The more you know about a graduate's plans for the future, the easier it is to come up with a cheap graduation gift. However, the suggestions below should work for most any grad and cost less than $25.
Electric Space Heater
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Mid-range
High end
$20
$35
$100...+In this review:
Space Heaters Features
Convection Space Heaters.
Among cheap electric space heaters, electric coil/convection is the more common heat delivery method.
), Heat Runner 33551 Portable Heater (starting at $24, Amazon
), and DeLonghi DFH132 Fan Heater (starting at $34, Amazon
) are all convection-fan models with electric coils. Convection space heaters are meant to heat the air in an entire room (a small room if the heater is cheap), but their whirring fans can be noisy. Convection space heaters designed without a fan are quieter, take longer to make a room feel cozy, and generally cost more. While electric coils are clean and easy to use, a writer at Buzzle.com cautions that they get very hot and can become a fire hazard if used incorrectly.
Ceramic space heaters also fall into the convection category. But instead of warming an electric coil, electricity warms ceramic components and aluminum baffles absorb the heat, then a fan pushes out the hot air. Cheap ceramic space heaters, such as the Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater (starting at $23, Amazon
Radiant Space Heaters.
The other electric space heater option for frugal shoppers, a radiant space heater, relies on infrared energy to heat small areas and people directly in front of it. The heating element in a cheap radiant space heater, including the Optimus H-5210 Infrared Quartz Heater (starting at $29, Amazon
) and the Optimus H-4110 Dish Heater (starting at $20, Amazon
), is usually quartz tubing. These tubes can get very hot and may generate some light, so they aren't ideal for budget shoppers who plan to nap with a radiant space heater by their side. Radiant space heaters tend to heat up more quickly than convection models but are far less efficient for warming an entire room and can leave the back of a person sitting in front of them relatively cool.
For budget shoppers trying to decide between radiant and convection space heaters, it may be helpful to think of the former as a kind of portable fireplace or stove and the latter as a portable, single-room alternative or complement to central heating.
Space Heater Temperature.
Electric space heaters with adjustable thermostats turn on and off automatically to maintain a relatively constant temperature. They save energy by not continuing to run when the desired temperature has been reached. The Lasko 754200, DeLonghi DCH1030, DeLonghi DFH132, Honeywell HZ-2200, and Honeywell HZ-315 all feature adjustable thermostats. They also have high and low settings that draw more or less power, often (but not always) 1500 watts and 900 watts, respectively; the Heat Runner 33551 features three heat settings at 500, 1000, and 1500 watts. The DeLonghi DCH1030 also has an antifreeze function that automatically turns on the unit if the temperature falls below 44 degrees. Other discount space heaters, including the Optimus H-5210, offer only high and low settings -- 800 watts and 400 watts in this example.Some cheap electric space heaters, including the Lasko 754200, Honeywell HZ-2200 Mini Tower, DeLonghi DCH1030, DeLonghi DFH132, and Heat Runner 33551, have a fan-only setting that makes them useful year-round. This feature lets consumers use the heater as a portable fan during warmer weather or simply to circulate the air in a stuffy room.
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Read user comments below
Best Cheap Space Heaters
Lasko Ceramic Heater 754200
Reviewers are impressed with the Lasko 754200, saying it easily heats up small and moderately large spaces -- even the lowest setting is powerful and efficient -- runs quietly and has a long lifespan. This convection space heater comes with automatic shutoff, two heat settings, a fan-only setting, and an adjustable thermostat. Read more »Space Heaters Deals
Optimus Infrared Quartz Heater H-5210
Consumers favor the Optimus Infrared Quartz Heater H-5210 for its ability to heat up quickly and for its easy portability and storage. This is a radiant space heater with two heat settings, automatic shutoff if the unit gets too hot, a tilt switch safety feature, and an outer casing that remains cool to the touch. Read more »Space Heaters Deals
Good Cheap Space Heaters
DeLonghi Ceramic Heater DCH1030
Users are quick to compliment the DeLonghi DCH1030 Ceramic Heater, saying it may be small, but puts out lots of heat in no time. The fan on this convection space heater is a bit loud for some, but the low price tag and generous heat output offset this minor irritant. The DeLonghi Ceramic Heater features high, low, and fan-only settings and an anti-freeze feature that turns on the unit if the temperature drops below 44 degrees. Read more »Space Heaters Deals
Honeywell Mini Tower Heater HZ-2200
(*The Honeywell HZ-2200 was recently replaced by the HZ-0360 (starting at $30, Amazon
), a slightly updated version for which there are few reviews. Until we can collect sufficient input, Honeywell HZ-2200 reviews will suffice.) Although users complain that the Honeywell HZ-2200 doesn't have a handle, it gets positive reviews based on its heating ability. Users seem to appreciate the 360-degree design of this convection space heater, which sends heat out all around. It comes with two heat settings, one fan setting, and an adjustable thermostat. Safety features include automatic shutoff, a tilt switch, and a child-resistant knob.
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Space Heaters Deals
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Don't Bother Cheap Space Heaters
Honeywell Ceramic Heater HZ-315
Consumer reviews include reports that this convection space heater emits sparks and won't stay on or work properly. It has an adjustable thermostat and automatic shutoff. Read more »
Heat Runner Portable Heater 33551
Users say the Heat Runner 33551 just doesn't last. Many report that, after several months or even days of use, it turns itself off and never comes back on. This convection space heater comes with four heat settings, including one fan-only setting, and the automatic-shutoff safety feature. Read more »
Products Mentioned in This Review
Optimus H-4110 9-Inch Dish HeaterHoneywell Ceramic Heater HZ-315
Heat Runner Portable Heater 33551
DeLonghi Ceramic Heater DCH1030
Honeywell Mini Tower Heater HZ-2200
Lasko Ceramic Heater 754200
Optimus Infrared Quartz Heater H-5210
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