Consumer journalist Harry Kind has warned households against buying portable heaters from unnamed online brands, citing safety risks as energy bills reach a three-year high. Speaking on BBC Morning Live, he said that while portable heaters can be an affordable way to take the "edge off" in winter, unbranded products may carry greater risk.
Energy price cap rises 4%
Ofgem confirmed the energy price cap will be £1,723 a year from October 1 to December 31, 2026, a 4% increase on the previous period, based on typical unit rates and standing charges for Direct Debit customers in England, Scotland and Wales. The rise is fuelled by higher wholesale gas prices linked to the war in Iran.
Kind said the cap has "gone up by £60 on average - so if you’re on that price cap, you will be paying more." He admitted that for many, "it’s going to be a cold winter," adding: "A lot of people are saying if prices rise again, they might not turn on the heating or hot water altogether. And that is really worrying."
Check before you plug it in
Kind stressed that portable heaters can be "great" and inexpensive to run, but warned households may be taking risks without realising it. He said: "Safety is so important. What I don’t want is people going up to the loft, because it’s getting cold, and they find a fan heater that they've had since the 70s."
He advised checking that the plug isn’t wonky and there are no melting or burnt bits, as these devices pull a lot of power and can be riskier. Before use, people should also check for damaged or frayed cables, taped repairs, cracks in the plug, or any other signs of overheating.
Replace it, says BBC expert
Kind advises: "If it’s generally a bit old, I would say replace it. And if you’re going to replace your fan heater or your oil radiator, buy it from a reputable retailer. Do not get it from a no-name online brand. Because this [portable heaters] is something that just has a certain amount of risk associated with it."
The BBC also urged people to choose brands they recognise, stating that "products sold by unknown third-party sellers online may not have passed the same safety checks as those sold by traditional retailers." It recommends checking gov.uk before buying to see whether the heater has ever been recalled. The BBC stresses: "When using your heater, make sure to plug it directly into a wall socket rather than an extension lead. Keep it at least one metre away from curtains, furniture and anything else that could catch fire."
