Back when I was living in a dorm, I’d always be surprised when winter rolled around, and I found myself freezing despite keeping the doors and windows shut. That’s why I’ve always liked to be on top of the latest news about space heaters. Once I realized just how many models make whirring or buzzing noises, I focused my interest only on the best quiet space heaters. So today, we’re going to talk about safe and energy efficient heaters that are also as close to silent as possible.
First, we’ll take a look at some reasons why you might need to get a quiet space heater. We’ll also discuss whether space heaters are a good investment at all, considering the fact that most of us already have a primary heating system. Finally, before I get into my reviews, I’ll also tell you about some of the features you’ll want to look for when shopping for your very own quiet space heater.
QUIET SPACE HEATERS: TOP PICKS
» QUICK NAVIGATION «
Why You Should Get a Quiet Space Heater
If you’re someone who’s particularly sensitive to the cold, you can always stock up on blankets. However, if you don’t want to have blankets trailing behind you in your own home, getting a space heater is a great decision.
There are many different models out there that are great for heating rooms of various sizes. Some of them are big and bulky, while others are small and fairly portable. In fact, plenty of them would be appropriate for RV camping, as long as you bring a quiet portable generator with you.
Additionally, you might get a quiet space heater for your office as well. It wouldn’t even be a distraction for your coworkers since it would run silently.
Even if you don’t feel that chill as keenly as other people, keeping a space heater is your home is a good idea. That way, you’d get to live in your icy kingdom, but you could still break out a heater to quickly and effectively warm your home when you have guests over.
Are Space Heaters a Good Investment?
As for whether space heaters are a good investment, I do have one suggestion. Since many of them can effectively warm any space on their own, I recommend shutting off your home’s primary heating system while your heater is working. Still, if you want to make sure that your heater lasts for years to come, you can follow some simple safety rules:
- Never plug your heater into an extension cord. This is mostly a precaution, but some models have been known to overheat the cord, which can be a fire hazard. Instead, most manufacturers recommend plugging their heaters directly into a wall outlet.
- You should keep about 3 feet of space around your unit. It’s never a good idea to put things over a space heater or its cord. So make sure that your heater isn’t too close to any curtains or furniture.
- Ideally, you should also never leave your heater unattended. However, as someone who has broken this rule on numerous occasions, I’m probably not one to talk. Still, especially if you have children or pets, you’ll want to entirely unplug the heating unit if you’re leaving the room. In fact, if it’s hot from use, don’t let your kid near it.
- Regular inspections are the one thing that will ensure the longevity of your space heater. Examine your unit closely every time you take it out of storage at the beginning of winter and before you set it away when the sun returns. Make sure that the cord is intact. If you notice strange nicks or wires sticking out, bring the unit to a professional.
As long as you stick to these safety rules, your space heater should last you a long while.
Features to Look for When Shopping for Quiet Space Heaters
If you’ve decided that you could benefit from having a space heater, you should start by learning more about them. So let’s learn more about the technology that powers space heaters, the types of units that exist and other pertinent facts about these devices.
Level of Noise
As always, one of the primary concerns I had while looking for quiet space heaters for my reviews was finding the products that can operate silently. Fortunately, many of the newer models do. The type of noise you can expect to hear from some of them is a quiet whirring of the fan.
Although not all fan heaters make noise, the ones that have moving parts are usually louder than those that don’t. Still, even electric heaters can start making buzzing noises over time. Overall, though, none of the products on my list make more than 45 decibels of noise. These are all things to consider.
Heating Technology
The technology that’s used to warm the area around a heater is possibly even more important than the type of heater it is. There are 3 main types of heating technology:
- Convection heaters are the most common types. They work by circulating convection currents through a heating element such as electric coils, wires, or oil. Essentially, they warm the air itself, then use fans to push it around the whole room. So this heating technology is the best at heating large enclosed spaces.
- Radiant heating, on the other hand, provides a more focused heat source. This heating technology actually powers infrared heaters, which are great for offices or bedrooms. They actually heat the objects around them, rather than the air. People usually use them under their desks or in small bedrooms for low, soft heat.
- Micathermic heating technology is essentially a mix of the previous two. These devices can provide you with localized warmth as well as circulate warm air. However, they don’t usually use fans to get the effect, so they’re absolutely silent and very efficient.
