Lasko Ellipse CT18950 Tower
#6 in Fan heatersFull review
For a bedroom or office where you want a quiet tower that holds a set temperature, with a remote, long timer and child lock.
Amazon $84.99$84.99
The Lasko Ellipse CT18950 Tower is the better space heater overall, rated 3.9 to 3.3. The Lasko Ellipse CT18950 Tower leads on safety, low setting and value. The Lasko Ellipse CT18950 Tower costs $20 less ($84.99 vs $104.99).
Dr Infrared Heater DR-968
#34 in Fan heatersFull review
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 $104.99$104.99
Prices were last checked October 30, 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 Ellipse CT18950 Tower for safety (ETL listed, tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff vs tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff; no safety listing published), low setting (down to 750 W vs down to 1,000 W) and value ($57 per kW ($84.99, 1,500 W) vs $70 per kW ($104.99, 1,500 W)).
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 Ellipse CT18950 Tower | Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 25% | 35 $57 per kW ($84.99, 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% | 100 holds a set temperature | 100 holds a set temperature |
| Warranty 15% | 50 3-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Controls 10% | 75 eco mode, timer, remote; no app | 75 eco mode, timer, remote; no app |
| Low setting 10% | 42 down to 750 W | 0 down to 1,000 W |
Independent measurements
Lasko Ellipse CT18950 Tower
| Tested by | Noise | Power draw | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom's Guide | 48 dB | 1,355 W | Both are averages on the highest settings, as reported by the reviewer (“about 48 decibels”); meter distance not stated. |
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 Ellipse CT18950 Tower | Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Heat settings | 750 to 1,500 W | 1,000 to 1,500 W |
| Type | Fan | Fan |
| Element | Ceramic | Quartz |
| Oscillates | Yes | No |
| Controls | ||
| Thermostat | Digital | Digital |
| Eco mode | Yes | Yes |
| Timer | Yes | Yes |
| Remote | Yes | 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 | 40 dB | 39 dB |
| Cord | - | 6 ft |
| Dimensions | 6 x 5 x 19 in | 11 x 13 x 15.5 in |
| Weight | 4.1 lb | 23.5 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2023-10 | 2009-09-30 |