Best Infrared Space Heaters for Home

Winter mornings can leave you shivering even with the central heat on. Infrared space heaters cut through the chill by beaming warmth directly to you and nearby objects, like standing in sunshine. That means fast, quiet heat without blasting the air.

We know shopping for a good one on Amazon is confusing, so we dug into real reviews and tests to find the most reliable models. These heaters heat rooms efficiently and safely, so you can stay cozy without worry.

Quick Picks Summary Table

Buying Snapshot

We looked for heaters that combine heat output, safety, and ease of use. Top wattage (around 1500W) means faster warmth, but we also noted if they have adjustable modes to save power. Safety features like tip-over shutoff and overheat protection were a must. We checked if reviewers mentioned sturdy build or annoying noise. Our picks include durable units with timers, remotes and even cool-glow flame effects – anything that actual users say makes life easier. This is about practical, trusted heating help you can count on.

Products Reviews

Duraflame 3D Electric Fireplace Stove

This freestanding stove is a winner for looks and warmth. It stands out by mimicking a real wood stove with a 3D flame and glowing logs. You get adjustable thermostat, timer and remote, so it can run by itself safely. It pumps out up to 5200 BTU – enough for about 1000 sq ft – and a hidden blower spreads that heat well. In use it quickly took the chill out of a basement TV room. It’s also fairly quiet (around dishwasher noise) and certified by UL for safety.

Key features: Realistic flame effect, digital controls, auto-shutoff timer, easy assembly. It even corrals its cord for neat storage.

Use case: Perfect for a living room or large family room where you want a cozy look. The quiet blowers help warm you from across the room.

Limitation: At ~34 lbs it’s heavy and not meant to move daily. Also, the flame brightness can seem a bit fake, and it is pricier than a plain heater.

Dr. Infrared Heater (Original 1500W)

A top pick for power and features, this box-style heater doubles as a fan and humidifier. It stands out for its twin heating system (infrared + forced air), plus a built-in water tank for subtle humidity. The woodgrain cabinet looks nice and it rolls on wheels. Key features include a digital thermostat, remote control and eco/auto mode that cycles heat to save electricity. In tests, it heated a 15×10 ft room by about 4°F in minutes, and users love that it’s whisper-quiet on low.

Key features: Thermostat (50–86°F), remote with 5 heat settings, timer, tip-over and overheat shutoffs. Safe, cool-touch exterior and washable filter keep dust at bay.

Use case: Ideal for a bedroom or medium living space. Many buyers wheel it next to their desk or bed and run it on ECO at night. One user said it was so quiet, even their cat likes to nap on top!

Limitation: It’s hefty (24 lbs) and a bit bulky. Some found the price high and noted the wheels can be flimsy. Also, the highest heat isn’t extreme – it’s good for supplemental warmth rather than a whole-house solution.

Lifesmart LifePro 6-Element Tower Heater

This tall tower has six long quartz lamps inside a cabinet. It stands out by covering more area with multiple heating elements, and comes in a sleek woodgrain. You get a digital display, remote, and even an eco-mode. Users report it quickly warms large rooms evenly. It has a tip-over switch and overheat cut-off, and a built-in digital thermostat.

Key features: Six long infrared elements, programmable timer (1–8 hrs), two heat levels, oscillation for wider coverage.

Performance: It’s surprisingly powerful and quiet. Many say it heats their 200+ sq ft rooms well. The device self-regulates via PTC ceramic bars, staying efficient and not blowing hot spots.

Use case: Great for a home office or open living space. One buyer noted it “holds a desired temp and turns itself on/off” automatically, keeping the room comfortable without fuss.

Limitation: Some reviewers mention a constant clicking or “whistling” noise from the thermostat, and a few units failed early. It’s also heavy and lacks wheels, so it’s more stationary. But overall it’s a solid all-rounder for indoor use.

EdenPURE Gen2 A5095 Infrared Heater

EdenPURE’s Gen2 model is built for gentle, full-room warmth and air quality. It stands out by combining PTC ceramic infrared heat with a hidden water tank for humidity. This means you get soft warm air and no dry heat, which users with allergies appreciate. The tough aluminum heating elements are rated 80,000 hours.

