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Best Heaters for Basements

Updated on February 9, 2022 by Joseph D. Nielson

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When you need to grab something from the basement in the winter, a constant battle may arise in your family to determine who should go downstairs. You may dread the thought of stepping into a freezing area and coming back with your toes frozen. Whether you use the basement as a laundry room, storage space, or work, the cold temperature can turn the thought of going into the room into a nightmare.

 Many basements tend to be damp, and throwing winter months into the mix can lead to humid air, making the space colder. Although there could be several reasons for a cold basement [1], one of the main culprits could be a lack of ventilation. You may end up with mildew and mould from condensation if you don’t ventilate your basement adequately. Combat the cold and maintain a comfortable temperature in the unforbidden dungeon that your family steers clear from with the best space heaters for large basements.

We did our research to find you the best space heaters for large rooms to help you avoid the stiff and cold fingers you deal with when you go to the basement. Continue reading the best space heater for basement review!

Top 8 Best Space Heaters for Basements

Product ImageProduct NamePowerPower SourceHeating MethodRangeApprox. WeightView Latest Price
Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Tower Heater
Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Tower Heater1500 WattsCorded ElectricConvectionN/A8 lbsView Price
Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater
Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater1500 Watts

120 Volts
Cordless ElectricRadiantN/A19 lbsView Price
Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater, WiFi
Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater, WiFi1500 Watts

110 Volts
Corded ElectricRadiant750 sq. ft.9 lbsView Price
Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater for Garage, Factory, Basement
Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater for Garage, Factory, Basement5000 Watts

208 or 240 Volts
Corded ElectricConvection500 sq. ft.24 lbsView 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
De'Longhi Convection Panel Heater
De'Longhi Convection Panel Heater1500 WattsCorded ElectricForced Air300 sq. ft.18.30 lbsView Price
Amazon Basics Portable Eco-Smart Space Heater
Amazon Basics Portable Eco-Smart Space Heater1500 WattsCorded ElectricRadiant160 sq. ft.14.55 lbsView Price
De'Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater
De'Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater1500 WattsCorded ElectricMicathermic300 sq. ft.15.43 lbsView Price

Top 8 Best Basement Heaters Reviews

Key Features:

  • Two quiet settings
  • Adjustable Thermostat (1500W & 900W)
  • Remote Control & Built-in Timer
  • Built-in Safety Features
  • Fully Assembled

Product Overview:

The Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Tower Heater will crank up the heat at an affordable price, allowing you to stay toasty in your basement all winter long. The device’s consistent performance and variety of settings are a top choice for many households. 

 With a rating of 4.6, the Lasko 755320 shows its users why it’s one of the best heaters for basement in various households. You don’t have to worry about floor space thanks to its sleek and stylish design, allowing you to place it in a corner without affecting the aesthetics of your room. The variety of features also helps you set up the heater according to your convenience. The best space heater for basement will ensure that you’re satisfied with the heat level.

Lasko 755320 features like 2 heat settings, thermostat, auto-off timer, built-in safety

Special Highlights:

Along with its portability and easy-to-blend design, the Lasko 755320 comes with a remote, so you don’t have to get up every time you want to change the settings. The remote is easy to understand, so you don’t have to reach for the owner’s manual every time you want to control the heat. Controlling the temperature with your fingertips allows you to focus on work or enjoy a lazy day in a cozy environment. It is also the best portable heater for basement due to its lightweight.

Pros

  • Quick temperature rise
  • It takes little floor space
  • Easy to carry and store
  • Functional remote
  • Powerful performance

Cons

  • It might tip over due to weight/size
  • No fan-only setting

Key Features:

  • Dual heating systems
  • Auto Energy Saving Model With High and Low Feature
  • IR Remote Control
  • High-Pressure Low Noise Blower with Noise level 39 dB super quiet
  • Caster Wheels and lifetime filter
  • 120 Volts

Product Overview:

The Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater has a unique design with a wood casing that resembles a vintage speaker. While some may favour the design, others may prefer something more modern. However, the heater keeps up with its claim to heat a 1,000 square feet room.

Thanks to the wheels on the bottom of the heater, you can conveniently push it around wherever you need heat most. Although its weight may make it difficult to carry the equipment up or down the stairs, its performance makes it one of the best heaters for basement.

Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater features like advance dual heating technology, remote operation and UL listed

Special Highlights:

The Dr Infrared features a dual heating system that effectively combines convection heat and infrared heat [2] to heat a large area, so it is the best space heater for large basement. The device can evenly heat a large room, and after it reaches the set temperature, it turns off and remains on standby mode until the room requires heat again. Due to its powerful function, you could feel the heat from a distance.

