Sometimes when your living area is too cold and you require a low wattage space heater without worrying about its safety features regarding blowing a fuse, you should continue on this guide. These suggested low powered heaters are energy efficient and would not cost too much out of your pocket in addition to being small, quiet and also portable.
These best low wattage space heaters will not emit too much noise and disturb anyone else in your personal space that you wish to warm or trip any breakers and the best thing would be that they would not put such a toll on your utility bills as well.
Before we suggest our top picks for the best low wattage space heaters, there should be a couple of things you need to know before making your selection.
Best low wattage heaters – How do they work?
A low wattage heater is energy efficient and usually takes less than 1 -kilowatt worth of power and would be enough to provide heating to your living space.
All low wattage heaters will have controls in them which can be adjusted to control the level of heat radiating from the heaters. Every low wattage heater would have various types of controls and may vary in design and ultimately in their working.
Because of this, an oil filled radiator heater works by using electricity to heat the oil within it which would then radiate heat. Other low wattage heaters such as infrared heaters utilize heated rods that emit heat and fan heaters work by using electricity to project warm air out in the surrounding space.
What is the purpose of a low wattage heater?
There are multiple uses and advantages that you can get from using low wattage space heaters and contribute to a more comfortable lifestyle.
Keeping rooms warm
It is important to keep yourself and the surrounding space warm especially during the cold winter months, no matter what you are doing, whether it be just working or using your surrounding space for domestic use, a room heater should always be present to keep the insides warm even though the outside temperature keeps on dropping.
Budget Friendly
Deciding to purchase low wattage heater means that they are not very heavy on your budget as they are a good investment with safety features that will live to some time while serving their purpose.
Additionally, due to the low energy and energy efficiency requirement of the best low wattage heaters, they would definitely help to reduce electricity bills compared to other heaters and prevent fusing from occurring. As such, you will be able to enjoy a great amount of comfort while still saving money.
Portable and compact size
The best low wattage heaters would usually come in compact size as usually the lower the wattage, the smaller the heater is in its size.
This is a great advantage as a low wattage heater will usually mean that they are easy to use, store and move around and even travel with. Most low wattage heaters with portable size make it versatile as you will be able to move it around as per your requirement.
The types of best low wattage heaters
Ceramic heater
A ceramic heater usually varies in wattage with some having higher wattage than other ceramic heaters but still considered as a low wattage one. A ceramic heater will be able to provide enough heat in order to warm up a room and still be able to maintain that temperature. A ceramic space heater is portable and thus will be easy to travel with as well as carry from one place to another.
Personal heater
A personal heater is usually a heater that is low wattage ranging between 100 and 350 units and is quite small as such would mostly only be effective within a small space. They also come in various shapes and sizes, with their prime function being to provide a gentle level of heat and also aimed to keep your limbs warm during the cold winter weather.
Some personal heaters can be kept under a desk or placed anywhere making them portable and easy to carry around.
Oil filled radiator
These types of heaters have oil permanently filled inside which does not require any refilling and are reusable. Electricity is used to heat up the oil and this makes it radiate heat. An oil filled radiator will be able to warm up a small room or office space quickly and will keep the space wrong for a longer period.
As such, oil-filled radiators being low wattage heaters, they are usually energy efficient and are quite lightweight and portable.\
Checklist for a low wattage heater
It will be important to have a safety checklist when selecting a heater with low wattage as you should follow the right procedures and check on the safety features when dealing with a heater with low wattage to keep you and the people around safe.
1 Ensure the heater with low wattage comes with safety features such as overheat protection.
2 Ensure your heater has an adjustable thermostat
3 Ensure your heater with low wattage has tip-over protection
4 Ensure your heater with low wattage is approved by an independent testing lab.
5 Follow the instructions that are given by the manufacturer when operating the best low wattage heaters.
6 Make sure your heater is at least 3 feet away from any objects around it to reduce the risk of starting fires or heating up nearby objects.
7 Ensure the heater is always upright and placed on a level surface to avoid it being tipped over and not in danger of falling over
8 Ensure your electric heater is out of the way of your walking path in case you or anyone else needs to leave the room early so it does not get knocked over.
9 Remember to always turn off your electric heater if you will be away for more than a few minutes and never leave it unattended as it could pose a safety hazard.
10 Keep away from pets and young children.
Watt Density
When looking for a low wattage space heater, one of the terms that you would probably come across is watt density. Watt density is basically the measurement unit used to measure the amount of heat flux emitted from each square inch of the surface area of the heating area of your personal space heater.
Watts per square inch of personal space heater surface area is the unit of watt density and below is the formula that is used to calculate watt density:
Watt Density = wattage of the element / 3.14 x element diameter (inches) x heated length (inches)
The measurement of watt density is useful to compare different heating element types as well as being an important factor that dictates the element’s life
If a watt density being recorded is too low, the price of the wattage space heaters will be high but at the same time have a longer heaters life. If the watt density is being too high on the other hand, it could jeopardize and reduce the lifespan of the low wattage heater.
