Living in Canada means bracing for cold spells that central heating can’t always handle—and that’s where a reliable space heater comes in. Whether you’re warming a cozy home office, battling drafts in the bedroom, or just trying to avoid hiking your energy bill, the right heater can make a big difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best space heaters available—including tower, ceramic, and smart models—based on expert reviews, Canadian preferences, and user insights.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Vornado AVH10 – powerful, whisper-quiet, and packed with safety features.
- Best for Most Rooms: Lasko FH500 – efficient tower design with heat, fan, timer, and remote.
- Best Value Compact: Vornado VH200 – small yet effective, ideal for tight spaces.
- Best Stylish Option: De’Longhi Capsule Electric Heater – sleek, compact, and safe.
- Best Smart Bargain: Dreo Atom One – remote control, safety, and value in one.
- Best Ambiance Heater: Duraflame Electric Fireplace Heater – cozy design with efficient heating.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Space Heater in Canada
- Room size & wattage: Most electric heaters are capped at about 1,500 W—expect one to cozy a standard Canadian room efficiently.
- Heat distribution: Tower and vortex models offer broader airflow; ceramic and infrared models deliver targeted warmth.
- Safety is key: Tip-over shutoff, overheat protection, and cool-touch bodies are essential—especially during long winter nights. Avoid extension cords. [source: Wikipedia] :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Noise levels: Quiet models like the Vornado and Dreo are better for bedrooms or home offices. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Extra features: Thermostats, timers, oscillation, remote controls, and dual-mode fan/heater versatility can add convenience and value.
Detailed Reviews: Top Space Heaters Available in Canada
1. Vornado AVH10
Why it stands out: Business Insider names it the best overall based on powerful heating, whisper-quiet 42 dB operation, energy efficiency, and solid safety features including tip-over and overheat protection. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Pros: Fast, even room heating; smart thermostat control; very silent; safe design.
Cons: No built-in timer or oscillation feature.
Final Verdict: A reliable, all-around space heater—perfect for bedrooms and offices in Canada.
2. Lasko FH500
Why it stands out: Tom’s Guide’s top pick for most rooms—this tall tower model heats evenly, has a remote, oscillates, and features eco-mode and timer. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Pros: Dual functionality as heater and fan, powerful warmth, safe, easy to control.
Cons: Larger footprint means more space required.
Final Verdict: A versatile, cozy answer for larger or multi-use rooms.
3. Vornado VH200
Why it stands out: Editor-recommended value in Canada—compact yet effective with quiet warmth and strong safety features. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Pros: Affordable, quiet, efficient heating for small areas.
Cons: Smaller coverage—best for small spaces.
Final Verdict: Ideal entry-level heater for desks or bedside setups.
4. De’Longhi Capsule Electric Space Heater
Why it stands out: Praised by The Spruce for its stylish design, portability, and safety features. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Pros: Sleek look, cool-to-touch handle, quiet operation, easy to place.
Cons: Limited to close-proximity warmth.
Final Verdict: Best compact heater when looks matter as much as function.
5. Dreo Atom One
Why it stands out: Noted for energy-saving performance, smart features like remote and eco mode, and safety protections. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Pros: Budget-friendly, programmable, quiet, and safe.
Cons: Less powerful than tower heaters.
Final Verdict: A great smart heater pick for offices or bedrooms under a budget.
6. Duraflame Electric Fireplace Heater
Why it stands out: According to Better Homes & Gardens, it offers decorative ambiance, efficient heat, timer, and remote—ideal for living rooms. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Pros: Cozy fireplace look, practical heat, remote control, year-round aesthetic.
Cons: May cost more and be bulkier than basic heaters.
Final Verdict: Best for living rooms or bedrooms where ambiance and functionality both matter.
Comparison Table
| Model | Best For | Key Features | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vornado AVH10 | Quiet power for bedrooms/offices | Fast heating, whisper quiet, safety tech | No timer or oscillation |
| Lasko FH500 | Multi-room heating versatility | Fan/heater, timer, remote, oscillation | Larger size |
| Vornado VH200 | Compact value | Quiet, effective small-space warmth | Limited coverage |
| De’Longhi Capsule | Stylish small space | Sleek design, portable, safe | Less powerful |
| Dreo Atom One | Smart feature on a budget | Remote, eco mode, quiet | Less heat output |
| Duraflame Heater | Cozy ambiance + warmth | Fireplace aesthetic, remote, timer | Bulkier, costlier |
FAQ: Selecting a Space Heater in Canada
1. Are space heaters safe to use overnight?
Yes—if they include tip-over and overheat protection, are placed on a flat surface, kept 3 feet from flammables, and plugged directly into the wall. Always turn them off before sleeping for added safety. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
2. Do tower heaters heat better than ceramic units?
Not necessarily—most are the same wattage (~1,500 W). Towers spread heat more evenly; ceramic personal heaters offer quick, direct warmth. It’s more about distribution than power. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
3. How do I reduce energy use?
Use heaters in occupied rooms only, take advantage of eco modes, or combine with other draft-proofing measures like rugs or insulating window film. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
4. Is a heater with fan mode worth it?
Yes—models that double as a fan—like the Lasko FH500—offer value year-round, useful when heating isn’t needed. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
5. What noise level is acceptable?
A decibel score under 50 dB (whisper-quiet) is ideal, especially for bedrooms or work areas. Vornado and Dreo models perform very well in this regard. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Conclusion
Choosing the best space heater in Canada depends on your needs:
- For silent and powerful heating: go with the Vornado AVH10.
- For versatility and coverage: choose the Lasko FH500.
- Need compact and budget-friendly? the Vornado VH200 fits the bill.
- Want style and portability? the De’Longhi Capsule stands out.
- Smart features on a budget? the Dreo Atom One delivers.
- Prefer ambiance with function? the Duraflame Fireplace Heater offers warmth with coziness.
Let me know if you’d like help comparing prices across Canadian retailers, grabbing affiliate links, or checking local availability. Stay warm!