5 Best Space Heaters for Large Rooms in 2022 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Last Updated on December 11, 2021

a space heater for large room

Large rooms may not get warm enough in the winter and getting a space heater can go a long way towards turning a frigid one into one that keeps you warm no matter how bad the weather gets. However, it’s not always easy to shop online for these products.

The companies that make these products aren’t afraid to tell you that their products can do more than they’re capable of doing, and that leads to disappointing purchases, and rooms that are just as cold as ever. If you want to escape misleading product descriptions technical lingo that you can’t make heads nor tales of, you’ve come to the right place.

Our reviews are designed to show you everything you need to know about each space heater to fully understand it. We’ve also created a buyer’s guide so that you can learn all about space heaters, so you can go into your next purchase with confidence.


Comparison Table (updated in 2022)

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Dr Infrared Space Heater Dr Infrared Space Heater
  • Automatic mode
  • Tip-over protection
  • Good temperature range
  • Second place
    DeLonghi Space Heater DeLonghi Space Heater
  • ECO mode
  • Silent operation
  • Anti-freeze mode
  • Best Value
    Third place
    Lasko Space Heater Lasko Space Heater
  • Great price
  • Quiet operation
  • Remote control
  • Homegear Space Heater Homegear Space Heater
  • Great look
  • LED display
  • Dual heating system
  • LifeSmart Space Heater LifeSmart Space Heater
  • Infrared
  • Washable filter
  • The 5 Best Space Heaters for Large Rooms

    1. Dr Infrared Heater DR-968H Space Heater – Best Overall

    Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968H Space Heater

    The Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968H Space Heater is the model to get if you need superior heating performance and want to make your winter months as comfortable as possible. This is one of the few heaters on the market that come with a built-in humidifier. That means you can counter the dry winter air and add some humidity and comfort without investing in a separate device. This model can be set from 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so you get a good range of temperatures with which to use. You can take the edge off the chill, or make it like summer indoors if you so choose.

    It also comes with an automatic mode that cycles between hi and low mode to stay at a temperature you set, which provides a nice, even temperature, but also saves you some money in the long run. The automatic overheat and tip-over protections go a long way to keeping you safe, though there are no exposed heating elements on his model, so fires or injury are unlikely. If it were cheaper, we’d like it more, but it still provides enough value to earn the top spot despite its high price.

    Pros
    Cons
    • Expensive

    2. DeLonghi TRD40615E Space Heater

    DeLonghi TRD40615E

    The DeLonghi TRD40615E is the model for people who are looking for a very quiet space heater. When on, it makes little noise at all. In fact, the only sound you’re likely to hear are pops related to the expansion and contraction of the outer casing, which happens occasionally, though you won’t hear any motor noise. It also comes with an ECO mode, which is designed to optimize the heating so that you save money while keeping an even temperature. This model is mounted on wheels, so it’s a good choice if you’re considering using it in different rooms throughout the day.

    It also comes with an anti-freeze mode. When activated, this mode will turn the heater on anytime the temperature drops below 44 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to keep the temperature above freezing in sensitive areas without having to warm the room completely and without constant temperature monitoring on your part. The only concern with this model is that some units produce a bad smell for weeks before whatever is causing the smell completely burns off. Still, it’s a very good heater for the money, and one most people can trust to keep them warm during the cold winter.

    Pros
    • Silent operation
    • ECO mode
    • Wheels
    • Anti-freeze mode
    Cons
    • Bad smell

    See: The top tabletop patio heaters on the market


    3. Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Heater – Best Value

    Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Heater

    The Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Heater is another great choice if you’re looking for an inexpensive heating option, but still, want to get a model with quiet operation. This model runs very quietly, and most people can sleep with it in their room just fine. It also comes with a remote control, so if you don’t leave it on overnight, you can power it up without getting out of bed. Unlike a lot of things these days, this model comes fully assembled, so you can get right to heating after taking it out of the box.

    The best thing about this model is its price. You can get it for about a quarter of what you’d pay for our top model, which makes it the best model for the money on our list. However, this model isn’t the most energy-efficient on the market. If you’re planning to run it for a dozen, or more, hours every day, you may not like your electric bill at the end of the month. However, if you’re looking for a model for occasional use, then you can’t go wrong with this model, especially given its fantastic price.

