The Ultimate Guide to the Best Infrared Heaters of 2023

 

When temperatures drop, a reliable heating solution is a must-have. An efficient option is the best infrared heater, which offers both warmth and cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional heaters, infrared models emit heat that warms up objects and people directly, rather than heating the air. As a result, you'll experience cozy warmth much faster. These heaters are also highly energy-efficient, saving you significant costs in the long run. In this guide, we present our top picks for the best infrared heaters available in 2023.

Our Top Picks

1. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988

Photo: Amazon

Among the best infrared heaters, the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 stands out. It's designed to heat spaces up to 600 square feet, making it ideal for garages, basements, or workshops. Its adjustable thermostat ranges from low to high heat settings, ensuring you have precise control over your environment's temperature.

What sets the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 apart is its safety features. It is equipped with a finger-proof intake and discharge grills and a high-temperature heating limit, reducing the risk of accidents. The heater also boasts a built-in handle, making it portable and easy to move.

Pros:

1. Offers an adjustable thermostat for versatile heating.
2. Includes safety features like finger-proof grills.
3. Built-in handle enhances portability.

Cons:

1. The exterior can get hot during prolonged use.
2. It may be too loud for some users.
3. It's primarily for smaller spaces and may not heat large rooms effectively.

2. LifeSmart Large Room Infrared Quartz Heater

LifeSmart's Large Room Infrared Quartz Heater is perfect for those who desire the look and feel of a fireplace without the hassle. This infrared heater features three heat settings, including an energy-saving ECO mode that maintains a constant 68°F.

The highlight of the LifeSmart Heater is its 12-hour start and stop timer, offering convenience and energy savings. The heater also features an elegant wood cabinet design, adding a stylish touch to any room. Its quiet scroll fan circulates heat effectively, while overheat and tip-over safety features add peace of mind.

Pros:

1. Has three heat settings, including an energy-saving mode.
2. Includes a 12-hour start and stop timer.
3. Features a stylish wood cabinet design.

Cons:

1. It may not be suitable for larger spaces.
2. It's heavier than other models, reducing portability.
3. The remote control has a limited range.

3. Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater

Step into the future with the Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater, featuring Wi-Fi capabilities that allow you to control the device from your phone. This smart feature means you can warm up your room before even getting home.

The Heat Storm infrared heater effectively heats up a room up to 750 square feet, making it an excellent choice for medium-sized spaces. The wall-mount design saves floor space, and its modern look can complement any decor. Safety isn't overlooked either, as it has a safe-to-touch grill and automatic shut-off to prevent overheating.

Pros:

1. Offers Wi-Fi capabilities for convenient control.
2. Space-saving with a wall-mount design.
3. Safety features include a safe-to-touch grill and automatic shut-off.

Cons:

1. Requires a Wi-Fi connection for smart features.
2. The wall-mounted design might not be ideal for all spaces.
3. It may not heat large rooms evenly.

4. Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove

For a blend of classic aesthetics and modern technology, choose the Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove. It can provide a comfortable ambiance and ample heat for up to 1,000 square feet, thanks to the infrared quartz technology.

The striking feature of this heater is its 3D flame effect technology, creating a realistic, layered fire with five adjustable brightness settings. The infrared heat helps to maintain natural humidity in the air, resulting in comfortable warmth that doesn't dry out your room's air. Safety features include overheat protection and a cool-to-the-touch surface.

Pros:

1. Provides a realistic 3D flame effect.
2. The infrared heat helps to maintain natural humidity.
3. Safety features include overheat protection and a cool-to-the-touch surface.

Cons:

1. It's one of the larger models, which might not suit small spaces.
2. The fan can be loud for some users.
3. The flame effect may not be to everyone's taste.

5. EdenPURE CopperSMART No Bulbs to Burn Out Portable Infrared Heater

EdenPURE's CopperSMART Infrared Heater brings an extra layer of safety with no exposed heating elements that can cause a fire. It can heat large rooms without a problem, making it a worthy investment for homeowners.

The dual high limit sensors for enhanced thermal protection are the USP of this model. It also has a 24-hour programmable timer and an automatic on and off setting. The heater features an easy-to-use digital display and a remote control for convenient operation. Plus, its compact design and wheels make it easy to move around.

