Spring may be around the corner but for most parts of the country, chilly temperatures are here to stay. Larger rooms are notoriously harder to keep warm than other areas of the home; however, the right equipment can make all the difference. The best space heaters for large rooms quickly and efficiently raise the temperature, offering warmth without the need to crank up your home’s thermostat. After researching dozens of options, our home experts landed on the Dreo Solaris Slim H3 as the best space heater overall. Sleek and reliable, it’s built with safety in mind, making it a solid pick for households with children and pets.
The best space heaters for large rooms are designed to safely warm up your home.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
Aside from the Solaris, we tracked down six other models that meet a variety of heating needs, including energy-efficient picks and space-saving options. Additionally, each heater on our list is fitted with appropriate safety features to help prevent accidents like tip-over protection, auto-shutoff and more. Find our top picks ahead.
The Dreo Solaris Slim H3 Space Heater is a well-rounded option that strikes a balance between user-friendly features and price—and it’s all packaged in a beautiful design. This lightweight heater weighs under 6 pounds, but can warm up a space of up to 200 square feet in just two seconds (yes, really), primarily thanks to its powerful built-in fan and 70-degree wide-angle oscillation. It offers five heat settings that can be easily adjusted using the LED touchscreen or the included remote control for added convenience, and the ceramic exterior stays cool to the touch, even at the highest speed. That’s a huge plus if you’ve got pets or young children around (as is the built-in tip-over protection, which provides an extra layer of safety).
Best Value Space Heater For Large Rooms
Budget-Friendly With Plenty Of Safety Features
Amazon
Pelonis Ceramic Tower
Type: Ceramic | Size: 7.7 x 7.7 x 22.9 inches | Weight: 5.6 pounds | Heat settings: 3 | Heating output: 1,500 watts | Safety features: Tip-over protection, overheating protection, made with cool-to-the-touch materials
Pros:
Affordable price
Programmable heating options
Built-in carry handle for portability
Cons:
May not provide adequate heating for extra-large rooms
Large space heaters can get expensive, but the Pelonis PTH15A4BGB Ceramic Space Heater offers an affordable solution for under $80. It’s designed for rooms up to 250 square feet, and it features three heat settings, with the high setting delivering an impressive 1,500 watts of power (note that this may not be enough for particularly huge spaces like great rooms, but it’s just right for most big areas). Its ceramic design allows the unit to heat up quickly—according to the brand, it can reach 70 degrees in just three seconds, providing fast and efficient warmth.
The heater also includes 70-degree oscillation to distribute heat evenly across larger areas and comes with a convenient remote control, making it easy to adjust the settings from anywhere in the room.
Best Upgrade Space Heater For Large Rooms
A Versatile Unit For Year-Round Use
Best Buy
Shark Air Purifier 3-In-1
Type: 3-in-1 HEPA air purifier, heater and fan | Size: 12.59 x 12.59 x 29.52 inches | Weight: 17.63 pounds | Heat settings: 1 | Heating output: 1,500 watts | Safety features: Child lock
Pros:
Three-in-one functionality (space heater, air purifier and fan all at once)
Automatically adjusts settings to maintain the desired temperature
Equipped with a HEPA filter to capture pet hair and allergens
Cons:
Filters require regular replacement
If you’re open to investing a bit more in a space heater, the Shark Air Purifier 3-In-1 combines the functionality of a space heater, air purifier and tower fan in one versatile unit. It’s powerful enough to handle spaces up to 1,000 square feet and features a HEPA filter capable of removing the majority of allergens, pet hair and dander from the air while in operation. (However, note that the filter will need replacing approximately every six months, a level of maintenance not typically required with standard space heaters.)
In heating mode, you can set your desired temperature, and the unit will automatically adjust to maintain consistent warmth. Simultaneously, it purifies the air as it heats your space. For added safety, it includes tip-over and overheating protection, and an included remote control allows for easy adjustment of settings from across the room.
