Space heaters can be expensive if you don’t know what to look for. While many homes have central heating, it can be more efficient to use an extra heater in one room where it’s needed. For large rooms, a large heater may be the automatic choice, but don’t let the size fool you. A lot of compact space heaters pack a lot of power to effectively supplement the central heat in your large room.
Finding the best heater for a large room will not only keep you warm and comfortable in the winter, but it can also help you save money and energy in the long run. To learn more, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide for you to choose the best space heater. Some factors you will need to consider are the types, heating capacity, and coverage. We will talk about these and more in detail.
Meanwhile, the following table lays out our top six picks and some important features you must know. You can choose from these models or use our guide to choose your own space heater.
Quick Summary
| Product Image | Product Name | Product Description | Price |
 | Lasko 5165 | Best Ceramic Heater 2 heat settings (high 1500W / low 900W) 8-Hour Timer Overheat protection and cool-touch housing Dimensions: 7.3 x 8.14 x 23 inches | Check Prize |
 | Dr Infrared Heater 968 | Best Infrared Heater Dual Heating System 1500W 12-hour Timer Dimensions: 13 x 12.5 x 17 inches | Check Prize |
 | PELONIS NY1507-14A | Best Oil-Filled Heater Three heating options (900W, 1500W) and five temperature settings 10-hour Timer Dimensions: 13.78 x 11.02 x 25.19 inches | Check Prize |
 | Duraflame DFI-5010 | Best Fireplace Heater 5,200 BTU 1,000 square feet Dimensions: 13.07 x 24 x 23.4 inches | Check Prize |
  | Heat Storm HS-1000-WX | Best Wall-mounted Infrared Heater 1000W / 3400 BTUs 500 sq. ft. supplemental heat 200 sq. ft. primary heat Remote control and Wi-Fi enabled Dimensions: 13 x 3.63 x 16.5 inches | Check Prize |
 | De’Longhi HCX9115E | Best Panel Heater 1500W (5,120 BTUs) Thermal cutoff Antifreeze ECO mode Dimensions: 32.2 x 8.5 x 21.8 inches | Check Prize |
Reviews of the Best Heaters for Large Rooms
Best Ceramic Tower Heater: Lasko 5165
Lasko is a leading manufacturer of high-performing fans, heaters, and other home ventilation products. If you’re looking for a supplemental heater for a large room but don’t want to sacrifice a lot of space, Lasko offers a wide selection of tower heaters. The Lasko 5165 heater has all the basic features you need in a space heater, without the hefty price and bulky structure. This Lasko tower heater uses a ceramic heating element to give you more consistent and constant heat output. The slim design makes it easier to transport from room to room and store during warmer seasons. It is also built with an adjustable thermostat so you can choose the temperature you desire and monitor it on the digital display.
With control buttons on the top, you can also pick between two heat settings: Low (900 Watts) or High (1500 Watts). You can set the heater to oscillate to spread the heat evenly throughout the room and set a timer from one to eight hours. The Lasko 5165 also comes with a remote control so you can change the settings from a distance, including oscillation, temperature, and timer.
This electric space heater is designed only to supplement your central heating in a large room. It can effectively cover spaces around 200 square feet, such as a bedroom, living room, or office. Although, its efficiency is still largely reliant on the room’s insulation. If you’re concerned about the noise levels, Lasko is easily capable of quiet operation. Since this convection heater uses a fan to distribute heat to its surrounding, this is the only sound you’ll likely hear. For safety, it’s built with automatic overheat protection and cool-touch housing.
Pros
• Compact and portable
• Easy to use controls
• Widespread oscillation
• Adjustable thermostat
• Quiet operation
• Affordable price
Cons
• Only for supplemental heating
Best Infrared Heater: Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968
For larger rooms, you need a high-power space heater like the Dr. Infrared Heater 968 model. This infrared heater can cover huge spaces up to 1,000 square feet. The unit’s Dual Heating System combines an infrared quartz tube and PTC to produce a great amount of heat and comfort for everyone in the room. Infrared heating is a highly efficient method of heating your space. The unit uses 100% of its heat, creating almost zero loss in heat transfer.
