Looking to cut heating bills or warm just one room without firing up the boiler? We tested 12 electric heaters to find the best. Electric heaters range from compact fan-powered models to oil-filled radiators and smart panels. Our top picks include the Beldray 2,000W smart ceramic core radiator (best overall), Russell Hobbs oscillating ceramic 2kW heater (best budget), and Mill wifi max portable heater 1,500W (best efficient).
We set up each model in a living room, blasting them at maximum temperature and measuring air temperature with a digital thermometer at regular intervals. Noise levels were assessed from the same position, and an infrared thermometer checked safety to touch. Energy efficiency was gauged using a power usage meter. Special features like timed heating and smartphone operability were also tested.
Electric heaters vary in price from under £50 to over £500. For occasional use, a model under £100 is suitable. For regular use in one room, spending more can offer better design and smart features. The cost of adding a new plumbed-in radiator ranges from £200 to £600.
Electricity costs more than gas per unit of heat, but using an electric heater in one room can be more cost-effective than heating the whole house. Models with lower wattage and efficient design tend to have lower running costs.
