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Best Ceramic Heaters: Top Picks & Buying Guide

Updated on February 11, 2022 by Joseph D. Nielson

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When the temperature outside starts to drop, the last thing you want is to bundle up inside your home to tackle the cold. When the heating system in your house can’t keep up with the low thermometer numbers, a space heater can give your home a boost of warmth.

Before you dig deep into the list of best ceramic heaters, it is essential to understand the type of heating elements your product may contain. Most space heaters utilize radiant, convection, or combination heating elements. Radiant heaters immediately distribute warmth to the room, while convection heaters slowly raise the room’s temperature. 

Among the many space heaters available today, ceramic heaters are one of the most cost-effective ways to heat your home. Due to the array of options, finding the best ceramic space heaters can be challenging. The key to finding the best ceramic heater is to consider every feature. Some products are better for households with children or pets, while others are best suited for homes where noise can be disruptive. 

It is easier to find your ideal product among the list of best ceramic heaters when you mentally list your requirements. If you’re aiming to heat a large room, read our reviews of the best large room space heaters that feature three excellent ceramic heaters. 

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite products to help you enjoy the warmth of a perfectly heated room. Discover our top picks in this guide to make an informed decision about the ceramic heater that will best suit your needs. Say goodbye to chills in drafty rooms as you find the best ceramic heater.

Top 7 Best Ceramic Space Heaters

Product ImageProduct NamePowerPower SourceHeating MethodRangeApprox. WeightView Latest Price
PELONIS PHTPU1501 Ceramic Tower 1500W Indoor Space Heater
PELONIS PHTPU1501 Ceramic Tower 1500W Indoor Space Heater110 VoltsCorded ElectricRadiant, Convection160 sq. ft.6.29 lbsView Price
Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Tower Heater
Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Tower Heater1500 WattsCorded ElectricConvectionN/A8 lbsView Price
Dr Infrared Heater DR998, 1500W, Advanced Dual Heating System
Dr Infrared Heater DR998, 1500W, Advanced Dual Heating System1500 WattsCorded ElectricRadiant, Convection1, 000 sq. ft.26 lbsView Price
Portable Electric Space Heater with Thermostat
Portable Electric Space Heater with Thermostat1500 / 750 WattsCorded ElectricForced Air200 sq. ft.3.2 lbsView Price
Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater
Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater750 WattsCorded ElectricConvectionN/A649 gramsView Price
Honeywell UberHeat Ceramic Heater
Honeywell UberHeat Ceramic Heater1500 WattsCordedConvectionN/A3.90 lbsView Price
De'Longhi Ceramic Tower Heater
De'Longhi Ceramic Tower Heater1500 WattsCorded ElectricConvectionN/A5 lbsView Price

Key Features:

  • Fast heating and constant temperature
  • High-quality cool touch flame-resistant material
  • Overheating & tip-over switch protection
  • Programmable thermostats
  • It comes with remote control
  • 70-degree oscillation
  • 110 Volts

Product Review:

The Pelonis PHTPU1501 Ceramic Tower is one of the best ceramic tower heaters due to its sleek design and unique features. Thanks to its efficient heating system, you can control the temperature based on your needs. Whether you’re trying to heat a small or large room, the Pelonis PHTPU1501 has got your back.

The radiant heat system allows you to enjoy uniform heat throughout the space. It ensures that you feel the warmth at every corner of your room without feeling like there’s a hairdryer right blowing in your face.

Multiple Controls: 

Thanks to the 70-degree oscillation function, the Pelonis PHTPU1501 evenly distributes heat to every corner in the room. Its instant heat feature quickly heats up to 70.0 Fahrenheit in three seconds, making it one of the best ceramic room heaters for the coldest winter months. The heater features a touch control panel and remote control.

Pelonis PHTPU1501 controls

Special Factors:

Safety is one of the most specific factors that the Pelonis PHTPU1501 possesses. Due to its tip-over auto-shutoff and overheating protection, it is an ideal choice for households with young children or pets.

