The 8 Best Radiant Heaters To Warm Up Any Space

Radiant heaters can help you get toasty in a hurry, whether you’re at home, in your studio, or on a camping trip. The best radiant heaters use multiple settings to efficiently generate warmth in spaces up to 1,000 square feet in size, and they’re available in portable or wall-mounted options, so you can get the most convenient heating solution for your needs.

Radiant heaters — also known as infrared heaters — use infrared technology to generate warmth that targets people and objects, instead of the air. The result is an extremely energy-efficient way to heat spaces, but much like sitting directly in sunlight, these heaters work best when you’re right in their path. For that reason, the majority of these electric heaters feature wheels or a carrying handle, so you can move them around as needed. However, if you only plan on using the heater in one room, you can opt for a wall-mounted option to save floor space, or even choose one that looks like a real fireplace to create a cozy ambiance. And if you’re going camping, there are portable infrared heaters that are compact and powered by a small tank of propane instead of electricity.

You’ll also want to consider features like multiple heat settings, a timer, and remote-controlled or Wi-Fi-enabled operation. And, as with any space heater, you'll want to keep an eye out for safety features, like overheat protection and auto-shutoff in case the heater gets tipped over. For extra peace of mind, some heaters are certified for safety by testing laboratories, too.

Whichever option works best for you, these are the best radiant heaters on Amazon that will keep you warm and comfy when the temperature drops.

1. The Overall Best

• Also available on Lowe’s, $95

This Dr. Infrared heater boasts over 11,000 five-star reviews and a dual heating system that has high and low settings, as well as an energy-saving auto mode that allows you to set your desired temperature between 50 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It heats spaces up to 1,000 square feet and has other helpful features, like a 12-hour programmable timer and remote control operation, so you don't have to get up from the couch to adjust it. The heater automatically turns off if it gets tipped over, and it's certified by Underwriter Laboratories (UL) to meet safety standards for the U.S. and Canada. However, this heater doesn’t have handles and weighs 10 pounds, so while it’s definitely portable, one reviewer mentioned it’s a little awkward to move.

According to a reviewer: “We really like this heater! We got it to provide some heat in our newly enclosed back porch. I set it on 60 degrees and thought it would have a hard time heating a 350 square feet area but it hasn't missed a beat. It runs quietly and the internal thermostat is accurate according to a thermometer we have on the porch.”

2. The Most Affordable

• Also available on Bed Bath & Beyond, $45

While this radiant heater is a little more basic than other options on this list, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking to spend less. It has a slim profile, offers low and high heat levels (400 and 800 watts, according to reviewers), and the brand recommends it for small rooms. There’s no remote control, but the heater has two knobs for adjusting the heat settings and turning the oscillation on and off. Safety-wise, the heater has tip-over and overheat protection, a stay-cool exterior, and according to the brand website, it’s Intertek ETL certified to meet North American safety standards. Also helpful: There’s a molded handle on the back so you can easily carry the heater between rooms.

According to a reviewer: “With my relatively new work-from-home status, and with cold weather coming on, I wanted a heater that would warm me and not the surrounding air; and also one that was silent (no fan) so I don't have any background noise when on the phone. Also didn't want a higher wattage heater as with my computer and monitors plugged into the same circuit, didn't want to blow the breaker. This fits the bill perfectly.”

3. A Cheap Heater With A Slim Profile

If you want something that won't take up too much room and is relatively affordable, consider this slim radiant heater that warms up to 144 square feet of space. When you plug in the heater, it uses seven oil-filled fins — which are permanently sealed and require no maintenance — to create warmth, and it has three heat settings and a temperature control dial. Safety features include an auto-shutoff in case of overheating or tipping over, but some reviewers report that you'll want to keep kids and pets away, as the housing can get hot. There are four wheels for easy portability, and the slim profile means it's easy to set in the corner of a room and out of the way. And while this simple heater doesn't have a timer or remote control, it's still a worthy choice. Choose from black and white.

According to a reviewer: “Great value! This little heater is great! Old school simple design, use to heat my garage, instant hot. Not very large but puts out more heat than my comparably sized ceramic space heater."

