Is your basement a bit too cold?
Are you looking for a good basement space heater to warm it up?
If so, this guide can help.
Below, you’ll find the most comprehensive guide on choosing the best space heater for basement rooms so it can be comfortable downstairs.
As you know, there are a lot of basement heater options to choose from, but we’ll help you cut through the clutter and find the best heater for basement areas that fits your needs and budget.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what you need to keep your basement toasty warm all winter long.
Table of Contents
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Basement Heaters Reviewed in This Guide
Here’s a quick comparison chart showing the best basement heaters. We’ll cover each aspect of these units in the reviews section below, but this gives you an idea of what’s available and an easy way to compare them.
| Image | Heater Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater
| Check Price |
 | Lasko AW300 Space Heater
| Check Price |
 | Vornado MVH Space Heater
| Check Price |
 | Heat Storm HS-1000-WX-WIFI Space Heater
| Check Price |
 | Duraflame DFI-5010 Space Heater
| Check Price |
 | Life Smart Space Heater
| Check Price |
 | De’Longhi TRD40615E Space Heater
| Check Price |
 | Pelonis NY1507-14A Space Heater
| Check Price |
 | Mr. Heater MH18B Big Buddy Space Heater
| Check Price |
 | Dyna-Glo IR18PMDG-1 Space Heater
| Check Price |
Best Space Heater for Basement Reviews List
1. Lasko AW300 Bladeless Ceramic Heater
For anyone looking for a ceramic heater, this is the best space heater for basement areas up to 300 sq. ft.
Not only is it modern and sleek, but it’s completely digital with an 8-hour timer, automatic thermostat, and remote control.
You can dial in the precise temperature that’s most comfortable for you and have it shut off automatically when it’s no longer needed.
This space heater also has a bladeless design which means it creates powerful ceramic heat with lower noise output.
Something else that sets this unit apart from other basement heater options is that it has a special air ionizer function to charge particles in the air. This feature makes it easier for dust, allergens, and other pollutants to be collected in the air filter.
Not only will you enjoy hot air with this heater, but you’ll also get cleaner, more purified air to breathe.
Safety features include:
- Overheat protection
- Tip-over protection
- Cool-touch housing
2. Vornado MVH Fan Heater
If you want something a lot more basic than our #1 recommendation, then this might be the best heater for basement for you.
It covers almost the same amount of space as the previous model, up to 300 sq. ft.
However, this fan heater uses vortex air circulation to heat your basement which is similar to how a forced air furnace operates—slow and gentle.
Like other fan heaters, this space heater uses a metal coil to deliver heated air, but it does so more effectively and efficiently because of the vortex design.
The three fan speed settings (low, medium, and high) allow you to tailor the heat output to your liking and help you better maintain energy consumption.
It also comes with seven thermostat settings for temperature control and an Auto Mode that turns the heater on/off to keep the room at the set temperature.
Safety features include:
- Overheat protection
- Tip-over protection
- Cool-touch housing
3. Dr. Infrared DR-968 Infrared Space Heater
How would you like to have the best electric heater for basement that uses infrared heat waves to warm up every object in the room?
This model uses 100% of the heat produced and creates an almost zero loss in heat transfer, making this heater incredibly efficient at warming large areas up to 1,000 sq. ft.
It also combines radiant infrared heat with convection heat through a fan to make it 60% more efficient than many other models.
As for controls, this space heater comes with a digital thermostat and a temperature display for choosing precise heating temperatures. It also has wheels for easy portability.
Another great thing about this basement heater is that it can be upgraded to include a humidifier.
The air in winter becomes much drier, which can lead to dry skin, itchy throat, a stuffy nose, and respiratory issues, and adding moisture to the room with a humidifier can relieve those ailments.
This unit is one of the only basement heater options that include this added benefit.
Safety features include:
- Overheat protection
- Tip-over protection
- Cool-touch housing
4. Heat Storm HS-1000-WX-WIFI Infrared Heater
If you’re looking for the most advanced infrared heater that has Wi-Fi control and mounts to a wall, this is the one to buy.
With your smartphone, you can control every aspect of this heater in your basement, including the ability to set up personalized heating schedules with the app.