Pros

  • Heats room efficiently
  • Can heat large rooms
  • Tip-over and overheat protection
  • Automatic shut-off timer
  • It comes with a remote control

Cons

  • Heavy – challenging to move around
  • Timer use requires remote

Key Features:

  • WiFi-enabled
  • Wall-mounted
  • Infrared heat
  • Overheat protection
  • Tip-over shut off
  • Washable filter
  • 1500 Watts, 110 Volts

Product Overview:

The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater comes with a range of intelligent features, allowing it to cope with modern-day requirements. The vent shields are created with a specialized material, allowing the grill to be cool to the touch. Its safety and efficiency make it a good choice for households with children or pets.

The main downside of the Heat Storm is that it can be challenging to install a wall-mounted unit. You will be required to drill holes in the walls for screws, which may not suit every room’s aesthetics. Sometimes, people ditch the best baseboard heater for basement for wall-mounted space heaters as they provide similar functions. However, it is a heavy-duty heater with high performance, allowing the purchase to be worth the hassle of setting it up.

In an analysis of 20 expert reviews by Don’t Waste Your Money, the Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater, WiFi Wall Mounted made it to first place [3] out of six products in the category. It can be considered the best electric heater for basement due to its high efficiency.

Electrician working on electric heater

Special Highlights:

Since the Heat Storm is WiFi-enabled, you can control the temperature through a remote or a smartphone app. So, if your heater is too far from your bed, you don’t have to walk to the device to change the settings. The heat storm could also be the best heater for unfinished basement because you can mount it on the wall for even heat distribution. In addition, radiant heat can prevent hot spots or cold pockets. Another benefit of radiant heat is that it does not circulate allergens or dust n unfinished basements.

The design is also space-saving as it is wall-mounted, allowing you to enjoy a toasty room without a heater taking up space in your room. It is the best space heater for basement for those with small room space. 

Pros

  • Can control with WiFi-enabled app
  • Warms up the room quickly
  • User-friendly
  • Compact size to fit small rooms
  • Vent shields are made with specialized material

Cons

  • A bit noisy
  • It may not work in large spaces
  • Mounting the device can be hectic

Key Features:

  • Heavy duty
  • Adjustable thermostat (45 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Can warm large areas
  • Powerful output
  • Output control
  • Compatible with electrical system
  • 5000 Watts

Product Overview:

The Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater fulfills its promise to be a top choice for large areas, including outdoor space, such as barns and garages. Since basements tend to be reasonably large spaces, it is vital to use a heater that can work efficiently in every corner. Due to its high power, the heater provides continuous comfort in an ample space. The Fahrenheat FUH Electric is known for warming spacious basements, eliminating your cold basement problem. If you’re looking for high coverage, this is the best space heater for large basement.

A good basement heater needs to be durable and compatible. This heater will work well with any electrical system, whether you need 208 or 240 volts. Although this basement heater is on the pricier end, it provides value for every penny you spend.

The output control feature on the basement heater automatically shuts off to prevent overheating and reactivates the heater when the temperature returns to normal. You could save on electrical bills while maintaining your safety if you forgot to turn the heater off when you left the room.

Car in a garage

Special Highlights:

It is challenging to find a heater that can warm up an open space because there are many ways for air to escape in a spacious setting. When some of the air escapes a room, you’re left with dry air and low moisture in the room. However, Fahrenheat FUH Electric takes the lead in providing comfort wherever you want to relax. Its built-in single pole thermostat provides long-term comfort solutions that adjust from 45 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. So, the next time you go to your basement, you won’t have to rush to come back to run from the cold. It certainly makes the best electric heater for basement list for the right reasons.

Pros

  • Can heat large areas, including open spaces
  • Easy to use
  • Can set in any position (includes a ceiling mounting bracket)
  • Output control
  • Compatible with most electrical systems

Cons

  • Outdated appearance
  • Installation may be difficult

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 Overview

The Pelonis PHTPU1501 Ceramic Tower provides sufficient heat, with the option to control the temperature as per requirement. The sleek design makes it a great addition to any room so that you can heat up in style. It could also be noted as the best heater for unfinished basement due to its radiant heat. Radiant heat does not blow air, removing the risk of contact with dust or allergens.

The 70-degree oscillation function allows the heater to evenly heat the room so that you’re not shivering in one corner. Its instant heat feature quickly heats up to 70.0 Fahrenheit in 3 seconds, making it an ideal choice for cold winter months. The last thing you want to do is come home to a heater that takes too long to heat up.

