flammable items, don’t leave them unattended, and don’t use extension cords with them.
If a small electrical fire starts and you can safely disconnect the power, do so and then use baking soda on the fire to put it out. Do not use water around electrical outlets. You can also turn off the breaker if reaching the plug is not an option. If the fire is large, get out and call 911.
There are specialized space heaters for use in a nursery or a child’s room. Not all of them should be placed near a child unattended. In particular, they need to have all the necessary safety features like tip-over and overheat protection.
If the space heater is electric, then there is no danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, but if it is fuel-based, then you should only use it in a well-ventilated area.
