Large Space Heating: The Best Heater for a Large Room

According to the US Energy Information Administration, space heating accounts for 43% of the energy consumed in American homes. That’s the largest share by far of all domestic energy consumption, and represents a significant chunk of change in monthly utilities. 

If you need to heat a large room reliably and safely, this guide walks you through how to size the heater, which heater types work best, and what features to look for.

The Different Types of Heaters

Convection (forced-air ceramic heaters)

These warm the air and circulate it with a fan. They are quick to heat, but can be noisy due to the blower.

Best for: Whole-room heat circulation.

Pros: Fast warm-up, low price.

Cons: Noisy, high electricity draw.

For more information, check out our guide to Forced Air vs Radiant Heaters.

Radiant / infrared heaters

These heat people and objects directly instead of the air. They are good for direct warmth, but can cause heater rash.

Best for: Directional warmth.

Pros: Heat can be felt immediately, quiet.

Cons: Risk of toasted skin syndrome if used for prolonged periods on the same part of the body.

Also check out Infrared vs Ceramic Heating to know more.

Oil-filled (radiant/convection hybrid) 

These use a heating element to heat internal oil, which then radiates/convects the heat slowly and evenly. They have the advantage of being quiet while providing steady heat.

Best for: Background heat in larger rooms where temperature recovery speed is less critical.

Pros: Quiet, good residual heat after shutoff, safer surface temps in many models.

Cons: Slow to heat; heavy; a single unit may not be enough for very large rooms.

Electric fireplaces / infrared quartz: 

These are larger, visually-appealing units that can deliver some heatfor open spaces. They offer the aesthetic appeal of traditional fireplaces without the byproducts.

Best for: Large living rooms and open-plan spaces where aesthetics is a priority. Some electric fireplaces can cover up to 800–1,000 sq ft 

Pros: Attractive, quiet

Cons: More expensive than a plug-in; effectiveness depends on room layout and insulation.

Here’s our guide to Electric Fireplace Efficiency and Safety.

Wall-mountedor ceiling-mounted electric heaters

These hardwired units are typically used as supplemental heating for areas where central heating is unavailable.

Best for: Garages or rooms where permanent supplemental heat is needed. 

Pros: Larger coverage and usually higher wattage than plug-ins.

Cons: Requires high ceilings or wall space for installation, more complex to install than plug-in heaters.

Fuel-burning (natural gas / propane / pellet)

These provide greater heat output for very large or poorly insulated spaces. However they require venting/clearances and professional installation.

Best for: Very large, poorly insulated spaces such as workshops. 

Pros: High BTU output, may be more efficient than electric power for the same BTU

Cons: Requires venting, gas connections, or professional installation. Must also follow codes and NFPA/OSHA clearances.

See our comprehensive guide to Gas Heaters.

Each type of heating method has tradeoffs in heating speed, warmth distribution, efficiency, noise, safety, and installation complexity. 

The heater you need depends on the specific room and use case.

How to Size a Heater for a Large Room

Large Space Heaters: Features to Look For

✅ Thermostat + Digital controls

These allow the heater to run more efficiently and save energy.

✅ Oscillation and Airflow Rate

For fan-based heaters, these help move heat around an open plan space.

✅ Timer and Programmable Scheduling

These allow you to set the heater’s operating time and prevent wasted run-time.

✅ Safety Features 

• Tip-over shutoff
• Overheat cutoff
• Cool-touch housing

✅ Power and Wiring Requirements

For hardwired units and heaters above 1500 W, you’ll likely need a dedicated circuit.

Our Top Recommendations for Large Space Heaters

Wall-mounted

King EFW2012-LD-W 1200 Watt Safe-Touch Fan-Driven Wall Heater

The EFW Safe Touch Heater is a low density heater and a great option for use in facilities with high-risk occupants, such as Assisted Living, Day Care, Memory Care and dorm rooms. The surface temperature on this line of wall heaters will not exceed 120°F making it safe in any environment. It uses King Electric’s Patented Smart Limit Protection that automatically disconnects the elements and motor if it gets overheated. 

This 1,200 Watt wall heater uses 208 volt electricity. It has a 5 blade aluminum fan and a Ni-Chrome open coil heating element which sits safely behind the slatted white front grille (approx. 3/4″ deep).

Ceiling mounted

King WHFC2415-W 750/1500 Dual Wattage Ceiling Heater

This heater is a great option when you have limited wall space since it mounts directly into the ceiling. It can be used in any room and offers a NiChrome open coil element for rapid heat transfer, as well as a blower with whisper quiet design.

The Smart Limit Protection disconnects the elements and motor if normal operating temperatures are exceeded. This unit is a 208/240 volt unit and offers dual wattage with 562/750 or 1125/1500 Watts and a 3 year limited warranty.

Electric fireplace

Simplifire SF-ALLP72-BK 72″ Allusion Platinum Built-In Linear Electric Firebox

This electric fireplace does not require venting or an exterior wall and can be installed nearly anywhere! You can even safely mount a television or artwork directly above it.

The 72″ linear fireplace delivers 750W or 1500W modes for both warm and energy-saving purposes, good for spaces up to 400 square feet. It can be wall-mounted or fully recessed for a sleek, built-in look. Another plus for this unit is you can enjoy year-round beauty and the ambiance of accent lighting with or without heat! Choose between 4 flame colors and 13 ember bed color options lit with the glow from long-lasting LED lights. 

Natural gas / propane

Williams Furnace Company 650292A 65,000 BTU Vented Hearth Heater

The console heater features a fireplace front, including ceramic fiber logs, and is perfect for those hard to heat areas. It features fixed louvers/vents on the top and comes in at a compact 34″w x 19 5/8″d x 32 7/8″h 

Capable of up to 65,000 BTU/hr, this heater vents safely to the outside, up and out through the roof or chimney, and features a louvered top for optimal heat circulation throughout any room. It is equipped with a matchless pilot ignition for added safety and requires no electricity to operate. All wiring and controls are easily accessible from the front.

Bottom line

For rooms greater than 250 sq ft, expect to use either multiple portable units, an electric fireplace/infrared unit with higher BTU rating, or a wall/ceiling-mounted hardwired heater designed for larger spaces.