We are coming into the long, cold stretch of winter. Depending on where you live and how well-insulated your home is, you may find yourself longing for the cozy warmth of a space heater. Or perhaps, like me, the temperature at your office is set to some degrees colder than the refrigerator that holds the company's La Croix stash, and you want a heater for under your desk so you don't develop frostbite. If you find yourself in want of warmth this winter, the five best space heaters on Amazon will keep you cozy and safe without blowing your budget or burning down your office.
Both the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and Consumer Reports have issued strong warnings in regards to the use and safety of space heaters. While they have come a long way in recent years, they are by no means perfect, and 40 percent of home heating fires are caused by the use of space heaters, noted the CPSC. To make sure you're using them safely, the CPSC urged owners to buy a space heater with a "tip-over" meter, meaning they turn off if tipped over. They cautioned owners to use them in a space where they are not near anything combustible like curtains or bedding. The CPSC also urged owners to make sure the temperature is manually adjustable by degree, not just a sliding scale. And as always, keep them out of the reach of children and pets.