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Bedrooms can be weak spots in a home’s insulation and heating system, and the solution is often a space heater. Rather than suffering from cold toes or cranking up the thermostat in the whole house in an attempt to warm the bedroom, plugging in a compact, cost-efficient space heater will keep things comfortable without burning up the utility bill.
If your bedroom stays chilly and damp, a space heater can help. These safe, convenient little heaters create enough warmth to make a cold, drafty room feel downright cozy without taking up too much power or space. To help you choose the right model, we researched over 20 top-rated heaters. Read on for some of the best space heaters for bedrooms and some shopping considerations to keep in mind as you search for your ideal device.
- BEST OVERALL: Dr. Infrared 1,500W Portable Space Heater
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Amazon Basics 1,500W Oscillating Ceramic Heater
- UPGRADE PICK: De’Longhi 1,500W Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater
- BEST OIL-FILLED: Dreo 1,500W Electric Oil-Filled Heater
- BEST ELECTRIC: Lasko 1,500W Digital Ceramic Tower Heater With Remote
- BEST RADIANT: Mr. Heater Buddy 9,000 BTU Portable Radiant Heater
- BEST MICATHERMIC: De’Longhi 1,500W Quiet Convection Panel Heater
- BEST KEROSENE: Sengoku KeroHeat 10,000 BTU Indoor/Outdoor Heater
- BEST WITH FAN: Heat Storm 1,500W Wi-Fi Infrared Heater
- BEST WIFI-ENABLED: Atomi Smart 1,500W Wi-Fi Portable Tower Space Heater
How We Chose the Best Space Heaters for Bedrooms
We researched the most sought-after space heaters for bedrooms in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their type, fuel source, wattage and British thermal units (BTUs), coverage area, and other special features included by top brands. (For a more detailed discussion of BTUs, read the Heating section that appears after our product reviews.)
To satisfy a range of preferences, we included fan, convection, micathermic, and infrared heaters. While a few select heaters are nonelectric and rely on propane and kerosene for fuel, many are electric and low-maintenance. No matter the type, these top picks emit heat outputs of 5,100 to 10,000 BTUs, and the electric models rely on 900 to 1,500 watts to function. And since our top picks can heat between 144- and 750-square-foot spaces, finding the right size unit for each bedroom should be easy.
When it comes to safety, many of these heaters have tip-over and overheat protection features to prevent burns and fires. For convenience, many models boast digital control panels or remote controls to adjust the oscillation, heat settings, and air speed to suit user preferences and save energy. And select picks in this lineup can be adjusted via Wi-Fi connection with a smartphone or tablet.
Our Top Picks
Consult this guide to facilitate choosing the best space heater for bedroom warmth. The descriptions below offer vital intel on the best space heaters for bedrooms, including electric, oil-filled, and even radiant models.
Best Overall
Dr. Infrared 1,500W Portable Space Heater
For the instant warmth that infrared space heaters provide plus quiet operation—two vital factors in a bedroom heater—this Dr. Infrared model can create an ideal sleep environment. It uses infrared heating plus a high-pressure blower, allowing this 1,500-watt electric unit to heat a large bedroom (up to 400 square feet) quickly. Yet measuring at just 39 decibels, it works quietly.
This radiant electric space heater features an automatic energy-saving mode as well as high and low temperature settings. Program it with a remote, which is ideal for quick adjustments. If the heater tips over, an automatic shutoff disables it immediately. It is a little heavier (24 pounds) than most other space heaters, which might make it slightly less portable.
Product Specs
- Type: Infrared
- Fuel source: Electric
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Heat output: 5,200 BTUs
- Coverage area: 400 square feet
Pros
- High-pressure blower and multiple heat settings warm large rooms quickly
- Energy-saving, high, and low settings are programmable with included remote control
- 39-decibel operating volume makes it quiet enough for use during sleep
Cons
- It’s relatively heavy compared to some other models, which may limit its portability
Get the Dr. Infrared space heater for bedrooms at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang For The Buck
Amazon Basics 1,500W Oscillating Ceramic Heater
Those looking for an affordable space heater to keep a bedroom nice and toasty will want to consider this model from Amazon Basics. The heater features two output settings: 750 and 1,500 watts. It also features an adjustable temperature range that will turn on and off automatically to maintain a consistent temperature. Unfortunately, there isn’t a digital gauge or any degree marking to display the temperature settings, but once you get used to the feel of the heater, you should be able to use it to reach your comfort level. This model can operate in a fan-only mode as well.
The compact ceramic heater can fit almost anywhere in a bedroom. It’s small enough to fit on top of a dresser, in fact, allowing users to keep it off the floor and still use it safely. It also features a tip-over shut-off switch that shuts it down in the event that it falls over.
