The Best Electric Heater for the Money – Tested by Bob Vila

If winter had a customer service desk, your toes would be first in linepolitely but firmly requesting “more warmth, fewer drafts, and zero drama.”
Enter the electric heater: small enough to tuck beside a desk, powerful enough to make a bedroom feel less like a walk-in fridge, and occasionally loud enough
to sound like it’s practicing for a leaf-blower audition.

But “best electric heater for the money” isn’t just about grabbing the cheapest box that says 1500W and hoping for the best. Value is a three-legged stool:
comfort (does it heat in a way you actually like?), safety (does it behave around pets, kids, cords, and carpets?), and
longevity (will it still be doing its job after you’ve forgotten where you put the manual?).

BobVila.com’s “Spend Smart” test lined up three heaters at three price tiersabout $40, $190, and $400and ran them under the same real-world conditions:
a 200-square-foot office, cool indoor temps, repeated warm-up cycles, and notes on warmth, noise, comfort, and usability. The surprise wasn’t who got hottest.
The surprise was who felt best to live with.

What “Best for the Money” Really Means (Hint: It’s Not Just Watts)

Here’s the awkward truth the heater aisle doesn’t put on the packaging: most standard plug-in space heaters top out around the same maximum power.
So the “winner” usually isn’t the one that breaks the laws of physicsit’s the one that delivers heat in the most comfortable, quiet, and controllable way,
while stacking the odds in your favor on safety.

In practical terms, the best value heater is the one you can:

• Run without flinching (solid safety features, stable build, sensible cord setup).
• Live with (noise level, air feel, controls you can use half-asleep).
• Control (thermostat, eco mode, timeranything that prevents “tropical sauna” swings).
• Keep long-term (durable materials, fewer gimmicks that can fail, easy cleaning).

Bob Vila’s Spend-Smart Showdown: $40 vs. $190 vs. $400

The test compared a compact ceramic heater (budget), an oil-filled radiator (mid-range), and a premium tower designed to work year-round. Here’s the
quick, easy-to-scan breakdown.

Budget Pick: Dreo Atom 316 Small, Quiet, Surprisingly Mighty

The Dreo Atom 316 represents the “I just want to be warm while I work” crowd. It’s compact, easy to tuck near a desk, and designed to keep smaller rooms cozy
without sounding like it’s trying to take off. Eco mode is the real value-add here: instead of blasting nonstop, it aims to maintain a target temperature more
intelligentlybetter comfort, less waste.

If your space is truly small (think home office, dorm room, reading corner), this is the kind of heater that makes you wonder why you ever tried to “tough it out.”
The tradeoff is that small heaters stay small: once you ask them to heat large rooms with high ceilings or lots of drafts, they’ll do their best… and you’ll do a lot of layering.

Mid-Range Pick: DeLonghi Dragon The “Buy Once, Use Forever” Sweet Spot

The DeLonghi Dragon oil-filled radiator is the heater equivalent of a well-made cast-iron skillet: not flashy, but it quietly wins your loyalty.
It warms more slowly than fan-driven ceramic heaters, then settles into a steady rhythm that feels gentle and consistent.
No gusts. No constant fan whoosh. Just reliable heat that’s easy to live withespecially in bedrooms and overnight scenarios.

Oil-filled radiators are often praised for comfort because they radiate heat and maintain it well. That translates to fewer sharp temperature swings,
and a warm “background” feel instead of a blast furnace pointed at your ankles. It’s also a strong pick if you’re sensitive to noise: in many cases,
the loudest thing is an occasional thermostat click.

Premium Pick: Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat Sleek, Smart, and Year-Round

Premium heaters have a different job: they’re not necessarily trying to beat the best value option on pure heating. They’re trying to be a
better daily companionquiet, stylish, easy to control, and useful beyond winter. The Shark TurboBlade leans into that with a tower form factor and
heating/cooling modes, which can replace a separate fan for many households.

If you care about refined airflow, remote controls that don’t mysteriously vanish into the couch, and a device you’re happy to keep visible in a living room,
premium models can feel “worth it.” But if your main goal is comfort-per-dollar, this is usually where diminishing returns show up.

The Verdict: The Best Electric Heater for the Money

In BobVila.com’s Spend Smart test, the recommendation was clear: spend smart and go with the DeLonghi Dragon oil-filled radiator.
It delivered the most dependable comfortquiet, steady warmth that feels right for long sessions (workdays, movie nights, sleeping hours),
without turning your room into a noisy wind tunnel or drying you out.

Think of it this way: the budget heater is great when you want quick warmth now; the premium heater is great when you want features and year-round versatility.
The DeLonghi Dragon is great when you want a heater you can trust to show up every winter and behave like an adult.

How to Choose the Right Heater Type for Your Space

Ceramic Fan-Forced Heaters: Quick Heat for Everyday Rooms

Ceramic heaters are common for a reason: they warm fast, are typically lightweight, and can be great for offices, bedrooms, and small living areas.
Many modern picks include thermostats, oscillation, and timersfeatures that can boost comfort without boosting your bill.

