Infrared heaters have grown in popularity in recent years, and it’s no wonder that so many people are looking for these products for their homes. They are exceptionally safe, easy to use and as efficient as pellet stoves. Infrared heaters use a different technology to most other heaters – they don’t dry out the air or move dust around like some storage heaters, and they often use much less energy than other heaters to provide the same amount of heat.

Finding the best infrared heater can be a bit of a challenge, as there are many different choices on the market, some of which are wonderful and others have their weaknesses. As these products use infrared technology, their features are a little different to other types of storage heaters. We have included information on how the heaters work, the key factors to consider including power output, the size (dimensions) of the heater, whether or not there is a timer and the manufacturer’s warranty on the product.

Our researchers have spent a lot of time reading reviews, watching videos and finding out all the information available to bring you the best options. In this guide, you’ll find a simple chart of the best products, detailed reviews of our favourite products, and an overall buying guide to help you understand which infrared heaters would be the best option for your own home. There’s even an FAQ section to answer any questions you might have about infrared heaters and whether they’re right for you.

Duraflame DFI-5010-01

This is probably the best overall option for an infrared heater. While it may not be perfect for all users, there are not many who would be disappointed with the features and even the appearance of this product.

It offers a large heating capacity, with a 5,200 BTU output to heat up to 1,000 square feet. Although it is designed as a space heater, so it is best used in conjunction with another form of heating, it can save you a lot of money on your other bills.

The safety features of this product include overheating protection, which means that if for any reason the product overheats, it will automatically switch off. There are many aspects of this heater that you can change to suit your preferences. A digital thermostat allows you to control the most important aspect: the heat. In addition, you can set a timer so that the heater comes on when you know you will need it.

Other parameters revolve around the brilliant, patent-pending design of this heater, which includes fake logs on the bottom to give the impression of a fireplace. It is impressively realistic and adds a beautiful ambiance to your room. Realistic flames are designed to appear on the back of the ‘fire’ and you can even choose your own preferences in this regard, including the colour of the flames, their intensity and the speed at which they dance around the backdrop.

For a good balance of aesthetics, safety features and great heating power, as well as great control over features and even a three-year warranty, this is a great choice.

Infrared heater Dr

The Dr. Infrared Heater is a great way to get a portable heater for your home. This is probably the best infrared heater on wheels, and it uses Quarts and PTC infrared to provide effective heat.

The safety features are very good, and this model does not get very hot to the touch. There are no visible or exposed heating elements on the model, so it is safe for pets or children, even when providing a lot of heat in the room. It also has the usual safety features, namely that it shuts off if it spills or overheats.

Like many of these types of heaters, the Dr. Infrared has three modes: high, low and energy saving mode, which in this case is “auto”. The latter mode allows it to switch between modes to maintain the right heat while using the minimum amount of energy. A built-in thermostat allows you to choose the heat you want, and Dr Infrared is very efficient at maintaining that temperature. The manufacturers also claim it has the fastest heat transfer: it has a dual heating system, which means it can quickly get to work heating the whole room.

A three-year warranty and an average of 80,000 hours of use per model make it a good long-term option. According to customer reviews, some models have occasionally experienced electrical problems, but this is rare and should be covered by your warranty.

Lifesmart Lifelux infrared heater

This is a large room heater designed as an add-on model. It offers 8 quartz elements that provide infrared heat while being wrapped in a coil.

As is standard, three energy settings allow you to choose between high, low and eco. The eco setting has been designed for use in small rooms and is very economical, so your bills could even be reduced by using such a heater.

It has a removable air filter that can be cleaned and then put back into the heater, as well as “EZ glide wheels”, which means you can move it from one space to another.

People looking for a piece of furniture that doesn’t attract attention will love the Life Lux. It has been designed to look like a wardrobe and can easily fit in with wooden furniture, especially if you have oak furniture. It can easily be mistaken for a wardrobe, so it won’t spoil the decor of your room.

The power output of this unit at its highest level of 1500W is impressive, and the manufacturers claim that it can heat rooms up to 1800 square feet as a space heater.