Product Specs
- Type: Convection
- Fuel source: Electric
- Wattage: 750 to 1,500 watts
- Heat output: 5,200 BTUs
- Coverage area: 160 square feet
Pros
- Affordable price makes it a good choice for folks on a budget or for bedrooms that are only used occasionally
- Heat turns on and off automatically according to the chosen temperature setting
- Compact design allows you to set it up anywhere, even atop a dresser
Cons
- No digital temperature gauge or degree settings to accurately determine heat
Get the Amazon Basics space heater for bedrooms at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
De’Longhi 1,500W Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater
This oil-filled radiator-style De’Longhi electric heater features a digital control panel with programmable settings, timers, and high-low automatic temperature settings. It has thermal chimneys that allow cold air to pass through the fins more effectively, heating the room faster and more evenly through quiet convection.
The De’Longhi features a rust-resistant finish that should look good for years to come. Its metal fins help reduce surface temperature without sacrificing heating capability, and the thermal cutoff function automatically shuts down the heater if it begins to overheat. However, while this is an upgraded model, it doesn’t include any smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity or apps.
Product Specs
- Type: Convection
- Fuel source: Electric
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Heat output: 5,120 BTUs
- Coverage area: 250 square feet
Pros
- Digital control panel with timer for easy adjustments; unit can also shut off automatically
- Programmable temperature settings and thermostat automatically keep spaces consistently comfortable
- Thermal chimneys allow for faster, consistent, and more even heating
- Automatic shutoff protects unit from overheating if the temperature gets dangerously high
Cons
- Despite being an upgrade, it doesn’t feature Wi-Fi or app controls
Get the De’Longhi oil-filled space heater for bedrooms at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Oil-Filled
Dreo 1,500W Electric Oil-Filled Heater
Offering a solid blend of safety and heating capability, this oil-filled Dreo space heater is worth a look. The design of this radiator-style heater enables it to provide effective 360-degree circulation of hot air, allowing it to cover bigger rooms effectively (up to 300 square feet). It also has a Cool Touch design, which means the unit’s exterior won’t reach temperatures in excess of 176 degrees Fahrenheit—though that is far from cool.
Safety features on this Dreo include a built-in tip-over switch and an overheat switch. It has three output modes, including 600-, 900-, and 1,500-watt settings, and a digital gauge on the front, along with a remote control (though it won’t work at distances over 19 feet). There’s also an eco mode that adjusts how hard the heater is working based on the temperature in the room.
Product Specs
- Type: Convection
- Fuel source: Electric
- Wattage: 600, 900, and 1,500 watts
- Heat output: Unknown
- Coverage area: 300 square feet
Pros
- 360-degree circulation allows it to effectively heat rooms up to 300 square feet
- Cool Touch design keeps the exterior of the heater relatively cool (176 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Features a digital gauge and a remote control for easy temperature setting
Cons
- The remote won’t work more than 19 feet from the heater
Get the Dreo space heater for bedrooms at Amazon.
Best Electric
Lasko 1,500W Digital Ceramic Tower Heater With Remote
This ceramic tower heater from Lasko has a remote control, a programmable digital thermostat, an 8-hour auto-off timer, and an adjustable setting between 900 and 1,500 watts. It also has a quiet oscillating function to blow warm air around a space to help distribute heat evenly in rooms up to 150 square feet.
Its cool-touch housing helps prevent burns or accidents, while an overheat protection will shut off the unit if it gets too hot. It may be slightly loud for light sleepers, so keep that in mind when comparing it to the other models on the list.
Product Specs
- Type: Fan
- Fuel source: Electric
- Wattage: 900 to 1,500 watts
- Heat output: Unlisted
- Coverage area: 150 square feet
Pros
- Auto-off timer keeps heater on for 8-hour time spans before shutting off
- Programmable digital thermostat helps maintain a consistent temperature by turning the heater on and off as needed
- Cool-touch construction means that it’s safe for children and pets to be around with supervision
Cons
- May have a loud operating volume that could disrupt light sleepers
Get the Lasko space heater for bedrooms at Amazonor The Home Depot.
Best Radiant
Mr. Heater Buddy 9,000 BTU Portable Radiant Heater
For safely heating an off-grid cabin or keeping the bedroom warm, Mr. Heater’s Buddy space heater can deliver. This propane-powered heater is safe for both indoor and outdoor use, and one small propane container can power it through an entire night (though on maximum burn, it will need a new container swapped in after 3 hours).
This heater produces radiant heat, has a built-in piezo igniter, and features a low-oxygen shutoff to disable the unit when the oxygen supply is low. Should it fall over, a tip-over switch will shut the unit off. The heater creates an “ideal burn” that poses no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, like other fuel-burning heaters, this Mr. Heater unit isn’t entirely silent.