If you want a ceramic heater that feels more “whole-room” than “toaster pointed at your shins,” look for wide oscillation and a thermostat that actually holds steady.
BobVila.com’s broader testing has highlighted slim tower-style ceramic models for strong heating performance, quiet operation, and better heat distribution.

Oil-Filled Radiators: Slow Start, Steady Comfort

Oil-filled radiators are ideal for long, quiet heating sessions. They’re especially popular for bedrooms because the heat is consistent, the sound level is low,
and the overall feel is gentler. If you hate fan noiseor you’re the kind of person who wakes up when someone opens a bag of chips across the housethis style
is worth a serious look.

Infrared Heaters: Direct Warmth You Can “Feel”

Infrared models are often chosen for the sensation of warmth on your skin (similar to sunlight through a window). They can feel great for spot heating or drafty
spaces where you want warmth directed toward where people actually sit. The main shopping tip: focus on safety certifications and temperature control, not miracle claims.

Wall-Mounted or Bathroom-Safe Heaters: When Placement Is the Whole Point

For bathrooms, laundry rooms, or tight spaces, placement matters as much as power. If you’re shopping for damp areas, choose models specifically rated for that use,
and follow the manufacturer’s distance and outlet guidance. Bathrooms are not the place to “wing it” with a random floor heater.

Safety First: The Checklist That Prevents Regret

Space heaters are useful, but they’re also one of those appliances that demands respect. A smart purchase and smart setup reduce risk dramatically.
Use this checklist like your winter seatbelt.

Must-Have Safety Features

• Tip-over shutoff (the heater turns off if it gets knocked over).
• Overheat protection (shuts down if internal temps climb too high).
• Cool-touch exterior (especially if kids, pets, or clumsy adults exist in your home).
• Thermostat + timer (prevents “blast forever” operation).
• Independent safety certification (look for marks like UL or ETL).

Safe Setup Rules (Non-Negotiable, Even If You’re Cold)

• Give it space: Keep a clear safety zone around the heaterat least 3 feet from bedding, curtains, papers, couches, and laundry piles.
• Plug directly into the wall: Avoid power strips and extension cords. Heaters draw a lot of power, and cords can overheat.
• Use a dedicated outlet when possible: Don’t share an outlet with other high-wattage appliances.
• Keep it on a stable, hard surface: Level placement reduces tip risk and improves airflow.
• Don’t run it unattended or while sleeping unless it’s designed for that use: Even then, follow all manufacturer guidance.

If any of these rules feel “extra,” remember: the goal isn’t just warmth. The goal is warmth without becoming the main character in a scary news story.

What It Costs to Run a Space Heater (And How to Spend Less)

Running costs are simple math. A common maximum setting is 1,500 watts (that’s 1.5 kW). Multiply by time, then multiply by your electricity rate.
The comfort trick is using thermostats and eco modes so the heater cycles instead of running full blast constantly.

Quick Cost Examples

• High setting (1.5 kW) for 3 hours/day: 1.5 × 3 = 4.5 kWh/day. At $0.20/kWh, that’s about $0.90/day.
• High setting for 8 hours/night: 1.5 × 8 = 12 kWh/night. At $0.20/kWh, that’s about $2.40/night.
• Low setting (often ~750W) for 6 hours: 0.75 × 6 = 4.5 kWh. Same energy as 3 hours on highjust a different comfort style.

How to Use a Heater Without “Heating the Entire Neighborhood”

• Zone heat: Heat the room you’re actually using, and keep the rest cooler.
• Lower the whole-house thermostat slightly: Many households save by dropping the main setpoint and warming the occupied room.
• Use timers: Warm the room before you arrive or before bedthen let it cycle.
• Seal drafts: Door sweeps, window film, and thick curtains can do more than upgrading heaters.

Maintenance and Longevity: Keep Performance High (and Dust Smells Low)

Most heater complaints boil down to two things: dust and misuse. A little maintenance keeps the heater efficient and helps avoid
that “first-run toasted attic” smell.

• Unplug and clean regularly: Vacuum intake grills and wipe the exterior. Dust buildup can reduce airflow and create odor.
• Check the cord: If it’s warm to the touch, kinked, frayed, or pinchedstop using it and replace the unit.
• Store smart: Let the heater cool fully, then store it in a dry place where the cord won’t be crushed.
• Don’t “hack” safety: Never bypass tip-over switches or overheat protection. That’s like removing seatbelts because they wrinkle your shirt.

Quick Decision Guide: Pick the Best Heater for Your Needs

• Best electric heater for the money (overall comfort + safety): Oil-filled radiator style (like the DeLonghi Dragon).
• Best budget heater for a small room or desk area: Compact ceramic with eco mode and tip-over protection (like the Dreo Atom 316 style).
• Best for light sleepers: Oil-filled radiator (quiet, steady heat).
• Best for year-round use: Premium tower with heating + fan mode (like the Shark TurboBlade style).
• Best for quick warmups: Ceramic fan-forced heater with thermostat and oscillation.
• Best for bathrooms: Only a unit specifically rated for damp locations and installed/used per instructions.

