Vicks is a familiar brand that's a household name thanks to its Vicks Inhaler, a medicine that's used to help treat coughs and congestion. A lot of us rely on this medicine when temperatures are dropping, but if your heater isn't working, or you're stuck inside during a blizzard, then a portable heater might be what you need.
Portable heaters are a great alternative for heating an entire room when you don't have central heat or you're unable to use wood or gas. They come in many different styles and sizes, but the one thing they all have in common is their ability to warm, even a large space. Most are safe, easy to operate and energy efficient, but if you rely on your heater for warmth, it is important to choose one that is safe for your home or office.
In our Lab, we test portable heaters for heating efficiency, safety, ease of use and durability. We score ease of use, including set up, controls and clean up, as well as output capacity, size, and noise level. Our favorite portable heater is the Lasko 17-inch Ceramic Infrared Heater. It's compact and perfect for heating up a living room or bedroom, and it uses infrared technology to warm up the whole room, not just the floor. Bonus: It's programmable so you can change the temperature at different times.
Our picks for the best portable heaters are based on our comprehensive testing and knowledge within this category for reviewing specifications and documentation. That said, these are the best portable heaters:
Different Guide editors independently choose recommendations. Purchases made through our links may earn us commissions.
Portable Heaters by Vicks - A Safe and Effective Way to Fight the Cold
Vicks is a company that is known for producing top quality, highly effective, and safe products. These portable heaters are one of the best and most affordable products produced by this company. Vicks has been producing innovative and highly effective products ever since 1898, when William Vick purchased the company, and it continues to produce high quality products today. These heaters, in particular, are manufactured with high quality materials, which makes them durable and highly effective.
What is a portable heater and how do these devices work?
If you suddenly find yourself shivering from a blazing fire, you don't have to worry about staying warm this winter - because the vicks portable heater can warm you up in no time. A portable heater is a device that can warm up a room's temperature by burning fuel. When plugged in, they heat a heat exchanger that boils water into a steam, which rises into a metal tube. As the water heats, it expands and pushes against the tube. The steam then turns back into water, which exits the unit and into the room. There are two main ways a portable heater heats:
1. Forced-air heating: Forced-air heaters blast air through channels in the heater, which warms the air and pushes it out into the room.
2. Radiant heating: Radiant heaters use thermal radiation to warm up a room. They heat objects directly, like walls or floors. Radiant heaters that heat liquids, like portable hot water dispensers, also use radiant heating to warm up liquids. Portable heaters can warm rooms to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for using in cold winter months.
Advantages of portable heaters
Portable heaters are popular because you can use them anywhere and can take the winter weather with you. Portable heaters can keep you warm without wasting energy, and once you have one, you can use it for years. Here are some benefits of portable heaters:
Safety: Portable heaters are much safer than other heating methods, such as fireplaces and stoves. Fireplaces can easily start fires and cause carbon monoxide poisoning, and stoves can emit fumes that can fire you up! Portable heaters use electricity, so they don't create any dangerous fumes. They also don't use any gas, so they don't produce carbon monoxide or give off any natural gas.
Energy efficiency: Portable heaters use less electricity than other types of heating, which means they won't cost you as much in energy bills. They are also much more energy efficient than oil, wood, or coal heating because they don't need as much energy to create heat.
Reliability: Portable heaters are very reliable, and many last for years. They can usually be taken apart and cleaned, and they don't give out any unpleasant odors.
Convenience: Portable heaters are very convenient, and you can use them just about anywhere. They are easy to transport, and you can use them in any room of your home. They are also easy to carry around, so you can take them on trips or leave them at a friend's house.
Conserves energy: Portable heaters conserve energy, so they save you money on energy bills. They also use less energy than other types of heating, such as oil, wood, or coal.
Cost: Portable heaters are cheaper than other types of heating, such as oil, wood, or coal.
Quality: Portable heaters are of very high quality, and they usually last for years.
Cleanup: Portable heaters are easy to disassemble and clean; most models can be cleaned with water and a mild detergent.
Portability: Portable heaters are portable, so they can be taken to any room of your home.
What are the different types of heaters
There are two types of heaters - electric heaters and portable heaters. Electric heaters
Electric heaters are the workhorses of your heating system. They come in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and prices, but all of them rely on an electric current to heat a room. Electric heaters are useful for heating large rooms, such as living rooms or kitchens. Portable heaters
Portable heaters are similar to electric heaters, but their design is more compact so they can fit more easily into closets or bedrooms. Portable heaters are good for heating smaller spaces, such as bathrooms or bedrooms, although they also work great in larger rooms.
How portable heaters compare to other heaters
Portable heaters can be a cost-effective, efficient way to heat your home. They allow homeowners to regulate their indoor temperature in small to mid-sized rooms, and they take up far less space than a traditional heater. However, portable heaters aren't for everyone:
Their size: Portable heaters are much smaller than traditional heaters. This means that they aren't appropriate for large spaces.
Energy consumption: Portable heaters also draw energy from electricity, which can be pricey over time. However, their energy efficiency means that they only cost a few dollars a day to run, plus electricity is almost always cheaper than gas.
Their noise: Portable heaters tend to be noisier than traditional heaters. Several studies have found that portable heaters are louder than most window-mounted air conditioners, which can disturb your sleep and cause irritation for homeowners and neighbors alike.
Their temperature regulation: Portable heaters aren't as efficient at regulating temperature as traditional heaters. This means that you may need to turn them on and off periodically to maintain your desired temperature.
Their safety: Portable heaters are convenient, but they can be dangerous. They shouldn't be left unattended, and they're particularly dangerous around children. What's more, portable heaters can tip over if placed near furniture or walkways.
Conclusion
These features make the heaters from Vicks one of the most affordable portable heaters on the market. They are safe to use, so you can feel comfortable using them all day and night. These heaters are energy efficient, saving you money on your hydro. They are also very effective at heating a room quickly and quietly. I use one of these heaters in my house, and I can't recommend it enough!