Best Space Heaters in Canada (2026)
We compared 10 space heaters sold in Canada, from $33.76 to $233.51. See which are certified, quiet and safe for bedrooms, offices and small rooms.
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The best space heater in Canada is the DREO DR-HSH003 ($89.99). It is the only listing here that names a cETLus mark, which covers Canada. It is rated for 270 sq ft and adds a thermostat, 12-hour timer, ECO mode and remote. Two Canadian buyers reported a burnt plug, so check the plug and outlet in the first few hours.
Prices run from $33.76 to $233.51, and the cheapest units have the worst recent reviews. If you want silent heat for a bedroom, an oil-filled radiator is the other route. It is slower, but it makes no fan noise.
DREO Space Heater with Thermostat, 1500W Oscillating Tower (DR-HSH003)
The DREO DR-HSH003 is the best-balanced heater here. It is a 1500 W ceramic tower that oscillates 70° and covers 270 sq ft. It names a cETLus listing and has tip-over and overheat protection. It also has a thermostat, a 12-hour timer, ECO mode and a remote. Its 100 recent Canadian reviews average 4.39 stars, with 10% negative. The warranty is only one year.
ProductHunter.ca compared 10 space heaters sold on Amazon.ca. We read each listing for coverage, safety, controls, noise and warranty. We then analysed the latest 100 Canadian verified reviews for each heater. Plug and cord problems show up there first. We left out cross-border listings and third-party-only offers.
Rankings at a Glance
- #1
9.3DREO Space Heater with Thermostat, 1500W Oscillating Tower (DR-HSH003)Best Overall$89.99
$89.99
Check Price - #2
9.1Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Infrared Space Heater, 1500WBest Premium$233.51
$233.51
Check Price - #3
9.1DREO 16-inch Oscillating PTC Ceramic Tower Heater (DR-HSH014)Best Owner Rating$84.99
$84.99
Check Price - #5
9Honeywell HCE845BC HeatGenius Ceramic Multizone Space HeaterBest Multi-Zone$114.99
$114.99
Check Price - #6
9De'Longhi Radia S Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater (TRRS0715ECA)Best Silent Oil-Filled$149
$149
Check Price - #7
8.8Lasko 5586 Digital Ceramic Tower Heater with RemoteBest Remote Display$155.64
$155.64
Check Price - #9
8.3BLACK+DECKER 1500W Portable Space Heater with Carry Handle (BHDC201)Lowest Price$33.76
$33.76
Check Price
Detailed Reviews
DREO Space Heater with Thermostat, 1500W Oscillating Tower (DR-HSH003)
The DREO DR-HSH003 balances safety, reach and control best. It is the only listing that names a cETLus mark. A 270 sq ft rating, five speeds and 70° oscillation help it spread heat. The remote, 12-hour timer and settings memory make it easy to live with. At $89.99 it is the volume leader, with more than 2,000 sold last month. Two Canadian buyers reported a burnt plug.
Specifications
| Heater Type | PTC ceramic tower, oscillating (70°) |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1500 W |
| Rated Coverage | 270 sq ft |
| Weight | 2.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 18.6 x 18.6 x 43.6 cm |
| Noise Level | Not stated (quiet-operation design) |
| Thermostat | 41–95°F adjustable |
| Timer | 12 hours |
| Remote | Yes |
| ECO Mode | Adaptive ECO |
| Warranty | 1 year standard (extended option offered) |
| Safety Certification | cETLus certified (per listing) |
| Model Number | DR-HSH003 |
Pros
- +cETLus-certified safety listing with tip-over shutoff, overheat protection and flame-retardant materials
- +270 sq ft rated coverage with 70° oscillation and 5 speeds
- +Most complete controls of any portable unit: thermostat, LED display, 12-hour timer, adaptive ECO mode, remote and memory
- +Sold and shipped by Amazon.ca at $89.99 with free returns
- +Strong recent Canadian record: 100 verified reviews average 4.39★ with only 10% negative
- +Volume leader: 2K+ bought in the past month
Cons
- -Two Canadian reviewers (Dec 2025, Jan 2026) reported a burnt plug or outlet, one after 90 minutes of first use
- -Standard warranty is only 1 year (extended cover is optional)
- -A handful of early failures within days to months, plus one report of a Fahrenheit-only display with no Celsius switch
- -Remote and airflow complaints: some owners find the airflow weak or the heat modest for larger rooms
Score Breakdown
The best all-round buy for a bedroom or office. Check the plug and outlet after the first few hours of use.
Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Infrared Space Heater, 1500W
The Dr Infrared DR-968 is the pick for larger rooms. It pairs an infrared quartz tube with PTC heating and a rated 576 sq ft, the most in the field. It runs at 39 dB and has a 3-year warranty. It weighs 8.62 kg and costs $233.51. Some owners found it weak in sunrooms and garages, and two reported a burning smell from the wiring.
Specifications
| Heater Type | Infrared quartz + PTC cabinet heater (radiant) |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1500 W (about 5,200 BTU) |
| Rated Coverage | 576 sq ft |
| Weight | 8.62 kg |
| Noise Level | 39 dB |
| Thermostat | 50–85°F electronic |
| Timer | 12 hours |
| Remote | IR remote |
| ECO Mode | Auto energy-saving mode |
| Warranty | 3 years limited |
| Safety Certification | Not named in the listing (tip-over and overheat protection) |
| Model Number | DR-968 |
Pros
- +Largest rated coverage in the field (576 sq ft) from dual infrared and PTC heating
- +Quiet 39 dB blower
- +Electronic thermostat, IR remote, 12-hour timer and energy-saving mode
- +Caster wheels make the 8.62 kg cabinet movable
- +3-year limited warranty
- +Large proven base (26,000+ ratings); 44 Canadian reviews in the last 24 months average well with 16% negative
Cons
- -Priced at $233.51, several times the budget picks
- -A Feb 2026 reviewer smelled burnt wiring after a week, and a long-term garage user flagged fire-hazard concerns (Sep 2026)
- -Several owners found it inadequate for a sunroom, garage or other large cold space despite the rating
- -Some reports of failures right after the warranty or of an inaccurate thermostat
- -No safety certification mark named in the listing
Score Breakdown
Buy it for a living room or open den where small ceramic towers fall short. Do not expect it to heat a garage.
DREO 16-inch Oscillating PTC Ceramic Tower Heater (DR-HSH014)
The DREO 16-inch tower has the cleanest Canadian record in the field. Its 47 recent reviews average 4.55 stars with 6% negative. It carries an ETL-listed Shield360° system, a digital thermostat, a remote and a 12-hour timer. Owners call it quiet in ECO mode. It is rated for only 107 to 215 sq ft, the cord is short, and the warranty is 12 months.
Specifications
| Heater Type | PTC ceramic tower, oscillating (70°) |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1500 W |
| Rated Coverage | 107–215 sq ft |
| Weight | 2.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 16.2 x 15.5 x 40.2 cm |
| Noise Level | Not stated (brushless DC motor) |
| Thermostat | 41–95°F digital |
| Timer | 12 hours |
| Remote | Yes |
| ECO Mode | Yes |
| Warranty | 12-month limited |
| Safety Certification | ETL listed (Shield360°) |
| Model Number | DR-HSH014 |
Pros
- +Cleanest recent Canadian record: 4.55★ with 6% negative across 47 verified reviews
- +ETL-listed Shield360° safety with tip-over, overheat and flame-retardant protection
- +Digital thermostat, remote, 12-hour timer and 70° oscillation
- +Owners describe it as very quiet and efficient in ECO mode
- +2.3 kg tower that fits small rooms and offices
- +Sold by Amazon.ca at $84.99 (list $99.99); 600+ bought in the past month
Cons
- -One Canadian buyer (Dec 2025) said it kept tripping the breaker
- -The power cord is short (Oct 2026), and a Jan 2026 buyer noted the manual advises against extension cords
- -Coverage is modest at 107–215 sq ft, and a Feb 2026 reviewer found it not effective enough for its rating
- -Only 12-month warranty; one buyer received a unit that arrived broken
Score Breakdown
A safe, quiet pick for a bedroom or small office. Plug it into the wall, since one buyer notes the manual advises against extension cords.
