Consumer Reports Reveals The 3 Best Space Heaters For Your Home — Budget Picks Included

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As the temperatures drop outside, you're likely feeling the chill inside as well. If you have a particularly drafty room or an inefficient heating source, a portable space heater offers a quick solution for keeping warm. These units are safe to use as long as the manufacturer's instructions are followed and the heaters are kept at least six feet from combustible materials. But not all models are created equally. If you're in the market for a new space heater for your home, Consumer Reports, a trusted consumer advocate and review site, released its testing results, highlighting three of the best space heaters on the market.

These top picks include high-performing heaters that quickly and efficiently warm up a space, and fortunately, budget-friendly options have made the list. The top three models are the Lasko Artisan Series CX16550, Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1, and the Comfort Zone CZ499R. Prices and features vary widely between these units, so read below for a breakdown of each to find the best fit for your home.

Reaching the top spot of Consumer Reports' space heater picks is the Lasko Artisan Series CX16550. This oscillating ceramic space heater is a budget-friendly option, at just under $70. It features two heat settings, an adjustable thermostat, and a 12-hour auto-off timer. The timer is a great feature, as forgetting to shut it off while you're away is one of the mistakes to avoid when using a space heater. An Auto-Eco thermostat maintains the desired room temperature while saving energy, making it an excellent pick for those who value energy-efficient appliances. One of its standout features, though, is its appearance. Rather than the boxy shape of a typical ceramic space heater, the heater portion is a black tower that sits on a decorative pedestal, seamlessly blending into the room.

Of course, a true test of how well a space heater performs often lies in the reviews of real-life consumers. The Lasko CX16550 has a 4.3 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. While many past reviewers say it's an efficient, good-looking heater, some reviewers complain of a plastic-like burning smell that fills the room during the first few uses. Overall, the model has received mostly positive ratings.

Scoring only one point below Consumer Reports' top pick is the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1. Rather than only functioning as a space heater, it also purifies the air and works as a fan in the summer to help cool your space. The multi-functionality means this model can be left out year-round. This heater oscillates up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to evenly heat a room. Its purifier can pull 99.97 percent of pollutants from the air. However, rather than running constantly, the air purifier monitors the room's air quality and only runs when needed to save energy. It works with Alexa, Google Home, and Siri, and can be controlled via the included remote. It also connects to the MyDyson app.

The Dyson HP1 has mostly positive reviews with a 4.3 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. One of its biggest drawbacks is its cost. At over $500, it's quite an investment, though it may be worth it if you've been wondering how to get rid of dust in the air and are looking for an air purifier and fan in addition to a heater.

The Comfort Zone CZ499R is a more basic oscillating ceramic space heater available at a budget-friendly price point of $70. It features a programmable thermostat and two heat settings. It's also equipped with a 12-hour timer that will automatically shut the heater off. Those worried about safety will appreciate the tip-over switch and overheat protection sensor that help prevent this heater from becoming a fire hazard. The heater can be controlled via its onboard display or through the included remote.

While many past and current customers praise this heater for its efficient heating, it only has a 3.7-star rating on Amazon. A recurring complaint concerns the fan's oscillation; some reviewers report that it never worked or stopped working soon after they received it. While not everyone experienced this same issue, it is something to be aware of, especially if the oscillation feature is important to you. If you want to explore more options before making a purchase, this budget-friendly space heater that can keep your energy costs down may be worth a look.