5 Safe Space Heaters for Overnight Use (Our Top Picks)

Space heaters are a cost-effective option for staying warm and comfortable during the chilly winter months. And there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book and then falling asleep when the room is toasty and it’s cold outside (bonus if it’s snowing—it’s a pain to walk around outside but it’s totally magical when you’re inside).

However, no all space heaters are save for overnight use. If you use the wrong one, it’s a fire hazard.

Lucky for you, we’ve selected the safest space heaters for overnight use, based on convenience, efficiency, and most importantly, safety. This way, you can rest easy and stay warm throughout the night without worrying about catching things on fire.

Safest Space Heaters for Overnight Use

1. Vornado MVH Vortex Heater

According to our research and testing, the Vornado MVH Vortex has the best safety features.

Pros

• Efficient vortex heat circulation
• Advanced safety features (cool-touch exterior, tip-over protection, and automatic shut-off)
• Three heat settings for customizable comfort

Cons

• May not be effective in extremely cold temperatures
• Requires proper placement for best performance
• Not ideal for large open spaces

We really like the cool-touch exterior, which ensures that you won’t accidentally burn yourself if you need to adjust the heater during the night.

Most importantly, the tip-over protection and automatic shut-off mean you can leave this heater on without having to wake up in the middle of the night to tunt it off.

The vortex heat circulation distributes warmth evenly throughout your space without any extreme heat or cold areas.

It’s perfect for heating small to medium-sized rooms and runs very efficiently, keeping your electricity bill down.

The three heat settings on this heater allow syou to tailor the heat output and energy consumption depending on the room size and temperature requirements. You do, however, want to make sure that you put it in the right place to maximize its performance.

One drawback we noticed is that the Vornado MVH Vortex Heater might struggle in extremely cold temperatures. If you live in this kind of climate, it might not be warm enough.

And if you’re lucky to live in a large, open space (or one with high-ceilings), it might not be the best option.

Overall, if you’re looking for a safe and efficient space heater for overnight use in small to medium-sized rooms, the Vornado MVH Vortex Heater is definitely worth considering.

2. Grelife 1500W Dual PTC Portable Heater

We like the Grelife 1500W Dual PTC Portable Heater for its safety features, energy efficiency, and quiet operation.

Pros

• Fast heating with advanced dual PTC ceramic technology
• Energy-saving ECO mode with adjustable thermostat
• ETL certified safety protection and quiet operation

Cons

• Remote control has hard-to-see buttons
• Orbital pivotal motor might become slightly noisy after prolonged use
• Not suitable for large spaces

We were impressed by how quickly the Grelife 1500W warms up a room. The advanced dual PTC ceramic technology and efficient fan allowed the heater to produce a comfortable warmth in a matter of seconds.

Additionally, the ECO mode comes with a precision temperature sensor, which allows you to adjust the thermostat between 60°F and 90°F in 1°F increments. This makes it incredibly efficient.

Safety-wise, this electric heater includes built-in smart rollover and overheat protection that automatically shuts off when the temperature reaches 122°F, along with V-0 flame retardant material, a 12-hour timer, and 12-hour automatic shut-off operation.

There’s a grab handle at the back of the Grelife heater, making it easy to move around. At 10 inches in size, it’s compact enough to keep on the floor, a table, or carry around indoors.

The brushless DC motor and 9 aerodynamic blades make the airflow smooth and quiet, operating at only 37.5 decibels, which is perfect for use while you sleep (or work)

One minor complaint is that the remote control buttons can be hard to see since they’re the same color as the remote itself (black). Some users also noted that the heater’s orbital pivotal motor might become slightly noisy after a few hours of use, though this is a minor issue and only really noticeable in ECO mode.

The heating coverage is up to 160 square feet, so if your space is bigger than that, this heater might not be the best option.

3. AeroHome Ceramic Portable Space Heater

Now this heater has all the safety features aside from an automatic shut-off feature. In our view, this makes the Aerohome inferior to the Vornado and Grelife heaters.

However, it does tick all the other safety and usability boxes, so it’s still a solid option.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design
• Quiet operation
• Overheat and tip-over protection

Cons

• No automatic shut-off feature
• May not be powerful enough for larger rooms
• Limited to indoor use

This compact electric heater (11″ x 7″ x 5″) is lightweight at just 3 pounds, making it easy to move from room to room. The convenient built-in carry handle and 6-foot long electric cord make it simple to position in any home or office area.

One of the standout features of this space heater is its quiet, low-hum fan, meaning that the noise will not annoy you when you sleep. The adjustable thermostat control also worked flawlessly, so you can adjust the temperature as you please.

The AeroHome comes with built-in safety features, including overheat and tip-over protection. Unfortunately, it is missing that automatic shut-off feature.

4. Vieveers 1500W Space Heater

The Vieveers 1500W Space Heater is a reliable option for those seeking overnight warmth while ensuring safety and efficiency.

Pros

• Rapid 2-second heat-up
• Three adjustable mode settings
• Multiple safety features, including tip-over switch and overheating protection

Cons

• Might not be powerful enough for large rooms
• Fan-only function can be problematic
• The compact size may not suit everyone’s preferences

This space heater can heat up small spaces quickly, thanks to its PTC ceramic technology. Its three mode settings (900W, 1500W, and natural wind) give users instant warmth and adjustable comfort levels. The simple knob controls make it easy for anyone to use.

