There is one thing every college student figures out the first cold week of the fall semester: dorm heating is wildly inconsistent. Some rooms feel like saunas, while others feel like a walk-in refrigerator with a twin XL mattress in it. That is exactly why so many students start hunting for the best space heaters for dorm rooms before winter break even hits.
Before you buy anything, you need to know the honest truth that most articles bury on page two. The majority of US colleges explicitly ban space heaters in residence halls due to fire risk, and getting caught with one can lead to fines, confiscation, or housing probation. According to the US Fire Administration, space heaters are involved in thousands of dorm-related fires each year, and old dorm wiring was never built to handle 1500W appliances on every outlet.
This guide is written for students who have either confirmed their dorm allows certain low-wattage heaters, secured a medical accommodation, or live in off-campus housing where the rules are different. I tested eight of the most popular compact heaters across desk setups, small bedrooms, and chilly study corners to find which ones balance safety, size, noise, and price. Every model here has tip-over protection, overheat shutoff, or both, because those two features are non-negotiable in a shared building.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Space Heaters for Dorm Rooms
GiveBest Portable Ceramic Heater
- 1500W/750W Dual Mode
- Fan Only Option
- Tip-Over Protection
- Carry Handle
- Under 3 lbs
Gaiatop Mini Space Heater
- 500W Low Draw
- 2-Second Heat
- 45-Degree Tip-Over
- V0 Fireproof
- Ultra Compact
Best Space Heaters for Dorm Rooms in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DREO Space Heater HSH006 |
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Check Latest Price |
| GiveBest Portable Ceramic Heater |
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 Amazon Basics Ceramic Heater |
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 BLACK+DECKER BHDC201 |
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 Lasko 754201 Ceramic Heater |
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 DREO Atom One |
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| Gaiatop Mini Space Heater |
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Check Latest Price |
 Pelonis 1500W Tower Heater |
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Check Latest Price |
1. DREO Space Heater HSH006 – 1500W PTC Ceramic Tower with Remote
DREO Space Heater, Portable Electric Heaters for Indoor Use with Thermostat
1500W PTC Ceramic
41-95F Digital Thermostat
34dB Quiet
12H Timer
ETL Certified
Pros
- Fast 1500W PTC heating
- Whisper-quiet at 34dB
- Precise thermostat with 1F increments
- Remote control and 12H timer
- Tip-over overheat and child lock safety
Cons
- May trip breakers on shared 20A circuits
- Rare early-failure reports
I ran the DREO HSH006 for three straight weeks in a roughly 120-square-foot bedroom, and it is the heater I keep going back to when I want something that just works without babysitting. The 1500W PTC ceramic element kicks out noticeable heat within about 10 seconds, and the heat funnel design pushes warm air noticeably farther than the cheap box heaters I have tested. With over 20,000 reviews and a 4.6-star average, this is the model most students end up recommending in dorm threads.
What sold me is the thermostat. You can dial in any temperature between 41 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit in one-degree increments, and the NTC chipset actually holds it there instead of cycling randomly. In ECO mode, the heater dials its own wattage down once the room hits your set point, which keeps electricity use reasonable for students paying their own utility bill off-campus.
The safety story is strong, which matters in a dorm. DREO uses V0-rated flame-retardant plastic, an upgraded tilt sensor for tip-over shutoff, a separate overheat sensor, and a fused safety plug. It is ETL certified. The 34-decibel noise rating is real. On low and ECO modes I could sleep with this thing two feet from my head, which is not something I can say for most ceramic heaters in this price range.
The trade-offs are minor but worth knowing. On a shared 20-amp circuit loaded with other gear, the 1500W high mode can pop a breaker, which is a problem in older dorms. A small number of long-term owners reported the unit dying within six weeks, but DREO covers that with a 12-month warranty extendable to 30 months if you register. For the price, the remote, timer, child lock, and memory function are hard to beat.
Best fit for this heater
This is the best space heater for dorm rooms if you want a single do-everything unit for a bedroom or shared suite. The digital thermostat, remote, and quiet operation make it ideal for sleeping and studying. Students with medical accommodations that allow a heater will appreciate the precision temperature control.
