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The Best Infrared Heaters Reviews & Buying Guide 2024

Updated on January 3, 2023 by Joseph D. Nielson

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Keeping your home warm when temperatures drop is essential to maintaining the health and well-being of everyone living in the home. When certain rooms need more heat than others, it’s important to look at infrared heat solutions to keep your family comfortable.

When it comes to finding the best space heater for large rooms or small rooms in the home, there are several factors to consider, from the square footage to the portability of the device itself. Every household is unique, and the right infrared heater may differ from your neighbours. The key is to find an energy-efficient device that provides the warmth you need at a price you feel comfortable with.

To help you make the best decision for your household, we’ve put these products to the test to deliver a quality review of the best infrared heaters on the market.

Top 7 Infrared Heaters

Product ImageProduct NameDimensionsHeating MethodWattsApprox. WeightWarrantyView Latest Price
Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater
Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater13 x 12.5 x 17 InchesRadiant1500 Watts19 lbs3 YearsView Price
Lasko 5586 Digital Ceramic Tower Heater with Remote
Lasko 5586 Digital Ceramic Tower Heater with Remote10.5 x 8.8 x 29.5 InchesConvection1500 Watts7 Lbs3 Year LimitedView Price
Heat Storm Deluxe Infrared Space Heater
Heat Storm Deluxe Infrared Space Heater13 x 3.63 x 16.5 InchesRadiant1000 Watts7.5 Lbs1 Year ManufacturerView Price
LifeSmart Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Space Heater
LifeSmart Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Space HeaterN/AConvection1500 Watts24 LbsN/AView Price
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater35 x 8 x 4 InchesRadiant900W, 1200W & 1500W Available8 LbsContact Customer ServiceView Price
Dreo Space Heater for Indoor Use
Dreo Space Heater for Indoor Use5.9 x 5.9 x 15.8 InchesForced Air & Convection1500 Watts4.7 LbsContact Customer ServiceView Price
Trustech 2-In-1 Space Radiant Heater
Trustech 2-In-1 Space Radiant Heater10.43 x 10.31 x 23.78 InchesRadiant1500 Watts6.3 Lbs1 Year ReturnlessView Price

Best Infrared Heaters Review of 2024

Features

  • Overheat Protection
  • Infrared Quartz Tube + PTC
  • Electronic Thermostat
  • Corded Electric Power Source
  • Schedule Timer
  • Tip-Over Shut Off

Product Review: If you’re looking for a safe and durable infrared heater, Dr. Infrared Heater’s portable model is one of the best infrared heaters on the market. It helps you save money on your electric bill and boasts convenient features, including a removable filter that’s replaceable and easy to clean.

Family-Friendly: With overheat protection and a convenient tip-over shut-off feature, families can take advantage of the benefits of this infrared heater without worrying about injury or harm.

Wattage: This advanced heating system allows for greater heat emission without using more power, lowering your electric costs and putting more money in your pocket.

Standout Feature: With a programmable timer, you can set their heater for up to 12 hours of power and take comfort knowing their device will automatically shut off, protecting your home or office.

Pros

  • Auto energy-saving model 
  • Overheat protection
  • Removable filter
  • Easy to operate
  • Quiet fan

Cons

  • Heaviest model on our list
  • Not suitable for large rooms
  • Only suitable for directional heat

Features

  • 8-Hour Timer
  • Programmable Thermostat
  • Remote Control with Digital Display
  • Built-In Safety Features
  • Overheat Protection

Product Review: If you’re looking for a sleek, portable infrared heater, Lasko’s Digital Ceramic Tower offers a range of convenient, safe features, from overheat protection to an efficient eight-hour timer.

Remote: With a compact and convenient remote control with a digital display, you control your infrared heater from anywhere in the room.

Design: Its sleek, portable design allows you to place the heater anywhere in your room without taking up excess space.

Standout Feature: Lasko’s built-in safety features ensure your family can safely enjoy the benefits of your new heater, including overheat protection and cool-touch housing.

Pros

  • Overheat protection 
  • Self-regulating ceramic element
  • Cool-touch housing
  • Portable
  • Simple assembly

Cons

  • Noisey
  • Only two heat settings
  • Customer service

Features

  • Safe-Touch Grill
  • Remote Control
  • Adjustable Thermostat
  • Heat Storm Heating Technology
  • ETL Safety Certified

Product Review: With a sleek, modern design and a range of convenient, innovative features, Heat Storm’s infrared heater provides you with the customization you need to incorporate their device into any home aesthetic.

Safety: A safe-touch grill ensures users are always protected when operating their infrared heater and will automatically shut off if the device tips over.

Thermostat: With adjustable temperatures and an LED display, this infrared heater combines efficiency with innovation.

Standout Feature: Heat Storm’s portable infrared heater offers a convenient wall-mount option, so you can choose where your heater fits best in your home or office.

Pros

  • Wall mount template included 
  • ETL Safety Certified
  • Portable
  • Compact unit
  • Minimal noise

Cons

  • Costly
  • Potential issues with thermostat readings
  • Takes additional time to heat desired room

Features

  • Large Space Capability
  • Adjustable Temperature Settings
  • Remote Control
  • Durable Design
  • On/Off Timer

Product Review: With the variety of features included in this LifeSmart model, including eight heating elements, you can customize your heat experience to meet the needs of your home or office.

