A timer is the simplest way to make a space heater safer and more economical to run. An auto-off timer shuts the heater down after you fall asleep or leave the room; a programmable timer can switch it on before you get up so the room is already warm. Not all timers are equal, though: some only count down for a few hours, while others let you set on and off times across a full day.
For this guide we compared heaters by timer type and range, thermostat control, heat settings, noise and safety, using manufacturer specifications, independent tests and owner feedback. For scored tests, see our space heater with timer reviews; our Editorial Policy explains how we choose products.
Top 3 Best Space Heaters With Timer (October 2026)
De’Longhi TRD40615T Radiator with 24-Hour Programmable Timer
- 24-hour programming
- Silent radiator heat
- Child lock listed
Lasko CT18950 Ellipse Tower Heater with 12-Hour Timer
- 12 hours from the remote
- Quiet, dimmable display
- Child lock
Honeywell HCE317 Slim Ceramic Tower Heater
- 1/2/4/8-hour choices
- Slim tower
- Programmable thermostat
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Best Space Heaters With Timer Compared
| # | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  De’Longhi TRD40615T Radiator with 24-Hour Programmable Timer |
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| 2 |  Lasko CT18950 Ellipse Tower Heater with 12-Hour Timer |
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| 3 |  Honeywell HCE317 Slim Ceramic Tower Heater |
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| 4 |  Dr. Infrared DR-978 Hybrid Heater with 12-Hour Timer |
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| 5 |  WINHL 17″ Space Heater with Thermostat and Timer (PTC-SL1703) |
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| 6 |  VOCRS 1500W Heater with 1–12 Hour Timer |
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1. De’Longhi TRD40615T Radiator with 24-Hour Programmable Timer
Best Space Heater With a Programmable Timer
- Control panel with a programmable 24-hour timer
- Fan-free radiant and convection heat, no noise
- Adjustable thermostat and power level; child lock listed
- 3-year warranty
- About 24 lb
- Slow warm-up, so plan the schedule ahead
- Type: oil-filled radiator, 1500W
- Timer: 24-hour programmable
- Control: temperature + power level
- Weight: about 24 lb
- Model: TRD40615T
A programmable timer is far more useful than a simple countdown. With this De’Longhi you can set the radiator to start before you wake and stop once you leave, so you never come back to a cold room or a heater that ran all day.
Because radiators take time to warm up, the timer is especially helpful: schedule it 30–60 minutes ahead.
Who the De’Longhi TRD40615T fits best
Bedrooms and living rooms with a regular routine.
Who should skip the De’Longhi TRD40615T
If you need instant heat, a ceramic heater with a countdown timer is faster.
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2. Lasko CT18950 Ellipse Tower Heater with 12-Hour Timer
Best Countdown Timer
- 12-hour timer set from the remote
- Operates under 40 dB; display fully dims
- Three heat settings and two fan speeds
- Child lock, tip-over switch, overheat protection, cool-touch; 3-year warranty
- No on-schedule start, only auto-off
- No exact temperature readout
- Type: 18-inch ceramic tower, 1500W
- Timer: up to 12 hours
- Noise: under 40 dB
- Weight: about 4.1 lb
- Model: CT18950
For most people, a long countdown timer is enough: set it when you go to bed and the Lasko Ellipse switches off after you are asleep.
The dimmable display and quiet operation make it a natural bedroom pick.
Who the Lasko Ellipse CT18950 fits best
Bedrooms and offices.
Who should skip the Lasko Ellipse CT18950
If you want the heater to switch on by itself, choose the De’Longhi.
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3. Honeywell HCE317 Slim Ceramic Tower Heater
Best Simple Auto-Off
- Auto-off timer with 1, 2, 4 or 8-hour options
- Programmable thermostat with digital controls
- 1500W high and 750W low
- 2x overheat protection and 360° tip-over switch
- No oscillation
- Shorter maximum timer than some
- Type: slim ceramic tower
- Settings: 1500W / 750W
- Timer: 1/2/4/8 hours
- Weight: about 4.5 lb
- Model: HCE317
Honeywell keeps it simple: pick 1, 2, 4 or 8 hours and the heater shuts off. The programmable thermostat holds your chosen temperature in the meantime.
The slim tower fits beside a bed or desk.
Who the Honeywell HCE317 fits best
Small to medium rooms.
Who should skip the Honeywell HCE317
Large rooms that need oscillation.
