ConsFirst / Space heaters / Compare
Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater vs Lasko FH500 DUO Comfort Tower Fan & Space Heater
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on quietness, controls & thermostat, durability. Lasko FH500 DUO Comfort Tower Fan & Space Heater wins on heating power, even, steady heat.
The biggest complaint about the Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater is units failing over time; for the Lasko FH500 DUO Comfort Tower Fan & Space Heater it's keeps shutting off or stops working. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater | Lasko FH500 DUO Comfort Tower Fan & Space Heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in space heaters | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Infrared | Tower |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 6% | 11% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| Heating power | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Even, steady heat | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Quietness | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Safety features | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Controls & thermostat | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Durability | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $60 · $$ $60–150 · $$$ over $150. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater
- 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.
- 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
Lasko FH500 DUO Comfort Tower Fan & Space Heater
- Keeps shutting off or stops working
Reliability is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary, with multiple owners saying it keeps turning off and stops working after a short period of use.
- Display too bright, remote hit or miss
Brightness is a negative aspect on Amazon, with several owners finding the LED display annoyingly bright; opinions on the remote are split.
- Confusing icons, bulky, filter to vacuum
Tom's Guide needed the manual to decode the icon controls, found the 41.9-inch, 12.5 lb tower awkward to carry, and notes a permanent filter that should be vacuumed every two weeks. Assembly takes about 15 minutes with a screwdriver.
Source: Tom's Guide review
Who should pick which
Pick the Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater if
Large rooms and basements
Quiet, even heat
People who want a remote and a long warranty
Skip it if: You need to carry a heater up and down stairs; You care about looks; You want the most reliable unit long-term
Pick the Lasko FH500 DUO Comfort Tower Fan & Space Heater if
Heating a whole living room or bedroom
One device for winter heat and summer cooling
Remote control and set-temperature eco mode
Skip it if: You need it dark at night (bright display); You want a compact heater to carry around; You want proven long-term reliability
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.