Electric heaters are ideal for when your mains heating isn’t warming your home enough, or you want to transport your heater around with you. If you are a person who gets cold easily and can never seem to be warm, an electric heater could fix all your problems thanks to the portability benefit.
You could even choose to carry your electric heater from room to room with you, to make sure the cold can never reach you throughout your day.
Electric heaters are very handy for rooms and areas where central heating cannot reach, such as those pesky cold spots in your home, or perhaps a shed or conservatory.
Electric heaters are a great alternative to having to spend a lot of time and money reaching the central heating to these places, making it an ideal purchase for anyone who finds themselves feeling a little chilly around their house.
Electric heating has become much more popular in recent years as this type of radiator has become more readily available and less energy-consuming than they used to.
Once upon a time electric heating was only for people with the largest of budgets, however, nowadays anyone can get their hands on an electric radiator.
Having said that, you have to know where to look to choose the right model so you don’t find your electricity bill rising too much.
That is why we’ve stepped in and have done the hard work for you. Below you’ll find our top five models along with a handy buyers guide and a couple of frequently asked questions to give you an in-depth look into the world of electric radiators.
In a hurry? This is our winner!
- ※ Parameters：220~240V/50Hz, Size: 20.5” X 7.9” X 14.8”
- ※ 3 settings in heating output：(Setting 1: 750W, Setting 2: 1250W, Setting 3: 2000W. Note: Setting 3 means both switches are turned on)
- ※ Have two supporters , two wall-mounted holes on the back, free-standing and wall mounted(Fixings Not Supplied)
Electric radiators are excellent options for people who need a temporary fix for their heating needs, or who are looking for a heater to take on their holidays.
After all our research into electric radiators on the market, we’ve found that the DONYER POWER 2000W Convector Radiator Heater is the best option in our eyes, and here’s why:
- It is actually one of the most inexpensive options available, on our list and on the market.
- There are two safety features to give you peace of mind.
- Comes with three power modes to pick from so that you’re not using more energy than you need to.
Best Electric Radiator – Comparison Table
Best Electric Radiator – Reviews
DONYER POWER Convector Radiator Heater 2000W Room Heating with Adjustable Thermostat
First up is the 2000W Convector Radiator Heater by DONYER POWER. Unlike most of the other electric radiators on this list, this is actually a convector radiator which allows it to heat up much faster than oil-filled radiators. You can mount this radiator to the wall or attach the feet to use it as a portable electric radiator, giving it great versatility. You can choose between three power options – 750W, 1250W, and 2000W – depending on the current situation.
There are three levels of the automatic overheating protection, including for the manual temperature control, the automatic temperature control and the fuse. This gives you extra peace of mind that your radiator is not going to falter and put you at risk. There is also anti-tipping protection which turns the radiator off as soon as it is knocked over.
The automatic thermostat allows you to change the temperature to whatever level you desire, and the radiator will automatically turn off as soon as the room hits your chosen temperature. Don’t worry though, it will turn back on when it feels the room temperature drops to ensure a consistent atmosphere.
- Overheating and anti-tipping safety features.
- Three power modes to choose from.
- Attractive price point.
- Not made of very durable materials.
- Not the best customer service.
Duronic Heater Oil Free Electric HV101, Mica Panels 2.5kW, Radiant and Convection Convector Heating with Thermostat, Heats up in 1 Minute - Black
Much like the electric radiator above by DURONIC, this model is another convector radiator that heats up in record timing. There are three power modes to choose from, including 1kW, 1.5kW, and 2.5kW to ensure you can use the heater all year round, or alongside your central heating. You can use the thermostat to change the current temperature, so you won’t have to keep turning it on and off again to achieve your desired temperature.
This radiator weighs only 5 kg, so you can move this model around wherever you need it most. It is also ideal for taking on holidays such as in RVs or campervans. The handles on the sides of the model make it easy to pick up and move, so you don’t have to try and grasp onto the slippery metal.
