Although infrared heating is becoming more popular these days, it is nothing new – it has been around for a long time. Recent improvements in this technology are increasing efficiency outputs 90 – 100%. No wonder more people are using them to heat their homes.
The heat it emits provides the same feeling of warmth as the winter sun and coal fire. It is also the same form of heat emitted from your own body. Its origins make it the most basic type of heating known to man.
If you want to learn more about these products and what our top pick is, be sure to keep reading. We will be covering everything that you need to know about the best-infrared heaters in our buyer’s guide, so we hope you stick around!
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Infrared Heater Comparison Table
Our Top Pick
Best Infrared Heater
Dr. Infrared Heater 1,500 Watt Portable
- Timer with automatic shutoff
- Adjustable thermostat (50 to 86 degrees)
- Quiet design
- Remote control
- Dual heating
When it comes to our top pick, we chose the Dr. Infrared Heater product. It is loaded with features, easy to move, and has excellent heat output.
We appreciated the high energy efficiency as well. All homeowners worry about their heaters becoming costly when they show up on their electricity bills. Still, this heater barely did anything to our usual electricity bill.
The heater comes with a handy remote control and many more convenient features, which you’ll get to know in our full review below.
The Best Infrared Heater Reviews
Dr Heater 1,500 watt Portable Infrared Heater
Key Specifications
- Timer with automatic shutoff
- Adjustable thermostat (50 to 86 degrees)
- Quiet design
- Remote control
- Dual heating
This heater is our top pick for several reasons. Dr. Infrared Heater has created the perfect heating solution. This model has a 7-inch blower, providing maximum hot airflow and circulation in either small or large rooms. Moreover, it is very energy efficient, so you will not have to worry about racking up a considerable cost.
It is not heavy and, with the addition of wheels, it is easy to move around. The heater stays cool to the touch even after being on for hours. Plus, it shuts off automatically if it falls over.
We also love the Dr. Infrared Heater’s reasonable price tag. You can enjoy the best infrared heater features at a fraction of the cost of other brands that offer you less.
The maintenance is also quite simple. All you need to do is clean the filter every once in a while. You can do this by removing the filter from the heater’s back and either cleaning it with warm water or using a vacuum on it.
When it comes to efficiency, there is no doubt this is a high-quality product. The automatic shutoff saves power, but you can also select between a high and low heat output. The different options change the watts used from 1,000 to 1,500. Using the lower heat setting is better for efficiently heating small rooms.
The final feature we want to talk about is its dual heating systems. The machine uses an infrared quartz tube and PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient), which, according to the brand, can deliver 60% more heat compared to other heaters.
Overall, we enjoy everything that Dr. Infrared Heater had to offer. In our opinion, it is the best infrared heater out there. In the rest of this guide, we will review some alternatives that you might want to consider.
EdenPURE CopperSMART Portable Heater
Key Specifications
- Portable
- Surface does not heat up and is safe to touch
- 24 heat settings
- Two options for power settings (1,500 Watts High and 1,000 Watts Low)
- Remote control and Lifetime Filter
This model is another heater that uses dual heating, making it applicable to any room size. It uses a copper Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heating element that is designed to efficiently streamline the production of heat, while making it reliable and durable in terms of build. In fact, combined with its impressive 4.5 square feet of copper surface, it can definitely not only create penetrating heat but also do so without making your room too dry or suffocating.
Despite being very compact, you can rely on the EdenPURE Copper Smart’s efficiency. It blows heat out quietly and keeps track of the temperature actively. And, compared to old heater models, its temperature can also be adjusted through its 24 heat settings, making it suitable for any type of environment or preference.
This EdenPURE CopperSMART includes two safety features – a tip-over sensor and front grill cover for your peace of mind and safety. The sensor automatically shuts down the device if it falls over. While the front grill cover remains cool to the touch, even when on a high heat intensity or high power mode.
On the topic of power modes, you have a choice between warming your space with 1,000 watts or 1,500 watts. For small rooms, we recommend using the low setting. And only using the higher heat output for larger areas.
And for extra convenience, this model also comes with a remote, so you can easily adjust your settings without having to move. Perfect for those evenings where you don’t want to leave your cozy bed.
