


No matter where you live, controlling the temperature inside your home is expensive.
Installing devices such as smart thermostats or investing in insulated windows can help a bit, but you might still end up using a lot of energy to cool your home in the summer and heat it in the winter. That’s largely because heating and cooling systems work on your entire home, meaning you pay to adjust the temperature in rooms even when you’re not using those spaces.
A more cost-effective way to approach temperature regulation? Indoor space heaters.
These compact devices plug into any wall outlet and offer targeted heating exactly where you need it — and nowhere else! That means no wasted energy and easily adjustable settings to let you create the most comfortable atmosphere.
Considering the variety of space heaters on the market, we consulted with appliance experts to get their recommendations for the best indoor space heaters for your home. Gary McCoy is a Lowe’s store manager, and Jeff King tests and reviews home appliances on the YouTube channel Den of Tools, which has been covering indoor and outdoor heating systems for almost a decade.
Below, check out McCoy’s and King’s picks for the best space heaters of 2023. To jump ahead to a specific category, click the section links here:
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This space heater is rated for use in small- to medium-sized rooms and uses a ceramic plate to heat your space evenly. According to the home electronics review site Electronics Hub, heaters such as these that use ceramic plates begin to emit heat quickly and will continue emitting heat for some time even after they’re turned off. That makes them more efficient to use than filament or infrared heaters.
“With a perfect 5-star rating on Lowes.com, this Utilitech space heater is a fan favorite,” McCoy said. “It features ceramic heating technology that reaches temperatures of up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in about three seconds. It also comes with a carry handle and is made up of flame-resistant material, making this an all-around great option.”
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At 11 inches tall and 8 inches in diameter, this budget-friendly indoor space heater is also a compact choice. As a ceramic space heater, it’s lightweight and quickly dispenses heat. Great for use in smaller areas, and its rear cool-touch handle lets you move or reposition it as needed without the risk of burning your hand.
“Dreo is a newer brand that has surged to the forefront of the indoor space heater market in recent years,” King said. “Their easy-to-use controls with large digital interface and modern design are a pleasant change of pace from many of the older units on the market. And it’s surprising to see all these features at a price point like this…I [also] found this heater safe enough to justify using it in our kids’ room.”
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This indoor space heater has all the bells and whistles that maximize convenience and functionality. In addition to the ceramic plate and oscillating motor that provide even heating, this option has an ECO mode that automatically adjusts the heat output to keep its power usage at a lower level. An adjustable thermostat lets you dial in your desired temperature, and an electric fan transforms this device into a cooling machine during the summer — a smart two-in-one appliance!
“This ceramic heater offers a wide range of heat distribution with motorized oscillation and is best for small spaces and individual comfort,” McCoy said. “[It] features a digital thermostat, 24-hour timer, full-function remote and fan function for year-round use.”
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While most tower space heaters have a heating panel that faces only one direction, this circular design allows for heat to radiate 360 degrees, which gives you more flexibility in terms of where you place it in a room. Its intuitive touch-panel display makes setting your ideal temperature easy, and the flip-up handle on top allows for easy carrying.
“This tower space heater warms areas up to 300 square feet,” McCoy said. “It has a large digital display with user-friendly remote controls, a thermostat and a timer function.”
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This space heater’s extremely shallow depth (under 4 inches) lets you place it just about anywhere without sacrificing space. Its ceramic heating element delivers warmth quickly, and because it doesn’t draw much electricity, it won’t significantly impact your power bill.
“There are many times when you don’t need to heat the entire room just the area you are in. This is where the Amazon Basics mini heater shines,” King said. “Whether you’re sitting at your desk or on your couch, this puts heat right where you need it. At 500 Watts it may seem underpowered…but for this heater, that’s kind of the point. Small, compact and easy to use, and at just under a pound and a half it’s also extremely portable so you can take your heat to go.”
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The infrared heating technology in this space heater warms you by being absorbed into your body — which means very little heat and energy are wasted. That allows this device to heat large spaces more efficiently, reducing the amount of power it draws while in use. The rolling wheels on the bottom of the device also make it easy to move around your space as needed.
“When it comes to larger rooms you need a heater that can not only put out large amounts of heat but efficiently distribute that heat throughout the room. I’ve been using this heater in our living room for years and it’s easy to forget it’s even there,” King said. “This device features a dual heat system, as well as a high-pressure low noise blower and an electronic thermostat that can keep the room between 50 and 85 [degrees] at all times. Its high-end construction and cherry wood cabinetry allow it to easily integrate into your living space and look good doing it.”
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The big bonus this indoor space heater provides is the ability to pair with your smartphone so you can operate it remotely — even when you’re not at home. Its slightly tilted design directs heat upward, and an oscillating motor lets the device rotate to warm spaces evenly. A touch-screen interface lets you dial in your preferred temperature and use the timer setting, too, making this heater easy to use for the non-tech-savvy.
“This smart heater responds to simple voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant, so you can operate it hands-free whenever you need,” McCoy said. “Plus, if you download the Atomi Smart app, you can set schedules for the heater to pre-warm rooms in the house before you enter.”
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While ceramic and filament space heaters work great, if you want an indoor space heater that truly helps you reduce your electricity usage, an infrared model such as this one is the way to go. Instead of attempting to heat an entire area, the device uses infrared light to directly (and safely) heat any objects in front of the heater — which reduces energy waste. Its digital thermometer also lets you program precise temperatures, so you can enjoy a personalized heating experience.
“This heater is safe, convenient and easy to operate with an adjustable thermostat and remote control,” McCoy said. “This heater also has a UV LED light that helps to kill germs and viruses brought into the heater, and return clean air into the room.”
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