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HeatersHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Portable Heaters in 2022 (TaoTronics, Comfort Zone, and More) 1
  • 10 Best Portable Heaters in 2022 (TaoTronics, Comfort Zone, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Portable Heaters in 2022 (TaoTronics, Comfort Zone, and More) 3
  • 10 Best Portable Heaters in 2022 (TaoTronics, Comfort Zone, and More) 4
  • 10 Best Portable Heaters in 2022 (TaoTronics, Comfort Zone, and More) 5

10 Best Portable Heaters in 2022 (TaoTronics, Comfort Zone, and More)

As amazing and vital as central heating is, sometimes it’s just not enough. Maybe your boss likes to keep the office temperature low, or maybe your old house has a bit of a draft. In any case, you need some supplemental heat, and portable heaters are here for you.

But there are literally thousands of portable heaters available online, and figuring out where to start can be a process of its own. In this guide we’ll go through the main features you should look for when searching for the right portable heater for you. We’ve also got a list of our 10 favorites for you to start your search, including our best pick by Dr Infrared Heater.
Last updated 09/26/2023

Quick List - Top Portable Heaters

1

Dr Infrared Heater

Portable Space Heater
Portable Space Heater

Energy-Efficient, Safe to Use, and Rollable Box Design

2

Honeywell

Slim Ceramic Tower Heater
Slim Ceramic Tower Heater

Tower Heater for Medium to Large Rooms

3

TaoTronics

Portable Heater with Remote Control
Portable Heater with Remote Control

A Compact, Tall Option That Works Fast

4

PELONIS

Portable Space Heater
Portable Space Heater

A Classically Designed, Roll-Away Option

5

Duraflame

Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove
Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove

Realistic Fire Stove Effect and Supplemental Heating

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Table of Contents

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How to Choose Portable Heaters

Finding the right portable heater is just as much a matter of preference as it is of quality. To get both just right, consider these factors.
1

Choose a Type of Heat Based on Whom You’re Heating

While there are quite a few different types of heaters, the main ones that you’ll find when looking for a portable space heater are radiant and convection heat.

Radiant Heat is Compact and Great for a Single Pair of Toes, but May Be Dangerous

Radiant Heat is Compact and Great for a Single Pair of Toes, but May Be Dangerous
Exactly as it sounds like, radiant heaters disperse heat by radiating off a heating element. These are compact and tend to only heat up things that are directly in their front-facing path, which make them a great choice for cold toes in the office, but less good for family movie night.


Note that these do get literally red-hot, and even though the heating element is pretty far recessed behind a wire mesh, there is a safety concern, especially around small children and pets.

Convection Heat Warms Up Everyone in the Room and is More Kid-Friendly

Convection Heat Warms Up Everyone in the Room and is More Kid-Friendly
Convection heaters warm up the entire room by drawing cold air into the heating element and letting it out into the room. These are often assisted by a fan element, which might make them a little noisy.


Convection heaters don’t get nearly as hot as radiant heaters, which makes them more child-safe, and they still offer wider coverage. Look for one that oscillates for more even heating.

2

Look at the Wattage for How Much Space You Want to Heat

Look at the Wattage for How Much Space You Want to Heat
Some heaters will tell you how large a room they can heat, but for those that don’t, an easy way to quickly estimate that information is by looking at its wattage. Just take the total wattage and divide it by 10 to see how many square feet it will cover. For example, if you have a 1500-watt heater, you can expect it to heat a 150 square foot room.
3

Consider Energy Efficiency and Total Costs

Consider Energy Efficiency and Total Costs
Naturally, newer models tend to be more energy-efficient than older ones, but older ones might have a lower startup cost. 

If you need a lot of heat, a newer model will save you money in the long one; if not, then it might be worth it to get an older one. As a general rule of thumb, for more energy-efficient heat, look for a heater with different heat settings, an eco-mode, or a timer.


If you want to really get a feel for how much you can expect to pay, take your local electricity rate and multiply it by the number of hours you plan on using the heater and its stated kilowatts per hour.

4

Look for Safety Features Such as Auto-Off and Cool Surfaces

Look for Safety Features Such as Auto-Off and Cool Surfaces
Unsurprisingly, it can be pretty dangerous to have an unfixed piece of machinery that produces enough heat to warm a room just sitting around. So it’s always good to look for features to ensure maximal safety, particularly if you have young children or pets in your house.


Some safety features that you might see most often are cool-to-the-touch surfaces, automatic shut-off when tipped or overheated, and timers to prevent accidentally leaving the heater on all night.

