Getting cold and feeling the winter chill creep in? Time to start shopping for a new infrared heater! These amazing devices can quickly and easily warm up any room in your home, without using up a lot of energy. But with so many different brands and models on the market, it can be tricky to know which one to choose.
Our team of experts has tested 23 models and compiled a list of the 10 best infrared heaters, with the Duraflame DFI-5010-01 being on top of that. On the list, you’ll find models with a maximum wattage of 1500W for larger rooms, as well as some lower-powered options that are more suited to small to medium-sized rooms. We’ve also included models with timers and remote controls for added convenience.
Extra features: quartz, 3D flame effect technology, Safer Plug fire prevention technology
This is probably the best all-around option for an infrared heater. Though it may not be perfect for every user, there aren’t many who would be disappointed by the features and even the looks of this product.
This offers a huge amount of heating ability, with 5,200 BTUs of power to provide heating to up to 1,000 square feet. Though it is designed as supplemental heating, so is best used in conjunction with another form of heater, it can save you a huge amount of money on your other bills.
The safety features of this product include an overheat protector, meaning that if for any reason the product overheats, it will automatically shut off. There are a lot of different aspects of this heater you can alter to suit your preference. A digital thermostat lets you control the most important aspect; the heat. Besides this, you can set a timer for the heater to come on when you know you will need it.
Other settings revolve around the brilliant, patent-pending design of this heater, which includes faux logs on the bottom to give the homely feel of a fire. It looks impressively real, and gives a lovely ambience to your room. Realistic flames are designed to appear at the back of the ‘fire’ and you can even choose your own preference for this, including the color of the flames, how bright they are and the speed at which they dance around the backdrop.
For a great balance of good looks, safety features and a lot of heating power, plus a lot of control over features and even a three year warranty, this is a wonderful choice.
Extra features: caster wheels for easy relocation, lifetime filter, tip-over and overheat protection
Dr. Infrared heater is a great way to get portable heating for your home. It’s probably the best infrared heater with wheels, and it uses both Quarts and PTC infrared to provide efficient warmth.
The safety features are very good, and this model doesn’t get very hot to touch. There are no heating elements revealed or exposed on the model so it isn’t a danger to pets or children, even when it is providing a lot of heat in the room. It also has the standard safety functions of switching off as soon as it tips over, or should it overheat.
As lots of these types of heaters do, the Dr. Infrared has three modes, high, low and energy saving mode which in this case is “auto”. This mode is just a way for it to move between the other two modes in order to maintain the right heat, but using the minimum power.
An inbuilt thermostat lets you choose the heat you desire, and the Dr Infrared is very good at maintaining this temperature. The manufacturers also claim that this has the fastest heat transfer: it has a dual-heating system, which means it can quickly get to work heating the whole room.
A three year warranty and an average of 80,000 hours of use per model make this a good option for the long term. There have been occasional models with electrical issues according to customer reviews, but this is rare and should be covered under your warranty.
Extra features: 3 heat settings, including 500-Watt Eco setting, caster wheels
This is a heater for large rooms designed as a supplemental model. It offers 8 quartz elements which provide the infrared heat while wrapped up within a coil.
As is pretty standard, three energy settings give you a choice between high, low and eco. The eco setting has been designed for use in smaller rooms and is very economical, so your bills could even be reduced by using a heater such as this.
It has a removable air filter which can be cleaned and then put back into the heater, as well as “EZ glide casters”, meaning you can wheel it around from one space to another.
People who are looking for something which isn’t an eyesore will love the Life Lux. It has been designed to look like a cabinet, and can fit easily with a wooden furniture design, specifically if you have oak furniture. This can easily be mistaken for a cabinet, so doesn’t ruin the decor of your room.
The power this has at the highest level of 1500W is impressive, and the manufacturers claim it can heat rooms up to 1800 Square feet as a supplemental heater.
Other features include an ionizing system to give pure air, something not many space heaters are able to offer. It also has a timer which works up to 12 hours.
While this has plenty of power and is perfect for many living areas, it is a little more heavy due to its design. Of course, it can be wheeled around, but it isn’t easy to carry or transport from place to place unless it can be wheeled there.
Extra features: remote control; no heating element bulbs
This is a rugged and well-built heater which is perfect for both home and industrial uses, and can heat up to 1000 sq. ft.