In addition, the equipment follows the ABS UL94 VO [1] plastics flammability standard, ensuring that safety remains one of the top priorities of the heater.

Pros

  • Sleek design
  • Fast heating
  • Advanced safety features
  • Portable
  • Eco setting to save energy
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Not very quiet

Key Features:

  • Two quiet settings
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Remote control
  • Built-in timer
  • Oscillation
  • Built-in safety features
  • Fully assembled
  • 1500 Watts

Product Review:

Whether you’re looking to get cozy in your bedroom or office, the Lasko 755320 can add warmth to almost any room. The adjustable thermostat allows you to adjust the heating element with an easy-to-read digital display.

The auto timer-off feature ensures that you don’t have to stress about whether or not you turned your heater off when you go to work. You can rest assured that the heater won’t stay on all day long and spike your electric bill when the device is not in use. As one of the best ceramic tower heaters available, the product is efficient at its job.

Noise Settings: 

One unique feature of the Lasko 755320 is its two quiet settings. You can choose from high or low heat options to control the noise and set the device up based on the environment. When you’re working from home or trying to ensure your baby stays asleep, the low heat feature will keep the noise at bay while heating the room efficiently.

Lasko 755320 Settings

Special Factors:

Thanks to its cool-touch exterior and overheat protection, you can say goodbye to the risks that heaters usually possess. The built-in safety features ensure that this heater is ideal for households with children and pets. If you leave the heater on for an extended time, you don’t have to stress because the heater features a safe ceramic heating element.

Pros

  • Can control the noise level
  • It comes fully assembled (saves time from building heater)
  • Oscillation allows even heat distribution
  • Built-in safety features
  • Remote control for ease of use
  • Portable

Cons

  • It may not necessarily work in large spaces
  • Low thermostat setting could turn heater off

Key Features:

  • Can heat a large room
  • Advanced dual heating
  • Tip-over protection and Overheat protection
  • Built-in humidifier
  • Oscillation
  • Electronic thermostat (50 to 85 degrees)
  • Portable
  • Free-standing
  • 1500 Watts

Product Review:

The Dr Infrared Heater DR998 is a top choice for households looking to add a classic look to the room’s outlook. The heater’s wooden finish and unique cherry colour can work both to fit functional and aesthetic needs.  

The unique device features three heating methods: Radiant, Forced Air, Convection, allowing it to stand out among its competitors. Due to its high efficiency, the Dr Infrared Heater DR998 can heat large rooms within a short amount of time.

Built-in Humidifier:

One of the unique features of the Dr Infrared Heater DR998 is its built-in humidifier. When people use space heaters, they also purchase humidifiers for small rooms to combat heaters’ dryness.

The humidifier in the heater produces a cool mist to dry winter air. You can switch the humidifier on or off based on your preferences and requirements. However, you’re not obligated to use the built-in humidifier.

Humidifier on the table in the living room

Special Factors:

The Dr Infrared Heater DR998 features an advanced dual heating system with both infrared and ceramic heating elements inside. Ceramic plates are an efficient heating source and heat an area faster than infrared.

Since ceramic heaters utilize convection heat, the air in the room heats up rather than the objects. On the other hand, infrared heaters convert electricity into radiant heat and directly transfer the heat to the object instead of the air. So, combining the two types of heating elements collectively produces a tremendous amount of heat and is more functional than many heaters.

Pros

  • Dual heat setting allows efficient heating
  • A built-in humidifier is a unique feature
  • Free-standing, so there is no need to mount
  • Safety features included
  • Oscillation allows for even heat distribution
  • Electronic thermostat with adjustable settings

Cons

  • Not ideal for those who want only ceramic heaters
  • It could be noisy due to the different types of heating methods

Key Features:

  • Easy control Quick heating
  • Energy efficient
  • Adjustable temperature (℉ to 158℉)
  • Portable
  • Overheat protection
  • 50dB quiet
  • 1500/750 Watts

Product Review:

Don’t let the size of this GiveBest Portable Heater fool you because the heater’s performance will prove its worth. As one of the best-rated ceramic heaters with over 52,000 global ratings, the heater fulfills the promises it makes. You can heat a room to 200 square feet and choose how many watts you want the heat to be produced. This feature allows you to determine how much energy the heater uses, which can help you save on electric bills.