Who should skip it
Skip the HSH006 if your dorm wiring is known to be sketchy or you share a single 15-amp circuit with a mini fridge, microwave, and gaming PC. The full 1500W draw is too much for those setups. Also skip it if you need something pocket-sized for a desk, since this is a 7.3-by-11-inch tower rather than a true mini.
2. GiveBest Portable Ceramic Heater – Dual Mode Desk Heater
GiveBest Space Heater, Portable Space Heaters for Indoor Use
1500W/750W Dual Mode
Fan Only
200 sq ft Coverage
Tip-Over Protection
2.2 lbs
Pros
- Two heat modes plus fan only
- Very quiet operation
- Heats up to 200 sq ft fast
- Cheap with huge review base
- Carry handle and lightweight build
Cons
- Not for continuous long-term use
- Plugs can run hot in older outlets
- Initial break-in smell
The GiveBest is the heater you will see recommended in basically every college Reddit thread, and after testing one I understand why. At 2.2 pounds and roughly six by seven by ten inches, it disappears into a backpack or under a desk, and the 1500W/750W dual modes plus a fan-only option mean you actually use it year-round. With over 81,000 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this is one of the most-purchased heaters in the entire Amazon catalog.
In my testing, the GiveBest heated a small closed bedroom to comfortable levels in under 15 minutes on high, and the 750W low mode was plenty to maintain temperature once the room warmed up. The lower wattage is genuinely useful for dorms, because 750W is much less likely to trip a breaker than a full 1500W pull, and the dual-mode design lets you trade speed for safety depending on what else is plugged in.
Safety-wise, you get the basics. V0 flame-retardant ABS plastic, automatic shutoff on tip-over, and an overheat cutoff. There is no cool-touch housing and no digital thermostat, just a mechanical dial, which keeps things simple and cheap to replace. The ceramic element is rated to heat up to 200 square feet, which covers most dorm rooms easily.
The honest downsides are about expectations, not defects. This is a $27 heater, not a premium appliance. Multiple long-term users report the plugs getting warm in older outlets, which is a sign you should not push the circuit. Some units produce a brief plasticky smell during the first few uses that fades after a few hours of break-in. Treat it as a personal heater for a few seasons, not a whole-house workhorse, and it will do right by you.
Best fit for this heater
This is the pick for students who want the cheapest reliable heater that still has proper safety sensors. The 750W low mode makes it friendlier on dodgy dorm wiring than most 1500W-only units, and the size means it fits on a desk, shelf, or windowsill without any drama.
Who should skip it
Skip the GiveBest if you need precise temperature control, a timer, or a remote, because none of those are here. Also skip it if your dorm outlet is already visibly stressed by other high-draw devices, since the warm-plug reports are real and you do not want to be the person who triggers a fire alarm at 2 a.m.
3. Amazon Basics Ceramic Space Heater – No-Frills Value
Amazon Basics Ceramic Space Heater, Portable Indoor Heating Solution, With Overheat and Tip-Over Protection, Thermostat, Non-Oscillating, 1500W, Fast Heating, 7.52″D x 6.34″W x 9.45″H, Silver
1500W/900W/Fan Modes
43 dB Quiet
Tip-Over & Overheat
2.1 lbs
Tower Form Factor
Pros
- Rock-bottom price
- Three settings including fan only
- Very light at 2.1 lbs
- Tip-over and overheat shutoff
- Quiet ceramic operation
Cons
- Indicator light stays on when off
- Long-term durability is questionable
- Not rated for humid rooms
- Can develop ringing sound over time
If you want a name-brand heater without paying name-brand prices, the Amazon Basics ceramic is the easy answer. It is a straightforward tower-style unit with three settings, 1500W high, 900W low, and fan only, plus a mechanical thermostat dial. The ceramic element heats up fast, the 43-decibel noise floor is genuinely quiet for a fan-forced heater, and the whole unit weighs just 2.1 pounds.
I tested it side by side with the GiveBest and the performance is remarkably similar. The Amazon Basics pulled a small bedroom up by about 10 degrees in 20 minutes on high, held its own on low mode for maintaining heat, and the fan-only option is genuinely useful in spring. Nearly 14,000 reviews and a 4.4-star average confirm it is a reliable budget option.
The safety kit matches what you expect at this tier. Tip-over protection shuts the heater off if it falls, overheat protection cuts power if the element gets too hot, and a power indicator light shows when the unit is plugged in. The housing is rated for indoor dry use only, so do not even think about using this in a damp basement dorm or a bathroom.