The features of the AirNmore product are great, but the main benefit is how durable and hard-wearing this is. The manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty on the whole product, with a lifetime warranty on specifically the ceramic heating element of the product.
AirNmore claim that this is up to 25% better performing than its competitors. While we don’t know exactly if this is true, it is easy to see why such a well-made product is very popular for workshops, basements or anywhere it can be subjected to a little more wear and tear than average.
It has two different modes, with the higher level offering 1500W of power, and the lower offering 1000W. A quick look at some consumer reviews will show you that the majority of users seem to be very pleased with how much heat this product gives off. It is easy to transport as it is on wheels, too.
While this is not the best looking heater out there if you plan to put it in your living room, it is great for garages, outdoor spaces and anywhere you don’t mind having something that isn’t the best looking. What it lacks in looks, it makes up for in power.
Extra features: 2 heat settings, infrared quartz bulbs
The Heat Storm Phoenix is a model which can do a good job as a primary heater in a small room or office, but generally is better as a supplemental heater in the majority of rooms. The 5,200 BTU of heat is a good amount when you consider the compact size of this heater. It has a 750W mode as well as the full power 1500W mode, so you can conserve energy if needed.
The heat transfer technology has been designed to quickly warm the room and not reduce the moisture in the air in the process. It isn’t a hazard, as it can be touched with no risk of burning.
The LED display shows the temperature in the room, making it easier to alter the temperature to the one you find more comfortable. A remote control means you don’t even have to get up to make the adjustments!
This is a very small and lightweight heater, and therefore portable. The detachable legs mean you can choose between hanging it on the wall or having it stand somewhere else –in front of your desk, for instance. All of this means the heater can follow you around in your home should you need, and you don’t even need to wait for it to cool down before moving it.
A one year manufacturer warranty is also on offer, so you have peace of mind when making your purchase. A lightweight and high-performing infrared heater.
Extra features: 40 F to 90 F temperature range, Auto Reboot Feature, Touch Safe front grill cover, ETL approved, tip-over sensor, remote control, lifetime filter, wheels on unit, 24 heat settings
Ideal for small rooms, the EdenPURE CopperSMART is an ETL-approved portable heater that is based on infrared heating technology. If you need an infrared heater for a small room, go for this mini but powerful electric infrared heater to provide you with personal warmth and comfort.
This infrared heater measures 16.5 x 13 x 16.75 inches. With such a small size and a maximum output of 1500 watts, you can’t expect this infrared heater to heat large spaces, but it is perfect for use in small rooms or as a personal heater.
EdenPURE has a reputation for producing quality infrared heaters, and people say this heater retains enough heat and runs very quietly. It is popular for use in RVs, offices, and more.
Although it does not have a digital thermostat, not a timer, it has the necessary safety features and also has a housing that contains heat and does not pose a risk of burns. It is most ideal if you place the infrared heater in a small room with limited walking space or under your desk where it may be bumped.
For easy control, the portable heater comes with a wireless remote control system. Depending on the size of the room it’s placed, it can heat up to a temperature range between 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Extra features: 3 heat settings, washable air filter, quartz elements, 500-Watt Eco setting
This is an infrared heater with plenty of features and some very good economical settings for saving power and money.
It isn’t the most powerful heater on the market, but it is great for medium sized rooms and has three different settings, the top one being 1500 Watts which gives off a fair level of heat. Even the “eco” setting, using just 500W, can heat small rooms up to around 68 degrees with ease.
In terms of looks, this is quite a subtle heater, it has a black cabinet around it which is fireproof, a great “just in case” feature, should anything go wrong.
There are many features which give the user a lot of control and ways to alter the heating and other functionality. It has a 12 hour timer to allow you to set it to automatically turn on or off. There is a remote control which means you don’t even have to get up to alter the controls.
Though it is hard to gauge from the photographs, this product is very compact and lightweight. This gives it the additional benefit of being able to move it around from room to room, depending on where it is most needed.
Generally the reviews of this product are pretty good, with some saying the Lifesmart could offer a little more in terms of durability, and some saying that the fan requires cleaning too often, which can be a fiddly job.