Safety is a top priority with this heater as it offers multiple protections, like a tip-over switch that shuts off the appliance if you knock it offer, or it starts to get too hot. It’s a great choice for bedrooms, as the heater operates silently enough not to disrupt your sleep.

The compact design, measuring 6.3″ long, 4.73″ wide, and 8.66″ high, and weighing 2.43 lbs makes it portable for various indoor settings.

However, it may not be powerful enough for larger rooms, and some users aren’t the biggest fans of the fan-only function.

5. PARIS RHÔNE Space Heater

We were impressed by the quick heating capabilities of the PARIS RHÔNE Space Heater.

This small and compact heater is perfect for placing on a desk or near your feet for targeted heat.

In just 3 seconds, the PTC ceramic space heater begins to warm the surrounding area, making it ideal for those chilly nights.

Pros

• Rapid heating within 3 seconds
• ETL-certified safety features
• Energy efficiency with sleep mode

Cons

• Touch buttons can be finicky
• Oscillation noise may be bothersome at night
• Limited size and power for larger rooms

What sets this space heater apart from others is its ETL-certified safety features. with built-in tip-over protection, overheat protection, and a V-0 flame retardant material rating, this heater is perfect for overnight use.

The 12-hour timer and 24-hour auto-off feature also ensure that it works safely even when you don’t monitor it.

The digital thermostat on this space heater allows for precise temperature control, and there is a sleep mode that is triggered when the temperature reaches a certain point. Then when the temperature drops gain, it resumes operations, so you don’t have to worry about wasted energy.

We did notice that the touch buttons could be finicky at times, requiring extra pressure or repeated attempts.

The oscillation noise might also be bothersome for some people trying to sleep. Finally, its size and heating capacity may not suffice for larger rooms, so its best suited for smaller spaces.

How We Chose The Safest Space Heaters

We considered built-in timers, tip-over protection, and overheat protection.

• Timers ensure the appliance only operates for a designated period, which reducies the risk of accidents if the heater is left on.
• Tip-over protection automatically turns off the device if it’s accidentally knocked over.
• Overheat protection prevents the unit from getting too hot, which lowers the risk of fire or damage to your surroundings.

How to Choose a Safe Space Heater for Overnight Use

Safety Features: The most important aspect of any space heater you plan to use overnight is its safety features. Look for heaters with an automatic shut-off feature, which turns the heater off when it reaches a specified temperature or if it tips over. A cool-to-touch exterior is also crucial, ensuring the heater’s surface doesn’t get too hot and pose a burn risk.

Energy Efficiency: An energy-efficient space heater will consume less electricity and save you money on your energy bill. Look for heaters with adjustable thermostats and multiple heat settings so that you can select the appropriate temperature for your needs. Watch for models with an ENERGY STAR certification or high-efficiency ratings.

Noise Level: Since the heater will run overnight, you’ll want to find one with with low noise levels. Many space heaters have a decibel rating, so look for models below 50 decibels to ensure a quiet operation.

Size and Portability: The size of the heater will determine its heating capacity and how much space it can adequately warm. Smaller, portable heaters are perfect for heating individual rooms, while larger models can heat a more extensive area. Consider your room size and the heater’s portability to find the best fit.

Heating Technology: There are different types of heating technologies used by space heaters, including:

• Convection: These heaters circulate warm air throughout the room and are typically energy-efficient and quiet.
• Radiant: These heaters provide warmth by emitting infrared radiation, which directly heats the objects in the room.
• Micathermic: These heaters combine convection and radiant heating, providing quick, even heat distribution.

Each type of heating technology has its pros and cons. Determine your preferences and needs to choose the most suitable technology for your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can you safely leave a space heater on?

We recommend not leaving a space heater on for more than a few hours at a time. Most modern space heaters have built-in safety features like automatic shut-off timers and overheat protection. However, you’ll still need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and never leave a space heater unattended for an extended period.

Are space heaters safe for bedroom use?

Space heaters can be safe for bedroom use as long as you use them with caution and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to choose a model with safety features like overheat protection and tip-over protection. Place the heater on a level and stable surface, away from flammable materials, and don’t use extension cords. Finally, remember to turn off the heater when you’re not in the room.

What is the safest type of heater to run overnight?

Oil-filled or ceramic heaters are considered the safest heaters to run overnight.

Oil-filled heaters use electricity to heat the oil inside, which releases heat gradually and maintains a consistent temperature.

Ceramic heaters generate heat by passing electricity through ceramic plates, and they’re known for their energy-efficiency and built-in safety features.

Both types are relatively quiet and have a lower risk of overheating or causing fires than other heaters.

Is it bad to leave a space heater on 24/7?

We don’t advice this for several reason. First, it can be a fire hazard. Second, it can be costly, as running a space heater constantly will increase your electricity bill by a lot.

Additionally, continuous use can strain the heater, leading to potential malfunctions and a shorter lifespan for the unit. It’s best to use the heater only when necessary and according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.