Whether you’re looking to reduce power consumption or reinforce your central heating system, a low-wattage space heater can be of great value. These are compact units that deliver enough heat to warm up your personal space with very minimal noise and energy consumption. In this article, we shed light on my top picks for the best low-wattage space heater on the market today.
Best Low Wattage Space Heater
- Brightown Mini Desk Heater (Editor's Choice)
- Lasko 100 MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater
- COSTWAY Oil Filled Radiator Heater
- Vornado ATH1 Whole Room Tower Heater
- Optimus H-5511 Infrared Quartz Heater
5 Best Low Wattage Space Heaters in 2022
Not all low-wattage space heaters are potent. Some models focus so much on energy-efficiency that they’re pretty much useless when it comes to their heat output. In hopes of making your selection process a bit easier, we’ve narrowed down your options to just 5 high-quality heaters that strike the perfect balance between energy-efficiency and sufficient heat output.
1. Brightown Mini Desk Heater
Kicking off our list is the Mini Desk Heater from Brightown, with its 400W heating capacity and highly compact construction. A 400W heater is powerful enough to provide warmth to an entire room but not overly consuming that it takes a toll on your power bill. Not only that, but it won’t overload your circuit that the circuit breaker trips and shuts off the power in your entire house.
The Brightown Mini Desk Heater is recommended for people living in a milder climate. Also, it’s best suited for spaces that are 100 square feet or less. You can use it by your office desk, on top of your nightstand, just about anywhere you want. It’s extremely quiet, so it won’t disturb your workflow or sleep.
The Mini Desk Heater features a single on/off switch that can be found on the back. When you turn the device on, a faint red glow shimmers to indicate that the device is working. This low wattage heater measures 6.3 x 3.15 x 6.3 inches, so it doesn’t take up much space, and you can carry it around with ease.
Also, the bright orange finish makes it easy to see the unit, so you don’t bump into it.
The Mini Desk Heater’s strongest selling point and probably the reason behind its immense popularity is its highly affordable price tag. As you go through our list, you’ll realize that this is the most affordable low-wattage space heater on the list.
Despite its budget-friendly price tag, however, it manages to deliver an admirable performance and a fair share of functionality.
Accompanied by the heater is a 5.5-feet long cord, which is pretty lengthy compared to other competitors on the market, and it has a two-prong connection for your convenience. The safety features implemented in this unit are automatic tip-over shutoff and a surface that’s cool to touch. And to guarantee longevity, the device is backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros:
- ETL-listed for safe use
- Sturdy and portable construction
- Very quiet and energy-efficient
- Produces lots of heat for its size
- Good set of safety features
Cons:
- Lacks heat control settings
- No built-in thermostat
2. Lasko 100 MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater
Having a 200W heating capacity, the Lasko MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater is a great choice for warming up your personal space. For example, you can place it beneath your desk to keep your feet and legs warm or on top of your desk to keep your hands warm as you’re getting work done. You can also place it on your nightstand for a wave of slight warmth as you’re sleeping.
Please keep in mind that this low wattage heater isn’t capable enough to heat up an entire room, no matter how small it is. It’s dedicated solely to heating up personal space. If you thought the Brightown Mini Desk Heater was small, you’ve got another thing coming, as the Lasko features a 4 x 4-inch footprint, making it one of the most compact and most portable electric heaters on our list.
Like all of the devices on our list, the Lasko MyHeat Ceramic Heater comes pre-assembled, so you won’t have to waste time putting it together. You just take it out of the box, plug it into the nearest 120V outlet, and enjoy a radiant wave of warmth. The Lasko is quite energy-efficient, drawing only 2 amperes. It’s also very easy to use, as it features a single on/off switch.
Functionality aside, the device is available in 4 different colors: white, black, purple, and blue, so you can pick the color that suits your preference rather than get stuck with a color that doesn’t appeal to you. However, we highly recommend opting for a color that’s easy to discern in order to prevent tripping over the device because, once again, it’s remarkably compact.
Like the Brightown Mini Desk Heater, the Lasko MyHeat is ETL-listed for safe use. It’s equipped with a set of safety features that help prevent it from overheating.
Besides, the ceramic heating element itself is self-regulating, meaning that it helps promote a cool-touch exterior. Last but definitely not least, the Lasko MyHeat is backed by a 3-year warranty, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Pros:
- Portable and very space-efficient
- Doesn’t consume a lot of energy
- Cool-touch plastic exterior
- ETL-listed for safe operation
- Automatic overheat protection
Cons:
- Doesn't feature tip-over protection
- Must be very close to feel the heat
3. COSTWAY Oil Filled Radiator Heater
This portable electric heater from Costway flaunts one of the most innovative designs out there. It’s oil-filled and has a heating capacity of 700W, which is enough to heat up entire rooms and offices with ease and without increasing your utility bill expenses as much as central heaters do. It doesn’t feature the most compact design, but it’s still lightweight and easy to move around.
The Oil Filled Radiator Heater is designed to ensure low-noise heating so that it doesn’t disrupt your sleep or work.
