Heaters Product Database

De'Longhi Dragon

The De'Longhi Dragon is my favorite heater for basements, hands down.

Oil-filled radiators are already great for steady, even warmth, but the Dragon takes it a step further with excellent heat retention, digital controls, and the kind of consistency you really want in a cold, concrete-floored space.

With 1500 watts, five heat modes, an Eco Plus setting, and a thermostat you can dial anywhere between 44°F and 82°F, this model offers far more control than the typical oil radiator. 

Basements often deal with fluctuating temperatures, and the Dragon holds whatever temperature you set extremely well. It's a true "set it and forget it" heater that doesn't give you those big hot-cold swings you get from cheaper units.

I also appreciate the digital control panel and the included remote control, which makes it easy to adjust settings without walking across the room. At around 26 pounds, it's sturdy but still easy to roll around thanks to the built-in wheels.

When I had to temporarily move my office to the basement while we had a guest staying over, the De'Longhi Dragon absolutely saved the day and kept that chilly corner livable.

The coverage area is roughly 150-250 square feet, which is perfect for many finished and partially finished basements. 

And while it costs more than the average radiator ($190), De'Longhi backs it with a three-year warranty and solid build quality.

Just keep in mind that, compared to forced-air heaters like the Heat Storm Phoenix, oil-filled radiators do take some time to really get going.

If you want reliable, quiet, consistent warmth in your basement, this is the one I recommend before anything else.

Related article: My favorite oil-filled radiators

Heat Storm Phoenix

If you want targeted warmth in a basement without drying out the air, the Heat Storm Phoenix is a great infrared-hybrid pick.

It uses an infrared heating element for comfortable, direct warmth, plus a small, quiet blower that helps push heat across the room.

The primary heating is still infrared, but the added airflow helps it feel more effective in partially finished or awkwardly shaped basement layouts, and will give faster heat than the De'Longhi Dragon.

This model runs at 1500 watts, mounts cleanly on the wall, and includes WiFi control so you can adjust the temperature from your phone. 

If you prefer a freestanding heater, there's a similar Heat Storm Phoenix with detachable feet, but you'll give up WiFi for that convenience.

Infrared heat works especially well in basements because it warms people and objects directly instead of trying to heat a large, cool space full of concrete and cold surfaces. 

The Phoenix does a solid job taking the chill off finished seating areas without making the room feel dried out.

The exterior grille stays cool to the touch, which is great if your basement is used by kids or pets.

Primary coverage is roughly 150 square feet, but as a supplemental heater it noticeably improves comfort throughout larger basements. I still recommend installing it close to where people will be.

If you want directed warmth, simple installation, and WiFi control in a basement-friendly package, the Heat Storm Phoenix is an excellent choice.

Dr Infrared Heater DR-268

The Dr. Infrared DR-268 is a great pick if you want ceiling-mounted, directed heat in a basement. 

It looks a bit more commercial than the De'Longhi or the Heat Storm Phoenix, but that's part of its appeal.

The Dr. Heater DR-268 is a pure infrared heater designed to warm a specific area rather than the entire basement, which is exactly what you want if your space is large, open, or divided into work zones.

At 1500 watts, the DR-268 delivers fast, focused radiant heat with no blower, making it super quiet and efficient.

The digital thermostat and remote control make it easy to dial in the warmth without climbing up and down a step stool, and the heater can be mounted on either the wall or ceiling, depending on your layout.

I've set this up in a couple of basements with tinkering workshops, and it's been a great option for steady, targeted heat right where you stand or sit. 

Instead of trying to warm a big, unfinished space from the ground up, it directs warmth at the exact zone you're using.

If your basement is too large for a traditional space heater, or you only need heat for a specific corner, bench, or hobby area, the DR-268 is a practical, rugged, and reliable infrared choice.

Another added benefit is that this heater can be used outdoors as well, so it could be a year-round companion if you use it inside during the winter and out on your patio on those cooler summer nights.

Dreo Smart Wall Heater WH719S

The Dreo WH719S is an excellent option if you want fast, even warmth in a basement using a forced-air wall heater. 

Unlike infrared models that warm objects directly, like the Dr. Heater DR-268, this one relies on a powerful 1500-watt blower paired with 120-degree oscillation, which helps push heat across the room quickly.

That extra airflow makes a big difference in basements where cold air tends to settle low and linger.

The WH719S includes an adjustable thermostat, a large digital display, and full smart functionality.

You can control it through the app, Alexa, or Google Assistant, and scheduling heat cycles remotely is especially handy if your basement is used as a guest room, TV area, or home office. 

I've found Dreo's app setup to be smooth and responsive, and the thermostat accuracy is excellent, to within one degree.

There's also a smaller version of this heater that includes an ALCI safety plug and an IP24 water-resistance rating, making it suitable for basement bathrooms.

If you have a guest bedroom with a bathroom downstairs, I highly recommend pairing that model with the main WH719S for a complete setup.

Compared to the Heat Storm Phoenix, which combines infrared with a small fan, the Dreo is pure forced-air heating and does a better job warming up a full room quickly rather than just delivering spot heat.

At about $130, it's surprisingly affordable for a smart heater with oscillation and WiFi control.

I've always liked Dreo's combination of modern features and reliable performance, and this model is one I often recommend for basements of all types.

If you want fast heating, smart control, and a sleek wall-mounted design that blends into finished spaces, the Dreo WH719S is one of the best choices for a basement.

Related article: Top-rated electric wall heaters reviewed

Dr. Heater DR966

If you need serious, whole-room heat for a large basement, the Dr. Heater DR966 is one of the strongest options you can install.

This is a heavy-duty forced-air electric heater available in 3000 or 6000-watt configurations (within the same unit), making it a great fit for big, open layouts where smaller heaters simply can't keep up.

Unlike some 240-volt heaters, the DR966 does not come with a power cord. It must be hardwired directly into a 240-volt circuit, and this is a job I strongly recommend leaving to a licensed electrician. 

Once installed, though, the Dr. Heater DR966 delivers fast, powerful heat and can be mounted on either the wall or the ceiling thanks to the included multi-position bracket.

With coverage up to about 600 square feet, it's well-suited for finished basements, workshop basements, or any downstairs area that feels too big for a portable heater. 

Compared to the De'Longhi Dragon, which is excellent for steady, gentle warmth in small to mid-sized rooms, the DR966 is built for large spaces where you want a quick, forceful temperature rise.

It has a rugged, industrial design, which is part of why so many homeowners end up installing a second one in their garage.

The louvers on the front let you angle airflow where you need it, and the built-in thermostat makes set-and-maintain heating straightforward once everything is wired in.

If your basement needs real power and you're open to a permanent installation, the DR966 is a reliable, high-output choice that can transform a cold, wide-open basement into a usable year-round space.

Related article: Heaters I recommend for garages and workshops

Can I use more than one space heater in a basement?

Yes, you can use multiple heaters as long as they're on separate circuits and not overloading the electrical panel. Many large or open basements actually heat more evenly with two smaller heaters instead of one large unit.

Are space heaters safe to leave running overnight in a basement?

They can be, as long as the heater has built-in safety features like overheat protection, tip-over shutoff, and a reliable thermostat with timer. Always keep the heater away from clutter and never run a damaged or outdated model.

Do basement heaters increase my energy bill a lot?

It depends on the heater type and how often you run it. Oil-filled radiators and infrared heaters are usually the most energy-efficient in basements because they hold heat well and don't need to cycle as often.