I’ve tested dozens of electric heaters, and these are the ones I’ve been recommending to my family and friends for an extra burst of heat when they need it
These are the best electric heaters for staying warm, from the likes of Morphy Richards, Dreo, Dyson and more
9/10: The deals in this guide have been checked, and are still available.
While we might not be experiencing winter woes just yet, I'm definitely noticing a chillier start and end to the day. It's not be enough to have be turning on my central heating, but it does mean that this is an ideal time to dust of an electric heater to take the edge off.
Best used for a burst of heat when you need it, and to complement your existing heating system when the cold weather kicks on, the best electric heaters will heat up quickly, can be moved around the house with you, and may offer added functionality, like a fan mode, that makes them usable all year-round.
When you consider the sheer variety of electric heaters you can buy — fan, ceramic, convector, plus those with basic controls compared to models packed with smart features that can be controlled from your phone, and then the best oil-filled radiators on top of that — it can feel impossible to know which is right for your home.
Fortunately, along with a band of in-house testers here at Ideal Home, I have tested the best electric heaters you can buy in a real home environment and ranked the models I think are the best. Whether you're after something compact and budget friendly, or are prepared to pay a bit more for something with maximum functionality, you'll find it on this list.
Electric heater deals
Amazon's Prime Day-style sale might have ended, but there are still some decent discounts on our favourite electric heaters to be had.
The quick list
Short on time? This quick list is a brief overview of the very best electric heaters according to our testing process. Keep scrolling for more in-depth information on each.
This Dreo heater might be small, but it's incredibly effective. Our tester loved how quiet it was, especially in the lower power settings, how quickly it heated her medium-sized room (20m2) and how easy it was to use. Plus, it's compact size and light weight means it's really easy to move around with you.
If you're after something that looks good but won't break the bank, then this Swan retro-style ceramic heater is ideal. Its 1950s inspired design is cool, it's really easy to use, and it kicks out decent heat the second you turn it on. I've seen it available for as low as £25, so keep your eyes peeled for an even better bargain.
If the thought of a chilly bedroom makes you dread getting in or out of bed, then this Morphy Richards ceramic fan heater, with quiet noise level, dimmable display and compact design is ideal. It also has a fan mode that will see you through warmer nights too.
From it's space saving design, to it's simple controls and oscillation capability, there's a lot to love about this Morphy Richards tower heater, according to our tester. It might not be the most affordable on this list, but it's definitely provides value for money.
While it's true that this smart Mill electric heater takes a little effort to set up, once it's done, you can control it easily from your phone and keep an eye on how much energy your using at the same time. Plus it's sleek and contemporary design makes it one of the most stylish options on this list.
This powerful heater can easily warm larger rooms up to 28m2 where lower powered alternatives would struggle. But beyond it's heating capabilities, this heater is beautiful to look at so you don't need to pack it away when the weather warms up, and you can use the flame effect without the heat whenever you want, which is a really nice touch.
It's an investment, sure, but the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 is well worth it if your budget will stretch that far. Offering year-round climate control with a 3-in-1 heater, fan and air purification functionality, the bladeless design is powerful and quiet, and the intelligent sensors mean you can simply set your desired temperature and leave it to manage your home's air quality for hassle-free operation.
Named for its 360-degree heat distribution, the Threesixty 2 Smart Fan Heater definitely lives up to its moniker. Duux says that 'In boost mode, the Threesixty can heat up a room of 30m2 twice as fast as conventional heaters, thanks to its efficient PTC heating element. The air outlet makes sure the heat is evenly distributed in 360 degrees'.
While electric heaters offer instant warmth, they cool down just as quickly as soon as they are switched off. Oil-filled radiators, on the other hand, take longer to warm up, but continue radiating heat after they have been switched off, and this Pro Breeze model was very highly rated by our testers.