4. A Classic, Low-Profile Heater

• Also available on Bed Bath & Beyond, $36

With a low-profile, horizontal design, this infrared heater can be tucked anywhere in the room to help keep you warm, and the built-in carry handle makes it easier to move as needed. It heats spaces up to 1,000 square feet and there are two speed settings and a temperature control dial. It's also very affordable, but there are no upgraded features like a timer or remote control. For safety, there’s tip-over protection, alarm indicator lights, and a cool-touch exterior.

According to a reviewer: “The temperature control is easy to set and the little heater really does warm up the room and keeps it warm. I'm playing video games all day in a den that is 20'x12' and its an add on room that used to be a garage so it's cold, but not anymore.”

5. A Wall-Mounted Heater With Wi-Fi

If you're not planning to move your heater around, you can opt for this wall-mounted radiant heater that'll keep your floor space free. Even better — the heater is Wi-Fi enabled, so you can use your smartphone to adjust the temperature and set it on a heating schedule, without the extra hassle of having to keep track of a remote control. Effective in spaces from 500 to 1,000 square feet, it's ETL-certified and boasts overheat protection, a cool-touch body, and child lock buttons. When installed directly over an outlet, the power cord can be stashed inside the heater for a sleek, cord-free look.

According to a reviewer: “Works great. I’m able to program it to turn on automatically at 3am so that my kitchen is nice and warm in the morning and program it to turn off automatically at 6:30am so that I don’t Have to remember to turn it off before I leave.”

6. The Best For Camping

• Also available on Overstock, $152

If you’re going off the grid, this portable radiant heater connects to two 1-pound propane tanks (sold separately) to warm you up without having to plug into an outlet. It heats spaces up to 450 square feet and features low, medium, and high temperature settings and simple operation — just turn the knob to light the pilot. For safety, the heater automatically turns off if it gets tipped over or if low oxygen levels are detected. It weighs in at 17.1 pounds and has a built-in handle for easier carrying.

According to a reviewer: “We used this while doing some alpine camping in Colorado over the summer. Kept our 14 person tent comfortable over-night, on the low setting, in 30 degree temperatures.”

7. A Cozy Fireplace Heater

• Also available on Target, $320

To create a cozy ambiance, opt for this Duraflame infrared heater that looks just like a fireplace. The electric heater features realistic 3-D flame effects with adjustable speed, color, and brightness settings that’ll make you feel just like you’re sitting by a real fireplace. Plus, the flame effects can be used with or without heat, so you can still enjoy the festive mood when the weather is warm. It generates enough heat to cover up to 1,000 square feet of space, and the temperature can be adjusted via the digital thermostat control panel or with the included remote control. There’s also a timer, which ranges from 30 minutes to nine hours, so you can easily set it on a schedule. Safety features include a cool-to-the-touch exterior and overheat protection, but there's no mention of tip-over protection; however, reviewers say it's sturdy and unlikely to budge. Keep in mind, though — there are no wheels on this option, so it's best if you plan to use it in just one spot. Choose from eight colors.

According to a reviewer: “I have a small sitting room that I spend a lot of time in during the winter months. This allows me to stay warm and cozy, with a surprisingly pleasant ambiance.”

8. A Heater That Comes With An Adjustable Tripod

• Also available on Walmart, $200

If you want a heater that can be set at different heights, this infrared heater comes with a tripod that adjusts between 3 feet, 8 inches and 7 feet tall. The heater offers three warmth levels that you can control with the included remote, and you have the option of setting a timer between one and nine hours. This heater has an IP 55 waterproof rating, so you can use it indoors or outdoors. According to the brand website, the heater is good for indoor areas up to 1,000 square feet and outdoor areas that measure 10 by 10 feet. As for safety, the heater will automatically turn off if it gets tipped over. You can also install the heater on the wall or ceiling (the necessary hardware is included), and if you want to spend a little less, it’s available without a tripod as well.

According to a reviewer: “Decent spread of heat that was felt by three people sitting in different positions from each other (not huddled together) [...] good warmth, quite easy to setup. Tripod allows various heights to experiment how the heat will impact each person.”