These infrared space heaters are well-suited for indoor and outdoor use. They also start to work right away—no warm-up time required!
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Best Infrared Space Heaters in 2024 That Are Portable And Energy Efficient
Updated on Oct. 24, 2024
Infrared space heaters use infrared light rays to generate heat, as opposed to traditional ceramic space heaters that use a heating element to warm the air itself. These infrared light rays travel through the air, and when absorbed by your skin, transfer their energy into heat. This concept is very similar to how the rays of the sun warm your body when you walk in the sunlight. It’s also what makes infrared space heaters an ideal option for outdoor spaces like a patio or deck, since their rays won’t dissipate like the radiant heat from other types of space heaters.
Mallory Micetich, a home expert at Angi, explains another benefit: “With an infrared heater, you’ll feel heat being generated right away, which makes them great for small rooms like offices, bedrooms and kitchens.” These types of heaters also stay cool to the touch, so they’re ideal for homes with pets and children, she says. “Lastly, if your home has high ceilings, they can also be a great choice as they’ll warm you up and not the empty space near the ceiling,” she adds.
Regardless of the type of space heater you choose, make sure to closely follow any included safety recommendations. Here are our picks for the best infrared space heaters to keep you toasty and warm on the chilliest of days.
On Sale
Best Overall Infrared Space Heater
Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater
Pros:
- Straightforward controls
- Made of real wood
- 12-hour timer
- Very quiet
Cons:
- Retro look might clash with your home decor
If you’re looking for infrared space heaters that are easy to use and convenient to move from room to room, the Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater fits the bill. A large LCD screen on the front of the unit clearly shows the current temperature, and the convenient remote control allows you to adjust the settings from a distance. The four rolling casters also make it easy to roll, so it’s a cinch to warm up any cold room.
With more than 17,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite, too. Among the satisfied customers, one happy shopper, Teesa, writes: “It really WORKS! If you are in need of a heater, this is the one to buy. I live in an old fashioned drafty house and have purchased a few heaters, but this one definitely did the job. I highly recommend. So glad I have it now!!!”
On Sale
Best Wall-Mounted Infrared Space Heater
Heat Storm WiFi Infrared Heater
Pros:
- Space-saving wall-mount design
- Includes all mounting hardware
- Nine pound weight is easy to lift into place
- Integrated power cord storage
- Washable air filter
Cons:
- Not as portable as freestanding units
The wall-mounted Heat Storm infrared heater is a perfect option for those short on floor space (like in a bathroom), or if you simply don’t want another appliance cluttering up a room. If you mount it over an outlet you can conceal the power cord entirely, giving this infrared space heater a sleek, professional look. The unit features WiFi connectivity, allowing you to completely control it from your phone. This energy-efficient space heater also has different power modes to maximize energy efficiency to help you save money.
On Sale
Best Infrared Space Heater With Humidifier
Dr Infrared Advanced Dual Heating System
Pros:
- Eliminates need for a separate humidifier
- Oscillating fan spreads moisture evenly
- Can be used with or without fan
- Easy to use electronic thermostat
- No exposed heating elements that can cause a fire
- Comes with four caster wheels to easily move around
Cons:
- Humidifier adds to the price
The built-in humidifier of the Dr Infrared Advanced Dual Heating System increases the overall humidity of your space, combatting the dry winter air that causes chapped lips and respiratory issues. In addition to generating an impressive amount of heat, a convenient oscillating fan evenly and quickly distributes the humidity throughout the room.
One reviewer especially appreciates the sinus relief they experience from this machine. Christa, an Amazon verified purchaser, writes: “This heater has been life-changing! In winter, I usually wake up in the morning with a headache from my sinuses getting dried out by the heat. That has not happened since getting this heater with a built-in humidifier.”
Best Infrared Space Heater for Outdoor Use
Heat Storm Infrared Tripod Heater
Pros:
- Weather- and dust-proof construction ideal for outdoor use
- Easy to set up
- 13-foot power cord
- Adjustable height
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Relatively limited heating area (up to 300 square feet)
- No thermostat or display type
The weatherproof construction of the Heat Storm tripod heater makes it well-suited for setting up in your backyard, patio, balcony or deck. The tripod allows you to adjust the heater height from 3 to 7 feet in the air, and the rubber feet prevent it from slipping and sliding around.
One verified Amazon reviewer, Julie, put the heater on her patio and says the unit is better than she could have imagined. She writes: “This is the first outdoor heater we’ve owned and we couldn’t be more happy since we purchased it a little over a year ago. Super easy set up, I love that it is electric so I don’t have to worry about propane running out, easy to store, lightweight and puts out a good deal of heat. Love it!!!”
