There are various ways you can choose to keep yourself and your home warm in the cold winter months. One option is to make use of central heating, and there are also gas-powered chimney-styled heaters, among other possibilities.
But one of the most efficient and typically versatile means of heating your home is using an electric heater.
These portable heaters are powered by electricity and make use of either convection current or infrared radiation to heat your home.
There are various types and varieties of heaters available, all of them with their specific advantages and downsides.
Since electric heaters are powered by electricity, one of the most common issues that arise is how much they can affect your electricity bill.
Best 250-500 Watt Space Heaters Comparison Table
Out of 10 heaters reviewed at qlabe, below are our top 5 picks under the category of lowest power consumption between 250 to 500 watts..
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| Model: | Lasko MyHeat Personal Space Heater | Amazon Basics Ceramic Personal Heater | Honeywell Heat Bud Personal Heater | Iseebiz Ceramic Space Heater | Kloudic Ceramic Space Heater |
 | Editor's Choice |  |  |  | |
| Qlabe Rating: | |||||
| Energy Usage: | 200 watts | 500 watts | 250 watts | 750 watts | 600 watts |
| Dimensions Size/Height: | 3.8 x 4.3 x 6.1 inches | 5.9 x 3.2 x 6 inches | 5 x 4 x 7.8 inches | 11.2 x 7 x 4.5 inches | 4.6 x 4.6 x 8.3 inches |
| Weight: | 1.6 pounds | 1.43 pounds | 1.05 pounds | 2.45 pounds | 1.87 pounds |
| Safety Feature: | Overheat protection. | Tip-over protection | Tip-over & overheat protection. | Tip-over Cut Off Switch | Automatic overheating shut off |
| Adjustments: | 2 settings | 2 settings | 2 settings | 3 settings | 2 settings |
| Check on Amazon! | Check on Amazon! | Check on Amazon! | Check on Amazon! | Check on Amazon! |
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In fact one of the biggest questions people about electric heaters ask is how to minimize electricity costs while still getting as much warmth as possible.
A straightforward solution is to make use of low wattage electric heaters that only takes up a small fraction of your electricity.
Low wattage heaters are most useful when all you need is enough heat to warm up limited space.
They might not be suitable for warming up a whole room, but they still get the job done as far as heating small personal spaces is concerned.
Also, because they consume limited power, they don’t put too much load on your home electricity system with minimal chances of causing circuit breaks or other types of damage.
Even with low-wattage heaters, the options available are almost infinite; there are different types available from different manufacturers, which sometimes make the process of picking out the best among them a bit tasking.
To start with, let’s discuss some of the most important factors to consider to make the right choice of heaters.
Best Low-Wattage Space Heaters Between 250-500 Watts
1. Lasko Model 100 MyHeat Personal Space Heater
This small and compact, low wattage heater requires just 200 watts of electricity and can deliver warmth for your personal space.
Because of its low wattage, you can be sure that your heater doesn’t eat too much into your electricity bills and is unlikely to damage your circuit.
It uses a ceramic heating element to supply heat while a built-in fan helps to circulate the heat.
It is perfect for office settings but can also be used on your kitchen counters, work desk, study table and so on thanks to its perfect compact size which makes it quite handy.
Also, because it is quite portable, this heater can be easily moved around.
An overheat protection keeps the fan from overheating.
The heater also features an exterior that is cool to touch which makes it quite safe to use even in close proximity.
The Lasko portable space heater does not require any special assembly as it comes ready to use.
Features:
- Quick heat
- Measures just 6″ tall which is quite portable
- Noiseless operation
Cons:
- It lacks a thermostat
- There is no timer
2. Honeywell HCE100B Heat Bud Ceramic Personal Heater
This energy efficient personal heater from Honeywell uses 250 watts of electricity to deliver just sufficient heat for personal warmth.
Thanks to ceramic heating technology, this heater is able to deliver fast and efficient heating suitable for office space, school as well as home settings.
This heater features two heat settings allowing you to switch between 170 to 250 watts to help further save energy while warming up your personal space.
It is quite easy to use thanks to its single button control. It also features a tip over switch that protects the heater by shutting it off in case it tips over.
There is also a caution light that lets you know if the heater is turned on or not.
The Honeywell HCE100B has a modern and compact design which allows it to fit anywhere perfectly.
It can be used on your work desk, placed under the table, on countertops or anywhere else you find convenient.