How to efficiently use your low wattage space heater
Timer
Most low wattage space heaters would have a timer present on their device which you can use to have it turn off after a preset interval time. Additionally, you can also use this timer to turn it off and on during times that you will not be present at home, and thus being more energy efficient and will be able to save on your utility bills.
Thermostat
You need to make sure the thermostat is not being obstructed and then initiate the process by setting the temperature at a medium setting at around 85 degrees Fahrenheit and then proceed to adjust it depending on how your low wattage space heater reacts to the wattage space you are heating.
Programming and Timing
If you get a low wattage space heater that is programmable, what this means is that you are able to adjust both the timing and temperature of the space heaters as well as having it adjust its temperatures throughout the day and also at different times of the week in order to accommodate your personal preferences.
This versatility feature of the low wattage space heater makes it easy to use and will be great for people whose schedules are more at home during the weekends compared to during the week.
Insulation
A low wattage space heater may be great at generating heat but it will not be useful if space your heating is not well insulated. It is akin to turning on your air conditioner but leaving the windows and doors wide open, it just won’t be as effective!.
You should do quick checks on your living space to ensure that the walls have proper insulation to ensure the heat will be kept trapped within the space of the house. An optional choice for increased insulation would be to getting double glazed windows for better insulation
Zone Heating
When you want to get a low wattage heater, you should consider zone heating for effectively heating the rooms that require it.
It is possible you do not require a central heating element if you only occupy one space of your home at a time and it is possible you do not require multiple space heaters in multiple rooms as it makes more sense to have only heat in the room that you are currently in.
Smart Heating
Some low wattage space heaters offer internet-enabled services or apps such as the Nest Thermostat to adjust and control your heaters remotely and be more energy efficient in saving costs.
Top 6 Best Low Wattage Space Heaters In 2021
1 Brighttown Mini Desk Heater
This mini desk heater is easy to use that comes with a single on and off switch at the back of the heater. One great feature is that this heater will emit a minor glow from the power light with a red colour to let you know that it is turned on. This heater comes with a 5 ½ feet long cord with 2 prong connection and can be used under an office desk, table and event suitable for tent camping.
Its 400 watt, 110 volts, 3.63 amp unit is more economical compared to running a higher wattage room heater and there will be no danger of overloading the circuit and as such is a great choice for people who live in a milder climate.
It has fast heating and as such will be suitable for spaces up to around 100 square feet. Its bright and compact aesthetic with bright colour makes it easy to see and will be able to reduce the chances of it being knocked down. This personal room heater will not take up much space and is portable so moving it from room to room will be easy to do.
It comes with safety features which include the ETL listing this heater made of flame retardant material, and comes with tip over protection – which means it automatically turns off if it manages to be tipped over. The outer surface of the heater also stays cool to prevent yourself from getting burnt when handling the heater.
Pros
- Safe
- The external layer is cool to touch
- Compact and portable
- Can be kept under your desk
- Efficient heater with 400 watts of power
- Tip-over protection
Cons
- No auto-shut timer
- Quiet noisy for quiet places
- Longevity issues
2 Lasko Heating Space Heater, Compact, Black
This 200-watt heater will be able to keep you warm at work and is ideally placed under a desk to keep both your feet and legs warm. Since it has low watts, it means it will not trip the office circuit breaker every time it is turned on.
This heater measures 6 inches with a 4” x 4” footprint and takes up minimal desktop space if placed on your desktop table and is intended to heat up the immediate space around the heater. Since it has minimal space heating efficiency, it is recommended to get another heater if you want to heat up a room bigger than a small space
This heater is easy to use and requires no assembly. All you need to do is just remove the heater from its box and then plug it into a standard 120v wall outlet. As such, this energy-efficient indoor ceramic heater draws about 2amps and also turns on with one flip of its switch. This heater is compact, portable and comes with a 6-foot cord and 2-pronged plug, and is easily stored when not in use.
The Lasko heater has also been around and making products for over 100 years and is ETL listed and comes with Automatic Overheat PRotection. The product comes with on/off switch lights to let you know that it is turned on. The self-regulating and safe ceramic heating element of its exterior keeps it cool to the touch to prevent any worry of using the heater for long periods of time.
Lower power usage helps you save energy and prevents the tripping of the circuit breaker if there are multiple heaters being used.
Pros
- Overheat protection
- Cool outer surface
- Compact and portable
- Kept under your desk
- Uses 200 watts of power
Cons
- No adjustable thermostat
- No auto-shutoff switch
- Does not turn off when tipped over
- Minimal distance heating area
3 COSTWAY Oil Filled Radiator Heater, 700W Portable Space Heater with Adjustable Thermostat, Overheat Protection, Electric Heater for Bedroom, Indoor use
This Costway heater focuses on being quiet and is designed for low noise. Due to its small size and portable handle, the heater can be easily placed under a narrow space or under a desk with features that will allow the heater to provide a comfortable and quiet experience.
