Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.
Our Favourites
Editors Choice: ANSIO 2300W Oil Filled Radiator
Best for Small Areas: De’Longhi Dragon 4
Best with Twin Panel: Dimplex Cadiz Eco 2kW
Summer might be on the horizon, but in the UK, temperatures can suddenly drop at any time of the year. If you want to make sure that you can chase off the chill without having to heat your entire home, your ideal solution may be to track down the best electric heater.
Whether you want to warm up a bedroom before you go to sleep, or just want to try and fill in a little heat in your living room, an electric heater can be a great way to keep your home cosy without paying for huge electricity bills. Of course, like most devices today, if you want to find something that does the job without draining your finances, then you might need to do some searching.
After all, without doing your research, how will you know if you need an oil heater, a convection fan, or even something that you can mount on the wall?
Whatever kind of heating solution you’re looking for, we can help. We’ve scoured the internet for electric heater reviews, checked some of the popular models for ourselves, and created a list of the top contenders in the UK. We’re sure you’ll find something to keep you warm all year round.
How We Compared Electric Heaters
To find the right electric heaters we considered multiple factors including:
- Automatic Temperature Control
- An Option with Cold Air Settings
- The Importance of Having Eco Settings
- With a Thermostat Built-In
- Possible Wall Mounting
- Can be Controlled with a Wi-Fi App
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
To find out more about our process please see here.
Best Electric Heater Reviews – Top 10 Picks
1. ANSIO 2300W Oil Filled Radiator (Editor’s Choice)
Both powerful and conveniently portable, the ANSIO 2300W radiator can deliver results wherever it goes. Thanks to the four castor wheels, you can easily move this stylish oil filled radiator from one room to another.
This 2300-watt radiator comes with remote control, but it can also be manually operated through the control panel on the front. There are three power settings to choose from, as well as an Eco Mode. The temperature can be adjusted from 5°C to 35°C. You can even set a timer function to heat for a specific period. For convenience, it has a memory function that can keep the last applied settings.
The timer can keep your heater working for up to 24 hours, before shutting off automatically to save you money on energy bills. Brimming with safety features, it comes equipped with a Child Lock function that deactivates all the buttons on the control panel to keep curious little ones safe. The overheat protection also automatically shuts down the power when the machine gets too hot. There’s also a safety tip-over switch that turns the heater off when it’s accidentally knocked down.
It’s worth noting though that you can’t use an extension cord with this unit. Hence, you have to position it somewhere near a mains outlet, as you may find the power cord a bit short. Also, the timer can be a little fiddly.
Pros:
- Range of heating options
- Stylish and portable design
- Excellent safety features
- Timer function for up to 24 hours
- Remote control or manual operation
Cons:
- Power cord may be short
- May not be used with extension cords
- Setting the timer can be complicated
2. De’Longhi Dragon 4 (Best for Small Areas)
An excellent option for heating up any home, the De’Longhi Dragon 4 radiator will quickly and easily heat up a range of rooms during colder months. The chimney effect on the radiator is excellent for sending heat through a series of vents for up-close heating when you want to get results fast. There’s also a set of three heating options to choose from.
Designed to suit all kinds of homes, this De’Longhi radiator offers a powerful 2kW heat output rating and a selection of three heat options. Aside from excellent performance, the De’Longhi also comes with an elegant design, so it should blend well with any interior decoration. There’s also an anti-frost and thermostat function included.
You can set your De’Longhi heater up to run at specific times or for certain periods, with its 24-hour timer. This should help to reduce the amount of energy you waste when you forget to turn the heating off. The slimline and compact shape also means that the device can fit well into a range of spaces around the home.
Minor drawbacks of this heater include limited heat settings and wheels that are quite difficult to adjust.
Pros:
- Excellent efficient heating warms up room quickly
- Great size for smaller rooms
- Compact design is easy to transport
- Attractive finish to fit in any home
- Good power output
Cons:
- May not offer as many heating options as some alternatives
- Wheels may not be easy to adjust
3. Dimplex Cadiz Eco 2KW Oil-Free (Best with Twin Panel)
If you’re looking for the best portable heater, this Dimplex Cadiz could have you covered. Designed to give you excellent performance without consuming too much energy, this heater comes with a 2KW heat output and a choice of two heat settings to choose from.
