B&M is selling a portable oil-filled radiator for £24 that costs roughly 17.1p per hour to run, offering households a cheaper alternative to central heating as the UK energy price cap rises.
The 650W Grey Blaupunkt Five Fin Oil-Filled Radiator uses 0.65 kilowatt-hours at full capacity, according to the Daily Record. Based on the current UK energy price cap, that equates to approximately 17.1p per hour of continuous operation.
Energy price cap increase
The UK energy price cap rose by about 4% on October 1. For a typical household paying by Direct Debit, this adds £60 a year to bills, bringing the average yearly cost from £1,663 to £1,723. The increase is mostly due to higher gas prices, though electricity costs stayed steady thanks to a temporary government VAT cut.
Budget-conscious alternatives such as electric heaters and oil-filled radiators are emerging as cost-effective options. Experts suggest focusing on personal warmth rather than heating entire properties to keep energy expenditure under control. Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis advocates this approach, recommending the strategy of 'heat the human, not the home'.
Zone heating with B&M's radiator
For UK households determined to stay cosy without relying on central heating, portable heaters offer an attractive solution for "zone heating" — the practice of warming only occupied rooms. B&M stocks various options, including the 650W Grey Blaupunkt Five Fin Oil-Filled Radiator priced at £24.
Unlike conventional fan heaters, which lose heat immediately upon switching off, oil-filled radiators demonstrate superior heat retention. The thermal fluid inside absorbs heat and continues to radiate it throughout the room well after being unplugged.
By using the adjustable thermostat and allowing the radiator to switch on and off automatically, families can maintain warmth in a home office or compact bedroom at considerably lower cost than operating a full central heating system. B&M's Blaupunkt Five Fin Oil-Filled Radiator measures 24 x 14 x 39cm and weighs 2.62kg.
How to maximise savings
Specialists highlight that the greatest cost reductions arise from clever deployment. Reducing the main household thermostat by just a couple of degrees while using the Blaupunkt radiator to target-heat a specific work area can trim pounds from monthly energy expenses.
According to B&M's product description: "Heat your home with the Blaupunkt Five Fin Oil-Filled Radiator. Designed with five heating fins, this compact radiator delivers steady, reliable warmth, making it ideal for bedrooms, home offices, and other medium to small spaces.
"Its adjustable thermostat allows you to easily set the desired temperature, ensuring maximum comfort while being environmentally friendly. And with an efficient output of 650W, you can enjoy cosy temperatures without worrying about your energy bills. Lightweight and portable, this radiator is easy to move from room to room, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable during those extra chilly days."
B&M isn't stopping there with its Blaupunkt heater range — shoppers can also get their hands on a Blaupunkt High Power Fan Heater 3000W for the same price of £24. B&M says: "Save money on your energy bills with an electric heater from BandM Stores. This compact fan heater is as versatile as it is powerful."