portable space heater

The Best Portable Space Heaters

With the winter months sticking around in Canada more often than not, sometimes you need a little extra help within your room to stay warm without turning up the thermostat. 
 
A portable space heater can help keep the chill at bay while saving you some money on the energy bill as well, depending on what electricity prices are like in your city. We’ve compiled this list to help you decide on the best space heater for your home, ensuring there is something for everyone. 

Read on to check the top-rated portable space heaters in Canada this year.

Our top picks

How to choose the best space heater

Keep these few tips in mind while shopping for a new space heater: 

  • Size – Do you need a space heater for a larger room, small bedroom, or even your bathroom? It’s important to get the right size for the room you’re aiming to keep warm. 
  • Style – Are you looking for a fan-style heater, an oil-filled space heater, or a tower heater? There are many options and styles available for almost every décor or preference. 
  • Material – Some fans are plastic, some metal, and even ceramic. Keep in mind what kind of durability and material you’re comfortable with having around in your home. 
  • Cost – Portable space heaters can range from relatively affordable to very expensive. 
  • Energy use – If you keep an eye on your energy and electricity bills, be sure to research how much your new heater may cost you. 

Why trust us

Our team spent over 15 hours reviewing and researching multiple top-reviewed portable space heaters and took into account all options depending on budget and availability within Canada. With many heaters on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. We’ve made this list to help and aid you along your way. 

How we picked the best space heaters

For this buying guide, we reviewed the best space heaters available within Canada and compared them with other peer-reviewed trusted websites to ensure that the quality and reviews give you the best experience while looking for a new space heater. 

In order to select the best, we went through all available models currently accessible and looked at top-rated reviews. We wanted to be able to find space heaters that will suit users’ needs whether by budget, style, or features. 

Best space heater in Canada overall

Honeywell Ceramic Tower

With a slim design thanks to its DC motor technology, the Honeywell Ceramic Tower Heater not only looks wonderful but packs a powerful punch in a smaller casing. 

With two heat settings 1500W on High and 750W on Low, a programmable thermostat with four pre-set temperatures, and an auto-shut off timer ranging from one-, two-, four-, and eight-hour settings, you won’t have to worry about guessing when to turn off your heater or what to set the temperature to. 

It has a built-in 360-degree tip-over protection function, twice the overheat protection power shut-offs, Cool Touch plastic housing, thermal insulated wiring, and a stable reinforced base that ensures you have a sturdy and safe heater, even when it’s placed on carpet or other slightly unstable surfaces. 

Easy-to-use LED digital controls are on the top face of this heater, including large numbers so you can see exactly what your temperature heat is set to. The oscillation function works to heat bigger rooms and spread air around as needed, while the thermostat can be programmed to set to your favourite temperature for whatever room you’re in. 

Pros
  • Easy to use. 
  • Lightweight. 
  • Nice design. 
Cons
  • Works best in smaller/medium rooms.

Best space heater for apartments

Vornado Personal Heater (AVH10 Vortex)

Great things come in small packages, and the Vornado Heater backs up that statement. 

Their specially crafted ‘Vortex Action’ fans circulate warm but gentle heat throughout your room with ease. An auto-climate control function allows it to adapt to the temperature in whichever space you’re currently in and distributing more heat, as necessary. 

Two heat settings to choose from, 1500W on High and 750W on Low, and an added fan-only option make this do double duty as a comfortable heater during the winter and a helpful fan in the summer. The casing is cool to the touch and is lightweight enough to easily move with you but ensures safety with its tip-over protection and automatic safety shut-off in the event that it gets knocked over. 

An integrated power cord and five-year satisfaction guaranteed warranty give you peace of mind with this purchase, and you can’t go wrong with a small but powerful heater. If you’re not satisfied at any time, Vornado will work with you. If you’re looking to save some energy costs this winter, this little portable heater has got you covered. 

Pros
  • Great for apartments.
  • Automatic climate control.
Cons
  • Only for smaller rooms.

Best space heater for bathrooms

BE1 Oscillating Bathroom Heater

This corded electric small but powerful heater is perfect for those chilly winter mornings. 

No more cold feet and rushing for your robe as fast with this heater keeping your bathroom or bedroom toasty. As with all corded electronics, it does go without saying to keep it away from water, as it is only IP21 rated, meaning that it’s protected against condensation and the like but any large water splashes may damage it or pose an injury. 

It comes with three settings, a 1500W High mode, 750W Low mode, and a fan-only option which can be great for the warmer months when all you need is a fan. The ceramic heating elements heat very quickly within three seconds, allowing you to spend more time getting ready or taking time for yourself instead of waiting for the heater to catch up. 

The ALCI plug protects against surges, it has an auto-shutoff feature if it ever overheats and has a convenient and reassuring auto shut off in case of an accidental fall or tip over. This little space heater oscillates up to 80-degrees for full room warmth coverage whether it’s in the bathroom, office, smaller bedroom, or wherever else you need the heat. 

The adjustable thermostat isn’t electronic, but the knob is clearly labelled and easy to use. 