Product Specs
- Type: Micathermic/radiant
- Fuel source: Propane
- Wattage: N/A
- Heat output: 4,000 to 9,000 BTUs
- Coverage area: 225 square feet
Pros
- Compact size makes for a highly portable option for bedroom and off-grid heating
- Safely runs on a 1-pound cylinder propane tank to keep a space warm
- Can be used in a bedroom, garage, tent, or camper without any concern regarding carbon monoxide
Cons
- Only runs up to 3 hours at maximum burn; users may need to keep extra bottles on hand
Get the Mr. Heater space heater for bedrooms at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Target.
Best Micathermic
De’Longhi 1,500W Quiet Convection Panel Heater
The De’Longhi 1,500-watt convection heater contains a sheet of mica and dual fans that heat and distribute warmth through the air to start a convection cycle. A boon for the bedroom, it does so nearly silently.
While the De’Longhi works well in the middle of the room, it also comes with the hardware necessary to mount it on a wall. The heater has a digital control panel for dialing in the ideal room temperature. Users can choose to set a timer to save energy, but there’s also an automatic energy-saving mode to adjust heat output and power. However, this fairly expensive model doesn’t have Wi-Fi.
Product Specs
- Type: Convection/micathermic
- Fuel source: Electric
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Heat output: 5,120 BTUs
- Coverage area: 300 square feet
Pros
- Dual fans distribute warmth evenly through the air to heat rooms faster and more comfortably
- Silent operation is ideal for overnight use; well suited to noise-sensitive light sleepers
- Mounting hardware is included so you can install the unit on a bedroom wall
- Digital control panel with easy-to-adjust settings allows you to dial in the perfect temperature
Cons
- No Wi-Fi to make the upgraded price tag a bit more worth it
Get the De’Longhi quiet space heater for bedrooms at Amazon.
Best Kerosene
Sengoku KeroHeat 10,000 BTU Indoor/Outdoor Heater
The Sengoku KeroHeat 10,000-BTU heater is safe for indoor and outdoor settings, and it can warm spaces up to 400 square feet. The 1.2-gallon fuel tank provides a 14-hour runtime.
For safety, the KeroHeat features an automatic off switch for both tip-overs and high-heat situations. It also has an electronic ignition for match-/lighter-free starts. The easy-to-read fuel window allows users to check fuel levels before going to bed. This heater does produce white noise, which can be great for some sleepers but annoying to those who are highly sensitive to noise.
Product Specs
- Type: Micathermic/radiant
- Fuel source: Kerosene
- Wattage: N/A
- Heat output: 10,000 BTUs
- Coverage area: 400 square feet
Pros
- Very high heat output capable of warming larger bedrooms and other spaces
- Automatic shutoff for safety reacts to both overheating and being tipped over
- Electric ignition offers match- and lighter-free starts for safety and convenience
- Easy-to-read fuel levels can help prevent unanticipated outages
Cons
- The unit produces white noise, which might disturb light sleepers
Get the Sengoku space heater for bedrooms at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Wayfair,or Walmart.
Best With Fan
Heat Storm 1,500W Wi-Fi Infrared Heater
If the bedroom needs a fan in warm weather and a heater at other times of year, this Heat Storm model might be just the ticket. The heater features adjustable wattages of 750 and 1,500 watts, as well as 5,200 BTUs of output, allowing it to cover rooms up to 1,000 square feet as a supplemental heat source. Plus, it also features a fan mode that allows it to circulate air without heating.
The Heat Storm has Wi-Fi connectivity and is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa. It’s safe to the touch and features two filters on either side, helping improve air quality. It also has a handy dimmer adjustment that can dim the display for better sleep. Unfortunately, it can only be attached to a wall, as it doesn’t come with attachable feet.
Product Specs
- Type: Infrared
- Fuel source: Electric
- Wattage: 750 to 1,500 watts
- Heat output: 5,200 BTUs
- Coverage area: Up to 400 square feet
Pros
- Features adjustable wattages and a fan-only mode for warmer seasons
- Wi-Fi connectivity allows it to work with Google Assistant and Alexa
- Safe to the touch and features 2 filters on either side to improve air quality
Cons
- Doesn’t come with attachable feet, so it must be wall-mounted
Get the Heat Storm space heater for bedrooms at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best WiFi-Enabled
Atomi Smart 1,500W Wi-Fi Portable Tower Space Heater
The Atomi Smart Wi-Fi portable tower space heater has an app that allows users to adjust the temperature or switch between high, low, or economy modes. You can also set timers, control oscillation, and do more from your phone. The Atomi is also compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant, but not Apple HomeKit.
Apart from its smart features, the Atomi can quietly heat spaces up to 750 square feet, which means it can heat a large bedroom suite or possibly an entire studio apartment. It has a tip-over switch to disable it should the unit fall on its side, and it will also send an immediate notification to the user’s phone to alert them of an accident.