Overall, the EdenPure CopperSMART is an excellent choice if you want something portable but efficient.
Heat Storm 1500 Infrared Wall Mounted Heater
Key Specifications
- WiFi-enabled
- Easy to hide the cord
- Wall-mounted
- Safe to the touch grill
This model comes in a wall-mounted design for quick and convenient installation. There’s even a cable management system at the bottom so you can neatly tuck away its cord. If you’re going to use this infrared heater in your bedroom, you’ll appreciate its low noise operation.
The heater is pretty cost-efficient. Its lower power settings will not affect your energy costs. If you want your appliances to be online and easy to access anywhere, this will be the best option for you.
This product also has extensive WiFi features that would be worthwhile to cover. So, if you enjoy the convenience of controlling appliances from your phone, then this Heat Storm 1500 Infrared Wall Mounted Electric Heater is for you.
First, you can schedule timers with the heater. This feature can tell the unit when to start up and stop every day – no need to do it manually. You can also set the temperature from your phone or set up a child lock.
Forgot to shut down the heater before you left? No worries – just turn it off from your phone! The app is such a convenient feature to have with an infrared heater, and we wish that more brands offered it at an affordable price as this one does.
Duraflame Electric 1500 Watt Infrared Tower Heater
Key Specifications
- Oscillates to heat the entire room evenly
- Cool to touch system
- Automatic shutoff
- Adjustable digital thermostat
- Remote control
This infrared heater uses an infrared quartz system and an oscillating feature to provide a natural and even heat circulation. Plus, the modern tower style is an appealing design for an infrared heater. It comes in two beautiful colors – cherry or dark oak.
The unit’s size is still small enough for it to be portable, especially if you plan on moving it often. Plus, the setup is super simple – you just take it out of the box and plug it in.
We also love the tower’s impressive 1,000 square feet heat coverage. This level of coverage makes it perfect for just about any room in your home. It can do so without drying out the air, so you may want to consider this option if you are sensitive to that.
The menu design is a little strange. While you can control many of the remote’s features, you can not change the temperature setting that way. You need to get up and adjust it yourself. Some customers stated in their reviews that the heater would shut down before reaching the correct temperature.
Finally, this tower is also perfect for families with young kids or curious pets. It stays cool to the touch, has a tip-over switch, and comes with the Safer Plug for fire prevention. Overall, we think that this makes for a very safe unit.
1500 Watt Electric Infrared Cabinet Heater
Key Specifications
- Cool to the touch
- Remote control
- Tip-over switch
- Adjustable, digital thermostat
- Automatic shutoff
While the heater does come fully assembled, it is going to take some installation. It is not hard to set up – if you already have the space for it at home. Its infrared technology can warm your room without removing the moisture from the air, keeping you comfortable.
We love the heater’s real hardwood construction that is more visually appealing than other options on our list. There is also a safety cut switch for your peace of mind.
This switch will turn off the device if the equipped sensors detect anomalies like overheating and insufficient heat output. Another safety feature is the tip-over switch, which shuts the heater down if it falls over. The heater is quite sturdy, so you do not have to worry about this happening on its own.
The heater can comfortably warm a 300 sq ft room in about two hours, making it perfect for many places. It can supposedly heat a space of 1,000 sq ft with enough time.
However, some customers stated that they had issues with the product heating that amount of space. The heater took much longer than the brand claimed and offered a lower heat output than expected. Other customers said they had no issues.
Finally, the 1500 watts used are quite efficient, so you do not have to worry about raising your power cost at home. This product is suitable for homeowners who prefer a more stylish infrared heater and can deliver optimal heat with safety in mind.
5120 BTU Wall Electric Infrared Heater
Key Specifications
- Remote control
- Installation kit
- Adjustable digital temperature
- A quiet yet effective fan
- Wall-mounted
This cozy wall-mounted heater by World Marketing provides warmth to 300 sq ft in about 2 hours. It is user-friendly and reliable. Plus, it can match any room theme.
The unit uses quarts heating systems to provide you with efficient and sustainable warmth. It can do so without using a noticeable amount of electricity. There is a timer shut off function and a quiet but powerful fan.
