When it comes to finding a space heater that can quickly and efficiently heat a room, your options may seem endless. They come in an array of styles and are packed with features, and they can heat everything from a closet to the entire floor of a home. However, you certainly don’t want to pay for features you won’t use or get a space heater that can’t handle the workload, and we are here to help in that decision-making process.
Whether you want to heat a space that is cut off from the furnace or help assist an older unit that isn’t heating your home thoroughly, using a space heater can bring your temperature up to a more comfortable level. It can also add an aesthetic element to a room and give you another lighting option.
Space heaters are designed for many different heating needs, whether a small 200 sq. ft. room or a 1500 sq. ft. floor. Today, we will look at space heaters that work for those more extensive areas, between 1000-2000 sq. ft., and answer some common questions along the way.
Best Space Heaters for Extra-Large Rooms (1000 - 2000 sq ft)
Best Electric Heater
- Infrared Heating Technology
- Customizable 3D Flames
- Aesthetically Appealing
- Gentle Heating Preserves Humidity
Best Convection Heater
- Ties directly into the pre-existing gas line
- Uses convection heat
- Runs on Natural Gas
- Wall and floor mounting options
Best Forced Air Heater
- 4,200 square feet
- It runs on kerosene or diesel fuel
- Safety shutoff feature
- Great for outdoor use or large warehouses
Notable Mention
- It runs on kerosene or diesel fuel
- Shuts itself off to prevent overheating
- Excellent for garages
- Heats large areas very quickly
Best Electic Heater
>> See Customer Reviews <<
Overview:
Have you ever dreamed of having a fireplace in your home to keep you toasty in the winter months and add that aesthetic touch but are lacking the much-needed chimney? Duraflame has come up with an elegant solution for those chilly nights, and it doesn’t require any significant construction investments!
The Duraflame 3D Infrared Fireplace Stove is easy to install and puts out 5,200 BTU’s of heat, making it capable of warming a room up to 1,000 square feet. In addition, the 3d flame effect features realistic-looking flames that dance behind the logs and give you the control to change their color, brightness, and speed.
Features:
Shaped and designed like a rustic, cabin-style furnace, but without the need for a woodpile, the Duraflame 3D is an excellent addition to any room. Using a quartz heating element and infrared heat technology, this furnace will heat extra-large spaces and maintain the natural humidity in the air, all while displaying realistic 3-D flames inside the glass enclosure. Infrared heat is a much gentler way to heat a space without drying out the air, and it also reduces static electricity.
Using the included remote control, you can adjust the 3D flame color, brightness, and speed. As a bonus, if you want to watch flames without the heat, you can set it to no-heat mode and enjoy the show!
At a relatively lightweight 28 pounds and 13″Dx24″Wx24″H size, it is easy to move this from room to room as needed or put it away during the summer.
Pros:
- Auto shutoff safety feature
- Radiant heat keeps relative humidity stable and reduces static electricity
- Can enjoy the 3D flames without running the heating element
- Includes a remote for easy use from anywhere in the room
Cons:
- Will increase your electric bill with prolonged use
- May need a dedicated outlet for older homes, as it runs on 15amps
- Remote only works for the 3D flame; you must manually adjust the temperature.
Trial Results:
The Duraflame 3D infrared fireplace has a charming appeal that elevates the aesthetic of our living room. However, the heat output was not strong, which we were looking for, and it warmed up our room within an hour to a comfortable temperature. With the remote, we can change the color and speed of the flames, but for changing the temperature of the furnace, you must access the control panel, which is mildly annoying. The other drawback is that the control knobs on the unit are not lit, making them hard to see. Even still, this was a good heater, and I love the way that it looks, also that it is only about 30 pounds, so I can move it around the house as needed.
Best Convection Heater
Overview:
If you use natural gas, the Mr. Heater Natural Gas space heater will be an excellent option to consider. It does not require electricity, making it an ideal heater that you can rely on even when the power goes out.
Features:
Mounted to the wall or the floor, Mr. Heater has an electronic ignition and variable output, giving you total control of the temperature of your room. If you want to cut down on furnace use, this would be a great heater to install and can be tapped right into your existing gas line.
Heating spaces up to 1,000 sq. ft. is no problem, and the blue burner flame allows for even convection heat. In addition, it features an automatic low oxygen shut-off and even works at elevations over 4,500 feet.
At 27 pounds and 23.75 x 11.25 x 27 inches, this doesn’t not take up much room on the wall.
Pros:
- Ties directly into the pre-existing gas line
- Uses convection heat
- Runs on Natural Gas
- Wall and floor mounting options
Cons:
- Need an existing Natural Gas line
- Meant to be used in conjunction with a furnace
- Trial results:
Trial Results:
We have an old house and wanted an additional heater to help supplement our old furnace. We hired an HVAC contractor to install this to ensure that everything was safe as it ties into the natural gas lines. He said the installation was straightforward, and he had no trouble getting it up and running. He suggested we install a CO2 monitor to make sure there would be no leaks, and off he went. This heater works phenomenally well! It heats the dining room in no time and maintains comfortable pressure. We don’t use all of the settings as 2 and 3 heat well enough for us, but it doesn’t get exceedingly cold where we are. (the 20s at night). There is a quick whiff of a gas smell right when you turn it on, but we were told this is normal for gas appliances. All-in-all, we are happy with it!
Best Forced Air Heater
>> See Customer Reviews <<
Overview:
From a manufacturer known for making rugged, long-lasting, and powerful tools, DeWalt is a household name. And while this space heater was designed for large construction sites, we couldn’t resist trying it out in our backyard. That’s because the DeWalt DXH190HD puts out a whopping 190,000 BTU’s which makes it capable of warming spaces up to 4,200 square feet.