The 120V heater ensures that you feel the warmth in seconds, allowing you to enjoy a toasty room after a day out in the cold. The adjustable thermostat is easy to use and indicates clearly what each function does.

Quiet: 

The heater is quiet enough to use in a bedroom while you sleep. The 50dB quiet [2] ensures that you can enjoy the warmth anywhere without dealing with loud noises.

Special Factors:

The portability of the GiveBest Portable Heater is one of its best features because it allows you to use the heater anywhere in your home or office. It comes with a handle that allows you to carry the heater around easily. It is one of the best rated portable ceramic heaters as it is only 3.2 pounds and the dimensions are 6.2 x 7 x 9.2 inches.

Tip Over Protection

Pros

  • Portable, easy to carry
  • Quiet (can use anywhere)
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Energy-efficient allows savings on the electric bill
  • Safe to use around children and pets
  • Uses safe materials to reduce risk (speedy ceramic heating, rubber extension cord, etc.)

Cons

  • Not suitable for large rooms
  • It may not be durable under harsh conditions due to weight

Key Features:

  • Compact item
  • Features ceramic coils that heat up in seconds
  • Tip-over protection
  • Comes in four colours

Product Review:

The Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater allows you to maintain any room’s aesthetic while staying warm in the winter. Its small size and multiple colour options allow you to place the device at any corner of your room. However, you may need to place it closer to the area you want to heat to maximize efficiency.

The device resembles a portable speaker, giving it a nice look to make a great addition to any room. As one of the best rated portable ceramic heaters, the device does its job efficiently. 

Multiple Color Options:

Not many heaters offer multiple colour options. This Amazon Basics ceramic heater comes in four different shades, allowing you to pick one that best suits your home or office’s aesthetics.

Amazon Basics ceramic heater in purple color

Special Factors:

The portability of this product is what makes it one of the best ceramic room heaters available. At only 1.43 pounds and 14.9 x 8.1 x 15.2 centimetres, the heater ensures you stay warm without a bulky heater standing next to your face.

Pros

  • Portable & light
  • Efficient ceramic coils (heats up in 4 seconds)
  • Available in four colors
  • Tip-over protection

Cons

  • It can only heat small spaces
  • It may not be durable

Key Features:

  • Energy-efficient heat
  • Easy to use
  • Two heat settings
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Tip-over switch
  • Cool touch plastic housing
  • 1500 Watts

Product Review:

If you’re looking for a powerful heater that isn’t bulky, the Honeywell UberHeat might be one of the best ceramic space heaters for you. The compact device offers powerful 1500-watt heat with a modern design. This product is an excellent addition to the best heaters for small rooms list due to its performance. 

You can place the heater on a tabletop or floor, as the 360-degree tip-over protection, cool touch plastic housing, and non-slip rubber feet will ensure that your house stays safe.

Cost Saving:

You can avoid high electric bills by selecting the low setting, a more energy-efficient option. So, the Honeywell UberHeat can help you stay warm without paying a hefty price for it. 

Special Factors:

You can increase your comfort through this portable ceramic heater as it comes with personal, ceramic, fan forced, radiant and infrared to meet all your heating needs. This supplemental heater will meet your different heating needs at a fair cost.

honeywell ceramic heater sitting on glass table

Pros

  • Easy to carry
  • Multiple safety features
  • A programmable thermostat allows for control
  • Multiple settings (fan, forced, radiant, etc.)
  • Energy and cost-saving

Cons

  • Not suitable for large rooms
  • User complaints about thermostat shutting off

Key Features:

  • Instant warmth
  • ECO function allows energy savings
  • Thermal shutoff to prevent overheating
  • Internal tip-over switch

Product Review:

The De’Longhi Ceramic Tower Heater offers three heating settings to ensure that you find one that best suits your family’s needs. The digital adjustable thermostat allows for continuous comfort at your desired settings. You can also set the manual programmable timer whenever you need heat most.