Various types of heaters use these technologies, so here’s how you can recognize them when you’re shopping.
Types of Heaters
These are several types of heaters you’ll probably recognize. But do you know what each of them is called? I definitely didn’t know before I started digging into the matter. Basically, you’ve got:
- Ceramic heaters, which use their positive temperature coefficient, or PTC, to regulate the temperature safely and reliably. Essentially, the electricity warms the ceramic plate inside the unit, which radiates heat.
- Infrared or halogen heaters are some of the cheapest products on the market. These models use glowing hot tubes to heat the objects around them, so they’re not ideal for tight spaces or people with pets or children.
- Oil-filled heaters are also exceedingly affordable. They actually use micathermic heating technology. So they’re great as both centralized heat sources and convection heaters. You’d probably be able to recognize these heaters if you saw them — they look like metal radiators.
Although oil radiators are usually fairly uniform in size, most of these types of heaters come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them are almost a yard tall, while others are barely over 10 inches. I’m going to mention all sorts of heaters, so you’ll get a chance to see how each of them performs.
Capacity
Typically, the size of a heater is a good determiner of its heating capacity. And, as I’ve already mentioned, the type of heating technology it uses also has everything to do with how much of an impact it has. Even though fan heaters are usually louder than other models, they are also the most efficient at heating an entire room.
However, if you want to know the real capacity of the heaters you’re looking at, there’s a simple trick to getting the conclusive number. Namely, you need about 10 watts of power to warm a square foot of floor space. Therefore, if you have a 75 square foot room, you’re going to need a 750-watt unit. A 3,500-watt heater is capable of warming 350 square feet of space, and so on.
Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. For one, if you have ceilings that are taller than 8 feet, you’ll need to get a stronger heater. As you know, hot air rises up. Similarly, I imagine that you’re going to have some issues getting your space warm if it has poor insulation. If you can’t invest in better insulation, multiply your square footage by 12 rather than 10 to get the total wattage you’ll need.
Additionally, some types of heaters have the potential to warm even bigger spaces than their wattage implies. For example, infrared heaters have a capacity that’s usually greater than their wattage would make it seem.
Features and Portability
Of course, you should also consider the features a heater has. Many of the most basic units only have a few heat levels and nothing else. However, some of the others also have timer functionality, remote control, adjustable thermostats, oscillation, and portability features like wheels or handles. What’s more, some of the heaters have energy-saving modes, and many have various safety features.
Safety
Naturally, when you’re dealing with something that’s potentially a fire hazard, you want it to have safety switches. One of the safety features that’s caused me the most grief is the tip-over protection switch.
That feature is usually a switch on the bottom of a heater that is released if the unit falls to the ground. So the heater can only work if the switch is pressed. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought that my heater had died when it just hadn’t been positioned correctly.
Another safety feature that has managed to surprise me in the past is the overheating protection switch. Every once in a while when my old infrared heater had been working for a long time, it would just turn off and come back to life a few minutes later. As it turns out, it was just the overheating protection feature having my back.
Other than these two safety features, many manufacturers add a unique twist to their units. For example, some heaters are moisture-resistant, so you can use them to warm your bathrooms before taking a bath. And many units are also cool to the touch, which would be the ideal choice for people with pets and small children.
Energy Efficiency
Many manufacturers boast about their products being energy-efficient, but are they really? Well, if you want to calculate the amount of energy your heater would be using every day, there’s a simple way to do it.
In fact, you can calculate exactly what your heater would be costing you on a daily and monthly level with a simple equation. Just multiply the heater’s kilowatts per hour by the average amount of time you’d be using the device per day. Then multiply that with the electricity (or utility) rate from your electricity bill, which is the cost per kilowatt hour of electricity. That’s going to be your daily estimate of how much you’re paying to run your heater.
Let’s say that your heater is a 1,500-watt unit. You can calculate the kilowatt per hour number by dividing that by a thousand. So that’s 1.5 kilowatts per hour. If your utility rate is $0.10, and you’re using the heater for about 8 hours a day, that gives us a daily operational cost estimate of about $1.2.
So when you’re getting ready to shop for the perfect quiet space heater, you should have all of these things in mind. Start with the square footage of the space and consider your needs before settling on the best quiet space heater for you.
Best Quiet Space Heaters: Top 10 Picks
Now that you know all there is to know about quiet space heaters, I can get into the reviews. I’ve decided to list these products going from the largest to the smallest. Or rather, from the tallest to the shortest.