There are two options to install this heater. For convenience, you can just put it on the floor. If you don’t have enough floor space, you can fix it on the wall. It comes with an installation kit. That way, you do not have to hire someone else to do it for you.
The brand mentions that this heater works well in apartments. Be sure that you have your landlord’s permission to install it beforehand. But, other than that, we do agree that this type of heater is for tenants.
One customer said they had issues with the heater rattling and making a lot of noise. You might want to consider putting this product on a wall away from your bedroom or neighbors just in case it is too loud.
Finally, this unit includes an eco setting. Changing it to this makes the heater even more efficient.
Infrared 1500 Watt Wall Mounted Heater
Key Specifications
- Instant heat
- The heater works as soon as you turn it on
- Shut off timer
- Remote control
- Indoor or outdoor use
This wall-mounted unit is another quality product by Dr. Infrared Heater, especially if you are on a tight budget. It also is one of the few heaters that can work outdoors safely. The unit is weatherproof, so you do not need to worry about it when it is outside.
You can easily attach this Dr. Infrared Heater model to the wall. We think it is worth the time to do since it can help you save 40% more electricity than other types of space heaters.
Dr. Infrared products are some of the best when it comes to heaters. They have good coverage and are reasonably priced. If you need a new heater, it is worth looking into their units.
5120 BTU Portable Electric Infrared Compact Heater with Remote Control
Key Specifications
- No installation needed
- Digital Thermostat
- Remote Control
- Automatic shut off and tip over sensors
This product is another nice heater made by World Marketing. Even though it is portable, the compact heater has the same heat output as larger infrared heaters. It achieves this by using three infrared quartz systems.
The unit uses a “cool down cycle,” which can increase the longevity of the product. Plus, it works out of the box. Just plug it in, and you can immediately warm up your room. You should know that there is only one fan speed, but you can select different heat temperatures.
This heater looks pleasant in any room due to its simple and modern look. But we highly recommend it for small or medium rooms. Overall, this is a good option for a compact and easy-to-move space heater.
R.W.FLAME Electric Infrared Stove Heater
Key Specifications
- Realistic flames
- Compact, sturdy, easy to move design
- Two heating modes
- Multi-purpose
Maybe you are looking for a heater that adds more style to the room. This infrared heater is perfect for doing just that.
The fake flames inside offer a comforting glow that will make you feel even cozier at home. With glass windows, you can appreciate the flames’ realistic appearance from any angle. You can even adjust the flames’ brightness without changing the heat. The fire even operates even with the heat off.
The thermostat is easy to control, and there are safety features in place to prevent overheating. However, do not expect the heater to come with instructions. Some people did not receive instructions with their orders.
Others said that they had trouble with the temperature sensors. The heater would stay running, no matter how warm the heater got. This malfunction can be annoying, so be sure to get the warranty.
The design alone is impressive. We enjoyed the appearance of this product a lot – it will look great with any room design.
15,000 BTU Portable Propane Infrared Utility Heater
Key Specifications
- Fueled by propane
- No hook-ups or installations required
- Easy to startup
- Comes with 5 ft regulator hose
You may want to have a portable heater like this for emergencies when winter comes around. Do you have a heating system at home that does not use electricity? If not, then this portable propane heater would be a great option.
Even though it runs on gas, it uses an infrared system to generate heat. It can efficiently heat a 300 sq ft room in just 30 minutes- like many other quality infrared heater options.
Since propane is inexpensive and readily available, we think this infrared heater model is a fantastic emergency heat source to have on hand. It also works well for places where you might not be able to bring a space heater normally.
How Does an Infrared Heater Work?
Infrared heaters work a bit differently than traditional space heaters. They convert electricity into a radiant version of heat. The infrared waves are on the electromagnetic spectrum – which is the same feeling of sunshine on your face in the winter.
Infrared involves a direct transfer of heat. The heater warms objects – including you and the room you are inside. It does not directly heat the air, meaning that it retains moisture.
Many new heaters include new and advanced infrared technology. Their designs make them more energy-efficient than traditional models. If you want to heat your home this winter without it costing you an arm and a leg, you might want to consider trying out infrared heating.
