The Best Portable Space Heater Under $150

By Ronni Berke, Techlicious Thursday, May 19, 2016

The Competition

The Best Budget Space Heater: Lasko 754200

The 4-pound Lasko 754200 has the simplest design of the group. Unlike the three other models we tested, it has no digital temperature display. A dial switch regulates settings from low to high, so you have to program the thermostat more by feel – shuttling from fan-only to high heat with a dial switch. The other drawback to the Lasko 754200 is that its front grill gets hot to the touch — not enough to burn you, but we would be concerned about using it in areas with children or pets. Despite its small size, it heated our room as quickly as our top pick. And, at $24.97 on Amazon, it's the best bargain.

Bionaire BCH9212R-NU

The Bionaire BCH9212R-NU shares many of the same features as our top pick, the Vornado ATH1. Like the Vornado, the Bionaire is a compact, tower, is cool to the touch when operational and has a two heat settings, 750 watts and 1500 watts, has automatic tip-over protection, an LED display and remote control.

Unlike the Vornado, the Bionaire cycles heat on and off and oscillates to disperse heat, creating distracting noises and air currents. Plus, it's slightly bigger at 8.9 x 8.2 x 21.6 inches and heavier than the Vornado at 6.7 pounds. It offers a remote control, which the Vornado does not.

Lasko 6462 Full Circle Ceramic Heater

The Lasko 6462 is an oscillating tower heater that can be programmed to blow heat in a 90-degree, 170-degree or a full 360-degree movement. It our tests it easily heated the room within 15 minutes. The design, although a modern style, makes the unit a bit top-heavy, and at 7.5 pounds, it was the most cumbersome of the four we tested to move around. And, like the Lasko 754200, it was uncomfortably warm to the touch. It offers a remote control, which the Vornado does not.

The bottom line

Based on our testing, the Vornado ATH1 is the best portable space heater under $150, edging out the competition with the most efficient heating method, easy to use controls, best-in-class safety features, a non-oscillating base, which makes it sturdier, and an exterior that stays cool to the touch. And if the Vornado will be placed in a public room, you'll appreciate its sleek, high-end design.