Infrared heat only heats up the objects in the room, so the air does not lose moisture. Combining this with convection heat, the Dr. Infrared Heater provides faster heating evenly distributed throughout your large room, saving up to 50% on electric costs.
This electric space heater comes with an adjustable thermostat and a temperature display for precise temperature control. You can choose between the High and Low heat settings or Eco mode which automatically selects High or Low setting depending on your set temperature. For your convenience, you can also change the settings with the included remote control. Safety features include overheating protection, tip-over protection, and cool-touch housing.
If you have extra dry winters, this heater is also available with a built-in humidifier. Dry winter air can cause scaly skin or lead to health problems such as a sore throat, stuffy nose, or other respiratory issues. If you do decide to go with this other model, the heater function works similarly and the humidifier fills up using a removable bottle. While it’s a large unit, the fan runs quietly and the caster wheels make transportation a breeze. One potential drawback is the product’s less reliable durability.
Pros
• Large coverage area
• High efficiency
• Easy to use controls
• Adjustable thermostat
• Option to add humidifier function
Cons
• Poor durability
Best Fireplace Heater: Duraflame DFI-5010
Traditional fireplaces will give any home a warm, cozy feel. However, they require vents or chimneys and a lot more maintenance like chopping wood and cleaning up soot. If you’re looking for the same homey aesthetic of real fire on wood, an electric fireplace heater is all you need. For living rooms, entertainment rooms, or any large space in your home, the Duraflame DFI-5010 fireplace heater will give you the warmth you need as well as the cozy feeling of a real wood stove.
This Duraflame heater features a patent-pending 3D flame effect with realistic dancing flames on wood logs. Adjust the color and brightness settings to suit the room or the weather. Since it uses an infrared quartz element for heating, it can produce heat quickly even in larger rooms, without drying out the air. It can supply up to 5,200 BTU heat output to large rooms up to 1,000 square feet. The built-in timer can be set for 30 minutes, one hour, up to nine hours.
In addition, this Duraflame fireplace heater features a digital thermostat so you can set your desired temperature for the room. The flame effects can operate without the heat, so it can simply serve as a stylish decor during warmer months. It is a perfect supplemental heater for large rooms. It even comes in multiple color choices to fit the room’s interior. Safety features include overheating protection and cool-touch housing. While it is a great addition for most homes, it is larger in size and will require a larger space in your room. Also, most of the negative reviews note that the heater does not last very long.
Pros
• Large coverage area
• High heat output
• Realistic 3D flame effects
• Adjustable thermostat
Cons
• Larger physical size
• Durability issues
Best Oil-Filled Radiator Heater: PELONIS NY1507-14A
Oil heaters or radiators are another common way to provide convection heat to your home. While other heater types use some heating element inside the unit, this type is filled with warm oil that heats the metal columns. The oil retains heat and does not work as fuel, so the unit will continue to radiate heat even after shutoff.
Pelonis is a trusted brand of fans, heaters, and other household air solutions. This oil-filled heater by Pelonis is the best in its class. Since it doesn’t work with a fan, it’s also very quiet when operating. It can warm areas up to 144 square feet.
The LCD screen on the front features two heat settings (Low at 900W and High at 1500W) and Eco mode for more energy savings, as well as five temperature settings (65°F, 70°F, 75°F, 80°F, and 85°F). You can also set the timer from two to ten hours in two-hour increments. All of these settings can also be changed using the remote control. This oil radiator heater works great in a variety of rooms, up to 300 square feet as a supplemental heating source. It also comes in multiple color choices.
While this type of heater may seem like it’s dangerous, like most heaters it’s actually very safe to use with features like overheating protection and tip-over protection. Its best selling point is the excellent heat retention. It’s taller than other heater types yet still portable with a cool-touch handle, 360 degrees rotating wheels, and power cord storage on the back. It’s not particularly pretty so it’s best to be placed in a corner of the room.
Pros
• Good for large rooms
• Long heat retention
• No fan means quiet operation
• Light and portable
• Easy to use
Cons
• Less accurate thermostat
Best Wall-Mounted Infrared Heater: Heat Storm HS-1000-WX
If you have a large room but don’t want to waste any floor space for a seasonal appliance, there are countless models that can be mounted on a wall. Heat Storm offers a range of infrared heaters, including this wall-mounted unit for large rooms. It has all the benefits you get from any infrared heater in a compact and stylish design that complements your modern interior.