Thanks to its sleek design, you can place the De’Longhi Ceramic Tower Heater anywhere in your home or office without messing with its aesthetics. 

Automatically Saves Energy:

The heater comes equipped with an ECO function that automatically adjusts heat and power settings. The EcoEnergy function allows for up to 40% energy savings. This will save you from unexpected costs on your next electric bill but will ensure that you enjoy the warmth at any time.

Special Factors:

The side-to-side motorized oscillation allows the heater to distribute warm air to more parts of the room quickly and efficiently. The foot pedal activates motorized oscillation to deliver full-room warm air circulation.

De'Longhi Ceramic Tower Heater Remote

Pros

  • Automatic energy-saving, up to 40%
  • Multiple safety features 
  • Has quiet system option
  • A manual programmable timer provides warmth when needed
  • Motorized oscillation for distributed heat
  • It helps prevent frozen pipes (the standby setting automatically warms up the heater)

Cons

  • Not efficient for large rooms
  • The digital display does not show room temperature

Ceramic Space Heater Buying Guide

Sometimes, having a list of the best rated ceramic heaters isn’t enough to make an informed decision about the heater that’s suitable for your home. So, here’s some more information to ensure that you know how to pick the right heater.

How Ceramic Heaters Work

Ceramic heaters use convection heating methods, although they may also produce radiant heat. Ceramic heating doesn’t use fire or propane to heat the air, which can be hazardous to the surroundings.

A ceramic heater includes ceramic plates attached to metal coils. When the coils heat up, the electricity passes through them and transfers heat to the ceramic plates. After the plates absorb the heat, the heat spreads in the air and warms up the room. The process is instant, allowing you to feel the warmth within seconds or minutes.

Types of Heat in Ceramic Heating

A ceramic heater can use two heating processes: convection and radiant.

Convection: It transfers heat from one place to another due to fluid movement, such as air [3].

Radiant: It is the supply of heat directly to the floor panels in the wall or ceiling of a house [4]. People with allergies prefer radiant heat because it doesn’t circulate allergens like forced-air systems.

Although both heating methods have their unique ways of spreading warmth, they are both helpful in ensuring that you don’t suffer in the cold.

How to Choose a Heater

Room Size: The size of your room plays a significant role in the heater you should choose. If you’re looking for a heart for the living room, look into the best ceramic heaters for large rooms because not every heater covers big spaces.

Our topic choice, the Pelonis PHTPU1501 Ceramic Tower, can heat large rooms to be used in a living or dining room.

If you’re looking to heat a small space, it is best to opt for the Honeywell Uberheat Ceramic Heater or the Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater.

Fan Speeds: Ceramic heaters often have two fan speeds to control how much heating comes from the device. You may benefit from purchasing a heater that has both low and high fan speed options to help you control the heat as per your requirement.

Control Requirements: Some heaters come with adjustable thermostats or remote controls. It is crucial to determine whether you value these functions and pick a heater based on this decision.

Woman using remote for heater

Oscillation Preference: Ceramic heaters that offer oscillation ensure that the heater sways from left to right while the fan distributes air. This feature is more common in ceramic tower heaters, so if this feature is essential to you, look into the best ceramic tower heaters before you shortlist your options.

Expected Extra Features: Your ideal heater can also depend on the functions you expect in the device. For example, you may expect a remote control, timer, eco-setting, or for the device to have a room temperature display. Some of the best rated portable ceramic heaters might not be suitable for your home if they don’t contain the functions to make your life easier. 

Thanks to the continuous improvements in heaters, a little bit of research will help you find the best space heater for your home.

Safety Concerns: If you’ve got small children or pets in the house, safety is one of the biggest concerns when picking a space heater. You shouldn’t have to stress about the safety of your family members while you try to stay warm.

