Either you are a student who wants to heat your nook of the dorm room or a homeowner who wants a cozier living room, or an executive officer who needs a cozy place to work in winters, a portable heater is among the most sensible investments you can make.
Portable heaters are the best way to heat a particular area without having to turn up the central heating. As a result, a portable heater makes for a handy personalized heat source.
Buying a portable heater is much easier on your bank account than having a residential-grade furnace installed. The number and types of portable heaters on the market today is just overwhelming. But fear not, we have put this guide together specifically for you.
Here, we will not only go through a list of best portable heaters of 2018 but also guide you on how to pick the best one.
8 Best Portable Heaters 2018
| Model | Weight | Wattage |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater | 23.5 lbs | 1500 |
| Brightown Ceramic Heater | 3.45 lbs | 1500 |
| Brightown Portable-Mini Heater | 1.56 lbs | 400 |
| LifeSmart LifePro 6 Portable Heater | 29.5 | 1500 |
| Duraflame 5HM7000-NC04 | 22.8 lbs | 1500 |
| Mr. Heater MH9BX Buddy | 10.6 lbs | 2600 |
| Multifun ETL Portable Space Heater | 2.65 lbs | 1500 |
| Tangkula Radiator Heater | 18 lbs | 1500 |
1. Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater
Dr. Infrared heater uses a dual heating system that features an infrared quartz tube combined with a proprietary Positive Thermal Coefficient (PTC) ceramic heat source to generate more heat for a lesser input of power. It has an automatic shut-off timer, a dual power input setting, and superior build quality makes it one of the most efficient heaters that you can find on the market.
It also comes with an auto energy saving mode with a high and low feature in case you are looking for even more energy efficiency. You would imagine a heater works this much would cause quite a commotion, but that is not the case. The powerful blower operates silently enough to go unnoticed. Its sturdy body, square shape, and four casters make it safe from overheating and tipping over. You also get an automatic shut-off switch if it overheats.
However, there is one issue, it doesn’t work in ‘high heat mode’. The high heat mode is there but there is no difference between normal and high heat output. The heater is rated for a 1000 sq. ft. heating area but it can effectively heat approximately 350 to 400 sq. ft. room.
Pros
- The high powered input makes it capable of a room of up to 1000 square feet in size.
- The dual heating system allows it to heat more while using lesser Watts
- High-pressure blower operates quietly, so it will not disrupt the comfort of your home
- Casters allow you to move it around conveniently.
- The filter is removable, making the filter easier to clean
Cons
- Needs a constant supply of power at all times as heating tops radiating heat the as soon as heating is turned off
- Require high-quality wiring
2. Brightown Ceramic Heater
This Brightown heater uses a ceramic heating element with a 750W to a 1500W power input to efficiently provide heat with the help of a blower fan. The triple heat settings and fully adjustable thermostat allow you to set its performance according to your particular comfort. Not only that but it also enables the heater to save energy.
Its powerful fan is surprisingly quiet, so you will not have to worry about this heater creating a ruckus. Moreover, the body is made of heat resistant materials throughout, which remains cool even when the heater is operating at maximum power, making it easy to handle and place around children and pets.
The Brightown ceramic portable heater comes with a simple yet effective top handle, which does wonders when it comes to ease of usage. You can move it around without getting in the way of the fan, lifting it awkwardly or sliding it on your precious polished table top of yours.
One strange thing about this heater is that it tends to move around in free range. On any surface that is not carpet, this heater makes noise and shifts its positions due to plenty of vibration. Furthermore, the heating range is very short and you have to be very close to it to feel any heat coming out of it or you need to place it in the confined room for a very long time.
Pros
- The size and power settings make it ideal for bedrooms and offices
- Adjustable thermostat allows you to set the heating just right
- Dual power setting enables you to save energy when it is not needed
- The heat-resistant body remains cool while the automatic shutoff kick in when it overheats or tips over, making it safe for use
- The handle allows you to move it around ergonomically
Cons
- Not as soundless as some of its competitors
- Not fit for usage in damp spaces
3. Brightown Portable-Mini Heater
The Brightown mini-heater is all about compactness, simplicity, and portability. The Brightown heater will most probably not heat your entire room, but that is the great thing about it. This heater meant entirely for personal use and is designed to heat your own space.
What the Brightown mini heater may lose in range, it gains in portability. Its portable size makes it extremely easy to move around, and place in any nook and cranny you like. Not only is the 250W power input just right for personal use, but it will also allow you to save money you would have spent on an unnecessarily large heater.
On top of all, it comes with all the usual safety measures in place like an automatic shut off switch in case of the heater tips over or overheats. It is also ETL listed, meaning it is safe for use.
Nevertheless, like the previous entry in our list from Brightown, this model also makes a humming noise which might be a little irksome for a few people.
