BLACK+DECKER Infrared Radiant Quartz Tower Heater – 1500W with Adjustable Thermostat
At a Glance
KEY FEATURES
- Heater Type: Infrared radiant quartz tower (dual quartz tubes) with integrated fan
- Heat Settings: 2 levels - Low 750W / High 1500W + adjustable thermostat (manual dials)
- Coverage: up to ~150 sq ft (ideal for personal spaces: bedroom, home office, study)
- Safety: cool-touch housing, power indicator light, overheat shutoff, tip-over auto shutoff
- Power: 120V AC, 12.5A (max temp setting: 140°F)
- Form Factor: tower, floor-mount; indoor use
PROS
- Strong heat output (1500W)
- Quick spot-warmth; cozy radiant feel
- 2 heat levels + adjustable thermostat
- Compact, lightweight, easy to move
- Tip-over shutoff praised
- Great value, especially on sale
CONS
- Fan noise/rattle is a common complaint
- Mixed durability (some fail in months)
- Some say it heats best only "in front of it"
- Thermostat/dial quirks (no numbers)
- Feels plasticky/cheap to some
- Reports of overheating/cord heat (use caution)
Editor's Choice
Based on rigorous testing & Amazon customer feedback
🔥 Will This Heater Work For Your Room?
Answer a few quick questions about your space to see if this heater is a good match.
Product Overview
The BLACK+DECKER infrared radiant quartz tower heater delivers focused, fast-feeling warmth through dual quartz tubes and an integrated fan. This compact 1500W tower-style heater excels at targeted heating for desks, bedrooms, workshops, and small living spaces. It’s designed for quick personal comfort rather than whole-home heating, with simple manual controls and essential safety features.
Who Is This For?
This heater is ideal for anyone who needs supplemental heat in a specific area without running central heating or cooling down the whole house. It works well for people who spend time in one spot (desk, reading chair, workbench) and want direct warmth that feels almost like sitting near a fireplace. However, if you need absolute quiet for calls and sleep, or want to heat very large open spaces, you may want to consider alternatives.
Key Benefits
- Fast, direct warmth: Quartz radiant heat that you feel quickly when positioned in front of you
- Strong heat output: 1500W on high provides serious warmth for small to medium spaces
- Two heat levels + thermostat: Low (750W) and High (1500W) with adjustable dial for temperature control
- Compact tower design: Slim vertical footprint that fits into tight spaces and corners
- Essential safety features: Tip-over shutoff, overheat protection, and cool-touch housing
- Lightweight and portable: Only 5 lbs, easy to move room-to-room
Performance Analysis
Based on extensive customer feedback, this heater excels at delivering strong, fast-feeling heat when you’re positioned in front of it. Many owners describe it as providing “toasty” warmth that feels satisfying and direct, similar to standing near a small fireplace. In smaller enclosed spaces (bedrooms under 150 sq ft, home offices, workshops), it can warm the entire area effectively.
The main performance considerations are noise and room-heating scope. The integrated fan helps disperse heat but produces audible sound that some users find acceptable while others find bothersome, especially during quiet activities like calls or sleep. For larger or drafty rooms, results are more “helps locally” than “transforms the whole space.”
Best Use Cases
- Under-desk heating for home offices and cubicles
- Bedrooms for targeted warmth while sleeping or getting ready
- Workshops, garages, and workbenches for focused comfort
- Small bathrooms for post-shower warmth
- Reading areas, study rooms, and personal zones
- Supplemental heat to avoid running whole-house systems
What You Should Know
How the heat feels: Infrared quartz heat is directional and feels strongest when you’re in the direct path. Think of it as warming you more than warming the air around you. The fan helps push some warmth outward but it’s still best for close-range comfort.
Noise considerations: The fan produces audible sound. Some users find it acceptable background noise, while others (especially light sleepers or those on frequent video calls) find it too loud. Test your tolerance early if this matters to you.
Thermostat cycling: The adjustable dial helps maintain temperature by cycling on and off. Some users report the cycling feels just right, while others wish for more precise digital control with numbered settings.
Proper electrical setup: This is a 1500W/12.5A heater. Always plug directly into a wall outlet—never an extension cord or power strip. A few users reported cord/outlet overheating issues, which can happen when heaters draw full power through inadequate electrical connections.
