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Electric heaters range from compact desk companions to sleek all-season towers—but how much do you really need to spend to stay comfortable indoors? For this Spend Smart test, we compared three top-rated heaters at three price tiers under the same real-world conditions: cool fall temps, a 200-square-foot test space, and repeated warm-up cycles. Here’s how a $40 mini ceramic, a $190 oil-filled radiator, and a $400 smart tower stacked up.
| Tier | Model | Price | Max Output | Performance Summary | Noise & Durability |
| Budget | Dreo Atom 316 Space Heater | $39.99 | 1,500W (200 sq. ft.) | Compact but mighty; heats small rooms evenly and efficiently. | Whisper-quiet and safe with Eco mode. Controls are hard to see in low light. |
| Mid-Range | DeLonghi Dragon Oil-Filled Radiator | $189.95 | 1,500W (300 sq. ft.) | Slow start, then steady, lasting heat with no fan or dryness. | Silent and solidly built. Heavy to move but perfect for overnight heat. |
| Premium | Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat | $399.99 | 1,500W (heat + fan) | Fast, consistent warmth and smooth bladeless airflow. | Nearly silent with smart Thermo IQ control and magnetic remote. Sleek but expensive. |
Testing Methods
Testing took place indoors in a 200-square-foot office space, with ambient temperatures between 62 degrees Farhenheit and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. We measured warm-up time to “comfortable at desk height,” observed heat spread and cycling patterns, and logged sound levels during operation. We also evaluated usability factors like control options, portability, and safety features.
Budget Pick
Dreo Atom 316 ($39.99)
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Ultra-quiet, efficient, and easy to tuck anywhere
- Compact design with surprising heating power for its size
- Eco mode automatically adjusts output to maintain temperature
- Keeps small rooms cozy without cycling noise or energy waste
- Lightweight and safe near furniture or pets
Bottom line: Ideal for small spaces and everyday use. Skip the bells and whistles—this one just works.
Mid-Range Pick
DeLonghi Dragon Oil-Filled Radiator ($189.95)
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Old-school build, modern reliability
- Gradual heat-up followed by consistent, lingering warmth
- Virtually silent—just soft thermostat clicks, no fan hum
- Radiant heat won’t dry out the air like forced-air models
- Heavy to lift, but casters make repositioning easy
Bottom line: Best for quiet bedrooms and overnight heating. Warmth that lasts, not blasts.
Premium Pick
Shark TurboBlade Cool+Heat ($399.99)
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Smart, sleek, and season-proof
- Dual-mode design provides both heating and cooling
- Thermo IQ maintains a steady temperature automatically
- Bladeless airflow feels smooth, not gusty or noisy
- Magnetic remote and pivoting “air blanket” feature elevate usability
Bottom line: A splurge, yes—but the Shark TurboBlade replaces both your heater and fan in one ultra-quiet tower.
Budget Pick
Dreo Atom 316 Heater
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Mid-Range Pick
DeLonghi Dragon Radiator
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Premium Pick
Shark TurboBlade Cool+Heat
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Head-to-Head Verdict
- Budget ($40): Quiet, efficient, and a great value for small rooms—but limited range and basic controls make it better for spot heating than full-room warmth.
- Mid-Range ($190): Virtually silent with long-lasting, radiant heat that stays even after shutoff. It’s heavy and slow to start, but it’s the most dependable and comfortable option of the three.
- Premium ($400): Sleek design and dual heating/cooling modes make it impressive year-round—but the price is steep, and its biggest appeal is style and versatility, not pure heat output.
Our Recommendation: Spend smart. Go with the DeLonghi Dragon. It’s the quietest, safest, and most reliable heater of the bunch, with steady warmth that lasts for hours without drying the air or disturbing your peace. A true “buy once, use forever” pick.
Our Top Pick
DeLonghi Dragon Oil-Filled Radiator ($189.95)
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The post How Much Should You Spend? We Tested a $40, $190, and $400 Electric Heater appeared first on Bob Vila.