Pros
  • Automatically shuts off if knocked over.
  • Adjustable thermostat.
Cons
  • Thermostat can be unprecise.

Best space heater for large rooms

DeLonghi Ceramic Tower Heater

In case you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend more than $100 on a portable heater, the De’Longhi HFX65V15CA is also our pick for the best cheap space heater.   

Being known mostly for their coffee makers, DeLonghi’s brand is no stranger to creating other household appliances as well with their same safe and reliable technology. 

With a sleek design and easy to see and use LED electronic controls on the front face of this space heater, the DeLonghi ceramic tower will fit into any room you place it in. perfect for family use with an automatic shut off in case of accidentally tipping, an automatic shut-off in case of overheating, and a stable, sturdy solid base you can rest assured that safety is paramount. 

Multiple heat settings including a fan-only option for the hot summer days make this a perfect addition for all seasons. A rare feature is DeLonghi’s eco-friendly settings that automatically adjust both the thermostat and power consumption settings to ensure that you’re saving some money in your wallet and saving the environment, to boot. 

A 24-hour programmable timer allows you to adjust the timing for whenever you and your family need it to be on or off, and a full-function remote control enables you to easily change any settings from the comfort of your couch or bed. It comes with a three-year warranty in case of any breaks or usage defects and it covers a full room with an oscillation mode as well. 

Pros
  • Quiet.
  • Great performance. 
  • Affordable.
Cons
  • Quality could be better.

Best portable space heater for camping

Mr. Heater Portable Heater

If you’re in the market for a more rugged heater for outdoor camping during chilly nights, then the Mr. Heater portable propane heater might be what you’re looking for. 

Good for up to 300 square-feet, Mr. Heater delivers warmth wherever you need it while exploring the outdoors. It is propane-based, which may be more accessible and easier to use while camping or hiking away from electricity. It’s approved for indoor/outdoor use and is completely clean burning so there are no worries about any gas or propane smells lingering. 

A simple Low, Medium and High heat temperature knob allows for easy adjustments and easily connects to a single propane tank. Great for outdoor shops as well that may not have electricity hook-ups or additional heating. It can also be used with smaller propane tanks, which is great if you don’t want to carry a large container. 

User reviews have stated that they even were able to heat their entire 1,200 square foot house with the heater on a medium setting and that they felt very secure while doing so. It works well and delivers a fantastic amount of heat. 

Pros
  • Great for outdoors while camping.
  • A lot of heat.
Cons
  • Noisy.
  • Not for indoor use. 

Best space heater for safety

BE1 Tip and Overheat Protective heater

If safety is your concern then the BE1 Tip and Overheat Safety portable heater is your best bet for a warm winter purchase. 

A small but mighty personal heater, the BE1 space heater is a top-rated gem with a fast-heating ceramic build that warms up within seconds. An adjustable thermostat optimizes your needs and with two heat settings 1500W on high and 1000W on low, you’re guaranteed to have the cool air pushed out of your room with warm air filling your space. 

Best for smaller offices or bedrooms, it has an automatic shut-off in case of being tipped forward or backwards, has a sturdy slip-proof base, and an auto-shut-off in the event that it overheats. A five-year warranty backs it all up in case anything were to happen to the appliance. 

The heater itself will kick on and off to maintain constant and consistent heat within your space once it reaches an ideal temperature according to the built-in thermostat sensors and your room’s ambient temperature. You can select your own preference for indoor heating and let the heater do all of the work for you. 

The knobs are easy to use, simply turn on, off, or to the fan only setting while adjusting the other knob to whatever intensity of heat you’d like whether it’s minimal or a full high heat. It runs close to 30db at full power, staying quiet while you’re studying or working and isn’t disrupting if you’re worried about it being too loud of white noise like some other fans and portable space heaters can be. 

Pros
  • Heavy-duty but compact.
  • Multiple safety features. 
Cons
  • Works best in small spaces.

Best space heater for energy efficiency

Senville Tower Heater

A sleek design that can be used both vertically or horizontally, the Senville Tower Heater has you covered for wherever you need to place it. 

Coming in with four separate heating modes including High, Low, Eco-friendly, and a Fan-Only setting for the warm summer months, this tower fan has you covered. The thermostat is adjustable as well so you can set it to whichever temperature your heart desires, while the internal swing function allows it to oscillate internally allowing the heat to evenly distribute around your room. 

The small but compact design is great for any room you’d like it in, as it can be placed both horizontally or vertically – whichever option suits your space best. The Eco mode allows the digital thermostat within the heater to adjust itself and the temperature automatically to reduce energy consumption in your home. 

Simply plug in this heater and you’re good to go. The timer is programmable within a 24-hour space, allowing you to adjust when you’d like your heater to turn off. It comes with a remote to make easy adjustments without having to get off the couch or while working, and the digital LED display makes it easy to see and adjust as needed whether you need more heat or if you want to set a timer. 

Pros
  • Nice design. 
  • Remote controlled.
  • Heats most room sizes. 
Cons
  • Can be noisy.

Best oil-filled space heater

Pelonis Oil-Filled Electric Radiator

Tested and true, electric oil-filled space heaters are known for being fast and efficient heaters, and the Pelonis electric radiator is no exception. 

