Are you in need of a stopgap stand-in for your central heating? Or perhaps you’re looking for an efficient appliance to heat a small space. If so, investing in one of the best electric heaters will rid the cold from your home.
Electric heaters range from compact, fast-acting fan-powered models to oil-filled radiators and wall-mounted panels. Some also have smart functionality, so you can ask Alexa to turn up the heat, and other advanced features such as air purification and adaptive heating. But which are best?
I cosied up to some of the most popular models from makers including Beldray, Dyson, Russell Hobbs and Everhot. Here’s my roundup of the best electric heaters below, including models that are cheap to run, high-powered and capable of warming up a large room, alongside smart electric devices with app-assisted functionality.
At a glance
How I tested
Staying warm matters, so I dug deep to test the models featured in this guide.
I set up each model in my living room and blasted them at the maximum temperature. I measured the room’s air temperature using a digital thermometer at regular intervals to see how powerfully each heater was warming the space.
Bravely risking sauna-like conditions, I took each measurement from the centre of the room, and kept the windows and door shut during each heater’s test.
Of course, temperature gain isn’t the only measure of an electric heater’s quality. I also assessed each model’s noise levels from the same position at regular intervals, and used an infrared thermometer after each test to judge whether the heater would be safe to touch. To gauge energy efficiency, I plugged the heaters into a power usage meter during testing.
I was keen to try each heater’s special features, so I tested extras such as timed heating and smartphone operability. I ended up testing 10 heaters, of which eight were good enough to feature.
Some brands did not want the heaters I tested back, so those will be donated for fundraising to Cat Action Trust 1977, a small national charity dedicated to the welfare of feral cats.
Why you should trust me
Product reviews should be fair, useful and unflinchingly geeky – something I keep in mind when getting to grips with each new batch of items I test.
I’ve reviewed hundreds of products, ranging from fridges and fans to combi drills and pressure washers, since 2017. My favoured approach to reviews is in-depth exploration that prioritises hands-on testing and attention to detail.
The best electric heaters in 2024
Best overall electric heater:
Beldray 2,000W Smart Ceramic Core Radiator
The Beldray smart radiator is packed with smart features, including multiple modes – Economic, Frost Prevention, Timer and Comfort (read: gratuitously warm). There’s also a sensor mode that detects movement and raises the temperature when someone’s nearby.
There are two ways to incorporate this heater into the home: as a portable, freestanding unit on casters, or permanently wall-mounted. Suitable fixings are included for both options.
Why we love it
It takes a little while to warm up, but within about 10 minutes I really started to feel this heater’s benefit. After half an hour, the room was wonderfully snug throughout, and pretty much infernal right above the heater. In most spaces, you’d be able to use this model at a setting well below the 30C maximum. It’s practically silent during operation, save for the occasional soft clank as the metal warms up.
The touch control on the radiator itself is pretty intuitive, but the display could make it clearer when heating has started. I found myself presented with lots of symbols vying for that rarest resource: my attention. Personally, I preferred controlling the heater using its wifi-enabled app, which will be handy for winter-wary users who’d like to fire up their radiator before getting out of bed.
It’s a shame that … the front panels of the radiator stay very hot for a while after use. If you’re concerned about a child or pet, set an appropriate maximum heat level using the temperature limitation feature.
Temperature increase during testing: 5.2C
Average noise level: 28dB
Enclosure temperature after an hour: 87.2C
Running cost an hour on maximum: 44p
Size: 57 x 79.3 x 8cm (HWD)
Weight: 19.3kg
Best budget electric heater:
Russell Hobbs Oscillating Ceramic 2kW Heater
Although it’s compact and affordably priced, the Russell Hobbs oscillating ceramic 2kW heater promises the kind of powerful, efficient heating you might expect from a more expensive model. It has some higher-end features, too, including oscillation (the heater rotates) and an Eco mode that adapts heating to the room temperature.
This heater has quite a low-pitched operating noise, and while it’s a little loud, I find this more agreeable than the high-pitched whine you get with some fan heaters. I also appreciated its small footprint, bleep-free option (perfect for timer-based heating at night) and safety features, which include automatic shut-off if the heater were to topple over.
It’s a shame that … the on-unit control buttons are a little tricky to press. But I’m splitting hairs here – this is a brilliant heater for the price.