Pros
- Small and portable meaning it is easy to move around, place and store
- Effectively heats your personal space or an otherwise small space
- The low power input makes it economical, which mean you get to save up on electricity bills
- Tip over protection makes sure it is entirely safe for use
- The fan works adequately enough to heat the space up quickly
Cons
- Will only work as supplement heating in larger spaces
- Tip over switch can be too sensitive sometimes, making it difficult to use on softer surfaces like beds and carpets
4. LifeSmart LifePro 6 Portable Heater
The LifePro 6 use a quartz infrared heating elements and heats the space with the help of a fan. A power input of 1500W and a 5100 BTU output; the LifePro 6 will quickly heat a room of 150 square feet according to the manufacturer.
With its 12-hour programmable count up and countdown timer along with the quick boost technology; the LifePro 6 gives you considerable control over how you want to run it. And the best part that you don’t even have to get up for it. It comes with a remote control with an LED indicator, which allows you to adjust all its settings remotely.
In case you were wondering, it does come with all the required safety provisions. The body is thick and sturdy to address the general concern regarding infrared heaters becoming too hot. The casters underneath ensure portability. It also has shut-off switches in place to prevent overheating.
On the other hand, the heater takes very long to start dissipating heat. It also struggles to keep all the area of the room warm.
Pros
- Infrared heating allows objects in the room to receive heat directly
- Programmability enable you to manage and control the device as per your liking
- Casters make the heater much more comfortable to move around despite the bulky exterior
- Infrared heat does not alter humidity, meaning your indoor air will not dry up
- The remote control makes it convenient to operate and lets you relax
Cons
- Offers limited warmth and may only work best as a supplement to centralized heating
5. Duraflame 5HM7000-NC04
Duraflame Portable Heater is lightweight and portable. You can save your money by buying this portable heater to warm up any room of the house instead of purchasing separate heating units for every room.
Moreover, it also helps you reduce your electricity costs. You don’t have to heat up your entire house to stay warm. This heater takes up very little space to keep one medium-sized room warm at a time. You can enjoy a cozy and comfortable environment.
The oak finish of the heater compliments the décor of your room. No matter where you place it, the heater looks stylish and elegant. While staying warm, you can enhance the look of your room. It goes well with wooden flooring, and dark wood finished furniture.
Safety is an aspect to consider if there are have kids and pets in the house. Duraflame Portable Heater is cool to touch. No matter how hot the room is, the unit remains cool. Moreover, it has a tip-over safety switch. The unit automatically shuts off when it gets too hot.
One of the most common problems associated with this heater is that it tends to trip a lot. Another issue is that it is rated for 100 square feet area but doesn’t dissipate heat to cover this range. The high-speed fan setting doesn’t operate as it should and there is not much difference in normal and high speed.
Pros
- This heater is sufficient for you to heat a room up to 1000 sq.ft
- It is portable and light-weight which allows you to move it freely wherever you want.
- It comes with a tip-over safety button and cool touch which makes it safe to use around your kids and pets.
Cons
- It is a bit noisy. Light sleepers might get annoyed with its sound while sleeping.
6. Mr. Heater MH9BX Buddy
Looking for a portable heater for your house then your search is over. Mr. Heater Portable Heater is the right choice for you. It gives you the convenience of staying warm no matter how frightful the cold gets. You can use it in your bedroom, guest room, or living room. You can even use it in your patio, driveway, and garage.
Mr. Heater is a reliable and cost-effective propane heater. It ensures you a comfortable heating environment without increasing your electricity bills. The heater does not require electricity to give you the heat you desire. You can keep your house warm in an effective manner with low energy costs.
For the safety of your pets and kids, this portable heater comes with an auto-shut off button. If your kids are playing around in the living room and they accidentally bump into it, the heater automatically shuts off.
Furthermore, Mr. Heater F232025 Heater gives you the option to control the heating levels. It comes with a heating setting option which provides you with the convenience of controlling the temperature of the room. If your place gets too hot, you can lower the heat level. If it is too cold, you can warm it up by choosing the higher level of heat.
It tends to stop working when the weather is very cold which is very delusional. What is the purpose of a heater after all if it doesn’t work in cold temperatures! There are issues of gas leakage as well in this model. Furthermore, it doesn’t come with a built-in thermostat.
Pros
- It is reliable, practical, and economical portable heater.
- Gives you an option of controlling the heat levels.
- Has the capacity for heating an area of 200 sq. ft.
- It comes with a warranty for 1-year to provide you with the peace of mind.
- Safe for your kids and pets.
Cons
- It does not have an overheat protection system.
- Cannot heat up big rooms.
7. Multifun ETL Portable Space Heater
Multifun Portable heater is an excellent addition to your house that warms up your home quickly. If you suffer from winter chills, this portable space heater is your best companion.
Its adjustable thermostat enables you to choose the desired temperature. The thermostat is self-regulating which stops automatically when the room reaches an optimal temperature to keep it warm.
It possesses a ceramic heating technology which keeps you warm and cozy. It heats up the room without taking much time. Moreover, this technology makes the heater last for long. It is highly durable and stays with you for a long time. You can use it for many seasons.