Part of the reason they heat so efficiently is that people are “radiant objects.” As radiant objects, it means that people take the heat from their environments – or release it if the air around us is cold. When infrared warms the objects around you, you stop losing heat – making you feel more comfortable and warmer. In other words, infrared heaters send heat out to items – keeping you cozy.
The Benefits of an Infrared Heater
There are many benefits to using an infrared heater! They are:
Producing an Immediate Heat
When you turn on your heating unit, infrared is emitted from it immediately. There might be some instances where it is necessary. For example, this is perfect if you find yourself suddenly without heat in the winter.
Having instant heat is essential in an emergency. So, you can use this method reliably if your central heating system were to stop working or turn off suddenly. It is always worth having a backup plan if you were to lose power for a long time at home.
Lower Cost than Traditional Electric Heaters
The cost of using an infrared heater is lower than a traditional heater. For example, a 600 watt infrared heater can give you the same amount of heat as a 1,500 watt traditional heater. Since it uses such a small amount of electricity, the cost to run it often is barely noticeable – unlike with other electrical heaters.
They Slow the Growth of Mold
If you have been struggling with mold in your home, a heater may help. All you need to do is point the heater towards a mold-infested area. The heat will remove the moisture, slowing down the growth or spread of mold.
While these heaters do not remove moisture from the air, they can still suck it out of a wall. Knowing this is helpful if you are struggling with damp basements or bathrooms where the fan is not as effective as it should be.
They Distribute Heat Evenly
Your infrared heater will do a better job applying heat evenly to a room. With traditional heaters, the warmth tends to float to the ceiling while the cold air stays at floor level – where you are. Since the hot air rises, it makes it take longer for your room to get warm.
Infrared heaters work differently than traditional heaters. It distributes the heat evenly across the room, making you feel the warmth faster. There will be fewer cold spots around the room, and you will likely feel more comfortable as a result.
They are Pretty Low Maintenance
The final benefit of having one of the best infrared heaters on hand is the low maintenance. You might have to clean a filter every once and a while – but that is all you need to do to keep them running smoothly.
Infrared Heater Buying Guide
When buying your first infrared heater, there are some aspects that you want to keep in mind. That way, you know that you are getting the perfect heater for your home. You can consider all of the most popular features and determine which ones are beneficial to you the most.
These are some things that you will want to think about on top of that:
Portable or Fixed Designs?
First, you should decide whether you want a portable or fixed heating system. Portable heaters are more compact and usually have wheels that make them easier to move. Their lighter design is perfect if you want to bring it around the house with you as you move from room to room.
The only downside to a portable heater is that it is not as powerful as fixed versions. They still work well and have a smaller price tag, so many people prefer them over their larger counterparts. This preference is especially true if you have a smaller house or an apartment, where you need to heat less area.
The best infrared heaters usually have fixed designs. They can heat more space and may mount to your wall or ceiling, keeping them out of the way.
How to Choose Heating Capacity and Power
Next, you will need to know how to choose the heating capacity and power of your unit. You can start by taking a quick, general measurement of the room you want to heat. You will want to convert feet to meters if that is what you are using.
Write down the length, width, and height. Multiply those three numbers together (L x W x H = V); this will give you the volume of your rooms.
Take your answer and multiply that by 25 (V x 25 = needed watts). That last number will be about how many watts you need to heat your room.
If your result falls somewhere between the typical 1,000 and 1,500 watts, you will want to go for the 1,500 wattages. This energy level will heat your room faster and is likely to be a bit more efficient.
Also, consider how well insulated your room is. If heat escapes quickly, you might want to consider something higher.
Running Costs
How much electricity does a space heater use? You don’t have to guess. We have an Electric Heater Cost Calculator you can use! All you need to do is input your device’s specifications, and our calculator will handle the rest.
Safety Considerations
Another thing on your mind is probably going to be the safety features of a unit. You want to make sure that anyone (and even your pets) are safe around your new heater. One style you should consider is a wall-mounted unit.
Since they are installed high above the ground, it makes it harder for children to reach them. But, there are some other safety features to consider.
