Best Ceramic Heaters for Spot Heating

Review & Comparison, Last Update September 7, 2024
During a cold season, no matter if it is freezing outside or you are simply too sensitive to low temperatures, you might seek some ...Read more
PROS

This tower heater comes equipped with a programmable thermostat. In an Auto mode, it will warm up the air in your room to the optimal level depending on the ambient temperature.

CONS

A carry handle is somewhat small and inconvenient. 

OUR VERDICT

With a sleek tower design, the Lasko 755320 ceramic space heater will blend with any interior, evenly heat the room, and take up minimum space without hindering you from freely moving around. Meanwhile, a smart thermostat will maintain the ambient warmth, turning your room into a cozy shelter, no matter the temperature outside.

detailed parameters
MAXIMUM POWER

1500 watts 

HEATING AREA

Medium to large rooms

CONTROLS

Digital control panel with an LCD Display, Remote control

SETTINGS

2 heat settings (High and Low), Auto mode (programmable thermostat controlled), Oscillation mode, 8-hour timer

SAFETY

Overheat protection and cool-touch housing

DIMENSIONS

23" x 8.6" x 7.25" 

WARRANTY

3-year limited warranty

PROS

A special triangular profile stand eliminates any risk of the heater tipping over and thanks to a hefty top handle, you can conveniently carry the unit to where you need some extra heat. 

CONS

The unit needs some assembly. 

OUR VERDICT

Packed in a vibrant yellow body and designed in an industrial style, the iSiler can function as a great piece of decor for any modern home or office interior. On the other hand, though, you'll get a fully functional heater capable of warming up a space of up to 108 sq.ft. in an energy-wise manner.

detailed parameters
MAXIMUM POWER

1500 watts

HEATING AREA

Medium to large rooms

CONTROLS

Manual controls, On/off switch

SETTINGS

Adjustable thermostat (41°F - 95°F)

SAFETY

Overheat protection, Cool-touch housing, Triangular profile stand, ETL listed 

DIMENSIONS

6" x 6.7" x 7"

WARRANTY

90-day return policy and 1-year warranty

PROS

Using a simple dial switch, you can set one of 11 available temperature options to heat the space up to the desired level and enjoy the ultimate comfort.

CONS

You might hear clunking noises during the unit operation. 

OUR VERDICT

Distinguished by a whole variety of temperature settings, portable, and pretty compact, this model from Lasko will come in handy for any small room where you seek targeted heat. And thanks to a cool-touch exterior, it is safe to use even in nurseries and playrooms.

detailed parameters
MAXIMUM POWER

1500 watts

HEATING AREA

Medium to small rooms, Personal space

CONTROLS

Manual controls, Power indicator light

SETTINGS

2 heat settings (High and Low), Fan only mode, Adjustable thermostat (11 temperature settings)

SAFETY

Overheat protection, Cool-touch exterior

DIMENSIONS

9.2" x 6" x 3.7"

WARRANTY

3 years

PROS

Distinguished by ETL certificate, overheat and tip-over protection, and a body made of fire retardant materials, this model boasts enhanced safety and can be safely placed in nurseries. 

CONS

It might have some plastic smell during the first use.

OUR VERDICT

This personal heater from GiveBest is a perfect match for a bedroom, small office, playroom, or any other smaller space. It can function not only as a heater but also as a fan. Compact dimensions and a long power cable will let you put it almost anywhere and silent operation won't disturb the sleep or rest. 

detailed parameters
MAXIMUM POWER

1500 watts

HEATING AREA

Medium to small rooms, Personal space

CONTROLS

Manual controls, Power indicator light

SETTINGS

2 heat settings (High and Low), Fan only mode, Adjustable thermostat (0℉ - 158℉)

SAFETY

Tip-over switch, Overheat protection, Made of flame retardant material to achieve zero fire hazard, ETL Certified

DIMENSIONS

9.2" x 7" x 6.2"

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The unit heats up almost in an instant. You will feel the air temperature rising and enjoy the soothing warmth in less than 2 seconds after turning on the heater. 

CONS

The light indicator might seem too bright. 

