By clicking a retailer link you consent to third-party cookies that track your onward journey. This enables W? to receive an affiliate commission if you make a purchase, which supports our mission to be the UK's consumer champion.
The 10 best electric heaters from our tests
Sam – an ex-science teacher – uses his physics degree and four years of experience at Which? to test everything from electric bikes to beard trimmers and trampolines.
The best electric heaters help stave off the autumn or winter chill by providing a quick burst of concentrated warmth wherever you need it in your home.
We've tested electric heaters from Argos, DeLonghi, Dimplex, Dyson, Russell Hobbs and more, including electric wall heaters, fan heaters, oil heaters and convectors.
We discovered which heat up a medium-sized room quickly, plus the cheapest electric heaters to run based on how much they cost per hour.
Seven heaters impressed us enough to be named Which? Best Buys, four of which also get our Great Value recommendation.
Why you can trust us to reveal the very best electric heaters: Which? is a not for profit organisation and has been testing products and calling out rogue businesses for almost 70 years.
In an increasingly chaotic world, filled with so-called 'experts', it's good to know that brands still can't buy their way onto our testing or influence what we write. We buy every product we test and we'll tell you the worst as well as the best electric heaters.
The 10 best electric heaters from our tests
Only logged-in Which? members can view the test results below.
Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and recommendations below.
| Electric heater | Price | Score | Type | Cost per hour | Heating performance | Ease of use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations Unlock tableDigital Access for £8.99 a month, cancel at any time. Already a member? Log in | 85% | Convector | 53p | |||
| 78% | Oil filled radiator | 56p | ||||
| 77% | Fan | 51p | ||||
| 77% | Convector | 54p | ||||
| 76% | Convector | 57p | ||||
| 74% | Convector | 55p | ||||
| 74% | Convector | 37p | ||||
| 73% | Convector | 53p | ||||
| 73% | Fan | 52p | ||||
| 72% | Fan | 59p |
Sign up to reveal
Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations
Unlock tableDigital Access for £8.99 a month, cancel at any time.
Already a member? Log in
Dates tested: August 2024, December 2023, August 2023, November 2022. Pricing and availability last checked: April 2025.
Cost per hour is based on using the heater on its highest setting as, following our testing, we think this is the setting you're more likely to use. Calculated using the unit price under the current energy price cap (25.73p/kwh). We're not able to show every retailer, and cheaper prices may be available.
Heating performance based on how much the heater raised the temperature of the room in half an hour, and how evenly it heated the room.
The electric heaters we tested
All the electric heaters we've tested are listed in alphabetical order below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the best electric heaters from our tests.
Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and our top 10 Best Buy recommendations below.
Fan heaters tested
Beldray EH0569SSTK Portable Fan Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Fan heater
Size and weight 25 x 12.2 x 25cm (HxWxD); 1.27kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C
Need to know Two power settings, fan setting, 150cm cable, carry handle on the top
Challenge 2kW Flat Fan Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Fan heater
Size and weight 17 x 26 x 12cm (HxWxD); 1kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C
Need to know Two power settings, fan setting, 170cm cable, automatically switches off if tips
DeLonghi Capsule Hobby 2.4kW Fan Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Fan heater
Size and weight 27.5 x 26.6 x 16.8cm (HxWxD); 1.6kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2.4kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C
Need to know Two power settings, fan setting, 120cm cable, one handle on top, automatically switches off if tips
Dimplex 3kW Rugged Fan Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Fan heater
Size and weight 24.8 x 24.6 x 16.2cm (HxWxD); 2.3kg
Maximum power output (kW) 3kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C
Need to know Two power settings, fan setting, 150cm cable, lip handles on both sides, automatically switches off if tips
Dimplex Q3BTB 3kW QubeFan Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Available from Argos (£112)
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Fan heater
Size and weight 28 x 25.1 x 18.9cm (HxWxD); 2.4kg
Maximum power output (kW) 3kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 5-30°C
Need to know Three power settings, fan setting, 180cm cable, digital display, programmable timer (12 hours), Bluetooth-enabled (controlled via smartphone app), carry handle on the top, automatically switches off if tips over and overheating protection
Dimplex Studio G DXSTG25 Ceramic Tower Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Fan heater
Size and weight 82.5 x 26.3 x 26.3cm (HxWxD); 4.1kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2.5kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 15-35°C
Need to know Two power settings, oscillates, 167cm cable, digital display, programmable timer (12 hours), remote control, automatically switches off if tips
Dyson AM09 Hot + Cool Fan Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Fan heater
Size and weight 59.5 x 20.4 x 20.4cm (HxWxD); 2.7kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 0-37°C
