Best convector heaters

Convector heaters resemble freestanding radiators, heating up the room by producing convection currents.

We've tested convector heaters from DeLonghi, Dimplex, Russell Hobbs and more. Our testing has found the best convector heaters don't need to come with hefty price tags. In fact, some of the best cheap electric heaters we've tested are convector heaters.

We've found one convector heater impressive enough to get our Best Buy recommendation, and three others which get our Great Value recommendation.

The convector heaters we tested

All the convector heaters we've tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the test results below.

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Black & Decker BXCV41001GB

Size and weight 40 x 60 x 19cm (HxWxD); 3.16kg

Maximum power output (kW) 2.2kW

Need to know Three power settings (840W, 1250W, 2200W), 150cm power cable, integrated carry handles, adjustable thermostat, anti-frost setting, overheat protection

Find out where you can make energy efficient changes to your own home with our free Home Energy Planning Service. 

Bush DF2360R

Available from Argos (£40)

Size and weight 31.5 x 51.5 x 19.4cm (HxWxD); 2.8kg   

Maximum power output (kW) 2kW   

Need to know Three power settings (750W, 1250W, 2000W), 150cm cable, LED digital display screen, touch controls, remote control, adjustable thermostat, programmable timer (24 hours), safety cut-out switch

DeLonghi Slimline HSX2320

Size and weight 46 x 68.3 x 9cm (HxWxD); 4kg   

Maximum power output (kW) 2kW   

Need to know Three power settings (800W, 1200W, 2000W), 150cm cable, integrated carry handles, wall-mountable, adjustable thermostat, anti-frost setting, safety cut-out switch

Devola DVCH2BL

Available from Devola (£59.99)

Size and weight 43 x 67 x 20cm (HxWxD); 2kg

Maximum power output (kW) 2kW

Need to know Four modes (1250W Low, 2000W High, Turbo, Eco), 150cm cable, LED display screen, touch controls, remote control, carry handles, programmable timer (24 hours), adjustable thermostat, child lock, tip-over switch, overheat protection

Dimplex DXBC22

Size and weight 29 x 91.6 x 13.2cm (HxWxD); 10.35kg

Maximum power output (kW) 2.2kW

Need to know Three heat settings, 150cm cable, LED digital display, touch controls, programmable via smartphone app, carry handles, castors, programmable timer (7 days), adjustable thermostat, tilt switch, overheat protection

Dimplex DXCV2003

Size and weight 45.5 x 62.1 x 18.7cm (HxWxD); 3.6kg   

Maximum power output (kW) 2kW   

Need to know Three heat settings, wall mountable, LED display screen, turbo fan boost, programmable via smartphone app, voice control, carry handles, programmable timer (24 hours), adjustable thermostat, child lock, tilt switch, overheat protection

Dimplex DXDC22

Size and weight 70.2 x 20.2 x 24.3cm (HxWxD); 7kg   

Maximum power output (kW) 2.2kW   

Need to know Three heat settings, 150cm cable, LED display screen, programmable via smartphone app, integrated carry handle, programmable timer (24 hours/7 days), adjustable thermostat, tilt switch, overheat protection

Duux Edge 2000 DXCH24UK

Size and weight 40 x 81 x 6.5cm (HxWxD); 7.85kg   

Maximum power output (kW) 2kW   

Need to know Two heat settings (1000W, 2000W), wall mountable, LED display screen, remote control, programmable via smartphone app, voice control, programmable timer (24 hours), adjustable thermostat, child lock, tilt switch, overheat protection 

Russell Hobbs RHPANH2006B

Available from Amazon (£87.54)

Size and weight 51 x 77 x 24cm (HxWxD); 7.65kg   

Maximum power output (kW) 2kW   

Need to know Three modes (Comfort, Eco, Anti-Frost), 173cm cable, wall mountable, LED display screen, touch controls, remote control, programmable via smartphone app, voice control, programmable timer (24 hours/7 days), adjustable thermostat, child lock, tip-over protection, overheat protection 

Not sure you want a convector heater? Take a look at the best fan heaters and best oil filled radiators

How we test convector heaters

 Our testing programme for electric heaters comprises the following tests:

Heating speed and evenness

• We set up each heater in the centre of our test room and monitor how much the room temperature changes over the course of half an hour using temperature probes, measuring how quickly and evenly each heater increases the temperature of the room.

Ease of use and noise levels

• We assess how easily each electric heater can be set up and how straightforward the controls and settings are to use.
• We use a decibel meter to measure how much noise each one makes while running.

Energy use

• We calculate how much it will cost to run each heater for an hour to help you avoid surprises when your electricity bill comes in.

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.

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.

Convector 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.

Fan heater, convector heater or oil/oil-free radiators: which is best?

There are four types of electric heater: fans, convectors and oil/oil-free radiators. They each have different strengths and weaknesses. 

The truth is that no type is automatically more sustainable than another and they're all capable of converting electricity into heat efficiently. But different heaters suit different users and you can avoid waste by using the heater that best suits your needs.

For quick heating

Use a fan, which generates heat and then blows it around. This means you're warmed up while you're getting ready in the morning, or if you need a boost after coming in from the cold. It would be wasteful and unhelpful to turn a radiator on which takes half an hour to warm the room up if you just need a quick blast.

For longer heating

Convectors and oil and oil-free radiators excel, and warm the whole room evenly. Oil radiators even provide heating when they're turned off because their oil, which functions as a heat reservoir, retains heat.

For heating that makes you toasty

You'll want a fan that blows hot air on you, or an oil/oil-free radiator or a halogen heater that provides thermal radiation that heats objects (including your body) directly.

For quiet heating

You'll want a radiator or convector, because a fan could make such a racket that you don't want to use it. Or go for an electric blanket or heated throw instead.