Extra features make the use of the heater more efficient and comfortable to use.
Built-in safety features, such as automatic shutoffs, anti-tipping devices and heat guards make heaters much more user-friendly and give you peace of mind.
Oscillating units distribute heat more evenly over a greater area thus saving energy/fuel and increasing the space being heated.
Wheels will allow heavier heater like radiators to be moved around with little effort.
An adjustable thermostat will allow you to control the temperature of the room, and will turn the unit on and off as needed to maintain the desired level of warmth.
A cool touch exterior means that the heaters exterior will not be hot to the touch. This is a good feature if you have children in the house also a good feature for portable heater, as you will not need the device to cool before moving.