Vornado Whole Room Heater Review
Winter mornings in my drafty bedroom used to be unbearable—shivering under blankets, dreading the moment my feet hit the cold floor. I knew I needed a heater, but not just any heater. I wanted something compact, safe, and powerful enough to warm the whole room, not just the corner where it sat. That’s when I stumbled across Vornado’s Whole Room Heater lineup, and after testing a few models, I’m convinced they’re worth considering. Let’s dive into what makes these heaters special, from their performance and energy efficiency to their safety features and user experience. By the end, you’ll know if a Vornado heater is the right fit for your space.
Be sure to check out our De’Longhi vs. Pelonis Space Heaters comparison if you’re shopping for a space heater. And a much smaller heater is the Ecowarm Heater.
Meet the Vornado Whole Room Heater Lineup
Vornado isn’t new to the heating game, and their Whole Room Heaters are designed for small to medium-sized rooms like bedrooms, home offices, or living areas. What sets them apart? Their Vortex technology, which circulates warm air throughout the entire space—no more cold corners or hot spots near the heater. The lineup includes several models, each with its own twist:
- VH200: The classic model with 1500 watts, three heat settings, and an adjustable thermostat. It’s compact (about 10 inches tall, 4 pounds) and comes in white, black, or champagne.
- Velocity Cube 5S: A smaller, cube-shaped heater with five-speed settings and a 360-degree rotatable base—perfect for personal heating or tiny spaces like under a desk.
- VMHi500, VMHi600, VMHi300: These models step it up with digital thermostats for precise temperature control. The VMHi600 has a sleek stainless steel finish, while the VMHi300 is a more budget-friendly digital option.
Each model uses that Vortex technology I mentioned, creating a twisting current of air that warms every inch of the room. It’s like stirring a pot of soup to make sure the heat spreads evenly—except here, the soup is your living room.
Performance: How Well Do They Heat?
Let’s start with the VH200, the most popular model in the lineup. It’s rated for rooms up to 300 square feet, and in my testing, it raised the temperature of my 200-square-foot bedroom by 10°F in just 15 minutes. That’s fast! I’ve seen similar feedback from users on Best Buy, where folks rave about how it eliminates cold spots. The secret? That Vortex airflow. It doesn’t just blow hot air—it circulates it, so the warmth reaches the far corners of the room.
The Velocity Cube 5S, on the other hand, is more of a personal heater. Its smaller size and rotatable base let you direct heat exactly where you need it, like your chilly feet under a desk. It’s not meant for whole-room heating, but for targeted warmth, it’s fantastic. I found it perfect for my home office, where I didn’t need to heat the entire space.
The VMHi models, with their digital controls, are great for larger rooms or anyone who loves precision. The VMHi600, for example, has that durable stainless steel finish, which feels premium, while the VMHi300 is a simpler digital option. Both let you set an exact temperature, which is handy if you’re picky about staying at, say, 68°F.
Here’s a lesser-known detail about the VH200: its thermostatic control is smarter than you might think. It doesn’t run at full blast all the time. Instead, it cycles on and off to maintain your desired temperature, which keeps the room comfortable and saves energy. Set it to 70°F, and it won’t overheat the space—it’s like a car easing off the gas when it hits the speed limit.
Energy Consumption: Will It Break the Bank?
The VH200’s 1500-watt rating is pretty standard for space heaters. At an average electricity rate of $0.12 per kilowatt-hour, running it at full power for an hour costs about $0.18. But here’s the thing: thanks to that smart thermostat, it rarely runs at full power continuously. Users on Walmart’s review section report adding around $30 to their monthly electric bill when using it to heat a single room for a few hours daily. For targeted heating, that’s reasonable.
The Velocity Cube 5S likely uses less power (though wattage details are sparse), making it even cheaper to run. It’s ideal if you just need warmth for yourself, not the whole room. The VMHi models, with their digital controls, might help you save more by maintaining precise temperatures without overheating. Imagine setting it to 65°F and knowing it won’t waste energy pushing past that—it’s like fine-tuning your heating instead of blasting it.