The complaints are mostly about polish, not core function. The power indicator light stays on even when the heater is off, which is mildly annoying in a dark dorm room. A handful of owners report a faint ringing sound developing after months of use, and a few had units fail within a year. Treat this as a disposable heater for a couple of seasons and you will be happy with it.
Best fit for this heater
This is the right choice for students who want the absolute cheapest name-brand heater with full safety sensors, no questions asked. The 900W low mode is gentle on shared circuits, and the tiny footprint fits anywhere in a cramped dorm.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you need a remote, timer, oscillation, or digital thermostat, because the Amazon Basics has none of those. Also skip it if your room is damp or you plan to use a heater in a bathroom, since the manual specifically calls that out as unsafe.
4. BLACK+DECKER BHDC201 Personal Ceramic Heater – Desk-Friendly
BLACK+DECKER Personal Ceramic Heater, 1500 Watts, BHDC201, Black
1500W/750W/Fan Modes
Manual Thermostat
Tip-Over & Overheat
2.8 lbs
1-Year Warranty
Pros
- Simple manual controls
- Good 1500W heat output
- Tip-over and overheat shutoff
- Light and easy to carry
- Proven long-term durability
Cons
- Thermostat can be inconsistent
- No remote or timer
- Does not oscillate
- Fan noise on high mode
The BLACK+DECKER BHDC201 is the heater for students who hate screens, beeps, and apps. There are three knobs on the front, fan only, low heat, high heat, plus a thermostat dial, and that is the entire interface. It is the kind of appliance you can hand to anyone without explaining anything, which is exactly what you want in a shared dorm room.
In my testing, the 1500W high mode produced serious heat within seconds and comfortably warmed a 150-square-foot room in about 20 minutes. The 750W low mode is gentler on circuits and still effective for maintaining warmth once the room is up to temperature. Multiple long-term owners report two-plus years of daily use, which is more than I can say for most heaters under $30.
Safety features include the standard tip-over shutoff, overheat protection, and a power-on indicator light. There is no cool-touch housing and no fancy sensors, but the basics are covered. At 2.8 pounds with a built-in carry handle, this is genuinely portable and small enough to live on a desk or shelf.
The weaknesses are predictable for a $30 manual heater. The thermostat is not perfectly calibrated and tends to cycle a degree or two above or below where you set it. There is no remote, no timer, and no oscillation, so you are paying for simplicity, not features. The fan on high mode is audible, more so than the DREO units, but not loud enough to be a dealbreaker.
Best fit for this heater
This is the right pick for students who want dead-simple controls and proven durability over feature lists. The BHDC201 is ideal as a personal desk heater or as a single-knob bedroom heater that anyone in the suite can operate without a manual.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you want a remote, programmable timer, or oscillation, because none of that is here. Also skip it if you are sensitive to fan noise during sleep, since the high mode is noticeably louder than the brushless-motor DREO models.
5. Lasko 754201 Ceramic Heater – Cool-Touch Safety Build
Lasko Portable Indoor Ceramic Space Heater – 9” – 754201 – Dark Gray
1500W/900W/Fan Modes
Cool-Touch Exterior
8-Foot Cord
Tip-Over Switch
3-Year Warranty
Pros
- Cool-touch housing stays safe to brush
- Extra-long 8-foot power cord
- Tip-over switch works reliably
- Three-year limited warranty
- Quiet ceramic operation
Cons
- Motor failures reported after months
- Thermostat uses a dial scale not degrees
- Higher draw on electricity
The Lasko 754201 is the heater I recommend when safety is the absolute top priority. The big selling point is the cool-touch exterior, which means the housing stays safe to brush against even when the ceramic element is running full tilt. For a cramped dorm room where the heater might end up next to a bed, chair, or pile of laundry, that is a feature worth paying for.
Performance is in line with other 1500W ceramic heaters. High mode produces quick warmth for spaces up to about 100 square feet, low mode holds temperature efficiently, and the fan-only setting extends usability into warmer months. The mechanical thermostat uses a numbered dial rather than actual degree readouts, so you tune by feel rather than by setpoint.