Best electric heaters 2026
Best electric heater overall
The lightest and most compact electric heater on the list, the Dreo Atom 316 might be small, but that definitely doesn't mean in lacks in the heat department.
It can make quick and easy work of warming small to medium sized rooms up to 20m2, even on the lowest power setting, according to our tester Amy, who also raved about how simple it was to use.
While it's not utterly silent in operation like the Mill WiFi Max 1500W portable heater on this list, it's definitely not the noisiest.
While all of the heaters on this list are technically portable, some are more easily moved than others, and the Dreo Atom 316 is definitely the easiest to move around wherever you want to use it.
Our tester's biggest gripe was that it doesn't have an oscillating mode, but that could definitely be forgiven when you see how affordable it is.
Read our full Dreo Atom 316 electric heater review for more details.
Best budget electric heater
Despite having an RRP of 44.99, I have regularly spotted this Swan heater available for around £25, which earns it the best budget electric heater spot on this list.
On top of the affordability aspect, this heater emits a surprising level of heat instantly, meaning it makes quick work of heating spaces up to 20m2. It made quick work of warming up my mid-sized living room, and even quicker work of my small home office. I found it ideal for taking a cool chill off the space first thing in the morning.
But what really sets this ceramic fan heater apart in my eyes is its 1950s inspired design. It looks so cool! While many electric heaters are minimal in their design, they can look more functional than beautiful. And if you want to leave it out over the winter, then having something stylish on display feels much better. And I love the look of this retro model. The small display screen combined with the chrome grille and the leather-look handle remind of a vintage radio, so I feel like it adds a touch of quirky cool to my home, rather than screaming 'I'm a heater' from the corner.
While it made easy work of warming up both my small home office and medium sized living room, it won't be powerful enough to warm a much larger space, in which case, something like the Vonhaus Electric Stove & Log Store on this list may be more suitable, while remaining equally stylish.
Read my full Swan 1.5kW Retro Ceramic Heater review for more details.
Best for chilly bedrooms
If, like me, your bedroom feels chilly in the morning, especially if you are getting up earlier than your central heating schedule, then having a little electric heater can help reduce that dread of getting out of a lovely warm bed.
Not only is this Morphy Richards HeatFlux 1.5kW Ceramic Fan Heater incredible compact and light weight, I also found it very quiet, which makes it ideal if you want a bit of warmth as you get up while someone else carries on snoozing. I clocked it at just 48dB, the equivalent of gentle background noise. It also has the option to dim the light display by 50%, which can be very handy on those dark mornings when you're trying not to disturb anyone.
It might not be the most beautiful electric heater, but it's cylindrical shape and minimal design mean it can easily sit on a bedside table without sticking out like a sore thumb.
You can set a chosen target temperature using the Eco mode, or give a blast of hot air in the high heat mode. It also has a cool mode, which means you can use the same appliance if you are a hot sleeper.
Read my full Morphy Richards HeatFlux 1.5kW Ceramic Fan Heater review for more details.
Best tower heater
There are a lot of factors that we considered to rank this Morphy Richards heater the best overall in our pick of the best buys.
Firstly, and most importantly, it's effective. Our tester Natasha particularly appreciated how quickly it heater her open plan space while she was working from home, especially when in oscillating mode. It'll work well in rooms up to 20m2, so make sure you measure your rooms dimensions to make sure this is suitably powerful to work in your home.
Beyond it's impressive heating capabilities, it's also got an ultra slim design, which means it's a brilliant choice for those with limited space and who want something unobtrusive.
Pleasingly sparse in terms of buttons on both the onboard and remote controls, according to Natasha, but that doesn't mean it's basic in terms of functionality. It might not be able to connect to your home's WiFi, but it does have a handy timer function, an eco mode that helps you avoid wasting heat and energy and three heat settings to allow you to personalise your comfort levels.
All of this with a sub-£100 price point, makes it a great buy in my book.
Read our full Morphy Richards HeatFlux Ultra Thin 2kW Ceramic Tower Fan Heater review for more details.
