Though many homes have central heating, sometimes regular heaters just aren’t enough to warm a particular room, so you need to get some extra power to get that cozy feeling. Over half of all household expenses are spent on heating and hot water in a typical home. Heating a large room can double this expensive endeavor, especially if you use the wrong heater.
An efficient heater that you can control easily can help reduce your fuel bills and reduce your carbon emissions. We spent 70 hours reviewing the best heaters for large rooms on the market and came up with our top 10. We pointed out the size of the heaters to fit perfectly into your room. But just because a heater is small doesn’t mean it can’t pack a punch when it comes to heating. The wattage of each heater was also calculated so you may know how much energy it consumes.
Extra features: legs and wall mounting hardware included, automatic low oxygen shut-off system
Suitable for heating up spaces up to 1000 square feet, the Mr. Heater MHVFB30NGT is our heater of choice for heating extra-large spaces. Featuring a blue flame burner that provides even convection heat, this heater works with natural gas and as such needs no external power. This means that it is a great solution for applications with no electricity or power outages. Users raved about how easy it is to mount this heater on a wall with the supplied bracket. Alternatively, you can use the heater on the floor because it comes with feet that make this possible.
Unlike infrared units, this blue flame heater warms the air without actually radiating heat. This means that you can place it in a narrow area because it won’t warm up objects near it, such as furniture or walls. The ignition is electronic, and there is an automatic low oxygen shut-off system for extra safety.
Users often mentioned that the heater makes it possible to heat a large room without having to run the electric central air furnace as much, and they also mentioned that there is no gas odor coming from unit. The appliance works very well for areas such as basements or attic, and is easy to install without the help of a professional.
Extra features: adjustable thermostat, 30s rapid heating, overheat protection, anti-frost protection, tip-over protection, cool-touch handle and swivel caster wheels
This heater works its way to our top lists because it’s one of the quietest space heaters you will find. It’s warm and efficient but there is no fan that you have to listen to or try to speak over either. It has all of the important features, and it even sits on wheels to make moving it around or storing is super simple for you.
This fast-heating heater needs to fan to effectively circulate the air. You can enjoy 30-second rapid heating alongside handles that stay cool while it works. You can adjust your temperatures to whatever makes you and your home most comfortable. The silent design provides a heater that offers warmth and comfort without pulling the moisture from your air.
The Turbo Arcade heater can be compared to other models we’ve shared here as well, such as the Trustech Space Infrared Heater. They both provide almost instant heat from the time you turn them on, although Trustech might be slightly faster. However, the Turbo Arcade definitely stands out the most in terms of noise level here.
Extra features: ECO mode, quiet operation, overheat & tip-over protection, adjustable temperature, remote control
The KopBeau brand is known for its innovative and efficient product, and this oil space heater is not an exception. Not only does it have an attractive design, but this unit also runs quietly compared to many other space heaters on this list and stays hot for longer even after switching it off. In addition to this, the KopBeau Oil Filled Radiator features a digital thermostat and eco-mode. These features ensure precise operation and help you save on energy.
The KopBeau Space Heater is our budget pick because it comes at an affordable price point. For just less than $500, you get a 1500watt space heater with 3 heat functions and variable temperature ranges. Additional features include a 24-hours timer as well as a remote control for more seamless usage.
Extra features: patented powerful blower technology
The ceramic elements of the Lasko Tower Heater 5165 make this appliance perfect for those who are interested in a consistent and constant heat output. This slim tower-type appliance is easy to store, and only weighs 7.28 lbs., which means that it is easy to move from one room to another. The Lasko Tower Heater 5165 comes with a remote control that lets you control the various settings from a distance, including oscillation, temperature, and the timer.
Even though this heater should be used in conjunction with a primary heating source, it does a very good job with heating large spaces, according to the reviews of numerous users. Users have often mentioned the good results they obtained when warming up living rooms, campers, offices, and bedrooms. Of course, like with any other heater of this kind, many have mentioned that the way a space is insulated can affect the coverage area and performance of the heater.
The Lasko Tower Heater 5165 is a quiet appliance and many users mentioned that the only sound that you can hear when it is operating is similar to that of a small fan. Moreover, the widespread oscillation of the heater distributes the heat evenly throughout the room.
This heater has a cool-touch housing that keeps everyone safe, which is an important feature to consider in a home that has children or pets.
Extra features: caster wheels for easy relocation, lifetime filter, tip-over and overheat protection
Featuring a high-power output, this infrared heater can heat up a space of up to 1,000 square feet, which makes it an excellent choice for extra-large rooms. The unit contains a high-quality infrared quartz tube that can produce more heat than models that don’t have it, which means that you get plenty of warmth and comfort, no matter the size of the room.