Temperature increase during testing: 6.3C
Average noise level: 51dB
Enclosure temperature after an hour : 59.1C
Running cost an hour on maximum: 46p
Size: 33.5 x 15.5 x 14.8cm (HWD)
Weight: 1.9kg
Best fan electric heater:
Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde
The clue’s in the name: the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde does more than heat your air. It can also be used as a cooling fan during warm weather, and it purifies the air by passing it through its Hepa H13-grade and activated carbon filters, destroying formaldehyde in the process.
Why we love it
As heaters go, this one is pretty sculptural – like a retired airport architect’s homage to Barbara Hepworth. It certainly makes a more attractive addition to the home than your average auxiliary radiator.
I felt the benefit of Dyson’s heater instantly as it started to push heated air powerfully from its bladeless fan. The temperature settings range up to a slightly optimistic 37C (as with the other heaters here, the air temperature rarely reached the assigned value), and there are 10 fan power settings. That means you can adjust the circulation of heated air through the room to your requirements, whether you want to heat a small area efficiently or warm up the whole space.
In terms of setting it up, you’ll need to install the Hot+Cool Formaldehyde’s filters before use (and replace them about once a year). As you’d expect of a Dyson product, the parts click together intuitively.
To get the best out of this heater’s advanced features, such as in-depth air quality metrics and smart assistant control, you should also install the Dyson Link app on your smartphone – although the remote control is perfectly adequate for controlling the core settings such as oscillation, airflow direction and temperature.
It’s a shame that … it’s expensive to run. All that fancy functionality comes with an added energy cost.
£549 at John Lewis
£549.99 at Dyson
Temperature increase during testing: 8.2C
Average noise level: 58dB
Enclosure temperature after an hour: 64.7C
Running cost an hour on maximum: 56p
Size: 76.4 x 20.5 x 13cm (HWD)
Weight: 5.7kg
Best stove-style electric heater:
Everhot Electric Heater
This cast-iron model is surely the nicest-looking electric heater of them all. It would make a fabulous addition to most interior schemes – especially if you have an empty fireplace or alcove that needs filling.
Why we love it
Far from just a talking point, Everhot’s heater serenely produces 1.5kW of heating power via its stove-top vent. It warmed the space effectively and near-silently during my testing, resulting in a gradual increase in room temperature.
The controls are simple, with just a power switch and heat-setting dial to master. Both components have a lovely finish, in keeping with the generally outstanding quality of the appliance.
While the door on this model is non-functioning, you can get a similar model with an integrated oven and a working door, which understandably comes at a higher price.
One note of caution: the top of this stove gets extremely hot during and after use, so this heater may be unsuitable in households with pets or children.
It’s a shame that … the price of this heater is too high for most buyers, especially if you’ll use it only occasionally. With that said, if you’re looking for an electric stove to use regularly, this one’s for you.
Temperature increase during testing: 3.8C
Average noise level: 34dB
Enclosure temperature after an hour: 105.2C
Running cost an hour on maximum: 38p
Size: 50.8 x 48.7 x 41cm (HWD)
Weight: ~40kg (each model is handmade, so some variation is inevitable)
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The best of the rest
Swan 700W Plug-In Mini Fan Heater
Best for: small rooms too short on space for a conventional heater
This tiny power socket heater from Swan is designed to plug straight into an outlet and deliver warmth in your direction of choice. I had it set up and appreciably warming my living room within about 30 seconds.
In terms of extra features, Swan has kept this heater straightforward and practical. Using the controls on the top, you can adjust the output temperature and set a timed heating duration between one and 12 hours. Selected settings are shown clearly on the digital display.
You can also use the plug rotation button (on the right-hand side) to switch the heater’s position, which partly makes up for the restriction of using it only in a place where it can be plugged in.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s noisy. This heater would be best suited to people who spend a lot of time wearing headphones, or for heating a room before you enter it.
£12.99 at Swan
£24.99 at Robert Dyas
Temperature increase during testing: 2.4C; average noise level: 56dB; enclosure temperature after an hour: 60.4C; running cost an hour on maximum: 16p; size: 14 x 11 x 12cm (HWD); weight: 0.63kg
Duux Threesixty 2 Ceramic Heater
Best for: powerful heating with a small footprint
Looking like the defiantly well-adjusted love child of a smart speaker and an air purifier, the Duux Threesixty 2 is clearly the techiest heater on our list. Its minimalist design and pleasing packaging positively beg you to feature it in a social media unboxing video. On a more practical note, the Threesixty 2 delivers heated air in all directions, and has a PTC element that delivers temperature-appropriate heating thanks to its electronic properties (the element’s electrical resistance is such that it heats up intensively when the air is cold; and warms gently in milder conditions).
