Features
- 2‑in‑1 heater and fan operation
- Adjustable thermostat (65–85 °F)
- Two heat settings: low (900 W) and high (1500 W)
- Fan settings: low and high
- LED display for mode/settings
- Quiet operation due to blade design intended to reduce noise
- Safety features: over‑heat protection and tip‑over auto shutoff
- 6 ft power cord
- Suitable for small spaces (desks, dorms, RVs, offices)
- 1‑year limited warranty
Specifications
| Power (Low Heat) | 900 W |
| Power (High Heat) | 1500 W |
| Temperature Range | 65–85 °F |
| Fan Settings | Low, High |
| Controls | LED display |
| Dimensions | 10.24 x 7.91 x 12.3 in. |
| Power Cord Length | 6 ft. |
| Safety Features | Over‑heat protection; Tip‑over auto shutoff |
| Intended Use | Indoor only |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Includes | (1) unit |
Compact electric unit that combines a personal heater and a fan for small indoor areas. Provides adjustable thermostat control and selectable heat and fan modes, and includes built‑in safety shutoffs for indoor use.
Model Number: BHDT118
Black & Decker Digital Turbo Portable Heater Fan Combo 2-in-1 Mini Space Heater Review
As someone who appreciates both functionality and compact design in heating solutions, I was intrigued by the Black & Decker Digital Turbo Portable Heater Fan Combo 2-in-1 Electric Personal Mini Space Heater (model BHDT118). This little heater promises a lot, from dual functionality as a heater and fan to safety features that provide peace of mind. Here's my detailed experience with this compact heating solution.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that struck me about this heater was its compact size. Standing at just 10.6 inches tall and weighing a manageable 12.1 pounds, it's easy to place just about anywhere you need it. The design is practical, with a sturdy handle that makes it easy to move from one room to another. The heater's compact dimensions make it ideal for small spaces like under a desk, in a dorm room, or even in an RV.
However, I did notice a few build quality issues. Upon unboxing, there was a noticeable chemical smell, which was somewhat off-putting. Although the smell dissipated after a few hours of use, it's something to be aware of, especially if you are sensitive to odors.
Performance
This heater offers two heat settings: low (900 watts) and high (1500 watts), with a temperature range between 65°F and 85°F. In my experience, the high setting was particularly effective. Within minutes, it managed to heat up my small office space, making it a cozy environment even on the chilliest days.
One of the standout features is its ability to heat quickly. On high, the heater produced a significant amount of warmth, enough to make a noticeable difference in a 100-200 square foot room. The low setting, however, left something to be desired. It seemed to only heat half of the heating element, which resulted in uneven heat distribution. This could be a design feature, but it felt more like a flaw to me.
Usability
Using the heater is straightforward. It has a simple control panel with easy-to-understand buttons for adjusting the heat settings and fan speed. The thermostat knob, however, requires a bit of a learning curve. You need to turn it past a 'click' point to get the heater to work correctly. Once you get the hang of it, the heater functions as expected.
One minor inconvenience is the noise level. On the high setting, the heater can be quite loud, which might be distracting if you're using it in a quiet environment like a home office or bedroom. The noise level is something to consider if you are sensitive to sound.
Safety Features
Safety is a critical aspect of any heating device, and this heater doesn't disappoint in that regard. It comes equipped with over-heat protection and a tip-over shutoff feature. I tested the tip-over shutoff by slightly tilting the heater, and it immediately turned off, which is reassuring if you have kids or pets around.
Durability
Durability seems to be a mixed bag with this heater. While some users have reported using it for over a year without any issues, others have experienced problems within weeks of use. In my case, the heater worked flawlessly for the first few months but started making a ticking noise after prolonged use. This inconsistency in performance raises questions about the long-term reliability of the product.
Value for Money
Priced affordably, this heater offers good value for money, especially considering its dual functionality as a heater and fan. However, the durability issues and the uneven heat distribution on the low setting make me question its overall value. If you're looking for a budget-friendly heating solution for a small space, this heater is worth considering, but be prepared for potential issues.