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4. Dr. Infrared DR-978 Hybrid Heater with 12-Hour Timer
Best Timer for Larger Rooms
- 12-hour timer
- Thermostat from 50 to 86°F with Eco, High (1500W) and Low (1200W)
- Hybrid PTC plus infrared heating, about 5,200 BTU
- No exposed heating elements; UL/cUL certified; 3-year parts warranty
- About 10 lb
- Fan noise on high
- Type: hybrid infrared + PTC
- Timer: 12 hours
- Thermostat: 50–86°F, Eco
- Warranty: 3-year parts
- Model: DR-978
The DR-978 pairs a long timer with stronger hybrid heat for larger rooms. Eco mode holds the set temperature with less power.
It is a good choice for living rooms where you want heat for the evening, then automatic shut-off.
Who the Dr. Infrared DR-978 fits best
Living rooms and large bedrooms.
Who should skip the Dr. Infrared DR-978
Tiny rooms.
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5. WINHL 17″ Space Heater with Thermostat and Timer (PTC-SL1703)
Best Budget Tower With Timer
- On/off timer
- Three power levels: 700W, 1000W and 1500W
- Built-in thermostat adjusts output to room temperature
- Remote, tip-over protection, overheat auto shut-off, ETL listed
- Remote batteries not included
- Newer brand
- Type: PTC ceramic tower, 1500W
- Power: 700 / 1000 / 1500W
- Timer: yes
- Weight: about 2.2 lb
- Model: PTC-SL1703
WINHL’s 17-inch tower gives you a timer, thermostat and three power levels at a modest price.
The 700W level and timer make it efficient for overnight use in small rooms.
Who the WINHL 17-inch tower fits best
Small bedrooms on a budget.
Who should skip the WINHL 17-inch tower
If you want a longer warranty.
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6. VOCRS 1500W Heater with 1–12 Hour Timer
Best Wide-Range Timer on a Budget
- 1–12 hour timer in one-hour steps
- Remote with clear digital display
- 700W, 1000W and 1500W modes
- Overheat protection and tip-over safety
- Remote batteries not included
- Bright display at night
- Type: PTC ceramic, 1500W
- Timer: 1–12 hours
- Power: 700 / 1000 / 1500W
- Control: remote, display
- Model: PTC-903B
The VOCRS heater gives you a flexible 1–12 hour timer at a low price, so you can match it to a nap, a workday or a full night.
Its 700W setting keeps running costs low.
Who the VOCRS heater fits best
Budget bedrooms and offices.
Who should skip the VOCRS heater
If display light bothers you.
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Buying Guide: Choosing a Space Heater With a Timer
Countdown vs Programmable
| Timer type | What it does | Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Countdown auto-off | Turns off after X hours | Lasko CT18950, Honeywell HCE317, VOCRS |
| Programmable | Turns on/off at set times | De’Longhi TRD40615T |
| Long countdown (12h) | Covers a full night | Lasko, DR-978, VOCRS |
Pair the Timer With a Thermostat
A thermostat keeps the room steady while the timer limits total run time, the best combination for comfort and savings.
Plan Around Warm-Up Time
Radiators need 30–60 minutes; ceramic heaters warm a room in minutes.
Safety
- A timer is not a substitute for clearance: keep 3 feet free.
- Choose tip-over and overheat protection.
- Plug directly into a wall outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best space heater with a timer?
The De’Longhi TRD40615T is our top pick because its 24-hour programmable timer can turn heat on and off on a schedule.
Do space heater timers save electricity?
Yes. They stop the heater running after you no longer need it.
Can a space heater turn on by itself?
Only models with a programmable timer or smart schedules can.
How long should I set a heater timer at night?
Many people choose 2–4 hours to warm the bed area, then let the room cool slightly for sleep.
Final Verdict: Best Space Heater With Timer
The De’Longhi TRD40615T is the best choice if you want a true programmable timer. The Lasko CT18950 has the best countdown timer for bedrooms, and the Honeywell HCE317 is the simplest auto-off heater.
Programmable: De’Longhi TRD40615T Radiator with 24-Hour Programmable Timer Check Latest Price
Countdown: Lasko CT18950 Ellipse Tower Heater with 12-Hour Timer Check Latest Price
Simple auto-off: Honeywell HCE317 Slim Ceramic Tower Heater Check Latest Price
Combine a timer with a thermostat for the best comfort and lowest running cost.
Looking for something else? Browse all of our Heaters guides and the wider Heating & Cooling section.
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