It also comes with a remote if you prefer to control the heater in that way.
One stand out feature that you won’t hear other reviews highlight is that this space heater only uses 1,000 Watts of electricity. That small detail means it’s less likely to cause electrical issues in your home (e.g., tripped breakers).
The lower draw of electricity also makes this the best type of heater for houses where power consumption is a concern (i.e. older homes).
As for total room size coverage, it handles large areas up to 500 sq. ft., which is more than enough for most people’s needs in a basement.
Safety features include:
- Overheat protection
- Tip-over protection
- Cool-touch housing
5. Duraflame DFI-5010 Fireplace Heater
Perhaps you want a heater that also adds a touch of coziness to the warmth.
If so, this freestanding fireplace heater might be the best heater for basement for you.
It features 3D flame technology so that it looks like real flames are dancing in a fireplace in your basement.
It’s a great way to get all the benefits of a real fireplace, including the heat, without having to deal with chopping the wood or cleaning out the ashes.
And, this space heater supplies enough heat to warm large basement areas up to 1,000 sq. ft.
Another nice perk is that the infrared quartz heating element maintains the natural humidity in the air. So, it won’t dry out the air like a real fireplace does.
You also get a digital thermostat with this fireplace heater, allowing you to decide the exact temperature you want your basement to be.
And it comes in multiple color choices: black, bronze, cinnamon, cream, french grey, and navy.
Safety features include:
- Overheat protection
- Cool-touch housing
6. Life Smart Burnished Oak Fireplace Heater
Do you like the idea of a fireplace basement heater, but want something a bit more classic looking than the previous review?
Then this heater is your next best option.
If you’re looking for natural, quiet heat in your basement, this fireplace heater can add a traditional and cozy feel with its burnished oak cabinet and mantel.
It can heat large basements rooms up to 1,000 sq. ft. and has two levels of realistic fire glow.
This heater also has an Eco Mode which makes it very energy efficient. Eco Mode uses the lowest amount of energy possible to produce the level of heat you desire.
It also comes with a 12-hour timer, digital thermostat, and remote control.
Safety features include:
- Overheat protection
- Tip-over protection
- Cool-touch housing
7. De’Longhi TRD40615E Oil Filled Space Heater
Do you like the idea of using an oil filled radiator heater for long-lasting warmth in your basement?
If so, this model is the best of the best and not too expensive either.
It’s packed with the most advanced features you can get on an oil filled heater, including:
- Patented thermal slots instead of open columns like other oil eaters. This design gives the heater a lower surface temperature, making it great for anyone with pets or children who may accidentally touch or brush up against it.
- Eco Mode for maximum energy savings. This feature reduces how much electricity is used as much as it can while still maintaining the set temperature.
- 24-hour programmable timer that lets you turn the heater on or off at set intervals.
- Digital thermostat for dialing in a specific degree.
- Variable heat settings so that you can get the exact comfort you need.
This basement heater also comes in two color choices: gray or black.
You can use it as a supplemental heat source up to 300 sq. ft. or as the main heat source for about 150 sq. ft.
Safety features include:
- Overheat protection
- Cooler-touch housing that other oil heaters
8. Pelonis NY1507-14A Oil Filled Heater
Perhaps you want an oil filled heater for your basement but don’t need all of the advanced features as our #7 review.
If that’s the case, then this is another good basement heater option that offers tremendous value for half about the price.
It comes with a variety of different features that make this the perfect heater for any basement, including:
- Eco Mode for maximum energy savings.
- Variable heat settings for faster or slower warmth.
- Digital thermostat with five temperature settings that range from 65-85°F.
- 10-hour timer for automatic shut off.
- Remote control for operating convenience.
It comes in two color choices: black and gray or black and gold.
And like our #7 review, it can heat between 150 to 300 sq. ft. of space.
Safety features include:
- Overheat protection
- Tip-over protection
9. Mr. Heater MH18B Big Buddy Propane Heater
Are you looking for a portable indoor propane heater to use in your basement?
Or maybe a heater that you can take with you to other rooms of the house or even outside?
If so, you won’t be disappointed here.