Key features: Digital controls, remote, adjustable thermostat, timer, plus a filter and quiet mode. Self-regulating so it never overheats the element.

Performance: It can cover up to ~1000 sq ft (company claim). In use, it put out steady comfortable heat without blasting or drying the room. A Walmart review calls it “easy to use” with good warmth. It also auto shuts off if it ever overheats.

Use case: Good for a main bedroom or open living area where air needs some moisture. The gentle heat makes it feel like a mild climate. It’s also lightweight (12.5 lbs) and has handles.

Limitation: This unit is expensive for the size, and you must refill the water reservoir (to avoid odor or noise). The filter needs periodic cleaning. Some find it overkill if you just want heat — it’s a mix of heater & humidifier. Also, as with all IR, the walls don’t warm up — only people and objects do, so if you step away from it you’ll feel cooler.

Heat Storm Phoenix (1500W) Infrared Heater

This slim panel can hang on the wall or sit on feet. It stands out for its space-saving design and smart features. You can mount it on the wall (doesn’t need much clearance) or use the removable legs. It has Wi-Fi connectivity for app control, a digital thermostat, and a remote.

Key features: Dual heat settings, sleep timer, front LED display (with dimmer), washable filter. ETL certified and stable tip-over feature.

Performance: On low it’s quiet and unobtrusive, on high it delivers noticeable warmth. In a cool room test, one user and their dogs felt a 2°F body temp rise. The panel stays fairly cool to touch. It’s rated for small rooms (about 150–250 sq ft).

Use case: Perfect for a bedroom or home office where floor space is limited. A user found it perfect under a desk. With Wi-Fi, you can warm it up from your phone before you get home. The slim look blends into modern decor.

Limitation: Heat output is modest – it won’t warm a large living room. The removable plastic feet feel a bit flimsy. Also, the fan can stay on low even after shut-off, which surprised one tester. But for its size, it’s a safe quiet helper.

Heat Storm 1500W Portable Space Heater

Compact and efficient, this entry-level Heat Storm is built like a “mini toasty box”. It stands out for plain old fast heat on a budget. The handle on top makes it easy to carry, and it’s very lightweight at ~9 lbs.

Key features: Digital touch screen, thermostat (60–99°F), and a child-lock. It has three modes (Low, Auto, High) and you can set an off-timer. The big LCD even has a brightness dimmer for night.

Performance: We found it heats a home office quickly. At full blast it felt strong, but even at “99°F” setting it plateaued around 88°F in one test – more than enough to warm you up. It hums quietly (you get a constant white noise), but reviewers say they could watch TV easily with it running.

Use case: Great for spot heating. Ideal by your feet while you work or at the foot of your bed. The front grill does get very hot when on, so it’s best placed where pets or kids can’t touch it.

Limitation: The exposed heating grill can be a burn hazard, so keep it away from furniture or curtains. Its tiny remote only works a few feet away, so you’ll likely use the touchscreen most. Also, for large rooms you might need multiple units – this is best for one-zone heating.

Trustech 1500W Infrared Heater

For bargain hunters, this no-frills heater punches above its price. It stands out by giving you 1500W of infrared heat and an attractive woodgrain finish, all very affordably. It has a basic digital display and remote, thermostat (59–86°F), plus child-lock and timer features.

Key features: Stepless thermostat control, eco mode that cycles power, and tip-over safety. Lightweight and very compact (only ~5 lbs).

Performance: It warms up a small room quickly – users report feeling warmth in seconds. The thermostat range is decent for customizing comfort. Because it’s so cheap, you might notice noise from the internal fan when on high.

Use case: Good as a personal heater for a desk or nightstand. It’s also suitable for outbuildings or workshops. If you need a backup or extra unit for occasional use, it’s worth the low price.

Limitation: Build quality is budget-grade. The cord is short, and one reviewer said the remote battery cover came off easily. Don’t expect long-term durability. It also lacks tip-over auto-shutoff (despite what the box implies), so use with caution.

