In a search for the most efficient electric heaters, we took all models out and compared them side by side. Finally, after several in-depth testing and assessing objectively key metrics, we assign each a score. Here is the result:
Here are the most efficient electric heaters you can buy in 2022:
- Best Overall: Lasko 751320
- Best For Bedrooms: GAIATOP Space Heater
- Best For Living Room: Lasko 6405 Designer Oscillating Heater
- Fast Heating: Homeleader 1500W Oil Heater
- Best For Large Rooms: LIFE SMART 6 Element Infrared Heater
- Best Wall Mount Heater: De'Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater HMP1500
| 6 Most Efficient Electric Heaters | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Lasko 751320 | |
Best For Bedrooms | GAIATOP Space Heater | |
Best For Living Room | Lasko 6405 Designer Oscillating Heater | |
Fast Heating | Homeleader 1500W Oil Heater | |
Best For Large Rooms | LIFE SMART 6 Element Infrared Heater | |
Best Wall Mount Heater | De'Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater HMP1500 | |
Best Overall: Lasko 751320
- Safety – stay-cool exterior & automatic overheat protection
- Full of control – provide remote control, a built-in timer, and an LED display
- High maneuverability – compact and lightweight
- Don’t auto-shutoff if tipped over
We’d like to start this review list with the Lasko 751320 – a small yet mighty electric heater with exceptional maneuverability to be easily moved from room-to-room.
It has everything we need for a good heater, including penetrating air velocity, elongated ceramic element, and a built-in timer. You can adjust these functions from distance through a provided remote control.
We appreciate the exterior shell material of this device which keeps cool to the touch. Besides, it will automatically shut off for safety if left on for too long.
With 1500W of heating power and widespread oscillation, it is efficient to heat a 250-squat-foot room.
| Lasko 751320 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 7.4 x 8.7 x 23.5 inches |
Wattage | 1500 watts |
Temperature Setting | 2 |
Highlight Features | Automatic overheat protection; Self-regulating ceramic element; built-in timer and wireless remote control |
For a compact yet powerful and full of control electric heater, we’re fans of this one.
Best For Bedrooms: GAIATOP Space Heater
- Quiet operation at only 45 decibels
- Safe & reliable - ROSH, CE, ETL, and UL-certified V-0 flame-resistant material & tip-over auto-shutoff function
- Very affordable
- You can’t customize its timer
- Legs could be sturdier
When looking for the best heater for bedrooms, safety and quietness are the two top priorities in our standards. But the GAIATOP Space Heater, at a very affordable price, gives more than that.
It surpasses all international safety tests, such as ROSH, CE, ETL, and UL for V-0 flame-resistant material. It is also designed with a tip-over feature that will automatically turn off if tilted over 45 degrees.
About noise level, it generates only 45 decibels despite its powerful performance and fast-heating capability, which is really impressive.
You can lower the thermostat for quieter operation plus extra energy efficiency. It also provides three heat settings to customize to your needs.
| GAIATOP Space Heater Specifications | |
|---|---|
Heat Settings | 3 |
Heating Area | 250-500 sq. ft. |
Timer | 6-hour |
Dimensions | 6.3 x 5.31 x 6.3 inches |
Weight | 2.2 pounds |
Highlight Features | 45 decibels ROSH, CE, ETL, and UL-certified V-0 flame-resistant material tip-over auto-shutoff function |
Ultra-quiet, safe, and energy-efficient, the GAIATOP Space Heater becomes our top pick for bedrooms.
Best For Living Room: Lasko 6405 Designer Oscillating Heater
- Reliable and dependable - ETL listed & automatic shut-off timer
- Customizable and controllable - thermostat-controlled mode, 2 heat settings, optional widespread oscillation, and an adjustable timer
- Beautiful and easy to blend with any existing space - uniquely designed, decorative outlook
- No remote controller
- Can’t choose an individual setting like 67 degrees
While paying attention to the performance and safety, we believe some people prefer a model with good looking, especially when it’s placed in the living room. For them, we greatly recommend the Lasko 6405.
This model is very compact and looks like a vintage floor vase with a retro-styled base to beautifully blend into your living room décor.