DREO 1500W Space Heater with 60° Adjustable Tilt (DR-HSH020)
The DREO DR-HSH020 is the quietest heater here, at a stated 34 dB. It weighs 1.59 kg and tilts 60°, so it sits well on a desk or table. A thermostat, three modes and a remote come at $69.99. Its 80 recent Canadian reviews average 4.49 stars. Two buyers reported short circuits, and coverage is modest at 107 to 215 sq ft.
Specifications
| Heater Type | PTC ceramic desktop heater with 60° tilt |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1500 W |
| Rated Coverage | 107–215 sq ft |
| Weight | 1.59 kg |
| Dimensions | 24.5 x 14.5 x 25.7 cm |
| Noise Level | 34 dB |
| Thermostat | 41–95°F adjustable |
| Timer | Not stated |
| Remote | Yes |
| ECO Mode | Yes (3 modes) |
| Warranty | 12-month limited |
| Safety Certification | Not named in the listing (8 safety protections listed) |
| Model Number | DR-HSH020 |
Pros
- +Quietest in the field at a stated 34 dB
- +Light (1.59 kg) with a 60° adjustable tilt for desk or seat heating
- +Thermostat, 3 modes and remote
- +Eight listed protections including tip-over, overheat and flame-retardant materials
- +Strong recent Canadian record: 80 verified reviews average 4.49★, only 10% negative
- +Sold by Amazon.ca at $69.99; 700+ bought in the past month
Cons
- -Two short-circuit reports (Oct 2026, Dec 2025), one within minutes of plugging in
- -One Canadian buyer (Oct 2026) said there is no tip-over switch, contradicting the listing
- -Temperature units are locked at the factory, with no Fahrenheit/Celsius switch (Mar 2026 review)
- -Modest 107–215 sq ft coverage
- -Only a 12-month warranty
Score Breakdown
The best value for a desk or a small room. Watch for any heat at the plug in the first few hours.
Honeywell HCE845BC HeatGenius Ceramic Multizone Space Heater
The Honeywell HeatGenius offers three modes: room, personal and floor. It has a programmable thermostat, a HeatPhase timer and a 3-year warranty with a Canadian distributor contact. Its 60 Canadian reviews average 4.35 stars with 12% negative, but only 17 are recent. The thermostat works only in Room mode, and there is no remote. At $114.99 it costs more than the DREO towers.
Specifications
| Heater Type | Ceramic multizone heater (room / personal / floor) |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1500 W (room); 1075 W (personal high) |
| Rated Coverage | Not stated |
| Weight | 2.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 26.0 x 15.0 x 43.6 cm |
| Noise Level | Quiet mode (dB not stated) |
| Thermostat | Digital, programmable |
| Timer | 2-hour HeatPhase |
| Remote | Not listed |
| ECO Mode | No |
| Warranty | 3 years limited |
| Safety Certification | Not named in the listing (tip-over and overheat protection) |
| Model Number | HCE845BC |
Pros
- +Three heating modes (room, personal, floor) with six settings
- +Digital programmable thermostat and HeatPhase timer
- +3-year limited warranty with a Canadian distributor contact
- +Sold by Amazon.ca
- +4.35★ across 60 Canadian verified reviews with 12% negative
- +Owners praise floor and quiet modes and the choice of controls
Cons
- -Thin recent base: only 17 Canadian reviews in the last 24 months
- -The thermostat works only in Room mode (Oct 2026 review) and one owner said it does not remember its last setting
- -Some owners say it barely heats beyond a short distance (Dec 2025, Apr 2023)
- -A Sep 2025 reviewer said Honeywell redirected a warranty claim to another company
- -$114.99 is steep for a 1500 W ceramic unit; no remote and no named certification mark
Score Breakdown
A fit if you want floor and personal modes. Better-reviewed, cheaper towers exist.
