Lasko 22-inch Ceramic Tower Space Heater (CT22850) review

The Lasko CT22850 is a 22-inch, fan-forced ceramic tower for dry indoor use. The current U.S. Lasko All Heaters row identifies one Black finish and one SKU, CT22850. Its feature set includes three heat levels, Auto Eco temperature control, base oscillation, a physical remote and a 12-hour shutoff countdown. Those controls make it more specific than a basic two-setting tower, but they do not override the manual’s placement rules or its warning not to leave the heater operating unattended. This is an assessment of the documented model, not a hands-on heating test.

Three heat levels, without an exact wattage map

The product page lists an output range of 900 to 1,500 watts at 120 volts. The manual names High, Medium and Low, but neither source assigns an exact wattage to each of those three selections. If an exact low-mode draw is essential for your electrical or operating plan, treat it as unknown instead of assuming that Low equals 900 watts or that Medium has a particular draw. The 1,500-watt figure is the documented maximum.

Auto Eco is a temperature-control routine rather than a fourth, fixed heat level. Set the desired room temperature with the plus/minus controls and the heater uses High while the sensed room temperature is below that setting. Once it reaches the target, the unit changes to Low; the heating element switches off when the room rises more than about two degrees above the set point, while the fan continues for roughly 15 seconds. The display in this mode reports room temperature, not the temperature of the outlet air. Lasko does not publish a thermostat range or an independent sensor-accuracy result, so this is a convenience control rather than a precision room monitor.

A useful off countdown, not a timed start

The timer is an elapsed auto-off countdown of up to 12 hours. It can end a period of supervised use, but the instructions do not describe a schedule that starts the heater later. A countdown and Auto Eco should not be treated as permission to leave the appliance running unattended: the CT22850 manual explicitly says not to do that. If a later start is a hard requirement, this model does not meet it.

The included remote operates the same functions as the manual controls except changing the temperature display between Fahrenheit and Celsius. It needs two AAA batteries, which are not included. The display automatically dims after 10 seconds and any button restores its full brightness. Those details may matter when you want controls from a chair or prefer less light after setting the heater. The listing does not document app control; a physical remote is not phone access.

Movement and the room-size claim

The manual has a button to start and stop base oscillation, and the listing calls the movement widespread. Neither source gives a numeric arc or a selectable sweep angle. That supports a qualitative side-to-side preference, not a minimum-angle requirement or a promise of 360-degree distribution. The current listing gives a maximum coverage figure of 300 square feet. That is the manufacturer’s claim, not a comparative room-heating test: insulation, ceiling height, drafts, outdoor conditions and the home’s main heating system all influence comfort.

Lasko lists a 21.6-inch body height, 7.1-inch width, 7.9-inch depth and 6-pound weight. It has a carry handle and a base, so it can be repositioned between rooms, but first measure more than the body: the manual requires at least three feet of clearance from combustibles at the front and one foot at the sides and rear. It needs a stable, flat, level surface. Tip-over and overheat protection are listed, but they do not shrink the clearance area or make an unsuitable location acceptable.

Outlet, location and upkeep requirements

The manual requires a direct 120-volt wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord, power strip, surge protector or similar cord-connected device, and do not share the outlet or circuit with multiple devices. Keep the power cord uncovered and out of traffic. The heater is for residential indoor use; the manual rules out bathrooms, laundry rooms, wet or damp spaces, outdoor use, hazardous locations and agricultural settings. It also says not to operate it unattended. A timer, thermostat or safety shutoff does not change those conditions.

For maintenance, unplug the unit and vacuum its intake grills with a brush attachment every two weeks; the manual says not to disassemble it. If the thermal-overload protector shuts the heater down, unplug it and wait 10 minutes to cool before following the reset instructions. Lasko describes a three-year limited warranty for the original purchaser with proof of purchase; read the warranty terms for what it covers and excludes.

Who should shortlist the CT22850?

Consider it if you want three named heat settings, an Auto Eco target routine, a remote, a 12-hour off countdown and qualitative base oscillation in a dry indoor floor heater, and you can provide the required direct outlet and clearance. A minimum of three documented heat levels, an included remote or a shutoff countdown can change a shortlist in its favor. A requirement for four levels, app access, a later scheduled start, a confirmed numeric sweep, bathroom use or unattended operation should reject it or leave the feature unconfirmed.

For another 22-inch, three-level Lasko tower, compare CT22495 and CT22498. Their own model manuals document a child lock, and their remote-control details differ: CT22495 names a Night Mode, while CT22498 documents display dimming and beep mute. CT22850 has its own automatic display dimming, but those sibling controls should not be transferred to it. The exact sources also list different dimensions and remote battery inclusion. Check the SKU and manual before choosing by color or shared tower styling.

Compare CT22850 with CT22495 and CT22498 · Lasko CT22850 product page · CT22850 instruction manual