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.
Space Heater Reviews
Cheapism
Mid-range
High end
$20
$35
$100...+In this review:
Space Heaters Performance
Users posting space heater reviews on Amazon praise the ability of the Lasko 754200, one of the best space heaters we found, to heat a medium-size room quickly, quietly, and without the burning smell that cheap space heaters sometimes emit. Many are pleasantly surprised at the heat output given its size, although a few say the fan could be stronger. The Optimus H-5210, a radiant model that's our other pick for best space heater, works quietly, stays cool, and effectively heats whatever is right in front of it -- or even a small room. According to one space heater review posted on Northern Tool, two of these units placed strategically in a small house in the Northwest are more cost-efficient than central gas heat.
The DeLonghi DCH1030 is a winner with consumers who would otherwise freeze in under-heated and over-air-conditioned offices, say numerous space heater reviews on Amazon. This little convection space heater fits easily under a desk and delivers copious amounts of heat in seconds; users also note that it's powerful enough to warm bedrooms and small cabins. Despite some mixed reviews on the obvious subject of heat output from the Honeywell HZ-2200, with its 360-degree design, reviewers seem satisfied and comment on sites such as Epinions and Amazon that this convection model is most effective in smaller rooms and as a supplemental heating source -- even in a barn.
Then there are budget space heaters that don't fare so well with consumers. One satisfied bargain hunter writes on the website of J&R that he uses the Honeywell HZ-315 Quick Heat Ceramic Heater to prevent water pipes in the basement from freezing, but others posting space heater reviews on Amazon report major problems, such as sparks flying out and blackening the front on the unit's first run, random starts and stops for no obvious reason, and premature failure. Users ding the Heat Runner 33551 in space heater reviews on Amazon for reliability problems, as well, although one says it helps moderate temperature swings at the office.
Space Heater Durability.
Cheap electric space heaters require little maintenance, save for a light dusting from time to time. However, they are not built to be repaired; there really aren't any disposable or replaceable parts, so when something breaks, you just have to buy a new heater. Reviews indicate that the best cheap space heaters provide consumers at least a couple of years of service -- four seems to be the max with fairly heavy use -- although we did read scattered reports stating that even some of these models gave out within weeks. Relative to the number of reviews posted for each of the space heaters we researched, the most negative comments pertain to the Heat Runner 33551 and Honeywell HZ-315. The former seems to lack staying power altogether and the latter seems to suffer from electrical malfunctions and a thermostat that cycles on and off and then resists starting up again.The models we researched come with three-year limited warranties, except for the DeLonghi DCH1030, which provides a one-year limited warranty.
Back to top »
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.
Read more »
Space Heaters Deals
Cheapism.com on Facebook
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
7 Gifts for the Grads on Your List
May 22nd Daily Deals - iTunes Gift Card, Woot Off and more
One of our favorite deals today is a $100 iTunes gift card for $80 at Best Buy. Click to see more.
How to Hire a Home Improvement Contractor for Less
This may be the time of year when you look at your home afresh and notice all the improvements you'd like to make.
© 2012 Cheapism
We do not accept payment or other gratuities from manufacturers or retailers to recommend or discuss their products on Cheapism.com. Nor do we accept any payment or other gratuity from websites to blog about their news stories or posts.
Made in NYC