Fortunately, most modern heaters come with advanced safety features to ensure that you can warm up in the winter without a risk. The Pelonis PHTPU1501, Lasko 755320, Honeywell UberHeat, and many other heaters on this list include safety features, such as tip-over switch, overheat protection, and cool to the touch housing.

Even with the safety measures, you must place your heater safely to avoid a fire. The Natural Fire Protection Association found that Over half (54%) of the home heating fire deaths were caused by having heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding [5].

Portability: Finding a heater that you can carry around has been a significant element of the best ceramic heaters 2020 and beyond. Consider the size and weight of a heater if you plan to move it around your home. You might find a heater with a carrying handle, such as the GiveBest Portable Heater, convenient to move around and use when needed.

Benefits of Using a Ceramic Heater

Some of the benefits of using a ceramic space heater are listed below.

Size

Ceramic heaters tend to be smaller or lighter in size compared to other heaters, such as electric fireplaces or infrared heaters. So, you can easily carry the heater from one room to another as they are more portable.

Man moving box down the stairs

Low Fire Risks

Most ceramic heaters are equipped with advanced safety features, such as tip-over switch, overheating protection, and cool-touch housing, ensuring that the device does not fall and catch on fire. Ceramic heaters are ideal for households with pets or children if the device has cool-touching housing to prevent burns from excessive heat.

Affordable Products

Although some ceramic heaters can be expensive, most have a low upfront cost. You can choose a ceramic heater based on your budget, the size of the room requiring heat, and the features you expect.

Energy-efficient

Since many ceramic heaters come with an eco-saving mode, you can save on electric bills and enjoy efficient heat in your home or office.

No Toxic Emissions

Ceramic heaters run on electricity, which means that no toxic emissions can float in the air, making them a safe alternative to heating. Gas or propane heaters tend to pose more health risks due to the toxic emissions from the heaters. So, ceramic heaters are one of the best non-toxic space heaters [6].

How Ceramic Heaters Compare to Other Types of Heaters

Ceramic heaters are an excellent choice among many other electric portable heaters. Here is how they compare to other types of heaters.

Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters distribute heat into a room without fans or blowers and are suitable for smaller spaces. However, ceramic heaters do a better job at heating large rooms as it blows the air around the entire space.

One main difference between the two heaters is that infrared heaters directly heat objects in front of the device. On the other hand, ceramic heaters do a better job at maintaining a consistent room temperature with the help of convection heat.

Oil Heaters

Oil heaters are an efficient option that provides long-lasting warmth. However, they tend to be heavier and more dangerous than a ceramic heater. So, they can be risky to use in households with children or pets.

Thanks to most devices’ fans, ceramic heaters tend to heat a room faster than a ceramic heater, making it a more energy-efficient option.

Radiant Heaters

Radiant heaters are suitable for heating large rooms as they evenly distribute warm air throughout the space. However, they take longer to heat a space. On the other hand, a ceramic heater provides quick heat, making it more energy-efficient.

Fortunately, some radiant heaters, such as propane heaters, include a fan to speed up the heating. However, ceramic heaters also tend to contain fans, making them a better choice for some households.

family sitting on couch near heater smiling

Fan Heaters

Fan heaters blow air into the space to warm up the room. However, if the fan is turned off, the place can become cool again. Ceramic heaters come with a fan option, so you can switch on the fan when needed instead of relying on it entirely.

Ceramic heaters retain heat on plates, so the heat circulates in the room even when the fan is off. Whereas for a fan heater, you may need to keep switching the fan on for heat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ceramic Heaters

Are Ceramic Heaters Better?

Ceramic heaters are the best choices for small spaces because they are energy efficient and do a great job at covering small to medium-sized rooms. Most ceramic heaters are designed with an eco-saving mode to help you save energy and high electric bills.

You can use ceramic heaters in multiple areas [7], such as bedrooms, offices, garages, conservatories, and even in retail stores. However, choosing a ceramic heater covering a large space is essential to ensure efficiency.