The hardware details are better than the price suggests. Lasko includes an unusually long 8-foot cord, which solves one of the most common dorm problems, namely that the only available outlet is across the room from where you actually want heat. The tip-over switch is reliable, and the included 3-year warranty is the longest in this roundup.
The main complaints center on longevity. Some owners report the motor quitting after several months of daily use, though Lasko’s 3-year warranty covers that. The thermostat dial is a minor annoyance if you want precise temperature control, and the unit draws full wattage on high, which means it will hit your electric bill harder than the lower-wattage options.
Best fit for this heater
This is the pick for students who share a small room and need the heater to be safe even when it gets bumped or brushed against. The cool-touch exterior and long cord make it ideal for tight dorm layouts where the heater ends up close to bedding, clothing, or furniture.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you need a precise digital thermostat or you want features like oscillation and a remote. Also skip it if you want a guaranteed multi-year workhorse, since motor failures do happen even with the warranty coverage.
6. DREO Atom One – 70-Degree Oscillating Smart Heater
DREO Atom One Space Heater with Remote, 70°Oscillating Electric Heaters with Digital Thermostat, 1500W PTC Ceramic Heater, 12h Timer, Quiet Safety Heating, Portable Heater for Home Office
1500W PTC Ceramic
70-Degree Oscillation
41-95F Digital Thermostat
ECO Mode
5 Modes
Pros
- Wide 70-degree oscillation coverage
- ECO mode saves energy on long runs
- Digital thermostat with 1F increments
- Quiet brushless DC motor
- Remote and 12H timer included
Cons
- Front display stays bright at night
- No control lock feature
- Drawing around 1000W even on lowest H1 setting
- Thermostat can read a few degrees off
The DREO Atom One is the more compact sibling of the HSH006, and in some ways I like it even better for dorm use. The standout feature is the 70-degree oscillation, which sweeps warm air across the room instead of blasting it in one direction. That makes a real difference in a long, narrow dorm room where a fixed heater would just roast whoever was directly in front of it.
Inside is the same 1500W PTC ceramic element as the larger DREO, with five modes including H1, H2, H3, ECO, and fan only. The digital thermostat covers the full 41-to-95-degree range in one-degree steps, and the ECO mode actively manages wattage to hold your set point without overshooting. In my testing, ECO mode cut power consumption noticeably over a four-hour run compared to holding high heat.
Safety is excellent. You get tip-over protection, overheat shutoff, and V0 flame-retardant materials, plus a brushless DC motor that is quieter and longer-lasting than the brushed motors in cheaper heaters. The remote control and 12-hour timer are included, which is impressive for a personal-size heater at this price.
The trade-offs are real but manageable. The front digital display stays on whenever the heater is plugged in, which is annoying for bedroom use unless you cover it with tape. The H1 mode still draws roughly 1000W, so this is not the lowest-draw option for fragile dorm wiring. The thermostat tends to read three to four degrees low, so you may need to set your target higher than expected.
Best fit for this heater
This is the best space heater for dorm rooms where you want even heat distribution rather than a focused blast. The oscillation, ECO mode, and remote make it ideal for shared suites or longer study sessions where you set it once and forget it.
Who should skip it
Skip the Atom One if you sleep in pitch darkness and cannot tolerate a glowing display, or if your dorm circuit cannot safely handle a 1000W-plus continuous load. Students who need the absolute lowest wattage should look at the Gaiatop instead.
7. Gaiatop Mini Space Heater – Ultra-Compact 500W Personal Heat
Gaiatop Mini Space Heater, 500W Fast Heating Portable Desk Electric Heater
500W PTC Ceramic
2-Second Heat
45-Degree Tip-Over
V0 Fireproof
Ultra Compact 2.6x5x5 in
Pros
- Only 500W draw is dorm-friendly
- 2-second heat-up time
- V0 fireproof housing
- 45-degree tip-over shutoff
- Tiny footprint fits any desk
Cons
- On or off only no heat levels
- No thermostat whatsoever
- Only heats 1-2 feet in front
- Short power cord
The Gaiatop Mini is the heater I recommend when wattage is the deciding factor. At just 500W, this draws roughly a third of what a standard 1500W heater pulls, which makes it dramatically less likely to trip a breaker in an older dorm. For students with strict housing rules or sketchy wiring, that low draw is the single best argument for choosing this over the bigger options.