OUR VERDICT

A mini ceramic heater from Andily is an ideal option to add some extra heat to personal space. Small in size, it will fit into tight rooms and quickly create a comfortable atmosphere for work or leisure. Put it in your den, workshop, garage, bedroom, or restroom and feel comfy on those colder days.

detailed parameters
MAXIMUM POWER

1500 watts

HEATING AREA

Medium to small rooms, Personal space

CONTROLS

Manual controls, Power indicator light

SETTINGS

2 heat settings (High and Low), Fan only mode, Adjustable thermostat

SAFETY

Cool-touch exterior, Tip-over switch, Overheat protection

DIMENSIONS

8.3" x 6.2" x 4.74"

WARRANTY

1 year

Let It Take Care of Your Comfort

When winter is just around the corner, many of us start looking for some extra sources of heat to be sure we feel warm and cozy in our dwellings whatever the weather is outside. In other words, we need a heating unit that will take care of our comfort, preferably, with minimum effort from our side. The Lasko 755320 is exactly that kind of heater.

Classified as a tower heater, it is distinguished by a sleek elongated body that will neatly fit into tight spaces and concise areas. Meanwhile, its neutral bronze color will blend with any interior design and won’t stick out like a sore thumb. So, the model will find its place in a room of any size. Taking up minimum space, it won’t hinder you from freely moving around.

In addition to a nice design, the Lasko 755320 offers exceptional functionality elaborated with a user convenience in mind. High and low heat settings allow adjusting the blowing intensity to your preference. What makes this unit different from many others is a clever thermostat. Not only does it enable adjusting precise heating temperature but also it controls the unit operation in an Auto mode. When set to this mode, the unit will warm the air in your room up to the optimal level depending on the ambient temperature, and automatically maintain this comfortable warmth. If you want your heater to blow just for a certain period of time, you can set a built-in 8-hour timer to switch the appliance off. It’s an especially handy function if you place your Lasko heater in a bedroom and what you seek is some extra toastiness when going to bed. All functions are easily managed by means of several control buttons on the top of the unit paired with an LCD display showing all current settings. On top of that, you can also control the heater operation.

Up-to-par Quality from Lasko

Lasko is a well-known leader among the manufacturers of air heating and cooling equipment for home use. Backed by over 100 years of expertise and production experience, the company is focused on the quality of its products striving to meet the highest quality standards both in design and in performance aspects. The Lasko 755320 is not an exception. With no questions in terms of functionality, the unit also boasts a top-quality construction to maintain efficient and consistent performance. The unit body, grill, and base are all made of premium plastic. It is highly durable, resistant to damages and physical impacts and exudes no unpleasant smells when heated. Inside is a solid ceramic heating element that will deliver consistent warmth and warm up the air times quicker than coils.

By choosing this Lasko ceramic tower heater, you will get a reliable and functional heating appliance that will serve you for years to come and keep you comfortably warm on a cold season.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B000TTV2QS

What customers say about this product

Features(4)

Shutoff timer in 1 HR. increments, up to 8 hours. No other heater I checked had that feature.

Key Specs(4)

I have had this product for about a week and I am extremely impressed. I bought this to heat my unheated basement. No heat, no insulation, just some carpet and about 350 square feet.

Size & Weight(4.4)

Light weight. I was surprise when I picked up the box it came it, I wasn't even sure there was a heater in there!

Heat up in Safety

Strange though it might seem, the smaller the heater, the bigger the safety risks it lends. A lightweight and small unit is easier to skid and users more often tend to put it too close to some other objects or even cover it, which can cause overheating and fire. Hence, safety is a crucial aspect to check and this is where the iSiLer ceramic heater really shines.

First off, the model is distinguished by a specific triangular profile stand that provides steady support and minimizes the risk of tipping over the unit accidentally. So, you won’t knock it down easily, no matter whether the heater is placed somewhere on the floor or on the tabletop. Meanwhile, a smart thermostat with an overheating protection option will switch off automatically once the temperature inside the unit goes above 176°F. Other than that, the heater is all made of flame-resistant materials meeting ETL and UL certification standards and features a PTC ceramic element that generates no flame or light. With that, the iSiLer heater is one of the safest models in its class that can be securely used for kids and elderly people as well.