Need to know One power setting, focused and diffused airflow modes, 10 air speeds, fan setting, oscillates, 178cm cable, digital display, programmable timer (9 hours), remote control, automatically switches off if tips over and overheating protection
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Purifying Fan HP00
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Fan heater
Size and weight 63.2 x 22.2 x 22.2cm (HxWxD); 3.9kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2.1kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 1-38°C
Need to know 10 power settings, fan setting, oscillates, two airflow modes, 180cm cable, digital display, programmable timer (24 hours), remote control
Logik L20CTH23 Portable Hot and Cool Ceramic Fan Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Available from Currys (£20.99)
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Fan heater
Size and weight 53x 20 x 20cm (HxWxD); 1.7kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C
Need to know Two power settings, fan setting, oscillates, 155cm cable, digital display, carry handle on the top, remote control, automatically switches off if tips over and overheating protection
Logik L20THW22 Portable Ceramic Fan Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Available from Currys (£39) (Out of stock)
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Fan heater
Size and weight 62.4 x 21.2 x 22.2cm (HxWxD); 2.8kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 5-35°C
Need to know Two power settings, fan setting, oscillates, 160cm cable, digital display, programmable timer (24 hours), lip handle on the top, remote control, automatically switches off if tips over and overheating protection
Warmlite WL44002 Thermo Fan Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Fan heater
Size and weight 26.5 x 12.5 x 22.5cm (HxWxD); 0.94kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings: Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C
Need to know Two power settings, fan setting, 120cm cable, carry handle on top, integrated cable storage, automatically switches off if tips
Convector heaters tested
Beldray EH3334 Portable Convector Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Convector heater
Size and weight 34.5 x 52.5 x 20cm (HxWxD); 2kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C
Need to know Three power settings, 150cm cable, handles on top at each end, automatically switches off if tips over and overheating protection
DeLonghi HSX2320 Convector Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Convector heater
Size and weight 46 x 68.3 x 9cm (18cm with feet on) (HxWxD); 4kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C
Need to know Three power settings, 150cm cable, lip handles on both sides, overheating protection
ElectriQ 2000W Designer Glass Heater EGH20AW
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Convector heater
Size and weight 46 x 83 x 8.4cm (26cm with feet on) (HxWxD); 7.9kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 10-49°C
Need to know Three power settings, 150cm cable, remote control, digital display, programmable timer (24 hours), wi-fi-enabled, programmable via smartphone app, wall-mountable, has wheels, available in black or white
Glen 500W Wall Mounted or Freestanding Skirt Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Convector heater
Size and weight 21.1 x 81.5 x 20cm (HxWxD); 3.15kg
Maximum power output (kW) 500W
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 5-30°C
Need to know One power setting, 150cm cable, digital display, programmable timer (24 hours, 7 days), wall-mountable
Igenix IG5250 Portable Convector Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Convector heater
Size and weight 50 × 33 x 20cm (HxWxD); 2kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C
Need to know Three power settings, 155cm cable, lip handles on both sides, programmable timer (24 hours), overheating protection
Princess 341500 Smart Glass Panel Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Convector heater
Size and weight 38 x 76 x 9cm (24cm with feet on) (HxWxD); 6.18kg
Maximum power output (kW) 1.5kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 15-35°C
Need to know Two power settings, 146cm cable, digital display, programmable timer (24 hours), wi-fi enabled, programmable via smartphone app, wall-mountable, available in black or white or grey, automatically switches off if tips
Russell Hobbs RHCVH4002 Convection Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Convector heater
Size and weight 48 x 67.5 x 20cm (HxWxD); 2.42kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C
Need to know Three power settings, 143cm cable, lip handles on both sides, programmable timer (24 hours), overheating protection
Oil filled radiators tested
Challenge 2kW Contemporary Digital Oil Filled Radiator
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Oil filled radiator
Size and weight 64 x 39.3 x 28cm (HxWxD); 9.7kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 7-35°C
Need to know Three power settings, 198cm cable, digital display, remote control, has wheels, programmable timer (24 hours), one lip handle at one end on the top, integrated cable storage, overheating protection
Daewoo Mini Oil Filled Radiator
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Oil filled radiator
Size and weight 12.2 x 5.1 x 16.1cm (HxWxD); 3.3kg
Maximum power output (kW) 800W
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C
Need to know One power setting, 150cm cable, one handle on top at one end
DeLonghi Dragon 4 Oil Filled Radiator TRDX41025E
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Oil filled radiator