One of the features users liked most about this unit is the integrated humidifier that means that the heater produces a cool mist in the air to make sure the air in the room doesn’t become too dry. The humidifier is very easy to fill up because it has a removable bottle that you can top up quickly as needed. Moreover, the Dr Infrared Heater has an oscillating fan feature that distributes the heat evenly. This means that the heat is dispersed through the room quickly, so the entire space gets heated up in less time.
The Dr Infrared Heater comes with a remote control feature that lets you control the temperature as well as the oscillating fan feature and the humidifier from the comfort of your sofa or armchair. The casters make the unit very easy to move from one point to another, and the quiet operation means that you can use the unit anywhere, including the bedrooms. The unit features a low noise fan integrated into the cabinet, which makes it possible for the heater to be this quiet.
Extra features: anti-dumping design, remote control, 3s instant heat
TRUSTECH Space Infrared Heater is the best-infrared space heater we’ve tested, and here’s why. This unit is an advanced space heater complete with gold-coated carbon fiber tubes to maximize their efficiency further. Just as advertised, we found this unit suitable for both indoor and outdoor use with a high heating accuracy that ensures maximum heating while conserving energy.
If you want a space heater that can deliver instant warmth both in an indoor and outdoor space, the TRUSTECH Space Infrared Heater is your best bet. This unit will heat up within 3 seconds of powering it up. It has a maximum output of 1500W, but the output can be adjusted between three settings depending on your preferences.
This product is similar to the Lasko Tower Heater 5165, which is our pick for the Best Ceramic Heater. They both have a tower design and will fit nicely into homes with limited floor space. Of course, these units are inherently different in their design. The Trustech heater is an Infrared heater, while the Lasko Tower heater is a ceramic heater. Also, while they both have a time function, the Trustech heater gives you a much longer timer-time of 12 hours as against the Lasko’s 8 hours.
Extra features: fresh air ionizer feature, remote control included, overheat protection
What makes the Lasko 760000 different from other heaters is the presence of a fresh air ionizer, a feature that most heaters lack. This ionizer eliminates airborne particles that can affect the health of the users, particularly those who suffer from asthma or allergies. The unit takes the air through the ionizer and only then disperses it throughout the room horizontally or vertically, depending on your preferences.
The multi-function remote control that comes with the Lasko 760000 unit makes it easy to control all the settings without having to get up every time. The heater comes with two quiet settings, which come in very handy if you want to keep the unit running at night and don’t want to hear it.
Users raved about the zero-tolerance design of this unit, which makes it ideal for placing it against a wall, and reduces the possibility of the heater being knocked-up accidentally. This is an especially important feature to have in a house with children or pets.
While the Lasko 760000 is a very slim unit that looks compact, some users have found it difficult to store it during the summer months, because the heater takes up more space than it appears at a first glance. Nevertheless, this ceramic heater heats a room almost right away and is highly versatile thanks to the option of changing the heat flow to go straight out in front, or to flow up in the middle of the room.
Extra features: dual heating technology, UL listed, remote operation, 3 heating modes, tip-over protection
The Dr Infrared Heater DR-978 is the best space heater for large rooms with LED Display for the following reasons. First, we found the unique box design quite impressive. More than just an appliance to heat up your home, the unit is also aesthetically pleasing. Dr Infrared Heater DR-978 space heater uses a combination of Hybrid Dual heating system PTC and Infrared to deliver a high heat output. These, coupled with the large blower, helps to produce enough heat to warm up your large room.
However, what we found most impressive about this unit is how safe to use it is. The heating elements are perfectly enclosed in the box, which means no exposed parts may harm kids or pets.
Like this unit, LifeSmart 6 Element, which is our Editor’s Choice for this review, also has a cabinet-style design. It is also an Infrared unit, and it has multiple safety features built into it as well. However, the Dr Infrared Heater has a longer warranty cover of 3 years than the LifeSmart 6’s 1-year cover.
Extra features: automatic overheat and tip-over shutoff, 2 heat settings, carry handle and wheels
The Bionaire Silent Micathermic Console Heater has received numerous favorable reviews from users because it can quickly heat a large surface area without emitting combustion oxygen. Featuring two heat settings to suit any space, this unit is particularly safe because it comes with an auto shut-off feature if the unit is tipped over. Moreover, users praised this heater for its design, as it suits just about any decor and adds a bit of a classy touch to any space.
One of the biggest pros of this heater is its portability, as it is very light and comes with handles and wheels for easy transportation, which means that you can move it from room to room without hassle. Moreover, this unit is very quiet and energy efficient. The Bionaire Silent Micathermic Console Heater uses advanced heating technology that combines convection and reflective heating, so it heats the surrounding air quickly while also circulating it into the room for consistent comfort.
Users raved about how this heater was able to bring uninsulated spaces such as attached garages to a comfortable temperature very quickly. They also like that the heat is non-drying and that the unit emanates from both sides panels and the top for consistent results. Finally, this heater has the ability to keep a room at constant temperatures without raising the electricity bill and has two heat settings, so you can program it easily according to your preferences.