If you’re looking for a space heater that is not only quiet but will stay warm for a time after it has been shut off, look no further than an oil-filled electric radiator. Three heat settings options and five temperature settings from 18C to 29C, ensure that no matter what temperature you’re aiming for within your room, you’re sure to reach it within no time. 

user-friendly LCD screen makes adjustments easy, a programmable thermostat that you can change however you’d like, and a remote for simple adjustments without having to get uptake an old classic heater into the newer technological ages. There is a 10-hour timer included as well for automatic shut-off if you’d like to keep it running throughout the day as you’re home or working in a home office that needs to heat for the hours you’re busy. 

Four swivel caster wheels capable of 360-degree motion provide easy movement between rooms, making portability a snap. A power indicator light shows to let you know when the unit is on while a built-in safety shut-off automatically will shut down your heater if it accidentally is ever tipped over or if it happens to somehow overheat. 

A wonderful bonus of using oil-based electronic heaters is that they are quiet. Unlike fans or anything that distributes air around by blowing it around, the electric radiator simply heats the oil within its fins and allows the air to radiate out, quickly warming your room and keeping it at temperature. Once turned off, they can retain heat for quite a while at times, so be sure to keep it away from pets or children when it is operating. As well as being sure that you don’t place anything on top of it, in case of an accidental fire hazard. 

Pros
  • Heats fast.
  • Saves energy.
  • Quiet.
Cons
  • Metal gets hot.
  • Not for sure around children or pets if they’ll touch it.

Best luxury space heater

Dyson AM09 Heater

Needing no introduction, Dyson is known for its beautiful designs and incredible price tags. 

Their AM09 Hot + Cold Heater is ideal for every season at any time of the year. Powerful heating with a long-distance range makes this great for any room size whenever you need it with their Jet focus control. 

In Focused Mode, the heater will channel and direct a powerful jet of air precisely where you want it to be, for a long-range heat if you just want it on yourself and not necessarily heating the entire room. The regular wide projection will mix with the surrounding air and warm the room as needed, automatically adjusting to your preference. 

Dyson fan heaters use their Air Multiplier system to technology to create a powerful stream of uninterrupted airflow so that you always get the most out of your heater, while the thermostat monitors your room to reach and maintain your target temperatures, saving you power and not wasting energy. 

A sleep timer can be set in intervals for automatic shut-off, ranging from 15 minutes to 9 hours. An included remote control can make changing and adjusting settings from the comfort of your couch or office desk easy with oscillation settings, temperature, and airflow, while the remote itself is slightly curved and magnetized to easily go with your heater when not in use. No more losing remotes accidentally! 

The AM09 pivots on its own center of gravity, staying put wherever you tilt it without any need for clamps or clicking anything into place – Just push and tilt where you’d like, and it will stay there. One of the biggest draws of Dyson products is that there are no fast-spinning blades or visible heating elements, making it one of the safest products around for children, pets, or even yourself if you’re concerned about anything getting knocked into the heater. 

It has an automatic shut-off function if it’s ever tipped over, as it will automatically cut out and stop working. The oscillation function of the Dyson is a one-touch button on either the remote or the heater itself, with a smooth rotation that’s quiet. Overall, the Dyson can be worth the price tag if you’re looking for a well-made, safe, and reliable heater and fan that will last you well for years, and can be used all year round. 

Pros
  • Gorgeous design.
  • Works wonderfully to heat most room sizes. 
Cons
  • Pricey (around 5x more than the average portable heater.) 

Frequently asked questions about space heaters

How do you use a space heater safely?

Ensure that your space heater isn’t too close to a wall, near water sources, and that the outlet you’re plugging it into can handle the wattage. Keep an eye on it while it’s on, and don’t leave a space heater unattended. 

Can you leave a space heater on all night?

It isn’t recommended to leave any space heater on all night if you’re leaving it unattended or going to sleep, as it can be a fire hazard if anything happens. 

Are space heaters worth it?

If you’re looking for some warmth in a smaller space that doesn’t otherwise have heating such as an outdoor shop, or room addition in a garage, they are great to purchase. They’re also worth it if you’d like to keep your thermostat lower but keep a room warm. 

Other portable space heaters

Honeywell 360 Surround

A small, compact, and no-frills space heater perfect for a desk or small office where you’d just like the heat distributed on yourself and not warming an entire room. 

VIEW ON AMAZON

ProBreeze Mini-Ceramic Heater

Another mini heater designed to heat up fast and warm the area around it, without heating a whole room unless you have a small office or bedroom. Simply knob designs allow for temperature adjustments and the safety features include an automatic shut-off for overheating or if accidentally knocked over. 

VIEW ON AMAZON

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Updated date

January 12th, 2024

About the author

Nikki Lyka

Nikki Lyka is a reviewer and writer at Rank-It.ca that’s written about a variety of subjects from the best fantasy novels to travel guides and blogs. When she isn’t researching and typing up a storm, she’s generally found winding down with tea, video games, practicing aerial hoop, photography, and reading good horror novels.
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