Power: With 1500 Watt Infrared quartz, you can power any large room up to 100 square feet.

Safety: The on/off timer feature allows you to set it and forget it without risking safety.

Standout Feature: With three adjustable heat power settings, you control the level of warmth in your room, ensuring any room in your home or office is at your optimal comfort level.

Pros

  • Energy-efficient 
  • Minimal noise
  • Can heat larger spaces
  • Adjustable temperatures
  • Ideal for basements and garages

Cons

  • Costly
  • Bright display
  • Loud controls
  • Noisy fan

Features

  • 3 Power Settings
  • Mirror Aluminum Reflector
  • Made with Weather-Proof Aluminum
  • Remote Control
  • Overheat protection

Product Review: If you’re looking for the best infrared outdoor heaters on the market, Dr. Infrared Heater’s Outdoor Heater offers a range of convenient features, from indoor and outdoor capabilities to a durable and weather-proof aluminum exterior for added security.

Indoor/Outdoor: Thanks to its IP55 approval, this infrared heater can be used inside or in an outdoor space for maximum convenience.

Power: With three power settings, you choose the level of warmth you need in any room in your home or office.

Standout Feature: Dr. Infrared Heater’s weatherproof features mean you can securely store this infrared heater on your deck without worrying about exposure to harsh weather such as heavy rain.

Pros

  • Indoor and outdoor capability 
  • Residential and commercial
  • Overheat protection
  • Wall mount and tripod mount available
  • Affordable

Cons

  • May not be suitable for large outdoor spaces
  • Tripod mount sold separately
  • Batteries for remote control not included
  • Narrow heat

Features

  • Smart ECO Mode
  •  70° Wide-Angle Oscillation
  • Remote Control
  • Portable
  • 16-Inch Compact Design

Product Review: Dreo offers an affordable solution to heating your living room, bedroom, garage and more, with a range of convenient features and a promised long lifespan.

Design: Thanks to its compact design, this infrared heater can be displayed discreetly and stored compactly, maximizing the space in your home.

Speed: With a powerful 1500W PTC ceramic heating, heat any space in your home in seconds.

Standout Feature: This infrared heater includes a built-in temperature sensor and Smart ECO mode to help you make the most of its capabilities without increasing your energy costs.

Pros

  • ETL-certified safety 
  • Tip-over protection
  • Overheat protection
  • Affordable
  • Energy-efficient
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Potential issues with thermostat accuracy
  • Not suitable for large spaces
  • No emergency shut-off

Features

  • 4 Heating Modes
  • Tip-Over Protection
  • Energy-Efficient
  • Overheat Protection
  • Rotating Design

Product Review: If you’re in the market for a portable and affordable infrared heater, Trustech offers a 120-degree oscillation infrared heater with dual-protection and energy-efficient capabilities.

Portable: With a secure carrying handle and small, compact design, this heater is ideal for small rooms and homes with minimal storage.

Standout Feature: Four adjustable temperatures give you the freedom to choose the level of comfort you prefer in your home, from the highest 1500W to the most eco-friendly 250W option.

Pros

  • 4 adjustable temperature modes 
  • Affordable
  • Overheat and tip-over protection
  • 120-degree oscillation

Cons

  • Only suitable for small areas
  • No wheels
  • Noisey

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Infrared Heaters

Budget: Your budget is an important factor to consider no matter what you’re buying for your home. However, it’s significantly more important when you’re purchasing an item that has seasonal use, much like an infrared heater often does. Most consumers are looking to save money since they will only use the device during colder months and want to minimize the impact on their electricity bill.

It’s important to consider which infrared heater offers the benefits you need at a price that works within your budget. If you overspend, you could be impacting the rest of your finances.

Location: When it comes to finding the best infrared heater, you first want to identify where you’re looking to add warmth, specifically whether you’re interested in a device for residential or commercial purposes. Certain models may offer unique features for your living room, while others offer unique benefits to office spaces.

If you’re looking for a heater for the home, the next question to ask is whether it will be used indoors, outdoors, or both. Certain infrared heaters are designed for one or the other, while others offer dual-heating capabilities.

Size The size of the room you’re interested in heating is going to be a key indicator of the availability of models at your disposal. In most cases, these devices are designed for small, compact rooms with a square foot total of approximately 300 to 500. In some cases, you may be able to find a model that is larger in size and offers more heat capabilities for rooms up to 1000 square feet.

Portability: Convenience is one of the most important factors in any home device, especially when you’re trying to find the best infrared panel heaters on the market. Portability is a major factor for many consumers when shopping for an infrared heater. Consumers want to ensure they can securely and efficiently move the unit around their desired room to the person or object that needs it at that time and don’t want to worry about where they’ll store the heater when it’s not in use.