This 700 W oil filled heater provides enough heat for rooms or offices that require heating during winter periods. The temperature can also be adjusted by twist button which means you can enjoy a comfortable temperature according to your needs
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Silent
- Can be kept under your desk
- Auto-shutoff switch protection
- Efficient heater using 700 watts of power
Cons
- The on/Off switch is not very bright
4 Vornado ATH1 Whole Room Tower Heater with Automatic Climate Control, Black
The Vornado features a Signature V-Flow whole room heat circulation that comes with a wide heating zone for balanced heat output with no need for oscillation. This heater also comes with a touch-sensitive control with 2 heat settings either 750W or 1500W with two fan settings at either Auto or Continuous for greater efficiency and control.
The heater also comes with advanced safety features such as tip-over protection and automatic safety shut-off system for worry-free use and a whisper-quiet operation.
Pros
- Low voltage, certified and warrantied
- Fans only mode
- Automatically shuts off and has tip-over protection for safety
- Has tow fan settings and touch-sensitive controls
- Whisper
Cons
- Does not have a remote control
- No pre-filter provided to clean the dust
5 Optimus H-5511
This heater is one of the most valuable purchases that you can get as it is able to heat up a room in a matter of minutes and makes very little noise. Due to it being an infrared heater, it helps buyers to bring down electricity bills significantly.
Most heaters are not able to heat up spaces quickly and efficiently but the Optimus H-15511 will be able to heat up a room in a small amount of time due to its powerful heating rods. It is also very cost-effective due to it being an infrared heater and does not put a heavy toll on electricity bills.
Pros
- Small and compact size
- Shuts off when tipped over
- Provides fast and focused heating
- Two heating rods for rapid heating
- Ultra-quiet
Cons
- Fire hazard
- Longevity issues
6 EconoHome Wall Mount Space Heater Panel – with Thermostat – 400 Watt Convection Heater
With this heater, you will be able to save up to 50% of your home heating costs, lower electricity bills while still feel cozy and warm with this heater. The flat heater is energy efficient, consuming about 0.4 KW per hour which is almost less than ⅓ of most conventional heaters and as such will lower your energy bills with better savings.
This electric wall heater operates and emits heat at a constant temperature persistently and ignites with minimal radiant heat that transmits to convection currents that rise from behind the heating panel and then effectively circulate this hot air around the room.
It is recommended that on top of this product, a heat guard should be purchased as well as the heater because this will double the efficiency of the convection currents and will also ensure the exterior casings stay warm and safe touch.
This product has a crack resistant feature which means that it is triple reinforced and made with a superior calcium silicate material and insulated on a triple layer to ensure electrical safety. Overheat protection is also present which makes this heater safe to leave unattended.
Due to the process of requiring this heater to be mounted on the wall, the box comes with an installation hardware guide that provides clear and forward instructions on how to perform the mounting. It is also designed to look sleek and possess a minimalist vibe that blends in with any decor.
A bonus feature that comes with this heater is that any asthma and dust sufferers will be able to enjoy the warmth without the fear of any irritation since the heater will not dry the air out or circulate dust around the room so it is perfect for all indoor rooms.
Pros
- Only 400 watts for energy efficient heating
- Glass heat guard cover for safety
- Quiet
Cons
- May emit a slight odor
- Not easy to install on the wall
Conclusion
There are a lot of options to choose from when you are selecting the best low wattage heaters out there, however, you should still keep in mind your actual requirements when selecting one. If the room you want to keep warm gets too cold, you may want to keep an electric heater under your desk.
If on the other hand, you require a heater that is more low profile and ability to generate modest amounts of heat you might need something more powerful than the best low wattage heaters could provide.
The bottom line is that no matter what choice you make, you should still ensure you follow the safety checklist provided above to ensure safety is ensured at all times and your building will not be at risk of a fire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are the best low wattage room heaters effective?
The best low wattage room heaters could be quite effective in heating up rooms but this overall depends on the wattage of the heater.
If the heater you have on hand has a low unit such as 250-unit, it would provide a gentle amount of heat while a 750-watt heater will be able to heat a small room effectively so the best low wattage heaters will be quite effective as well as being budget-friendly.
Q: How much electricity does a low wattage room heater use?
Low wattage room heaters consume a lower amount of electricity but this all depends on the watts of the heater. It is generally accepted that a thousand watts equal one kilowatt of power, as such, using this rule, you will be able to calculate the amount of electricity that is consumed by your heater.
For example, a 750-watt heater will consume 0.75 kilowatts of power which are low compared to other electric heaters.
Q: How energy efficient or low wattage room heaters?
Low wattage room heaters are energy efficient as they consume a lower amount of energy compared to other types of heaters since they do not consume a lot of electricity. This makes them quite cost-effective and will be able to help reduce electricity bills by using less electricity while still providing a decent amount of heat.
Q: What is the minimum wattage of a heater?
A heater is only designated as low wattage if it has less than 1000 watts. There are even some heaters with wattages that are as low as 200 watts. These heaters are very cost effective and are energy efficient as they help to reduce electric utility costs due to their features of utilising less electricity while still providing a decent amount of heat so they are a great choice for helping people save money.
Q: Will a lower wattage room heater be more expensive?
The price of every heater depends from product to product. Most low wattage room heaters have a wide range of price so every buyer will be able to select one according to their budget. Normally each heater would range from as low as $21 to as high as $90.