Best Fireplace-Style Infrared Space Heater
Duraflame Electric Stove
Pros:
- Fireplace design doesn't look like a traditional space heater
- Range of speed and brightness settings
- Light enough to move around easily
- Heats up to 1,000 square feet
- No hookups or vents required
Cons:
- Pricey
Designed to look like a wood-burning fireplace—complete with logs and 3D flames—the Duraflame Electric Stove is perfect for those who don’t want a traditional space-heater look. Five adjustable flame brightness settings help create a cozy, rustic atmosphere. It can also be used with or without heat, making it suitable for warmer months as well. Assembly is easy and controls can be adjusted on the unit, or with the included remote control.
Best Fireplace Insert Infrared Space Heater
Entertainment Accessories Fireplace Insert
Pros:
- LED glowing embers
- Includes remote control
- Offers five brightness levels
Cons:
- Requires fireplace
The Entertainment Accessories Fireplace Insert fits into your existing fireplace, allowing you to recreate the experience of a glowing fire without the cleanup or maintenance hassle. The faux-brick interior, combined with the realistic logs and multi-flame feature, makes this insert difficult to tell from the real thing. This infrared space heater is effective enough to cover 1,000 square feet, with seven temperature levels to choose from.
On Sale
Best Infrared Space Heater Tower
LifeSmart Infrared Tower Heater
Pros:
- Slim frame doesn't take up much room
- Cool-touch exterior in a stylish all-wood cabinet
- Oscillating operation
- Large digital readout
- Washable air filter
Cons:
- Pricey
LifeSmart Infrared Tower Heater
The 23.3 inch height and small footprint of the LifeSmart Infrared Tower Heater allows it to provide an impressive amount of heat while taking up minimal floor space. The height also makes it easier to access the intuitive controls, which requires less bending over than shorter options. For those who want infrared space heaters that forgo the typical black plastic appearance, the wooden exterior gives this heater a more modern look.
What to Look for When Buying Infrared Space Heaters
- Heating capacity: Determine the size of the space you want to heat and check the unit’s heating capacity or wattage to ensure it’s sufficient for the room size.
- Energy efficiency: Look for energy-saving features such as adjustable thermostats, programmable timers and multiple heat settings to help reduce electricity costs.
- Safety features: Prioritize models with tip-over protection, overheat shutoff and cool-touch exteriors—especially if you have children or pets.
- Portability: Consider the portability of the heater if you plan to move it between rooms. Look for lightweight units with handles or wheels for easy transport.
- Design: The appearance of the heater may also be a factor if it will be visible in your living space, so consider the overall aesthetic to ensure it fits well with your decor.
- Ease of use: Remote controls, digital displays and simple interfaces make it easier to operate the device and customize your heating preferences.
- Noise level: Some models come with quiet operation features making them more suitable for areas where noise is a concern, like bedrooms.
- Maintenance requirements: Choose a heater with easy maintenance to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Some models may have filters that need periodic cleaning and others may require bulb replacement.
Why You Should Trust Us
You can confidently rely on the information presented in this article, as it stems from my extensive experience in the home improvement, DIY and appliance space. With more than five years spent as a residential and commercial carpenter in NYC, specializing in custom furniture construction and installation, I bring a wealth of real-world expertise and hands-on training to the table.
As a freelance writer, I leverage my in-depth knowledge to craft thorough product reviews, insightful buying guides and practical how-to articles for Family Handyman. My work has also been featured in reputable outlets such as CNN Underscored, Business Insider and Popular Mechanics. We also consulted with Angi home expert, Mallory Micetich, to gain more insight into the pros and cons of infrared space heaters.
How We Found the Best Infrared Space Heaters
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
How does an infrared heater work?
An infrared space heater emits infrared rays into the room and warms up objects and bodies—as opposed to a regular space heater, which warms up the air in a room, explains Micetich.
Do infrared heaters use a lot of electricity?
Infrared heaters are generally energy-efficient, but their electricity usage depends on factors like heating technology, wattage, user habits and room size. “A great benefit of infrared heaters is that while they may increase your energy bill slightly, they are typically more efficient than other types of electric heaters,” notes Micetich.
What are the disadvantages of infrared heating?
Infrared heating has a few drawbacks. It mainly warms up things close by and might not work well in larger spaces or rooms with obstacles. Micetich explains: “If a unit is tucked in a corner, it will have difficulty heating up the objects within the room. It needs to be placed in a direct line to the seating area, bed or other objects and locations in a room that you want to stay warm. This type of heat will travel until it hits a solid object, so if it’s blocked by anything, you will remain cold.”
Additionally, some models lack precise thermostat control, causing temperature fluctuations. Although energy-efficient, quality infrared heaters can be costly upfront, and a few may produce low-level noise. They are best suited for smaller spaces, and using multiple units may be necessary for larger areas.
Are infrared heaters safe to leave on overnight?
With any space heater that you’re using, it’s important to take certain safety precautions, warns Micetich. You’ll want to keep them away from any flammable or combustible materials like linens and papers. Additionally, be sure your unit has built-in safety features like automatic tip-over shutoff, overheating detection and programmable heating times. “If you have these safety features and the heater is in an appropriate location, it can be used during the night; however, I would only use it as a last resort while sleeping,” she says.
