Lasko’s Bladeless Space Heater Looks Simple, But Comes With Smart Heating Features and Power

4 min readAs the crisp air of fall starts to hit my apartment, I’m faced with two choices: Turn on my large overhead heating system (and jack up my energy bill in the process), or reach for a small space heater for some short bursts of warm air that will eventually fill the room.It’s true that space heaters won’t warm up my space with the same efficiency as my ductless mini split, but a good one, like our Best Overall choice, the Lasko Bladeless Ceramic Space Heater, warms the space right around me in just a few minutes.I’ve tried a few different space heaters over the years, and the Lasko Bladeless does this basic job better than any other I’ve tried, at least in part due to its unique design (that happens to look really nice and unobtrusive, as a bonus). I also love its simple controls and a few clever features, like the automatic eco mode and built-in handle.ProsAutomatically shuts off if tipped overProgrammable settings for specific temperature controlKey SpecsTypeCeramic with fanDimensions7.00 x 9.20 x 28.05 in.Weight8.6 lbHeat Output1500 WCoverageUp to 300 sq ftThe Controls Are Simple Yet EffectiveI’m kind of a “low-tech” evangelist. And this commitment I have to not overcomplicating my life with tech is a major reason why I love this space heater. It’s just so simple.There are only six buttons on top of the control panel, and they are capable of executing every single action the space heater offers. It has a timer mode where you can set the exact amount of time you want the space heater to run for before it shuts itself off. I love using this right before bed, so I can let it run for a little while longer as I drift to sleep, and I don’t have to get up to turn it off.The oscillating mode triggers the body of the space heater to move from side to side, so it can spread heat more effectively in a room. If you place the space heater in the corner of your office or bedroom, this is the best way to use it in place of a full-sized heater or central air.Tom PriceThe control panel manages all four functions.Tom PriceThe remote control offers the same functionality and fits on the back of the space heater.The auto-eco mode allows you to set the temperature yourself and the space heater will work to reach that exact setting. Once it gets close to that temperature, it will automatically switch from high power to low power and then shut off once it’s achieved. From there it will occasionally turn back on to maintain the temperature. This was one of my favorite features in practice.You can also manually toggle between the low and high power settings. For short bursts, I like using the high power mode and just shutting it down once I’m warm, but for longer use cases, I’ll set a specific temperature and let the device run.It Provides Solid Heating PowerAll of these features are nothing if the space heater doesn’t heat well, but that’s not the case with the Lasko. It’s small but mighty, for sure, and within seconds of turning it on, the airflow is steady and warm. On colder nights, I can reliably count on getting the chills out of my hands or feet faster with this space heater than any other I’ve tried.A lot of this has to do with the bladeless design and open center. The air blows out of a multi-vane impeller surrounding the unit. In addition to helping the heater move warm air quickly, the design also contributes to a much quieter operation, especially compared to traditional fan-based space heaters.When on high power mode, I felt a notable gust within around three feet or so, and even when I stepped further back, there was still a clear breeze of warm air. The lower power mode won’t have the same kind of strength to it, but that’s OK if you want to slide it under your desk to keep your feet warm.Tom PriceThe digital display shows the power mode or temperature setting.Minor DrawbacksWith such an effective and easy-to-use device, there aren’t a ton of major issues that I encountered during testing. The biggest is the lack of significant fan control. I can choose between low or high with no other options.Considering that many other space heaters we’ve tested have 10 or more fan levels to choose between, this felt a little lacking. Even our Best Value pick, the Vornado MVH, has seven different fan speeds. There were definitely a few moments I was looking for a setting with a little more power than low but didn’t want to feel the wrath of high from up close.At the same time, the oscillation doesn’t quite do enough. Space heaters like the Dreo Whole Home Heater can turn horizontally and vertically, making it way easier to place on a shelf or low on the floor and still get pretty direct airflow.Final ThoughtsLasko’s CW210 Bladeless Space Heater does a lot of things right without ever doing more than it needs to. It heats quickly and efficiently, oscillates and blends seamlessly into the background with its modern design that makes it feel almost like an accent piece as much as a useful home appliance.At the same time, its temperature setting feature lets you leave it to run on its own to your exact specification. For bedrooms, offices, or smaller living rooms, I don’t think I’ve tried a space heater that performs better.While it doesn’t have the controls for a nuanced level of power or the flexibility to angle heat anywhere like the Dreo, for the most part, I don’t care. When I want heat fast, I’m turning on the Lasko.Shop the Lasko CW210 Space HeaterOther Space Heaters We’ve Tested and RecommendTom Price is a reviews editor for Popular Mechanics while also contributing to Runner's World, Best Products, and Bicycling. Here at Popular Mechanics, Tom loves testing out home appliances, smart tech, gear for city life and outdoor adventures, small gadgets like watches and multitools, and anything else you can find piled up at his hoarder's nest of a desk. Prior to working here, Tom attended NYU, graduating with a degree in English and a minor in creative writing. He also wrote for Best Reviews, The Daily Beast, and other publications covering tech, fitness gear, gadgets, and lifestyle products. Furthermore, he covered startup news, pop culture, and even professional wrestling. To follow more of his work, check back here for new stories.