What you get is a tiny 2.6-by-5-by-5-inch cube with a PTC ceramic element that produces noticeable heat within two seconds of turning on. It is a personal heater, not a room heater. In my testing, it comfortably warmed the space about one to two feet in front of it, which is exactly what you want for hands and face at a desk, but not enough to heat a whole bedroom.
The safety basics are solid for the price. V0-class fireproof plastic, a 45-degree tip-over shutoff, and overheat protection are all included. There is no thermostat, no heat levels, just an on-off switch with an LED indicator, which keeps the design simple and hard to misuse.
The limitations are obvious and honest. There is no way to set a target temperature or adjust heat output, so you take what the element gives you. The cord is short, so plan on using a power strip or having a nearby outlet. The focused heat pattern means this is strictly a personal heater, not a solution for warming the entire room. At this price, that is the deal you are making.
Best fit for this heater
This is the right pick for students whose dorm wiring cannot safely handle a full-size heater, or for anyone who just wants personal warmth at a desk without paying for features they will not use. The 500W draw is the lowest in this roundup and the safest bet for old electrical systems.
Who should skip it
Skip the Gaiatop if you actually need to warm a whole room, because the focused output will not do it. Also skip it if you want any kind of thermostat, timer, or remote, since none of those exist on this unit.
8. Pelonis 1500W Tower Heater – Whisper-Quiet Oscillation
Pelonis 1500w Electric Space Heater for Indoor Use with Thermostat, Oscillation and Remote – Portable Ceramic Heater for Bedroom, Home and for Office Under Desk
1500W PTC Ceramic
75-Degree Oscillation
32dB Whisper Quiet
12H Timer
ECO Mode
Pros
- Whisper-quiet at 32dB
- Wide 75-degree oscillation
- Remote control and 12H timer
- ECO mode for energy savings
- Adjustable thermostat 41-95F
Cons
- No memory after power loss
- Loud button beeps
- Poor handle design
- Remote has no display
- Reported IR interference with some TVs
The Pelonis 1500W tower heater is the quietest model in this roundup at just 32 decibels, which is below the noise floor of most conversation. For a student who needs heat while sleeping, studying, or on a video call, that low noise rating is the single biggest reason to pick this over the cheaper options.
Performance is strong across the board. The 1500W PTC ceramic element heats fast, the 75-degree oscillation covers a wide arc, and the adjustable thermostat runs from 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit in one-degree increments. The ECO mode modulates wattage to hold your target temperature, which keeps long-running costs in check for off-campus students paying their own electric bill.
The feature set rivals the DREO models. Remote control, a 12-hour timer, three fan speeds, tip-over protection, overheat shutoff, and V0 flame-retardant materials are all included. The 16-inch tower form factor is taller than the desktop heaters here but still narrow enough to tuck into a corner of a dorm room.
The annoyances are mostly in the design details rather than core performance. After a power loss, the heater resets to high heat at 95 degrees, which is a pain if your power flickers. The buttons beep loudly when pressed, the carry handle has no real grip, and the remote has no display so you have to look at the heater to confirm settings. A few users reported IR remote interference with Insignia Fire TVs, so check that if you have one.
Best fit for this heater
This is the right pick for students who prioritize silence above everything else. The 32-decibel rating makes it the best space heater for dorm rooms where you sleep, study, and take calls in the same small space, and the wide oscillation distributes heat more evenly than fixed units.
Who should skip it
Skip the Pelonis if any of the design quirks will bother you, especially the power-loss reset behavior or the beeping buttons. Also skip it if you need the absolute lowest wattage, since this is a full 1500W heater on high mode.
How to Choose the Best Space Heater for a Dorm Room
Picking the best space heater for dorm rooms is not the same as shopping for a house. You have less space, weaker electrical systems, stricter rules, and a tighter budget. Here is what actually matters when you are choosing.
Check your dorm policy first, always
This is the step most students skip and most articles bury. Before you spend a dollar, read your housing agreement or email your resident director. Many colleges ban any heater with an exposed heating element, while some allow sealed ceramic or oil-filled units with auto-shutoff. A few universities allow heaters only with a documented medical accommodation through the disability services office. Knowing the rule first saves you from buying something that gets confiscated in the first room inspection.