Size and weight 22.6 x 26.2 x 6.3cm (HxWxD); 18.8kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2.5kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 5-28°C
Need to know Four power settings, 130cm cable, digital display, has wheels, programmable timer (24 hours/seven days a week), two lip handles on top at both ends, integrated cable storage, automatically switches off if tips over and overheating protection
DeLonghi Radia-S 2kW Oil Filled Radiator
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Oil filled radiator
Size and weight 65 x 47.2 x 16cm (HxWxD); 11.8kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 10-28°C
Need to know Three power settings, eco mode, delay timer, freeze setting (turns on if room temperature drops below 5°C), 137cm cable, digital display, has wheels, programmable timer (24 hours), integrated cable storage
Dimplex 2.0kW Rapid Eco Oil Free Radiator
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Oil filled radiator
Size and weight 65 x 57.5 x 17cm (HxWxD); 10.2kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C
Need to know Three power settings, 180cm cable, digital display, has wheels, programmable timer (24 hours), integrated cable storage, automatically switches off if tips over and overheating protection
Dimplex EvoRad EVO2BTA Oil Free Radiator
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Oil free radiator
Size and weight 63 x 47 x 28cm (HxWxD); 11.8kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 5-30°C
Need to know Two power settings, Eco mode, boost mode (30 minutes, 1 hour and 2 hours), 150cm cable, digital display, has wheels, programmable timer (24 hours, 7 days), integrated cable storage, lip handle on the top at one end, smartphone app to control radiator by Bluetooth, automatically switches off if tips over and overheating protection
John Lewis Digital Oil Radiator
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Oil filled radiator
Size and weight 31.5 x 64 x 28cm (HxWxD); 8kg
Maximum power output (kW) 1.5kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 5-35°C
Need to know Three power settings, 170cm cable, digital display, has wheels, programmable timer (24 hours), integrated cable storage, lip handle on the top at one end, remote control, automatically switches off if tips over and overheating protection
Russell Hobbs RHOFR5002B Portable Oil Filled Radiator
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Oil filled radiator
Size and weight 62.5 x 24 x 40.5cm (HxWxD); 9.5kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C
Need to know Three power settings, 145cm cable, one handle on the side near the top, has wheels, integrated cable storage, automatically switches off if tips over and overheating protection
Zanussi ZOFR5005 Portable Oil Filled Radiator
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Oil filled radiator
Size and weight 66.5 x 14.3 x 56.3cm (HxWxD); 11.2kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2.3kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 5-35°C
Need to know Three power settings, digital display, remote control, wheels, 180cm cable, programmable timer (1-24 hours), one lip handle at one end on the top, automatically switches off if tips over and overheating protection
Halogen heaters tested
Belaco Halogen Electric Heater BEL-HHC19S
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Halogen heater
Size and weight 21.26 x 12.6 x 5.12cm (HxWxD); 1.8kg
Maximum power output (kW) 1.2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat No
Need to know Three power settings, oscillates, 110cm cable, lip handle on the back, automatically switches off if tips
Beldray 1.2kW Halogen Heater EH0197
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Halogen heater
Size and weight 51.5 x 10 x 31cm (HxWxD); 1.5kg
Maximum power output (kW) 1.2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat No
Need to know Three power settings, oscillates, 105cm cable, lip handle on the back
Daewoo Oscillating Halogen Heater HEA1416
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Halogen heater
Size and weight 18.3 x 14.2 x 10.2cm (HxWxD); 1.46kg
Maximum power output (kW) 1.2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat No
Need to know Three power settings, oscillates, 120cm cable, lip handle on the back, automatically switches off if tips
Igenix IG9509 Portable Halogen Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Halogen heater
Size and weight 38 x 30.5 x 12.5cm (HxWxD); 0.95kg
Maximum power output (kW) 0.8kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat No
Need to know Two power settings, 140cm cable, lip handle on the back, automatically switches off if tips over and overheating protection
Supawarm Deluxe Halogen Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Halogen heater
Size and weight 70 x 29.5 x 29.5cm (HxWxD); 1.8kg
Maximum power output (kW) 1.2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat No
Need to know Three power settings, oscillates, 122cm cable, lip handle on the back, integrated cable storage, comes with spare bulb, automatically switches off if tips over and overheating protection
Warmlite WL42005 3 Bar Halogen Heater
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Cons Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Type Halogen heater
Size and weight 57 x 32 x 20cm (HxWxD); 1.5kg
Maximum power output (kW) 1.2kW
Approximate cost to run per hour on max settings Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
Variable thermostat No
Need to know Three power settings, oscillates, 130cm cable, lip handle on the back, automatically switches off if tips
See all of our reviews of the best fan heaters, best convector heaters, best oil filled radiators and best halogen heaters.