Timers
Timers are a great safety feature to have. You can usually set them yourself so that the heater shuts down after a specific amount of time. If you plan on sleeping with your model turned on at night or often forgot to turn off your appliances, this is going to be a must-have feature.
Tip-Over Sensors
If you’re going to put the heater on the floor, be sure that it has this feature. A tip-over sensor will quickly shut the unit down when it falls over. This feature stops any damages from happening- plus, it protects young kids and pets from being harmed.
The Duraflame Electric 1500 Watt Infrared Tower Heater is a perfect example of this feature.
Overheating Sensors
These sensors will shut down the machine when something is wrong. It is very rare, but sometimes these units can become too hot. It is better to make sure that something is in place to cut the power if you do not detect it yourself right away.
Cool Surfaces
An infrared heater should have a cool surface- even after it has been running. Having a cold surface is essential if you have a cat that likes to climb on furniture or a baby who uses furniture to pull themselves up. Many products offer this feature under different names. “Cool-to-touch” seems to be a popular one.
Our top pick, the Dr. Infrared Heater 1,500 watt Portable, has this feature. No matter how long you have been running it, the unit will not burn your skin when you touch it.
How to Make it Safer
There are a few steps to make your heater safer. First of all, you should ensure that the power cord is working correctly. There should not be any cuts or exposed wires coming through the insulation. Also, do not stretch it out across a room.
Do not set anything on your heater – it is not a table. Even if you have the cool-to-the-touch features in place, it is safer not to put anything on top. You may want to replace the batteries in your smoke alarm while you are at it, just for peace of mind.
Next, use a grounded outlet when you plug it in. When a large heater is running on high power, it is likely pulling a lot of electricity from the outlet. If you do not want to overload the unit, be sure to have surge protection, or a grounded outlet is in place.
You can make sure that it is safety certified. Most modern models are. But, it never hurts to check.
There are three types of logos that you might see. Consumer Reports lists them in this guide under their “Shop for Safety” section. Be sure that you glance at it so you can recognize them.
Finally, you never want to leave any young children or pets around your heater when you are not in the room. Kids and dogs tend to knock them over, while cats are more inclined to jump on top of them. Use your best judgment when you have the heater on at home.
Timer Functionality
So, how do those timers you have heard about work? Many models nowadays come with remote control, making it easy to set your timer.
All you have to do is decide how long you want the heater to run, then set the timer using your remote. When the time has run-up, the heater will automatically turn off. You can also set your machine to shut down when it has warmed the room to a specific temperature. This feature, combined with a set timer, is essential for people who are always on the go.
Thermostat and Heat Settings
When it comes to how you select your heat on the infrared unit, there are usually two options. The first is an actual digital thermostat. The second is choosing between “high” and “low.”
Many people prefer the first option because they can choose the exact temperature. When it comes to “high” and “low,” you have fewer options. “High” uses 1,500 watts while “low” uses 1,000 watts. The heater will not shut off when it reaches a specific temperature in the room, but you might have the option to turn on a timer.
Do You Want Oscillation?
Oscillation refers to the ability of a heater to rotate. This extra mobility allows the heater to warm the entire room evenly as it spins. Many people enjoy this little feature. You have probably seen it in action if you own a desk fan.
It is important to note that this feature is more common in tower heaters. If those heaters do not suit you, you might have trouble finding a different version that oscillates.
Where to Place Your New Infrared Heater?
Once you have your heater, do you know where you are going to place it? They tend to be better in rooms that do not have a lot of air moving through them.
It also helps to place the heater near a wall. The infrared waves can heat the wall faster, making your room feel warmer quicker. Of course, you can always experiment around the home and find where it works out the best.
You also will want to place it away from other objects. Ensure that nothing is blocking it, and check that there are no papers, blankets, or curtains nearby. While not likely to cause a fire since they use infrared, it is always in your best interest to make sure that the heater is positioned adequately inside your home.
What About Warranties?
The longer, the better. Most brands will offer you a year’s warranty when it comes to contracts. Still, infrared heaters last a long time due to their efficiency. If you can get a more extended warranty, you should go for it.
