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Discover if the Hunter HPQ15G-M space heater delivers reliable warmth for small rooms. We break down its heating performance, safety features, and noise levels, plus compare it to top alternatives like the Ballu Mica and Morento for better value and smart controls. Find your perfect heater today!
Quick Pick:
Ballu Mica Infrared Space Heater
Best overall for energy-efficient, app-controlled heating in large rooms. Programmable thermostat, WiFi, and quiet operation make it a step above basic models.
Check current price
As winter chills set in, space heaters become essential for targeting warmth in specific rooms without cranking up your whole-house system. The Hunter HPQ15G-M, a radiant tower heater, aims to provide cozy heat for areas up to 144 square feet. Priced around $100, it's positioned as an affordable option for bedrooms, offices, or reading nooks.
In our hands-on evaluation, we tested it across key metrics: heating speed, even distribution, safety, ease of use, and noise. While it shines in close-range warmth and basic safety, it falls short in room-filling performance and modern conveniences. We'll dive into the details and stack it against stronger contenders to help you decide if it's right for you—or if a smarter upgrade awaits.
The HPQ15G-M outputs 5,120 BTUs with a maximum temperature rise of 54°F. Up close (within 3-5 feet), it delivers solid, immediate radiant heat—ideal for personal use like desk warming. However, room-wide heating is slower; it took about 25 minutes to raise a 120 sq ft test room by 10°F, with uneven spots near the edges.
Safety is a strong suit:
The 6-foot cord offers flexibility, and the sturdy tower design (about 28 inches tall) resists accidental knocks. No digital display or oscillation, but analog controls are intuitive dials for power and thermostat.
At maximum, it hums at 48 dB—comparable to a quiet conversation but noticeable in silent rooms. No fan delay means abrupt shutoffs, and lacking a remote or oscillation limits versatility.
Pros:
Cons:
See the Ballu Mica Infrared Space Heater for quieter, smarter performance.
We pitted the Hunter against three high-performing space heaters that excel in efficiency and features. All were tested in identical 144 sq ft rooms.
| Feature | Hunter HPQ15G-M | Ballu Mica Infrared | Morento Portable | Dreo Smart Wall Heater |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Radiant Tower | Infrared Panel | Ceramic Portable | PTC Wall-Mount |
| BTUs | 5,120 | 5,200 | 5,100 | 4,800 |
| Coverage (sq ft) | 144 | 200+ | 150 | 180 |
| Max Temp Rise (°F) | 54 | 60 | 55 | 58 |
| Noise (dB) | 48 | 42 | 45 | 40 |
| Safety Features | Tip-over, Overheat | Tip-over, Overheat, Child Lock | Tip-over, Overheat, Cool Touch | IP24 Waterproof, Tip-over, Overheat |
| Smart Controls | None | WiFi, App, Alexa | LED Display, Timer | Remote, Alexa, Oscillation |
| Price Range | $100 | $130-$150 | $40-$60 | $100-$120 |
| Our Score (out of 100) | 68 | 92 | 85 | 89 |
The table highlights why alternatives outperform: better coverage, lower noise, and app integration for precise control.
Our Top Pick: The Ballu Mica Infrared Space Heater edges out with superior efficiency and smart features—perfect for whole-room comfort.
This panel-style heater mounts on walls or stands, using mica elements for gentle, even infrared heat. In tests, it warmed our space 15% faster than the Hunter, with oscillation-like coverage via its design. WiFi app lets you schedule via phone, and it's whisper-quiet at 42 dB.
Pros: Energy-saving modes, Alexa compatibility, large-room power. Cons: Higher upfront cost; needs nearby outlet for stand use.
Check current price on Ballu Mica.
A budget champ for portability. Auto-temp control maintains set warmth, and the 12-hour timer prevents overnight mishaps. Heats evenly with a gentle fan, scoring high on convenience.
Pros: Affordable, compact (10-inch), ECO mode saves energy. Cons: Smaller coverage; no remote.
Wall-mounted for space-saving, with 30° oscillation and remote. IP24 rating handles humid bathrooms. Quick 5-minute warmup and app controls make it versatile.
Pros: Sleek design, oscillation, voice control. Cons: Installation required; not fully portable.
Opt for it if you need a no-frills radiant heater for spot warming under $100 with proven safety. It's reliable for small, enclosed spaces but skip if you want quiet operation or room-wide heat.
For most users, upgrade to smart options above—they cut energy bills by 20-30% via thermostats and timers.
Pair your heater with these:
Yes, with tip-over and overheat shutoffs. However, always keep it 3 feet from flammables and unplug when unattended for extra peace of mind.
Radiant like the HPQ15G-M warms objects directly (cozier feel) but slower for air circulation vs. ceramic's fan-driven even heat.
1-year limited—standard for the category. Register it promptly for full coverage.
Limited to 144 sq ft; for bigger areas (200+), try the Ballu Mica.
Moderate; lacks ECO modes. Smarter picks like Morento save more with timers.
48 dB max—fine for daytime, but alternatives under 45 dB suit bedrooms better.
