Certification: Make sure the heater you buy carries a safety certification label from an independent testing organization, such as the UL mark, the ETL label from Intertek, or certification from the CSA Group. Recently, more than half a million Govee space heaters were recalled after over 100 reports of overheating, including seven fires and a minor burn injury. The recalled devices, made in China, don’t comply with the voluntary industry safety standard ANSI/UL 1278, posing an overheating and fire risk from wireless control features, according to the CPSC.
Automatic shutoff features: A smart sensor that automatically shuts off a heater when it overheats is a must. You’ll also want a tip-over switch that does the same if the heater is knocked over.
Shock protection: If you’re using the space heater in a potentially damp area, look for one equipped with an appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI) plug. These bulky plugs—similar to those seen on hair dryers—safeguard against current differences and can offer electrical shock protection. Few space heaters have these plugs, however. Only five of the more than 100 models currently in our space heater ratings offer this protection.
On our model pages, space heaters with any plug with a resettable circuit breaker are designated as having ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. A GFCI outlet will also provide protection.
It’s worth noting that the CPSC doesn’t recommend using a portable electric space heater in the bathroom, especially if the appliance doesn’t meet specific standards and testing requirements. “Consumers should only use electric heaters that bear a marking of an accredited testing lab and never use a portable electric heater in a bathroom that isn’t intended for use there,” says Pamela Springs, a CPSC spokesperson. “The safety standard for portable heaters, ANSI/UL 1278, has tests for heaters intended to be used in bathrooms.”
A sturdy cord: Most space heaters come with a 6-foot cord. To prevent overheating, never use an extension cord or a power strip with an electric heater. Don’t cover the cord with an area rug or furniture, which could damage it or cause overheating.
Finally, consider how long you’ve had your space heater. Long-term use could lead to safety issues. Inspect your space heater to ensure there aren’t any brown heat marks or melting plastic on the device. Follow manual instructions for cleaning and maintenance, especially between seasons.