Although size isn’t necessarily a factor in how big of a space a heater can handle, you’ll probably want to consider it if you need your heater to fit into a small area.
1. Lasko 5572 Ceramic Tower Space Heater
This 1,500-watt ceramic tower heater from Lasko is a tall and narrow model that could comfortably fit into any room (like tower fans). The unit is just barely 30 inches tall, with a 9.2 by 7.3-inch base. The product has a tall grey shell with a digital screen near the top and several control options on the top side.
That modern design is further helped by the convenient carry handle in the back that makes it easy to move around.
The heater has a timer feature that can postpone the shutdown up to 8 hours. It also has a remote control. Let me tell you, those are very nifty features to have. Trust me — once you’re all warm, you won’t want to get up.
Since this is a ceramic unit, it does have internal fans that allow the hot air to oscillate up and down. However, according to the users, it remains completely silent on both heat settings.
Features:
- 1,500-watt ceramic tower heater
- Tall and narrow for easy fit
- 2 heat settings and an Auto feature
- Adjustable thermostat, timer, and remote
2. Dreo 24″ Quiet and Fast Portable Space Heater
The Dreo 24″ space heater is a 1,500-watt appliance specially designed for easy transportation. As a matter of fact, it’s only 24″ tall with a 7.8 x 7.8-inch base and features a convenient hidden carry handle at the back. As a result, you can transport it around to warm up your entire living space, whether it’s your bedroom, living room, or even your office.
Since it features ceramic heating elements, the Dreo heater is a quiet and quick heating solution. At the optimal settings it only produces around 40 dB of noise. Thanks to its 1,500-watt power and 70° oscillation, the heat will evenly spread throughout the room.
With the help of its intuitive LED display, you can easily change the temperature from 95 °F to 41 °F. Not only that, but you can also set up timers, select heating modes, adjust the oscillation, or even turn on the mute mode by using the display or the included remote.
Besides the traditional low and high-energy heating modes, the Dreo heater also comes with an energy-saving alternative. In other words, selecting this mode will allow the device to maintain the warmth of your room while consuming minimal power. It also includes a mute button, preventing the appliance from beeping. However, you can’t turn off the safety sounds, as they are designed to warn you about potential safety hazards.
Speaking of safety, this heater is packed with protection features. For example, if the heater tips over due to a curious cat or dog, it will automatically shut off to avoid melting your floor, carpet, or itself. So you will never have to worry about leaving the space heater unattended with your pets.
Features
- 1,500-watt ceramic heater with 70° oscillation
- Energy-saving mode with adjustable thermostat
- Tip-over and overheating protection
- Mute mode
- Remote controls
3. De’Longhi Quiet Convection Panel Heater
Although it might look like a traditional, low-power appliance, the De’Longhi Convection Panel Heater is anything but ineffective. This wall-mountable electric heater packs a whopping 1,500 watts and has a heating capacity of around 5,120 BTUs. And thanks to its dual fan design, this appliance can spread the heat evenly throughout any room, whether it’s a small kitchen or a large bedroom.
But despite its high power and a rather large size, the De’Longhi heater is extremely quiet. In fact, you’ll hardly notice it, which makes it perfect for night usage.
As with most high-end products, the De’Longhi heater allows you to customize it using the intuitive side panel. From temperature adjusting to setting up timers, you can fully control the way this heater works with the press of a few buttons. Through the same panel, you can also choose between multiple modes, including an ECO function that modulates the unit’s overall power input between 500 and 1,500 watts. As a result, you can use this setting to reduce your wintertime electricity bill without giving up on your in-home comfort.
Finally, you can also attach it to your wall. Not only is the installation surprisingly easy, but the manufacturer also provides all the necessary gear for proper wall-mounting. And, if you do decide to use its freestanding orientation, you’ll be happy to know that the De’Longhi includes an internal tip-over kill switch, preventing accidents related to kids and pets.
Features
- 1,500-watt convection heater
- Dual-fan built
- Freestanding and wall-mounting options
- Energy-saving mode
- Silent design
- Adjustable thermostat
4. Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater
This 1,500-watt Dr. Infrared Heater is only 16 inches tall, 11 inches wide, and a bit over 13 inches deep, with 4 swivel wheels on the bottom. Still, despite its diminutive size, it may actually be heavier than some of the others I’ve mentioned. And even though this heater should by all accounts only be able to cover 150 square feet, the manufacturer actually claims that it can heat up to 1,000 square feet.
