The 3 Safest Space Heaters to Keep Your Family Warm This Winter

Space heaters can be a lifesaver when the temperature drops, but they can also be risky if you’re not careful. Honestly, I used to be pretty nervous about using them. After all, they’re responsible for a lot of home heating fires, and with kids (or pets) around, it feels like you can’t take any chances. But here’s the thing: you can use a space heater safely—you just need to pick the right one and use it the right way.

After doing a deep dive into the safest options and testing a few myself, I’ve got some solid recommendations that’ll keep your home warm without the worry. Let’s talk about the three safest space heaters out there and how to use them responsibly.

What Makes a Space Heater Safe?

Before we get into the recommendations, let’s talk about safety. The biggest risks with space heaters aren’t usually about the heater itself—they come down to how they’re used. Ever accidentally left something flammable near one? Or plugged it into a power strip? That’s where trouble starts.

The key is to look for features like automatic shutoff, tip-over protection, and certifications from groups like UL (Underwriters Laboratories). But even the safest heater won’t help if it’s not set up correctly. Keep it on a flat surface, give it some space (at least three feet from anything flammable), and always plug it directly into the wall.

1. Best for Bedrooms: DeLonghi Dragon Digital Radiant Heater

If your bedroom feels like an icebox in the winter, this heater is a game-changer. Unlike traditional heaters, this one is oil-filled, which means it doesn’t have exposed heating elements that can ignite nearby items. It’s also super quiet—perfect for relaxing evenings or reading in bed.

That said, bedrooms come with their own challenges. You’ve got flammable stuff everywhere—curtains, bedding, maybe even clothes piled up on a chair (we’ve all been there). And let’s not forget that running a heater overnight isn’t ideal. The DeLonghi Dragon has a timer feature, so you can set it to warm up the room before you fall asleep or when you’re just hanging out.

Pro tip: It takes a little longer to heat up, but once it gets going, it keeps the room toasty for hours. Place it near drafty windows, and you’ll feel the difference right away.

2. Best for Bathrooms: Lasko Ceramic Bathroom Heater

You know that horrible moment when you step out of the shower and the air feels like a freezer? This little heater fixes that fast. It’s compact, easy to use, and heats up a small bathroom in no time.

What I really love about this one is its safety feature. It comes with an ALCI (appliance leakage current interrupter) plug, which shuts the heater off if there’s an electrical issue. Since water and electricity don’t mix, this feature is a must for bathrooms.

Fair warning: it’s a bit louder than other heaters, but honestly, I’ll take a little noise over freezing my toes off in the morning. It’s also super affordable, which is a bonus.

3. Best for Homes with Kids: Vornadobaby Tempa Nursery Heater

If you’ve got little ones running (or crawling) around, this is the heater for you. I’ve always been paranoid about space heaters around kids, but the Vornadobaby Tempa has so many built-in safety features that it gave me some peace of mind. The outside stays cool to the touch, it shuts off immediately if tipped over, and there’s even a lock on the power switch to keep curious hands from messing with it.

I tested it in my own space, and it kept the room warm without any wild temperature swings. That’s huge if you’re trying to keep a nursery or playroom cozy without worrying about overheating. Just make sure to talk to your pediatrician if you’re using a heater in a baby’s room—they can help you figure out what’s best.

Safety Tips You Should Never Skip

Even with the best space heater, safety is all about how you use it. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Give it space. Keep it at least three feet away from anything flammable (think curtains, clothes, furniture).
• Plug it in directly. Never use an extension cord or power strip. Space heaters draw a lot of power, and overloading a circuit is a major fire hazard.
• Turn it off. Always switch it off when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Check for certifications. Look for safety stamps like UL or Intertek on the box before you buy.

Choosing the Right Heater for Your Space

Not all space heaters are one-size-fits-all. A small, compact heater might be perfect for a bathroom, but it’s not going to cut it in a large, drafty basement. Before you buy, think about where you’re going to use it and check the recommended square footage.

And don’t forget about the details. Features like timers, adjustable thermostats, and automatic shutoff aren’t just nice to have—they make using a space heater a whole lot safer and easier.