AirNmore Comfort Deluxe infrared heater

It is a robust and well-built unit, perfect for domestic and industrial use, which can heat up to 1000 square feet.

The features of the AirNmore product are excellent, but its main advantage is its durability and strength. The manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty on the entire product, with a lifetime warranty on the product’s ceramic heating element.

AirNmore claims that it is up to 25% more efficient than its competitors. While we don’t know exactly if this is true, it’s easy to see why such a well-made product is very popular for workshops, basements or anywhere else where it may be subject to a little more wear and tear than average.

It has two different modes, the top level offering 1500W of power and the bottom level 1000W. A quick look at some of the consumer reviews will show you that the majority of users seem to be very happy with the amount of heat this product gives off. It is easy to transport as it is also mounted on wheels.

Although it’s not the prettiest heater on the market if you’re considering placing it in your living room, it’s ideal for garages, outdoor spaces and anywhere you don’t mind having something that doesn’t look great. What it lacks in appearance it makes up for in power.

Phoenix heat storm

The Heat Storm Phoenix is a model that can do a good job as the main heater in a small room or office, but is generally better as a space heater in most rooms. The 5,200 BTU of heat is a good amount considering the compact size of this unit. It has a 750W mode and a 1500W full power mode, so you can save energy if necessary.

The heat transfer technology has been designed to quickly heat the room without reducing the humidity in the process. It is safe to touch without the risk of burning.

The LED display shows the room temperature, making it easier to change the temperature to make it more comfortable. Thanks to the remote control, you don’t even have to get up to make the settings!

It is a very small and light heater, and therefore portable. Thanks to its detachable feet, you can choose to hang it on the wall or put it somewhere else, in front of your desk for example. This means that the heater can follow you around your home if necessary, and you don’t even have to wait for it to cool down before moving it.

There is also a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, so you can have peace of mind when you buy. A lightweight, high-performance infrared heater.

EdenPURE A5095 Gen2

The EdenPure infrared heater has very different features to many of its competitors. It has been designed to save space, with a light weight and compact construction, described by the company as a ‘bookcase’ design. The fact that it is so small and can fit into a small room makes it a popular choice when space is limited.

The EdenPure Gen 2 has excellent digital features and is clearly a modern product. It has an automatic on/off function, remote control and even a smart heat on/off control, which means that if it’s hot enough, for example in the summer months, you can simply use this product to keep the air circulating rather than providing heat.

The safety features are good, there is no CO2 to worry about and the temperature of the unit itself stays low enough that there is no risk of burning even if you touch the heater.

The remote control allows you to turn it on and off or control the temperature remotely. If you want to go further, you can buy an upgrade kit which is designed to further purify the air with a Hepa filter and a UV lamp.

The unit can heat up to 1,000 square feet, but like many other heaters, it’s best used as a space heater in larger spaces. The high-tech features and remote control are great, but they also mean that this unit is a bit more expensive than some of the other options.

LifeSmart infrared heater for medium rooms

This is an infrared heater with a lot of features and very good economy settings to save energy and money.

It’s not the most powerful heater on the market, but it’s ideal for medium-sized rooms and has three different settings, the highest being 1500 watts, which gives a good level of heat. Even the ‘eco’ setting, which uses only 500W, makes it easy to heat small rooms to 68 degrees.

In terms of appearance, this heater is quite subtle, it is surrounded by a black fireproof cabinet, an excellent ‘just in case’ feature should something go wrong.

There are many features that allow the user to control and modify the heater and other functions. It has a 12 hour timer which allows you to set it to turn on or off automatically. A remote control means you don’t have to get up to change the controls.

Although it’s hard to tell from the photos, this product is very compact and lightweight. This gives it the added advantage of being able to be moved from room to room, depending on where it is most needed.

In general, reviews of this product are quite good, some say the Lifesmart could offer a little more in terms of durability, and others that the fan needs to be cleaned too often, which can be a tedious job.