Extra features: 59 F to 86 F temperature range, 3 heating modes, 360° rotatable wheels, fan, remote control, tip-over shut-off, overheat protection
Elegant as it is made of durable hardwood, this infrared space heater with a variable power of 1000 to 1500 watts is a very good choice for its practicality. Much smaller and even less bulky, it is a powerful heater that pleasantly heats small rooms and you can easily take it with you. Thanks to its automatic pivoting mechanism, it ensures even heat distribution. It is perfect for providing good rapid heating in a small room such as the bathroom, office, or bedroom.
Its small size and light 24 pounds weight are not its only practical advantages: it is a simple device that is easily adjustable and that you can use with its 3 heating modes. It is also an economical heater because it diffuses good heat even when set to the lowest power range. Considering its performance and practicality, its selling price is a steal as it is offered at a low price.
Because of its mobility features such as the casters, we suggest it to those who are often on the move and want to buy a light and portable heater. At the highest power setting, the device does not consume much energy. It uses a maximum of 1500 watts. With three heating powers, you can adjust it according to the ambient temperature. It features a remote control. You will therefore be able to control the device remotely.
Extra features: Mica and Quartz Infrared heating tubes
This is yet another infrared heater with a 1500W maximum, but is designed to give off 5100 BTU of heat at this wattage, which can provide supplemental heat for rooms of around 1500 square feet.
A digital thermostat is great for seeing and altering the heat you are currently experiencing in the room, and you can set the desired temperature via a remote control, and this heater will quickly ensure you reach it. The heater is good at maintaining the heat at a balanced level.
This is one of the infrared heaters that use multiple types of tubes or bulbs to heat, with both Quartz and Mica in use along with a fan, which is surprisingly close to being silent.
While this doesn’t have any sort of protection if it is tipped over, it does have an overheat protection function, which means if it should get too hot, it will automatically turn off.
The Homegear infrared space heater has a timer, but could perhaps do with some other features such as more than one heating mode to enable the user to choose how much heat it is giving off, and give the chance to use less electricity if you require less heat.
The dual heating system is a big plus point for this heater, but it could do with a few more controls and modes to push its rating closer to the full 10/10.
Extra features: 2 heat settings, automatic overheat and tip-over shutoff
This is a radiant heater in a tower design, meaning it is tall, but takes up a smaller amount of floor space.
Not only is it compact in terms of the floor space it takes up, it has a handle and is lightweight, so it is designed to be easily moved around your home or office. This may well be the best infrared heater for an office, as it is portable but it lacks the function of a timer, which isn’t as much of an issue in the office than it may be at home.
1200W of power is fine, and there is a 600W mode too if you wish to use a little less energy, or don’t need as much power. There are only two modes, whereas many other models have three or more.
The safety features can’t be faulted, as both an overheat and tip-over shutoff are in place in case anything goes wrong.
It should definitely be said that this is one of the more simple infrared heaters out there, it doesn’t have a lot of the extra features many people love such as a timer or remote control. This is why it is a good option for having next to your desk in the office, where you will be able to control it simply. You can also easily move it around your workplace.
In this section, we’ll go over all of the features we’ve considered above in greater detail, to help you make choose the best infrared heater for your home or office. Whatever your needs, we’ve got you covered.
Infrared heaters are cleverly designed, and the way they distribute heat is quite unique. Unlike classical electric fireplaces, they use infrared rays, and don’t heat the air around the heater, instead these rays heat objects within the room such as bodies, walls or other items. The heating works in the same way it would if you were sitting in the sun getting warmed by its rays.
This clever heating method is where infrared gets its advantages. It can heat a large space without having to use a huge amount of power, making them quite economical. These heaters are also better for the air around it, keeping it pure and not circulating dust or taking out the moisture, like other heaters might. Infrared heaters are also quiet compared to other methods.
Because of the clean air that infrared heaters provide, they are a popular choice for any areas where there is often condensation, such as a bathroom. Condensation is less likely with this type of heat, especially when compared to convection heaters. Reducing condensation also reduces the chance of any black spot mold, which is very common when warm air comes into contact with a cool surface, but as the air itself isn’t warmed with infrared heat, this is not an issue.
The infrared technology also heats very quickly, meaning it won’t need time to ‘get going’. The heat isn’t excessively powerful, and this is why these heaters are normally used in well-insulated rooms, or perhaps rooms with some other heating in place.
The wattage of a heater will be key to how economical it is and how powerful it is. Generally speaking, most of the heaters listed have between 1,000 and 1,800 watts of power, and will have two or three different power modes. For instance, the Dr. Infrared, which offers three different modes, high (1500W), low (1000W) and energy saving mode (500W). Having this control means you never use extra power unnecessarily.
