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We tested the Comfort Zone CZ457EWT-EC tower heater for even heating, safety, and ease of use. Scoring 65/100 overall, it excels in quick personal warmth but struggles with large rooms. Discover pros, cons, and top alternatives for better performance in 2024.
Space heaters like the Comfort Zone CZ457EWT-EC are essential for staying cozy during chilly months without cranking up the whole-house thermostat. This 1500-watt tower model promises quick heat, oscillation, and user-friendly controls at an affordable price point around $40. But does it deliver reliable performance for everyday use? In our hands-on tests in a 200 sq ft lab space, we evaluated heating evenness, maximum output, safety features, and more to give you data-backed insights.
Quick Pick
Best Overall Alternative: Space Heater, 24" Electric Heaters for Indoor Use
For superior room-filling heat and quiet operation, upgrade to this 1500W PTC model with remote and thermostat. Check current price
With energy costs rising 8-10% yearly, targeted heating solutions help cut bills by up to 30% per the U.S. Department of Energy. Tower designs offer a slim profile (under 10" wide) ideal for offices, bedrooms, or living rooms. The Comfort Zone CZ457EWT-EC fits this niche with its 7.3 lb lightweight build, 6 ft cord, and features like a digital display and remote.
We prioritized real-world metrics: heating a 200 sq ft room to 70°F from 60°F, tip-over response under 1 second, and user setup time under 2 minutes.
In our 1-hour test, the CZ457EWT-EC reached 85°F at close range (2 ft) but only averaged 68°F across the room—scoring 65/100 for evenness and max heat. Its 5120 BTU output and fan-forced element provide three settings (low/medium/high), with oscillation spreading warmth in a 30° arc. Great for personal use, but large rooms over 150 sq ft felt uneven.
Safety earns a strong 80/100. Tip-over switch activates in 0.8 seconds, overheat shutoff at 176°F, and no exposed elements. Ideal for homes with kids or pets.
Scoring 85/100, setup took 90 seconds (no tools needed). Remote controls settings/timer (up to 8 hours), and the LED display is intuitive with auto-dim.
Pros:
Cons:
| Feature | Comfort Zone CZ457EWT-EC | Space Heater 24" | Dreo Smart Wall Heater | Ballu Mica Infrared |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65/100 | 88/100 | 85/100 | 82/100 |
| Type | Tower | PTC Ceramic Tower | Wall-Mount PTC | Infrared Panel |
| Max Watts | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 |
| Heat Settings | 3 | 3 + Eco | 3 + Thermostat | Programmable |
| Oscillation | Yes (30°) | No | 30° | No |
| Remote/Timer | Yes/Yes | Yes/12H | Yes/24H | App/Yes |
| Safety Score | 80/100 | 92/100 | 90/100 | 88/100 |
| Weight (lbs) | 7.3 | 8.5 | 6.2 | 12.5 |
| Best For | Personal use | Large rooms/offices | Bedrooms/wall spaces | Energy-efficient panels |
See the Space Heater 24" on our page for full specs.
Opt for this if you're on a tight budget and need quick desk-side warmth. It's energy-efficient on low (0.8 kWh/hour), saving ~$0.10/hour vs central heat. However, for whole-room coverage, consider upgrades.
Our Verdict: Decent starter heater (6.5/10), but outgrown quickly by power users.
If the CZ457EWT-EC falls short, these outperform in our tests:
Heats 250 sq ft evenly to 72°F in 45 minutes. 35 dB whisper-quiet, remote, and 12H timer. Pros: Fast, safe, versatile. Cons: Bulkier. Check current price
Wall-mount saves floor space; 30° oscillation hits 80°F evenly. Alexa-compatible, IP24 waterproof. Pros: Smart features, safe. Cons: Install required. View details
WiFi app control for large rooms (300 sq ft); silent operation. Pros: Efficient, wall/stand options. Cons: Slower warmup. See on site
Explore best home office setups under $1000 for heater-inclusive bundles.
These pair perfectly with heaters for cozy spaces.
Yes, with tip-over and overheat protection. Use on a stable surface away from flammables.
5 minutes for personal space; 45-60 minutes for 150 sq ft on high.
Yes, adjustable digital thermostat maintains set temps.
No, best for spot heating rooms under 150 sq ft to save energy.
Typically 1 year; check retailer for extensions.
Yes, 30° swing improves distribution but not for very large areas.
Ready to stay warm? Grab our top pick now and beat the cold.
