10 Best Electric Space Heaters (Review) In 2020

Features To Look For In An Electric Space Heater

Price – The cost of electric space heaters can differ greatly depending on the brand, size, features, etc. If you just need something small to heat your bathroom while you shower, you can get away with getting a cheap one. If you need to heat a larger area continuously, the cheaper ones may not be your best option. When it comes to making any purchase, you get what you pay for and this is definitely true when it comes to electric space heaters. The lower you go in the price scale, the less energy efficient the heater and you may also find there are fewer safety features if any at all. It’s probably better to spend a little more to ensure you get an electric space heater with safety features and one that won’t consume excessive energy to operate.

Energy Efficiency – Electric space heaters are notorious for consuming energy so take a close look at the energy rating to ensure keeping warm one winter won’t break your entire heating budget. Otherwise, you may need to keep your space heater off more than on.

Heating Range/Capacity – When it comes to electric space heaters, the main consideration is always going to be related to the area you want to heat. Small space heaters are ideal for bathrooms or when you want the heat right next to you. However, if you want to heat your living area or a larger room, it’s better to look for an electric space heater with a little more power. Consider the square footage of the room you want to heat and check the specifications of the heater before you commit to a purchase. If you are buying a space heater for use in multiple rooms in your home, get one for the biggest room in your house to be on the safe side.

Safety Features – The family home should be a place of safety and comfort. Unfortunately, electric space heaters have a notorious reputation for causing house fires in the winter. While this may have been true in the past, the electric space heaters in our selection all have safety features such as being able to automatically shut down if they are tipped over or in the event of overheating. These safety features are an absolute must as home safety should always be a top priority.

Noise Levels – Some people are able to get a good night’s sleep with the ambient noise of a fan humming in their room and the same applies to the soft sound of the motor in an electric space heater. Others, on the other hand, find these sounds irritating. If you loathe the sound of an electric space heater’s motor and fan, consider getting a radiator space heater instead. These are generally silent so you won’t be distracted by the constant whirring of your electric space heater. Keep in mind though, those electric space heaters that have a motor and fan will heat your room faster.

Types Of Electric Space Heaters

Radiant Heaters – These heaters work on getting people and objects in the room warm in a short amount of time. If you want the air in the room to be warmer, radiant heaters will do this too, but it will take a little bit of time. Radiant heaters are quiet and efficient. In most cases, they are also energy-efficient and durable. Some radiant heaters are filled with oil that heats quickly and efficiently. With older models, you would have needed to replace the oil, however, with newer models, this is no longer necessary.

Convection Heaters – When the air in the room heats quickly, the occupants feel cozier. It creates a circulation motion where the warm from the space heater rises to the ceiling, pushing the cold air down so it too, can be heated.

Fan-Forced Heaters – When you have a fan-forced heater, you should feel warmth in the room in a matter of minutes. That is because the fan forces air over the heating elements and blows heat directly into the room. Depending on the size of the room and the heating capacity of the electric space heater you have will determine how quickly the air in the room can be heated.

Wall Heaters – If you worry about children and pets constantly passing around an electric space heater, you can always opt for a wall heater. Many electric space heaters can be wall-mounted so they are out of harm’s way. Some have been designed specifically to be streamlined making them easy and inconspicuous wall heaters.

Electric Space Heater Safety Tips

Many household fires have been caused by electric space heaters. There are a few main reasons why this happens. The electric space heater in question may be of poor quality without adequate safety features or the person using the space heater has left it on for too long.

To keep your home warm during the winter and safe from a possible fire, we’ve looked at some electric space heater safety tips.

• Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure the electric space heater you plan on purchasing has adequate safety features. It’s also wise to check that the space heater has been quality checked and tested in the factory’s laboratory.
• Never leave your electric space heater unattended. If you plan on going out or to sleep, it’s best to turn your space heater off. You can leave your electric space heater on if it has a timer that will automatically turn it off for you.
• You should only use your electric space heater to warm the room you are in. Depending on the type you have, you can use some to help you dry your washing, but keep the space heater a safe distance from the drying rack so an item of clothing won’t accidentally fall on the space heater, causing it to overheat.
• Never plug your electric space heater in a multiple power board. Your space heater should be plugged directly in the wall socket and be the only item using that particular socket.
• Regularly check your electric space heater for defects. Pay particular attention to the power cord for cracks. You should also check the housing for any breaks.
• To prevent a short circuit problem causing damage to your electric space heater and possibly starting a fire, have an electrician check your circuit board. If your circuit board doesn’t have a safety switch, have one installed.
• Always set your electric space heater on a flat surface, preferably on the floor.
• If your electric space heater doesn’t seem to be working properly, don’t use it. Have it checked and repaired, or replaced if the repairs are too costly.
• Install smoke alarms in your home. Whether you have electric space heaters or not, these should form part of every home’s safety.

Stay warm with one of these great electric space heaters but, more importantly, stay safe.