1. Dr Infrared DR-968 – Editor's Choice

The Dr. Infrared freestanding crawl space heater is my top pick because it is versatile, simple, and effective.

It doesn't have the raw power of the Dr. Infrared DR-975 or gas models, but it's more than enough for a medium-sized crawl space.

It brought the temperature in my crawl space up to 85 degrees in under an hour during testing, but what impressed me most was how well it consistently maintained the temperature.

This performance is down to the dual heating method. The mix of infrared and convection provides fast and consistent heating across the entire space.

The Dr. Infrared heater is high-performing but simple. It has a long, 72-inch cord for easy placement, a programmable thermostat, and a remote control.

It needs very little regular maintenance and has built-in safety features, so you can leave it running with confidence.

The only downside is that this is a slightly more expensive unit and does cost noticeably more than the Dura Heat or Fahrenheat models.

However, it offers a lot of value, and I recommend it to homeowners who want an effortless way to heat their crawl space.

2. Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX – Crawl Space Heater With Thermostat

Not everyone has a huge crawl space or ice-cold winters; that's why I included the Heat Storm.

It's compact, simple, and has low running costs, so you can warm a small area without breaking the bank.

This sleeky-designed unit uses efficient infrared heating to provide direct heat.

In spaces up to 200 feet, it can increase the temperature in minutes, and it takes very little power to run.

It doesn’t have the power of the Dr. Infrared DR-975 or Fahrenheat, but it is incredibly efficient in small spaces.

It's low maintenance, too, with dual wall technology that reduces the fire risk in your home, tip-over auto-shutoff, and a programmable thermostat.

The stand-out feature for me was the Wi-Fi controls.

It has a well-designed app that gives me full control over the heating, and over three days of testing, I did everything from my phone!

It certainly isn't designed for large spaces, but this smart, efficient, and low-maintenance heater is the one I recommend for small crawl spaces.

3. Dr. Infrared DR-975 – For Heating Large Crawl Spaces

This Dr. Infrared crawl space heater is a cut above the rest in terms of performance, and it impressed me during testing.

It has a powerful radiant heating mechanism that can protect large crawl spaces effortlessly, and it's a big step up from other crawl space heaters.

However, despite providing commercial-grade heating, it's surprisingly efficient.

The quartz tubing and blower help spread the heat, giving you the benefits of forced air and radiant heat in one.

You will have higher heating costs than with the Heat Storm or Dyna-Glo, but it won’t impact your energy bills too much.

This industrial-grade heater was more basic than other models but still had all the essentials.

It has a programmable thermostat, a remote control, five adjustable settings, and built-in safety features.

These features make it easy for anyone to get the most from this machine, but what impressed me most was the build quality.

The heating mechanism and outer casing are sturdy, and the heater should last at least 10 years.

The only downside is that it is more complicated to install, and less experienced homeowners may need to contact a professional.

If you have a large crawl space, this is the heater I recommend.

Just keep it away from flammable materials because the powerful heating can make it a fire hazard.

4. Fahrenheat FBE15002 – Convection Crawl Space Heater

A noisy heater can be a real issue in smaller homes, even in a crawl space.

The Fahrenheat crawl space heater offers warming without disruption, making it perfect for any part of your home.

The convection heater works without a fan and runs virtually silently (I had to double-check it was running during testing).

With no fan, it doesn't blow dirt or dust up either, keeping your home warm and clean and preventing mold from spreading.

What surprised me most about this quiet heater was the power. It can't cover the same area as the Dr. Infrared DR-975.

Still, in small-to-medium-sized crawl spaces, it will maintain an ambient temperature.

The Fahrenheat has programmable settings and remote control, but the best feature is the intuitive automatic temperature control.

This is perfect for homeowners who want to set and forget their heater.

However, what really sets Fahrenheat apart is the build quality.

It's designed with no moving parts and is made really well, so it can last a lifetime if it's properly maintained.

The only downside is that it takes longer to heat your crawl space than other models, so expect to keep it running longer.

However, if you have a smaller home and want a quiet, unobtrusive way to keep your crawl space warm this winter, I recommend the Fahrenheat.

5. Dyna-Glo IRSS12LPT-2P – Safest Propane Heater Option

I’m a big fan of propane heaters, and the Dyna-Glo is one of the best.

It generates more power than the Fahrenheat or Heat Storm, giving intense heating that can keep pipes from freezing and maintain a steady temperature in the coldest crawl space.

This space heater doesn’t need any electricity or wiring, and the infrared heat doesn’t require any venting.

All you have to do is hook up the propane, and you’re good to go.

Propane isn’t for every homeowner and can be intimidating, but this heater is one of the easiest and safest I’ve used.

It's simple to hook up yourself and has an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) that automatically shuts off if the oxygen levels become low.

It may even be the safest heater for a crawl space, and it's even ANSI-certified and meets all modern safety standards.[1]

The only slight issue I have with this heater is that it has no programmable timer or remote control.

It's definitely less convenient than the Wi-Fi-controlled Heat Storm, but it does have an adjustable thermostat that automatically regulates the temperature.

The Dyna-Glo propane crawl space heater is compact, powerful, and low-cost.

If you have a small or medium-sized crawl space without electricity, I recommend purchasing the Dyna-Glo.

6. Dura Heat EUH1465 – Budget-Friendly Option

If you want to protect your walls and pipes without spending a fortune, I recommend the Dura Heat.

This heater uses a forced air method and a powerful fan to circulate warm air quickly around your crawl space.

It doesn’t have the power or coverage of the Dr. Infrared DR-975, but it's far more portable.

You can set it up exactly where you need it, and the pivoting base lets you direct the heat to the coldest spots in the room.

It can't handle a large basement or crawl space in winter, but I found it performed well in spaces under 150 square feet.

The Dura Heat doesn't have all the bells and whistles of premium models, and there's no programmable timer or smart technology.

However, it does have an adjustable thermostat and safety features that make it easy to use safely.

The only downside is that it lacks the quality of some other models.

It doesn't have the sturdy frame of the Dr. Infrared DR-975 and won't last as long as the Farenheat heater.

However, you get what you pay for, and while it may cost more in the long run, it offers a cost-effective way to limit heat loss from your home in the short term.

It isn't a permanent or long-term solution. Still, if you need heating in specific places or at specific times of year, I recommend the Dura Heat.