The best way to pay for energy
28 Mar 2024
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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 put electric heaters from Argos, DeLonghi, Dimplex, Dyson, Russell Hobbs and more to the test, including electric wall heaters, fan heaters, oil heaters and convectors.
We discovered which heat up a medium-sized room quickly and the cheapest electric heaters to run based on how much they cost per hour.
Four heaters impressed us enough to be named Which? Best Buys, two of which also get our Great Value thumbs-up.
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Electric heater | 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 tableFirst month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time Already a member? Log in | Fan | 49p | Excellent | Good |
Convector | 51p | Good | Excellent | |
Convector | 54p | Good | Good | |
Convector | 52p | Good | Excellent | |
Oil filled radiator | 53p | Average | Good | |
Convector | 53p | Average | Poor | |
Convector | 51p | Average | Good | |
Convector | 51p | Average | Good | |
Fan | 51p | Average | Good | |
Fan | 58p | Average | Excellent |
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Dates tested: December 2023, August 2023, November 2022. Pricing and availability last checked: January 2024.
*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 (24.5p/kwH). We're not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available.
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.
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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
Also available at Argos (£27)
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Type Fan heater
Size and weight 32 x 26 x 18cm (HxWxD); 2.2kg
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, oscillates, fan setting, 137cm cable, lip handle on the back at the top
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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
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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
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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
Available from Argos (£100)
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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
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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
Available from Currys (£52.99) (Out of stock)
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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
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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
Also available from Argos (£32)
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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, programmable timer (24 hours)
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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
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
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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
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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, wall mountable
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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)
Available from Currys (£39.99)
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Type Convector heater
Size and weight 41 x 13.5 x 67cm (HxWxD); 3.9kg
Maximum power output (kW) 2.18kW
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, 150cm cable, digital display, 24-hour timer, lip handles at both ends
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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, white or grey
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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)
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
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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
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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
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
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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
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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
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
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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
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
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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
Pros Log in now or join Which? to instantly reveal.
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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
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
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
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
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
See our reviews of the best electric blankets and heated throws, and the best heating for your home
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We buy all the electric heaters we test. We put the bestselling heaters from popular UK retailers through these tests:
10 ways to save on energy bills
We've recently discovered several cheap electric heaters being sold by sellers on TikTok and Temu that have serious safety risks.
Read our full story, Elecric heaters sold on TikTok and Temu could explode, cause electric shocks or start a fire, to see those we identified as dangerous heaters you should avoid.
Last year we discovered 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?
See our reviews of the best fan heaters.
Find out which are the best convector heaters.
Read our roundup of the best oil filled radiators to see what we recommend.
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
Some portable heaters have useful extras, such as an LCD screen that displays the current temperature or a remote control for turning the heater on from across the room. These features may come in handy:
See are electric heaters eco-friendly?
Portable electric heaters use electricity, which costs 24.5p/kWh under the current energy price cap. Depending on how effective the heater is, it can take anything from 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 likely cost you between 24 and 49p.
In our tests, we set every heater to run at full blast so you can see the maximum amount it cost to heat our medium-sized test room. If you have the thermostat of your heater set to a desired temperature, the heater will toggle on and off once it reaches that temperature – depending on what's needed to maintain it. The heater won't operate continuously, so won't cost you as much to run.
Pinning down an exact comparison of how much central heating and electric heaters cost to run is nigh-on impossible, as the factors below are just some of the variables that play a part:
Under current energy prices, the electric heaters we've tested can cost anything from 8p to 76p per hour to run on full blast. This range shows you that 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
Due to the long list of factors that come into play to calculate your central heating costs, 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 your electric heater look cheaper to run, bear in mind that it will only be heating a small area, whereas your central heating will be aiming to heat your whole home.
If you were to try replacing the use of your central heating by putting an electric heater in each room, it will 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.
This means the electric heater will need to run at full blast for longer than your central heating, as it will have a tougher job keeping the room at the temperature you want. Once your home is up to temperature, your central heating will have an easier job than your heater clicking into gear and giving little top-ups of warmth.
Cheaper for a short-term blast in a small area
Overall, electric heaters can be cheaper for providing a short-term blast of heat in a small area, but 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
As long as you use them according to their instructions, electric heaters are safe.
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.
Tips to help you use yours safely:
Find out about our investigation into illegal Christmas lights sold at AliExpress, Amazon, eBay and Wish