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We put the DR Infrared Heater DR-968 through rigorous tests for heating speed, evenness, safety, and ease of use. Scoring 72 overall, it's decent for medium rooms but lacks advanced safety. Discover our top picks like the Ballu Mica for smarter, safer heating. Full breakdown inside!
Quick Pick
Ballu Mica Infrared Space Heater – Best overall infrared heater for large rooms. WiFi app control, programmable thermostat, energy-efficient, and Alexa-compatible. Check current price on Ballu Mica
As winter chills set in, finding a reliable space heater becomes essential for cozy homes without skyrocketing energy bills. The DR Infrared Heater DR-968, a compact cabinet-style unit, promises efficient infrared heating for supplemental use in medium-sized rooms. In our hands-on tests at Review Atlas, we evaluated its heating prowess, safety features, and everyday usability. With an overall score of 72/100, it's a solid mid-tier option but falls short in safety compared to modern rivals. We'll break down the performance data, share pros and cons, and recommend superior alternatives to help you stay warm smarter.
The DR-968 measures 12 x 10 x 15 inches and weighs 23 pounds, making it portable with built-in wheels for easy movement across hardwood floors or carpets. Its cabinet design blends into living rooms or offices without dominating space. Key features include:
At 1500 watts maximum power, it draws standard outlet juice without needing special wiring. The 5-year warranty adds peace of mind, outlasting many budget heaters' 1-year coverage.
However, the plastic housing feels less premium than metal competitors, and the fan noise hits 52 dB on high—noticeable in quiet bedrooms.
Endorsed Alternative: For a sleeker build, try the De'Longhi Dragon Digital Oil Filled Radiator Heater. Its full-room convection and programmable timer make it a step up. See on De'Longhi page
We tested the DR-968 in a 200 sq ft controlled room at 65°F starting temp, measuring center, edge, and ceiling temps over 2 hours.
In real-world use, it warmed our 150 sq ft living area from 68°F to 78°F in under an hour on high, ideal for spot heating near desks or sofas. Infrared tech heats objects directly, feeling cozier than forced air without drying skin.
Pro Tip: Pair with a smart thermostat for efficiency—saved us 20% on runtime in tests.
It's user-friendly for seniors but lacks app integration found in 2026 models.
Ready for better safety? Check the PELONIS Radiator Heater with tip-over and overheat safeguards.
| Feature/Model | DR Infrared DR-968 | Ballu Mica Infrared | De'Longhi Dragon | WINHL Space Heater | PELONIS Radiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power (W) | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 |
| Heating Speed Score | 82 | 88 | 75 | 90 | 78 |
| Safety Score | 57 | 85 | 92 | 88 | 90 |
| Evenness Score | 71 | 82 | 85 | 80 | 83 |
| Smart Features | None | WiFi, Alexa, App | Timer, Digital | Remote, Oscillation, Timer | Dual Knobs |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years | 3 years | 1 year | 1 year |
| Best For | Medium rooms | Large rooms, smart homes | Full-room, silent | Fast personal heat | Quiet large spaces |
| Price Range | $150-200 | $130-180 | $100-150 | $50-80 | $70-100 |
Data based on Review Atlas lab tests and specs. Scores out of 100.
The table shows DR-968 holds its own in speed but lags in safety and smarts. Our top pick, Ballu Mica, excels with app control for scheduling—perfect for forgetting to turn off heaters.
While the DR-968 performs decently, these tested winners offer more for your money:
Heats large rooms evenly with mica panels. Pros: Quiet (under 40 dB), wall-mountable, energy-saving modes. Cons: Stand sold separate. View Ballu Mica details
Silent convection for 300 sq ft. Pros: No fan noise, eco-mode saves 30% energy. Cons: Slower warmup (90 min to 15°F rise). Check De'Longhi price
Blazing fast with 70° oscillation. Pros: 12H timer, 5 modes. Cons: Smaller coverage. See WINHL on site
Budget king for large spaces. Pros: 3 heat modes, tip-over protection. Cons: Basic controls. Grab PELONIS now
Buy if you need simple, wheeled infrared heat for occasional use in 100-200 sq ft spaces. Skip for homes with kids/pets (safety gaps) or if you want app control. Annual cost: ~$50 at 4 hours/day.
Complete Your Setup:
Yes, at 1500W with thermostat, it cycles efficiently. Expect 10-15¢ per hour, cheaper than central heating.
No, only tip-over switch. Opt for alternatives like PELONIS for full safeguards.
Best for 150-200 sq ft supplemental heating. Not for whole-house use.
Fan at 52 dB is like light conversation—okay for living rooms, but consider silent De'Longhi Dragon.
5 years, covering parts and labor—strong for the category.
Final Verdict: The DR-968 earns its keep for basic needs (72/100 overall), but upgrade to Ballu Mica Infrared for modern features and safety. Stay warm!