You can also enjoy the touch control panel created to make the user’s life easier. With a range of functions available, the Pelonis PHTPU1501 provides value for money.

Pelonis PHTPU1501 range of functions like remote control and touch control panel

Special Highlights:

The Pelonis PHTPU1501 is a top choice for families with children or pets due to its safety features. Thanks to the device’s tip-over auto-shutoff and overheating protection, you won’t have to worry about leaving your children in the same room as the heater.

The equipment follows the ABS UL94 VO plastics flammability standard, ensuring that safety remains one of the top priorities of the heater.

Pros

  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Fast heating
  • Advanced safety features
  • Eco setting to save energy
  • User-friendly
  • Easy to move around

Cons

  • Not super quiet like other models of the brand

Key Features:

  • Sleek look
  • Instant & full room warmth
  • Adjustable thermostat with multiple heat settings
  • Energy-saving
  • Convenient wall mount
  • 1500 Watts

Product Overview:

This unique-looking De’Longhi Convection Panel Heater allows users to enjoy the heat without impacting the room’s aesthetic. It can warm an entire room for complete comfort, ensuring that some corners of the room don’t remain unheated.

Enjoy instant warmth with the dual fan system and customize your heating needs with the adjustable thermostat. Choose from multiple heat settings to combat any type of outside cold. The heater also features an energy-saving option to ensure that you don’t pay a hefty price for enjoying a toasty room.

De'Longhi Convection Panel Heater sitting on the ground in a basement

Special Highlights:

The De’Longhi Convection Panel Heater allows the option to set on the floor or mount the wall so that you can choose the ideal option for you based on your room’s setting. The wall mount is convenient and easy to mount on any wall, so you don’t have to struggle to complete the task. Your heater will include a mounting kit, so you can easily mount the item if you prefer your heater on the wall.

Pros

  • Heats room evenly
  • Can customize comfort through an adjustable thermostat
  • Energy-saving option
  • Can mount if preferred
  • Unique design

Cons

  • The heater might be too big for some rooms
  • It doesn’t highlight safety features

Key Features:

  • Can heat rooms to 160 square feet
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Easy-to-read LED display
  • Overheat sensor for safety
  • Four infrared heating elements with 750W and 1500W power settings
  • The ECO-Smart setting for energy savings
  • Includes remote control

Product Overview:

The Amazon Basics Portable Eco-Smart Space Heater is a classic device featuring an easy-to-read LED display, allowing you to adjust the heat as per your requirements effortlessly. The adjustable electronic thermostat allows users to heat the room based on outside weather conditions. Whether you need a slightly warm room when it’s crisp outside or extreme heat when a snowstorm hits, this device will have your back. This device is the best portable heater for basement for the right reasons.

It can heat up to 160 square feet of room with a standard 9-foot ceiling. Unfortunately, it only heats a small space and is not ideal for large spaces. However, it is one of the best heaters for basement if the space isn’t large.

bed in basement

Special Highlights:

The Amazon Basics Portable Eco-Smart Space Heater consists of four infrared heating elements with 750W and 1500W power settings. Due to this feature, you can control the heat level in your room and enjoy the perfect temperature. Thanks to its ECO-Smart setting, you won’t even have to deal with unexpected hefty bills.

Pros

  • Adjustable thermostat to control the temperature
  • Can save money with ECO-Smart setting
  • Remote makes controlling temperature simpler
  • Includes over-heat sensor for safety

Cons

  • Cannot heat a large room
  • Design of heater may not suit every room

Key Features:

  • Full room warmth
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Sleek look
  • Convenient wall mount
  • Energy-saving
  • 1500 Watts

Product Overview:

The De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater provides total room comfort without making noise. The heating power allows you to enjoy the perfect temperature in every corner of the room. You can adjust the thermostat with multiple heat settings to customize your heating needs.

Due to its lightweight, the De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel can easily be moved between rooms, allowing you to enjoy heat wherever you are. Whether you’re watching a movie in the living room or ready to head to bed, you can move the device around.

De'Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater in basement

Special Highlights:

The heater comes with a mounting kit to provide you with two options for setting the heater. One convenient feature of this heater is mounting it on the wall. If you prefer to move it around rooms, you can keep it on the floor. However, if you need the heater in a specific area that has less floor space, you can mount it on the wall for convenient use. It is considered the best electric heater for basement due to its range of setting options.

Pros

  • High power to heat a full room
  • Sleek look to fit modern room aesthetics
  • Adjustable thermostat with multiple heat settings
  • Convenient wall mount
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Energy-saving option

Cons

  • It doesn’t highlight safety feature
  • No remote, so it might be challenging to control if mounted

Benefits of Using a Basement Space Heater

The basement tends to be one of the coldest places in a house because it is underground. The lack of ventilation or windows on the lower level contributes to the coldness as cold air comes in but cannot make its way out.