Simple, streamline, and ready for use whenever you need it, you can always rely on the Cadiz. When it comes to ease of use, this model is an excellent choice. It is designed with twin-panel technology, allowing you to control the heat direction by switching on/off either side. There’s a digital thermostat and an onboard 24-hour timer that you can set to determine when you want to warm up your home each day. What’s more, when it comes to portability, this electric heater is up to 50% lighter than oil-filled radiators.
If all that wasn’t enough, it is 10% more energy-efficient than oil-filled competitors and 30% faster at warming up too. There are countless things to love about this handy home heater. The only real niggle is that it’s not quite as attractive as some of the other radiators on the market, and it emits a bit of a chemical smell when you start to use it for the first time.
Pros:
- Easy to use with programmable temperature control
- Twin panel design
- Highly portable – 50% lighter than competitors
- Energy saving
- Super-fast warm-up
Cons:
- Strange smell at first
- Not as attractive as some radiators
- Instructions could be clearer
4. Warme Designer Wi-Fi Ultra Slim with App (Best Wall Mounted)
The Warme Designer is our pick for the best wall mounted electric heater. It comes with Wi-Fi connectivity so that you can control how hot it gets from your smartphone.
One of the biggest issues that homeowners face with standard electric heaters is that they can take up a lot of space in the rooms they warm up. A much easier way to reduce wasted space is to opt for a slim-line wall-mounted heater, like this product.
Its digital thermostat improves your chances of accurate readings when you contact your utility company each month. What’s more, you can alternate between programmed heating, or “instant heat” depending on your needs. It is quick and easy to set up – although you’ll need to follow the instructions carefully to make sure that you don’t end up with any unwanted accidents.
The safety sensors are also excellent at protecting against things like overheating. There’s even a waterproof casing so you can use the Warme in the bathroom.
Pros:
- Streamline and stylish
- Wi-Fi app control
- Fits easily onto any wall
- Recommended by architects
Cons:
- Hard to connect to Wi-Fi
- Only a 1-year warranty
5. Amazon Basics ECO Tower 2200W (Best Tower Fan)
Simple and effective, the Amazon Basics ECO oscillating fan is one of the most versatile products to have in your home. This convenient fan comes with a host of settings to choose from including two fan speeds, three heat settings, as well as a remote control so you can manage all of your temperature needs from a distance.
The oscillating function in this Amazon Basics fan will ensure that you can spread the heat around your room with ease. The remote-control function is particularly useful when you’re too cold to go and deal with your fan manually.
One of the biggest benefits of the Amazon Basics ECO Oscillating fan is that it’s ideal for the environment. The energy-efficient eco setting is great for both your wallet and the planet, and you can even adjust to a range of precise temperatures, too. It’s easy to change your heating from 5 to 35 degrees, depending on your needs.
For peace of mind, you’ll also get a tip-over switch and overheating protection, and there’s a dust filter for air quality control.
Pros:
- Dust filter included
- Variable temperature from 5 to 35 degrees Celcius
- Two fan speeds and oscillating function
- Energy-efficient eco-mode
- Remote control included
Cons:
- May not be ideal for larger rooms
- May not heat as much as some devices
6. VonHaus Plug-In Oil Filled with Safety Cut-Off (Best Oil-Filled)
Oil heaters are some of the most popular choices for portable temperature control. This 2500w model from VonHaus is our choice for the best oil heater as it comes with 11 oil-filled sections to keep even a larger room hot.
It has 3 heat settings to choose from plus an adjustable thermostat so you can make sure that you’re always reaching the ideal temperature. To make everyday heating easier, there’s a 24-hour timer so you can automatically switch the heater on for a little while before you go to bed or when you’re due to arrive home from work. There are various safety functions built-in too, in case you do decide to leave the system plugged in all day. For instance, it has a safety tip-over switch, a thermal cut-off as well as overheat protection.
VonHaus offers a 2-year warranty with this product which may be crucial for some users. According to some of the reviews we read, the model may occasionally arrive with faults. It can also be difficult to move at times.