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10 Best Portable Heaters Ranking

Here are the best Portable Heaters, ranked according to 10 Best Portable Heaters (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity

Products

Image

Click to purchase

Key features

1

Dr Infrared Heater

Portable Space Heater

Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater 1

Energy-Efficient, Safe to Use, and Rollable Box Design

2

Honeywell

Slim Ceramic Tower Heater

Honeywell Slim Ceramic Tower Heater 1

Tower Heater for Medium to Large Rooms

3

TaoTronics

Portable Heater with Remote Control

TaoTronics Portable Heater with Remote Control 1

A Compact, Tall Option That Works Fast

4

PELONIS

Portable Space Heater

PELONIS Portable Space Heater 1

A Classically Designed, Roll-Away Option

5

Duraflame

Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove

Duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove 1

Realistic Fire Stove Effect and Supplemental Heating

6

andily

Small Electric Heater

andily Small Electric Heater 1

Easy to Carry and Works for Smaller Rooms

7

Comfort Zone

Oscillating Space Heater

Comfort Zone Oscillating Space Heater 1

Lightweight, Slim Heater for Cramped Rooms

8

ALROCKET

Indoor Personal Heater

ALROCKET Indoor Personal Heater 1

A Rectangular Heater for Under the Desk

9

Brightown

Portable-Mini Heater

Brightown Portable-Mini Heater 1

Low-Wattage Radiant Heat for Small Spaces

10

Lasko

Ceramic Portable Space Heater

Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater 1

11 Temperature Settings for Your Comfort

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Dr Infrared Heater
Portable Space Heater

Portable Space Heater 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$108.75
High Mid
Reference price
$108.75
High Mid

Energy-Efficient, Safe to Use, and Rollable Box Design

This 16 by 11 by 13-inch portable heater comes in a classy box design and it's wheelable, for a little extra convenience when you want to move it to another room. It has a removable filter that you can clean between extensive uses, so it'll stay in great condition for future winters


It's built to be low-noise and energy-efficient with three heat modes, including low, high, and eco. It has tip-over and overheat protection and a 12-hour timer, so you can be assured that it won't stay on in dangerous conditions. Also, it can be controlled by remote!


This heater uses radiant heat, so it isn't quite as good for warming up huge spaces. A few reviewers also warn that the plug cord could melt and customer service isn't the best. However, most reviewers faced no issue with the plug, and, instead, love how much heat this portable option provides. They also like that it's super safe to operate.

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No.2

Honeywell
Slim Ceramic Tower Heater

Reference price
$59.99
Mid

Tower Heater for Medium to Large Rooms

This oscillating stand heater is great for medium-sized to large rooms like living rooms and bedrooms. It’s slim and doesn’t take up much floor space, so it’s easy to fit just about anywhere.

It does get quite hot and might not be best for homes with small children and pets, but it also has some great safety features including 360-degree tip protection and a multiple interval timer.

Reviewers were disappointed that the heater auto-shuts off when you set the thermostat and it reaches that temperature and doesn't turn back on when the room temperature lowers. On the other hand, they love that the heater works quickly and that the controls are easy to use.

No.3

TaoTronics
Portable Heater with Remote Control

Reference price
$55.24
Mid

A Compact, Tall Option That Works Fast

This small heater by TaoTronics warms up quickly and works well in small spaces or placed on an office desk. It has a built-in fan that spreads out heat even to the sides of the unit, ensuring that it covers as much space as it can. It can also be controlled by a remote. 


There are three heating modes, including an eco mode, and it'll automatically shift between 1500 and 900-watt modes depending on the temperature of the room, ensuring you energy savings. It also has an auto-shutoff after 24 hours and tip over and overheating protection. 


Some reviewers felt the device was smaller than expected. After auto-shutting off, you do also need to manually turn it on again, and it has a 15-second count down before it turns off, which reviewers found annoying. However, many others say that the heater works very well at warming up the area quickly despite its small size.

No.4

PELONIS
Portable Space Heater

Reference price
$78.96
High Mid

A Classically Designed, Roll-Away Option

This heater is a bit bigger than others, coming in at 15.16 by 6.38 by 26.06 inches. However, it is easy to move it from room to room because it comes on a set of wheels! Like a couple of other heaters on this list, it comes with a remote control. It also has a convenient LED display so you can easily check the temperature settings.


It's easy to store the cord within the unit with cord rewind, so you don't have to worry about accidentally tripping over it when storing it. It's also very quiet to operate and works well in large spaces.


Reviewers faced issues with the thermostat. The heater would heat up the room over the set temperatures. However, more reviewers love how it's extremely quiet and easily heats up a large space. Plus, it's energy-efficient. 