Another reason basements are cold even when it’s not winter is that basements run behind in temperature. A study by The National Research Council of Canada found that the exterior foundation or basement wall surfaces take up to three days to react to changes in outside temperature. While surface temperature near the wall base takes 69 days to catch up on outside temperatures. [4]

Using a basement heater is an effective way to keep up with the cold climate in the basement.

Size

Space heaters are available in various sizes, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs. You can select a heater based on the space you want to use it in and enjoy a toasty room all year round. 

Portability

Most space heaters are lightweight and easy to carry around. The portability allows you to place the heater wherever you want and move them around when needed. Some can also be mounted on walls to provide you with more floor space. You can also store the heater in a closet when you don’t need it, especially in the summer.

lightweight and easy to carry around heaters

Energy Efficiency

Many space heaters are equipped with an eco-mode, allowing the device to use electricity efficiently. So, you can use the heater when necessary and turn it off to save on unexpected costs. In addition, space heaters are a great way to save money on your electric bill because you won’t require a single heater to heat the entire house as a central heater would.

Your choice of heater also plays a critical role in the electric bills. For example, a propane heater does not use electricity at all, reducing your bill to a great extent.

Cost of Using an Electric Heater

The last thing you want is to be slammed with an unexpected electric bill due to your new heater purchase. Having a general idea of what your monthly costs of using an electric heater in the basement will look like can be helpful.

Space heaters are supplemental heaters created to work along with your house furnace. If you leave the heater running all day with no central heat, you might put too much pressure on the space heater, and it could lead to higher bills. So, it is essential that you don’t get a space heater to heat your entire house with one device. Many households prefer natural gas heaters due to lower energy bills and increased value when you sell your house. So, you may benefit from finding the best natural gas heater for basement. 

The exact cost of your electric space heater for the basement will vary depending on the electricity rates in your area.

You can utilize an energy use calculator [5] to determine how much it will cost to run a space heater.

You can also use the formula below to calculate the cost of using a space heater. Collect all necessary data and apply the formula to receive an average cost.

Step 1

Multiply the heater’s wattage by the number of estimated hours the heater will be used.

Step 2

Divide by 1000

Step 3

Multiply by your kWh rate

Figuring out the exact cost of running your space heater can be hectic, but it will save you from the hassle of dealing with an unexpected bill. However, your actual bill can vary based on how often you use the heater and the current kWh rate in your area.

Person holding a calculator with one hand and pencil in the other with the numbers 2578 written on a piece of paper

Frequently Asked Questions About Basement Space Heaters

What’s the Most Efficient Way to Heat a Basement?

As the winter months arrive, the most common question households ask is, “what is the best way to heat a cold basement?”

Using a space heater is one of the most efficient and convenient ways to heat your basement. A space heater takes the burden off a central heater or furnace and allows the space to warm evenly. You can also save on large electric bills from cranking up your central heater too high. 

How Do You Heat a Large Basement?

You can choose a heater for your basement based on your space, budget, and expectations from the equipment. There are a variety of heaters available on the market, ranging from infrared, ceramic, electric fireplace, oil-filled radiators to propane heaters. You can choose a heater for your basement based on your space, budget, and expectations from the equipment. We’ve selected the best heaters for basement above to make your decision easier. However, you may find something more suitable for your home from our top 10 electric fireplaces list.

What Type of Heater is Best for Basement?

Many heaters are available today, and many of them come with unique features, so your idea of the best space heater for basement can vary compared to another household. The best heater for basement can vary depending on the size of your room and your taste. Our top choice is the Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Tower Heater due to its consistent performance and ability to heat a room at an affordable cost.

Many companies offer unique features and continuously upgrade their products to meet current demands thanks to technology. You could choose from any of our top eight heaters based on your requirements. In addition to this list, you can also benefit from reading reviews of popular Vornado heaters to make a more informed decision about your purchase. Some Vornado products may also make the best heaters for the basement list due to their performance.

Where Should I Place a Space Heater?

The placement of a heater plays an essential role in its efficiency. You may need to play around with the positioning of the heater a couple of times to determine the best spot in your basement to place it. Try to place your space heater in an area where the heat can flow through the entire length of the heater so that the room can achieve maximum warmth. Even the best heater for large basement may not work as efficiently if you place it in the wrong area.