De'Longhi Radia S Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater (TRRS0715ECA)
The De'Longhi Radia S is the silent option. It is an oil-filled radiator, so there is no fan. It has a digital thermostat, a 24-hour timer, ECO mode and a 3-year warranty, and its heat lingers after it cycles off. It weighs 10.1 kg and warms slowly. Recent Canadian reviews average 3.99 stars with 22% negative, including a melted plug. See our [oil-filled radiator roundup](/home-appliances/best-oil-filled-radiator-canada) for more.
Specifications
| Heater Type | Oil-filled radiator |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1500 W (about 5,120 BTU) |
| Rated Coverage | 250 sq ft |
| Weight | 10.1 kg |
| Noise Level | Silent radiant operation (dB not stated) |
| Thermostat | Adjustable digital |
| Timer | 24 hours |
| Remote | No |
| ECO Mode | Yes (ECO mode) |
| Warranty | 3 years limited |
| Safety Certification | Not named in the listing (safety features listed) |
| Model Number | TRRS0715ECA |
Pros
- +Silent oil-filled operation with no fan noise (owners call it very quiet)
- +Rated for 250 sq ft with steady radiant heat
- +Digital panel, adjustable thermostat, 24-hour timer and ECO mode
- +3-year limited warranty and a Canadian model code (ECA)
- +Sold by Amazon.ca at $149.00
- +High volume: 1K+ bought in the past month; owners like it for bedrooms and small garages
Cons
- -A May 2026 reviewer said it shorted the power, melted the plug and threw sparks
- -22% of recent Canadian reviews are negative; units died after two winters or after two days for some
- -Several owners say it only heats noticeably near the unit and does not warm a 10 x 12 ft room
- -One buyer received a unit already returned by someone else (Jan 2026)
- -Heavy at 10.1 kg; no remote
Score Breakdown
Pick it for quiet bedroom heat if you accept a slow warm-up and some unit-to-unit risk.
Lasko 5586 Digital Ceramic Tower Heater with Remote
The Lasko 5586 is a digital ceramic tower with a remote that has its own display. It is ETL listed per its listing, with a programmable thermostat, an 8-hour timer and a 3-year warranty. At $155.64 for 150 to 200 sq ft, it is expensive. Only one Canadian review in the last two years exists, so current quality is unproven. Older Canadian reviews include an outlet burn.
Specifications
| Heater Type | Digital ceramic tower |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1500 W |
| Rated Coverage | 150–200 sq ft |
| Weight | 3.59 kg |
| Noise Level | Not stated |
| Thermostat | Programmable digital |
| Timer | 8 hours |
| Remote | Yes (with display) |
| ECO Mode | No |
| Warranty | 3 years limited |
| Safety Certification | E.T.L. listed (per listing) |
| Model Number | 5586 |
Pros
- +E.T.L. listed per the listing
- +3-year limited warranty
- +Programmable digital thermostat, 8-hour timer and remote with display
- +Sold by Amazon.ca
- +Owners in 2024–2026 describe it as quiet and reliable
- +Lasko customer service praised by a Jun 2024 reviewer
Cons
- -Only 1 Canadian verified review in the last 24 months, so current quality is unproven
- -Older Canadian reviews (2021–2023) include an outlet burn (Mar 2022), burning smells and units dying within weeks to months
- -$155.64 is high for a 150–200 sq ft rating and a 3.59 kg tower
- -No French instructions (Sep 2024 reviewer); missing remote and parts in one 2022 report
- -No ECO mode
Score Breakdown
Hard to recommend at this price with so little recent feedback. The DREO towers cost far less and have more reviews.
PELONIS 1500W Ceramic Mini Space Heater (PHTA1ABB)
The PELONIS mini is a 1.23 kg desk heater that runs under 45 dB. It costs $47.54 and draws little power. The reviews are mixed. 25% of recent Canadian reviews are negative, and many units quit within a year. One buyer called a hot plug extremely dangerous. Two others called customer service unresponsive. It has a rotary dial, no timer and no stated warranty.