Best smart heater
With it's contemporary appearance, the Will WiFi Max 1500W portable heater is an ideal choice for those looking for a modern and sleek electric heater. However, it's the smart features where this model really shines.
While this could be plug-in and go type of heater, you wouldn't be using it to it's full potential. It might have taken me a bit of time to connect it to my home's WiFi network (and to get to grips with how the smart features work) during the testing process, but once done, this is where you can utilise a whole load of features from your phone. In the simplest terms, you can turn it on and off from wherever you are via the free Mill app, as well as selecting and adjusting the temperature and monitoring the appliance's energy usage. Beyond that you can use the app to set up schedules, which could be particularly useful for those who work from home on a regular basis.
Another thing that really impressed me with this smart heater was its energy saving capabilities. In addition to monitoring energy usage, you can use the app to set an exact temperature, and the heater will automatically reduce it's energy consumption once that temperature is reached. Better still, it also has specific detection functionality that will turn the heater off if it senses an open window.
Being a convection heater, this model is also silent when in use making it an ideal option for home workers, or those with noise sensitivities. Moreover, it's also IPX4 rated also means that it can be used in a bathroom.
Read my full Mill WiFi Max 1500W portable heater review for more details.
Best log-burner alternative
This electric stove from VonHaus is one you will be proud to have on display year-round, thanks to its convincing log-burner aesthetic. With a realistic flame effect, and a compartment to store logs to add to the look, this is one of the most beautiful and characterful electric heaters you can buy.
It's super easy to use, thanks to it's plug in and go set up. There are three switches (flame effect, 1000W/1kW heat output and 2000W/2kW heat output, plus a dial to adjust the temperature), so it's ideal for those who may be daunted by the set up involved with a smart electric heater.
Capable of heating spaces up to a considerable 28m2, it's not disruptively noisy. My decibel reader clocked the fan at around 51dB, which is the equivalent of gentle background noise. Even on the more powerful setting, I found I didn't really notice it while chatting with friends while sat next to it, and when I was watching TV, I didn't need to adjust the volume to compensate.
While there are no smart energy saving features to take advantage of, I like that you can switch to a lower power, more energy-efficient mode when you want to, and you can enjoy the flame effect without having the heating function on.
The only real downside is that while it's technically portable, it's weight and dimensions makes this quite a challenge. Instead, I think you'd be best finding a permanent spot for this focal point heater instead of moving it around.
Read my full VonHaus Electric Stove & Log Store review for more details.
Best multifunctional electric heater
A fan, heater and air purifier in one, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 is sleek, stylish and, like the rest of Dyson's product offering, undoubtedly effective.
You can operate it via the remote control or via the MyDyson app, and when we tested it, we found the app control the better option of the two, as it allows you to set up timers and schedules, adjust the airflow and temperature, and explore the air quality graphs. Operation is really simple too — just toggle up and down to set your desired room temperature, and the Dyson's intelligent sensors will automatically turn the heater on if temperatures dip under your target setting, and off when the target temperature is reached to save on energy.
The Hot+Cool HP1 has the widest temperature range of any electric heater we've tested, allowing you to set a target temperature of between 1-37°C. Dyson's powerful air multiplier technology also projects up to 290L of heated air per second, which means it can heat whole rooms in just minutes. The added bonus of 350 ̊ oscillation also means that you can either target specific areas or heat a wider space.
In terms of energy efficiency, the intelligent sensor means you'll never use more energy than is needed to keep your home at your preferred temperature, as it will automatically switch to standby once your target temperature is reached.
While we highly rate this purifying fan heater for many reasons, the £500+ will be off-putting to some, and it's not the quietest.
Read our full Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 Purifying Fan Heater review for more details.
Best electric heater for large rooms
Combining it's 360° air distribution with its Boost mode, this compact Duux heater can quickly and evenly heat larger rooms up to 30m2 and eliminate cold spots. This is ideal if you use it in a living room and want all occupants to feel the benefit and not just the person sitting closest to the appliance.
