With an oscillation feature covering a 90-degree spread, the unit adequately heated our entire space, and its tall design produced a column of hot air that warmed our full seated body from a few feet away. Keep in mind though that this unit does get hot (except for the display), so you will want to keep it away from kids and pets. Biermeier recommends that you look for a space heater that has a tip-over switch that turns the heater off if it falls down, a thermostat to control the temperature, and an automatic overheating sensor and auto switch. Biermeier also notes that “oil space heaters are slower to heat up, but maintain their heat between cycles, which makes them very energy-efficient. We've also continued testing the winners in our own homes for six months to see how effectively they heated and blended into our spaces.

We had no trouble setting up the app on our phone (despite having trouble at the lab) and loved being able to turn it on from another room in our house. For heaters with app control options, we noted how easily we were able to connect the heater to the Wi-Fi and set up the app, as well as whether the in-app controls were user-friendly. Its small size can fit comfortably in any tight space, whether you place it under the table to warm your legs or atop your desk to provide direct heat as you work. Its compact design ensures it won’t cramp your space, making it the perfect addition to any room, office, or workspace. If you are mostly looking for a heater to bring from room to room, we love the GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater.

As TODAY previously reported, to reduce the risk of a space heater fire, you should look for a device that has an automated timer. Unsupervised, curious kiddos could approach the heater, touch it, and experience discomfort from the hot exterior.

Biermeier warns that while “in theory, the safety functions on a space heater would allow you to run one all night,” there is always the risk of a safety function failing, which could cause a house fire.Equipped with a touchscreen for easy up-close control, the heater also comes with a remote that works from up to 26 feet away, which we found effective from all ranges. It’s light and has a handle on its back, so it's easy to tote around, and it operates quietly, even on its highest setting.

We love that the heater is ETL-tested (an independent test that certifies products meet safety standards) and has all of the standard safety features, including overheat protection (turns off if it gets too hot), tip-over protection ( shuts off even if slightly bumped), and won't feel hot when it's on, which is always a plus in homes with kids or pets. Its compact design, light weight, and portability make it a great addition to office spaces, providing personalized comfort. Whether you’re looking to warm up a chilly office, a cozy room, or your workspace, this heater can do the job efficiently. Space heaters with fans or oscillating mechanisms distribute heat more evenly, and, in the process, save energy. You can’t select an exact temperature, but it does have a built-in thermostat and will display the temperature in the room, and we noticed it only gets as hot as 92 degrees.While we didn’t notice any specific safety features, the unit’s bulky frame and wheels prevented it from tipping. With the ability to set your desired temperature, you have full control over your indoor environment. We loved this feature, as it allowed us to experience just the heat, just the mesmerizing flames, or a combination of the two.