Specifications
| Heater Type | PTC ceramic mini heater/fan |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1500 W |
| Rated Coverage | 200 sq ft |
| Weight | 1.23 kg |
| Dimensions | 6 x 7 x 9 in |
| Noise Level | <45 dB |
| Thermostat | Rotary temperature knob |
| Timer | None stated |
| Remote | No |
| ECO Mode | No |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
| Safety Certification | Not named (UL94 V0 housing only) |
| Model Number | PHTA1ABB |
Pros
- +Low price: $47.54, sold by Amazon.ca
- +Compact and light (1.23 kg) and under 45 dB
- +Owners praise low running cost (about 10¢/hour at 750 W per one reviewer) and good use in basements and trailers
- +Overheat protection, tip-over switch and flame-rated housing
- +Some owners report it still working well after a year
Cons
- -A Nov 2025 reviewer said the plug got extremely hot within minutes; another reported a burning smell after six months
- -Many units quit within a year (heating elements, fan, would not switch on), and one died after 2 weeks
- -Two reviewers called customer service unresponsive (Apr and Oct 2025)
- -No named certification, no timer or remote, and no warranty stated on the listing
Score Breakdown
Only for brief, supervised use on a desk. About $20 more buys a DREO with a named safety listing.
BLACK+DECKER 1500W Portable Space Heater with Carry Handle (BHDC201)
The BLACK+DECKER BHDC201 is a 1.27 kg heater and fan at $33.76. It has low, high and fan settings, an adjustable thermostat and a carry handle. Owners like it for RVs and small offices. But the latest 100 Canadian reviews average 3.81 stars with 27% negative. Reports include a melting cord, sparks and units that quit after a few uses. The warranty is one year.
Specifications
| Heater Type | Compact ceramic heater/fan |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1500 W (750 W low) |
| Rated Coverage | 150–200 sq ft |
| Weight | 1.27 kg |
| Dimensions | 7.3 x 6.3 x 9.2 in |
| Noise Level | Not stated |
| Thermostat | Adjustable |
| Timer | None stated |
| Remote | No |
| ECO Mode | No |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
| Safety Certification | Not named in the listing |
| Model Number | BHDC201 |
Pros
- +Lowest price in the field at $33.76, sold by Amazon.ca
- +Compact and light (1.27 kg) with a carry handle
- +Low/high/fan settings with an adjustable thermostat
- +Overheat protection and tip-over shutoff
- +Owners praise it for RVs, home offices and small basement rooms
- +Large proven base of 11,000+ ratings
Cons
- -A Sep 2026 reviewer said the cord got very hot and started melting; Jun and Jul 2026 reviewers reported sparks and overheating
- -Many reviewers say it stopped working after a handful of uses
- -Two buyers said they received a used or already-returned unit (Jul 2026, Jan 2026) and one reported poor packaging
- -No timer, remote or named safety certification
- -Not effective for larger bedrooms per several owners
Score Breakdown
Cheap, but the recent record is poor. Use it only on a short, supervised basis.
Amazon Basics 1500W Ceramic Space Heater (DQ1927-Y)
The Amazon Basics heater is the second-cheapest here, at $39.06. It is a 1.25 kg unit with a 43 dB fan, a thermostat and high, low and fan modes. It carries a TÜV mark, which is not a Canadian electrical listing. The latest 100 Canadian reviews average 3.56 stars with 30% negative, the worst in the field. One buyer reported that it burst into flames.
Specifications
| Heater Type | Compact ceramic heater/fan |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1500 W (900 W low) |
| Rated Coverage | Not stated |
| Weight | 1.25 kg |
| Dimensions | 7.52 x 6.34 x 9.45 in |
| Noise Level | 43 dB |
| Thermostat | Adjustable |
| Timer | None stated |
| Remote | No |
| ECO Mode | No |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
| Safety Certification | TÜV certified (no CSA/cUL/ETL named) |
| Model Number | DQ1927-Y |
Pros
- +Second-lowest price in the field at $39.06, sold by Amazon.ca
- +Compact 1.25 kg body for a desk or small room
- +High/low/fan settings with an adjustable thermostat
- +TÜV-certified, with tip-over and overheat protection
- +Owners who are happy call it a powerful little heater for the price
- +High volume: 800+ bought in the past month
Cons
- -A Jul 2026 reviewer said it burst into flames after about a year; another reported a burning-plastic smell
- -Several owners report heating stopping after a few months or about 50 hours of use
- -Reports of breaker trips and of loud grinding noise (Oct 2026)
- -No CSA, cUL or ETL certification named, and no timer or remote
- -Warranty is not stated on the listing
Score Breakdown
The weakest recent record in the field. Consider it only for brief, supervised use, or pay more for a DREO.