Pros:
- High-quality heater for a mid-sized room
- Wheel-mounted for portability
- 24-hour timer for automatic heating
- 3 settings
- Safety functions included
Cons:
- Not as strong as some heaters
- Difficult to assemble
- Can be hard to move
7. Futura Eco 600W with Thermostat Control (Most Energy-Efficient)
The Futura Eco Electric heater is designed to be kind to your wallet, and the planet. It is our choice for the most energy-efficient electric heater.
When you’re investing in a new electric heater, you want something you can rely on to keep you and your family warm when necessary. However, you also need to make sure that you’re not going to end up with a huge electricity bill at the end of the month either. Designed for use either as a standing or wall-mounted heater, this device offers a 100% energy-efficient solution for people who want to cut their energy bills.
The precise thermostat detects temperatures for you, automatically switching the electricity for the heater on and off according to your preferences. That means that you don’t keep warming the room for any longer than necessary. There’s even an automatic open-window detection built-in. If your electric heater identifies that you’ve cracked open a window, it will automatically switch off to save power. Plus, let’s face it – it looks great too! On the other hand, you may have a few issues setting this heater up so it might require the aid of a professional electrician. Unfortunately, this means more expense on your part.
Pros:
- Attractive slimline heater
- For use standing or wall mounted
- Excellent energy efficiency
- Has intelligent functions that detect temperatures
- 2-year guarantee
Cons:
- Requires professional installation
- Complicated setting management
- Controls are complex
8. NETTA 2000W Slimline Glass Eco Friendly (Most Stylish)
If you’re looking for the best electric heater for home use that’s stylish, then you can’t go wrong with this incredible NETTA glass radiator. A slimline system that’s sure to look incredible in any setting, it is easy to use and nice to look at too.
It is easy to use. All you need to do is plug it in and turn it on. The system will heat anywhere up to 23 meters squared in a short period, with no unnecessary noise or unwanted vibrations. This safe electric heater can be used either as a room-to-room portable system or mounted on your wall for a permanent addition to your temperature control system. There are two power settings to choose from, and the ultra-slim design ensures that you won’t take up too much space when you want to heat your home.
The biggest issue with this electric heater is that it’s a little challenging to see the controls at certain positions. Additionally, installation can be a bit tough if you don’t have any prior DIY know-how.
Pros:
- Stunning design
- Safe and ready to use
- Heats plenty of spaces
- Available in different colours
- 2 modes
Cons:
- A little tricky to install for some
- Quite flimsy – be careful
- You can’t see the controls in all lights
9. Pro Breeze Oil Filled Radiator 2500W (Powerful Choice)
If you’re searching for the best heaters for large rooms, then you’re going to need a device that can kick out plenty of extra power. The Pro Breeze oil-filled radiator is one of the popular options on the market, designed to efficiently and quickly heat your room, no matter its size.
Ready to get the job done fast, this radiator comes with 2500W of power, and 3 output settings, so you can decide how quickly you want your room to heat up. To keep you safe and secure, there’s a range of protection functions built-in, including a tip-over switch and an overheat sensor. It also has a thermostat included to automatically regulate different temperatures around the radiator so that you can achieve the right temperature for your needs.
The most surprising downside to this heater is how loud it is. Usually, oil-filled radiators aren’t as noisy as their fan heater counterparts.
Pros:
- High power performance
- 3 settings
- Adjustable thermostat
- Advanced safety functions
- Cable tidy included
Cons:
- Not as durable as some heaters
- Quite loud for an oil heater
- Problems getting in touch with the manufacturer
10. Duronic HV102 Micathermic with Remote (Best Convector)
For a radiator that heats up fast and delivers excellent results, the Duronic convector heater is a unique solution. This simple and safe electronic heater can reach full capacity in one minute, and it radiates heat more effectively than your average oil-filled radiator.
The HV102 comes with two programmable heat settings to choose from, so users can find the perfect level of heat for their rooms (1.5KW vs. 2.5KW). The heating element has a mesh covering, which helps to reduce your risk of accidental burns. What’s more, thanks to its clever design, this handy machine is easy to move around into other parts of your home or room. There’s even an easy-to-read digital display included, so you can track your temperature without issue.
One particularly impressive functionality is the inclusion of remote control, so you can manage your hot it gets from a distance. On the other hand, this system can smell a little strange at first but that tends to “burn off”. Additionally, there’s no light indicator to tell you what heat setting you’re working with.