Pros & Cons Analysis
Based on extensive testing and Amazon customer feedback
Pros
- Strong heat output - many say it "puts out a lot of heat," warms bedrooms/living rooms/garages, and even helps in very cold conditions
- Feels warmer than typical "blowing" heaters - several people like the radiant/quartz warmth and say it keeps them toasty within a few feet
- Heats quickly for many users - lots of "heats up fast," "room warm in minutes," "quick warm-up" comments
- Two heat settings work well for control - users like low for maintaining comfort and high for quick heat (many note high is very hot)
- Thermostat helps maintain temp - some report good cycling and steady comfort once the space warms
- Safety features appreciated - tip-over shutoff is repeatedly praised; some like that the exterior doesn't feel dangerously hot
- Portable/compact - tall, slim footprint; light and easy to move room-to-room; good for desk areas, bedrooms, campers, workshops, patios
- Good value when on sale - many feel performance is excellent for the price; some bought multiples
- Lower heating costs for some - a few users say it helped reduce or manage heating bills when used strategically
- No beeps / simple operation - people like basic knobs and straightforward use
Cons
- Noise is the #1 complaint - frequent mentions of a loud fan, rattling, "turbine/engine" sound, and an annoying pitch (some say it's too loud for calls or quiet rooms)
- Durability/reliability is inconsistent - multiple reports of units stopping after 2-6 months, elements failing, "no heat but light on," or only one side working
- Some say it's NOT fast / not room-heating - a subset report it takes ~30 minutes to noticeably warm a room, or that it mainly warms you only if you're directly in front of it
- Only 2 settings - several wish for a true "medium" setting or more granular control
- Thermostat/controls frustrations - complaints that it won't run as expected without thermostat interaction; temp dial lacks numbers; some say the unit shuts off too soon or behaves oddly
- Overheat shutoff behavior - reports of overheating and shutting off, then requiring a manual reset/wait period before it works again. Dust buildup is also blamed for overheating
- Tip-over switch can be overly sensitive - some say it cuts out when moving it and can be finicky (one even described a switch problem)
- Build quality feels "cheap/plasticky" to some - a number of reviews mention it feels lightweight or less solid than older versions/other brands
- Safety red flags from a few reviewers - serious complaints of cords/outlets overheating or melting and fire-risk concerns (even if not universal, it's a notable theme)
- Minor annoyances - initial odor for some; missing/weak indicator lights (some expected two lights like older models); constant/glowing light annoyance; some prefer a stronger fan or different design/guard
Our Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER infrared heater delivers on its core promise: strong, fast-feeling radiant heat for targeted comfort. It's an excellent choice for people who want to stay warm at a desk, chair, or workbench without heating the entire house. The simple two-level heat controls and thermostat make it straightforward to use, and the safety features provide peace of mind for pet owners and families.
The trade-offs are realistic for the price point: audible fan noise, plastic construction that feels lighter than premium models, and occasional durability concerns in customer feedback. If you understand it's designed for personal heating zones rather than whole-room air warming, it can be a practical winter companion.
Best for: Desk/workbench warmth, bedrooms for direct heat, workshops and garages, supplemental heating to reduce whole-house costs.
Skip if: You need whisper-quiet operation for calls/sleep, want to heat large open spaces, or prefer ceramic fan heaters with digital controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does the BLACK+DECKER BHTI06 start warming?
Most people feel heat within a short time, especially on High. It is great for a quick warm-up at a desk, couch, or bedside, then you can drop it to Low to maintain comfort.
Does it heat the whole room or mainly the area in front of it?
It can warm small rooms (it is rated around 150 sq ft), but it shines most as a direct, in-front-of-you heater. Several owners say it feels strongest when it is pointed at you from a few feet away.
What heat settings does it have?
You get two heat levels: Low (750W) and High (1500W), plus a manual thermostat dial to help hold a steady temperature.
Is it quiet enough for sleeping or office calls?
Noise is the biggest complaint. Some users find it acceptable, but many describe the fan as loud or annoying, so it may not be ideal for Zoom calls or light sleepers.
Does it have a thermostat that really cycles heat on and off?
Yes, it has a simple dial thermostat (no digital display). Many owners say it helps keep the room comfortable once warmed, but a few report the cycling can feel inconsistent depending on placement and airflow.
What safety features does it include?
It includes cool-touch housing, a power indicator light, overheat protection, and tip-over auto shutoff. Pet owners especially like the tip-over protection.
Why does it turn off when I pick it up or bump it?
That is the tip-over safety switch doing its job. Several users mention it stops when lifted or tilted and restarts when placed back flat on the floor.
Any setup tips to get the best heat?
Place it on a flat, solid surface and point it toward the area you want warmed. For faster room heating, keep doors closed and use a ceiling fan on low to spread warmth.
Can I use an extension cord or power strip with it?
It is a 1500W (12.5A) heater, so it should be plugged into a proper wall outlet. A few reviewers reported hot cords or melted connections when using other cords/outlets, so avoid extension cords and make sure the outlet is in good condition.
How do I keep it running well over time?
Dust can build up inside and may cause early shutoffs or weaker performance. Owners recommend occasionally vacuuming the intake area or blowing out dust (when unplugged and fully cool) to help it run better.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BLACK+DECKER |
|---|---|
| Model / SKU | BHTI06 |
| Heater type | Portable indoor electric space heater (infrared radiant quartz) |
| Form factor | Tower |
| Heating method | Radiant quartz + integrated fan (forced air assist) |
| Heating element | Dual quartz tubes (radiant) |
| Max heat output | 1500 W |
| Voltage | 120 V |
| Amperage | 12.5 A |
| Coverage (manufacturer claim) | Up to 150 sq ft |
| Temperature range | Up to 140°F (max temperature setting) |
| Speeds / levels | 2 heat levels: Low (750 W) / High (1500 W) + adjustable thermostat |
| Noise level | Not specified (no published dB rating) |
| Oscillation | No (fixed-direction heat) |
| Controls | Manual on-unit dial controls (thermostat + heat selector) |
| Timer | No (not listed) |
| Power source | Corded electric (AC) |
| Mounting / placement | Floor mount / free standing |
| Dimensions (D × W × H) | 8.5" × 12.2" × 23" |
| Weight | 5 lb |
| Color | Black |
| Special features | Manual controls, adjustable thermostat, cool-touch housing, power indicator light, overheat shutoff, tip-over auto shutoff |
| Safety certification | Not specified (not listed) |
| Included in the box | Heater, user manual |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
| Recommended room types / uses | Bedroom, home office, study room, office (indoor use) |
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