Best Space Heaters in Canada

For years, we’ve kept up with household trends and lifestyle products to help keep up with your busy life. We’ve looked at mattresses, exercise equipment, and even kitchen appliances. The products we recommend are the very best.

We find our recommendations based on our own test lab evaluations. Once we’ve thoroughly tested each product, we send it on to our team of dedicated testers for further feedback. With the sum of both of those experiences, we know that we’re sending you recommendations for products you’ll love. When evaluating products for our list of the best space heaters in Canada, we looked for the following performance features.

• Type of Heat. The way that the space heater produces heat is one of the most important things to consider. Different types of heat can change your experience with a space heater. We tried to include as many types of heat as possible so you have a lot of options.
• Size. The size, weight, and dimensions of the space heater are important, too. Space heaters are made to be portable, so you want one that you can easily move around when you want to change rooms. Most of our options are easy to move around.
• Safety Features. We’ve found space heaters with the most important safety features to ensure that your new space heaters don’t present any hazards to your home. 
• Heating Capacity. We kept a close eye on heating capacity so you wouldn’t have to worry about it. We’ve given you a quick look at how much each heater can keep warm, so you can check immediately.

Why Use a Space Heater in Canada?

A space heater can be used for multiple different reasons. Your main heating system may need repair or be expensive to operate. You may want to keep only the room you’re in warm, while the rest of the house is just warm enough that the pipes don’t freeze. Whether you’re attempting to save money or stay warm in the Canadian winter, a space heater could be the perfect solution.

A space heater can offer localized heat for just one room or space. A personal space heater may provide enough heat to keep one person warm, which can be handy if someone in your home gets cold easier than everyone else.

Larger heaters can be used for spaces like the bedroom or living room. Some may be large enough for multiple connecting rooms. The effectiveness of a heater depends on the heating type, heating elements, and wattage. Each heater may function slightly differently.

How to Choose a Space Heater for Canadians

Unlike standard heaters, space heaters require a bit of research. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about purchasing a space heater that will work in your space. The following features, options, and tips can give you a solid starting point as you start to shop for the best space heaters in Canada.

Type of Heat

There are a few different types of heaters that you might encounter. The type of heat can determine how the heater works, as well as how quickly it works. Here is a quick list of the different types of heat you can choose.

• Radiant Heaters. Radiant heaters use infrared rays to heat everything directly in front of them. They don’t use air like the other types of heaters, so they work best for those who have allergies. Radiant heaters are also better for those immediately around and in front of the heater. 
• Ceramic Heaters. Ceramic heaters use ceramic plates, which warm rapidly. These heaters mostly use blowers to distribute the heat throughout the room. Most space heaters use ceramic heat to warm rooms of varying sizes. 
• Oil-Filled Heaters. Oil-filled heaters often look like radiators. They use electricity to heat oil in sealed containers. The oil never needs to be replaced. They are great for heating spaces quickly. They won’t dry out the air. Oil-filled heaters are radiant heaters as well – though the heating method is different, they radiate heat rather than blowing it. 

Most type of heat will work well for most types of spaces. However, there are some considerations about the type of output you’ll get, the effectiveness of each type of heat, and more. Consider all options before you decide on the best space heater in Canada for you.

Size and Dimensions

The size of your space heater can make a big difference in how it works. The size, dimensions, and weight of the heater can also tell you how portable it will be. If you plan on moving your space heater throughout your home often, choosing one that is smaller and lighter can be beneficial.

Choose a heater that fits the size of the room you’re trying to heat. A personal space heater, for instance, isn’t going to work for a bedroom or other larger room. Most heaters should tell you all about their heating capacity, which we will talk about in a moment.

Heating Capacity

Multiple different metrics determine the heating capacity of your space heater. Heating capacity is usually determined by a combination of wattage and BTUs, which are sometimes linked. The BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a measure of how much heat is required to raise the temperature of water by one degree. How does this figure into heating your air?

A space heater with a higher BTU rating will produce more heat. Therefore, a unit with more BTUs will have a higher heating capacity.

Most space heaters will tell you the size of the room they can adequately heat. This is down to the method of heating as well, so two heaters with the same wattage may have a different heating capacities. This is measured in square feet, usually. Most medium-sized space heaters can heat rooms up to 500 square feet, so they are suitable for most living rooms or bedrooms.

Wattage

There are two reasons to track wattage when it comes to space heaters. First, wattage can tell you how much heat the unit can produce. Space heaters with a higher wattage will produce more heat than lower-wattage models.

However, the wattage will also tell you how much power the space heater will use. A higher-wattage model will use more power, and therefore cost more to run. Space heaters with a higher wattage will produce more heat but cost more to run. Before you make a purchase, consider the additional costs of running the space heater. 