As for the heating performance, you’ll be surprised how a small heater like the iSiLer is capable of performing pretty much close to bigger models. Despite the size, the unit packs 1500 watts and a powerful heating element exudes really intense warmth. Hot air freely passes through large air outlets and quickly spreads around the room. Overall, this model can evenly heat up an area of up to 108 sq.m. and is a nice choice for spot heating. So, whether you need to heat a nursery, bedroom, study, playroom or a mid-size living room, the iSiLer will be able to help. And an adjustable thermostat will let you vary the temperature between 41 °F and 95 °F to your comfort.

... and Style

Safe and high-performing, the iSiLer features a cute stylish design. Encased in a vibrant yellow body and fitted with graphite elements, the unit is created in an industrial style and looks very modern. Bright and lovely shaped, it will serve not only as a functional heater but also as a piece of decor that will add a contemporary vibe to any home interior and perfectly blend with any office style. Besides, measuring only 7 inches in the widest part, this model is very compact and will perfectly fit limited-space areas and even take little space on your desktop. And a hefty carry handle on the top allows easily move it to where you need some extra heat.

To resume, the iSiLer is a compact, safe, functional, and stylish heater suitable both for home and for office use.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $39.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07GBN86VR

The Lightweight Champ

The Lasko 754200 leaves very little to be desired. From aesthetics to utility, this unit has something for everyone.

The classic design won't be able to add character to most settings but won't be attracting unnecessary attention either. The understated profile won't be making any statements but its clean look should be able to blend into most decorative schemes with ease. You can choose between black and silver housings but, unless that's not an option from a decorative perspective, we would recommend going with silver since this is the color that makes the unit look less bland.

Size-wise, the model is not the smallest unit we've come across but, measuring 9.2" x 6" x 3.7", compact enough to accommodate most spaces without taking much room. Plus, its weight does not go above 3.5 pounds, so you'll be able to move the unit with comfort and ease.

There's this nice little handle that hides behind the control dials that you can pull out and comfortably carry the heater, moving this compact appliance from the kitchen to the bedroom. Its coverage caps at ~300 square feet, which is pretty respectable considering the price point (~25 bucks). The heater comes fully assembled, meaning you can take the unit out of the box and put it to good use right away.

11 Temperature Settings

More often than not, personal heaters within this price range are pretty basic. This product is anything but basic. It comes fitted with 11 temperature settings, so you'll definitely be able to choose and maintain the setting that you find the most comfortable. There are also three presets that let you choose between low-heat, high-heat, and fan-only settings. Using these, you'll be able to regulate the heat output and even have the unit remain productive come summer. Drawing and outputting 1500 watts max, the unit is usually able to reach the desired temperature within minutes, providing that comforting warmth and keeping the space nice and cozy.

Without the right safety features, personal heaters can become impersonal safety hazards. These features are here though. The overheat protection mechanism makes sure that the unit does not overheat even when left unattended working hours and hours without breaks. Meanwhile, the housing remains cool to the touch too, so you won't have to worry about accidentally scalding fingers.

The bottom line, the Lasko 754200 can be rotated between different spaces, keeping large apartments comfortable one room at a time.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B000TKDQ5C

VIDEO

A Smart Solution for Smaller Spaces

Smaller rooms and limited spaces make us think twice before buying any home appliance or piece of furniture since we don’t want to feel cramped. However, a space heater is the kind of device that will never go amiss, especially when winter freezes with strong colds. So, if you need a good space-wise heater for your smaller living area, you’ll definitely hit the spot with the GiveBest ceramic heater.

First and foremost, the unit is designed really compact. At 9.2" x 7" x 6.2", it will fit literally any room or area and can be placed anywhere from the floor to a bedside table, chair, stand, or work desk to get directed heat flow. Besides, thanks to close to silent operation, the model will perfectly find its place in a bedroom and won’t disturb your sleep during the night while keeping your nicely warm and comfy in your bed till the very morning.

