For a desk, dorm or small bedroom where a compact heater with a tip-over switch matters more than a remote or timer.
Amazon $39.99The Lasko 754201 Tabletop Ceramic Heater is the better space heater overall, rated 3.9 to 3.3. The Lasko 754201 Tabletop Ceramic Heater leads on value and safety. The Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 wins on thermostat and controls. The Lasko 754201 Tabletop Ceramic Heater costs $65 less ($39.99 vs $104.99).
For a living room or basement where a quiet blower heater with a real thermostat and remote should run for hours. The “infrared” label is marketing: it gives the same heat as any 1,500 W heater.
Amazon $104.99Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Lasko 754201 Tabletop Ceramic Heater for value ($27 per kW ($39.99, 1,500 W) vs $70 per kW ($104.99, 1,500 W)) and safety (ETL listed, tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff vs tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff; no safety listing published).
- Choose the Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 for thermostat (holds a set temperature vs adjustable thermostat dial, no set temperature) and controls (eco mode, timer, remote; no app vs basic; no remote).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every fan heaters space heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Lasko 754201 Tabletop Ceramic Heater | Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 25% | 82 $27 per kW ($39.99, 1,500 W) | 22 $70 per kW ($104.99, 1,500 W) |
| Safety 25% | 100 ETL listed, tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff | 60 tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff; no safety listing published |
| Thermostat 15% | 60 adjustable thermostat dial, no set temperature | 100 holds a set temperature |
| Warranty 15% | 50 3-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Controls 10% | 25 basic; no remote | 75 eco mode, timer, remote; no app |
| Low setting 10% | 50 lowest setting not published (neutral score used) | 0 down to 1,000 W |
Independent measurements
Lasko 754201 Tabletop Ceramic Heater
| Tested by | Noise | Power draw | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| TechGearLab | 41.2 dB | - | Noise rating in dBA from a professional sound level meter; heat setting and distance not stated. Listed as Lasko Portable Ceramic with Tip-over Switch, linked to ASIN B087YRL86Q. |
Dr Infrared Heater DR-968
| Tested by | Noise | Power draw | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| TechGearLab | 43.5 dB | - | Noise rating in dBA from a professional sound level meter; heat setting and distance not stated. |
Specifications
| Lasko 754201 Tabletop Ceramic Heater | Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Heat settings | 1,500 W | 1,000 to 1,500 W |
| Type | Fan | Fan |
| Element | Ceramic | Quartz |
| Oscillates | - | No |
| Controls | ||
| Thermostat | Dial | Digital |
| Eco mode | - | Yes |
| Timer | - | Yes |
| Remote | No | Yes |
| App | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Safety listing | ETL | None published |
| Tip-over shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Overheat shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Cool-touch housing | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Noise | - | 39 dB |
| Cord | - | 6 ft |
| Dimensions | 7 x 6 x 9.2 in | 11 x 13 x 15.5 in |
| Weight | 2.9 lb | 23.5 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | - | 2009-09-30 |