How We Compared
Wattage is not a column, because every unit tops out near 1,500 W. Coverage is the best-case figure from each listing. "Not named" means the listing does not state a certification mark, not that the heater lacks one.
| Model | Price | Score | Coverage | Weight | Noise | Warranty | Safety listing | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | DREO DR-HSH003 | $89.99 | 9.3 | 270 sq ft | 2.1 kg | Not stated | 1 year | cETLus | | Dr Infrared DR-968 | $233.51 | 9.1 | 576 sq ft | 8.62 kg | 39 dB | 3 years limited | Not named | | DREO DR-HSH014 | $84.99 | 9.1 | 107–215 sq ft | 2.3 kg | Not stated | 12-month limited | ETL | | DREO DR-HSH020 | $69.99 | 9.1 | 107–215 sq ft | 1.59 kg | 34 dB | 12-month limited | Not named | | Honeywell HeatGenius HCE845BC | $114.99 | 9 | Not stated | 2.4 kg | Not stated | 3 years limited | Not named | | De'Longhi Radia S TRRS0715ECA | $149 | 9 | 250 sq ft | 10.1 kg | Not stated | 3 years limited | Not named | | Lasko 5586 | $155.64 | 8.8 | 150–200 sq ft | 3.59 kg | Not stated | 3 years limited | ETL | | PELONIS PHTA1ABB | $47.54 | 8.4 | 200 sq ft | 1.23 kg | Under 45 dB | Not stated | Not named | | BLACK+DECKER BHDC201 | $33.76 | 8.3 | 150–200 sq ft | 1.27 kg | Not stated | 1 year limited | Not named | | Amazon Basics DQ1927-Y | $39.06 | 8.3 | Not stated | 1.25 kg | 43 dB | Not stated | TÜV only |
The Plug Problem in Canadian Reviews
Every listing here promises tip-over shutoff and overheat protection. The Canadian reviews tell a more useful story. We analysed the latest 100 verified reviews for each heater. The most serious pattern is a plug, cord or outlet that gets hot, smells burnt or melts. It appears on most models, including some with strong ratings.
Four heaters carry a reliability flag, meaning roughly a quarter or more of recent reviews are 1 or 2 star:
- Amazon Basics. 3.56 stars, 30% negative.
- BLACK+DECKER. 3.81 stars, 27% negative.
- PELONIS mini. 25% negative.
- Lasko 5586. Only one Canadian review in two years, so it is unproven.
Compare that with the DREO 16-inch tower (6% negative), the DR-HSH003 and the DR-HSH020 (10% each). Price alone does not explain the gap. The DR-HSH020 costs $69.99 and has 10% negative reviews, while the $47.54 PELONIS has 25%.
Certification is the second filter. Only a few listings name a mark you can check. The DREO DR-HSH003 names cETLus. The DREO 16-inch tower, and the Lasko name ETL. The Amazon Basics heater names TÜV, which is not a Canadian electrical listing. Check the label on the box when it arrives.
The University of Waterloo safety office sets a useful bar for heaters on campus. A heater needs a safety mark from the Electrical Safety Authority, a thermostat and tip-over protection. Staff must also check plugs for damage before each use. Health Canada has a safety assessment of portable electric heaters.
What Space Heaters Cost to Run, and What Room They Suit
A 1,500 W heater uses 1.5 kWh for every hour it runs at full power. Rates differ by province, so these are example rates, not a Canada-wide average.
| Rate per kWh | Full power, per hour | 750 W low setting, per hour | 4 hours at half duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10¢ | 15¢ | 7.5¢ | 30¢ |
| 15¢ | 22.5¢ | 11¢ | 45¢ |
| 20¢ | 30¢ | 15¢ | 60¢ |
A working thermostat or ECO mode cuts the real bill, because the heater cycles off once the room is warm. A common rule of thumb is 10 watts per square foot in a reasonably insulated room. That makes 1,500 W enough for about 150 sq ft. Listings here claim 107 to 270 sq ft for portable ceramic towers and 576 sq ft for the Dr Infrared. Treat those as best-case numbers.