This is one of the best indoor propane heaters for your basement and, in fact, it’s North America’s most popular portable propane heater.
And for good reasons too.
This ventless heater is one of the only models that’s been approved for both indoor and outdoor use without any fear of harmful gas buildup.
It can heat a basement area up to 450 sq. ft. and comes with a blower fan to distribute the heat more quickly.
Safety features include:
- Low Oxygen Shut Off (ODS) to protect you against carbon monoxide poisoning
- Automatic shut off if the pilot light goes out
- Tip-over protection
10. Dyna-Glo IR18PMDG-1 Propane Heater
How would you like the option of having a portable propane heater that you can reposition at any time or mount it solidly to a wall?
If that sounds like a good option, then this heater is going to be your top choice.
This model comes standard with a wall-mounting kit, but you can purchase optional base legs (WBL100) if you want to turn it into a portable propane heater.
There’s also a fan attachment upgrade (WHF100) that can deliver faster, hotter air from the unit.
Either way you choose to use this heater in your basement, you’ll enjoy up to 700 sq. ft. of warmth.
Safety features include:
- Low Oxygen Shut Off (ODS) for total peace of mind against harmful gas buildup
Basement Heater Buying Guide
Types of Space Heaters for Basements
Typically, the best electric heater for basement comes in four types:
- Ceramic/Fan Heater
- Infrared Heater
- Freestanding Fireplace Heater
- Oil Filled Radiator Heater
However, a fifth option is also available for basements, but it uses liquid propane (LP) instead of electricity:
- Propane Heater
Knowing which space heater to use in your basement depends on many factors, including the size of the space, how powerful you need the heater to be, and how much you want to spend.
Another thing you need to consider is the décor downstairs.
Space heaters come in a variety of styles and you can get ones that are modern and sleek looking, blend in like a piece of furniture, have an industrial design, are portable, hang on the wall, etc.
No matter what style you have in your basement, you’re sure to find a space heater that will match while also keeping you comfortable.
Next, we’ll go over all five types of space heaters you can use in a basement.
Ceramic & Fan Heaters
(#1 Featured Above)
Both ceramic and fan heaters are similar in how they warm up the air; each one uses metal coils and electricity to create hot air.
The only difference between these two types of heaters is that a ceramic space heater has ceramic plates inside that absorb and release heat while fan heaters only have metal coils.
Therefore, the best ceramic space heaters can provide longer-lasting warmth after the device is turned off (the plates have to cool) when compared to electric fan heaters.
Both types of space heaters can be equipped with a fan to distribute hot air at a faster rate.
Best For:
- Up close and personal heating
- Small to medium size rooms up to 300 sq. ft.
Infrared Heaters
(#4 Featured Above)
Infrared heaters work by emitting electromagnetic waves into the air that heat up objects that are around them.
These space heaters use electricity as their power source and can be equipped with or without a fan.
If the heater comes with a fan, this helps distributes the warm air faster and more evenly throughout your basement.
These heaters warm up quickly and have the ability to keep your basement toasty even after they’re turned off since the objects in the room are what absorb the heat—not the air.
The best infrared space heaters come in a variety of different styles to match a wide range of tastes. There are even electric wall heaters you can choose.
You can get one that blends in like a piece of furniture, has a modern flair to it, or looks like an industrial machine. Your options are practically endless.
Best For:
- Up close and personal heating
- Small to medium size rooms
- Large basement areas up to 1,000 sq. ft.
Fireplace Heaters
(#5 Featured Above)
Fireplace heaters work exactly the same as an infrared heater to warm up a basement.
The only difference is that these devices look like a freestanding fireplace with a flickering fire and logs.
If you’re looking for something more elegant or traditional to heat up your basement, the best electric fireplace like the one reviewed here can add a special element of charm and coziness to the room.
But if you want a more modern look, consider the best wall mounted electric fireplace models that can be installed on top of or inside the wall.
Best For:
- Up close and personal heating
- Small to medium size rooms
- Large basement areas up to 1,000 sq. ft.
Oil Filled Radiator Heaters
(#7 Featured Above)
Oil heaters look incredibly similar to radiators that you might find in an older home.