Final Thoughts
The Black & Decker Digital Turbo Portable Heater Fan Combo 2-in-1 Electric Personal Mini Space Heater is a solid option for those in need of a compact and affordable heating solution. Its high heat setting is particularly effective, and the safety features provide peace of mind. However, the build quality issues, noise level, and inconsistent performance on the low setting are drawbacks that can't be ignored.
Would I recommend this heater? Yes, but with reservations. If you need a quick and budget-friendly way to heat a small space, this heater will do the job. Just be aware of its limitations and be prepared for potential durability issues. If you can live with these trade-offs, then this little heater could be a worthwhile addition to your home or office.
Project Ideas
Business
Coworking Micro‑Climate Program
Offer a subscription to coworking spaces: deploy units with branded, tip-resistant desktop stands, smart plugs for schedules, and user guides on using 900 W/low fan and 65–72 °F settings. Charge monthly for equipment, maintenance, and energy coaching (e.g., offset central heat by 1–2 °F while preserving comfort). Include annual safety checks and swap units under the 1‑year warranty.
Campus Dorm Comfort Bundles
Wholesale bundles to campus stores: the heater plus a fire‑safe mat, cable clip set, quick-start card (safe distances, fan-only study mode), and a branded storage tote. Position it as a permitted, compact micro‑climate kit for dorms and small apartments. Offer pre-semester promotions and on‑campus pop‑ups for demos.
Salon/Barber Client Comfort Upsell
Provide salons and barbershops with under‑station foot-warming setups: low-profile docks, laminated safety cards, and preset 70–75 °F comfort settings. Sell as an add-on experience during colder months (“Cozy Chair Upgrade”). Include maintenance and sanitation wipes, and bundle multiple units with a volume discount.
RV & Boat Dealer Accessory Kit
Partner with RV/boat dealers to offer an indoor‑use comfort kit for shore‑power situations: the heater, a securement rack with heat shield, a cord management strap, and a quick guide for safe, indoor-only operation. Provide dealers with point-of-sale displays and seasonal bundles for service departments and marina shops.
Etsy/Shopify Heater Stands & Airflow Accessories
Design and sell CNC-cut metal stands, cable organizers, reflective baffles, and boot/glove drying manifolds that complement the unit without modifying it. Offer personalization (engraving, powder-coat colors) and upsell safety mats. Include clear compatibility notes, safe-clearance diagrams, and short setup videos to reduce returns.
Creative
Under‑Desk Foot‑Warmer Dock
Build a low-profile, tip-resistant stand from steel or aluminum with a perforated front baffle that channels the heater’s airflow toward your feet while keeping a safe 6–12 inch clearance from surfaces. Add silicone feet, a cable clip for the 6 ft cord, and a flip-up handle so you can easily stow it after work. Use the 900 W setting and 65–75 °F thermostat for a cozy micro‑climate without heating the whole room.
Collapsible Craft Drying Booth
Create a foldable, heat-safe mesh cube (metal frame with fiberglass screen) that sits 12–18 inches in front of the unit to speed-dry watercolors, small clay pieces, or glued joints using fan-only or low heat. Include a removable rack system for multiple tiers, a temperature card to stay under 95 °F for delicate media, and a reflective backside panel to improve airflow while preventing direct heat contact.
Indoor Seedling Warm-Air Circulator
Assemble a narrow, freestanding airflow guide made from thin aluminum sheet to direct low, gentle air above seed trays, stabilizing 65–75 °F around young plants and improving circulation to reduce damping-off. The heater sits outside the trays’ splash zone; add a drip guard and a small thermometer hook so you can monitor temps without enclosing the unit.
Boot & Glove Quick-Dry Manifold
Fabricate a detachable, heat-resistant silicone or aluminum manifold that stands in front of the heater (not attached to it) and splits airflow into two or four flexible ducts. Each duct ends in a slotted tip you can slip into boots or gloves. Use fan-only or 900 W heat with supervision; the manifold sits clear of the grille to avoid obstruction and maintains open airflow.
RV/Van Micro-Climate Rack
Build a compact, vibration-resistant rack with a steel heat shield and tie-down straps so the heater can be used safely on a countertop or table when parked and connected to shore power. Integrate a fold-out directional vane to send warm air toward seating during cold mornings, leveraging the tip-over shutoff and keeping clearances to cabinetry.