FAQ

Does a more expensive heater produce more heat?

Not always. Many plug-in heaters share similar maximum power. Higher prices usually buy you better comfort features (quieter operation, smarter temperature control,
better airflow design), plus build quality and convenience.

Is an oil-filled radiator safer than a ceramic heater?

Both can be safe when properly designed and used correctly. Oil-filled radiators are often appreciated for stable heat and quiet operation, which can reduce the
temptation to place the heater too close or run it in risky ways. The most important factors are certification, safety features, and correct setup.

Can I use an extension cord with a space heater?

It’s strongly discouraged. Space heaters draw high power, and extension cords or power strips can overheat. If the cord won’t reach, the safer “upgrade” is often
choosing a different heater locationor having an electrician add a properly placed outlet.

What size room can a heater really handle?

Coverage numbers are best treated as optimistic under ideal conditions. Insulation, ceiling height, drafts, and open doorways all matter. If your room is leaky or
open-concept, prioritize a whole-room design, steady thermostat control, and draft reduction.

Real-World Experiences: What Living With These Heaters Feels Like (Extra )

Spec sheets are helpful, but winter comfort is intensely emotional. It’s the difference between “I can focus on work” and “I’m typing with the posture of a
frightened shrimp.” Here’s how these three styles tend to feel in everyday lifebased on the same kind of real-room use that BobVila.com describes in its testing.

Week 1: The Budget Ceramic Heater (The “Instant Gratification” Phase)

Day one with a compact ceramic heater is usually a small miracle. You click it on, and within minutes your immediate bubble of air feels noticeably warmer.
It’s perfect for desk life: you’re sitting still, your hands are moving, and the rest of you is wondering why your chair feels like it’s made of ice.
A good compact unit with eco mode tends to avoid the worst temperature swings. Instead of blasting nonstop, it cycles more smoothly, which feels less like
you’re being alternately roasted and forgotten.

The main “experience” downside shows up when you stop being the only person in the room. If you’re trying to heat a larger space, the heater can become a
tiny sun that only worships people within a limited radius. Move across the room and it’s like stepping off the dance floor into the parking lot.
Also, in a quiet house at night, even a relatively quiet fan-driven heater can become “the loudest quiet thing” you’ve ever heardespecially if you’re a light sleeper.

Week 2: The Oil-Filled Radiator (The “Why Is This So Calm?” Phase)

Oil-filled radiators change the vibe. The first surprise is patience: you won’t get that immediate blast of warmth. But once it gets going, the room
starts to feel evenly warmless “hot air pointed at you,” more “the whole space feels nicer.” That’s where a model like the DeLonghi Dragon earns its reputation.
In a bedroom, this can be the difference between waking up sweaty at 2 a.m. and sleeping straight through. The heat is gentler, and the room doesn’t feel like
it’s being constantly stirred by a fan.

The second surprise is the silence. You might hear an occasional click as the thermostat cycles, but there’s no steady whoosh. If your brain likes to
fixate on noise (or you share a wall with someone who does), this is a real quality-of-life upgrade. The radiator style also feels less drying for many people,
simply because it’s not forcefully pushing air around the room.

The tradeoff is portability. Even with wheels, you don’t casually move an oil-filled radiator the way you’d relocate a compact ceramic unit.
You’ll probably pick a “home base” room and let it live there, like a well-behaved houseplant that only wants to radiate warmth.

Week 3: The Premium Tower (The “Lifestyle Appliance” Phase)

Premium towers often feel like an appliance you planned for, not a device you panic-bought during a cold snap. The control experience is usually smoother:
a remote, refined temperature adjustments, and airflow that’s designed to feel less gusty. A unit like the Shark TurboBlade style is especially attractive if
you hate seasonal clutterone device for both heating and cooling can make your space feel simpler.

In daily use, the biggest perk is “polish.” The airflow feels intentional, the unit looks decent in a living room, and it can keep a consistent temperature with
less fuss. The biggest downside is also obvious: cost. If you mainly need heat in one room for a couple of months each year, you may realize the mid-range radiator
was the smarter long-term comfort buy. But if you’ll use it year-roundor you value quiet, smart control, and a sleeker footprintthe premium tower can feel like
a genuine upgrade rather than a splurge.

Final Take

If you want the best electric heater for the moneymeaning the best mix of comfort, quiet, safety, and “I’ll still like this next winter”the mid-range
oil-filled radiator wins the value conversation. In BobVila.com’s Spend Smart test, the DeLonghi Dragon stood out as the most reliable, steady, peaceful option.
Pair it with smart safety habits, and you’ll get warmth that feels less like a temporary fix and more like a winter upgrade you’ll actually enjoy.