Space Heater Reviews

Heater reliability and safety varies in tests

Space heaters are a good way to warm a chilly room. They can also help you save on your energy bills since using a space heater occasionally during mild fall and spring days might let you skip turning on your central heat; during the winter, keeping a space heater in one room, like a living room, could allow you to lower the thermostat on your heating system. Electric space heaters -- the products covered in this report -- are the safest type to use in insulated rooms.

We found the best comparison reviews of electric space heaters at ConsumerReports.org and Good Housekeeping. ConsumerReports.org has the most thorough testing, evaluating 12 heaters based on ratings for safety, temperature control, noise and ease of use. However, the report hasn't been updated since 2009, so some of the space heaters tested have been discontinued. The Good Housekeeping Research Institute also does a good job of evaluating space heaters with multiple testers. We found more informal reviews from sources like The New York Times, Slate.com and This Old House magazine. Since many of the professional reviews we found are slightly older, user ratings provide the best feedback on space heaters. Sites like Amazon.com and Walmart.com have hundreds of individual reviews, and owners typically cover issues the professionals neglect, including long-term durability.

According to ConsumerReports.org, new space heaters have safety features like automatic tip-over switches and overheat protection that make them safer to use than older models, but of course you still need to follow basic safety precautions. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters account for about 30 percent of all home heating fires in the U.S. -- approximately 21,000 fires per year. Even more troubling, the NFPA says space heaters are to blame for more than 80 percent of deaths in home heating fires.

Experts say most space-heater fires are caused by heaters placed too close to curtains, upholstery or other combustible materials. A minimum 3-foot clearance is recommended. Experts also caution that space heaters should not be left running while the room is empty or while people are sleeping. You'll also want to have a working smoke detector and test it regularly.