Extra features: 3 heat settings, comes with remote
We chose the LifeSmart 6 Element as the best all-around heater for a large room that you can find on the market, because it is a solidly-built space heater that offers great results in large spaces, while being economical at the same time. This space heater comes with six heating elements that work together to provide 5,000 BTU’s of heat. This is not only enough to provide warmth even for the largest room, but it is also a guarantee of getting very even heating as well.
Users praised the cabinet-like look of the LifeSmart heater, and particularly liked the fact that it uses infrared heat, because this doesn’t dry the air in a room like electric space heaters often do. The digital controls come in very handy too, because they make it easy to control the temperature of the room, while also letting you know the exact current temperature.
The LifeSmart 6 Element comes complete with a remote control and a washable air filter to make controlling and maintaining it a breeze. Multiple safety features are built-in as well, with a high limit switch and its ability to remain cool to the touch while operating. The built-in wheels at the bottom make it easy to move the appliance for short distances. Finally, there is a 12-hour start/stop timer that makes the heater highly versatile.
Portable space heaters for large rooms are common all over the world because they can create a comfortable atmosphere in a room that would otherwise be difficult to heat. Because there are so many types of room heaters available on the market, we have put together a buying guide, so that you can make an informed choice.
You may find it difficult to heed a large room because normal heaters have trouble doing their job when they have to deal with a lot of space. With a high-quality heater for large rooms, you get efficient heating and portability in the same unit, so you can easily heat an entire space or just a targeted corner that you may find difficult to bring to a cozy temperature. By choosing a high-quality heater, you can be sure that your room will be heated safely and that you don’t add too much to your electricity bill.
Just like in the case of many other home appliances, it is important to consider multiple features before deciding which large room heater would work best for your home. Below we have summarized the most important elements to take into account before parting with your money.
The main types of heaters for large rooms are as follows:
The wattage of a portable heater refers to its maximum output of electrical power, and generally, a heater with a higher wattage will be able to generate more power. Keep in mind, however, that the relationship between efficient room heating and wattage is not always a straightforward one. This means that you shouldn’t compare different models just based on wattage. Various heaters come with different numbers of settings.
As a rule of thumb, the greater the number of settings, the more temperature control you have when using the heater.
An eco-mode (at around 500 Watts) is always welcomed when it comes to saving money on your electricity bills.
Not all heaters can heat the same room size, so it’s essential to make sure the model you choose fits your needs. Some models may boast capacities for large areas, but this doesn’t mean that you should use them as the sole heating units of the home. Moreover, keep in mind that infrared models can be used for specific zones in a room, and may not be able to heat the entire space. These portable heaters should always be considered as supplemental heaters to your central heating system or furnace.
A timer gives you control over the amount of time the heater remains turned on for. This feature comes in handy for those times you don’t want to babysit the appliance, but need to turn it off after a specific amount of time – when you leave the house for work, for example, or if you want your room to be warm when you come back.
A heater with efficient thermostat control can save you money, because you can keep the room at your chosen, precise temperature. The thermostat will turn the appliance on and off as required, to maintain a constant temperature.
Opting for a heater with a remote control means that you can control the temperature and switch the appliance off from the comfort of your sofa. Not all models have this feature, though, but our best all-around choice, the LifeSmart 6 Element does boast this addition.
It’s essential to consider the safety features of a portable heater because these appliances can theoretically be fire hazards. This aspect is even more important if you have kids or pets in your home.
Look for a model that comes with tip-over protection, such as the Bionaire Silent Micathermic Console Heater, for example, which switches off automatically when tipped over. Another useful safety feature is overheat protection, which means that the heater turns off automatically when it reaches a certain temperature to avoid overheating.
The dimensions of the portable heater are important because you need to make sure the appliance you buy fits well in the designed space. Most models fit well into a corner and have wheels so you can easily position them exactly where you want.
The weight of the heater is an important feature to consider because these are portable appliances. As such, you may want to move the heater around quite a lot in your room or even the house, so the weight should be manageable. If the model you choose has wheels, its weight is not much of an issue, though.
Most of the heaters for large rooms available on the market come with a one-year warranty, which means that you are covered for parts and labor during the period. Some brands offer users the option to purchase an additional warranty.
Finding a heater that can warm a large room can prove to be a difficult task, but it’s essential to understand exactly what you need in terms of size, shape, style, and power. If you’re more interested in an infrared model, have a look at the Mr. Heater that does an excellent job at heating very large spaces such as basements. Finally, if you want your new heater to be highly effective, yet silent, opt for the Bionaire Silent Micathermic Console Heater. No matter what kind of heater you need, don’t forget to make sure its power and wattage are suitable for the space you want to keep at a comfortable temperature.