The only differences are that these appliances run on electricity, are portable, and come with handles and wheels to make them easy to move.
On the inside of these heaters is diathermic oil, which is heated by electricity and circulated around the columns of the heater.
As these columns heat up, the warmth is then radiated into the surrounding area.
The best oil filled space heaters are so efficient at heating the air that they don’t need a fan to distribute the warmth.
The only downside to these heaters is that the exterior housing can get incredibly hot to the touch (except for our #7 recommendation above which has advanced cooling technology.)
Best For:
- Up close and personal heating
- Small to medium size rooms up to 300 sq. ft.
Propane Heaters
(#9 Featured Above)
If you’re looking for a space heater that doesn’t need electricity to run, then you have the option of getting a propane heater for your basement.
Like the other options, the best propane heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
It’s even possible to get propane heaters that mount to the wall so they stay out of the way.
One thing to keep in mind if you do get a propane heater is that you need to be cautious. These space heaters have an open flame and use propane as a fuel source.
To keep you safe, most portable indoor propane heaters use a small 1 lb. propane tank. However, you can get a wall-mounted heater that connects to a larger propane tank that’s stored outside.
Similarly, many of the best patio heaters can hold a 20 lb. propane tank so you can enjoy long-term heat without having to switch out the tanks so often.
If you don’t mind running pipes through your wall, then you can have a propane fuel source of unlimited size to heat your basement. This is also a good option for heating garages. So check out our garage heater reviews page for more details on that topic.
Best For:
- Up close and personal heating
- Small to medium size rooms
- Large basement areas up to 1,000 sq. ft.
Features to Look for in the Best Space Heaters for Basements
Now that you know what types of space heaters are available for basements, we can now look at the top features you’ll find in these devices.
The best space heater for basement is one that not only keeps your space warm but also comes equipped with features that make it convenient to use.
Of course, the features that are included with each particular heater will vary, and depending on the type of space heater you get, you may get one or all of the features listed below.
So, if there’s a specific option you want to be included on your heater, you’re going to have to choose the heater that comes with it.
- Fan Speeds Having a space heater with variable fan speeds means you get to control how much warm air is moving in your basement. Different heaters come with various options, and they may have two (low and high) or three (low, medium, and high) options to choose from. Remember that oil filled heaters are the only models that don’t come with a fan because of how they heat the air.
- Temperature Control: Most space heaters come with temperature control so you can set them to the ideal temperature. However, not all appliances give you the same level of control. Some heaters come with a dial goes from warm to hot but you can’t pick a specific degree. Others include a digital thermostat that lets you pick a specific temperature for your basement to be.
- Auto Mode: The best basement heater models have this mode. After you set the space heater to the perfect temperature, the Auto Mode will turn the unit on and off automatically to maintain that set temperature.
- Eco Mode: This is a more advanced type of Auto Mode. Eco Mode helps you save money as you heat your basement by ensuring that your heater is running the most efficiently. The most energy efficient electric heaters on the market include this feature. It automatically switches between the highest selected setting and lowest heating model to maintain the desired temperature. Therefore, the device only operates on high when it’s absolutely necessary.
- Oscillation: If the space heater is equipped with this feature, it will turn from side to side to distribute the heat more evenly throughout the basement. Only ceramic and fan heaters come with this option and you won’t be able to get it on infrared, fireplace, oil filled, or propane heaters.
- Timer: If you want the heater to turn off after a set number of hours, then a timer is a great feature to have. And depending on the model you buy, timers can range from 1 to 24 hours.
- Remote: If you get a heater with a remote, you’ll be able to control the settings and temperature from across the room.
- Wi-Fi Control: If your space heater has Wi-Fi control, you’ll be able to control the settings with your smartphone. This feature also gives you the ability to set personalized heating schedules throughout the day to make sure your basement is always warm when you need it.
- Wall Mount: Some space heaters can be mounted to a wall which is a great way to keep it out of the way or keep it up as a permanent fixture.
- Tip-Over Protection: This feature shuts the space heater off if it gets knocked over so that it doesn’t catch anything on fire.