If you’re looking for more of a permanent solution, you can mount this radiator onto a wall with the included wall fittings. Alternatively, you can use the included feet and keep it as a portable option. The safety feature allows the heater to turn itself off as soon as it starts overheating, however, there is no tipping safety feature.
- Three power modes to choose from.
- Can be mounted or used as a portable radiator.
- Convection heater rather than an oil-filled model.
- No way to contact customer service.
- Not the most durable model.
De'Longhi Dragon 4 TRD41025T Oil Filled Radiator - White
The lowest powered electric heater on our list, De’Longhi’s alternative is small but mighty with ten oil-filled fins to heat up smaller rooms with limited space for a heater. This model would be ideal for caravans or sheds that can get particularly cold during the winter. The design is so simple that it features only a thermostat on the side to adjust how hot you want it to make your room, and an on-off button – that’s it!
It also features a carry handle so you can easily move it from room to room without touching the potentially still hot metal, and the power cable is 1.5 metres long to give you the opportunity to move it away from the plug socket.
The included overheating protection system turns the radiator off if it begins to overheat, giving you peace of mind that you don’t have to constantly be checking on how hot the model is getting. In case of any faults you experience, you’ll get a one year warranty with this electric radiator.
- Small radiator for smaller spaces.
- Simple and easy to use.
- Protection from overheating.
- May not be warm enough for your individual needs or larger rooms.
- Only features basic functions.
Pro Breeze 2500W Digital Oil Filled Radiator, 10 Fin – Portable Electric Heater with LED Display, Built-in Timer, 4 Heat Settings, Thermostat, Safety Cut-Off and Remote Control
Next up is the 2500W Oil Filled Radiator by Pro Breeze®, which features 11 fins all full of oil to heat your room up in record time. Seriously, plug this radiator into the wall and feel the effects almost instantly! You can use this model anywhere with a reachable plug to offer instant warmth and comfortability.
The design is slim and tall, making it easily placed within your room and forgotten about. As it doesn’t take up much floor space, you can use it in even the smallest of rooms. Moreover, you’ll see that there are wheels beneath the fins, making it so portable that you can wheel it around with you.
On the side of this model are the controls where you can choose from three heat settings – 1000W, 1500W, and 2500W – depending on how much heat you need. You can also adjust the temperature using the thermostat dial, and you can set the timer if desired. The safety features included preventing hazards occurring from your model overheating or tipping over, which is a big plus.
- Small design to not take up too much space.
- Wheels for added portability.
- 24-hour timer and safety features to protect you.
- Some customers have had some problems concerning damages while shipping.
- Thermostat can be a little inaccurate.
Jack Stonehouse Oil Filled Radiator 1500W 7 Fin 1.5KW Electric radiators for Home Office Free Standing, Thermostatically Controlled, 3 Energy Efficient Heat Output Settings for Maximum Warmth
Last but not least, we come to Jack Stonehouse version of an electric radiator. This oil-filled model can be used in three different power modes – low power at 1000W, medium power at 2000W, and high power at 2500W. This versatility means you can use it all year round without becoming too hot in the summer months. You can adjust this with the helpful remote so you don’t even have to get up to turn it off, or higher or lower. This remote is also able to enable child lock and set a timer to automatically turn the heater off, so there’s no possibility of you forgetting.
This radiator will turn off automatically when tipped over or begins to overheat, which is very beneficial and offers the user peace of mind. Moreover, the stylish black electric radiator is tall and thin to take up as little floor space as possible.
- Safety features in place.
- Remote to control the radiator without touching it.
- The instructions are not the clearest.
- High price point.
Best Electric Radiator – Buyer’s Guide
Electric radiators consist of an electrical element that heats up either oil or water within the heater. This liquid then stores the heat and radiates it through the metal radiator, therefore heating up your space. They are typically made of durable metals such as cast iron, steel or aluminium. These three metals are especially good at keeping the heat flowing through your room and therefore will give you a better and consistent heating.