Features:
- Two heat settings for smart energy management
- It is made with flame-resistant material
- The housing stays cool to the touch
Cons:
- Lacks a thermostat and other safety features
3. AmazonBasics 500-Watt Ceramic Personal Heater
AmazonBasics 500 Watt personal heater is compact enough for use on tables and desktops and is ideal for supplying quick warmth to your office space, school and any other personal space.
This heater features a PTC ceramic coil that gets hot really fast, making it possible for it to supply quick and convenient heating instantly.
It is also quite portable thanks to a compact design which allows it to fit anywhere.
Still, about fitting in, this heater comes in four different color varieties which make it easy to pick one that fits right into your interior decor.
This personal heater is designed for safe use even in close proximity to your body.
It has a sturdy base which ensures optimum stability when placed on any surface.
However, if for any reason it gets tipped over, picked up or is simply unstable there is tip-over protection that helps to automatically shut it off.
Features:
- It is available in 4 different colors to match your décor
- Compact and lightweight
- Features quick heating energy efficient ceramic heating coils
Cons:
- The metal grills in front can get really hot because of its close proximity to the heating elements which is quite dangerous.
4. Iseebiz Ceramic Space Heater
This ceramic personal space heater does more than just warm your toes when the temperature is freezing, thanks to attractive design; it fits right in with the rest of your interior decoration and is an impressive and stylish addition to your home.
Iseebiz portable Ceramic Space Heater can supply warm wind distributed evenly through a 45° oscillating fan.
This way it heats up your personal space well enough and can even reach a wider area in the room well enough.
It uses no hot heating coil or open flames, instead, the PTC ceramic oil is able to supply warm hair as quick as possible.
There is also an option for switching to the natural wind if that is what you prefer.
This heater is designed to be safe to use as well. it features a very stable base which prevents it from tipping over.
Additionally, there is tip-over protection just in case it does.
This heater is built with flame resistant material reducing the risk of fire hazard while built-in thermostat helps to manage and control temperatures.
Features:
- Features an optimum angle oscillating fan
- Stylish design that complements your personal space
- Natural wind mode
- Fast heating mode
Cons:
- It has a little plastic smell
5. VersionTECH Small Space Heater
The VersionTech personal space heater is designed to deliver comfortable warmth to warm up your personal space on cold winter days or nights.
With lots of safety and control features, this heater is definitely worth the price.
While the wattage is a lot higher than many of the other products we reviewed on this list, it is indeed one of the best you can find out there. It features there different heat modes.
The highest is the 950Watts mode which supplies strong warm air. There is also a 450 watts mode as well as a natural wind mode.
There are also corresponding colors of indicator lights to show you which mode you are using.
This heater uses a PTC ceramic and is able to reach high temperatures within seconds of switching it hot.
The materials used in making this heater are flame retardant which makes it quite safe to use.
There is also an overheating protection system in place as well as a tip over protection to shut it off if it falls over.
Despite all these features, this heater remains quite portable and also features a carrying handle for easy transportation if you want to.
Features:
- Quick heating
- 3 different mode settings
- Highly secure
Cons:
- A bit pricey compared to others
- The heater has no thermostat controls
6. COSTWAY Oil Filled Radiator Heater
This oil filled heater from Costway uses 700 watts of electricity to supply sufficient heating for your personal space.
This energy efficient heater is able to do more than just warm your feet.
It is strong enough to supply warmth to a small room or office space.
It features permanently sealed-in oil which helps to transmit heat by radiation through the fins.
The mechanism allows it to retain heat for longer even after it has been switched off. The oil requires no refilling.
This portable heater is compact and lightweight. It is easy to carry around your home and also features a portable handle to further facilitate this.
The heater features a safety shut off switch in case of a tip over.
There is also a thermostat to which allows you to set and control the optimum temperature this heater delivers.
Features:
- Silent operation
- Comes with an adjustable thermostat
Cons:
- It is a bit pricey compared to others
7. Brightown 400-Watt Portable-Mini Heater Personal Ceramic Space Heater
This Energy Smart heater makes use of just 400 watts of electricity allowing you to heat up your personal space efficiently while reducing energy consumption.
It provides soothing warmth suitable for small sized rooms, table tops, offices and other small spaces.
Safety features on this portable heater include an automatic shutoff switch and an overheat protection which keeps the heater from becoming too hot with use.
This portable heater from Birghtown features a cute and minimalistic design which makes it quite sturdy and strong.
Features:
- Housing stays cool to touch
- Sleek and portable
Cons
- You might find it a little too noisy
8. Kloudic Ceramic Space Heater
This 600 watts portable ceramic heater is designed to deliver instant heating using PTC ceramic heating technology.