- Overheat Protection: With this feature, the heater will shut itself off if the internal temperature gets too hot and won’t turn back on until it has reached a safe operating temperature. This is a very important feature to look for when choosing the best space heater for bedroom in a basement for obvious reasons. But it’s also good for unoccupied spaces as well.
Advantages to Using a Basement Space Heater
- Size — Space heaters for basements come in a range of sizes, but a majority of them are small and portable, so they won’t take up much room in the basement to provide extra warmth and comfort.
- Portability — The vast majority of these space heaters are light and easy to move from one room to another. Thus, if you want to move them out of the basement and into another room in your home, you can. The only heaters that can’t be moved are the ones that are mounted to the wall.
- Energy Efficient — Using space heaters as a supplemental heat source is a great way to save some money on your heating bill. They use electricity, but they do so in an efficient manner. If they’re equipped with an Eco Mode, they’ll use electricity even more efficiently. Should you decide to get a propane heater, these models don’t use electricity at all, and the price of propane is often less than electricity when you compare the total heat output.
- Save Money — Many space heaters have a low upfront cost and they help you reduce your monthly heating bills. Thus, from initial purchase and into the future, they can help you save money all around.
Cost of Using an Electric Heater for Basement
Undoubtedly, you want to know how much an electric space heater will cost you to run each month.
Which makes sense because this is the best way to know for sure if it will really end up saving you money.
One thing to remember is that space heaters work best and are most cost-effective as a supplemental heat source. You want them to work along with your house furnace.
That’s especially true in the basement, which is often colder than the rest of the house because it’s underground.
Trying to turn up your furnace to keep this space warm will make the rest of your house incredibly hot while marginally increasing the heat downstairs. Thus, it’s better to add a space heater in a basement so you can keep the whole house thermostat at a lower temperature.
Now, the cost to run your electric space heater for basement depends on electricity rates in your area (i.e. kilowatt-hour or kWh).
They vary across the nation and currently the national average is 0.13 kWh. You can find your exact kWh on your monthly electric bill.
With that kWh number in hand, use the formula below (or this handy calculator) to estimate how much it will cost to run a space heater. (We’ve also included two examples so you can get an accurate idea of how the formula works.)
- Step 1: Multiply the number of watts the heater uses by the number of hours per day you plan to use it.
- (Number of watts X hours of use = A)
- Step 2: Multiply the answer you get from the first equation (A) by the electricity rate per kilowatt-hour (kWH) for your area.
- (A X kWh = B)
- Step 3: Divide answer B by 1,000 to find out how much it costs to run the electric space heater.
Example 1:
A 1500 Watt space heater running at maximum power for 6 hours per day at 0.13 kWh would cost $1.17 per day to use.
Here’s the math based on the above formula:
- 1500W X 6 hours = 9,000
- 9,000 X 0.13 = 1,170
- 1,170 ÷ 1,000 = $1.17 per day
Example 2:
A 1000 Watt space heater running on low (500 Watts) for 6 hours per day at 0.13 kWh would cost 0.39 cents per day to use.
Here’s how we came up with that number:
- 750W X 6 = 3,000
- 4,500 X 0.13 = 390
- 390 ÷ 1,000 = 0.39 cents per day
As you can see, it’s very economical to use an electric space heater in your basement. You can heat up the area for a fraction of the cost of a whole house furnace, and save even more money if you keep the heater running on low.
Space Heater Safety Tips
Even though the best electric heater for basement models include a number of fire safety features, there are still some precautions you should take to prevent the unit from becoming a hazard:
- Don’t Use an Extension Cord: Your electric space heater needs to pull a specific amount of electricity to run, and it can only do that if it’s plugged directly into the wall. If you use an extension cord, you risk hazards occurring, including a short circuit, tripped breaker, or an extension cord fire.
- Choose the Right Location: To ensure your basement is being heated properly, your space heater needs to be in the right spot. More often than not, this includes a corner or against a wall where it can’t accidentally get knocked over. You’ll also want to keep it away from flammable items such as curtains and furniture.
- Never Leave it Alone: To reduce the chances of your heater becoming a fire hazard, you only want to run it while you’re around to keep an eye on it.
