Find Out If the Amazon Basics Portable Space Heater Lives Up to the Hype

Description

Usability

Testing the Amazon Basics Portable Space Heater, model DF1515, in my home office was an interesting experience. I placed it in the corner of the room, plugged it in, and was greeted by a simple interface that even my tech-shy relatives could navigate. The remote control was a game-changer, especially when I was too comfortable in bed to adjust the settings manually. With a quick press of a button, I could toggle between the two power levels or activate the ECO-Smart mode, which promised energy efficiency without compromising warmth.

Despite its 14.52-pound weight, moving it around was hassle-free. The compact dimensions (11.4″ x 14.5″ x 14.7″) made it easy to position anywhere, whether near my desk or in the living room during family movie nights. The heater is designed to cover up to 160 square feet, which is great for smaller rooms. Yet, I noticed it struggled a bit in my open-layout kitchen and dining area.

Maintenance

Keeping this heater in top condition was surprisingly straightforward. The exterior only needed a quick wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust, and the filter could be cleaned with minimal effort. However, I did notice that after a few weeks of daily use, it accumulated a faint burnt smell. This was likely due to particles settling on the heating elements. Running it at full power for a few minutes seemed to resolve the issue, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Noise

I was genuinely impressed by how quiet this space heater was. Even at the highest power setting, it produced only a soft hum that blended seamlessly into the ambient noise of my home. This was particularly appreciated during late-night work sessions when my partner was asleep in the next room. However, there were occasional squeaks from the fan during the first few uses, which eventually disappeared.

Features

The Amazon Basics Portable Space Heater boasts several features that enhance its usability. The adjustable electronic thermostat allowed me to set the temperature between 65°F and 85°F. It also includes an LED display, which was bright and easy to read from across the room. The four infrared heating elements provided consistent warmth, and the ECO-Smart setting was a nice touch for energy-conscious users like myself. The remote control, however, would have been even better if the batteries were included—an oversight that left me scrambling to find some AAA batteries at home.

Design

This heater’s sleek black cabinet-style design fits seamlessly into modern interiors. It’s not an eyesore like some other space heaters I’ve owned. Its compact form factor made it easy to tuck under a desk or next to the couch without it dominating the room. The robust build quality was noticeable, but I did find the plastic casing prone to minor scratches.

Safety

Safety is always a concern with space heaters, especially with kids and pets around. This model includes an overheat sensor that worked effectively during my testing. However, I was concerned about the tip-over feature—or lack thereof. During an accidental nudge from my dog, the heater toppled but continued to run, which could be a potential hazard. This oversight is something the manufacturer should address in future iterations.

Performance

Using the heater daily, I found its performance to be consistent and reliable. It warmed up my 10×16 ft room in under 10 minutes, even on the lower 750W setting. Switching to the 1500W setting was perfect for colder mornings. However, the heating coverage felt slightly limited when I used it in the larger living room. Also, while the ECO-Smart setting was a great feature for energy savings, it didn’t quite match the warmth provided by the standard settings.

How To Use

Operating this space heater was a breeze. I started by plugging it into a standard 120V outlet and using the remote control to cycle through the settings. The adjustable thermostat allowed me to fine-tune the warmth, and the LED display provided clear feedback on the current temperature. Switching between the ECO-Smart, 750W, and 1500W settings was intuitive. For anyone unfamiliar with space heaters, this model offers a user-friendly experience.

Warranty

The product comes with a standard warranty, which offers peace of mind. While I didn’t have any issues necessitating a claim, I appreciated Amazon’s reputation for handling warranty concerns efficiently. The absence of product registration for warranty activation was a bonus, saving time and hassle.

Strong Points

• Silent operation, even at high settings.
• Remote control for convenient adjustments.
• Compact and modern design suitable for various spaces.
• ECO-Smart mode for energy efficiency.

Areas for Improvement

• The safety tip-over feature didn’t function as expected.
• Initial plastic smell during the first few uses.
• Batteries for the remote control not included.
• Limited heating efficiency in larger spaces.

Competing Products

Comparing this to the Dr. Infrared Heater, which my coworker swears by, I noticed a few differences. The Dr. Infrared model has a more robust tip-over safety feature and better heating coverage for larger rooms, but it’s also bulkier and not as aesthetically pleasing. Another alternative is the Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater, which is sleeker and quieter but lacks the remote control and adjustable thermostat seen in the Amazon Basics model. While the Amazon Basics heater isn’t perfect, it strikes a good balance between performance and affordability.

Worth Every Penny

As someone who values efficiency and practicality, I believe this space heater offers great quality for the price. The inclusion of the ECO-Smart mode and remote control makes it stand out against its competitors. While it’s not the top-performing heater in the market, it’s a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable, budget-friendly option for smaller spaces.

Additional information