Though the GiveBest heater has no fancy electronic controls and multiple functions, it has everything you need to adjust the heat to your personal comfort and to meet certain conditions. Thus, using two manual dials on the top of the appliance, you’ll be able to choose between high and low heat settings as well as precisely adjust the heating temperature within the range from 0°F to 158°F. Besides, you can use it not only as a heater but also as a simple fan to improve air circulation in a stuffy room on a hot day.

A Choice for Households With Kids

With smaller kids in the house, all parents are concerned about safety, which is no surprise since little fidgets tend to turn everything upside down and there are a whole lot of risks related to electric appliances and devices present in numbers in each and every modern home. And free-standing space heaters are that type of units parents try to put away from children. However, if you need a heater for a playroom or nursery, the GiveBest is hands down one of the best solutions.

Fitted with a ceramic heating element less prone to overheat than other types, it is also packed with a bundle of safety features that cut down the risk of fire to zero. Thus, along with pretty common overheat and tip-over protection, the model boasts a body made of flame retardant materials. Hence, even if voltage drops or short circuits cause any overheat, it won’t start burning. Besides, enhanced safety is proven by the ETL certificate. So, you can rest assured your kiddies won’t be exposed to fire hazards when this little heater operates.

To cut a long story short, if an affordable, compact, simple yet functional space heater is what you need for your dwelling, you can’t go wrong with the GiveBest.

Last updated price $29.98
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07W4SN7N7

Enjoy Personal Warmth

Since ceramic models are considered the safest among the heating units, this type is best suited to be used for personal space heat-up. If this is a kind of heating solution you need at the moment, the Andily heater will come down your alley.

This model is one of the most compact ceramic heaters out there. With the dimensions of 8.3" x 6.2" x 4.74", you can put it literally anywhere including even your work desk, table, or window sill. And there is no need to worry about the heat. The unit exterior will stay cool to the touch during the warmer operation and in case of tip-over or accidental overheat, the Andily will turn off automatically preventing any risk of fire or injuries. Two manual dials on the top of the unit make it a breeze to control and operate. Thus, you can choose between low and high airflow intensity and adjust the thermostat accordingly to achieve the maximum level of comfort. Meanwhile, a light indicator on the front panel will let you know when the heater is on for you not to forget to turn it off when you don’t need it anymore.

What’s more, in addition to a heating option, this model also boasts a “Fan only” mode which means you can easily use it as a mere fan blower to improve air circulation in your personal space on those hotter spring and summer days.

A problem many small and affordable heaters have is a specific smell exuded by a plastic body when heated. With the Andily, you won’t face this issue. Offered at a budget-friendly price tag, this unit is made of top-quality materials including durable plastic resistant to the flame. Hence, even if you decide to place the unit somewhere around pretty close to yourself, you won’t feel that nasty plastic smell as well as a quiet fan operation won’t cause any discomfort.

Heat up in a Blink of an Eye

Choosing an added source of heat, be it a larger space warmer or a personal ceramic heater, we expect it to warm up the space and create a comfy environment as quickly as possible. And this is where the Andily heater will really shine. Despite its diminutive size, this model is packed with 1500 watts of power and efficient heating element, all of this ensuring the heating performance similar to that of much larger heaters.

Ceramic tubes heat up almost in an instant while the fan will quickly blow around the warm air, no matter if you go for high (1500 watts) or low (750 watts) power settings. So, you will feel the air temperature rising and enjoy the soothing warmth in less than 2 seconds after turning on the heater.

To put it in a nutshell, this mini ceramic heater from Andily is an ideal option to add some extra heat to personal space or a small-sized room. It will perfectly fit into rooms where bulkier models will fail and quickly create a comfortable atmosphere for work or leisure. Place it in your den, workshop, garage, bedroom, or restroom and feel comfy on those colder days.

Last updated price $24.38
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07DX1L64X

What Is a Ceramic Heater?

When it comes to choosing a space heater to add warmth and comfort to your home or workplace, there is a whole variety of types and a ceramic heater is one of them. Ceramic heating devices are fan-assisted convection heaters. Ceramic electric heaters are so called due to the use of ceramic plates or tubes as heating elements. When heated by electricity, they transfer the heat to aluminum baffles or fins and a fan blows the hot air into the room.