Costway 1500W Infrared Quartz Heater

This simple tower offers heavy 1500W heating at a great price. It stands out simply by being very affordable yet fairly effective. Inside are PTC ceramic elements (often called quartz heaters). It includes a manual thermostat, two heat levels, and handy carrying handle.

Key features: Thermostat dial, oscillation switch, and LED indicator lights. Overheat cutoff for safety.

Performance: Users say it “cranks out heat” for the cost. In a small room it quickly felt toasty. The oscillation spreads warmth, although its swing is limited to about 70°. Noise is minimal.

Use case: Good for someone who wants instant heat in a small area without spending much. Place it in a kitchen or garage corner to warm up those toes, or use in an open living area if your budget is tight.

Limitation: It’s very basic. There’s no remote or digital controls and the finish looks cheap. The oscillation mechanism can get stuck or break over time according to some users. Also, the timer (if it has one) is not very precise. Treat it as a short-term fix rather than a daily main heater.

How to Choose the Best Infrared Heater

Heat Type: Infrared heaters warm objects directly, so if you mainly want to heat people (not an entire house), they work great. They don’t dry out the air much, which many buyers mention as a benefit. Know that IR won’t heat the air to muggy heat – it feels like gentle radiant warmth.

Wattage & Coverage: Most home infrared heaters are 120V and max out at 1500W (around 5200 BTU). As a rule of thumb, 1500W handles ~150–300 sq ft comfortably. Check each heater’s room size rating in reviews. A higher wattage means faster warmth, but also higher energy use. Look for adjustable settings (like an eco or low mode) so you can lower power and save on bills when full heat isn’t needed.

Thermostat & Controls: A built-in thermostat lets you set a target temperature, so the unit cycles on/off and avoids waste. Timer functions (1–12 hours) are handy to run a heater only when you need it (like turning off after you fall asleep). Remote controls and digital displays make adjustment easier. Some smart heaters even offer Wi-Fi app control.

Safety Features: Always pick models with safety certifications (ETL or UL listed). Key features to have: tip-over shutoff (turns heater off if knocked), overheat protection, and a cool-touch exterior so you won’t burn when moving it. Many buyers stress how tip-over shutoff is a must around kids or pets. Keep in mind the front grill can still be very hot even if the case is cool – never block the heater or drape cloths over it.

Heating Elements: Infrared units usually use quartz tubes or ceramic PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) elements. Quartz tubes heat up very fast and give strong radiant warmth – great for spot heating. Ceramic PTC tends to self-regulate and won’t get too hot, which is slightly safer and energy-efficient. Both work well; PTC models often include fans to push heat around, while quartz models may be fanless (silent) or have a quiet fan.

Oscillation & Airflow: Some towers oscillate or have fans to spread heat evenly. Without a fan, an IR heater is silent but mostly warms directly in front. An oscillating unit can warm a broader space, which is worth it if the heater must warm a whole room.

Noise & Comfort: Infrared heaters are generally quiet (no loud fan), but any built-in fan or blowers might make a soft hum. People on forums appreciate “whisper quiet” operation – it won’t disturb TV or sleep. If noise is a concern, look for reviews mentioning sound levels.

Build & Portability: Check size and weight. Heavy units with legs/wheels (like the Duraflame or Dr. Heater) are stable but not easy to move. Lightweight towers or panel heaters are easier to relocate. A handle or wheels help bring warmth to each room. Also note cord length – many space heaters have a standard 5–6 ft cord, which may limit placement.

Additional Tips:

• Place heater in a clear area, not under tables or too close to walls.
• Infrared works best if aimed at where you sit. Don’t expect to heat a far corner if you leave it pointed away.
• Use a timer or turn it off when you leave the room – since IR only warms objects, it wastes power if no one is there to feel it.

Who Should Buy Infrared Space Heaters

Infrared heaters are a smart choice if you want direct, comfortable warmth. They’re ideal for:

• Energy savers: If you want to warm just one room or spot (home office, bedroom), IR can be more efficient than blasting central heat.
• Noise-sensitive people: IR heaters with no fan run quietly. You won’t hear them humming.
• Asthmatics/allergy sufferers: They don’t blow dust or dry air around; you get warmth without stirring allergens.
• Quick warmth: Since they heat fast, they are great if you feel cold immediately and want to warm up quickly (desk work, watching TV, etc).
• Supplemental heat: Good for those colder spots in your home (drafty corners, tile floors) where the furnace barely reaches.

