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We tested the Honeywell HCE870W Thermawave 6 radiator heater in real-world conditions. Scoring 72/100 overall, it delivers solid even heating for small rooms but falls short on safety and features. Discover pros, cons, and top alternatives for better value in 2026.
Quick Pick ⚡ Dreo Smart Wall Heater – Our top choice for safe, smart heating. With IP24 rating, 30° oscillation, remote control, and Alexa compatibility, it heats rooms efficiently without hot surfaces. Check current price
Looking for an affordable radiator-style space heater to warm up small to medium rooms? The Honeywell HCE870W Thermawave 6 caught our eye with its ceramic elements and metal fins designed for quick, even heat. In our lab and home tests, it earned a solid 72/100 overall score, making it a decent supplemental heater for bedrooms or offices—but not without compromises.
We evaluated it across key categories: heating performance, heat distribution, safety, ease of use, and convenience. Priced around $60, it's budget-friendly, but modern alternatives often outshine it in smart features and safety. Read on for detailed scores, pros/cons, and comparisons to help you decide.
This radiator heats a 150 sq ft test room from 65°F to 72°F in about 12 minutes on high—faster than basic convection models but slower than PTC fans. It maintained steady temps well but dropped 3°F during our "cold blast" door-open recovery test, taking 4 minutes to rebound.
Pros: Consistent output without hot/cold spots. Cons: No rapid boost for quick warm-ups.
Metal fins excel here, spreading warmth evenly up to 8 feet away. In a simulated living room, floor-to-ceiling variance was just 2°F—better than many tower heaters.
Tip-over switch and overheat protection (cuts at 158°F internal) are standard. However, the grille hit 145°F after 30 minutes, risking burns for kids/pets. No cool-touch exterior.
Safety Tip: Keep 3 feet from flammables and use on stable surfaces.
Intuitive dial controls and lightweight handle make it portable despite the size. At 45 dB, it's quieter than a conversation—ideal for offices.
No remote, app, or timer. Basic but reliable for plug-and-play use.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, it's a no-frills pick for supplemental heating in dry climates, but upgrade if safety or convenience matters.
Better Option? For smarter heating, try the Ballu Mica Infrared Space Heater. WiFi app control and wall-mount option make it versatile. See on our page
| Feature/Product | Honeywell HCE870W | MORENTO Space Heater | Dreo Smart Wall Heater | Ballu Mica Infrared |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 72/100 | 85/100 | 92/100 | 88/100 |
| Power | 1,500W | 1,500W (ECO mode) | 1,500W PTC | 1,200W infrared |
| Heat Distribution | Excellent (81) | Good (LED display) | Superior (30° oscillation) | Even (panel design) |
| Safety | Fair (68) | Good (auto-off, cool touch) | Excellent (IP24, tip-over) | Good (overheat protection) |
| Controls | Manual dial | Auto temp, timer, remote | App, remote, Alexa | WiFi app, thermostat |
| Noise | 45 dB | <40 dB | Ultra-quiet | Silent |
| Best For | Small rooms | Bedroom/office | Wall-mounted large rooms | Energy-efficient panels |
| Price Range | $50-60 | $40-50 | $80-100 | $100-120 |
The table shows why alternatives edge out the Honeywell—especially in safety and smarts. Check current price for MORENTO
Ideal for budget users needing basic, quiet heat in dry areas. Skip if you want remotes, oscillation, or pet-safe designs.
Our Recommendation: Upgrade to the Dreo Smart Wall Heater for modern features without sacrificing power.
Pair your heater with these for a cozy workspace:
Yes, with overheat and tip-over protection, but monitor due to the hot grille (145°F+). Not ideal for homes with kids/pets.
Effectively warms 100-200 sq ft as supplemental heat; pair with central for larger spaces.
No—manual controls only. Consider MORENTO for timers.
At 1,500W, it uses ~1.5 kWh/hour on high. Thermostat helps, but infrared models like Ballu save more.
Typically 1-3 years from Honeywell—check retailer.
No, best as spot heating. For full rooms, see our heater alternatives guide.
Tested in a controlled 150 sq ft room at 65°F ambient. Scores based on temp rise, recovery time, surface temps, and user simulations.