I felt the warming effect of this compact fan heater pretty much straight after turning it on. There are three on-unit temperature settings, giving you some control over the heat level – but less than you’d get with most heaters. As a simple, manual fan heater, the Threesixty 2 works great, thoroughly warming the space while making less noise than your standard fan model.
It didn’t make the final cut because … controlling this smart heater via smartphone or smart assistant is difficult. I found the Duux app too buggy to use.
£86.73 at John Lewis
£119 at Currys
Temperature increase during testing: 7.6C; average noise level: 54dB; enclosure temperature after an hour: 58.3C (lid); running cost an hour on maximum: 45p; size: 30 x 22 x 22cm (HWD); weight: 2.4kg
Devola Wifi-Enabled Smart Glass Panel Electric Heater
Best for: extensive smart functionality at an affordable price
This smart-assistant-compatible, glass panel heater from Devola is as sleek as they come, with a well-integrated digital on-unit display and controls. Plus, connect it to your wifi and smartphone and you’ll have access to advanced features, including voice control and timed heating. During my testing, it operated quietly and heated the space steadily.
A little assembly is required before use, with the exact steps depending on whether you wish to use the heater as a freestanding or wall-mounted unit. I chose the freestanding configuration and had the plastic feet attached to the bottom within a few minutes (taking great care during handling, as dropping this glass-panelled heater could be disastrous).
It didn’t make the final cut because … operating the heater with the remote control isn’t exactly intuitive. You need to go into its settings menu and set a temperature for each of the three operating modes, rather than raising or lowering the heat manually. Smartphone app operation proves easier.
£119.95 at Amazon
£121.46 at Devola
Temperature increase during testing: 6.4C; average noise level: 34dB; enclosure temperature after an hour: 44.6C; running cost an hour on maximum: 45p; size: 47 x 65 x 8cm (HWD); weight: 7.68kg
VonHaus Small Oil-Filled Radiator 1,500W
Best for: those on a strict budget
This small, portable, inexpensive oil-filled radiator is a practical choice for occasional use. There are just two controls to master: a power selection switch (which toggles between 600W, 900W and 1,500W) and a thermostat dial.
I found this radiator produced enough heat to make a chilly room comfortable, and it used relatively little electricity to do so. You can use the thermostat dial to set the desired temperature at which the heater will maintain the room – saving you from overheating and overspending on energy.
The heater is quiet, except for the occasional quiet gurgling of oil, which is quite a pleasant sound in my opinion.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it heats only moderately. While this model does a good enough job in a small space, it’s not suitable for heating a medium-sized or large room.
£42.99 at Amazon
£54.99 at VonHaus
Temperature increase during testing: 2.7C; average noise level: 33dB; enclosure temperature after an hour : 70.6C; running cost an hour on maximum: 22p; size: 62 x 33.5 x 24cm (HWD); weight: 6.9kg
What you need to know
How much should you spend on an electric heater?
Electric heaters vary wildly in price, from less than £50 to £500 and beyond. Swanky ones can cost more than £1,000.
How much you spend should depend, above all, on how much you intend to use it. For many users, an electric heater is an occasional-use item to warm us up in out-of-the-ordinary circumstances – such as when we can’t use the central heating due to home improvement work or a malfunction. If this sounds like you, then an electric heater costing under £100 should be appropriate to your needs.
However, some buyers want an electric heater to use more regularly. You may use yours to heat just one room in your home, thus avoiding the need to use central heating or install a wood-burning stove. In such cases, spending more could give you a more attractive design and advanced features such as smart operability.
For reference, the total cost of adding a new plumbed-in radiator to an existing heating system tends to run between £200 and £600.
Are electric heaters cheap to run?
In a word, no. Electricity costs more than gas in the UK, relative to the power delivered to appliances. If an electric heater and a boiler-powered radiator had the same efficiency, it would cost more to produce the same level of heat with the electric unit.
That said, using an electric heater in one room could prove more cost-effective than turning on central heating throughout the home. If you’re willing to experiment with your heating habits to reduce your energy costs, an electric heater could be part of the cost-saving combination.
Some electric heaters cost less to run than others. In particular, models with a lower wattage, simple functionality and efficient design tend to have lower running costs.
Pete Wise is a freelance journalist based in Leeds, with more than a decade’s experience covering everything from global development and social causes to technology and music. As a home renovator and music studio renter, Pete has spent countless hours hunkering over electric heaters, little knowing that each tweak of the thermostat was a small step towards writing this article