Unlike most other heaters of its capacity, the Heat Storm HS-1000-WX consumes 1000 Watts of power. It produces up to 3400 BTU of heating, which can cover up to 200 square feet as a primary heat source, and up to 500 square feet as supplemental heat. Of course, actual coverage will depend on the room’s insulation and outside temperature. You can set the temperature on the control panel or with the remote control. If you have kids around, pressing the power button for five seconds will lock the settings. The unit itself features only the power button and arrow buttons, so it may not be so easy to utilize all its functions.
To make setting and adjusting easier, this model includes Wi-Fi capabilities. Connect your heater to your local network and control the temperature or set heating schedules from your mobile device. Overall, it’s a nice-looking, compact unit that offers most of the basic gestures you need in a heater. Safety features include overheat protection, tip-over protection, and cool-touch housing.
Pros
• Wall mount design occupies less space
• Less power consumption
• Large coverage
• Wi-Fi control for convenience
Cons
• Can be difficult to use controls
Best Panel Heater: De’Longhi HCX9115E
For those rooms limited in floor space, another option is a wall-mounted panel heater. If this type of heater is your choice, then De’Longhi is the brand for you. The main difference from the Heat Storm infrared heater above is this De’Longhi unit utilizes convection heating. This heater features a stylish, slim design (available in white or black) that installs on a wall easily or stands on its own, so you can place it almost anywhere in any room.
On the more technical aspect, it uses 1,500 Watts, produces 5,120 BTU heating output, and plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet. Since it’s a convection heater, it features a dual fan system and Hi-Fi technology that evenly distributes the heat more quickly. Also, unlike the smaller Heat Storm unit above, you can easily control all available settings on the unit’s side control panel. You can choose from three heat settings, set the temperature on the LED display, then the colored indicator light will tell which setting is selected. You can also choose Eco mode for energy savings and set a timer to delay start or delay stop the operation after 0.5 to 24 hours. Additionally, you can adjust the display brightness, change the temperature scale, and lock the controls.
This modern panel heater ensures your safety with features such as thermal cut-off to prevent overheating, antifreeze setting to protect the pipes, and a tip-over switch with a buzzer in case the unit becomes unstable. While it’s a good option for most large rooms, convection heat is probably not best for already dry winter air. Also, note that this model does not come with a remote controller.
Pros
• High heat output for large rooms
• Slim, stylish design
• Easy to use controls
• 24-hour on/off timer
Cons
• Convection heat may dry the air
• No remote control
Benefits of Using the Best Heaters for Large Rooms
Perhaps the most important purpose of using a space heater in your home is to keep your room warm and comfortable during colder months. There are many types and sizes of heaters you can use for your house, as well as other heating methods you can try, but here are some reasons a large room heater is the best choice for many:
Firstly, it is much cheaper to buy a stand-alone space heater than installing a central heating system for the entire house. They have a lower upfront cost as well as lower operating costs. In smaller homes and apartments with no central heat, then a large room space heater can go a long way in the winter.If you already have central heating and are only using these as supplemental heat, you can also save money by turning up the heat in certain areas instead of heating up the entire house.
These space heaters are compact and portable. Most of these heaters are small or slim so they don’t take up much space in the room to keep you warm. The light and compact designs mean you can also move them from one room to another so you don’t need to buy and install a heater in each room. Some can be mounted on the wall while some have handles and wheels.
Lastly, large room heaters are more energy efficient. Space heaters use electricity efficiently to reduce your monthly electric bills. Depending on the size and insulation of your room, some types of heaters may be more energy efficient. The heating method can affect the efficiency of the unit, taking into account factors like loss of heat as well as retention of heat. To ensure efficiency, some heaters feature an Eco Mode to optimize your power consumption.
Types of Heaters
The two main heating methods that space heaters use are radiation and convection. In radiation, the heat transfer occurs through electromagnetic waves, while in convection, heat is transferred via air. Either or both of these two heat transfer methods are used by the following types of heaters.
