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.
Portable Space Heaters
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Space Heaters Features (continued)
Portable Space Heaters.
Space heaters are useful primarily because they're a cheap and portable alternative (or complement) to central heating.Energy-Efficient Space Heaters.
Most portable space heaters are highly efficient at converting electricity to heat and can be a money-saving alternative to heating up a whole house or apartment. The trick is to use an energy-efficient space heater only where and when you need it and close off the rooms you're not using. Radiant space heaters with quartz tubes are efficient for heating people sitting or standing in front of them but not particularly efficient or effective at warming an entire room. Convection space heaters use a lot of energy and can run up your electric bill, but if you use one for spot or supplemental heating you should realize some overall savings. The energy-efficient Optimus H-4110 Dish Heater uses only 300 watts -- less than all the other discount space heaters we researched even at their lowest settings.Safe Space Heaters.
Space heaters can be hazards, so be sure to choose one that includes critical safety features. The first thing to look for is a label certifying that the product meets voluntary safety standards set by the U.S. government; the most common label is UL, from Underwriters Laboratories. A safe space heater will also have an automatic shutoff feature, which turns off the heating element if it gets too hot. Most portable space heaters, including all those on our list, have this feature, so there's no reason to buy one that doesn't. Another key safety feature found on many low-price models is a tilt switch, which shuts off the heating element if the unit falls over. Safe space heaters such as the DeLonghi DFH132, Optimus H-5210, Optimus H-4110, and Honeywell HZ-2200 include this feature, although some users of the Honeywell HZ-2200, which sits on a round base, complain on Amazon that the tilt switch works only when the unit tips forward or backward, not sideways. Specs indicate the new HZ-0360 addresses this weakness with a mechanism that shuts off the unit regardless which way it falls.Make sure a cheap space heater has a grate or some kind of guard to protect against direct contact with the heating element. And follow general safety guidelines: Read the owner's manual, don't put a space heater near anything combustible, don't leave it near children or water, unplug it when it's not in use, and pay attention to the cord so you don't trip.
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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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