Needless to say, you aren’t going to want to run this beast indoors. It was designed for construction sites and will quickly turn any indoor space into an oven. It has a 14-gallon kerosene tank, which gives this DeWalt forced air heater a run time of about 10 hours.
It features a rugged design, easy to ignite switch/dial system, and wheels for easy maneuverability. This heater will warm things up quickly if you have a large workshop or an uninsulated garage.
The DeWalt forced air heater weighs 74 pounds empty, 120 pounds when full, which makes the wheels very handy. Its overall size is 39.75 x 18 x 21 inches.
Pros:
- It runs on kerosene or diesel fuel
- Safety shutoff feature
- Great for outdoor use or large warehouses
Cons:
- It tends to leak fuel while moving
- Smokes when shut off
- Not safe for small indoor spaces due to fumes and power
Trial Results:
Last winter, we had neighbors who suffered roof damage due to the weight of massive snow piles. Not wanting to be a victim to the same problem, I purchased this forced air heater and, after the first snowfall (5”), let it run for an hour, at which point it had heated my 40’x50’ garage to summer temps and all but cleared the snow from the roof! While it was a struggle to get started at first, and it did leak a bit when I moved it, it heated my space! It goes through fuel more quickly than advertised and smokes quite a bit when shutting it off, but it’s to be expected from a forced-air heater such as this.
Notable Mention
>> See Customer Reviews <<
Overview:
As with all forced-air heaters, these should only be used in an area with good ventilation.
If you need serious heat for a large room or area, such as a construction site or warehouse, this Dyna-Glo forced area heater will undoubtedly do the trick. This no-nonsense kerosene-fueled space heater puts out 50,000 BTU’s of heat and can quickly warm a 1,500 square foot area.
Features:
The Dyna-Glo KFA50DGD holds up to 5 gallons of K-1 kerosene, and on a full tank, it will run for about 14 hours. With the clear gas gauge right next to the gas cap, it’s easy to tell when fuel is getting low, and refills are a breeze.
Easily maneuverable with the top-mounted handle, this unit weighs in at 27 pounds on empty and is turned on with the flip of a switch.
At 27 pounds empty, the Dyna-Glo is smaller than the DeWalt, measuring only 11.69 x 32.01 x 16.69 inches.
Pros:
- It runs on kerosene or diesel fuel
- Shuts itself off to prevent overheating
- Excellent for garages
- Heats large areas very quickly
Cons:
- Smokes when shut off
- Not safe for small indoor spaces due to fumes
- It does not have wheels
Trial Results:
Working on a construction site in the late fall and early winter, it gets a bit cold outside. So I invested in one of these to keep myself from freezing, and it did the trick. Because I primarily use it outside, I don’t have to deal with the smell or worry about ventilation. Still, I did run it in my two-car garage one evening and within 20 minutes had to turn it off as I was overheating even with the door propped halfway open. This is a powerful forced-air heater that is best used outside and, despite not having any wheels, is easy to move around by the handle.
What to Look for in an Extra Large Space Heater
When it comes to space heaters of this capacity, you will want to be careful with what you buy. Be sure to have a specific idea of the space or area you intend to use yours in, as that will best inform your choice of which space heater would be right for you.
Also, remember that forced-air heaters need adequate ventilation to maintain healthy air quality.
Here are some features to look out for:
- Safety shutoff features
- Multi-fuel capability
- The ability to heat at least 1,000 square feet
- CSA certification
How to use a space heater?
Depending on which type and model of space heater you purchase, there will be different operating procedures.
- For an electrical space heater, it’s as easy as plugging it in and adjusting the settings.
- For Natural Gas space heaters, you will need to have them professionally installed to ensure that it was done correctly and safely.
- If you go with a forced-air space heater, you must fill the tank with the correct fuel before running.
Dangers of using space heaters indoors
The safest space heater to use will be an electric space heater, as it relies solely on an electric outlet. When using a Natural Gas space heater, installing a Carbon Monoxide detector is essential to ensure that there are no leaks. When using a forced air space heater, proper ventilation and maintaining a clear space around it is necessary to keep the air quality in the healthy range and prevent anything from catching on fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of heater is the cheapest to run?
Infrared space heaters like the one on our list are among the most energy-efficient.
How many BTUs do I need to heat 1500 square feet?
In general, it would take about 24,000 BTUs to heat an area of 1,500 square feet.
Is ceramic or infrared heater better?
Infrared heaters are more energy-efficient, and they don’t pose some of the health concerns that ceramic heating elements do.
Last Words
As with most things in life, it pays to know exactly what you need or expects from a space heater. So first, figure out which room(s) or outdoor area you will be using yours in, and let that be your starting point in terms of shopping.
Are you considering the overall aesthetic? Do you mind buying fuel to refill the tank? Do you have demanding heating needs? Is this for an indoor or outdoor application? These are all important questions to ask yourself before you buy and our list of the best space heaters for 1000-2000 square feet is a great place to get you started!
Related posts:
- Infrared Heating Technology
- Customizable 3D Flames
- Aesthetically Appealing
- Gentle Heating Preserves Humidity
Frank is the chief editor and director at Specialty Air, where he oversees testing, research, and editing for all air quality-related articles. Frank is an expert in the air quality space with extensive experience testing, researching, and reviewing air purifiers, air conditioners, air filters, air fresheners, fans, and more. He also has over 4 years of experience with issues surrounding mold remediation, radon mitigation, moisture management, air duct systems, HVAC, and insulation.