Match wattage to your circuit
A standard dorm outlet is usually on a 15-amp circuit shared with other rooms. A 1500W heater pulls about 12.5 amps on its own, which leaves almost no headroom for anything else on that circuit. If your dorm wiring is old or you share a circuit with a mini fridge, microwave, or hair dryer, a 1500W heater will trip the breaker constantly. In that case, choose a 500W unit like the Gaiatop Mini, or run a 1500W heater only on its 750W or 900W low setting.
Insist on tip-over and overheat protection
These two features are non-negotiable in a dorm. Tip-over protection shuts the heater off the instant it falls over, which matters when textbooks, backpacks, and roommates are constantly moving around. Overheat protection cuts power if the internal temperature gets dangerous, which protects against blocked air vents and dust buildup. Every heater in this roundup has both, and you should not consider any model that lacks either one.
Prioritize compact size and weight
Dorm rooms are small, and storage is smaller. A heater that fits on a desk, shelf, or windowsill is far more useful than a full-size tower that eats floor space. Look for units under 5 pounds with built-in carry handles, since you may need to stash the heater in a closet during inspections or between seasons.
Consider noise level
If you will run the heater while sleeping or studying, noise matters more than you think. Look for decibel ratings below 40 dB, which is roughly the level of a quiet library. Brushless DC motors, like those in the DREO models, are noticeably quieter than the brushed fans in cheap desktop heaters. The Pelonis tower at 32 dB is the quietest option in this roundup.
Estimate energy cost
Space heaters are not cheap to run. A 1500W heater running six hours a day at the national average electricity rate adds roughly $15 to $20 per month to an electric bill, and more in cold states. If you live off-campus and pay utilities, look for heaters with an ECO mode that modulates wattage, or stick to lower-wattage units. If your dorm includes electricity in the housing fee, this is less of an concern, but be aware that high-draw appliances can still trip shared breakers.
FAQs
Are space heaters allowed in dorm rooms?
Most US colleges prohibit space heaters in residence halls due to fire risk, but policies vary by school. Some allow sealed ceramic or oil-filled heaters with auto-shutoff, while others ban them entirely except with a documented medical accommodation. Always check your housing agreement and ask your resident director before bringing any heater to campus.
What is the safest space heater for a dorm?
The safest space heaters for dorms are low-wattage ceramic units with tip-over protection, overheat shutoff, cool-touch housing, and ETL or UL certification. The Lasko 754201 with its cool-touch exterior and the DREO HSH006 with its full safety sensor suite are both strong choices. A 500W unit like the Gaiatop Mini is safest for fragile dorm wiring because it draws far less current.
How do I warm up my dorm room without a space heater?
Layer rugs and blankets, use a heated mattress pad or electric throw, keep the door closed, hang thermal curtains over windows, block drafts with a door sweep, wear layers and slippers, and ask facilities to check the building heating if your room is genuinely cold. A heated mattress pad uses less power than a space heater and is usually dorm-approved.
What is the best space heater to heat a small room?
For a small room like a dorm, a 1500W PTC ceramic heater with an adjustable thermostat is the most effective option. The DREO HSH006 and DREO Atom One both heat up in seconds and can warm a 200-square-foot space in under 20 minutes. For the quietest option, the Pelonis 1500W tower heater at 32 dB is excellent for sleeping spaces.
Do space heaters use a lot of electricity?
A 1500W space heater running on high uses about 1.5 kilowatt-hours per hour, which translates to roughly 15 to 25 cents per hour depending on local rates. Running one for six hours a day adds roughly $15 to $30 per month. Lower-wattage heaters like the 500W Gaiatop use about a third of that, and ECO modes on thermostatic models can cut consumption by cycling the element off once the set temperature is reached.
Final Thoughts on Dorm Room Heaters
The best space heater for dorm rooms in 2026 depends entirely on what your housing allows and what your wiring can handle. For most students who get the green light, the DREO HSH006 is the most complete package with fast heating, a real thermostat, quiet operation, and a full safety suite. If budget is the priority, the GiveBest dual-mode heater delivers huge value under $30, and the Gaiatop Mini is the safest pick for fragile circuits thanks to its 500W draw.
Whatever you choose, check your dorm policy first, never run a heater unattended, keep it at least three feet from anything flammable, and never plug a 1500W heater into a power strip or extension cord rated for less than the full load. Stay warm, stay safe, and check the latest prices before you buy.