Besides, it is compact, light-weight and portable. You can quickly move it from one room to another. It creates an ideal environment to let you sleep comfortably at night.
Moreover, if you have your reservations about safety problems, then this portable heater gives you peace of mind. You can use it safely if you have pets and kids in your house. It comes with an overheat protection which makes it start cooling down when the room gets too hot.
Durability is among the primary concerns when it comes to this portable heater. The cheap quality materials used in the making of this heater is means compromise on the safety. Therefore, for some of you, the price of the heater might be too much. In addition, it doesn’t come with any tip-over prevention or safety.
Pros
- It is an excellent heater if you want to warm up a small space.
- The heater has an adjustable thermostat which lets you control the temperature according to your desire.
- It is safe for your pets and kids.
Cons
- You might find the unit a bit noisy.
8. Tangkula Radiator Heater
If you are looking for a portable heater for your house, Tangkula Heater is the perfect choice for you. It is a reliable, durable and energy efficient heater which keeps your winter chills away.
The adjustable thermostat control allows you to choose the temperature of your room to stay comfortable. You can regulate your room’s temperature according to your desire. It does not even make any unnecessary noise while operating. This feature makes it perfect for those chilly nights to sleep comfortably.
The heater is compact and light-weight. It is easy to carry. You can take it wherever you want. If you wish to sit outside with your friends and enjoy the chilly weather, or you want to relax in the living room with a book in your hand, you can heat the place up with this unit. It comes with heavy-duty caster wheels which allow you to take it wherever you want
Furthermore, the seven oil-filled thermal slots make it a lot more energy efficient than its competitors. It is capable of heating up a medium to a large sized room.
If you are one of those people who live in the northern areas and feel the winter chills, this is the perfect choice for you. You can keep yourself warm when it is cold and store it for future use when you don’t need it.
This portable heater is not designed to use on cold days but then what is it for? The diameter of its cord is also very small which is not safe. You cannot move the unit around once turned on because the handle tends to get very hot. You can only drag it to move around.
Pros
- Comes with an adjustable thermostat control
- Portable and light-weight design which lets you use it anywhere you want
- Shuts off automatically when it gets overheated.
Cons
- It is not as durable as other entries on our list
Types of Portable Heaters
Following are some popular types of portable heaters you can choose from:
How to Find the Best Portable Heater?
1. Electric vs. Gas
Electric heaters are the way to go if you want a portable heater. Since they just need an electrical plug to start heating. However, they are not a great choice when it comes to outdoors. Now the gas heater jumps in, highly portable while you’re on the go. Just refill the propane or gas and fire up the heater.
2. The Weight of the Heater
The weight of portable heaters should be light so you can carry it easily. The use of plastic material makes the heater lightweight.
3. Compact Size
A portable heater should be designed in a way that you can carry it easily in your car and switch between rooms conveniently. Some heaters also come with wheels under their body which makes them highly portable.
4. Not Very Expensive
The best part is that portable heaters should be right under your budget, considering their superior efficiency, and next to no installation cost.
5. The Body of the Heater Stays Cool
Their bodies do not heat up, even when the heater is turned up to maximum, making them easy to move around and operate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much power should a portable heater have?
A: Before you purchase a new portable heater, make sure that you choose the right size. Consider the size of your room. You can calculate the BTUs to determine the right size of heater for your room. If you multiply the wattage by 3.41, you’ll get the required BTUs per hour.
If you find it confusing to calculate the BTUs, you can choose a standard size heater which would be sufficient for you to warm up your room. A conventional size heater with an output of 1500 Watts should be convenient to heat up a standard bedroom of 309 sq. ft.
Q: Do all portable heaters run on electricity?
A: Electricity does not power all portable heaters. Most households use propane portable heaters to stay warm. These heaters are more effective and cost-efficient. However, electric heaters tend to heat up the environment quickly without emitting dangerous gasses.
Q: Can I use it as my household’s primary heating source?
A: Portable heater gives you a good source of heat. However, you cannot use it as your primary source of heating. It is an excellent source of heating if you don’t have a central heating system. It can also work as an additional heater to enhance your heating system.
Q: Are portable heaters safe to operate (with kids or pets)?
A: Safety should be your primary concern if you have cats, dogs, and kids in your house. You’d be glad to know that portable heaters are pet-friendly and kid-friendly. Most of these heaters come with a tip-over safety switch which protects your kids and pets. They are designed to give you maximum safety protection with a cool-touch. You don’t have to worry about your little one running in the lounge when the unit is switched on.
Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. You can enjoy the warmth you desire in cold weather without worrying about injury, burns, and fires. They come with amazing safety features that won’t make you lose your peace of mind. It shuts off automatically to prevent hazards and accidents when it gets too hot.
Conclusion
Portable heaters give you the warmth and comfort you desire. They are cost effective units which make it easier for you to heat up your house. The best thing about them is that they are portable and flexible. You can move them from one place to another. If you want to buy a portable heater for your house, make a wise decision. Choose the one which is energy-efficient, cost-effective, and reliable.