Reviewers who used heaters in uninsulated garages, sheds and sunrooms were the most disappointed of all.
Heater type matters as much as the rating:
- Ceramic fan heaters warm up fast and suit offices and bedrooms, but the fan adds noise.
- Oil-filled radiators are silent and heavy. See our oil-filled radiator roundup for those.
- Infrared heaters warm people and objects directly and handle bigger rooms, at a higher price.
Who Should Not Buy a Plug-In Space Heater
Plug-in heaters are the wrong tool in several cases:
- You want to heat a garage, shed or sunroom. Several owners found even the large ratings fell short in those spaces.
- You would run it unattended. We would not leave any unit here on while nobody is awake to notice a hot plug.
- You need an extension cord. A 1,500 W heater draws about 12.5 A. Plug it into the wall.
- You want the lowest price. The three cheapest units all sit among the worst recent records of the 10.
If a plug feels hot, looks discoloured or smells burnt, stop using the heater. Have the outlet checked. For a cold home office or bedroom, a certified, well-reviewed ceramic tower is a sound winter tool. This list helps you pick one and skip the cheap units that fail early. A sealed room may also need an air purifier or a dehumidifier, depending on the season.
How We Research & Rank
| Criterion | Weight | Based On |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Performance | 30 | Rated coverage and heater type. Infrared and radiant units with a large stated area rank highest, and mini personal units lowest. All plug-in units top out at 1,500 W. |
| Safety Features | 25 | A named certification first (cETLus, ETL, CSA or cUL), then tip-over shutoff, two-stage overheat protection, cool-touch housing and flame-retardant parts. A listing with no named mark is capped near 8.0. |
| Owner Satisfaction | 20 | The latest 100 Canadian verified reviews, with extra weight on plug and cord overheating reports. Thin review counts are pulled toward the field average. |
| Controls & Efficiency | 15 | Digital thermostat, timer length, remote, ECO mode and settings memory. |
| Noise & Portability | 10 | Stated decibel level, weight, handle and footprint. |
Scores are out of 10. Owner Satisfaction absorbs all review evidence, and the other four criteria are judged on the listing alone.
Want silent heat for the bedroom?
A ceramic heater has a fan. An oil-filled radiator has none, and it keeps radiating after it switches off. See which Canadian-sold radiators have a 3-year warranty.
See the Best Oil-Filled RadiatorsFrequently Asked Questions
The DREO DR-HSH003 at $89.99. It is the only heater here that names a cETLus mark, and it adds tip-over shutoff and overheat protection. It is rated for 270 sq ft. Its 100 recent Canadian reviews average 4.39 stars with 10% negative. Two buyers reported a burnt plug, so check it early.
Not on this list. The BLACK+DECKER at $33.76 has 27% negative recent Canadian reviews, and the Amazon Basics at $39.06 has 30%. Both include reports of melting cords, sparks or flames, and neither names a Canadian certification. The DREO DR-HSH020 costs $69.99 and has 10% negative.
At 15¢ per kWh, a 1,500 W heater costs about 22.5¢ per hour at full power. The 750 W low setting costs about half that. A thermostat or ECO mode cuts the real bill, because the heater cycles off once the room is warm. Your province and plan set the true rate.
Choose an oil-filled radiator if silence matters most. It has no fan and keeps radiating after it switches off, but it weighs about 10 kg and warms slowly. Choose a ceramic tower if you want heat in minutes. See the oil-filled radiator roundup for the quiet option.
We analysed the latest 100 Canadian verified reviews for each heater and compared them with the lifetime star rating. When roughly a quarter or more of recent reviews are 1 or 2 star, the heater is flagged. That applies to the Amazon Basics, BLACK+DECKER and PELONIS. The Lasko is flagged for a thin recent base.