If you live somewhere with mild winters and just need a boost in one room, infrared heaters give a cozy “sunshine” warmth without huge energy waste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong size: Buying a low-watt heater for a large room leads to disappointment. Match the wattage (usually 1500W for ~200 sq ft) to your space.
• Ignoring safety: Skip cheap, uncertified units. Always use a heater with tip-over and overheat cutoffs, and never leave it unattended for long.
• Placement issues: Don’t push the heater flush against a wall or furniture – they need airflow. And keep flammables (clothes, curtains) far away.
• Using the wrong outlet: Always plug directly into a wall socket, not an extension cord or shared power strip – space heaters draw max power.
• Overlooking features: Failing to use the thermostat or timer is wasted opportunity. Set it and let it auto-adjust rather than running on High all night.
• Maintenance skip: Some IR heaters have filters or water tanks (like EdenPURE). Forgetting to clean or refill these can reduce efficiency or even cause odors.
• Expecting whole-house heat: Remember, a single space heater is for zones. Don’t expect one IR heater to warm your entire living room like central heat would.

Avoid these mistakes by reading reviews and the manual, and treat your heater with the same caution as any heating appliance.

Conclusion

Infrared space heaters offer cozy, efficient warmth exactly where you need it. From the realistic wood-stove style of the Duraflame Fireplace to the high-tech comfort of the Dr. Infrared Heater, our picks cover different needs. For large areas or winter storms, the Duraflame or Dr. Infrared are solid choices. If you want quiet spot heat, the Lifesmart tower or Heat Storm models fit the bill. Budget shoppers can grab the Trustech or Costway models for a quick boost.

All of these heaters are trusted by real buyers and tested for safety. Remember to measure your room, plug it directly into the wall, and use the built-in thermostat or timer for best results.

We hope this guide helps you pick the perfect infrared space heater to make your home warm and comfortable. Stay cozy, and enjoy that gentle sunshine-like heat!

FAQs

What is an infrared space heater? 

It’s an electric heater that uses infrared lamps to heat objects and people directly, rather than heating all the air. You feel warmth immediately, similar to sunlight on your skin. Infrared heaters are quiet and don’t dry out the room as much as fan heaters.

How do infrared heaters work? 

They emit infrared radiation (invisible light) that warms whatever it hits. It’s like standing next to a campfire. The heater’s elements glow hot and project heat waves, which are absorbed by walls, floors and your body. This direct heating means the room warms from people and surfaces first.

Are infrared space heaters safe? 

Generally yes, if you buy a certified model with safety features. Good heaters have overheat sensors and tip-over shutoff. Most stay cool on the outside, though the front panel will be hot. Always follow instructions (keep it upright, clear of flammables) and you can use them safely in bedrooms and living rooms.

Do infrared heaters dry out the air? 

Not significantly. Because infrared warms objects and not the air, you won’t notice the air getting as dry as with a traditional fan heater. Many users actually prefer IR for this reason, saying it feels more natural and comfortable.

Is an infrared heater good for a bedroom? 

Yes – especially for creating a cozy sleeping spot. Just be sure it has a timer or auto-off, and place it where it won’t tip over. The gentle heat and low noise make it ideal for bedrooms.

How much does an infrared heater cost to run? 

About the same as other electric space heaters. A 1500W heater running 1 hour on high uses 1.5 kWh. To save, run on eco or auto mode when you just need to maintain warmth. Using a thermostat rather than leaving it on high constantly will cut power usage.

Can infrared heaters heat large rooms? 

One alone is usually best for small to medium-sized rooms. For a large living room, you might need two units or supplement it with central heat. IR heats well in the immediate area, but it won’t circulate heat to far corners like a big fan does.

How do I care for an infrared heater? 

Keep it dust-free: vacuum any grills or filters. If it has a filter (like EdenPURE), wash it as instructed. Make sure vents are clear. When storing it off-season, cover it or tuck it away cleanly. Unplug it when not in use to save power and reduce risk.