As energy costs remain a pressing concern for households across the UK, finding an effective and efficient way to heat a single room without cranking up the central heating is a common challenge. To help you stay warm without breaking the bank, we conducted rigorous hands-on testing of twelve popular electric heaters, from compact fan models to stylish stove-style units and smart-enabled radiators.
Our Top Electric Heater Picks for 2026
After creating sauna-like conditions in a living room to test each model at maximum power, we measured temperature gains, noise levels, and running costs. The following nine heaters stood out from the pack, offering a blend of performance, value, and innovative features.
Overall Winner: Beldray 2,000W Smart Ceramic Core Radiator
Priced at £206.75 from Argos, the Beldray smart radiator emerged as our top choice. This versatile unit can be used freestanding on casters or wall-mounted, and is packed with smart functionalities. It offers multiple modes including Economic, Frost Prevention, and a sensor mode that detects movement to adjust heating.
While it takes around ten minutes to fully warm up, it then provides powerful, near-silent heating. After thirty minutes, our test room was uniformly snug. Control via the accompanying app is intuitive, allowing you to pre-warm a room from your bed. A minor drawback is the slightly cluttered digital display on the unit itself, and the front panels remain very hot after use, though a temperature limitation feature enhances safety.
Best on a Budget: Russell Hobbs Oscillating Ceramic 2kW Heater
For those seeking quality without a high price tag, the Russell Hobbs oscillating ceramic heater at £49.68 from Amazon is an outstanding option. It delivers powerful, efficient heating from a compact footprint and includes higher-end features like oscillation (rotation) and an Eco mode.
It effectively spreads warm air throughout a room and operates with a low-pitched hum that is less intrusive than the whine of some fan heaters. Additional perks include a remote control, a bleep-free option for night use, and automatic shut-off if tipped over. The on-unit buttons can be a little tricky to press, but this is a minor quibble for a heater offering such performance at this price.
Best Fan Heater: Dreo PTC Fan Heater Solaris 718
If you need rapid warmth, the Dreo Solaris 718 fan heater (£118.98 from Amazon) is a powerful yet surprisingly quiet choice. Its obelisk design began cosying up a chilly room within seconds of activation. For a 2,000W fan model, its 46dB operation is impressively subdued, producing a deep rush of air rather than a harsh roar.
It features simple controls via remote or unit buttons, offering timed heating, lateral oscillation, and a child lock. An LED indicator ring on top glows different colours to signal room temperature. Its main downside is relatively high energy consumption on the maximum setting, and the elaborate grilles can be tricky to clean.
Best for Style: Everhot Cast Iron Electric Heater
For those prioritising aesthetics, the Everhot electric stove at £1,199 from Cooks & Company is in a class of its own. This beautiful, handmade cast-iron model delivers 1.5kW of serene, near-silent heating from its stove-top vent, making it a perfect statement piece for an empty fireplace or alcove.
Controls are beautifully simple: just a power switch and a heat-setting dial. Be aware that the top becomes extremely hot during and after use, so it may not suit households with curious pets or young children. The high price reflects its premium construction and design, making it best for regular use rather than occasional heating.
Most Energy Efficient: Mill Wifi Max Portable Heater 1,500W
Norwegian brand Mill's 1,500W portable heater (from £169 at Amazon and B&Q) impressed with its near-silent operation and excellent efficiency. It heated a cold living room to a comfortable temperature in under ten minutes while using less electricity than comparable models.
Operation is via a simple dial on the unit or a smartphone app for remote control and programming. Unusually, it has an IPX4 moisture resistance rating, making it suitable for bathroom use (though not too close to water sources). The oval base is stable and floor-friendly, though the heater does occupy more floor space than its compact appearance might suggest.
Key Considerations Before You Buy
Electric heaters represent a significant spectrum in both price and purpose. For occasional use—during boiler breakdowns or home renovations—a model under £100 is often perfectly adequate. For regular, primary heating of a room, investing more can secure better design, smarter features, and improved efficiency.
It's important to note that electric heaters are generally not cheap to run compared to gas central heating, as electricity costs more per unit of energy in the UK. However, using one to heat a single room can be more cost-effective than firing up the whole-house heating system.
When choosing between types, ceramic heaters tend to operate very quietly and provide residual heat after being switched off, while fan heaters warm a space almost instantly but are often noisier and cool down quickly.
Responsible Disposal of Old Heaters
When your old electric heater reaches the end of its life—typically after several years—explore repair options first, especially if it's under warranty. If replacement is necessary, the most environmentally responsible disposal method is to take it to your local recycling centre as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). You can find your nearest centre via the Recycle Now website. Alternatively, consider listing it for free online as a 'spares or repairs' item.
This guide, originally published on 7 November 2024 and updated in January 2026, is based on extensive, impartial testing by journalist Pete Wise, who has reviewed hundreds of home products since 2017. All facts, figures, and performance data are accurate as of the latest update.