Moreover, the device’s footprint is small enough for you to put it in narrow spaces or even under your desk to keep your feet warm. The awesome thing about this heater is that it’s equipped with a temperature adjustment system, putting you in control of the heat it produces.
It implements high-quality materials for its construction, and it features 7 mini heat sinks to guarantee efficient thermal management.
The oil inside of the radiator is permanently sealed, so you don’t have to worry about refueling, and you shouldn’t have any safety concerns with regards to it leaking out.
Moreover, the Costway heater isn't ETL-listed, but it’s equipped with an overheating protection feature that automatically shuts the device off to prevent accidents. There’s an on/off switch for easy use, but it’s not as bright as we’d like it to be, sadly. We would’ve liked for the device to feature tip-over protection, but we can’t really complain considering its wallet-friendly price.
In addition to featuring heat control settings, the Costway features an intelligent power-saving mode that will help cut down your expenses significantly. The way it works is pretty simple, as soon as the temperature in the room drops below the preset temperature, the unit turns on until the desired temperature is reached. This helps maintain the ideal temperature and save energy.
Pros:
- Lightweight, low-profile design
- Features a power-saving mode
- Automatic overheating protection
- Doesn’t use a fan, so it’s very silent
- Features heat control settings
Cons:
- Doesn't feature tip-over protection
- Not ETL-listed
4. Vornado ATH1 Whole Room Tower Heater
The Vornado ATH1 isn’t the smallest space heater on our list or the most energy-efficient, as it boasts a maximum heating capacity of 1500W. So why did we include it on our list? Because it features 2 heat settings that vary in terms of wattage. The first setting sets the device to operate at 750W, whereas the second setting sets it to 1500W. So it’s both a low and high-voltage unit.
In addition to 2 heat settings, the Vornado ATH1 has 2 fan settings that you can switch between. The ATH1 flaunts a low-profile design, but it’s not compact by any means, as it measures 20 x 5.49 x 7.88 inches. Its footprint isn’t that space-consuming, but it’s definitely one tall unit. After all, it’s a “tower” heater.
The unit brilliantly delivers a balanced heat out with no oscillation at all.
The VH1 is equipped with advanced safety features, including automatic overheating protection and tip-over protection, but there’s no mention of it being ETL-tested. The device is designed to meet U.S. voltage requirements, though, and is safety-tested according to the manufacturer, so no worries there. Keep in mind, however, that the VH1 is warrantied for use only in the U.S.
The Vornado ATH1 is surprisingly quiet considering its remarkable heating capacity. Further, its operation is quite economical, as it automatically lowers the heat output and fan speed when the desired room temperature is reached. Unlike small space heaters that cycle on and off, the ATH1 doesn’t leave pockets of cold and warm air in your room. It’s incredibly consistent.
To ensure optimum performance from the Vornado ATH1, you have to position it in such a way that its heat flow isn’t obstructed whatsoever. If you’re going to place it near a wall or corner, you have to allow 6 inches of space at least so that it doesn’t limit the unit’s air intake, hindering its performance. Lastly, the Vornado ATH1 is backed by a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty.
Pros:
- 2 heat settings and 2 fan settings
- Advanced safety features
- Produces a great deal of heat
- Energy-efficient performance
- Backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Not an ETL-listed space heater
- Not the most compact construction
5. Optimus H-5511 Infrared Quartz Heater
The Optimus H-5511 is yet another excellent space heater that’s quite similar to the ATH1 from Vornado in the sense that it features 2 wattage options that you can choose from. You can set the device to 400 watts or 800 watts, based on your needs. Unlike the ATH1, which doubles as both a high and low-voltage heater, the H-5511 is categorized as a low-voltage unit.
To tell you the truth, we’re not huge fans of the H-5511’s aesthetics. It looks like something that was built in the 90s. Its retro appearance might appeal to some people, though. Nevertheless, the device delivers an astounding performance that can keep a spacious room warm with zero pockets of cold air lingering around. Its heat distribution is well-balanced for the most part.
The H-5511 is equipped with a few safety features that help us look beyond the fact that it’s not ETL-listed. These features include tip-over protection, overheat thermal cut-off, and cool-touch exterior. In terms of portability, the device is fairly lightweight, but it’s not as compact as some of its competitors like the Brightown Mini Desk Heater, measuring 12.5 x 12.25 x 6.25 inches.
This space heater uses infrared technology to provide sun-like warmth almost instantaneously. It’s perfect for fast-focused spot heating. Note that the device might not turn on if the tip-over safety switch is on. The switch can be found at the bottom. Further, if the device is placed on a soft surface like a carpet, the tip-over switch cannot be engaged. It has to be on a hard surface.
The Optimus H-5511 is remarkably quiet, as it doesn’t utilize any fans whatsoever. It’s arguably the quietest space heater on our list.
It brilliantly warms up the room without blowing dry heated air everywhere, and it doesn’t strip the air from its moisture.