Connect it to the Duux app and you can control the heater from anywhere, which is especially handy if you want to pre-heat a space, like a bedroom or home office, before you use it. We did find it a little tricky to set up the app connection at first, so you might need a bit of patience.
While this heater can heat big rooms, it won't take up a lot of space. It'll fit neatly on a side table or desk, and not take up any valuable floor space. It's also got a minimalist appearance, and is available in charcoal grey and white so will fit with most interior schemes.
Our only real gripe with this one is that we wish it was a little quieter. But if you plan on using this in a large room, you can pop it further away from you and enjoy the warmth without being disturbed. It's also not the most affordable on this list, but it's actually worth the money.
Best oil-filled radiator
Unlike other electric heaters on the list, this oil-filled radiator heats differently. Instead of blowing out warm air, it slowly heats the oil contained in its body, which once warm goes on to radiate heat around the room. Once you turn it off, it will continue radiating heat as the oil slowly cools down.
Despite this kind of heater taking longer to produce heat than other electric heaters on this list, our tester found that it managed to warm her small home office in less than 10 minutes. It worked similarly quickly in her larger bedroom too.
While it's largely straightforward to use, our tester did find it a little fiddly to use the timer function.
Electric heater comparison at a glance
Model |
RRP |
Wattage |
Room size suitability |
Weight |
Hourly running costs (to nearest full penny) |
£49.99 |
1-1.5kW |
up to 20m2 |
1.25kgs |
28-42p/kWh |
|
£44.99 |
1.5kW |
up to 20m2 |
2kgs |
up to 39p/kWh |
|
£49.99 |
1.5kW |
up to 15m2 |
1.4kgs |
39p/kWh |
|
Morphy Richards HeatFlux Ultra Thin 2kw Ceramic Tower Fan Heater with Remote Control |
£100 |
2kW |
up to 20m2 |
2.8kgs |
56p/kWh |
£169 |
1.5kW |
up to 22m2 |
5.5kgs |
42p/kWh |
|
£229.99 |
1-2kW |
up to 28m2 |
11.5kgs |
28-56p/kWh |
|
£549.99 |
2.05kW |
up to 33m2 |
5.26kgs |
57p/kWh |
|
£119.99 |
800-1800W |
up to 30m2 |
2.25kgs |
21-47p/kWh |
|
£75.99 |
1000-2500W |
up to 30m2 |
8.3kgs |
26-65p/kWh |
Best of the rest
How we test the best electric heaters
At Ideal Home, we take how we test very seriously. We only want to recommend products that we have hands-on experience with, which is why we follow a strict testing protocol to understand the ins and outs of every product that comes into our hands. To compile this guide, we made sure to test the electric heaters in real homes so we could understand how they'd fare in your home too.
You can find out more about how we test electric heaters here.
How to choose an electric heater
There are many things you should know before buying an electric heater in order to make the right choice for your home. They can come in all shapes and sizes, with a range of additional features, so it's important to know what to look out for to avoid any electric heater buying mistakes.
This is what you should consider before you buy:
- The type of heater. There are three main types of electric heaters — fan heaters (which use a fan to push warm air out into a room), convector heaters (which look more like a traditional radiator and uses convection to warm up the air surrounding them) and halogen heaters (which use incandescent light bulbs that creates infrared heat). You should also understand the difference between oil-filled radiators and electric heaters so you choose the right one for your home.
- It's size and weight. The physical dimensions of the electric heater should always be considered, not just in terms of how easily you can move it around your home, but also where you can store it when it's not in use.
- How big a space you want to heat. It's important to think about how large a space you want your electric heater to warm, as this will impact the wattage of heater you need to look out for. The higher the wattage, the more powerful, but it will also cost more to run.