Electric water heater Air Choice

The Air Choice is a wonderful safety-oriented infrared heater with great power and outstanding customer reviews. However, it is the safety features that set it apart from its competitors.

This heater has a shut-off feature, which means it will automatically turn off if it overheats or is knocked over. So you don’t have to worry about the risk of fire, even if the dog knocks it over! This is a lightweight, portable heater, so it makes sense that it could be knocked over.

Three different power modes, high, low and eco, give you different choices to suit the space you are in. High mode can start heating in five seconds, while Low mode is more of a space heater that can give the room a little boost. The eco mode allows you to turn your heater on and off to save electricity.

The air choice can be controlled by a remote control, and has an LED display, so you can easily see what you’re doing. The thermostat allows you to choose the exact temperature you want to achieve.

A brilliant 12 hour timer allows you to choose when you want it to switch off or when you want it to switch on and warm your home before you arrive.

The air choice heater is also available at a fairly reasonable price, making it a realistic option for people on a virtually unlimited budget.

What we liked:

Infrared auxiliary heater Homegear

This is another infrared heater with a maximum output of 1500W, but it is designed to give off 5100 BTU’s of heat at this output, which can provide supplemental heat for rooms of about 1500 square feet.

A digital thermostat is ideal for seeing and changing the heat you currently feel in the room. You can set the desired temperature with a remote control, and this heater will quickly ensure that you reach it. The heater is able to keep the heat at a balanced level.

This is one of the infrared heaters that uses several types of tubes or bulbs to heat, with both quartz and mica, as well as a fan, which is surprisingly close to silence.

Although it has no spill protection, it does have an overheat protection function, which means that if it gets too hot, it will automatically switch off.

The Homegear infrared space heater has a timer, but could perhaps benefit from other features, such as multiple heating modes, to allow the user to choose how much heat it gives off, and the ability to use less electricity if you need less heat.

The dual heating system is a big positive for this unit, but it could do with a few more controls and modes to get closer to the top score of 10/10.

COSTWAY Electric infrared quartz tower heater

It is a tower radiant heater, which means it is large, but takes up a small amount of floor space.

Not only is it compact in terms of floor space, but it has a handle and is lightweight, so it is designed to be easily moved around your home or office. It may be the best infrared heater for an office, as it is portable, but it does not have a timer function, which is not as important in the office as it is at home.

A power of 1200 W is sufficient, and a 600 W mode is also available if you want to use a little less energy or don’t need as much power. There are only two modes, whereas many other models have three or more.

The safety features are beyond reproach, as there is an overheat and tilt shutdown in place in case of problems.

It has to be said that this is one of the simplest infrared heaters out there, it doesn’t have many extra features that many people like, such as a timer or remote control. That’s why it’s a good option to place next to your desk, where you can control it simply. You can also easily move it around your workplace.

Advantages of a high-quality infrared heater

Infrared heaters are intelligently designed and the way they distribute heat is quite unique. Unlike conventional electric fireplaces, they use infrared rays and do not heat the air around the heater, but the objects in the room (bodies, walls or other). The heating works in the same way as if you were sitting in the sun and being warmed by its rays.

It is in this clever method of heating that infrared finds its advantages. It can heat a large space without having to use a huge amount of energy, making it very economical. These heaters are also better for the air in the room, which they keep clean and do not circulate dust or remove moisture like other heaters. Infrared heaters are also quiet compared to other methods.

Because of the clean air they provide, infrared heaters are a popular choice for any area where condensation often occurs, such as a bathroom. Condensation is less likely with this type of heat, especially compared to convection heaters. Reducing condensation also reduces the risk of mould, which is very common when warm air comes into contact with a cold surface, but as the air itself is not heated by infrared heat, this problem does not arise.

Infrared technology also heats up very quickly, which means that it does not need time to ‘kick in’. The heat is not excessively powerful, which is why these heaters are normally used in well insulated rooms, or perhaps in rooms with another heating system.