How we test electric heaters
Find out more about how Which? isn't influenced by product manufacturers or retailers and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.
We buy all the electric heaters we test. We put the bestselling heaters from popular UK retailers through these tests. We regularly revisit the electric heaters on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing, and when we find them, we do so.
Our testing programme for bestselling electric heaters is broad and rigorous, and comprises the following tests:
Heating speed, evenness, and accuracy
- We set up each heater in the centre of our test room and run it on the maximum settings
- We monitor how much the room temperature changes over the course of an hour using temperature probes, measuring how quickly and evenly each heater increases the temperature of the room.
- We've found the most drastic changes happen in the first half an hour, and increases in temperature become more incremental after that.
- For electric heaters with programmable thermostats, we set them to a specific temperature and compare the temperature display on the electric heater with our own temperature monitors to check for any discrepancies.
Ease of use, stability and noise levels
- We assess how easily each electric heater can be set up and how easy the controls and settings are to use.
- We use any handles to lift the heater and move it around, and use a force meter to record how much is needed to topple each heater over.
- We also use a decibel meter to measure how much noise each one makes while running.
Energy use
- We use the RS PRO energy meter, £28, from RS Components, to record and calculate how much power each electric heater uses on its maximum setting in its first hour of use. (See also: 10 ways to save on energy bills)
- If you're interested in measuring your heater or other appliances around your home, you can buy similar meters starting from around £18 from popular retailers such as Amazon and Screwfix.
Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.
Beware of these unsafe electric heaters
We've recently discovered several cheap electric heaters being sold by sellers on TikTok and Temu that have serious safety risks.
To see those we identified as dangerous heaters you should avoid, read our full story, Electric heaters sold on TikTok and Temu could explode, cause electric shocks or start a fire.
Last year we found electric heaters sold by online marketplaces, including Amazon, eBay and Wish, that could cause burns, fires or electric shocks. Unfortunately we keep seeing the same unsafe heaters being sold to this day.
Read our full story on illegal and dangerous plug-in mini heaters for sale on online marketplaces to see those we identified as having serious safety risks.
Hot water bottle or electric blanket – what's best and cheapest for keeping you warm in bed?
Types of electric heaters
Electric fan heater
- This the lightest and most portable type of heater.
- They’re handy if you want to heat a small area fast.
- They’re easy to set up – usually you just take the heater out of the box, plug it in and you’re ready to go.
- On the downside, this type can be quite noisy and they don't have some of the more advanced features you can get with convector heaters.
See our reviews of the best fan heaters.
Convector heater
- These are usually taller than fan heaters, but are thin and light – so still relatively easy to move between rooms.
- They have exposed heating elements, which heat up cold air as it passes. They tend to be a little slower than fan heaters, but are quieter, heat evenly, and our tests found some are still relatively quick.
- They're often wall-mountable, and brackets and instructions are usually included.
- Some modern options also have smart features, so you can program them via companion apps and smart speakers.
Find out which are the best convector heaters.
Oil filled radiator
- It's still possible to buy these heaters, but they aren't as popular or widely available as fan or convector models.
- The oil in the radiator acts as a heat reservoir, which stays hot for some time after the heater's switched off.
- Some are called 'oil-free' and function in a comparable way, just with an internal heating element instead of any oil.
- Oil heaters are often cheaper to run, but some can be really slow to heat up. Most oil filled heaters are also fairly heavy and cumbersome, so look out for models that come with wheels.
Read our round-up of the best oil filled radiators to see what we recommend.
Halogen heater
- These heaters are usually large and used outdoors for heating patios. But there are smaller, more portable options, such as those we've tested, that are designed for use indoors.