The heater features two modes of operation; there is a 600 watts energy saving mode which supplies comfortable warmth as well as a 5-watt regular wind mode.
This heater also features wide-angle oscillation which is controlled by a swing button to deliver room-wide heat distribution.
This race-track shaped heater is built to be aesthetically attractive which makes it a perfect complementary appliance for your home decor.
The heater is also functional on all levels and is convenient to use.
There is a light indicator to show you when the heater is in use, an air inlet grille which is removable for easy cleaning as well as a built-in handle for easy transportation.
Features:
- Portable and easy to carry
- Fast heating technology
- Stylish and functional
Cons:
- No controls to adjust how hot it gets
9. MroTech Ceramic Space Heater
This ceramic space heater features three heat modes. There is a high heat mode which uses 950 Watts of electricity.
There is also a low heat setting at wattage of 450Watts as well as a natural wind mode which uses just 30 watts. This makes it suitable for all seasons.
There are also corresponding indicators to show when the heater is in use and the mode it is on.
The heater comes with PTC ceramic elements which means it heats up really fast but it doesn’t get too hot thanks to its inbuilt overheating protection.
The base is built with non-slip pads to provide stability on different surfaces while a lifting hand-hole at the back makes it easy to carry.
Silent operation is one of the major highlights of this heater as it doesn’t disturb at all.
There is also a 60 degrees swing function which helps to distribute heat efficiently while you use the heater.
Features:
- Adjustable heat modes and natural wind mode
- Non-slip base ensures stability
- Portable heater suitable for small rooms and personal space
- All season use
Cons:
- At 950watts, wattage is a bit too high compared to others on this list
10. Blu7ive Portable Space Heater
If you are looking for a heater that will start discharging heat almost instantly you turn it off, then we recommend you try out this portable space heater.
It is able to warm the air almost as soon as you turn it on and distributes it evenly thanks to a 60-degrees swing feature.
In addition to its heating mode, this heater also features a natural wind mode which makes it quite suitable for all season use.
Blu7ive Portable Space Heater is suitable for use in personal space in the office or at home and is safe to kids of all ages.
There is a built-in temperature sensor that prevents the heater from overheating.
There is also a tip over protection and the surface doesn’t heat up too much which makes it quite safe to use.
It is quite versatile and can be used anywhere in the home including the bathroom.
Features:
- 60-degree swing mode for even heat dispersal
- Quick heating
- Safe for kids and pets
Cons:
- Lacks a timer and thermostat
Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Low Wattage Electricity
1.Efficient Heat Distribution
Generally, electric heaters transfer heat either by convection or by radiation.
Either type has varying application in different scenarios.
Infrared heaters only provide heating for objects directly in front of them are more applicable for zone heating rather than whole room heating.
For full room heating, convection heaters with oscillation systems are recommended.
However, the plain truth is, you are unlikely to get full-room heating from low wattage heaters.
The best you can get in most cases is sufficient warmth for limited personal spaces.
2.Controls
It is not enough to buy a low wattage heater; you should ensure that the heater you purchase has as many mechanisms that help you to conserve energy as much as possible.
These include timers, thermostats, and remote controls and so on. While it is not compulsory that the heater you purchase has all of these features it should have as many of them as possible.
Also, having intuitive controls is a great advantage too.
You need a heater that is easy to use and understand. Having indicator lights and remote control system are simple things that can aid this.
Here are some other important control features.
Timers:
A timer makes it possible to set up your heater to be turned on or off at specific times of the day, thus preventing unnecessary use and conserving energy.
Thermostats:
this is another important control feature that helps you to control how much power your heater consumes.
An easy to use thermostat allows you to set an optimum temperature at which your heater automatically shuts off.
Programming Capabilities:
You can also get yourself a programmable heater. This way you can set specific temperatures for the heater to turn on an off at specific times of the day.
For example, you can set your heater to a higher temperature in the colder hours of morning compared.
Also, there are some latest heaters that allow you to control the temperature and other features during specific periods of the day thus allowing you to maximize energy consumption.
3.Overheating Kill Switch
Although space heaters are designed to warm up your room, they should do so without the heater itself becoming too hot.
An overheating kill switch automatically shuts off power to your heater when the heater becomes too hot preventing the heater from starting a fire or damaging your electric circuit.
4. Portability
While this isn’t a rule per se, most low wattage heaters are portable. Being small –sized makes it easy to move your heater from one room to the other which is one of the advantages of using a space heater.
Additionally, being portable is an advantage when you don’t have enough room to spare in your home.