When choosing your new electric radiator, there are a few factors to consider before committing to one model. Following these features and ensuring your model has them will ensure that you get the best electric radiator for you, instead of just the general best one on the market. Below we’ll look at all of these features to ensure you get a better understanding of what you should be looking for when shopping for an electric radiator.
Size
Of course, you’re going to want to choose an electric radiator that is the correct size for your home. You don’t want a model that is going to take up all of your free space, but you’re also not going to want one that is so small that it doesn’t heat up your room properly. Try and find a good balance between how much space your chosen model takes up and how much heat you need it to deliver.
Remember that electric radiators can give off a lot of heat and you’ll be surprised how much a little model gives off. Also, bear in mind that larger models will cost more to run than smaller radiators.
Safety
There are a number of safety precautions that come on the side of an electric radiator box, so you need to choose a model that offers as many safety features as possible. There are a few that are considered must-have features, including cutting out and tilt protection, which your new model should have to keep you safe as well as warm.
If your electric radiator includes a cutting out feature, it simply means that your model will stop running when it begins to overheat. All electronic devices have the ability to overheat, however, electric radiators are more prone to overheating as they’re already running hot, to begin with. This feature just gives you peace of mind when using that it is not going to falter due to becoming too hot.
Tilt protection is another handy feature that shuts the electric radiator off if it is knocked over. If this were to happen with a radiator that didn’t feature tilt protection, it could start a fire inside your home. As this isn’t particularly desired by anyone, tilt protection is an excellent feature to look out for.
Of course, there are more safety features that electric radiators possess, but these are the two most important ones to look out for. These will give you peace of mind when leaving the room without turning your model off each time, however, it is not advised that you leave an electric radiator unattended.
Price
Electric radiators can be particularly inexpensive and that is why they are so popular. However, there are some that are more expensive than others which most likely will offer more impressive features than models on the lower end of the spectrum. Models with higher prices may also be more efficient and provide more heat as opposed to other models, so you may find that higher-priced models are actually cheaper in the long run.
Having said that, there are plenty of high-quality electric radiators that have smaller price tags, so don’t go over your budget when looking for your new model. You will still be able to find an ideal option that comes in under your budget.
Usability
The electric radiator you choose should be easy to use with clear instructions and labels on the model. This will prevent you from accidentally turning the heat too high, leaving the radiator on while you’re asleep, or wasting too much energy and therefore money.
Make sure that your model comes with an instruction manual and is clear about how to use the basic functions of the electric radiator, as you want to make sure you know exactly how to use it to avoid safety hazards.
Power
The power of your electric radiator will either be measured in W or kW, and this will determine how much energy is used and exerted to heat up your room. Your current situation will determine whether you need a lower or higher-powered radiator as if you’re going to be using it alongside your central heating to make it just that tad bit warmer, a 1000W model will probably suit you just fine.
Having said that, if you need an electric radiator to solely heat up a room such as a conservatory, you may find that a 2000W version will work much better for you. Don’t forget that the higher the power, the higher the electricity bill, so don’t just jump for the biggest and highest-powered model you see.
Design
Granted, most electric radiators look more or less the same and follow the same design blueprint. However, there are some design choices that you can choose between, including the colour, whether the controls are situated, and the dimension proportions. What we mean by this is how tall or short, thin or wide the heater is. This may be important if you live in a small space where you have a specific place for your radiator to fit in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric radiators expensive to run?
Gas central heating is cheaper than electricity, however, we would not call it particularly expensive. How expensive your electric radiator is to run will all depend on the power mode you’re using it on, how long for, and how large the room that you’re using it in is. Obviously a larger room will take more energy to heat and therefore cost more, so it is all about how you’re going to use your electric radiator.
Can you leave an electric radiator on all night?
You can leave electric radiators on overnight, provided it is mounted to the wall and there is nothing covering it or close to it. However, if you’re using your electric radiator as a portable option that sits on the floor, it is not advisable to leave it on overnight as it could catch fire if it overheats or touches something flammable.