As the UK shivers through a severe winter cold snap, with the Met Office issuing moderate weather warnings for snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures, consumers are urgently seeking cost-effective ways to stay warm. With turning up the central heating thermostat proving a pricey option, many are following money-saving expert Martin Lewis's advice to 'heat the person, not the home'. This has led to a surge in popularity for targeted heating solutions, and one compact appliance is generating significant buzz.
A Powerful Yet Affordable Heating Solution
The product in question is the DeLonghi Capsule Hobby Fan Heater, a portable device designed to heat a single space quickly rather than an entire property. Normally priced at £54.99, it is currently on sale for just £29.99, representing a substantial £25 saving. However, its appeal extends far beyond the initial price tag. Users have rated it 'excellent', praising its 'neat and compact' design for outputting 'a lot of heat' while being remarkably cheap to operate.
Its portability is a key feature, allowing it to be easily moved from a living room to a home office, or even into a garden shed. This aligns perfectly with the current drive to reduce energy bills by heating only occupied rooms.
How Much Does It Really Cost to Run?
The financial efficiency is where this heater truly stands out. According to calculations using the energy-site Sus-it, the DeLonghi heater, with its 2.4KW output, costs approximately 66p per hour to run. This 'pennies to run' claim offers a tangible alternative to cranking up the household thermostat.
For context, while a Dyson AM09 heater uses a slightly lower 2kW, making it marginally cheaper per hour, its upfront cost exceeds £300. Another competitor, the Dreo 1500W Electric Heater priced at £44 (down from £54.99), offers extra features like a timer but has a lower power output.
What Do the Buyers Say?
Customer reviews underscore the heater's effectiveness despite its small size. One satisfied user reported: "A stylish little heater that gives out a good amount of heat quickly, heating up a mid-sized bedroom in less than five minutes." They also noted a useful safety feature where the device turns off if lifted, though mentioned the power cable is only about a metre long.
Another shopper expressed regret at not buying one sooner, stating it "instantly warms a room". They added: "A real money-saving device in these difficult economic times. Quiet and takes up very little room."
With the UK deep in winter's grip and households keen to manage expenses, this DeLonghi heater presents a compelling combination of rapid heat, portability, and low running costs, proving that staying warm doesn't have to break the bank.
