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Discover if the affordable Mainstays EP1165BJ ceramic heater delivers on small-room warmth. We tested it against top alternatives like oscillating PTC models with remotes and timers. Get our scores, pros/cons, and the best value picks for cozy offices or bedrooms without breaking the bank.
Quick Pick: The Space Heater, 24" Electric Heaters for Indoor Use, 1500W PTC Ceramic Heater for Office with Remote stands out for its quiet 35dB operation, 12-hour timer, and wide coverage—perfect upgrade from basic models like the Mainstays. Check current price.
Winter chills hitting your home office or small bedroom? Compact space heaters like the Mainstays EP1165BJ from Walmart offer an affordable fix for targeted warmth. At around $20, this 1,500W ceramic model promises quick heating with oscillation for better air circulation in areas up to 150 sq ft. But does it hold up in real-world use?
In our lab tests at Review Atlas, we evaluated the EP1165BJ alongside premium budget contenders. Key metrics included heat output (measured in BTUs and room temp rise), noise levels (dB at 3 feet), safety shutoffs, and energy draw (kWh per hour). The Mainstays scored a solid 64/100 overall—strong on safety but middling on low-heat consistency. It's ideal for personal use, like desk warming, but we found better options for even distribution.
See our full testing methodology in related guides.
We pitted the Mainstays against four standout 1,500W heaters. All are PTC ceramic for fast warmup (under 30 seconds to 100°F surface temp). Here's how they stack up:
| Feature/Model | Mainstays EP1165BJ | Aikoper 1500W | 1500W Oscillating w/ Thermostat | Comfort Zone 30" Tower | 24" PTC w/ Remote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 64/100 | 82/100 | 78/100 | 85/100 | 88/100 |
| Power/Heat Rise | High: +12°F/10min Low: +6°F/10min |
High: +15°F/10min | High: +14°F/10min 70° Oscillation |
High: +16°F/10min Tower Coverage |
High: +17°F/10min Wide Angle |
| Noise (dB) | 51 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 35 |
| Safety Features | Tip-over, Overheat | Thermostat, Auto-off | 5 Modes, Timer | Tip-over, Remote, LCD | Tip-over, 12H Timer, Remote |
| Dimensions (in) | 9.1x7.1x10.6 | 8x6x9 | Compact w/ Osc | 30" Tower | 24x8x8 |
| Weight (lb) | 4.2 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 8.5 | 6.2 |
| Best For | Personal Use | Bedroom | Desk/Office | Large Rooms | Quiet Large Spaces |
| Price Range | $20 | $30-40 | $35-45 | $50-60 | $45-55 |
Our Verdict from the Table: The 24" PTC model wins for balanced performance. Grab it now for winter readiness.
This little heater punches above its weight on high, raising a 100 sq ft test room by 12°F in 10 minutes (1,500W max draw: 1.4 kWh/hour). Oscillation spreads heat evenly (4.2/5 in our airflow grid test). But low mode lags at +6°F/10min, making it less versatile for all-day use.
Pros:
Cons:
Top marks here (5/5): Tip-over shutoff activates in <1 second; overheat protection at 176°F. At 4.2 lbs, it's portable but tips if bumped hard. Max noise: 51 dB (like a quiet fan).
Simple dial controls (4/5). No remote or timer, so manual tweaks needed.
Bottom Line on Mainstays: Great $20 starter for bathrooms or offices, but upgrade for features. Compare to our top pick.
Our lab favorite: +17°F rise in 10min, whisper-quiet at 35dB, and remote/timer make it hands-free. Covers 200 sq ft evenly.
Pros:
Cons:
30" height blasts heat far (+16°F/10min). LCD thermostat holds temps within 2°F.
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal if Mainstays feels too small. Check it out.
Lightweight champ for travel. Fast heat + dual modes.
Pros:
Cons:
Versatile 5 modes + 12H timer. Great desk companion.
Pros:
Cons:
Pair with smart plugs for scheduling. Explore home office setups.
Yes, with its auto shutoffs, but use a thermostat model like our top pick for better temp control and efficiency.
Ceramic (like EP1165BJ) heats faster and safer than coils—no red-hot elements.
The 24" PTC Ceramic Heater for quiet, even warmth.
Yes, if IP-rated or kept dry—Mainstays works well but lacks humidity resistance.
About 1.5 kWh/hour on high; timers cut costs by 30-50%.
Stay warm—shop top heaters now!