Fortunately, there are a good number of low-wattage heaters that are so small they can be placed on bed-side tables conveniently.
5. Noise
One of the most common complaints users have about space heaters is noise.
As much as possible it is important that you find a heater that is relatively quiet or emits so little noise that is low enough for you to tolerate.
How to Use Your Low Wattage Space Heater Efficiently
A low wattage heater is an effective way to reduce electricity consumption and keep your power bills low.
However, there are simple tips you can follow that will help you manage your power consumption efficiently. Here are some simple tips that might help.
Use A Timer
Using a heater that has a timer makes it possible to effectively reduce power consumption.
You can set your timer to turn off the heater after some hours of use when the room is sufficiently warmed up or if you will not be in the house.
Thermostat
You can gradually adjust the thermostat on your heater until the optimum temperature is attained.
This way, your heater will automatically shut off at that temperature allowing you to effectively reduce run-time while maintaining a warm temperature that suits you best.
Programming And Timing
Using a programmable heater is another effective way to keep power consumption at the lowest.
The latest in smart home technology allows you to control your heater by simply using voice control or doing so remotely using your mobile device.
You can also program your heater to deliver different temperatures for specific periods of the day.
Insulation
Insulating your room is another effective way to reduce how much time you have to leave your heater on and consequently reduce your heat consumption.
You can insulate your walls, roof, and windows in order to keep the heat from your heater within the house.
In addition to improving the insulation in your home, you can also reduce your dependence on heaters by simply wearing warm clothing.
This way your heater doesn’t have to be turned all the way up at all times.
Zone Heating
Low wattage heaters might not be effective for heating up your whole house, but they definitely work for zone heating.
You don’t have to make use of your central heating system once you get yourself a low wattage heater.
They can be used in multiple rooms in your house and provide a cost-effective alternative to central heating.
Safety Checklist for Your Low Wattage Space Heater
As with all electricity powered household devices, it is important that you keep safety in mind when you are buying a low wattage space heater. Click here to read the best heaters for tents.
Here are some important safety parameters to keep in mind about buying and using electric space heaters.
- Only Buy Heaters That Have Overheat Protection
Low wattage heaters can still get pretty hot and this can cause damage to the heater and also exposes you to a fire hazard. Which is why buying a heater with overheat protection which shuts off electricity when the heater gets too hot is important.
- Ensure That The Heater You Are Purchasing Has A Thermostat
As you can see from our list of best low-wattage heaters, not a lot of them comes with a thermostat. In fact, finding one with a thermostat control is quite rare.
However, if you can manage it, finding a heater with thermostat will be a big plus as it gives you greater control over your heater allowing you to determine how hot it gets.
This is not only good for safety but also helps to minimize electricity cost as well.
- Always Follow Safety Instructions Given By The Manufacturer
Space heaters and other household appliances come with safety instruction on correct usage and operation. Although most people ignore these rules, it can be quite dangerous if you do.
For example, some heaters should not be used in a damp environment. This means using such heaters in somewhere like your bathroom can be quite dangerous and should be avoided.
Different heaters also have varying voltage requirements and different rules for correct maintenance.
- Keep As Much As Space Or Clearance Between Your Heater And Every Other Household Fixtures
Low-wattage heaters can get really hot too and can pose a fire hazard if placed too close to flammable items.
This is why you should keep flammable items like books, curtains and so on away from the heater on all sides.
- Ensure That Your Heater Is Placed On A Stable Surface With Minimal Risk Of Tipping Over
Although most heaters have tip-over shut off protection which will automatically switch off the heater If it is tipped over you should still ensure that your heater is placed on a stable surface to prevent it from tipping over.
Asides the fact that falling from a high platform like table top can cause your heater to get damaged, a hot heater can still burn flammable items it falls on even if it has been shut off already.
- Avoid Plugging Heaters Into An Extension Cord
The right way to plug heavy duty electric appliances like heaters is to connect them directly to a wall socket.
Using an extension cord can be dangerous even for a low-wattage heater as it can cause damage to your electrical system due to overloading or even start a fire.
If for any reason you will be using an extension port, ensure that it is well shielded.
- Ensure That The Heater Is Turned Off When It Is Not In Use
Apart from the fact that leaving your electric heater on when you don’t need it will waste power, it is also not a wise decision as far as safety is concerned.
If you will be leaving your room for a while, unplugging the heater is a great idea. A heater with a timer can further assist with this.
- Keep Kids And Pets Away
As mentioned, some low wattage heaters can still get really hot during normal operation.
This is why you should try to keep it away from where pets and small kids can make contact with the heater which can cause burns.
