When the temperature drops, sometimes your central heating just doesn’t cut it. An infrared heater can help make chilly days more bearable while keeping energy bills lower. Unlike standard electric heaters, infrared models warm objects instead of the air. This means faster, more effective heating without drying out the room.
Infrared heaters come in a range of sizes and prices. Compact options start around $50, while high-capacity models with innovative features can run several hundred dollars. To help you find the best infrared heater for staying warm this winter, we researched top brands on Amazon based on important features like heating power, design, ease of use, and more.
Top 6 Infrared Heaters
- Dr. Infrared 1,500W Portable Space Heater: Best Overall
- Oylus Infrared Indoor Space Heater: Most Adjustable
- Heat Storm Phoenix Wall-Mounted Heater: Best Smart Features
- Ballu Mica Infrared Panel Heater: Best Design
- Encyclpo 36-Inch Patio Heater: Best for Outdoors
- BLACK+DECKER Infrared Heater: Best Portable
Compare the Best Infrared Heaters
To help you find the right infrared heater for your home needs, we put together a table of our top-rated options. Compare each unit using features like heat output, weight, design, and more below.
| Product | Heat Output | Heating Area | Weight | Auto Shutoff | Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dr. Infrared 1,500W Portable Space HeaterCheck Price | 5,200 BTUs | 576 square feet | 24 pounds | Yes | Cabinet |
Oylus Infrared Indoor Space HeaterCheck Price | 5,200 BTUs | 350 square feet | 15.7 pounds | Yes | Cabinet |
Heat Storm Phoenix Wall-Mounted HeaterCheck Price | 5,200 BTUs | 750 square feet | 9 pounds | No | Wall mounted |
Ballu Mica Infrared Panel HeaterCheck Price | N/A | 500 square feet | N/A | Yes | Flat panel |
Encyclpo 36-Inch Patio HeaterCheck Price | 5,000 BTUs | N/A | 7.5 pounds | Yes | Tower (outdoor) |
BLACK+DECKER Infrared HeaterCheck Price | N/A | 150 square feet | 5 pounds | Yes | Tower |
Our Reviews of the Best Infrared Heaters
Best Overall
Dr. Infrared 1,500W Portable Space Heater
The Dr. Infrared Heater combines infrared quartz tube heating with positive temperature coefficient (PTC) technology to deliver 60% more heat than standard 1,500-watt (W) heaters, efficiently warming rooms up to 576 square feet. Its dual heating system uses a whisper-quiet blower to distribute warmth evenly while retaining moisture in the air so it won’t dry out your skin like traditional convection heaters. With an auto energy-saving mode, remote control, 12-hour timer, and built-in safety features like tip-over and overheat protection, this heater offers worry-free comfort for families with kids and pets.
Pros and Cons of Dr. Infrared 1,500W Portable Space Heater
- Features highly visible controls
- Has an attractive, furniture-grade cherry wood casing
- Includes floor-safe caster wheels
- Reviews report that the unit’s remote control is finicky
- Unit is on the heavier side
Most Adjustable
Oylus Infrared Indoor Space Heater
The Oylus Infrared Space Heater combines efficient 1,500W heating with an elegant wood cabinet design, featuring smart temperature control that adjusts from 59 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit and automatically cycles on and off to maintain your desired comfort level. Operating at whisper-quiet 35 decibels (dB), this portable heater includes a convenient remote control and a programmable 12-hour timer. Plus, it has multiple safety features like overheat protection and tip-over shut-off that keep the fan running for three minutes after shutdown to disperse residual heat safely.
Pros and Cons of Oylus Infrared Indoor Space Heater
- Features whisper-quiet technology
- Has smart temperature control that continuously monitors room temperature
- Includes multiple built-in safety features, like tip-over protection
- Covers less square footage than some other 1,500W heaters we reviewed
- Some reviewers have said the unit’s wood trim not very durable
Best Smart Features
Heat Storm Phoenix Wall-Mounted Heater
The Heat Storm Phoenix is a space-saving, wall-mounted infrared heater delivering 1,500W and 5,200 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of efficient heating power, perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms, or offices with limited floor space. The unit has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and one-touch Bluetooth setup. You can control the temperature from anywhere using your smartphone, set custom heating schedules, and even adjust settings via voice commands with Alexa. The sleek design stays cool to the touch, features a digital thermostat, and mounts easily over any standard outlet with the included template and built-in level.