Energy: Energy-efficiency is essential if you’re adding more devices to your home or office. The more energy-conscious your infrared heater is, the lower your utilities will be. While infrared heaters do use additional electricity, there are a variety of energy-conscious models available to help consumers bridge the gap between comfort and sustainability. Standard heaters use approximately 1500 watts and an average of seven watts per square foot, compared to the 10 watts used by standard heaters.

Top Features of Infrared Heaters

Wattage: The level of energy used by an infrared heater can significantly impact not only the device’s impact on the environment but the costs the user encounters on their monthly utility bill. The best infrared heaters offer multiple heat levels so users can choose the wattage they prefer. They should be energy certified by a reputable organization to ensure they’re as safe for the environment as they are for the consumer.

Portable: Portable infrared heaters allow you to maneuver your device at your convenience so you can direct the heat where it’s needed. A portable space heater allows you to maneuver your heater wherever you desire and store it nearly anywhere in your home or office.

Overheat Protection: Many infrared heaters can quickly heat a space and emit significantly high temperatures. Overheat protection is one of the most important features in today’s models. With this added protection, households with pets and young children can safely place their heater in their desired room without worrying about injury.

Noise: When it comes to adding devices in your home or professional space, the last thing you want is a noisy machine that impacts your ability to live and work comfortably. When trying to find the top infrared heater, take note of how past consumers viewed the product’s noise levels, so you can determine which model can provide the results you need without sacrificing comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Infrared Heaters

What is an infrared heater?

An infrared heater is a safe, portable heater used to heat objects in a designated room. While a newer product, it has quickly become one of the most popular heating methods for homes and offices.

How does an infrared heater work?

Infrared heaters convert electricity into radiant heat and are part of an electromagnetic spectrum. Like the heat from the sun or a warm fire, these devices offer direct heat transfers from the heater to the desired object.

Can infrared heaters be used outside?

Absolutely, the best outdoor infrared heaters are designed to add warmth to any outdoor space. There are several models available that can be attached to an outdoor wall or structured patio covering. If preferred, you can use a floor model that can be transported from indoors whenever it’s needed.

Finding the best infrared heaters for patios can take time since everyone’s home is unique in design. With time and research, you’ll be able to find the right device for your home so you can extend the patio season even when temperatures begin to drop.

How much electricity does an infrared heater use?

The level of electricity used by an infrared heater can vary depending on the model, but the standard usage is 100 watts. Typically, these heaters use approximately 7 watts per square foot, making them more energy-efficient than standard heaters that typically use 10 watts.

Infrared vs. ceramic space heater

While they share similarities, there are some key differences between infrared and ceramic space heaters.

Infrared heaters are designed around infrared radiation, a spectrum of light invisible to the human eye. This radiation is similar to that of sunlight and must be directed in front of the person or object that needs heat to maximize its benefits.

Ceramic heaters typically use convection heaters and provide warmth around a positive temperature coefficient, which is a type of ceramic. They’re used for precision heating and are ideal for homes with young children or pets.

Radiant vs. convection heat

Radiant heaters are designed to warm an object or surface without warming the air in between. It offers directional heat and waves typically travel out in a straight line until absorbed by the desired object or person.

Convection, on the other hand, uses the movement of fluid to transfer heat from one location to another. This type of heater works similarly to a convection oven and relies on the movement of air.

What are the benefits of an infrared heater?

The best infrared heaters offer a wide variety of benefits for the home or office. One of the key benefits of an infrared heater for the home is its ability to heat small rooms efficiently while using less electricity. To help you find the perfect unit for your home, look for our best small space heater reviews with quality insights and answers to your important questions.

If you’re looking to spend less on electricity each month, an infrared heater can help you lower your energy costs. These devices are designed to use less heat than electric, propane, or kerosene and are ideal for small and large rooms, depending on the particular model.

Plus, they offer enhanced efficiency and can heat rooms in a fraction of the time, allowing your family to feel comfortable quickly.

How much electricity does an infrared heater use?

The amount of energy an infrared heater uses will vary depending on the model and the wattage it uses. The higher the watts per square foot, the more electricity it utilizes and the higher the user’s utility bill will be at the end of the month.

At Fresh Home Guide, we recommend looking for an infrared heater that offers multiple thermostat options, giving you the freedom to adjust your device to your comfort level and determine how much electricity you prefer to utilize in your home or office.

What is the best infrared heater?

The best-rated infrared heaters will vary household by household but typically offer the same key qualities. Portability is important as it allows the user to direct the heat to the object or person that needs it the most. Quality devices will not dry out the air and will operate with less electricity than standard electric, propane, or wood heating methods.

Ultimately, the best infrared heaters keep you warm, are safe to operate, and offer the convenience and efficiency you need to stay comfortable all year round.

Should you try an infrared heater?

If you’re looking for a new and efficient way to heat a particular room in your home or office, we recommend trying a compact infrared heater. Whether you’re looking to warm your living room, office, garage, or patio, radiant heaters provide the warmth and comfort you need without the costly energy bills.

At Fresh Home Guide, we’re proud to offer a wide range of customized reviews and trusted buying guides to help our readers find the best items for their homes. From our Vornado heater reviews to our breakdowns of the best air quality monitor on the market, our team has the information and insight you need to choose the right products for you and your family.

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!