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Dr Infrared Heater

Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater: the downsides first

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#1 of 8
$$InfraredScore 3.8/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)

A best-seller (over 28,000 Amazon ratings) that HGTV and Bob Vila pick for large rooms: even, quiet heat on casters with a 3-year warranty. But it's a heavy 19 lb box with a dated look, and reliability is mixed on Amazon, with more negative than positive mentions and some units failing after about three years.

Top complaints

  • Units failing over time

    Reliability is a mixed aspect on Amazon, with 654 of 1,116 mentions negative; the summary says some owners report units failing after three years.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Heavy, dated cabinet

    HGTV lists 'heavy' (19 lb) and 'dated design' as its cons, though integrated casters let you roll it.

    Source: HGTV
  • Always-on standby light

    Bob Vila's only listed con is a standby light that 'feels unnecessary'.

    Source: Bob Vila

What owners love

  • Warms big rooms evenly

    HGTV says its infrared heat spreads evenly without the unit getting very hot to the touch. Bob Vila's 156 sq ft room rose 10 degrees in 33 minutes. Heat output is the top Amazon positive (3,207 mentions).

    Source: HGTV, Bob Vila, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Quiet, with tip-over shutoff

    Bob Vila heard only a slight hum, and tipping it over shut it off immediately. HGTV lists tip-over and overheat protection. Noise level is an Amazon positive.

    Source: Bob Vila, HGTV, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Easy to use, 3-year warranty

    HGTV praises easy operation, the included remote and a three-year warranty; Bob Vila notes a large digital display and a 12-hour timer.

    Source: HGTV, Bob Vila
Good for
  • Large rooms and basements
  • Quiet, even heat
  • People who want a remote and a long warranty

Scores (tap for why)

  • Heating power4.0
    Why 4.0?+10 degrees in 33 minutes in 156 sq ft (Bob Vila), designed for large rooms (HGTV); heat output is a top Amazon positive.
    Source: Bob Vila, HGTV, Amazon.com product page
  • Even, steady heat4.0
    Why 4.0?Heat spreads evenly through the room (HGTV); it holds temperature on auto (Bob Vila).
    Source: HGTV, Bob Vila
  • Quietness4.0
    Why 4.0?Only a slight hum (Bob Vila); noise level is an Amazon positive. No decibel figure found.
    Source: Bob Vila, Amazon.com product page
  • Safety features4.0
    Why 4.0?Tip-over (verified by Bob Vila) and overheat protection, and touch-safe (HGTV).
    Source: Bob Vila, HGTV
  • Controls & thermostat4.0
    Why 4.0?Easy operation with a remote (HGTV), a large digital display and a 12-hour timer (Bob Vila); temperature control is praised in Amazon's summary.
    Source: HGTV, Bob Vila, Amazon.com product page
  • Durability3.0
    Why 3.0?Three-year warranty and 'built to stand the test of time' (HGTV), but more negative than positive reliability mentions on Amazon.
    Source: HGTV, Amazon.com product page

What experts say

  • HGTV: Best for large rooms (updated 2026-09-16): casters, even heating, easy operation and a 3-year warranty; cons are its weight and dated design.
  • Bob Vila: Best overall energy-efficient heater (published 2026-10-02): warmed the test room 10 degrees in 33 minutes; the con is an unnecessary standby light. The intro names the DR-966, but the pick is listed as the DR-968.
  • Tom's Guide: Not a pick. Mentioned only in passing: it calls the Dr. Infrared DR-998 a better infrared choice than the Heat Storm Phoenix.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

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