- How noisy the heater might be. Some electric heaters are quieter than others, so if you live with any one (or any pets) that are sensitive to sounds, then you'll want to opt for something quieter. While oil-filled radiators and convector heaters can often make clicking and whirring noises, they’re typically on the quieter end of the spectrum. However, a fan heater can be noisy, especially when running at higher speeds.
- Any extra features it may have. This might include control features like a programmable timer, thermostat or WiFi compatibility, or safety aspects like cool touch surfaces or automatic shut off if it gets too hot or is knocked over.
FAQs
Do I need an electric heater?
If you can get through winter in your home, without feeling cold and without having your central heating on all day long, then you might not have a need for an electric heater.
However, if you are at home during the day in between your central heating schedule, and regularly feel the need to knock it on for another hour or two, then an electric heater could be well worth it.
Having a standalone electric heater means you can give a blast of heat in the room you are in, without heating the whole house unnecessarily. Electric heaters can also provide instant results, which means you don't have to sit there shivering until the heating kicks in.
Some electric heaters can come with a hefty price tag, while others are both affordable and compact, which makes them very easy to move around your home wherever you need them.
How much should you spend on an electric heater?
How much you should spend on an electric heater will largely be dictated by your budget, but it's worth factoring in a couple of different points into your decision making. After all, prices for electric heaters can range from tens to hundreds of pounds.
If you want an electric heater as an emergency back up should your boiler stop working, then you can get a reasonably powerful model for less than £100.
However, if you plan on using an electric heater more regularly throughout the winter as a cheaper alternative to your central heating, then paying a bit more for one that is more powerful, more efficient, or has additional features you might find beneficial can be a good investment.
Think too about if you have need for multiple appliances, like a heater in the winter, fan in the summer, or an air purifier. While dual purpose models might be more expensive, when you tot up how much you might spend on those appliances individually, they can actually be quite cost effective.
What electric heater safety features should I look out for?
Electric heaters of old may have got a bit of a bad rep for being unsafe, bu the good news is that newer models now come with a couple of key safety features to give you peace of mind.
Firstly, look out for auto shut off features that mean the heater will turn itself off if it gets too hot, and you won't be able to use it again until it's cooled down.
Secondly, most models now come with tip over protection, that means they will cut out if they get accidentally knocked over.
If you have young kids at home, then looking for an electric heater with a child lock function will prevent curious little fingers from turning it on or changing the settings.
But as always, you should make sure to keep children and pets, as well as soft furnishings or flammable materials, away from an electric heater as parts of the heater may get hot during use.
What is the most efficient electric heater?
The most efficient electric heaters will be the ones that heat up quickly, continue giving out heat after they've been switched off, and give you the most control over your temperature and heat output. Eco modes, open window detection and power reduction when the set temperature is reached are also key to efficiency.
Compared to oil-filled radiators, electric heaters tend to heat up much quicker, with fan heaters offering the most instant heat boost. Choose one with a ceramic element and it'll heat up even quicker, meaning your heater will use less energy to get to temperature.
Ceramic heaters should also be considered, as they can heat a room very quickly and retain the heat when they're turned off. Read our ceramic heater vs fan heater guide for more information.
However, if it’s energy efficiency over long periods that you're looking for, a convector heater is probably the better choice, consuming less energy over an average day than most fan heaters.
Are electric heaters cheap to run?
As a electric heater is powered by electricity, which costs more than gas, they're not necessarily cheap to run, especially if used for long periods of time. Plus, the more powerful your electric heater, the more it will cost to run.
However, the fact that electric heaters can heat up quicker than your central heating, and many have good heat retention, means that you can use them in bursts rather than having them on constantly. This means that while they might cost more to run in a direct comparison with gas central heating, an electric heater may not need to be used for as long to keep you warm.
To keep bills to a minimum, there are ways to ensure you use your electric heater most efficiently. Make sure you keep doors and windows shut when using an electric heater, and address any draughts.
