Explore the best digital ceramic space heater review: Good Housekeeping 73038-WH insights!

Description

Features

The Digital Ceramic 750-Watt Wall Outlet Plug-in Space Heater by Good Housekeeping (Item model number: 73038-WH) comes packed with a range of thoughtful features. The digital display is bright and easy to read, making it simple to adjust settings even in low-light conditions. An electronic thermostat allows precise temperature control, which I found particularly useful for maintaining a cozy environment. The adjustable 12-hour timer, set in one-hour increments, is a lifesaver when you want to heat a room for a limited time without worrying about forgetting to turn it off. There’s also a fast-heating feature that gets the room warm in minutes, and the overheat protection gives peace of mind when using it for extended periods.

The heater offers two heat settings, which I alternated between depending on the size of the room I was heating. One standout feature is the cool-touch housing. Even after hours of use, the exterior remains safe to touch—a blessing in a household with curious kids or pets. The 60-second cool-down feature ensures the internal components aren’t overheated once you turn it off.

Design

I’ll admit, its compact design is one of the first things that caught my eye. The heater measures just 5.5 inches in depth and width, and 6 inches in height, making it an ideal choice for tight spaces. The clean white finish blends easily into most room decors. Its wall outlet plug-in design means no cords cluttering the floor, which is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

What I also appreciated was its lightweight build, just 12.8 ounces, which made it effortless to move between rooms. I set it up in my home office during work hours and later plugged it into the bathroom outlet before my evening shower. The simplicity of plugging it directly into a three-prong outlet with no additional assembly required was a big plus.

Noise

I won’t sugarcoat it—noise is a bit of an issue here. When first turned on, the heater produces a noticeable hum, which dissipates slightly after a few minutes. While working in my home office, I found the sound tolerable, but using it in a bedroom or a noise-sensitive area might not be ideal. On quieter nights, the fan’s hum can become somewhat distracting.

Maintenance

Maintaining this heater is as easy as it gets. There are no filters to change or complicated cleaning routines. I usually wipe the exterior with a damp cloth to remove dust. The cool-touch housing makes it safe to clean even shortly after use. However, because it’s a wall-plug design, you might need to unplug it and check the outlet area occasionally for any accumulated dust or debris.

Safety

The safety features of this heater impressed me. Overheat protection automatically shuts the unit off if it gets too hot, which is reassuring for someone as paranoid as I am about leaving heating devices unattended. Additionally, the side power safety button adds an extra layer of security. The cool-touch housing is another excellent feature, especially in a home with young children.

One thing worth mentioning is that it’s not recommended for use in bathrooms due to moisture. That said, I did try it in my bathroom before realizing this, and it worked like a charm to warm the space before my shower. Still, the manufacturer’s caution is something to heed.

How To Use

Operating this heater couldn’t be simpler. Plug it into any three-prong outlet, select your desired heat setting, and adjust the thermostat using the digital display. I particularly liked the timer function, which allowed me to set it and forget it. For example, I’d often program it to run for 30 minutes before I entered the bathroom, ensuring it was toasty warm by the time I stepped in.

The 60-second cool-down feature, which keeps the fan running briefly after you turn off the heat, is a thoughtful touch. It ensures the heater isn’t exposed to abrupt temperature changes, which could potentially damage its components.

Usability

This heater is perfect for small spaces. I tested it in an office, bathroom, and even a tiny guest room, and it performed efficiently in all scenarios. However, it may not be the best choice for larger areas, as it doesn’t have the power to heat expansive spaces. Its portability, though, makes it easy to move around the house as needed.

The compact design and plug-in format eliminate the need for a dedicated surface to place it. This was particularly handy in smaller rooms where counter or floor space was limited.

Performance

For a 750-watt heater, the performance was impressive. It heated my home office, approximately 100 square feet, in under 10 minutes. The fast-heating feature is no exaggeration—it genuinely works quickly. While I wouldn’t rely on it as the primary heat source for a larger living room, it’s perfect for supplementary heating.

That said, the heater does cycle on and off frequently to maintain the set temperature, which some might find slightly disruptive. The two heat settings provide some flexibility, but it’s clear this device is best suited for smaller, enclosed spaces.

Warranty

The heater comes with a standard warranty, although the details weren’t explicitly clear in the manual. I recommend checking with the manufacturer for specific terms. Knowing that Good Housekeeping backs the product adds an extra layer of confidence, especially for those who prioritize reliability.

Strong Points

• Compact and space-saving design
• Impressive heat output for its size
• Easy-to-use digital thermostat and timer
• Safety features like overheat protection and cool-touch housing

Caveats

• Noticeable noise, especially when first turned on
• Not suitable for larger rooms or open spaces
• Frequent cycling on and off may bother some users

Alternative Offerings

Compared to other plug-in heaters, this model holds its ground in terms of compactness and features. I’ve used a Sharper Image heater in the past, which was quieter but lacked the quick-heating capability of this one. Another contender would be the Lasko MyHeat Personal Heater, which is quieter but doesn’t offer adjustable thermostat settings or a timer function.

The Good Housekeeping model excels in safety features, which some competitors overlook. However, its noise level and frequent cycling may make it less appealing for bedrooms or noise-sensitive environments.

Bang for the Buck

Given its features and performance, this heater delivers excellent value. It’s ideal for anyone seeking a portable, easy-to-use solution for small area heating. While it’s not the cheapest on the market, the added safety features and compact design make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re looking for reliable, localized heat, this plug-in heater is a solid choice.

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