Product Specs
- Type: Fan
- Fuel source: Electric
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Heat output: 5,119.5 BTUs
- Coverage area: Up to 750 square feet
Pros
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant to provide convenient control and notifications
- Digital control panel makes temperature and mode selection easier
- High, low, and economy modes are able to meet the needs of larger spaces
Cons
- It isn’t compatible with Apple products, so iPhone users won’t be able to give it voice commands
Get the Atomi Smart space heater for bedrooms at Lowe’s,The Home Depot,or Walmart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Space Heater for Bedrooms
Before purchasing a space heater for a bedroom, keep some important considerations in mind. Give each point some thought to help choose the best space heater for bedroom warmth in your home.
Type
Several types of space heaters are on the market, each of which produces heat differently. These include convection, infrared, micathermic, and fan heaters.
- Fan heaters have electric coils that produce heat and spinning fan blades that push warm air into the room. Position these electric heaters on a desk or dresser and aim them toward the bed while you sleep.
- Convection heaters produce heat with electric coils, ceramic plates, or oil-filled fins. As the heat rises, it pushes cold air down toward the heater. Convection heaters then warm the cold air, which rises and pushes colder air back down.
- Infrared heaters warm objects in front of the heater, not the air around it. Once those objects warm sufficiently, they become like small, radiant heaters themselves, releasing heat energy into the space. Infrared heaters are excellent for producing localized heat, but some models struggle to produce a uniform amount of heat. Moreover, the bright glow of the coils can affect light sleepers.
- Micathermic heaters use electric coils to warm a sheet of mica sandwiched between them. They produce both convection and radiant heat.
Safety
Safety is the most important consideration when using a space heater, especially overnight in a bedroom. For example, a heater placed too close to a curtain, bedspread, or other combustible object could cause a fire. It’s critical to keep space heaters away from objects. Also, ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
To help mitigate danger, many manufacturers install safety features on space heaters, the most important of which may be the tip-over switch, which shuts off the unit if it falls over. Also, space heaters that use combustible fuels sometimes feature low-oxygen cutoffs that disable the unit when enough oxygen isn’t available for safe combustion. Prior to using any type of space heater, read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions.
It’s also worth noting that a space heater should not be plugged into an extension cord. The heaters draw too much energy, which can overheat the cord or trip a breaker. They need to be plugged directly into a wall outlet, and some may require you to unplug other items on the same circuit to avoid tripping a breaker.
Heating
Nearly all heaters complete some type of convection cycle, which means they can heat most rooms if sized correctly. Luckily, most bedrooms are relatively small compared to wide-open great rooms or the primary living space, which means nearly any space heater will do.
Space heaters come in either watt ratings (labeled “W”) or British thermal units (BTUs). Almost all electric space heaters are rated for either 750 or 1,500 watts; the smaller size is suitable for small rooms like a bedroom or home office, and the larger size accommodates larger spaces. As to BTUs, a heater that produces 9,000 BTUs is typically plenty for even a large bedroom.
Energy Efficiency
Whether a portable heater uses electricity, a fossil fuel, or some other type of fuel source, ideally a space heater should be energy efficient. While heating an entire home with space heaters would not be an efficient use of energy, using one to heat a bedroom while the rest of the house stays at a lower temperature can actually save money.
In homes without heating zones, the temperature throughout the entire home might need to be quite high to make the bedroom comfortable overnight. With a space heater, the rest of the home’s heating system can hover at energy-efficient temperatures while the bedroom stays toasty warm.
Noise Level
Any extra noise in the bedroom can affect a light sleeper’s rest. On a space heater, typical fan levels measure about 35 to 45 decibels, equivalent to a quiet background conversation. Oil-filled heaters usually make bubbling sounds that are clearly audible within the room.
Product labels don’t often list noise level, so if absolute silence is necessary, a micathermic heater might be the way to go. This type of heater doesn’t use a fan or oil, so the heat is produced quietly and comfortably.
FAQs
Now that you’ve learned a bit more about using space heaters to heat the bedrooms in your home, some new questions may have popped up. Ahead, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the best space heaters for bedrooms.
Q. Can a space heater catch fire?
It’s highly unlikely that the space heater itself will catch fire, but a fire can result from a space heater touching combustible materials. Make sure space heaters are kept away from any combustibles.
Q. Do space heaters create carbon dioxide?
Kerosene or propane heaters can create carbon dioxide, but if running properly, they don’t pose a threat of poisoning. However, users should have operational carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.
Q. Is it safe to leave a space heater on all night?
Yes, as long as the area is clear of combustible materials, and carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are installed, running a space heater at night is safe. Installing a wall-mounted space heater may be one of the best ways to control the risk, as you’ll know to keep that area free of dangerous items.
Q. How long does a space heater last?
Generally speaking, space heaters are only used for a few months a year, so they can last for years. Maintain them by cleaning any filters and coils and keeping them free of moisture.
