Your toes are cold, the rest of you is fine, but cranking the whole house thermostat feels wasteful. That’s the classic small-room problem. A plug in space heater targets the chill right where you sit, without heating empty hallways or unused guest rooms.
These compact units plug directly into a wall outlet, saving floor space and keeping cords out of the way. The best ones balance heating power, noise, and safety features in a small package. You want something that warms up fast, shuts off automatically, and doesn’t sound like a jet engine.
I’ve compared three of the most popular plug in small space heaters on Amazon. Each one serves a different purpose, from a wall-mounted workhorse to a remote-controlled bedroom companion. Below, you’ll find a quick comparison table, then a deep dive into each model with honest pros and cons.
Here’s how the three contenders stack up on the features that matter most.
| Features | Ontel Handy Heater | Brightown 800W | Amazon Basics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating Power | 800W, up to 250 sq ft | 800W, up to 100 sq ft | 1500W High, 900W Low |
| Mounting Style | Plugs into wall outlet | Plugs into wall, 180° plug | Freestanding, floor use |
| Noise Level | Quiet ceramic operation | Under 40 dB | 43 dB |
| Controls | Thermostat, 12-hour timer | Remote, LED display, timer | Manual dial, 3 settings |
| Best Use Case | Bedrooms, offices, dens | Bathrooms, desks, dorms | Home offices, living rooms |
Ontel Handy Heater Turbo
The one you buy when space matters more than power.
The Ontel Handy Heater Turbo disappears into your wall. It plugs directly into an outlet, so there’s no cord to trip over and no box taking up floor space. This makes it a natural fit for a cramped home office, a small bedroom, or even a camping trip where you have electricity but little room to spare.
What stands out is the coverage. This little unit claims to heat rooms up to 250 square feet, which is generous for an 800-watt device. The adjustable thermostat (60–90°F) and 12-hour timer let you set it and forget it. I like that you can program it to warm your office before you sit down in the morning, then shut off automatically. The ceramic heating element warms up quickly, and the cool-touch housing means you won’t burn your hand if you brush against it.
There are trade-offs. At 800 watts, it’s not going to blast heat through a large, drafty room. It’s a supplemental heater, not a replacement for your central heating. Also, because it plugs directly into the wall, it blocks that outlet completely. You lose the use of that socket while it’s running, which can be annoying if you need to charge a phone nearby. The lack of a remote means you have to get up to adjust the settings, though the controls are simple enough.
- 800W ceramic heater for rooms up to 250 sq. ft.
- Adjustable thermostat from 60°F to 90°F
- Programmable 12-hour timer for automatic shut-off
- Quiet operation, suitable for bedrooms and playrooms
- Plugs directly into wall, no floor space needed
Best for: Someone who wants a discreet, space-saving heater for a small office or bedroom and doesn’t mind losing access to the wall outlet it uses.
Brightown 800W Plug in Heater
The one with the remote and the rotating plug.
The Brightown 800W heater solves the two biggest frustrations with outlet heaters. First, the plug rotates 180 degrees, so you can position the unit upright or inverted depending on your outlet’s location. Second, it comes with a remote control, which is a rare luxury in this category. You can adjust the temperature or set the 12-hour timer from across the room without getting up.
This heater is rated for smaller spaces, around 100 square feet. That makes it a great match for a bathroom, a dorm room, or a desk area. It’s quiet, running under 40 dB, so it won’t disturb your sleep or your concentration during a video call. The touch LED display is clear and easy to read, and the flame-retardant materials add a layer of safety. The manufacturer notes it’s safe for bathroom use if you install it above the sink, away from direct water splashes.
The limitations are real. With 800 watts, it’s the least powerful option here. It will take the edge off a cold room, but it won’t make a large space toasty. The remote is handy, but it’s small and easy to misplace. And while the rotating plug is useful, the unit itself is slightly bulkier than the Ontel, so it sticks out from the wall a bit more.
- 800W output for rooms up to 100 sq. ft.
- 180° rotating plug for flexible positioning
- Remote control with touch LED display
- Under 40 dB noise level for quiet operation
- Safety certified with overheat protection
Best for: A dorm resident or bathroom user who wants remote control and flexible plug positioning in a compact, low-wattage package.
Amazon Basics Ceramic Space Heater
Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics Ceramic Space Heater, Portable Indoor Heating Solution, With Overheat and Tip-Over Protection, Thermostat, Non-Oscillating, 1500W, 7.52"D x 6.34"W x 9.45"H, Black
- CUSTOMIZABLE HEATING OPTIONS: Choose from three settings to suit your needs - High (1500W), Low (900W), or Fan Only for air circul…
- COMPACT & PORTABLE: Weighing just 3 lbs and sized at 7.5“L x 6.3”W x 9.5“H, this space heater is easy to move and perfect for your…
- Built-in Tip-Over Protection, Overheat Protection, and a Power Indicator Light for safe operation.