Regardless, this little bad boy packs a punch. It features thermostat-controlled mode, 2 heat settings, optional widespread oscillation, and an adjustable timer.
For safety, it is equipped with automatic overheat protection and a self-regulating ceramic element. Another bonus is it comes full assembly that you can use right out of the box.
| Lasko 6405 Designer Oscillating Heater Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 10" x 10" x 16" tall. |
Wattage | 1500 watts |
Temperature Setting | 3 |
Highlight Features | ETL listed; automatic shut-off timer; Adjustable thermostat; Widespread oscillation |
Giving a perfect blend of beauty and functionality, the Lasko 6405 is our top-rated option for the living room.
Fast Heating: Homeleader 1500W Oil Heater
- Fast-heating – a customizable 59°F to 95°F thermostat & three preset heating modes (up to 1500W)
- Customizable – adjustable 24-hour timer
- Easy to maneuver – 4 caster wheels & carrying handle
- Vague instructions
The Homeleader 1500W Oil Heater is a larger model for extra heating area coverage if that's what you are looking for.
It offers three preset heating modes and a thermostat that you can freely adjust from 59°F to 95°F to get fast-heating or lower the temp if you sit close to it.
Besides, its 24-hour timer is customizable to your desire. The included remote controller and LED display are practical add-ons, too.
Though big and heavy, it comes with four smooth-rolling casters and a carrying handle for easier transport. Its plastic stirrup to roll up the cord also comes in handy when you want to store the heater away.
| Homeleader 1500W Oil Heater Specifications | |
|---|---|
Heat Settings | 3 (600w/900w/1500w) |
Heating Area | 200 - 250 square feet |
Timer | 24-hour on/off timer |
Dimensions | 14 x 6 x 25 inches |
Weight | 21 pounds |
Highlight Features | a customizable 59°F to 95°F thermostat three preset heating modes (up to 1500W) adjustable 24-hour timer |
If you are looking for an efficient electric heater with fast-heating capability and many practical add-ons, the Homeleader 1500W Oil Heater is worth a try.
Best For Large Rooms: LIFE SMART 6 Element Infrared Heater
- Reliable and high-quality - Lifetime Air Filter and made in the USA
- Powerful yet quiet – 1500W of power and quiet scroll fan
- Easy to control - Digital Thermostat with Remote & 12-hour Dual Timer settings
- Not cause your skin to dry - Maintain the current humidity in the room
- Not include batteries
- Make noise when adjusting the temperature
The LIFE SMART 6 Element Infrared Heater gives you three heat settings, including the 500W- 1706 BTU, the 1000W- 3412 BTU, and the 1500W- 5118 BTU.
It is a powerful electric heater that can offer enough warmth for a large room. But contrasting to its mighty performance, the device itself runs quietly to not disturb you or other family members.
The biggest selling point is it’s full of controls, including a remote controller, 12-hour Dual Timer settings, and Digital Thermostat. Instead of heating the air, it uses infrared light wavelengths to target objects and people to hence retain the current humidity in the room.
That means after a day of using this device, your skin won’t be bone dried and feel itchy.
| LIFE SMART 6 Element Infrared Heater Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 16 x 13 x 16.5 inches |
Wattage | 1500W |
Temperature Setting | 3 |
Highlight Features | Lifetime Air Filter; Quiet Scroll Fan; Digital Thermostat with Remote; |
This powerful electric heater is optimal for large rooms where you not only require more heat to warm up space but also want the device itself to be functional and convenient to use.
Best Wall Mount Heater: De'Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater HMP1500
- Flexible – can work as a floor or wall-mounted electric heater
- High maneuverability – provide wheels and handles
- Sleek and stylish
- The markings on the dials are very hard to read
Another great electric heater option for large rooms but this one is wall-mounted design. But don’t fret, it includes a full assembly kit in the package for simple installation.
It’s also designed to work as a floor heater as well. Its slim-profile design combining with the provided wheels and handle enhances the device maneuverability to easily move from room-to-room.
Whichever style you choose to use it; we believe the sleek look will surely add a nice accent to your room.
