BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details. Which are the best radiant heaters? When the days get colder and your utility bills soar, it’s a good idea to have extra heating help on hand. A space heater is a great solution for times when you need more warmth but don’t want to turn up the thermostat. This electric heating method warms up a space more quickly and is the perfect option for people who don’t want the noise (and dust) of a fan. And because an electric radiant heater won’t dry out a room like other heating options, it can help maintain good respiratory health during the colder months. Shop this  article: De’Longhi Full-Room Radiant Heater, Amazon Basics Indoor Portable Heater and Tangkula Electric Oil Heater Radiant heater considerations Stationary vs. portable heaters Radiant heaters are available in stationary or portable styles: Stationary: These electric space heaters are larger and heavier. This makes them capable of warming larger rooms, but they are not easy to move around. Portable: Lightweight and compact, these are best for heating a concentrated space (i.e., underneath a desk or right next to an easy chair).  Power source  Electricity: Most indoor radiant heaters are powered by electricity. This means you need an outlet and are restricted in where you can place the heater because of that. Propane: Radiant heaters powered by propane are generally used outside only. Natural gas: Natural gas radiant heaters require professional installation, as these are connected to a natural gas line. These are typically less portable. Heater size Heater size has to do with the physical size of the heater plus its heating capacity. The size of the heater you select depends on where you’ll use it and how much square footage you want to heat. The smaller the heater, the less area it will warm, regardless of British thermal units (Btu) or wattage.  Radiant heater features Adjustable temperature While it’s difficult to get a precise temperature (even with a built-in thermostat), you should be able to adjust the temperature of your heater. Look for at least three temperature settings. Energy efficiency Radiant heaters are among the most energy-efficient heaters, so they typically cost less to run compared to other types. Some radiant heaters include an energy-saving mode, and oil-filled units are especially energy-efficient; they consume less energy and generate more heat for longer. Digital controls with remote Digital controls are easy to read and eliminate the guesswork of setting a specific temperature. These should be located on the front of your heater. If you select a radiant heater for a larger room, a remote control comes in handy. This feature is not strictly necessary but is nice to have. Programmable timer If you like to sleep in a chilly room or worry about leaving the radiant heater on all day while you’re at work, a programmable timer is the answer. It automatically turns the heater on or off after a set period. Safety features At a minimum, your radiant heater should have an automatic shut-off that kicks in when the heater is tipped or falls over. Other safety features might include: Overheating protection Antifreeze features Stay-cool exterior Sealed fuel compartments Easily portable It’s hard to call something portable if it lacks wheels or handles. Look for a portable heater with built-in wheels and large handles for a sturdy grip. Best radiant heaters De’Longhi Full-Room Radiant Heater This heater is particularly energy-efficient and low-maintenance, thanks to its oil-filled design and optional energy-saving mode. It features a 24-hour programmable timer, durable and rust-resistant metal components and auto-shutoff. It’s a portable space heater with caster wheels and a handle built into the digital display panel. Along with a digital thermostat, an antifreeze setting turns the heater on when the temperature drops below 41 degrees. This 1,500-watt heater is ideal for spaces up to 144 square feet. SHOP NOW Amazon Basics Indoor Portable Heater This 1,500-watt heater warms up a 144-square-foot room with very little maintenance. The steel body does not rust, and the oil-filled fins are sealed. There is no need to refill. The included wheels are easy to attach, and it comes with built-in cord storage. The heater shuts off if overheating occurs. On the other end of the thermostat, antifreeze measures kick in when the temperature drops too low. SHOP NOW Tangkula Electric Oil Heater This oil-filled radiant heater is exceptionally safe with its tip-over shut-off and overheating protection. It is portable on sturdy wheels. It heats medium-sized rooms to temperatures up to 95 degrees. Power is adjustable and ranges from 600 to 1,500 watts.  SHOP NOW Pelonis Electric Radiator Heater Oil is sealed inside this efficient oil-filled heater. It has three heat settings and five temperature options that range from 65 to 85 degrees. The LCD screen, programmable thermostat, remote control and 10-hour timer are added features that make it exceptionally easy to customize. As with other heaters on this list, the Pelonis space heater has an automatic shut-off for safety.  SHOP NOW Mr. Heater Indoor-Safe Radiant Heater This model offers a 4,000 to 9,000 Btu heat output for clean, fuel-efficient heating of rooms up to 225 square feet. The auto shut-off is triggered if this electric space heater tips over, if the pilot light goes out or if the heater registers lowered oxygen levels. It has two heat options and uses a 1-pound propane canister as a power source.  SHOP NOW Comfort Zone CZQTV5M Ceiling-Mounted Quartz Radiant Heater This Comfort Zone heater mounts on the ceiling, with dual 700- and 1,500-watt heat settings and 90-degree adjustable tilt. It’s the ideal garage space heater, with a helpful halogen light that illuminates the projects you’re working on. The garage heater has a cool-touch exterior, safety grill and auto shut-off.  SHOP NOW Antarctic Star Space Heater This oscillating radiant heater pumps out 800 watts of warm air. Adjust heating with the power knob between 400- and 800-watt settings. It shuts off automatically when tipped over and when overheating is detected. This small space heater is perfect for heating compact spaces or preventing pipes in garages from freezing.  SHOP NOW DeLonghi Convection Panel Heater You can heat an entire medium or large room with this 1500W radiant heat wall-mountable panel. It’s lightweight and compact with an adjustable thermostat. When used on the floor, it automatically shuts off when tipped over, as well as to prevent overheating. SHOP NOW LifePlus Electric Infrared Space Heater This 1500-watt infrared space heater is perfect for adding a burst of warmth in a large space. It has three heating modes and a 12-hour timer, along with tip-over and overheat protection. Its adjustable thermostat ranges from 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.  SHOP NOW Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.