Get the App
Better experience on mobile
We tested the AmazonBasics NTH15-18ARD ceramic space heater for small rooms. Scoring 72/100, it shines in safety but lacks thermostat and timer. Discover pros, cons, and top alternatives like the Dreo heater for better features and value in 2024.
Quick Pick
Our Top Recommendation: The Dreo Space Heater, Portable Electric Heaters for Indoor Use with Thermostat and Remote, 2024 Upgraded delivers fast PTC heating, smart controls, and quiet operation—perfect upgrade from basic models. Check current price.
Winter chills hit hard, especially in drafty home offices or cozy bedrooms. A good space heater can cut energy bills by targeting heat where you need it, saving up to 30% on whole-home heating costs according to energy experts. The AmazonBasics NTH15-18ARD Ceramic Space Heater enters as a no-frills contender priced around $32, ideal for tight budgets.
In our hands-on tests at Review Atlas, it earned a solid 72/100 overall score. It cranks out decent warmth quickly but skips modern perks like thermostats. We'll break down its performance, stack it against rivals, and highlight why upgrading might be smarter for most users. Whether you're heating a 150 sq ft room or just your desk, read on for data-driven insights.
This compact ceramic combi heater measures 7.5 x 5.8 x 9.4 inches and weighs just 3.7 lbs—easy to tote between rooms. Core specs include:
No oscillation means stationary heat, but its PTC ceramic element heats up in 30 seconds.
See similar budget options in our home deals guide.
We tested in a 120 sq ft test room at 65°F ambient, measuring temp rise at 3ft, 6ft, and walls over 60 minutes.
Predicted Reliability: 3/5 (basic build, 1-year warranty). Owner Satisfaction: 4/5 from aggregated feedback praising portability.
It's a quick fix for spot heating but runs hot/cold cycles manually.
Bottom Line on AmazonBasics: Great starter heater for occasional use, but upgrade for daily comfort. Explore top home office heaters here.
We pitted it against upgraded 1500W PTC models with smart features. All are ETL-listed for safety.
| Feature | AmazonBasics NTH15-18ARD | Dreo Space Heater (2024 Upgraded) | Space Heater 24in PTC w/ Remote | 1500W Oscillation Heater |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 72/100 | 92/100 | 88/100 | 90/100 |
| Thermostat | No | Yes (digital) | Yes | Yes |
| Remote | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Timer | No | 12H | 12H | 12H |
| Oscillation | No | No | No | 70° |
| Noise Level | 45-50 dB | 35 dB | 35 dB | 40 dB |
| Heat Rise (30min) | 28°F | 35°F | 32°F | 34°F |
| Price (Avg) | $32 | $70 | $65 | $55 |
| Best For | Budget spot heat | Bedrooms/offices | Quiet large rooms | Desk oscillation |
The table shows why alternatives dominate: auto-temp control prevents overpaying on energy (up to 20% savings).
Check current price on Dreo—our top pick.
Score: 92/100. This 10-inch gold beauty features a digital display, 5 modes (eco included), and remote. It heated our test room evenly to 95°F, whispering at 35 dB—ideal for sleep.
Pros: Fast heat, app-free smart thermostat, 12H timer. Cons: Slightly pricier.
See on site – perfect for home office setups under $1000.
Score: 88/100. Remote and thermostat shine; 3 modes suit offices. 32°F rise, ultra-quiet for calls.
Pros: Wide coverage, portable. Cons: Bulkier at 24in.
Score: 90/100. 70° swing distributes 34°F rise perfectly. 5 modes, compact white design.
Pros: Dynamic airflow. Cons: No remote.
Opt for it if: Budget < $40, need ultra-basic safety for kids/pets, or occasional garage use. Skip if you want set-it-and-forget-it ease—thermostat models pay for themselves in 2 months via efficiency.
Safety Tip: Always keep 3ft clearance; pair with carbon monoxide detectors.
No timer means manual shutoff—better for daytime. Upgrade to Dreo with 12H timer for nights.
1.48 kWh/hour on high (~$0.20/hour at $0.14/kWh). Efficient but monitor without thermostat.
Yes for 100-150 sq ft, but unevenly. Oscillation models like this one excel.
1 year—standard. Higher-end like Dreo offer 2+ years.
Check our home deals or the 24in quiet heater.
Final Verdict: The AmazonBasics NTH15-18ARD is a safe budget champ (72/100), but our picks like Dreo deliver premium performance for just $40 more.