    Pros
    • Quiet operation
    • Remote control
    • Comes fully assembled
    • Great price
    Cons
    • Draws a lot of power

    4. Homegear 1500W Infrared Space Heater

    Homegear 1500W Infrared 5051401468154

    The Homegear 1500W Infrared 5051401468154 is one of the best-looking models on our list, and if its heating capabilities matched its great looks, it could easily rise a few spaces higher on our list. This model does come with both quartz and mica heating tubes, which means you get the best of infrared, radiant, and convection heating, making for a very fast heating process. It also comes with a remote, which is a useful device to have. With it, you can turn this model on without getting out of bed or adjust the temperature without leaving your desk.

    However, this isn’t the best model for heating large rooms. It seems to do much better in smaller rooms, and even a large bedroom might give it trouble. That means if you’re looking for a heater that will reliably heat a large room, you’re going to be disappointed with this model. It also operates noisily sometimes, so it’s not a good choice for bedrooms. Overall, this model does well in smaller rooms, and while it claims to be able to do far more in sales ads online, the fact of the matter is that it’s not always up to the task.

    Pros
    • Great look
    • Quartz and mica heating tubes
    • Remote included
    Cons
    • Underwhelming heating
    • Noisy

    5. LifeSmart LS-1000X Space Heater

    LifeSmart LS-1000X-6W-IN

    The LifeSmart LS-1000X-6W-IN is another great-looking space heater. And, like the previous model, it looks good but doesn’t heat all that well. It does come with a remote, which is a nice touch that adds a lot of convenience to this machine. It also comes with a washable filter, which is something even more expensive models lack. That will allow you to keep this machine blowing clean air long into the future. However, this model just doesn’t have the power needed to consistently heat a large room.

    Sometimes, it even struggles with medium-sized rooms, which means it really doesn’t stand a chance in a larger room. It’s also very expensive, and costs more than running central heat for many people, if they are getting sufficient heat out of it. That means it has zero value if you already have a heating system. It also heats slowly, meaning it takes far longer to feel comfortable than with other models. If it were to be made more efficient, then there’s a chance that it could rise a few places on our list. Overall, this model doesn’t provide great value, and you could spend less or more and get a better deal.

    Pros
    • Great look
    • Remote control included
    • Washable filter
    Cons
    • Not powerful enough for large rooms
    • Inefficient
    • Slow heating

    Buyer’s Guide

    Hopefully, our reviews have already helped you understand the world of space heaters and the large rooms which they’re required to heat. If you want to make sure you get a model that lives up to your hopes and expectations, make sure you check out this buyer’s guide. We’ve packed it full of great general information about space heaters. If you’re new to these devices, this is a great resource to consult to make sure that you think through each important feature before you buy. It’s also a good resource for those who want to get the best value for their money, as we walk you through the steps required to get a great deal.

    Safety

    With any heating system, it’s important that you take the appropriate safety measures. While we no longer have to use bare flame to heat our homes, there are still risks associated with electric space heaters, which can get very hot, and can cause accidents if used improperly. There are also built-in safety features that aren’t required but go a long way towards keeping your home safe.

    Most electric heaters are designed so that you won’t be able to touch hot elements at any time, though it’s important to always carry them around by their handles if one is included. You should keep your heater a few feet away from walls and furniture so that nothing gets accidentally caught in the heater, which could lead to a fire.

    It’s also important that heaters remain upright while they’re in operation. If they fall over, they could continue to heat the same point on the ground and cause a fire. The good news is that most modern models come with automatic tip-over protection. If a model with one of those systems falls or is knocked over, it detects that it’s no longer upright, and automatically turns itself off. The elements will still be hot for a little while, but at least it will no longer be heating and expelling air.

    Many modern models also include an overheat protection system. If a system detects that it’s getting hot enough to damage its own components or to start a fire elsewhere, it will turn itself, allowing for it to cool down and become safe to use again.