Being pretty compact in size, ceramic heaters generate a great amount of heat and warm up the room pretty quickly. Owing to a faster heating process, they consume less energy and are considered as one of the most energy-efficient and cost-effective types of space heaters. Besides, ceramic heating elements are more durable and less prone to damages caused by overheat and they are eco-friendly creating no dust, fumes or smell. Producing comfortable heat, ceramic heaters are ideal for spot heating when you need to warm up a bedroom, cabinet, bathroom, or nursery without raising the temperature at the rest of the living area.

If you like to spend time outdoors and want to relax on a terrace with a cup of hot chocolate and have a breath of fresh air even when the summer season is over, you might get interested in patio heaters that will help you create a cozy atmosphere near your house.

What Features to Compare

Heating Area

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a ceramic heater is the space you need to heat up. The heating area each model is designed for and the unit efficiency directly depend on the output power of a heating element. A rule of thumb to follow if you want to pick the best ceramic heater is that the unit needs 10 Watts of power to heat up a square foot of room area. Thus, a 1500-Watt heater works great for the area up to 150 square feet.

Size

Created rather for spot heating than for maintaining a consistently warm environment in large areas, ceramic heaters are normally not very large and are quite portable. Yet, like any other devices and electric units, they differ by size and design that should be considered if you want to get the unit that fully meets your individual needs and perfectly fits into the space you need to warm up. For wide areas and larger rooms, it's better to opt for a ceramic tower heater distinguished by an upright cylindrical shape while a wall model is ideal for narrow spaces and finely furnished premises. The most widely used kind of ceramic heater is a small portable unit that can be placed under the desk or even on the table and is the best choice for confined spaces.

Temperature Settings and Controls

Another point of attention that should not be overlooked is the number of temperature settings available in your heater. Even the most simple and affordable heaters will offer you the choice between high and low heating temperature. Meanwhile, more expensive and sophisticated models come fitted with several preset temperature modes and often feature an automatic thermostat allowing you to choose any temperature to your liking and switching off the heating element once the set temperature is achieved. Many modern units also boast energy-saving modes and timers. All of these features are designed both for your personal comfort and convenience and for minimising the power consumption to let you save on your energy bills.

Safety

Unlike coil heaters and other electric heaters, ceramic models are considered one of the safest heating units. And for a good reason. Not only are ceramic plates and tubes less prone to overheating but also this type of heater is distinguished by a self-regulating heating element. If the temperature gets too high, it will reduce electric current and switch off the unit preventing overheat and the risk of fire. Other safety features include tip-over switch, antifreeze protection, and cool-touch housing.

Did you know?

Actual Ceramic Heater Performance is not Only About Output Power

Though the heating capacity of a ceramic heater as well as any other heater is defined by the unit maximum output power, you might have noticed that the same heater does not perform the same in different premises and spaces and sometimes even in the same room. And, in most cases, it has nothing to do with the appliance operability. It happens due to a number of factors, besides the heater’s power, that affects the appliance performance. The main factors that vary the heating speed and efficiency include:

  • Ceiling height. Since a warm air tends to go up, it will take a heater more time to heat up a room with high ceilings. And if the room is rather large, heating efficiency will further decrease.
  • Type, quality, and condition of insulation of the building structure. Poorly insulated houses quickly expose heat instead of holding it inside.
  • The number, size, and quality of windows in the room to be heated. Windows are poor insulators and cause significant heat loss. Hence, old glass windows emit about 90% of heat they are exposed to.
  • Overall tightness of the area in terms of the draft. If space is overstocked with furniture blocking the airflow and free air circulation, the heating efficiency will reduce dramatically.
  • Outside temperature. No house is 100% energy efficient, and homes located in cold regions will experience higher heat loss rate than those in regions with a warm or mild climate. Hence for cold areas and freezing weather conditions, you’d better increase the wattage from 10 to 15 Watts per square foot while estimating the heater performance.

Burning Smell Does not Necessarily Mean the Heater Malfunction

For a new unit you use for the first time, the burning odor is normal and it will usually dissipate in several uses. However, if you notice an unusual odor from the heater that has been already used and remained inactive for a long period, there is a great chance that the smell is caused by the dust build up on a heating element and your appliance simply needs cleaning.

