Should you buy the Lasko 5586 tower heater? A detailed review awaits!

Description

Features of the Lasko 5586 Tower Heater

This tower heater boasts a range of features that instantly caught my attention. With its 1500W heating capacity, it’s designed to warm up spaces efficiently and quickly. The widespread oscillation ensures the heat reaches every corner of the room. I found the adjustable thermostat particularly handy; it allowed me to dial in the perfect temperature for my living room without constantly fiddling with settings. Two quiet settings—high and low—offer flexibility depending on your heating needs, and the auto mode maintains consistent warmth.

The eight-hour timer is a game-changer for someone like me who’s prone to forgetting to turn off appliances. I also appreciated the multi-function remote control, which makes it easy to adjust settings from across the room. It even has onboard storage for the remote, which is great for someone who always misplaces small gadgets. Plus, the cool-touch exterior is a brilliant addition, ensuring safety even after hours of use.

Usability

Using this heater has been a breeze. It’s straightforward to set up, with clear instructions included. Once assembled, the controls are intuitive—whether you’re using the remote or the buttons on the unit itself. I tested it in my bedroom and office, and it performed well in both spaces. The digital display is easy to read, even from a distance, which is ideal when you’re lounging on the couch.

I found it especially useful during cold mornings. My kids loved waking up to a toasty room, and I didn’t have to worry about leaving it on too long thanks to the timer. However, I did notice that the thermostat only works on the high heat setting, which feels like a missed opportunity for better customization.

Noise Level

I’ve used several space heaters in the past, and noise has always been a dealbreaker for me. Thankfully, this tower heater is relatively quiet. On the low heat setting, the hum is barely noticeable and didn’t interfere with my Zoom meetings or movie nights. The oscillation mechanism operates smoothly without any annoying clicks or creaks. However, on the high setting, the noise level does increase slightly, though it’s still far from intrusive.

Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining this heater turned out to be easier than expected. The ceramic element is self-regulating, so there’s no need for frequent cleaning or adjustments. I gave it a quick wipe-down once a week to keep it dust-free, and that was all it needed. The compact design also means it doesn’t take up too much storage space during the warmer months.

One small inconvenience is that there’s no indication of when the filter might need attention. I’d recommend checking it periodically to ensure optimal performance.

Design

The sleek, modern design of this tower heater fits seamlessly into my home decor. Its black finish gives it a sophisticated look, and the compact form factor ensures it doesn’t dominate the room. At 29 inches tall, it’s unobtrusive, and the stand is sturdy enough to prevent accidental tipping. The carry handle is a thoughtful touch, making it easy to move from room to room.

However, the buttons on the unit feel a bit cheap and wobbly. While it doesn’t affect functionality, it’s something I noticed every time I used them. The remote control, too, feels a little lightweight and could use a design upgrade.

Safety Features

Safety is always a top priority, especially with kids in the house. This heater includes overheat protection, which automatically shuts it off if it gets too hot. The cool-touch housing is another excellent feature; I tested it after hours of use, and it remained safe to touch. While it doesn’t have a tip-over shutoff, the sturdy base minimizes the risk of it falling over. These features gave me peace of mind, particularly when leaving it running overnight.

Performance

I tested the heater in different settings—a spacious living room and a smaller bedroom. It excelled in both. On high heat, it warmed the living room within minutes, while the low setting was perfect for maintaining a cozy temperature in the bedroom. The automatic temperature control worked efficiently, though I wished it was available on the low setting as well.

The thermostat accuracy was decent; it occasionally displayed a temperature one or two degrees off, but this didn’t impact its overall performance. For its size, the heater delivers impressive power, making it suitable for medium to large rooms.

How to Use

Setting up and using this heater is straightforward. After assembling the stand, you just plug it in and use either the remote or the unit’s buttons to adjust settings. The digital display is self-explanatory, showing the temperature, timer, and mode.

I found the remote to be a lifesaver on lazy evenings when I didn’t want to get up. You can control everything—from oscillation to heat intensity—without leaving your seat. However, you need to aim the remote directly at the unit for it to work, which can be a little frustrating if you’re not in its line of sight.

Warranty

The three-year limited warranty is a reassuring detail. While I didn’t face any issues during my testing, it’s good to know that the manufacturer stands behind the product. It adds an extra layer of confidence in its durability.

Positives

Winning Points

• The widespread oscillation ensures even heat distribution.
• The adjustable thermostat and timer add convenience.
• Quiet operation makes it suitable for bedrooms and offices.
• Safety features like overheat protection and cool-touch housing.
• Sleek, modern design fits well in any room.

Negatives

Weaknesses

• Thermostat doesn’t work on the low heat setting.
• Buttons and remote feel slightly flimsy.
• Remote requires precise aiming to function properly.
• No tip-over safety shutoff.

Product Comparisons

Looking at other options in the market, I compared this tower heater with the Vornado AVH10 and the Honeywell UberHeat. While the Vornado offers better thermostat accuracy, it’s bulkier and less aesthetically pleasing. The Honeywell model is more compact but lacks the oscillation feature, which I find essential for even heating.

What sets this heater apart is its balance of design, functionality, and safety. It might not have the precision of the Vornado or the portability of the Honeywell, but it offers a well-rounded solution for medium to large rooms.

Value for Money

In terms of cost-effectiveness, this heater delivers excellent performance for its price. While not the cheapest on the market, the combination of features like oscillation, remote control, and safety mechanisms make it worth the investment. If you’re looking for a reliable, stylish heater that doesn’t break the bank, this one is a strong contender.

Additional information