How Hot Does A Space Heater Get?

A space heater is a great way to efficiently heat a small space. Are you considering purchasing a space heater? If so, one thing you might be curious about is how hot they actually get. We did the research to bring you the answer.

Radiant space heaters can reach temperatures of 800-1,500 degrees Fahrenheit, and the maximum temperature of convection heaters is 380 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Now you know there is a range of heat when it comes to space heaters. Keep reading as we discuss the differences between radiant and convection heaters. We'll also talk about whether these units use a lot of electricity and more.

An infrared overhead at night. How Hot Does A Space Heater Get

Convection Vs. Radiant Space Heaters

When choosing a space heater for your home, you want to find the right fit. Convection and radiant space heaters will both heat a space, but which one you should select will depend on what you want out of a heater.

The type and size of space heater you should select changes based on the size of space you need to heat, how often you plan to use your heater, and the budget you are working with.

Let's take a closer look at the details of each type of space heater.

A hand checking temperature of heating convector on the wall, air heating the house in fall and winter

Convection Heaters

A convection heater heats the air in the space. This is done by pulling air in, heating it, then blowing the heated air back into the room. Convection heaters come with or without fans and include temperature controls to maintain a consistent heat level.

Fan-assisted convection heaters work by heating the air with wire elements. The fans allow for better air circulation and can heat a room quickly. Fanless heaters take longer to heat up, but they are quieter and look like old-fashioned radiators.

Click here to see this convection space heater on Amazon.

Convection heaters are great for warming entire rooms or large spaces, and they can be on for long periods of time. You can find standalone models and those that can be mounted on the wall.

Heater hemispherical heating mantle

Radiant Heaters

Radiant heaters quickly heat up the area using infrared radiation. These heaters fixate on heating one area versus the whole room. These heaters reach higher temperatures but lose their heat effects when you move out of the beam.

Additionally, because of these high temperatures, it is reccomended to get radiant heaters with light indicators for when your device is too hot. Radiant heaters are great for the garage or placed near a frequently-used desk.

Click here to see this portable radiant heater on Amazon.

Radiant heaters work best for short periods in smaller spaces. Due to their quick ability to heat, they are more energy efficient. These units are generally cheaper to use due to lower wattage and less use time.

How Hot Can Space Heaters Make A Room?

The heat added to a room by a space heater can fluctuate based on the size of your room and the type or model of heating unit you are using. Additionally, the setting on your central heating system will make an impact.

On average, space heaters will raise the temperature of the room by 10 degrees within 30 minutes. However, the temperature settings on different units vastly differ. You can have units with high and low settings as well as varying maximum temperatures.

With all these factors in mind, it's impossible to say the max heat a space heater can make room. If you want to correctly gauge the temperature in a specific room, you can use an indoor thermometer separate from your heating units.

Click here to see this digital indoor thermometer on Amazon.

What Space Heater Puts Out The Most Heat?

If you're heating a large room or have a particularly drafty space, you may be searching for a space heater that puts out a large amount of heat. Some of the hottest space heaters include the following:

  • Vornado VH200
  • Vornado VH10
  • De'Longhi TRD40615T
  • Lasko FH500

Out of this list, the Vornado AVH10 puts out the most heat. However, the other models are strong and have their unique advantages. Let's take a closer look at each type of space heater.

Vornado VH200

Get immediate temperature increases with this space heater. The Vornado VH200 is small, quiet and includes an internal thermostat with seven different settings. Additionally, this unit has an automatic safety shut off.

Click here to see more on Amazon.

Vornado VH10

The Vornado VH10 is one of the hottest space heaters, reaching higher temperatures more quickly. This space heater has a high and low setting as well as an adjustable thermostat.

Click here to see more on Amazon.

De'Longhi TRD40615T

This model is ideal for heating large rooms over a longer period of time. This oil-filled space heater is durable and operates silently. Additionally, the De'Longhi has three heat settings and optimal heat flow.

Click here to see more on Amazon.

Lasko FH500

The Lasko FH500 is a tower fan and heater in one. While this is one of the tallest space heaters, it takes up minimal floor space. Furthermore, this model has a 3-speed heater with an "auto eco" setting for better energy efficiency.

Click here to see more on Amazon.

As you can see, space heaters come in varying styles, strengths, and unique settings, providing an option for any type of space you need to heat.

Learn more in this post: Types Of Space Heaters For Homes

Does A Space Heater Use A Lot Of Electricity?

Many space heaters get labeled as energy efficient. However, these units do use a lot of electricity. Even with their small size, space heaters use 1,500 watts of electricity on average. Using your space heater often can quickly add to your electric bill.

Using your space heaters mindfully can help keep the costs low. For example, keep your space heater off in rooms that aren't occupied, and use appropriate sized heaters for the space you are in.

You can find out exactly how much electricity your space heater will use. This information is typically located in the manual. Multiply the watts by how many hours you plan to use the space heater. Divide this answer by 1,000. Your total tells you how many kilowatts of electricity your heater will use.

Is It Cheaper To Turn On The Heat Or Use Space Heaters?

The heat in your home most likely runs on gas, while space heaters use electricity. It is not cheaper to warm your home with space heaters as opposed to turning on the heat. However, there are some ways to use both heating sources to be the most energy and cost efficient.

Space heaters are best when used to warm one room where you'll be spending time. You can then turn down the central heat for the rest of the house. This method can save you money on energy costs.

Shot of an unrecognisable man turning down a thermostat in his home.

If you have multiple rooms that need heating, it is more cost efficient to turn on the central heat. Using space heaters to heat an entire house would costs almost double when compared to using central heat.

Learn more in this post: Are Convection Heaters Energy Efficient?

Are Space Heaters Safe To Use Overnight?

Space heaters, especially newer models, have built-in safety measures. For example, some space heaters will turn off when they reach a certain temperature, have adjustable timers, or sensors to know when they tip over.

Even with safety measures in place, it is not reccomended to run a space heater overnight. Space heaters have the potential to become a fire hazard and should be turned off before you go to bed.

An electric stove that warms cold days

The CDC recommends always using space heaters with an automatic shut off switch and keeping them away from curtains or other flammable materials. Furthermore, keeping your heater out of heavy traffic areas in the home reduces safety concerns.

In some cases, heating units can malfunction. These malfunctions can be a result of frayed wiring and may lead to a fire. With these risks in mind, it's best to turn off your space heater overnight.

Read more in this post: Space Heater Making Crackling Or Clicking Noise—What Could Be Wrong?

Electric heater with halogen coils. Flower pot and heater on marble slabs. How Hot Does A Space Heater Get

In Closing

How hot a space heater can get depends on what type and model you are using. Get a space heater that is the right size and type for the room you are heating for optimal use. We hope you found this article helpful when picking the right space heater for you.

Are you looking for more insight into what heating options are out there? Take a look at this post: Types Of Furnaces And Furnace Filters

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