Vornado VMHi500 Whole Room Heater vs Dr Infrared DR-968 Portable Heater

The Vornado VMHi500 is the better-built heater: a steel cabinet, Vortex air circulation that warms the whole room instead of one spot, auto-climate control, a remote and a 12-hour timer. The Dr Infrared DR-968 is a simpler, lighter-duty unit with a wider thermostat range and a longer cord, but it moves air less aggressively and feels more plasticky. Buy the Vornado for a bedroom or office where you want even, quiet warmth and set-and-forget control. Buy the Dr Infrared only if you want a basic, low-fuss heater and don't need a remote or room-wide circulation.

• Choose the Vornado VMHi500 if you want even room-wide heat, a remote, a programmable timer and a steel cabinet that stays cool to the touch.
• Choose the Dr Infrared DR-968 if you want a straightforward heater with a wider low-end thermostat range and a longer cord for awkward outlets.