Pros:
- Remote control
- Numerous safety functions
- Heats up in 1 minute or less
- Digital display
- Easy to move
Cons:
- No LED heat indicators
- Strange smell at first
- Better in a smaller room
How to Choose the Right Electric Heater For Your Home
Other than electric fires and bathroom heaters, electric heaters are another great way to heat your home. Whether you’re looking for the best low wattage heaters or the ultimate system to keep your entire family warm throughout the colder seasons, there’s an electric heater out there for everyone.
Is There a Difference?
However, it’s important to remember that electric heaters come in a range of different styles and types. Some have a variety of power settings, some are specifically suited for certain scenarios while other electric heaters are just intended for simple use and portability. When you’re considering which heater you should buy, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
What Kind of Heater Do You Need?
There are various types of electric heaters, and each come with there own positives and negatives to consider.
Opt for Fan Heaters
They are excellent for filling small rooms with heat very quickly. However, they’re often quite noisy, and they can use up a lot of electricity very quickly. They’re not ideal for energy-efficient homes.
Try Using Convection or Convector Heaters
They channel air currents through the body of the heater and into the room. They take longer to make a space hot but they’re not as noisy as fans. Convector heaters don’t consume as much energy either.
Choose Radiators That are Plugged-In
With standard plug-in radiators, an electric element heats up oils and other substances inside the body of the heater. These systems hold their heat for longer, which make them good for consistent warmth.
What Other Factors are You Looking For?
Once you’ve decided on the style of heater that’s right for you, you’ll need to think about some factors that come with the heater. For instance, some models come with an LCD screen that makes it easier to manage your temperature and control your heating elements. Other models feature wall-mounting options and touch screens. Let’s look at some popular factors to consider.
Automatic Temperature Control
Some heaters will allow you to set the warmth for certain times of the day. This means that you can customise the warmth in your room and these kinds of radiators will switch on even if you’re not there to manage it.
An Option with Cold Air Settings
Certain fan heaters can help to cool you down in the summer, as well as warm you up in the winter. This could be ideal for seasonal temperature management.
The Importance of Having Eco Settings
If you want to reduce the amount of money you spend on electricity, it pays to look for a heater that comes with settings that reduce the amount of power the system uses at certain conditions to save on energy and costs.
With A Thermostat Built-In
Just like greenhouse heaters, heaters for indoor use should have a built-in thermostat too. With a built-in thermostat, you will be able to sense different temperatures in the room and switch off automatically when it reaches the heat that’s right for you.
Possible Wall Mounting
If you’re sick of your electric heater taking up too much extra space in your home, a slim-line wall-mounted design might be an excellent way to eliminate this problem.
Can be Controlled with Wi-Fi App
Some more intelligent “smart heaters” come with applications that you can access on your phone so that you can control the warmth wherever you are.
A Note About Safety and Efficiency
When you’re looking for the ideal air heating system, don’t forget to keep safety and efficiency in mind. For instance, some of the most popular heaters come with multiple power modes so you can determine how much energy you need to use when you want to heat up your home. Other electric heaters have intelligent capabilities, like the ability to detect when you open a window so that they can switch off automatically to save money.
Intelligent functions aren’t just crucial for saving cash. Some heaters also come with smart safety capabilities. For instance, they’ll switch off automatically if the heater tips over to reduce the risk of fire. There are also radiators that automatically shut down when they start to overheat.
Choosing Your Electric Heater Wisely
Choosing the best electric heater is a personal process that requires anyone to think carefully about their heating needs. Hopefully, you’ve found a heater in this selection that’s perfect for you and your family.
Our favourite pick is the ANSIO 2300W Oil Filled Radiator, which comes with a range of heating options and brimming with safety features. The ANSIO is easy to move around if you want to warm different rooms in the house, too, as it comes with four castor wheels.
What is your favourite heater on the market today? Let us know in the comments below!
Additional Resources
Rebekah is a writer who loves to explore new products and find hacks that make life easier. She has a knack for all things home improvement, health and fitness. So you’ll often find her on Pinterest or browsing Houzz for ideas.
She’s always looking for the next thing to fix up around the house or what gadget might be just right for her lifestyle. Rebekah enjoys exploring new recipes, taking care of her family, and making sure she stays healthy with regular workouts at the gym.