Pros:
- Flaunts 2 different heat settings
- Has a host of safety features
- Balanced distribution of heat
- Incredibly silent performance
- Delivers heat in no time at all
Cons:
- Not the most compact design
- Old-fashioned design
How to Choose a Low Wattage Space Heater
Finding a reliable low-wattage space heater can be quite challenging considering how some of these units are so underpowered that their effect is barely even noticeable. To ensure the most bang for your buck, we recommend considering the following factors before making a purchase.
Wattage
So, how low are we talking about when we speak of low-wattage heaters? Considering how most full-size heaters have a heat capacity that’s between 1000W and 1500W, low-wattage heaters are devices that have a heating capacity of under 1000W.
You can find space heaters with a wattage value as low as 50W, but these aren’t effective at all, especially in a cold climate.
Depending on your heat requirements, you want to opt for a device that has a heating capacity between 200W and 1000W. If you live in a milder climate, the lower end of the aforementioned wattage range will be sufficient. If you live in an area that’s ruthlessly cold, however, you should opt for a 700W or more.
Heater Type
Now that you know the wattage range you should stick to, it’s time to consider the type of heater you’re looking to buy.
Space heaters come in a wide range of styles, but there are three heating technologies that all electric heaters fall under, namely convection heating, radiant heating, and fan-forced heating. Each type has its own positives and negatives, so choose wisely.
Convection heaters deliver even whole-room heating, but they’re not the fastest to deliver heat. Radiant heaters, on the other hand, offer quick spot-heating, but they’re intended only for small and personal spaces. Fan-forced heaters utilize an internal fan that blows air across a heating element (usually ceramic) to deliver heated air. While effective, these units are very noisy.
Another type you can find is micathermic heaters, which are hybrid heaters that combine both convection and radiant heating technologies to quickly deliver widespread heat. As you expect, however, micathermic heaters are costly compared to their counterparts. Base your selection on the size of the area you’re trying to heat as well as how fast you want the heat delivered.
Safety Features
No matter how low the heater’s heating capacity is, it can still result in fire hazards if not monitored properly, which is why it’s critical that you consider a device that’s equipped with safety features.
Look for devices that have a cool-touch surface so that it doesn’t burn your hands if you touch it during its operating. In addition, look for an automatic overheating protection functionality.
Another safety feature to consider is tip-over protection, which is basically an internal switch that shuts the device off automatically if it gets knocked down or tipped over accidentally.
You should also consider space heaters that are tested and certified by independent safety organizations like the CSA or UL. And ideally, you want to purchase a product that’s ETL-listed.
Noise Level
Virtually all space heaters produce noise during their operation, but some produce more noise than others. If you’re going to use the space in your workplace or in your bedroom, you should opt for a device that produces as minimal noise as possible so that it doesn’t disturb your work or sleep.
This entails steering clear of fan-forced space heaters, as they’re the noisiest.
Construction
By construction, we mean durability and compactness. Most space heaters feature hard plastic exteriors, but some models are definitely more durable than others.
The good thing is that durability is linked directly to whether or not the product is certified for safe use, meaning that if the product is certified by a reputable organization, it’s highly likely that it'll last for many years.
Avoid opting for cheap imports because most of them don’t even live up to the required safety standards. When it comes to size, most low-wattage space heaters are pretty compact, so you don’t have to worry about them taking up too much space or being difficult to move around. Just make sure there’s a carry handle so that the device is more convenient for portability.
Other Features
While the previously-mentioned features are the most critical ones, there’s more to picking a low wattage space heater than meets the eye. Here are some extra features that can be incredibly helpful.
Built-in Thermostat
Space heaters that feature an onboard thermostat enable you to keep track of your indoor temperature.
After all, how can you determine whether or not you’ve reached the desired temperature without a thermostat? But don’t worry, if you can’t get a unit with a digital thermostat, you can simply buy a thermostat separately.
Temperature Controls
A lot of low-wattage space heaters operate on a single preset temperature setting, which isn’t always convenient. Consider opting for a device that gives you full control over the intensity of heat that it produces so that you’re not stuck with insufficient warmth.
Timer
Space heaters that feature timers are very convenient because you’re able to set the desired time frame, after which the device shuts off. This helps cut down on your power expenses significantly.
Intelligent Heating
This is basically when a space heater reduces its heat output as soon as the desired room temperature is reached in order to cut down your expenses. You can find this feature in the COSTWAY Oil Filled Radiator Heater.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, with the aid of the information shared in this article, you’ll be able to combat the frigid months of winter without worrying about rendering a fuse useless or squandering too much on power consumption.
We’re torn between the Brightown Mini Desk Heater and Vornado ATH1 Whole Room Tower Heater as to which unit is better. On one hand, you have a budget-friendly, ultra-compact unit that delivers enough heat to warm up a small room, and that’s ETL-listed for safe use. And on the other hand, you have a powerful space heater that’s perfect for all situations, and that’s backed by a solid warranty.
At the end of the day, choosing which device to opt for boils down to your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a space-efficient unit to warm up a small room in a mild climate, the Brightown Mini Desk Heater is the way to go. But if you live in a cold climate and you’re looking for more control over your heat setting, the Vornado ATH1 is your best bet.
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