Features to consider when choosing an infrared heater

Power and heat settings
The wattage of a heater is the key to its economy and power. As a general rule, most heaters listed are between 1000 and 1800 watts and have two or three different power modes. For example, the Dr. Infrared, which offers three different modes, high (1500W), low (1000W) and energy saving mode (500W). With this control, you never use extra power unnecessarily.

Timer

A timer is a self-explanatory function and, in general, is a good option. Timers can be used either to switch the heater off after a certain time or to switch it on when you get home from work, for example. Most of the best options have 12-hour timers, which should allow you to plan ahead.

Heating area

The heating area is simply the amount of space an infrared heater can successfully heat.

Heating area is measured in square feet, and many of the options on our list can heat over 1,000 square feet. The Duraflame model we recommended can heat up to 1,000 square feet.

Remote control

It may be a luxury feature, but you wouldn’t buy a TV without a remote, so you might as well have one for your heater if it’s offered. Having a remote control means you can change the settings from the comfort of your bed or sofa, and that’s always a good thing to have!

Type of bulbs used

Most of the products mentioned use quartz bulbs and heating elements, as these are the fastest way to produce a thermal response and make your room warm and comfortable. Quartz bulbs are also very durable and can withstand a lot of infrared radiation. Other types of filament include Mica.

Most of the products on the list will never need to have the bulbs changed, as they last a very long time, and most people don’t want to deal with this kind of maintenance.

Safety – protection against overheating and tipping
You should always be careful when buying any electrical product. The more safety features you have, the better, especially for a heater. The two main problems with a space heater such as these infrared heaters are overheating or tipping over, which can be a fire hazard.

Dimensions

The dimensions of your infrared heater are something you should consider when researching before buying. This will ensure that you get a heater that fits perfectly into the space you have. For example, you may not have a lot of space to work with, in which case you can look for a bookcase model. You may not have a lot of floor space, in which case you can opt for a tower model, like the Costway model shown above, which is large but takes up very little floor space. If your room space is still very limited or you simply don’t want to clutter it up with a bulky appliance, take a look at fireplace inserts, which fit perfectly on your living room wall.

Weight

You’re probably not going to buy an infrared heater for every room in your house, it’s much better to have a portable model that you can then move to the space where it’s needed. Heating only the space you are in is a good way to keep your costs down.

An important aspect of this portability is the weight. Most of the products listed weigh less than 10 kg, making them relatively easy to move from one place to another. Others, such as the Lifesmart Lifelux, are a little heavier, but have castor wheels to help them move from one place to another, although this is not ideal. While it is possible to carry it to the next room, stairs can be tricky, and carrying it from one building to another will also be difficult. If you want something portable, lightweight and with wheels, this is the ideal scenario.

Power cord

It is important to consider the power cord supplied with your heater, mainly because the use of extension cords is not recommended. Ideally, your power cord will be long enough to allow you to place the infrared heater exactly where you want it, without it getting in the way or creating a tripping hazard. If you must use an extension cord, ensure that the power bar is correctly sized for the wattage of the heater. The heater must also be UL listed if connected to an extension cord.

Warranty

Naturally, the longer and more comprehensive the warranty, the better. In the case of electrical products such as infrared heaters, a long warranty can speak volumes about the quality of the product itself, as manufacturers are much more likely to guarantee the operation of their products if they know they are robust and well built. Many infrared heaters offer a warranty of at least two years.

Our verdict

The Duraflame heater, at the top of our list, is in our opinion the best model, especially if you are looking for a heater that is both attractive and functional. The flames give a nice ambience, and add to what is already a reliable and impressive model of infrared heating, with remote control and several heating modes.

The Lifesmart Lifelux is another top model, which we rated highly as it offers a good variety of features, three different heat settings and enormous power (it can heat rooms up to 1800 square feet), as well as looking like another piece of furniture. It may be a little heavy, but its features make up for it, especially if you want your heater to stay in one place.

The Dr. Infrared can also claim to be the best infrared heater on the market. Not only does it fit well in most rooms (it doesn’t attract attention), but it can be easily moved on wheels, is very powerful, light and quiet, making it one of the most subtle and portable infrared heaters.