Vornado VMHi500 (2026)
#5 in Fan heatersFull review
For a bedroom or living room where you want a sturdy metal heater with a remote, timer and set temperature. The TAVH10 does the same jobs for less in a plastic case.
Amazon $135.99$135.99
The Vornado VMHi500 (2026) and the Lasko Ellipse CT18950 Tower are evenly matched, rated 3.9 and 3.9. The Vornado VMHi500 (2026) leads on warranty. The Lasko Ellipse CT18950 Tower wins on value. The Lasko Ellipse CT18950 Tower costs $51 less ($84.99 vs $135.99).
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
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 Vornado VMHi500 (2026) for warranty (5-year warranty vs 3-year warranty).
- Choose the Lasko Ellipse CT18950 Tower for value ($57 per kW ($84.99, 1,500 W) vs $91 per kW ($135.99, 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 | Vornado VMHi500 (2026) | Lasko Ellipse CT18950 Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Value 25% | 6 $91 per kW ($135.99, 1,500 W) | 35 $57 per kW ($84.99, 1,500 W) |
| Safety 25% | 100 ETL listed, tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff | 100 ETL listed, tip-over shutoff, overheat shutoff |
| Thermostat 15% | 100 holds a set temperature | 100 holds a set temperature |
| Warranty 15% | 100 5-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 | 42 down to 750 W |
Independent measurements
Vornado VMHi500 (2026)
No independent test published yet.
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. |
Specifications
| Vornado VMHi500 (2026) | Lasko Ellipse CT18950 Tower | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Heat settings | 750 to 1,500 W | 750 to 1,500 W |
| Type | Fan | Fan |
| Element | - | Ceramic |
| Oscillates | No | Yes |
| Controls | ||
| Thermostat | Digital | Digital |
| Eco mode | Yes | Yes |
| Timer | Yes | Yes |
| Remote | Yes | Yes |
| App | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Safety listing | ETL | ETL |
| Tip-over shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Overheat shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Cool-touch housing | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Noise | - | 40 dB |
| Cord | 6 ft | - |
| Dimensions | 9.2 x 9.38 x 11.67 in | 6 x 5 x 19 in |
| Weight | 9.6 lb | 4.1 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
| Released | - | 2023-10 |