Safety Features

Safety is important, especially when dealing with space heaters. Most modern space heaters have multiple safety features to reduce hazards and ease your mind. Here are a few of the most common safety features you’ll find in modern space heaters.

• Automatic Shutoff and Overheat Protection. These features essentially fulfill the same purpose. The thermostat sensor will immediately shut the unit off if it overheats. If it begins to get too hot, the machine will automatically cut all power to avoid fires. 
• Tip-Over Protection. Heaters with tip-over protection have a sensor located inside the heater, sometimes located on the underside. This sensor immediately cuts power to the unit when it detects that it has tipped over. When the sensor is tripped, it will stop heating. This means that if your ceramic space heater falls over, it will stop heating and cool down rapidly to avoid fires.
• Thermostat Monitoring. Some heaters monitor the temperature closely with a thermostat. If this is the case, you can expect the heater to maintain the temperature you set. If the temperature increases past this point, it will shut the heater down until the temperature drops again.
• Fire-Retardant Materials. The casing on a space heater can get quite hot if it’s not made with the right type of materials. You should choose a space heater that is made with materials that won’t catch fire after long periods of use. Most will state if they are made with fire-resistant or flame-retardant materials. 

Thermostat Features and Heat Settings

Space heaters handle thermostat features and different heat settings in different ways. Some space heaters have temperature dials or a digital temperature display. If you want your room at a very specific temperature, you should always choose a space heater with clear temperature settings.

On the other hand, some have a few different number settings on a dial. The higher the number, the hotter it gets. This can be handy if you want to control the temperature based on what you find comfortable.

The most basic thermostats have one or two options. Each option has a different wattage and different heating capabilities. Some of these options have a ‘low’ option and a ‘high’ option, which don’t come with a temperature rating. Adjust these based on your comfort level.

Controls

The controls on your space heater should be simple to understand and easy to use. You should be able to quickly tell what each button does, either with clear pictures or labels. Some space heaters use a digital screen to display your settings. This can help a lot, particularly when setting a timer or the thermostat.

If you want to be able to change the settings from anywhere, you should choose a space heater with a remote. A remote can simplify the process, allowing you to change the settings without having to get close to the heater. If you are sitting across the room, you’ll be grateful that you don’t have to get up every time you feel a bit chilly.

Overall, you should choose a space heater that you feel comfortable operating. Most are simple, but it’s worth it to take a look at the control panel and options available for each model.

Timers

Some space heaters come with a timer. You can set the timer for several hours (up to 24 hours most of the time). At the end of this time, the space heater will automatically shut off. While most heaters can be left on all the time, most Canadians want to prioritize safety. Setting the heater to turn off at a certain time can ease your mind.

If you want the heater to turn off after a certain amount of time, choose an option with a timer. You won’t have to remember to turn the space heater off, meaning you’ll be more comfortable leaving it while you sleep or do other things.

Noise

Space heaters can be noisy. Just like air conditioners or fans, they usually deliver heat by blowing air through the room. Radiant heaters, of course, are silent because they don’t blow air. If noise is a concern, a radiant heater might be the better option for you.

Keep the noise level in mind. You don’t want your space heater to be so loud that it bothers you as you sit in the same room. Some heaters will specify how loud they are using a decibel rating. This will tell you how loud they are in decibels. Look for a heater that is quieter than about 45 decibels. You’ll still be able to hear your TV over the heater at this level. A heater that is louder than 45 decibels might disturb other members of your household, especially if they are sleeping.

How to Safely Use a Space Heater in Canada

Space heaters are usually safe, especially when they have multiple safety features. Modern space heaters shouldn’t cause any issues, but there are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk of using a space heater.

• Always ensure that your space heater is on a level surface. The surface must be hard, and it’s usually best to place them on the floor. Make sure the surface isn’t fabric or wooden, as these surfaces can easily catch fire. 
• Keep your space heater out of the range of your children and pets. Usually, the casing of a space heater can get hot enough to burn or singe the hair, so keep it away from those you care about.
• Turn the heater off when you leave the house or move to another room for a long period. Some Canadians don’t like to use a space heater while they sleep. However, you may not have a choice if a space heater is your only heat source. Make sure to exercise caution when using your space heater at night.
• Don’t use a heater near flammable substances, such as paint or gas. You should also keep the heater well away from curtains, bed linens, and other furniture. Anything that can catch fire should be kept well away from all sides of the heater. 
• Don’t use your heater with an extension cord or surge protector, as it can overheat. Plug the heater directly into the wall. Unplug the heater when you aren’t using it. 

Many heaters come with safety measures to prevent fires and other hazards. However, observing these steps whenever possible can reduce the risk associated with using a space heater.