Best Energy-Efficient Space Heater For Large Rooms
One common drawback of using space heaters is their high energy consumption, especially if used for long periods each day. If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient option, the Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater is a solid candidate. This infrared model heats your space quickly and efficiently, without losing warmth due to air movement. The brand also claims it provides up to 60% more heat than conventional space heaters.
While its design may not be the most visually appealing, it effectively heats rooms up to 576 square feet and operates quietly. Mounted on caster wheels, it's easy to move around, and the lifetime filter eliminates the need for frequent replacements, saving you money on maintenance.
Fan booster mode circulates air effectively throughout the room
Cons:
Tower design makes it more prone to tipping
If you’re looking for a sleek tower that won’t take up much floor space in your home, the Lasko All Season Fan And Space Heater is an excellent choice. This versatile unit functions as both a heater and a fan, offering year-round operation to keep you comfortable in any season. It features three heat settings, including a fan booster mode that activates both the fan and heater that help circulate warmth throughout your space more effectively.
It also features a convenient 8-hour timer and comes with a remote control for easy operation from across the room. Most importantly, the unit offers oscillation, ensuring even distribution of heat, and comes with a convenient carrying handle for easy portability.
While oil-filled radiators aren’t typically the best choice for large rooms, the De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Heater stands out with its thermal slot design, which helps distribute heat more effectively. According to the brand, it provides nearly 20% more heat dissipation compared to similar models. The radiator features an integrated control panel that’s straightforward and easy to use, as well as a handle for convenient transportation.
Due to its larger size, the unit is mounted on four caster wheels for added stability and effortless mobility around your home. It also includes essential safety features like tip-over and overheat protection. However, keep in mind that its exterior can become hot to the touch during operation.
The Heat Storm Phoenix Heater is designed for wall mounting, making it a space-saving option for your room. It can even be mounted over an electrical outlet to keep the power cord neatly tucked away. The grill stays cool to the touch, ensuring added safety for homes with children or pets. This infrared heater works as a supplementary heat source for spaces up to 150 square feet of zone heating and 750 square feet as a supplemental heating source. Plus, it connects to your home’s Wi-Fi, allowing you to control its settings via your phone or a digital assistant like Amazon Alexa.
Our home and kitchen team has dedicated hundreds of hours to researching and testing heating and cooling equipment, ensuring readers have the best options to stay warm during winter—without breaking the bank on electric bills. We’ve published an extensive library of heating and cooling guides that includes everything from the best space heaters to whole-house humidifiers.
Home and kitchen editor Sholeen Damarwala has been researching, writing and editing consumer shopping stories for over a decade. She’s covered related household appliances like the best air purifiers for smoke.
We consulted Angi Hicks, co-founder of Angi, an online directory and app that connects consumers with local home service providers, for this guide. Hicks provided expert insights into the various features of space heaters.
To make sure our advice stays up to date, we routinely revisit the recommendations in this guide. It was last updated by lifestyle updates writer Alexandra Garrett in February 2025 to elaborate on how to safely use a space heater and answer common questions about models for large rooms.
How We Chose The Best Space Heaters For Large Rooms
To determine the best space heater for large rooms, we researched top-rated models, compared key features and tapped into our years of experience in the home and kitchen space.
We prioritized space heaters that can effectively be used in rooms of 200 square feet or more, and some of the options listed can heat rooms as large as 1,000 square feet.
We dug into features and considered a wide variety of factors, including heater type, dimensions, weight, safety features and usability.
Because heating needs are unique, we curated a selection of space heaters in various styles, including tower, oil-filled and wall-mounted designs, so you can choose the option that best suits your home.
We pored through consumer reviews for real-world insights. Furthermore, we made sure every space heater on our list is rated no less than 4 out of 5 stars.
How To Choose A Space Heater For A Large Room
The following factors are helpful to consider as you shop for space heaters that can handle large spaces.
Heater Type
There are several types of space heaters that you’ll encounter as you shop, including ceramic, fan, infrared and oil-filled heaters. Here are a few of their key differences:
Ceramic Heaters: These heaters work by heating up ceramic plates inside the unit, with a fan blowing the warmth into your room. They’re the most common type of heaters on the market thanks to their safety features and overall versatility. Plus, they’re compact, heat up quickly and are generally regarded as user-friendly.