What truly makes it outstanding from other counterparts is decent heating power and high controllability. It provides you with multiple heat settings within 1500W and adjustable thermostat.
| De'Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater HMP1500 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 27 x 10 x 22 inches |
Wattage | 1500W |
Temperature Setting | 2 |
Highlight Features | provide wheels and handles; |
Flexible, controllable, and heavy-duty, the De'Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater HMP1500 is always our go-to choice when it comes to the best wall-mounted electric heater.
How To Choose The Most Efficient Electric Heater?
Size
It’s important to determine the right size of an electric heater for your needs.
This feature is impacted by many elements, including the room size, room’s insulation levels, and more. So, first thing first, you need to determine the room area by multiplying its width and length together (in feet).
Then find out its insulation level:
R-value insulation | Insulation level | The right wattage (watts per foot) |
R-38 in ceiling & R-19 in walls | Full | 7.5 |
R-19 in ceiling & R-11 in walls | Average | 10 |
Little insulation | Poor | 12.5 |
Extra notes:
- Utilize the next higher wattage up to 15 watts per square foot during the winter
- Choose a 1000W heater (at least) for bathrooms
- Increase wattage by 25% for every extra two feet high for 8’ ceilings or taller.
With such pieces of information, you can calculate the wattage needed for a heater on your own or a simpler way is to follow this table:
Room Area (square feet) | Watts (Fully Insulation) | Watts (Average Insulation) | Watts (Poor Insulation) |
20 | 250 | 250 | 250 |
40 | 500 | 500 | 500 |
60 | 650 | 750 | 750 |
80 | 750 | 1000 | 1000 |
100 | 750 | 1000 | 1250 |
120 | 1000 | 1250 | 1500 |
140 | 1250 | 1500 | 1750 |
160 | 1250 | 1750 | 2000 |
180 | 1500 | 2000 | 2250 |
Thermostatic Controls
While portable electric heaters are commended for its efficiency in both energy and cost, added thermostatic controls make it work most efficiently.
The biggest advantage of this feature is to ensure switching off when the heater has achieved your chosen temperature. There are many types of thermostatic controls, such as a plug-in timer, plug-in thermostat, and built-in thermostat.
Climate Controls
Another great addition to increase an electric heater’s efficiency is climate controls.
The way they work is tracking the room temperature. If it is below your set level, they will switch back on.
Which Brands Make The Most Efficient Electric Heater?
Lasko
Lasko started as a small American-made shop in Philadelphia and now, it’s been the leading brand in this industry with over 100 years of tradition. We really like the spirit of Lasko. They work hard to delivers top-notch products in both standards of excellence and innovation.
Dyson
We might not need to talk more about this Dyson. It’s too popular these days. As usually, heaters from Dyson are commended for their superb quality, effective performance, and safety.
Homeleader
Focusing on home appliances, HomeLeader has over 20 years’ experience in providing a great number of high cost-effective household electric appliances with great varieties.
FAQs
What heater uses the least electricity?
From our review, the Homeleader 1500W Oil Heater, Portable Space Heater consumes the least electricity.
Which type of heater is the cheapest to run?
Oil-fired radiators and halogen heaters
How much does it cost to run a 1500 watt heater for 24 hours?
It depends on the electric charge in your area. Find this number on your monthly electricity bill and multiply it with the wattage of your heater (in kilowatts) and the number of hours (24 hours in this case).
For example, if your electricity rate is 12 cents/kWh. The total amount of money you have to pay for a 1500W heater for 24 hours is 0.12 x 24 x 1.5 kWh = $4.32.
Can infrared heaters cause cancer?
No, they can’t.
According to a study conducted in 2006 by The International Commission on Non-Ionization Radiation Protection, exposing skin to an infrared heater doesn’t cause cancer because of its non-ionizing property.
How long should heater last?
15-30 years. Some models even last up to 40 years.
Conclusion
Electric heaters are a worthy investment to your house during the winter for extra warmth and safety. We hope our review of the most efficient electric heaters helped you figure out what to consider when making your next purchase and that you have a good starting point. Thanks for reading!
