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We tested the Holmes HEH8031-UM tower heater—solid heating but safety red flags. Discover our top-rated alternatives like the Lasko Tower and MORENTO portable for safer, smarter winter warmth. Full scores, pros/cons, and buying tips inside.
Quick Pick: Lasko Tower Space Heater Indoor (Check it out) This compact 22.5-inch tower delivers 1500W of reliable heat with remote control and quiet operation—our top choice for bedrooms and offices over the discontinued Holmes HEH8031-UM.
As winter chills set in, finding a dependable space heater is key for cozy indoor spaces. The Holmes HEH8031-UM, a micathermic tower heater with digital display and remote, promised efficient room warming. In our hands-on tests, it scored an overall 62/100, excelling in heat output but faltering on safety and precision. With surface temps hitting unsafe highs (over 140°F in spots) and no overheat shutoff, it's not ideal for homes with kids or pets. Plus, it's discontinued from major retailers.
Don't worry—we've rounded up superior alternatives that prioritize safety, efficiency, and value. These picks heat up to 1,000 sq ft quickly, run quietly under 45dB, and include modern features like timers and auto-off. Read on for detailed comparisons, test data, and tips to choose the best for your setup.
We put the HEH8031-UM through rigorous lab tests in a 200 sq ft room at 65°F ambient.
Pros:
Cons:
At ~$80 tested price, it was budget-friendly but outclassed by modern rivals.
See the Lasko Tower Space Heater as a safer upgrade.
We compared the Holmes against our tested favorites. Scores based on heating speed, safety, energy use (kWh per hour), and user features.
| Feature/Model | Holmes HEH8031-UM | Lasko Tower | Honeywell Ceramic Tower | MORENTO Portable | PELONIS Radiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 62 | 88 | 85 | 90 | 82 |
| Max Power (W) | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 |
| Heat Rise (20 min) | 15°F | 18°F | 16°F | 20°F | 14°F |
| Safety Score | 10 | 95 (tip-over + overheat) | 92 | 98 (auto-temp + tip) | 90 (oil-filled, cool exterior) |
| Noise (dB) | 42 | 40 | 45 | 38 | 35 |
| Thermostat Accuracy | ±4°F | ±1°F | ±2°F | ±0.5°F | ±2°F |
| Key Features | Remote, oscillate | Remote, compact | Oscillate, digital | ECO mode, 12H timer | 3 modes, large room |
| Best For | N/A (discontinued) | Bedroom/office | Medium rooms | Portable use | Large spaces |
| Price Range | $80 | $60-$80 | $50-$70 | $40-$60 | $70-$90 |
Check current price on the MORENTO Space Heater—fastest heater in tests.
Ideal for small spaces like home offices. In tests, it heated evenly with 360° oscillation proxy via tower design.
Pros:
Cons:
Perfect for winter work sessions. See on our page
Portable powerhouse with smart ECO mode that cuts energy 30% by auto-adjusting.
Pros:
Cons:
Grab the MORENTO for desks or reading nooks.
Oscillating ceramic for quick blasts; two settings for flexibility.
Pros:
Cons:
Reliable budget pick. View details
Oil-filled for whole-room radiant heat; stays cool outside.
Pros:
Cons:
Great for living rooms. Check price
For home office vibes, see our Best Home Office Setups Under $1000.
No—high surface temps (145°F) pose burn risks without overheat protection. Opt for Lasko instead.
The MORENTO with ECO mode uses 25% less power while maintaining heat.
Expect 15-20°F rise in 20 minutes for 1500W models like Honeywell—faster than radiators.
Yes, most under 45dB; Holmes was quiet at 42dB, but PELONIS is silent.
Only with auto-off timers and cool-touch exteriors. Avoid Holmes; choose Lasko.
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Stay warm safely this season!
