Pros
- Heats large rooms quickly and maintains temperature effectively
- Solid wood cabinet build feels premium and durable
- Retains room moisture unlike convection heaters
- Multiple modes including eco for energy savings
- Safety features like auto shut-off work reliably
Cons
- Remote required for timer settings, with occasional reliability issues
- Grills can get very hot, requiring caution around children
- Customer support response times can be delayed
The Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 is a freestanding 1500-watt cabinet heater designed for indoor use in bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and similar spaces up to 576 square feet. It targets users seeking an efficient alternative to central heating, especially in supplemental scenarios like chilly basements or drafty rooms. Its dual heating system combines infrared quartz tubes and PTC elements to provide radiant heat that warms objects and people directly, offering quick comfort without the dryness associated with traditional hot-air blowers.
Standout performance comes from the high-velocity low-noise blower and advanced thermostat ranging from 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Reviewers praise its ability to raise room temperatures rapidly, even in large 275-square-foot spaces, while the auto mode intelligently switches between high and low settings to maintain comfort and save energy. The heater outputs around 5200 BTU, outperforming many competitors in side-by-side tests, and users report noticeable reductions in overall heating bills when used instead of baseboard systems.
Build quality impresses with a sturdy cherry wood cabinet housing a metal interior, minimal plastic components, and smooth-rolling caster wheels for easy movement. At 19 pounds with a 72-inch cord, it feels premium compared to flimsy plastic alternatives. Safety features include UL certification, tip-over protection that shuts off quickly upon tilting, overheat auto shut-off, and a surface that stays warm but not scorching to the touch.
Drawbacks include dependency on the remote for timer functions, which has failed for some requiring support intervention, and hot grills that demand vigilance around kids or pets. Support can be slow but ultimately responsive with parts like replacement boards.
Overall, the DR-968 excels as a reliable, efficient space heater for those prioritizing safety, quiet operation, and cost savings. It earns strong recommendations for anyone needing targeted winter warmth in mid-sized rooms.
Power: 1500 Watts (High), 1000 Watts (Low), 12.5 Amps, 120V
Heating Coverage: Up to 576 sq ft, 5200 BTU output
Dimensions: 13"D x 12.5"W x 17"H, 19 lbs
Features: Dual heating (Quartz + PTC), electronic thermostat (50-85°F), remote control, 12-hour timer, caster wheels, lifetime filter
Safety: Tip-over protection, overheat protection, UL certified
Noise Level: 39 dB, cord length 72 inches