Frequently Asked Question
How Much Electricity Does My Space Heater Consume?
Knowing how much electricity your space heater consumes is important for determining how much you have to pay for using it.
However, calculating this depends on some parameters the most important being the wattage of the heater.
Typically, your heater should have the wattage printed on it somewhere or included in the user manual. The wattage is a measure of how much electricity is required to power it.
To calculate how much your electricity your heater consumes and how much it costs, you need to first divide the wattage value by 1000 to convert it to kilowatt since your electricity bill is measured in Kilowatt hours.
This means if you have a heater with a power rating of 700, by dividing it by 1000, the power rating will become 0.7 kilowatts.
The next step will be to calculate how much electricity your heater consumes based on how long you make use of it per day.
So if you leave the heater on for 7 hours per day, then you need to multiply 0.7 kilowatts by 7 which is the number of hours the heater stays on.
This value can then be multiplied by your utility rate which varies from one area to the other in order to determine how much using your heater is costing you.
You can also calculate how much this accumulates to per month, per week and so on.
Is A Radiator Heater Better Than A Convection Heater?
The two most common methods of transmitting heat in space heaters is either by convection or by radiation.
One of the most commonly asked questions by users is whether one of these types of heaters is more cost effective to operate compared to the other.
However, there is no direct answer to his question as efficiency depends to a large extent on how you use your heater rather than on the heater itself.
Usually, radiator heaters have a power rating of about 1 to 2 Kilowatts hour. Generally, we would say that the efficiency of your heater depends on the heater itself (i.e. the wattage), how fast it is able to do its job and for how long it stays on.
Now based on the first two criteria alone, an infrared heater might be perceived as better.
For example, an infrared heater with wattage of 1.0 kilowatts will heat up a lot faster than a convection heater of the same wattage.
This is because it supplies direct heat compared to the convection heater that gradually warms up the air.
However, efficiency is also determined based on how long you use the heater.
In this case, a convection heater is able to retain heat for longer and keep the room warm after switching it off.
For a radiation heater, on the other hand, the heat is lost the moment you switch it off. This means it has to stay on for a longer period of time which will further push electricity costs up.
Does Less Wattage Always Mean I Will Spend Less?
One of the reasons many people opt for a low wattage heater is to reduce electricity costs.
But does less wattage really mean you will spend less? In most cases this is true.
Since wattage means less power consumption it means you indeed end up spending less on electricity compared to if you are using a heater with very high wattage.
However, Wattage isn’t the only factor that determines how much your heater consumes electricity.
Other important factors that contribute to electricity cost is the efficiency of the heater itself, how fast it heats up as well as how long you leave it on for each time you use it.
Thus even if you are using a low wattage heater, how you use it is one of the most important factors that determines how efficient it is.
Does A Small Size Mean I Will Spend Less On Electricity Bills?
Most low wattage heaters are portable. However, this isn’t to say that all small-sized heaters are low wattage heaters.
There are heaters with power ratings of more than 1000 watts that are still portable.
Generally, heaters are rated by how much heat they are able to produce and not by the size of the heater itself.
Thus it is important that you check the wattage of the heater you are buying rather than assume that it is low wattage since it is small-sized.
Which Type Of Electric Heater Is The Best?
There are various types of space heaters you can buy all of them with different mechanisms of operation.
Deciding which of these heaters is best for you depends mainly on why you are purchasing the heater.
For example, if you want a heater to heat a large room, then a ceramic radiator with a fan that heats the whole room and distributes the heat evenly throughout the room is your best bet.
Radiant heaters provide direct localized heat, which makes them suitable in small closed spaces and not whole room heating.
Your choice depends mainly on your needs, and the best low is one that serves your need best.
What Is Watt Density?
This is one of the most common terms you might encounter in your search for low-wattage heaters.
The watt density is a lot different from the wattage of a heater.
The watt density is a measure of the heat flux which a heater emits per square inch of the surface area of its heating element.
It is measured in watts per square inch and is calculated using the formula below.
Watt Density = wattage of the element/ 3.14 x element diameter (inches) x heated length (inches)
The watt density is useful if you want to compare different heating elements and also helps in determining the life of a component.
Conclusion
Low wattage heaters provide a safe and economical means of warming up yourself at home, school, or work.
Depending on your habits, small wattage heaters can help you safely on electricity costs by supplying supplementary or additional heating to your central heating.
You can choose from our list of recommended options above.
Our buyer’s guide will also help you in making the right while giving you tips on how to make the best use of these heaters safely and keep electricity costs low.
