Looking to cut heating bills or warm just one room without firing up the boiler? We tested 12 electric heaters to find the best, from budget-friendly fan models to smart, efficient radiators. Our top picks include the Beldray 2,000W smart ceramic core radiator for overall performance, the Russell Hobbs oscillating ceramic 2kW heater for budget buyers, and the Mill wifi max portable heater 1,500W for efficiency.
Electric heaters vary in price from under £50 to over £1,000. For occasional use, a model under £100 should suffice. Regular users may benefit from spending more on advanced features like smart operability and attractive design. Note that adding a new plumbed-in radiator typically costs between £200 and £600.
Electricity costs more than gas in the UK, so using an electric heater in one room can be more cost-effective than heating the whole house with central heating. Lower wattage, simple functionality, and efficient design help reduce running costs.
Our testing involved setting up each heater in a living room, measuring temperature gain, noise levels, and safety using infrared thermometers. We also assessed energy efficiency with a power usage meter and tested extras like timed heating and smartphone control.