A timer is a self-explanatory feature, and generally speaking it is nice to have this as an option. Timers can be used either to turn the heater off after a period of time, or turn it on in time for when you get home from work, for example. Many of the best options have 12 hour timers, which should give you plenty of opportunity for you to plan ahead.
The heating area is quite simply the amount of space that an infrared heater can manage to heat.
This is an area of some debate, as infrared models are usually designed to be supplemental heaters, meaning they’re not to be used as the main heater in a specific area.
The heating area is measured in square feet, with many of the options on our list being able to heat over 1,000 sqft. The Duraflame model we’ve recommended can heat up to 1,800 ft.
This may be something of a luxury feature, but you wouldn’t buy a television without a remote control, so you may as well have the same for your heater if it is on offer. Having a remote control means you can alter settings from the comfort of your bed or couch, and is always a good thing to have!
Most of the products mentioned utilize Quartz bulbs and heating elements, as these are among the fastest ways of providing a heat response and to get your room feeling warm and comfortable. Quartz bulbs are also very durable and can withstand a lot of infrared rays. Other types of filament include Mica.
Many of the products on the list will never need you to change the bulbs at all as these are very long-lasting, and most people don’t want the hassle of having to partake in this sort of maintenance.
It is always worth being cautious when you are buying any sort of electrical product. The more safety features offered, the better, especially with a heater. The two main issues a space heater such as these infrared heaters can come across are either overheating or being tipped over, which can be fire hazards.
The safest infrared heaters are those which sense when they are getting too hot, or when they have been knocked over, and can then automatically turn themselves off to avoid any dangerous issues.
The dimensions of your infrared heater are something you must consider when you are in the research stage before buying. Doing so will ensure that you end up with a heater which perfectly fits the space you have allocated. For instance, you may not have a lot of room to work with, in which case you can look for a bookshelf design. You may not have a lot of floor space, in which case something of a tower design like the Costway model reviewed above can be a better choice, which is tall but takes up very little space on the ground. If the space in your room is still very limited or you just don’t want to crowd it with a bulky appliance, check out fireplace inserts, that will be seamlessly incorporated right into your living room wall.
You are probably not going to buy an infrared heater for every room of your home, it makes far more sense to have a model which is portable and you can then move it to the space where it is required. Heating only the space you are in is a good way to keep your costs low.
A big aspect of that portability is the weight. Many of the products listed are below 20 lbs in weight, making them relatively simple to move from place to place. Others, such as the Lifesmart Lifelux, are a little more heavy, but have caster wheels to help move them from A to B, though this isn’t ideal. While fine for getting it to the next room, stairs can be tricky, or taking this from building to building is also going to be tough. If you want something portable, lightweight and with wheels is the ideal scenario.
It is worth considering the power cord included with your heater, mainly because the use of extension cords is not recommended. Ideally, your power cord will be long enough so that you can place the infrared heater exactly where you want it, without it being in the way, or creating a trip hazard. If you do need to use an extension cord, you should make sure the power bar is rated correctly for the wattage of the heater. The heater should also be UL-certified if you are plugging it into an extension.
Naturally, the longer and more comprehensive the warranty, the better. With electrical products such as infrared heaters, a long warranty can tell you a lot about the quality of the product itself, as manufacturers are far happier to guarantee their products working if they know they are rugged and well-constructed. Many infrared heaters offer at least two-year warranties.
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The Duraflame heater at the very top of our list is in our opinion the top model, especially if you are looking for a heater which looks good as well as doing a functional job. The flames give a lovely ambience, and add to what is already a reliable and impressive model of infrared heater, with remote control and multiple heating modes.
The Lifesmart Lifelux is another top-rated model, which we have rated highly as it offers a good variety of features, three different heat settings and a huge amount of power (it can heat rooms up to 1800 sq. ft.) plus it just looks like another piece of furniture. It may be on the heavy side, but its features make up for this, especially if you want your heater to be kept in one place.
The Dr. Infrared also stakes a claim for being the best infrared heater on the market. Not only does it look good in most rooms (it certainly isn’t an eye-sore), it can be easily wheeled around, has plenty of power and is both lightweight and quiet, making it one of the subtlest and most portable infrared heaters.