Are Ceramic Panel Heaters Any Good?

A ceramic panel heater uses a similar heating method to other ceramic space heaters. They are a good option because they simply need to be plugged into an outlet and easily moved between rooms.

One key benefit of a ceramic panel heater is that it has similar features to central heating. You can regulate the temperature to program the heat to come on and off at specific times, allowing you to control the room’s warmth and save on electric bills.

Which is the Best Ceramic Heater?

Since there are many ceramic heaters, choosing one heater and crowning it the best may be challenging. We have selected some of the best ceramic space heaters in this guide due to their performance. Our top pick is the Pelonis PHTPU1501 Ceramic Tower; however, all the runner-up heaters do a great job at keeping the room warm, depending on the size of the space.

If you live in Canada, you’re well aware of the low temperature, requiring you to stay indoors to remain warm. Luckily, finding the best space heater in Canada is simpler when choosing the device.

Do Ceramic Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity?

Ceramic heaters are known to heat the space very fast, making them an efficient choice for almost any household. Many of the Lasko ceramic heaters are energy-efficient and use less electricity.

Most ceramic heaters use 1.5 kilowatts per hour [8] if you are using them to their full potential. Some heaters also come with built-in fans, which contribute to electricity usage.

Although ceramic heaters are highly efficient, if you’re looking for something that consumes even less energy, you may benefit from using an electric fireplace. The best electric fireplaces provide a high-efficiency rate, and they heat a room quickly. Other options include infrared or fan heaters.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Space Heater?

One of the first questions that pops into many minds while purchasing a space heater is the cost of running one. Although the exact cost of running your space heater can vary, you can use an energy use calculator [9] to determine an approximate cost.

If your primary goal is to find an energy-efficient space heater, look at the descriptions of each heater and do separate calculations for each device based on their power in watts and the cost per kWh in your area. 

You may also benefit from looking into the features each heater has. For example, the Pelonis PHTPU1501 comes with an eco-setting option to help you save on hefty electric bills. Similarly, the De’Longhi Ceramic Tower Heater offers up to 40% savings thanks to its automatic energy-saving mode.

What Heaters Are Best for a Large Room?

Finding the best indoor electric heaters for large rooms is simpler due to the range of options available. Ceramic heaters are great for small and medium-sized rooms. However, you may need to consider electric or infrared heaters for large rooms.

To find the best space heater for your large room, measure the space first. After knowing the area’s dimensions that require heat, look for the best electric fireplaces to determine which one can cover the largest space. 

Since there are many makes and models available today, pay attention to manufacturer specifications regarding BTU to determine if the electric fireplace meets your heating requirements.

Couple sitting near ceramic heater

Stay Cozy with Your New Ceramic Heater

A ceramic heater is a cost-effective appliance that can transform how you feel about winter. With the array of products available, each one provides numerous features, allowing you to pick one that best suits your needs.

This guide narrowed down the seven best space heaters to help you make an informed decision about your purchase. Choosing one of the best ceramic heaters will allow you to enjoy the winter and bid farewell to cold toes and extra blankets!

References

[1] UL 94 Classification and Flame-Retardant Thermoplastics (Proto Labs)

[2]  What Is 50 Decibels Compared To Other dB (Decibel Pro)

[3] Heat Convection (Science Direct)

[4] Radiant Heating (Energy.gov)

[5] Home Heating Fires (NFPA)

[6] Non-Toxic Space Heaters (Non Toxic Home)

[7] Ceramic Heaters & Where to Use Them (Heating Point)

[8] How Much Electricity Space Heaters Use? (HVAC Boss)

[9] Electricity Usage of a Space Heater (Energy Use Calculator)

Joseph and Family
About Joseph D. Nielson

Former journalist and editor for various press groups, I now dedicate my time to reviewing products for the home and family life. When I get time to myself, I enjoy rock climbing, taking my dirt bike for a rip, and most importantly providing my family with the best home possible!