
The Lasko Ellipse CD12950 is the best budget tabletop heater, named CNN Underscored's top budget pick for its blend of heating performance and safety. In testing it hit its target temperature within 15 minutes and raised a room 10F in an hour, and it is small and light enough to move easily. Its standout is safety value: a tip-over switch, child lock, and cool-touch housing make it a great choice for homes with kids, all for around $60.
- — CNN Underscored's top budget pick for heating performance and safety value
- — Hit target temperature within 15 minutes and raised a room 10F in an hour in testing
- — Strong safety set: tip-over switch, child lock, and cool-touch housing
- — Best suited to small and medium rooms, not whole-house heating
- — Tabletop unit needs a stable surface
- — No app or smart control
