The Best Space Heaters to Keep You Cozy This Winter

If your living room, home office, or basement is unusually drafty, a space heater is a smart solution. These standalone gadgets spit out enough warmth to bring the room to a more comfortable temperature, so you don't have to choose between cranking up the heat and risking an exorbitant electric bill or piling on cozy sweaters and spare throw blankets.

These aren't the bulky, pricey devices of yesterday, either. Today, there are tons of affordable portable heaters that efficiently warm cold spots in your home. And, though you do have to take certain precautions when operating these devices, they are more commonly designed with crucial safety features. "The most important thing to look for in a space heater is an automatic shutoff," says Dan DiClerico, home expert for Home Advisor. "In the event it begins to overheat, it will cut off the power to prevent a fire from occurring." Other safety features to look for: anti-tip designs (a tall, slim space heater is more likely to tip compared to a shorter, squatter model), guarded coils (particularly if you have kids and pets), and timers.

Usage is important, too. Abide by the "three-foot rule," says DiClerico. Anything that can catch on fire should be at least three feet away, he explains. And never leave portable heaters running while you're not home or sleeping. "Use them when you're awake and in the room," says DiClerico.

With proper usage, the best space heaters—like the models on this list—are perfectly safe and suitable for all of your needs, whether that's in a large room like the basement or garage or a small studio apartment.