The one that’s actually portable.
The Amazon Basics heater takes a different approach. Instead of plugging into the wall, it’s a freestanding unit you sit on the floor or a desk. It’s heavier and larger than the outlet-style heaters, but it brings more power. The 1500-watt high setting delivers serious heat, and the 900-watt low setting handles milder days. There’s also a fan-only mode for air circulation in the summer, which adds year-round value.
This unit is a workhorse. The ceramic heating element warms up fast, and the built-in thermostat lets you dial in your preferred temperature. Weighing just 3 pounds, it’s easy to move from your home office to the living room. The tip-over protection and overheat protection are standard but essential. At 43 dB, it’s slightly louder than the Brightown, but it’s still quiet enough for most rooms.
The biggest drawback is the lack of a timer. You get a thermostat, but you can’t program it to shut off after a few hours. That means you have to remember to turn it off manually. Also, this heater is not for humid environments. The manual explicitly warns against using it in bathrooms or laundry rooms. It also takes up floor space, which defeats the purpose if you’re trying to declutter.
- 1500W high / 900W low / fan-only modes
- Thermostat control with power indicator light
- Tip-over and overheat protection for safety
- Compact design, weighs just 3 lbs
- Not suitable for bathrooms or high-moisture areas
Best for: A homeowner who wants a powerful, portable heater for a home office or living room and doesn’t need a timer or bathroom safety rating.
How We Chose These Products
I focused on the three most popular plug in small space heaters that solve the same core problem: heating a small area efficiently. Each one was evaluated on heating capacity, safety features, noise output, and how well it fits into a real room. The Ontel and Brightown represent the wall-outlet style, while the Amazon Basics shows what you get when you trade a bit of portability for more power.
I also considered the practical details that don’t show up in product photos. How much floor space does it take? Does it block other outlets? Can you adjust the heat without getting up? These small factors often make the difference between a heater you use daily and one you shove in a closet. Safety certifications and automatic shut-off features were non-negotiable for every pick.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Before you click buy, think about the square footage of your room. A 1500-watt heater will warm a larger space, but it draws more power and might trip a breaker on an old circuit. An 800-watt heater is gentler on your electricity bill and safer for outlets in older homes, but it only works well in small, enclosed areas. Match the wattage to the room size, not the other way around.
Consider where you’ll place it. Wall-outlet heaters are great for saving floor space, but they block the socket. If you need that outlet for something else, look for a model with a rotating plug or a freestanding unit. Also, check the noise level. Most ceramic heaters run between 40 and 50 dB, which is fine for sleeping, but some are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to hum, look for a unit rated under 40 dB.
Finally, think about controls. A simple dial is easy to use but imprecise. A digital thermostat with a timer gives you more control over your energy usage. A remote is a nice bonus if you’re sitting across the room. None of these features are essential, but they change how convenient the heater feels on a daily basis.
Our Top Recommendation
The Ontel Handy Heater Turbo is the best overall pick for most people. It hits the sweet spot of coverage, quiet operation, and programmability. The 12-hour timer and adjustable thermostat make it easy to set a schedule, and the compact design means it doesn’t clutter your space. It’s the most versatile of the three, working well in a bedroom, office, or even a camping setup.
If you need bathroom-safe operation or want remote control, the Brightown 800W is your runner-up. It’s less powerful, but the rotating plug and remote make it more convenient in tight spaces. If you prioritize raw heat output over everything else, the Amazon Basics 1500W is the one to grab. It’s not as sleek, but it will warm a larger room faster than the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are plug in space heaters safe to leave on overnight?
Most modern units, including all three here, have overheat protection and automatic shut-off. The Ontel and Brightown have 12-hour timers, so you can set them to turn off after a few hours. Still, it’s wise to keep them away from curtains and bedding. Don’t leave one running while you’re out of the house.
Will an 800W heater raise my electricity bill significantly?
An 800W heater uses 0.8 kWh per hour. If you run it for 8 hours a day, that’s about 6.4 kWh daily. At the average US electricity rate, that’s roughly $0.70 to $1.00 per day. It’s cheaper than heating the whole house, but it’s not free. Use the timer to limit runtime and save money.
Can I use these heaters in a bathroom?
Only the Brightown is rated for bathroom use, and it needs to be installed above the sink, away from water splashes. The Ontel and Amazon Basics are not recommended for humid environments. Using them near water creates a shock hazard. Check the manual before placing any heater in a damp area.
Why does my heater trip the circuit breaker?
A 1500W heater draws about 12.5 amps, which is close to the limit for a standard 15-amp circuit. If you have other appliances running on the same circuit, it can overload. Plug the heater into a dedicated outlet and avoid using it on the same circuit as a refrigerator or space heater. The 800W models are less likely to cause this issue.