Warranties will typically cover parts replacement, but they can extend their policy, especially for defective units. With a warranty, the company is more likely to respond to you and help you get a new heater that works.
If you are going to invest in an infrared heater, we recommend that you invest in the warranty.
FAQ
How Do Infrared Heaters Compare to Other Heaters?
Infrared heaters are more efficient when it comes to using power. They also utilize 100% of the heat they generate- unlike other models. They are typically safer as well since they do not use flammable liquids or coils to make heat.
Infrared heaters warm the objects around them instead of the air like conventional heaters, making them better for people who are agitated by dry air.
Is Infrared Heating Safe?
The infrared rays emitted from a heater are safe and completely natural – they are the same kind of rays that the sun emits. (Minus the harmful UV rays.)
The International Commission for Nonionising Radiation Protection, also called the ICNIRP, claimed that infrared heating “…is normally of no practical concern from a health hazard standpoint.”
They are safe mainly because infrared does not have UV rays. Infrared is far away from this on the electromagnetic spectrum, so it does not carry any of its dangers.
Infrared is very safe. It is in incubators with babies in some cases since it is the most harmless type of infrared wavelength.
Can You Leave an Infrared Heater on All Night?
Most infrared heaters are safe to leave on overnight. However, you want to make sure that it has useful safety features in place. You can refer to the “Safety Considerations” section for more information.
If you plan on leaving it when you are not home or are sleeping, you can use a lower heat setting or use a timer. You want to have many safety features before you consider leaving it on when you are not around.
Electric infrared heaters do not use gas – so they do not emit harmful gasses into the air. You do not have to worry about carbon monoxide or fires. As an added benefit, they will not dry your skin out while you sleep or make your nose feel stuffy.
Do Infrared Heaters Use a lot of Electricity?
No, they use less than other traditional heaters. They even heat rooms in less time than propane, wood, kerosene, or liquid heaters.
This ability is mainly due to them being more energy-efficient. An infrared heater will utilize 100% of the heat they produce to warm objects. The heater makes you feel comfortable and does not raise your electric bill as much as the other options do.
Check out our electric heater cost calculator to learn exactly how much power your infrared heater will use.
Can an Infrared Heater Run all the Time?
They technically can. The best infrared heaters have temperatures that they are trying to meet. Once they hit that range, they stop generating warmth.
You do not have to continually turn your heater on and off to get this effect – so you should leave it on all of the time. (If you have the proper timer and temperature features.)
Many heaters are easy to set up like this. Simply set the temperature you want your room to be. Keep in mind that it never hurts to turn off your heater to let it cool down or “take a break.”
How Long do Infrared Heaters Last?
These heaters tend to last longer than other types of heaters. With traditional options, coils can burn out and more can go wrong over time. Infrared heaters have significantly fewer problems. The quartz and panels require no maintenance. The most you might have to do is wash a filter every here and there to keep it running smoothly.
Like with many products, the higher quality options are going to cost you more money. But, if you want something good, it might help to think of it as a long term investment.
How Close to Objects can an Infrared Heater be Placed?
You do not want anything in front of your heater. Objects block the waves from reaching your walls and other areas of your room. If there is a barrier, all you are going to achieve is making that item very hot.
Therefore, you should always keep objects at least a few feet away from the heater. Distances tend to vary between heaters. Be sure that you check the manual to get a better idea of what is alright. Please be sure to keep items like blankets and curtains away from the heater as well.
Do Infrared Heaters Have Fans?
An infrared heater does not technically need a fan to heat a room. If it has one, it is generally as a supplement – particularly for blowing warm air across the room. If it only relies on fans for heat generation, it is not energy-efficient or cost-effective.
The Wrap Up
To summarize, the clear winner of the product roundup is the Dr. Infrared Heater 1,500. This heater is portable and has everything you need when it comes to warming your space up. It is energy-efficient, so you don’t have to worry about your electricity bill.
Our runner up pick is the Heat Storm 1500 Infrared Wall Mounted Heater because it is the only model with wireless features. The model is wall-mounted, too, saving you floor space.
We have many heater articles, guides, and reviews. If you want to know more about heating appliances, we hope you check our other heater articles, guides, and reviews.
