Best heaters for beating the winter cold

Fight the dipping temperature with a heater that suits you the best. Pick from different types from portable and freestanding to electric and room heaters.

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Keeping your home cosy is essential, especially when the cold weather begins to bite. But heating the whole house can be expensive. To save money and energy, a freestanding heater can be a great choice, allowing you to heat just the space you need when you need it most.

An electric fan heater on the floor at home.

Which heater is best for you?

From portable electric heaters to fan heaters, there are lots of ways to turn a chilly room into a place of comfort. A portable heater gives you the flexibility of settling in any room of your home easily. A smart heater is operated using an app. Adjust the temperature from wherever you are. And, fan heaters are perfect for when you need to feel warm quickly.

Best heaters for bedrooms

Best portable heaters

Best heaters for energy saving

Halogen heaters

Oil-filled radiators

Ceramic heaters

Electric heater reviews

What types of space heaters are there?

Modern electric heater on floor at home.

Convector heaters

Convector heaters warm up to a comfortable temperature. They are best used as a backup or top-up heater, or for heating smaller spaces like spare rooms. Because they heat rooms by warming the air, they’re often less effective in spaces with little or no insulation.

Oil-filled radiators

Oil-filled radiators take time to warm up, but retain their heat for longer. Most have adjustable thermostats and variable heat settings, so you can easily control the temperature of a room. As they stay warm for several hours after they’ve been turned off, they tend to be more energy-efficient.

Panel heaters

Panel heaters provide instant warmth on cold days. They’re ideal for warming up rooms that are used occasionally, or as a back-up to the main heating system. Their slimline style means they won't get in the way or take up precious floor space.

Fan heaters

Fan heaters are not capable of heating a whole room, but do provide a quick blast of warmth when you need it. They’re small in size and great for supplementary heating, especially if your central heating system takes a while to warm up. Some also have an option for cool air, making them great for the summer too.

Tower heater in living room next to sofa.

Ceramic heaters

Ceramic heaters are often used as a secondary heat source. They mainly come in tower or desktop forms, and the ones that oscillate distribute warm air to all parts of the room, not just one direction. Unlike oil-filled heaters, they don’t get too hot to the touch, so they’re safe to use around children and pets.

Heaters for other spaces

Transform your spare room into a warm, cosy guest bedroom with a panel or a convector heater. Fast and effective. And if you've got a conservatory, use a halogen heater to make the most of your space even in colder months.

Energy efficient heaters

Halogen heaters

Halogen heaters provide more direct heat, making them effective in drafty spaces with no insulation. They're great for compact areas, conservatories and for warming up a small area within a room.

Oil-free heaters

Oil-free heaters take little time to heat up. They are light and very portable, so you can easily move them from room to room. Similar to their oil-filled counterparts, they warm up to a preset temperature and maintain that temperature level for as long as required.

Smart electric heaters

A smart heater allows you to wirelessly adjust your heating using an app. So you can control it while you're not home to save energy. Some heaters are also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to use voice commands.

Things to consider when buying an electric heater

Electric heater features

Frost protection - An electric heater with frost protection emits low-level heat when the temperature drops below a certain level.

Timer option - With a programmable timer you can set the heater to automatically turn on and off at any time. This is especially useful if a heater takes time to warm up.

Oscillation - Heaters that oscillate from side to side spread warmth evenly around a room. This function often gives a heater a higher coverage area.

Power output - If you’re looking to heat up a smaller room, go for a heater that uses less energy. For larger spaces, you’ll need a heater with at least 2kW of power.

Other heaters

Electric stove burner in chimney alcove.

Electric stove burners

For a more traditional look, opt for an electric stove burner. This type of heater is popular because of its classic looks and styling. It offers a realistic flame effect, which mimics the appearance of a real log or coal fire. Some electric stoves can also be operated by remote, so you don’t have to leave the sofa to turn up the heat.

Outdoor heaters

When it comes to heating an outdoor space, there are many choices available, but some popular options include firepits, chimineas and patio heaters. These provide a cosy warmth that allows you to enjoy your garden, decking or patio area throughout the year.

Heated throws and electric blankets

Who doesn't wish for an extra few mins of sleep when there's a nip in the air. Doze off feeling warm and snuggly with an electric blanket. When you want to curl up and read a book, go for a heated throw to keep you warm.