Ceramic Heater
A ceramic heater is a compact and portable heater that produces heat through a heating element made of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) ceramic, which is a semi-conductive material. Some ceramic heaters, like the Lasko unit, use convection to transfer the heat from the ceramic to the air blown by the fan inside, emitting warm air to the room. There are also radiant ceramic space heaters that don’t use fans.
Infrared Heater
Infrared heaters are a common radiative space heater. They emit electromagnetic waves to heat up the objects around them rather than the air itself. This is the same process in which the sun heats up the Earth. Infrared heaters may sometimes come with a fan, but this is less common. This type of heater can warm up the room quickly and even retain the heat for a while after being turned off because objects around it are heated up.
Fireplace Heater
These heaters also work using radiation like an infrared heater. What sets them apart is the design to look like a freestanding fireplace. They feature artificial yet realistic flickering flames and logs in a wood stove or wall-mounted fireplace insert. Fireplace heaters also use electricity and can heat up quickly and efficiently.
Since they use radiation, they can retain heat long after shutoff so you can continue to warm the room. Whether you want to go traditional or modern, electric fireplace heaters can give your home the added flair or touch to complete your aesthetic while keeping the room warm and comfortable.
Oil-Filled Heater
Oil-filled heaters or radiators are another type that uses radiation to transfer heat. They contain diathermic oil, which is then heated by electricity. The oil circulates around the metal columns. When the columns are warm enough, the heat is then radiated throughout the room.
Oil-filled heaters don’t need fans to heat up the air around them. The oil will not be used up, it is simply heated when the unit is turned on. Oil-filled heaters may be on the bigger or taller side, but they are portable and often come with handles and wheels to move easily across the room or transport to another.
Panel Heater
Panel heaters are a great choice if you don’t have a lot of floor space in the room. They are slim and wide and many of these heaters can stand on their own or can be mounted on the wall. Panel heaters use convection to heat up the room. This means they have a fan inside to distribute heat to the air throughout the room. They use electricity to warm up the heating elements inside then the fan system blows hot air to the room
Power Sources for Heaters
Space heaters may use different sources of power, mainly two: electricity and gas. Depending on the size and ventilation of the space, as well as the availability of resources, one may be more ideal than the other option.
Electricity
All of the heaters we featured above need electricity to run. They are good for individual rooms and plug directly into any standard power outlet. As you’ve seen above, they come in a range of sizes, styles, and heating power. They are simple to use and easy to move from room to room. They include a digital thermostat for precise temperature control, along with other features. They also cost less than the alternative. Although, note that electricity may be more expensive than gas or propane.
Gas
A gas heater typically uses propane or butane as its power source. Since it can produce carbon monoxide, a toxic gas, it’s generally used in well-ventilated areas, although there are vent-free units nowadays.
Gas space heaters can provide more heat and can be used or mounted almost anywhere. They are fueled by a gas or liquid propane tank. Aside from the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, moving the heater and the tank can be more inconvenient.
Features to Consider in the Best Space Heater for Large Rooms
Once you choose the type of heater you need for your large room, consider the following factors to make you only get the best unit for you.
Heating Capacity
Space heaters use some type of heating element to warm up their surroundings. A bigger heating capacity means it can heat up a larger room more quickly. The heat output can be measured in different ways. First, in Watts. This is the amount of power it consumes to produce the heat you need. Most electric heaters use this to measure the heating capacity of the unit. The most common power input is 1500 Watts. This power is typically enough to provide supplemental heating for spaces up to 1,000 square feet. Lower heating settings will use less power (900 Watts or below).
Some heaters also use BTU (British Thermal Unit) to measure the unit’s heating output. You’re probably familiar with this unit of measurement for air conditioners. For comparison, 5,000 BTU is equivalent to about 1500 Watts. BTU is more commonly used for gas heaters. The smallest capacity for gas heaters is usually 10,000 BTU, so you can see that it has more heating power than the electric counterpart.
Heating Coverage
Just as they differ in heating capacity, not all heaters can heat the same room size. The heating method and type of heater can also affect the total area it can cover. Make sure that the unit you choose can effectively heat the entire room with no cold spots. Some models may claim large areas of coverage, but take note that these heaters are only recommended to use as a supplemental heating source. To maximize coverage, operate them in combination with your central heat or furnace.