In my opinion, this box-shaped device is one of the most attractive heaters on this list. All but the front side is covered with beautiful cherry wood, which is a welcome break from the other metallic finish heaters. On the other hand, the front side of the heater is completely black, with only the top third of the space emitting infrared heat.
Naturally, the controls are right under that pan, although the heater also has a remote control.
This heater produces less than 40 dB of noise which is quiet as a library. The temperature can be set to high, low, and automatic setting. You can also choose the temperature you want the device to maintain and let it do its thing. It will shut down automatically after 12 hours, and it also has overheating protection. Additionally, although I wouldn’t say that it’s necessary due to the heater’s shape, it has tip-over protection as well.
Features:
- Portable 1,500-watt infrared heater
- Cherry wood exterior
- 2 temperature settings and an adjustable thermostat
- Remote control
- Overheating and tip-over protection
5. Dreo 16″ Quiet Portable Space Heater
When it comes to heating appliances, few are as effective and reliable as the Dreo Portable Space Heater. As the name suggests, this heater is fully portable, allowing you to carry it around, providing warmth to any room. It also includes a hidden handle, so you won’t have to touch any of its hot parts if you need to move the heater on the fly.
Even though it’s pretty small, this heater can warm up any room quickly. That’s due to its 1,500-watt input and ceramic heating mechanism, which can help you heat your bedroom, kitchen, or any other room in a matter of seconds. And with the help of its wide oscillation, the heat will be evenly distributed throughout the room.
The top display and touch controls offer a variety of modern functions, such as an adjustable thermostat, customizable timer, and special heating modes. It even comes with an energy-saving mode, which adjusts the appliance’s power according to the room’s ambient temperature. However, you don’t have to get up in order to change the heater’s settings. Just grab the remote and call the shots on the heater without leaving your bed or sofa.
But by far, the best feature of the Dreo Portable Space Heater is its quiet design. Thanks to the ObliqueAirflow technology, the fan noise is greatly reduced when compared to other similar products. Thus, this heater delivers quiet, warm breezes during winter days.
Features
- 1,500-watt ceramic heater
- Low and high heating modes
- Energy-saving mode
- Adjustable thermostat
- Tip-over and overheating protection
- Remote controls
6. Lasko 5409 Ceramic Portable Space Heater
This Lasko space heater is a small unit with a handle. It is just under 12 inches tall, 8 inches wide and about 6 inches deep. Unlike the previous model, it doesn’t have the ability to oscillate side to side. But, despite having a stationary stand, it can oscillate internally to shuffle the hot air through the area.
All of the controls are at the top of the device. The oscillation button is between the heat and the thermostat dials. The heat dial allows you to choose between the fan setting and high or low heat, while the thermostat allows you to set your preferred temperature.
What’s more, the exterior of the device should remain cool to the touch, and the heater will automatically shut down if it’s been on for too long.
Features:
- 1,500-watt mini heater with a handle
- 3 settings: low/high heat, and fan only
- Adjustable thermostat
- Overheating protection, cool to the touch
7. GiveBest Quiet Ceramic Heater Fan
The GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater is a 1,500-watt heater that’s built with portability in mind. With its compact size and carry handle, you can easily move this device from one room to another, providing warmth wherever you need it.
But what makes the GiveBest appliance so unique is its 2-in-1 heater fan. In other words, this ceramic heater allows you to warm up your home during the winter and cool it in the summer. You can switch between these modes using the top panel, which also allows you to adjust the temperature.
Sound-wise, this electric heater is incredibly silent. More specifically, it shouldn’t surpass 45dB, which is more than quiet for bedroom use during the night. Not only that, but the GiveBest heater also includes a wide range of safety features. From tip-over protection to overheating automatic shutoff, this heater is 100% safe. In fact, it’s made using flame-retardant ABS material, meaning that it won’t melt at extreme temperatures.