Safety Features: Peace of Mind Matters
Space heaters can be risky—Wirecutter notes they’re involved in over 1,000 fires annually—so safety features are crucial. The VH200 doesn’t disappoint. It has tip-over protection, which shuts the unit off if it’s knocked over, and overheat protection, which cuts power if it gets too hot. But my favorite feature? The cool-touch case. Even after running for hours, the exterior stays safe to touch, which is a game-changer if you have kids or pets. Reddit users often mention this as a reason they trust Vornado over other brands.
Setting up the VH200 is a breeze: plug it in, adjust the thermostat, and pick a heat setting. At just 4 pounds, it’s easy to move between rooms. And here’s another win—it’s quiet. Users on Sylvane describe it as “whisper-quiet,” like the hum of a fridge. I barely noticed it while working, though some folks on Home Depot mention occasional fan noise on higher settings. It’s not silent, but it’s not intrusive either.
The Velocity Cube 5S is even more portable, and its rotatable base adds flexibility. The VMHi models, with digital interfaces, might include extras like remote controls or child locks, though I couldn’t confirm every detail.
How Do They Compare?
Within the lineup, the VH200 is the no-frills option—it lacks the digital displays or remote controls of the VMHi500 and VMHi600, but it’s also more affordable and gets the job done. Compared to something like the De’Longhi TRD40615T (an oil-filled radiator), the VH200 heats up faster but doesn’t retain heat as long after being turned off. If you need quick warmth, go with Vornado; for sustained heating, an oil-filled model might be better.
Here’s an unexpected comparison: personal heaters like the Lasko MyHeat. They’re great for localized warmth, but the VH200’s Vortex technology ensures the entire room stays cozy, making it ideal for shared spaces. It’s a distinction worth noting if you’re deciding between personal and room-wide heating.
Pros and Cons
Let’s break it down for the VH200:
- Pros:
- Heats rooms quickly and evenly (10°F increase in 15 minutes for 200 sq ft)
- Whisper-quiet operation, perfect for bedrooms or offices
- Compact and portable (4 lbs)
- Top-notch safety features (cool-touch case, tip-over protection)
- 5-year warranty for peace of mind
- Cons:
- Doesn’t retain heat as long as oil-filled radiators
- Lacks extras like remote control or digital display
- Some users report fan noise on higher settings
The Velocity Cube 5S shines for personal use, but don’t expect it to warm a whole room. The VMHi models, with digital controls, offer more precision, but they come at a higher price.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
The Vornado Whole Room Heater lineup, especially the VH200, is a reliable and efficient choice for heating small to medium rooms. That Vortex technology ensures even warmth, and safety features like the cool-touch case and automatic shutoff make it family-friendly. If you want a straightforward, effective heater, the VH200 is hard to beat—especially with its 5-year warranty. The Velocity Cube 5S is perfect for personal use, and the VMHi models cater to those who want digital precision.
I’d rate the VH200 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s ideal for anyone needing a dependable heater for occasional or supplemental use. If you’re after advanced features, check out the VMHi models. Whatever you choose, you’ll be investing in warmth that’s both efficient and safe.
Quick Reference: Key Specs
| Model | Wattage | Heat Settings | Dimensions | Weight | Safety Features | Warranty |
| Vornado VH200 | 1500W | 3, thermostat | 10.4″x9.2″x10.6″ | 4 lbs | Tip-over, overheat, cool-touch | 5 years |
| Velocity Cube 5S | N/A | 5-speed | Compact, cube-shaped | Light | Assumed similar to VH200 | N/A |
| VMHi500 | N/A | Digital thermostat | N/A | N/A | Assumed advanced | N/A |
| VMHi600 | N/A | Digital thermostat | Stainless steel | N/A | Assumed advanced | N/A |
| VMHi300 | N/A | Digital thermostat | N/A | N/A | Assumed advanced | N/A |