Additionally, there are other factors that can affect how much space your heater can effectively cover. For one, its heating capacity (in Watts or BTUs). All the electric space heaters on our list consume a maximum of 1500 Watts, except for the 1000-Watt Heat Storm infrared unit. This power limits the amount of space the unit can heat.
Next, the room insulation will also determine your heater’s coverage. A tightly insulated room means there are no cold drafts seeping into the room. The better the insulation, the larger space the heater will serve. Your central heating if you have one will also affect the heater’s performance. If the central heater is not doing its job well, then the space heater will have to make up for it.
The indoor temperature or the setting you select on the central thermostat can also either reduce or increase the load on the space heater. If the furnace is already set to heat the room at a higher temperature, then the space heater will be able to supplement the heat even in spaces as large as 1,000 square feet. If the room isn’t heated at all, the space heater won’t be able to warm an entire room of that size. Lastly, a higher temperature outside will also contribute to a higher temperature indoors, hence, a better performance by your space heater in a large room.
Built-in Controls
Electric space heaters give you more precise control on the unit’s operation, most especially the temperature you want to maintain in the room. The unit can do this using a built-in thermostat that monitors and adjusts the room temperature according to your selected settings. The units we listed feature digital controls so you can simply input the exact temperature you want with up and down arrow buttons instead of turning a control knob which provides less precise temperature control. Some models will also automatically turn off when they sense the current temperature has reached your setting, then turn on again to maintain it. To make it even easier, some electric heaters include multiple heating levels you can pick on the digital control panel.
All of the heaters above also feature a timer. You can set a timer to automatically turn off or turn on the unit after a certain amount of time. Smaller units have timer options for up to six or eight hours. Larger units can be set for 12 to 24 hours. This feature can help save energy by only using the heater when it’s needed. In case you forget to turn it off before you go, you also won’t need to worry if you have the timer set.
Since these heaters are designed for large rooms, it can be a hassle to always come up to the unit to change the temperature or other settings. Most electric heaters come with a remote control that allows you to do all the changes from the comfort of your couch or bed. A few units even offer Wi-Fi capabilities so you can control the operation from your smartphone.
Safety Features
To ensure the safety of electric heaters, look for certifications from recognized organizations that test them, including UL (Underwriters Laboratory) and ETL (Intertek). If the heater has been tested and approved, there will be a label on the unit. Look for this label to ensure the unit has passed set safety standards. Also look for the following features:
Overheat Protection: Obviously, heaters have to generate a lot of heat. To prevent it from becoming a fire hazard, overheat protection ensures that the heater will automatically shut itself off when the heat reaches an unsafe level.
Tip-Over Protection: This feature automatically shuts off the unit if it becomes unstable or accidentally gets knocked over.
Cool-Touch Housing: While the internal components heat up, the exterior can also get too hot to touch, which can be dangerous with kids or pets in the room. A cool-touch housing prevents burns in case they accidentally touch the space heater.
How to Use a Space Heater Efficiently
To ensure safe and efficient usage of your space heater, make sure you check all its safety certifications and built-in features. You’ll also want to be sure you get the right type and heating capacity for the room you want to place it in. Then, observe the following basic tips to maintain the unit and keep it working efficiently for longer.
Find a good location for the heater before operating. Place it on a hard and flat surface and keep it away from any obstructions that may cause it to overheat and potential fire hazards or flammable items such as furniture and curtains. For units with fans, maintain a distance so the warm air does not blow directly on you.
When running, occasionally check if the heater is working normally to prevent any issues. Do not touch the unit itself when running or immediately after turning it off. If you notice anything unusual, turn it off and have the unit checked.
Conclusion
You are free to follow these tips and consult your manual for in-depth instructions on the installation, usage, and maintenance of your specific unit. Even the best space heaters for large rooms need proper handling to function in tip-top condition. First, consider the type of heater that is best for your home, then measure the total space to find the correct heating capacity you need. Whichever unit you choose to buy, make sure it fits your needs and budget.