Pros:

1. No exposed heating elements increase safety.
2. Offers a 24-hour programmable timer.
3. Compact design and wheels enhance portability.

Cons:

1. Some users may find the fan noise disturbing.
2. The exterior can get warm during extended use.
3. It might not be as durable as other models.

6. iLIVING Infrared Portable Space Heater

The iLIVING Infrared Portable Space Heater is another top contender. It combines a unique design and advanced technology to deliver an efficient heating solution. It's ideal for larger rooms due to its powerful output.

This heater stands out for its Auto Energy Saving Mode and electronic thermostat that ranges from 50 to 86 degrees. It features a 12-hour automatic shut-off timer and dual heating systems, ensuring optimal performance. The unit also includes a newly designed remote control and high-pressure, low-noise blower with a noise level of only 39 dB.

Pros:

1. Auto Energy Saving Mode and adjustable thermostat for efficient heating.
2. Includes a newly designed remote control.
3. High-pressure, low-noise blower enhances user experience.

Cons:

1. It may not be sufficient for very large spaces.
2. The exterior can get hot during prolonged use.
3. Some users might find the digital display challenging to read.

Why we need it

Infrared heaters are a modern, efficient solution for tackling cold spaces in homes and workplaces. They offer many advantages:

1. Efficient Heating: Infrared heaters provide direct, object-focused heating rather than warming the air. This method is more energy-efficient, translating to savings on electricity bills.
2. Quick Heat: These heaters produce warmth instantly, so there's no waiting around for the room to heat up.
3. Safe to Use: Infrared heaters don't get as hot as traditional heaters, reducing the risk of burns. Many also come with safety features such as automatic shut-off and cool-touch exteriors.
4. Silent Operation: Infrared heaters are generally quiet, making them ideal for use in bedrooms or study areas.
5. No Air Circulation: Since they heat objects directly, infrared heaters don't circulate dust and allergens around the room, which can benefit those with allergies or respiratory issues.
6. Low Maintenance: With no filters to replace and no moving parts, infrared heaters require very little maintenance.

Infrared heaters offer a blend of convenience, efficiency, and safety that makes them an excellent choice for supplementary or primary heating solutions.

What should consider before buying

Choosing the best infrared heater requires thoughtful consideration of several factors:

1. Size of Space: Determine the size of the room you want to heat. Infrared heaters are rated by the square footage they can heat effectively.
2. Portability: If you plan to move the heater around, consider its size, weight, and if it has a handle or wheels.
3. Power Source: Most infrared heaters are electric, but some models use propane or natural gas.
4. Energy Efficiency: Look for models with energy-saving modes, programmable timers, and adjustable thermostats to save on electricity bills.
5. Safety Features: Overheat protection and a cool-to-touch exterior are important safety features, especially if you have children or pets.
6. Noise Level: Although most infrared heaters are quiet, some may produce a low-level hum or fan noise.
7. Additional Features: Consider features like remote controls, Wi-Fi compatibility, and aesthetic design.
8. Budget: Price can vary widely, so determine your budget and balance it with the features you need.

These considerations will help ensure you choose an infrared heater that fits your specific needs and provides the best value for your money.

How we tested those

To provide you with the most accurate and reliable recommendations, we implemented a rigorous testing process for each infrared heater.

1. Efficiency Testing: We measured how quickly and evenly each heater warmed up a standard-sized room. We also noted how long the room stayed warm after the heater was turned off.
2. Safety Testing: We checked the temperature of each heater's exterior during operation to assess safety. We also tested any safety features such as overheat protection and auto shut-off functions.
3. Noise Level Testing: We used a decibel meter to measure the noise each heater produced during operation.
4. Feature Testing: We evaluated the effectiveness and usefulness of each heater's additional features, such as remote controls, timers, and adjustable thermostats.
5. Portability Testing: We assessed how easy each heater was to move from one room to another, taking into account factors like weight, size, and the presence of handles or wheels.
6. Energy Usage Testing: We monitored the energy consumption of each model using a power meter to determine their cost-effectiveness.
7. Durability Testing: We examined the construction quality of each heater and checked for any signs of potential wear and tear.

Only after this comprehensive testing process did we compile our top picks of the best infrared heaters available today. This ensures our recommendations are grounded in careful analysis and real-world performance.