Features
- 1,500-watt ceramic heater
- Adjustable thermostat
- Tip-over and overheating protection
- Flame-retardant build
- Fully portable
- Cool-air option
8. Pelonis PHTA1ABB Quiet Portable Space Heater
If you are looking for an affordable and portable heater, the Pelonis PHTA1ABB is right up your alley. This small appliance is a highly reliable product that can help warm up your home. Outfitted with a ceramic heating element, this 1,500-watt device can heat up and blow out the warmth in just three seconds.
Using the programmable thermostat, you can change between high and low settings. You can also turn on the oscillation function, spreading heat into the desired area. But if you are having a hard time dealing with extreme summer temperatures, just switch on the fan-only function, and you’ll be able to use the heater to cool your room. Therefore, this product doubles as a portable fan too.
Weighing just 2.72 pounds and featuring a built-in carry handle, the Pelonis heater is easy to move around. As a result, you can say goodbye to unreliable heating or cooling solutions and just use this 2-in-1 appliance instead.
Lastly, thanks to an included tip-over switch and overheating protection, the Pelonis PHTA1ABB is not only reliable but also safe. And, since a one-year warranty backs the heater, you can relax knowing that you can always get your money back if you are not satisfied with the product.
Features
- 1,500-watt ceramic heater
- Adjustable thermostat
- Flame-retardant build
- Tip-over and overheating protection
- One-year warranty
- Cool-air option
9. F.EASY.D Space Heater
The F.EASY.D heater is a small yet effective device that can provide heating for small and medium-sized rooms. Despite its compact size, this heater is very powerful and can make the most out of its 1,000-watt input. The PTC ceramic heating element allows this product to heat up the space quickly and efficiently in just two seconds.
Similar to other premium heaters, you can choose your heating mode using the control panel. You can also set up a timer to further customize your heating experience and enjoy comforting warmth whenever you need it.
One of the most interesting aspects of the F.EASY.D heater is its design. With a pleasant oval body and four wood-colored legs, this heater is simply stunning. So, wherever you place it, this product will blend in just perfectly with your home’s interior decor. Its quiet design also guarantees that, at 45 dB, the heater won’t disturb your sleep.
Safety-wise, the F.EASY.D heater features tip-over and overheating protection. In addition, it will be hard to tip this product thanks to the non-slip four plastic legs that provide more stability than traditional 3-leg designs.
Features
- 1,000-watt PTC ceramic heater
- Low and high heating modes
- Tip-over and overheating protection
- Non-slip legs
- Gorgeous design
10. Potulas Low-Noise Personal Space Heater
Small, effective, and quiet — these are the words that describe the Potulas Space Heater. This 1,000-watt PTC ceramic heater is both powerful and compact. In fact, it can warm up small to medium-sized rooms without occupying your entire space. The control buttons allow you to change the power mode from 1,000-watt to 500-watt, depending on your needs.
In spite of its power, the Potulas heater is very silent. Actually, the noise level is lower than 40dB, meaning that you can use this appliance in a bedroom, living room, or office without disrupting anyone.
As noted earlier, this is a compact and portable design. The back silica gel handle makes it easy to carry around. And, since the power cord is made from rubber, it can be kept outside in cold weather safely.
This heater includes an automatic tip-over shutoff and overheating protection. The air outlet uses an anti-scalding plastic fence and iron mesh double protection to prevent burning. All of these safety features are a great addition, particularly in a household with pets and children.
Features
- 1,000-watt PTC ceramic heater
- Low and high heating modes
- Portable
- Silent design
- Tip-over and overheating protection
Final Thoughts on Quiet Heaters
Investing in a quiet space heater can really change your winter. But before you take your pick, you need to know what’s out there. Hopefully, this article has managed to shed some light on that. And, if you haven’t quite found the perfect heater for you, at least you now know what features you should keep in mind when you go shopping.
Before you decide, keep in mind the rooms you’ll be using the heater in. Consider whether you’d want a device that instantly heats up the area or one that would be a more economical choice for constant heat. If you’ve got extra space, you can get one of the heaters I’ve mentioned at the beginning of my list. On the other hand, if you really don’t have room to spare, get one of those I’ve closed with.
Ultimately, there’s a quiet space heater for everyone. So as long as you know how to choose the one that will be best suited for you, you’ll be just toasty!
RELATED POSTS:
- Quietest Through-The-Wall Air Conditioners
- Best Quiet Fans For Bedrooms
- Best Quiet Ceiling Fans
- Quiet Dehumidifiers For Bedrooms
SHARE ON:
- By Soundproof Living