    Most of the models on our list come with both features, which means they’re among the safest on the market when it comes to home heating. While this list isn’t an exhaustive list of safety features, it’s a good idea to consult the user manual that comes with each heater before using for the first time to find the relevant safety requirements that are specific to that model.

    Heating elements

    There are multiple different heating options on the market today, so understanding what each one does can help you get the model that will most effectively heat your room.

    A common type is ceramic heaters, which use a fan to push warm air past hot ceramic elements. Consequently, you won’t want to be right in front of the vent on the front of the unit, as it could get very hot there. Ceramic heaters will slowly warm the room by increasing the temperature of the room around you. They generally rely on convection, which has to do with the way warm and cold air moves. Warm air rises to the top of the room, and cold air sinks. By constantly circulating air in the room, these machines can bring the entire space up to a toasty warmth.

    Another common type is oil-filled heaters. Instead of burning the oil, the oil is heated with electric coils and then passes that heat to the air around it. They’re a bit slower than ceramic heaters, since they typically don’t use a fan, but they typically don’t require as much electricity to run.

    Infrared heaters work a bit differently. Instead of working on the air, they work on you, transferring their energy to solid objects around them. You may not notice a difference in how warm the air is, but if you sit in the path of an infrared heater, you will start to warm up, and the cold air will have less of an impact. Machines that use quartz tubes are typically infrared heaters.

    The final common type of space heaters is the micathermic heater. Micathermic heaters use heating elements coated in mica. They work like both infrared and ceramic heaters, in that they warm you directly like an infrared does, but also make use of a convection cycle to heat the room as well, making them great choices for heating large spaces.

    Portability

    If you need to heat multiple rooms in your house, you’ll want to take advantage of more portable space heaters. The good news is that you can get plenty of power in a portable package, so it’s okay if you focus on getting a heater that has the portability you need.

    In smaller space heaters, one of the most important tools you can get is a handle. This device works in your favor in several ways. First, it gives you a surface that will always be cool. That’s important if you’re going to be moving an object around. Second, it gives you surface which you know is okay to put pressure on. You won’t accidentally break your heater if you’re moving it around by the handle.

    Wheels also go a long way towards making moving your heater around easy, especially if you’re not going to be using it on carpet.

    Convenience (noise, remotes)

    The more convenient your space heater is, the more you’ll want to use it, which means you’ll get more value out of your investment. Some models run quietly, others silently, and yet others with enough noise that you won’t be able to easily ignore them. What level of noise is appropriate depends largely on your personal needs and how you’ll be using your device. If you’re not going to be in the room while it’s running, noise won’t be much of an issue, unlike if you’re using it to keep your bedroom warm while you sleep.

    A remote can also make a space heater easier to use. If you can turn your heater on before getting out of bed, you won’t have to scramble across the room for a robe. Likewise, if it gets too hot during the day, you can turn the heater down without having to walk over to it, which saves you some time each time.

    Which space heater is right for you?

    Each space heater is made differently, and each person has different needs, so the value of each model is going to vary from person-to-person. If you want to get the best value for your money, then you need to find the model that’s right for you and get it a great price.

    Start by figuring out what your space heater needs to be able to do. Then, make a shortlist of models that have all the features that they need to achieve that goal. Once you’ve done that, buy the cheapest model. It has all the features you need it to have if you’re going to be satisfied, and if it has the lowest price, it’s the best overall value for your money.

    Conclusion

    The Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968H Space Heater is our favorite model due to its included humidifier, good temperature range, and automatic temperature control. The DeLonghi TRD40615E is another great model with silent operation, wheels, and an ECO mode, but its bad smell keeps it out of first place. The Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Heater comes with quiet operation, a remote control, and it comes fully assembled. Given its low price, it’s the best overall value for the money. The Homegear 1500W Infrared 5051401468154 has a great look and takes advantage of both quartz and mica heating elements, but its noise and underwhelming heating power make it unsuited to heating large rooms. The LifeSmart LS-1000X-6W-IN also looks great and includes a remote control and a washable filter, but its lack of power and inefficient operation drop it to the bottom of our list.

    We hope that our reviews and buyer’s guide have shown you what you need in a space heater to stave off the cold. You should be able to use that information to find the model that’s right for you and keeps you warm for years to come.