Pros and Cons of Heat Storm Phoenix Wall-Mounted Heater
- Provides unit power scheduling via Wi-Fi control
- Saves space with a wall-mounted design
- Features child-lock mode and cool-to-touch surfaces
- Has limited heating coverage
- Requires permanent installation, which may not suit everyone
Best Design
Ballu Mica Infrared Panel Heater
The Ballu Mica infrared panel heater delivers 180 degree panoramic heating with a 10-second heat-up time, using premium mica panels and far-infrared technology to provide gentle, even warmth from floor to ceiling. With Wi-Fi app control, Alexa compatibility, and a programmable thermostat featuring an exposed temperature sensor, you can adjust settings remotely, create custom heating schedules, and enjoy up to 37% in energy cost savings thanks to its highly efficient all-aluminum heating element. The durable all-metal design offers versatile installation as you can roll it from room to room on portable casters or mount it neatly on the wall.
Pros and Cons of Ballu Mica Infrared Panel Heater
- Delivers up to 37% energy cost savings
- Maintains the natural humidity of household rooms
- Offers two installation options based on your room’s needs
- Has inconsistent remote control reliability, based on customer reviews
- Some reviews note extremely hot surfaces after extended use
Best for Outdoors
Encyclpo 36-Inch Patio Heater
The Encyclpo 36-inch tower patio heater delivers instant warmth in seconds using high-efficiency carbon-fiber heating wires that transfer infrared heat directly to objects rather than wasting energy heating the air. With IPX5 waterproof protection and three adjustable heat settings, this ultra-quiet heater operates at under 25 dB without fans or blowers, making it perfect for patios, porches, garages, balconies, or indoor spaces. The unit’s portable design features a built-in carry handle, weighted base for stability, tip-over auto shut-off, and overheat protection with flame-retardant materials, ensuring safe operation outdoors in any weather.
Pros and Cons of Encyclpo 36-Inch Patio Heater
- Delivers infrared heat within seconds
- Offers versatility with outdoor and indoor use capabilities
- Runs at under 25 dB for quiet operation
- Has fewer control options than other brands we’ve reviewed
- May struggle to heat larger patios and outdoor spaces, based on customer reviews
Best Portable
BLACK+DECKER Infrared Heater
The BLACK+DECKER infrared quartz tower heater delivers 1,500W of efficient heating power through dual quartz tubes with an integrated fan that quickly disperses warmth. This compact 23-inch tower heater weighs just five pounds for easy room-to-room portability and features simple manual controls with two heat settings. The unit also has a fan-only mode and an adjustable thermostat to maintain your desired comfort level.
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER Infrared Heater
- Costs less than $100 for customers on a budget
- Features a lightweight design perfect for portability
- Distributes heat quickly using an integrated fan
- Has a smaller footprint that may make it inefficient at heating larger spaces
- Lacks the more advanced features of modern infrared heaters
What To Know Before Buying an Infrared Heater
How do you narrow down the best infrared heater to supplement your home’s heating system when there are so many different brands and models out there? A well-made space heater should ideally provide the output needed to create a comfortable ambient temperature without creating an eyesore or tripping hazard. Here’s a rundown of the core details to put on your checklist when shopping for a new space or wall heater.
Heat Output
The heat output for portable space heaters is measured by British Thermal Units (Btu). While you don’t need a full science lesson to understand how BTUs relate to space heaters, it does help to know that one BTU represents the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of a single pound of liquid water by 1 degree Fahrenheit (F) at approximately 39 degrees Fahrenheit. All shoppers need to know is that a higher BTU number equals a more powerful space heater. Most electric heaters sold in the United States are 1,500-watt units. That means that they generate roughly 5,100 BTUs per hour.
When shopping for a space heater, pay attention to what the manufacturer shares regarding the heating capacity of the unit in terms of square footage. Infrared space heaters that can heat up to 1,500 square feet of space can be ideal if you’re looking for supplemental heat for a large basement, garage, or workshop. In general, it’s wise to look for higher output when shopping for a garage heater that will be used to heat up a poorly insulated space. However, you may only need a unit that can heat 400–500 square feet if you’re simply trying to make a bedroom or dorm room toastier.
Pro Tip
- When shopping for any space heater, This Old House recommends opting for a unit with an output of 1,500 watts for room heating—less is really only suited for a desktop appliance. Key safety features to look for include a tip-over safety switch that automatically shuts off a toppled heater, overheat protection, and a UL or ETL stamp indicating the heater has been independently tested.