No.5

Duraflame
Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove

Reference price
$199.99
High

Realistic Fire Stove Effect and Supplemental Heating

This good-looking heater would make a great addition to any living room. It works best as a supplement to central heating, and it remains largely cool to the touch, so you don’t have to worry about safety.

Aside from its heating capabilities, this heater also has a realistic-looking 3D fire effect with five different visual settings ranging from glowing embers to a raging flame. The visuals can be turned on without the heat too.

Some reviewers say that the unit doesn't last very long, and doesn't give off a strong heat. The look of the heater was, of course, a hit with others. Many reviewers also say it creates a great ambiance and heats up small spaces well. Note that there is some assembly required - though people say it's quite easy to do.

No.6

andily
Small Electric Heater

Reference price
$25.71
Low Mid

Easy to Carry and Works for Smaller Rooms

This small heater measures just 6.2 by 4.74 by 8.3 inches. It's small size makes it great for placing on a desk or by your feet when relaxing on the couch. It has three modes - high, low, and fan only; plus, it comes with a thermostat feature. 


It's also easy to carry, with a built-in handle, and has tip over and overheating protection. When it's plugged in, it'll let you know with a power indicator light, as well. It's available in black and white.


Reviewers say that the heater is rather loud, and doesn't have a long life. However, others say it works well at warming up small areas like bathrooms and smaller bedrooms. 

No.7

Comfort Zone
Oscillating Space Heater

Reference price
$64.99
Mid

Lightweight, Slim Heater for Cramped Rooms

This stand heater is 2 feet tall with a slim, 8-inch base, making it perfect for areas with less floor space. It can be set to maintain a specific temperature and has several fan speed settings.

It is lightweight and very portable. However, that also means that it might not be the best heater for homes with pets or small children as the base is not weighted, and it could be easily tipped.

Reviewers say that it generates heat only a few feet away from it and the buttons are quite loud when pressed. But it is efficient and reviewers like the eco setting and that it has great controls.

No.8

ALROCKET
Indoor Personal Heater

Reference price
$29.98
Low Mid

A Rectangular Heater for Under the Desk

Alrocket's rectangular option is simple and easy to use - just turn it on with the on-off button, set the temperature, and enjoy! It's compact in size and works well in corners, under the table, and in small offices. 


It has three settings, overheat and tip-over protection, and is relatively quiet. It can also auto-rotate 45 degrees, so it's great if you want to fan out the heat over a wider range. 


Reviewers say the unit was smaller than they expected and some experienced issues where the on-off button wouldn't work and they had to physically unplug it. Otherwise, reviewers say it's easy to use, heats up quickly, and works exceptionally for warming under the desk area.

No.9

Brightown
Portable-Mini Heater

Reference price
$20.89
Low

Low-Wattage Radiant Heat for Small Spaces

This little heater is perfect for cold office toes. It’s no louder than a computer fan, and at just 6 inches tall and wide and 3 inches in depth, it’s got a very low profile that will fit in any small space.

However, as it is a radiant heater, the heat doesn’t travel more than a few feet, and the unit does get quite hot. But as long as you’re only looking to warm up a small area, it should be fine.

It has a bit of a plastic smell when operating, according to reviewers. It works well for heating the space immediately in front of it, with many people using it on their office desks.

No.10

Lasko
Ceramic Portable Space Heater

Reference price
$28.74
Low Mid

11 Temperature Settings for Your Comfort

This heater has 11 dial-adjustable temperature settings so you can be sure to find your most comfortable heat level. It also has three heat settings and works quietly for small areas. It comes in silver, dark gray, and black options.


Overheat protection is included and, no matter which heat setting it's placed on, it'll stay cool, so you can be assured that accidents won't happen. 


Some reviewers say it has a relatively short lifespan - not lasting a full season. Also, don't use it for the bathroom, as the steam is bad for the unit. Reviewers like that it's very portable, heats up the room like a workhorse, and is reliable.

How to Use Your Portable Heater Safely

How to Use Your Portable Heater Safely
No matter how “safe” your heater claims to be, there are some things you should do to ensure you’re using it properly.


Keep anything loose and flammable (think blankets and curtains) away from your heater. Always turn off your heater when going to bed or leaving the room. Don’t use the heater in a damp area unless it’s specifically built for that purpose. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are fully functioning.

Top 5 Portable Heaters

No. 1: Dr Infrared HeaterPortable Space Heater

No. 2: HoneywellSlim Ceramic Tower Heater

No. 3: TaoTronicsPortable Heater with Remote Control

No. 4: PELONISPortable Space Heater

No. 5: DuraflameElectric Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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