If you have children or pets in your home, it is also critical to place the space heater on a surface where they cannot easily reach it. Fortunately, many brands created space heaters with tip-over protection and advanced safety features, so placing them on the floor is not that risky. However, the placement plays a valuable role in ensuring your family’s safety since not every heater comes with that feature. Placing it on a surface level also reduces the risk of fire hazards [6].

Luxury basement with couches and kitchen

Do Ceramic Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity?

Ceramic heaters heat up fast compared to many other heaters, which means less energy wastage, requiring less electricity. They use a principle known as resistive heating [7], which is a process that generates heat by passing an electric current via a solid heating component. The more resistance there is the more heat production. These heaters are generally cheaper to run, which benefits from using ceramic heaters. This is one of the reasons the Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Tower Heater is our top pick.

An alternative to ceramic heaters is baseboard heaters. The best baseboard heater for the basement can help you stay warm, but it could result in hefty electric bills. Electric baseboard heaters tend to use more electricity than an electric heat pump.

Do Infrared Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity?

The best infrared heater for basement, like the Dr Infrared and the Amazon Basics Portable Eco-Smart, are cost-effective because the heat they generate is long-lasting, allowing spaces to warm up using less energy. Infrared heaters use 7 watts per square foot (0.1 m²) compared to 10 watts for standard heaters. So, infrared heaters use 30 to 40 percent less energy than standard heaters [8]. They are an optimal choice when you’re trying to save on your electric bill.

Alternatively, finding the best natural gas heater for basement can help you save money due to its lower cost. Natural gas heaters are an efficient energy choice, and they are better for the environment.

Can I Leave the Basement Heater on All the Time?

Basements are one of the trickiest spots in a home to keep warm, so you may wonder if it’s okay to keep the heater on all the time.

Although it is okay to leave your furnace fan on during winter, it may be best to only use a space heater as per requirement. Keeping a space heater on all the time can be risky because it can cause fires if they are left unattended for too long. Unfortunately, heating is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries [9]. Even the best heaters for basement pose some risks if used 24/7.

Many heaters such as the Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Tower, Pelonis PHTPU1501, and the Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared are equipped with advanced safety features to ensure that your home stays safe. Make sure to look into safety details and choose a space heater with tip-over protection or auto shut-off features to avoid fire risks.

Keeping your basement space heater on all the time can also be costly. When the heater runs for a long time, it will require more energy, resulting in high bills. It will be less expensive to run the heater only when needed.

Corner of a basement with a couch and table along with a plant

Basement Heater Safety Tips

Although the best heaters for basement come with safety features, it is vital to be cautious of the steps you take that might cause harm to your home.

Be Mindful About the Placement

Place your space heater in an optimal location to ensure it does not tip over. Keeping it on a surface level and away from flammable items, such as curtains or furniture, is the safest option. You should also keep the heater away from pets and children. You can properly use the best heater for large basement by ensuring that the placing is correct. 

Don’t Use an Extension Cord

It is best to plug a portable space heater directly into a wall. Using an extension cord or power strip can be dangerous for your home as it can overload the circuit and cause fire [10].

Avoid Keeping it Out of Sight

Try to use the heater only when you can keep an eye on it. Observing your heater reduces the risk of fire hazards and ensures that your home stays safe.

Try Not to Use in Damp Locations

Avoid using your space heater in wet environments, such as the bathroom, which is safe. There might be a risk of encountering a short circuit in wet areas. If you need a heater for the bathroom or laundry room, you may need further research to find small space heaters suitable for cold environments.

Keep Your Space Heater Clean

Maintaining your space heater will ensure that it performs efficiently. A great thing about space heaters is that they don’t require you to clean frequently. However, it is essential to use high-quality dusters at least once a month to stop dust from accumulating on the machine.  

Stay Warm with Your Space Heater

Now that you know all about the eight best space heaters for basement, your purchase will be a breeze. Each heater will provide a cost-effective way to remain toasty during the winter as they are all effective supplemental heat sources. Reading the best space heater for basement review will allow you to make a more informed decision about your purchase.

After you cross the tricky path to finding the perfect space heater for your basement, it’s time to enjoy the warmth and say goodbye to layers of blankets.

References

[1] Why Is My Basement So Cold (Basement Issues)

[2] How Infrared Heaters Work (HowStuffWorks)

[3] Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared (DWYM)

[4] Assessing the Impact of Cold Climate on Basement Temperatures (NCR Publications)

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

[6] Reducing Fire Hazards for Portable Electric Heaters (CPSC)

[7] Resistive Heating Explained in Details (EEP)

[8] Infrared Heaters Energy Use (Eco Living Expert)

[9] Heating (NFPA)

[10] Do Not Use Extension Cord (Metropolitan Forensics)

 

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!