Infrared Heaters: Unlike ceramic heaters that warm the air, infrared heaters directly warm up objects in the surrounding area. They emit electromagnetic rays that heat furniture, walls and of course, people. Infrared heaters are the most energy-efficient option, but their heat is directional, meaning they only warm objects directly in front of them.
Fan Heaters: Typically the most affordable option, fan heaters operate similarly to ceramic heaters but use a metal filament or coil to produce heat instead of ceramic plates. These heaters are lightweight and portable, making them a practical choice for small spaces.
Oil-Filled Heaters: Also known as oil-filled radiators, these heaters contain oil-filled fins that are warmed by electric heating elements. They produce radiant heat and remain warm even after being turned off, offering energy efficiency. “If you’re concerned about the safety of your children or pets, it might be a good idea to get a radiant heater,” advises Hicks. “Radiant heaters stay cool to the touch and typically shut off when tipped over, so they’re usually the safest option.”
Coverage Area
“Before purchasing a space heater, you should make sure it’s the right size for your room,” says Hicks. “Always look at the square footage on the space heater’s packaging and compare it to your room to ensure it’s a good fit.” If coverage isn’t provided, you can estimate a heater’s capabilities by considering its size and wattage. A general rule of thumb is to select a heater that provides 10 to 15 watts of power per square foot. However, for extra-large rooms, this can be challenging, as most residential heaters cap at around 1,500 watts. In such cases, opting for a unit with oscillation and a powerful fan can help distribute heat more effectively across the area.
For particularly large spaces, remember that even high-capacity space heaters have limitations. The heat they generate may not distribute evenly, making it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature. In these instances, it’s often more effective to rely on central heating systems or use multiple space heaters strategically placed throughout the room to ensure adequate warmth.
Safety Features
When selecting a space heater, prioritizing safety features is crucial—especially in households with children or pets. Look for models equipped with tip-over protection, overheat shutoff, adjustable thermostats, and auto-shutoff timers. For these features to be effective, make sure to consult the safety instructions for your specific space heater. We break down a few basic guidelines to keep in mind below.
Set up the heater on a flat, even surface. Although it’s tempting in some circumstances, avoid elevating the unit on a stool or table. It increases the risk of the heater falling over and catching fire. Many heaters also have tip-over protection that automatically powers it down if it’s knocked over.
Don’t run the heater unattended. Most heaters advise against using the unit while you’re away or sleeping. If you intend to use it throughout the night, look for a heater with an overheat shutoff option or programmable timer. Overheat shutoff ensures the heater turns off if it becomes too hot, while the auto-shutoff timers allow you to set a specific operating time, ensuring the heater doesn’t stay on longer than necessary.
Avoid flammable objects. While this may go without saying, a space heater is hot—so hot that it can cause accidents if placed too close to flammable items. Steer clear of electrical outlets, curtains, furniture, pillows, bedding, books, stoves and fuel sources, to name a few.
Don’t use a power strip or extension cord. These additional elements can cause the space heater to overload, increasing the risk of an accident. Most units also feature a lengthy 6-foot cord, so you can place it safely in a large room without additional cords.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Based on our research, ceramic and fan heaters are the best type of units for large spaces. More user-friendly than their infrared and oil-filled counterparts, they also heat up quickly, making them more effective than other options.
Energy-efficient space heaters are best for heating up a large room while using the least amount of energy, but they shouldn’t be your sole source of heat. When it comes to large rooms, ducted heating is typically the most efficient option. “Space heaters are designed to be supplemental, so if you’re constantly relying on one to achieve a comfortable temperature, it may be time to diagnose and address the underlying issues with your heating system for a more permanent solution,” advises Hicks.
The safest space heaters contain features like cool-touch exteriors, tip-over protection and automatic shut-off functions to minimize potential hazards. A low center of gravity can also add to the stability of a unit and reduce the risk of accidental tipping.