Size
Size is not necessarily an indicator of heat output, but it is helpful in determining if a product will be a good fit for a space. Pay attention to both weight and dimensions. With some infrared heaters weighing over 25 pounds, you might be disappointed to learn that a design that looks compact may actually be very difficult to move from room to room. Some designs weigh just 4–7 pounds.
Design
While most people think of a standard boxy design when picturing infrared space heaters, modern options often don’t even look like heaters at all. The “wheels” question is the first to check off your list. Some infrared space heaters are made with casters that allow them to be rolled easily from place to place. These casters also keep the heater slightly elevated off the floor. If you’re planning to use a single heater in various parts of the home throughout the day and night, these wheels can help you avoid scuffing your floors by dragging the unit. If you’re concerned about having a standalone infrared heater placed on the floor of your home due to pets, children, or a general lack of space, consider a wall-mounted version that resembles a mini-split HVAC system.
Safety Features
People are sometimes reluctant to purchase space heaters because they have recollections of old, clunky space heaters from yesteryear that were hot to the touch, prone to overheating, and easy to tip over. The good news is that any new model of infrared space heater you’re purchasing today has tons of built-in safety features. Just be sure to confirm that a model has tip-over prevention, overheating prevention, and a frame that remains cool to the touch. It’s also helpful to select a model with a thermostat that shuts off automatically after a time to ensure that a forgotten space heater won’t be left on indefinitely.
Safety Note
- According to This Old House Magazine, electric space heaters are responsible for about a third of the 52,000 home fires caused each year by home-heating equipment, and more property damage and personal injury than any other source. That’s why features like the Dr. Infrared’s tip-over safety switch and overheat protection are non-negotiable when shopping for a space heater.
How Infrared Heaters Work
An infrared space heater turns electricity into radiant heat. What makes infrared heat especially delightful is that its place on the electromagnetic spectrum causes it to produce a heat that’s similar to the heat you feel when you step into the warm sunshine. That’s why even people who have well-heated homes often prefer to introduce radiant heat for the purpose of creating a toasty, cozy feeling when relaxing or falling asleep.
Along with using the tower heater for warmth, you may want to consider using a humidifier to maintain comfortable moisture levels in your room.
What’s the Difference Between Infrared Heaters and Space Heaters?
Infrared heaters are different from normal space heaters because they use radiant heat to warm objects instead of heating the air using convection. This makes them more efficient while also creating the “toasty” effect that makes people feel like they are bathing in warm sunshine when a heater is running. Meanwhile, traditional space heaters simply heat the surrounding air.
Pro Tip
- As TOH’s Tommy Silva has pointed out, portable space heaters can get dangerously hot and are best suited as a “temporary solution, not permanent.” A wall-mounted unit like the Heat Storm Phoenix — with its cool-to-touch surface and child-lock mode — addresses many of those safety concerns, making it a smarter long-term choice for rooms like bathrooms that lack dedicated HVAC runs.
Do Infrared Heaters Heat the Air?
No, infrared heaters don’t actually warm up the air. They warm up objects in a space. In general, infrared heaters are considered safer and more energy-efficient compared to traditional ceramic heating units. For this reason, infrared deserves a look when you are narrowing down the best space heaters for your needs.
FAQs About Infrared Heaters
How long can you leave infrared heaters on?
Infrared heaters should never be left unattended for any reason. However, an infrared heater can essentially be left on indefinitely as long as it is being carefully monitored. The slow and steady buildup of heat generated by infrared heaters creates a very comfortable environment compared to the “stuffy” atmosphere that is often created by traditional air-warming space heaters.
Are infrared heaters good for electricity usage?
“Radiant heaters emit infrared radiation that directly heats objects and people within their line of sight, and are a more efficient choice when you will be in a room for only a few hours and can stay within the line of sight of the heater,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy. By converting nearly 100% of the electricity that they use to heat, infrared heaters offer an efficient way to heat a space.
What are some safety tips for using an infrared heater?
The top tip for safety when using infrared space heaters is to never leave a heater unattended while it is running. It’s also wise to place a heater a safe distance from furniture, walls, and other objects. Finally, be sure to test your household’s smoke and fire alarms regularly. If you’re purchasing an infrared heater that’s designed for outdoor use, be sure to utilize a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet that provides extra protection against electrical shock in environments where moisture might be present.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and do-it-yourself (DIY)-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Ourteam focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of infrared heaters with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.