The easiest and most efficient way to clean your ceramic heater is to use a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. The vacuum will quickly suck all the dust and lint from the heater surface. Under the regular heater use, clean it at least once per two weeks to maintain an optimal appliance performance.

Get the Best Pair for Your Heater to Create a Comfortable and Healthy Environment

Quickly and efficiently removing the chill and bringing enjoyable warmth to the room, ceramic heaters have a small drawback you would not notice at once but will eventually feel. Ceramic heaters dry the air. And though it might not seem a big deal at a glance, it could turn out a real problem if you use a heater on a regular basis, especially during winter season when the air is already drier. No need to say that too dry air might cause a number of skin problems, respiratory diseases, and even nosebleeds. To avoid this, simply pair your ceramic heater with a humidifier that will not only maintain the necessary air humidity level in the room but also clean the air from dust, bacteria, and allergens. Being a safe and clean source of heat, a ceramic heater will make a perfect tandem with a humidifier to create a comfy and healthy environment in your living space.

FAQ:

Q: What is the difference between convection and radiant heaters?
A: The major difference between these two types of space heaters is in the way they transfer heat. Thus radiant heaters heat the objects instead of air while convection models including ceramic heaters suck the cool air, heat it, and then blow it back into the room by means of a fan maintaining consistent hot air circulation. The main drawback of radiant heaters is that they are hot to the touch when operating and warm up the space pretty slowly. The next thing that differs radiant models from convection units is their scope of application. Radiant heaters work great for open spaces including outdoor areas and large premises with old windows and a lot of furniture. They will quickly warm up somebody sitting right in front them. Meantime, convection appliances, be it coil or ceramic heaters, are much more versatile in use and are suitable both for spot heating and for raising the temperature in an enclosed space in almost no time.

Q: What are the main advantages of ceramic heaters over coil heaters?
A: Both types being electric heaters and offering a clean source of heat without any hazardous emissions or smells, ceramic and coil heaters are not the same. If you are choosing between them, a ceramic heater would be a better option to go for several reasons. First of all, it is very efficient. Heating up to the optimal temperature within mere minutes it converts up to 85% of consumed power into heat. Meanwhile, unlike coil units, ceramic heaters are much less prone to starting an electric fire. Besides, their housing stays cool during operation that, along with an excellent overheat protection, makes ceramic electric heaters a safe choice even for nurseries and playrooms.

Q: Can I use a ceramic heater as the main source of heat?
A: Like any other portable heaters, ceramic units are not intended to replace the primary heating source. Designed for supplemental use, ceramic heaters will hardly be sufficient to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature in the entire household. They are most effective for targeted spot heating or taking the chill away in a single room.

Q: Can I use a ceramic heater in the bathroom?
A: Normally, fan heaters, including ceramic ones, are not recommended for use in wet or damp locations and you’d better refrain from putting them in the bathroom. However, ceramic heaters are known to dry and even overdry the air when used for long periods of time. Hence, if the humidity level in your bathroom is too high, you can put a ceramic heater there for some time, keeping it at a distance from running water. Yet, do not leave it there when taking a shower or bath.

Q: Are there any precautions to be taken before using a ceramic heater?
A: Basic precautions include checking the appliance and power cord for any damages, making sure that the mains voltage aligns with that of the unit, keeping the heater away from inflammable objects and water, and out from the reach of unattended children. Besides, never cover the heater during operation, always let it cool before tucking it away for storage, and store it in a dry place.

Sources:

1. Ceramic Heater, Wikipedia. July 13, 2017.

2. How do Ceramic Heaters Work? DoItYourself.

4. Lynn Rademacher Ceramic Heaters Vs. Electric Heaters, Hunker.

5. Michael Batton Kaput The Cost of Running Electric Heaters vs. Ceramic Heaters, HomeSteady. January 09, 2018.

6. Oli McKean How to buy the best electric heater, Which?

7. Chris Barnes Home heating guide, Choice. December 20, 2017.

8. Kristen Hicks How to Choose the Best Heater [Buyer’s Guide], Compact Appliance. December 17, 2015.

9. Portable Heaters, Department of Energy.

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