- Don’t Use in Damp Locations: Unless the space heater is plugged into a GFCI outlet, you don’t want to use it in wet environments like a bathroom or laundry room. Without this GFCI feature, the chances of a short circuit or the breaker being tripped increases. For wet areas like the bathroom, consider our best space heater for bathroom reviews.
- Only Use on a Level Surface: To reduce the risk of your space heater tipping over, you need to ensure that it’s placed on a level surface. Not only will this reduce the chances of it become a fire hazard, but if it’s equipped with tip-over protection then the unit won’t turn on and off intermittently.
Common Questions About Space Heaters for Basements
How Can I Heat My Basement Efficiently?
Adding a space heater is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to heat your basement efficiently. It can also help you save money and keep you warm and toasty throughout the winter. There are many options to choose from too, including ceramic/fan heaters, infrared, freestanding fireplaces, oil filled radiators, and propane heaters.
Another option not mentioned on this page is baseboard heaters. They come in three versions: plug in, electric, and hydronic. You can visit our baseboard heater reviews page to learn more about them. But keep in mind that for a basement, you’ll need a very long unit that requires a hardwired electrical connection.
Can You Leave a Space Heater On All Night?
Most modern space heaters have safety features built in, such as overheat and tip-over protection. However, it’s still advised that you never leave a space heater running overnight. The heating element inside space heaters can get hot enough to start a fire. And anything can happen while you’re sleeping, including the heater getting knocked over or getting too close to flammable material, which could result in a fire. To stay safe, it’s best to turn the space heater off while you sleep.
What is the Most Efficient Type of Space Heater
Some of the most efficient space heaters include infrared and oil filled heaters because the heat lasts for a long time after the units are turned off. Infrared heaters heat up objects in the room that take time to cool off and oil filled heaters continue to put out hot air as the internal oil cools down.
Where Should a Space Heater Be Placed?
It’s recommended that you place a space heater on a level surface in an area where children, pets, and others can’t accidentally knock it over or walk into it and burn themselves. Also, positioning the heater so that the heat can flow through the full length of the room is also advised to get the maximum amount of warmth throughout the space.
If you live in a basement apartment, you may want to adjust the positioning of the heater a few times to find the optimal location to keep the entire space warm. The best apartment space heaters include almost all of the same models that are reviewed in this guide.
What is the Best Electric Heater for Basement?
Here are some of the best space heater models that are perfect for any type of basement. All of which are reviewed on this page.
- Lasko 760000 Cyclonic Ceramic Heater
- Vornado MVH Fan Heater
- Dr. Infrared DR-968 Infrared Space Heater
- Heat Storm HS-1000-WX-WIFI Infrared Heater
- Duraflame DFI-5010 Fireplace Heater
- Life Smart Burnished Oak Fireplace Heater
- De’Longhi TRD40615E Oil Filled Space Heater
- Pelonis NY1507-14A Oil Filled Heater
- Mr. Heater MH18B Big Buddy Propane Heater
- Dyna-Glo IR18PMDG-1 Propane Heater
Top Space Heater for Basement Brands
The review section of this guide included the top space heaters you can buy for a basement.
If you’re still unsure of which basement heater options are right for you or would like to do some more research, here’s a list of the top space heater brands for you to consider.
Buying a heater from any one of these companies should serve you well.
- Costway
- De’Longhi
- Dr. Heater
- Dr. Infrared
- Duraflame
- Dyna-Glo
- Heat Storm
- Honeywell
- Lasko
- Life Smart
- Pelonis
- Vornado
Many of these brands also overlap with our best large room heater models.
Enjoy Your New Space Heater
We hope you enjoyed this in-depth guide on the best space heater for basement areas and rooms.
As you learned, the best electric heater for basement comes in four types: ceramic and fan heaters, infrared heaters, fireplace heaters, and oil filled radiator heaters.
A fifth option is also available, propane heaters, that uses liquid propane as a fuel source instead of electricity.
However, no matter which best heater for basement style you choose, each one is a cost-effective way to stay warm during the colder months. And, each type of heater will help lower your overall heating bill if they’re used as a supplemental heat source.