- Halogen bulbs in the heater radiate heat directly, so they don't spread heat around the same way convector heaters do. To benefit from the heat, you'll need to have the halogen heater facing you.
- They're cheap to run, but their limited ability to get a room up to temperature usually makes them a less effective heater type overall.
Check out the best halogen heaters to find out more.
Got a problem with your heater? See how to get a refund, repair or replacement
Electric heater features to look for
- LED screen This displays the current temperature and power settings
- Remote control Allows you to change the heater's settings from across the room
- Programmable timer Useful for setting a heater to turn on just before you get home or wake up, so there's no waiting around for it to warm up.
- Frost protection The heater can be set to heat automatically when the temperature drops below 5°C, but you'll need to have it on standby for it to run.
- Cold air setting Some fan heaters can help to cool you down, too. They're not nearly as effective as a dedicated air conditioner, but a light breeze of cold air is better than nothing.
- Adjustable thermostat This will heat the room and, when the desired temperature is reached, try to maintain it. Most of the cheaper, simpler heaters we tested have a dial thermostat that doesn't let you choose specific temperatures in °C. You'll likely need to buy a more expensive model for that. Our tests also found that they're rarely 100% accurate.
- Smart features Some are wi-fi or Bluetooth-enabled and can be controlled using smartphone apps. This can be handy for easy timer scheduling, thermostat adjustment or voice commands – but you'll need to ensure you keep on top of downloading the latest updates to avoid any privacy or security risks.
See are electric heaters eco-friendly?
Are electric heaters expensive to run?
Portable electric heaters use electricity, which costs 25.73p/kWh under the current energy price cap (in force from 1 July 2025). Depending on how effective the heater is, it typically takes 30 minutes to an hour to notably raise the temperature of a medium-sized room.
So if you're only planning on using a heater until the room gets up to temperature, it will cost you between 23p and 46p on average.
In our tests, we set every heater to run at full blast so you can see the maximum amount it costs to heat our medium-sized test room.
But if you have your heater's thermostat set to a desired temperature, the heater will toggle on and off once it reaches that temperature. So it won't operate continuously, and therefore won't cost you as much to run.
Find out where you can make energy efficient changes to your own home with our free Home Energy Planning Service
Are electric heaters cheaper to use than central heating?
Pinning down an exact comparison of how much central heating and electric heaters cost to run is nigh-on impossible. The factors below are just some of the variables that play a part:
- the size of the room(s) you're heating
- how well insulated the room(s) are
- what setting you have your thermostat(s) on
- what times of day you have the heating on.
Under current energy prices, the electric heaters we've tested can cost anything from 8p to 80p per hour to run on full blast. So the answer to whether electric heaters are expensive to run is that it really depends on which one you buy.
A smart meter is the only way to compare costs with confidence. The only way you can confidently compare a heater to your central heating is to install a smart meter. You then divide your weekly heating cost by the number of hours you have it switched on and compare that figure to the cost of running your heater.
Electric heaters heat a much smaller area. Although the comparison might make it look as though your electric heater is cheaper to run, it will only be heating one room, whereas your central heating will be aiming to heat your whole home. A heater in each room would definitely end up costing much more.
Central heating will give a more stable temperature. Central heating is much more effective at maintaining a stable temperature over a longer period, whereas the heat from an electric heater will soon dissipate if the rest of your home is cold.
Electric heaters are cheaper for a short-term blast in a small area. However, over the course of a full day you're probably better off sticking to central heating.
Keen to optimise home heating? See our advice on boiler controls and thermostats, smart meters and loft insulation
Are electric heaters safe?
As long as you use them according to their instructions, most electric heaters should be safe, especially if they come from a reputable brand.
Nearly all have some kind of carry handle for moving about, and many have a safety cut-out feature, which will switch off the heater if it gets dangerously hot.
Some also have a 'tip-over shut-off' safety feature which turns the heater off if gets knocked over.
Tips to help you use yours safely:
- Never place anything on, or cover up, a portable heater as it hugely increases the fire risk.
- Never leave it unattended or go to sleep with it running.
- Avoid touching the body of the heater, especially after it's been recently used.
However, be wary of unbranded electric heaters, and unbranded electronics in general. Our investigations often find that these products, commonly found on online marketplaces, can pose a risk of electric shock, fire or explosion. Find out more: why you should avoid unbranded electronics on online marketplaces.