If you’re looking for an energy-efficient heater, whether it’s for a conservatory, garage, outbuilding, or any room in the home, there are plenty of options available. So, what are the best electric radiators or heaters for your needs?

In this buying guide, we cover the factors to consider when choosing one. We then discuss the most efficient electric radiators and look at the different types in detail. Next, we explain how to work out what wattage you need, the available features and controls, and how to clean and maintain them. Finally, we answer some frequently asked questions.        

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An electric radiator is a device that provides an energy-efficient method of heating a room. They’re ideal for properties without access to a gas supply and are, therefore, easy to install as they simply plug into a wall socket. Some are freestanding, but they are best fixed to a wall when used as a permanent heating solution.

Different types of electric radiators are available, such as oil-filled convector radiators, towel radiators, infrared radiators, and designer radiators. They use different fuel types (electric, oil or LPG) and heating elements (dry thermal, thermal fluid and dry stone). 

Storage heaters are a common type of electric radiator, determined by the thermal fluid they use (i.e., they are oil-filled or use a solid material such as stone or ceramic). The most modern versions of storage heaters feature two heating elements: a radiant heating element and a core heating component, which makes them highly energy-efficient heaters.

An alternative heating option to radiators is electric heaters. They are designed to be used as and when needed and are freestanding so they can be moved around easily. However, some models can also be fitted to walls.   

When choosing which electric radiator to buy, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best option for your needs:

• Which is the most cost-effective option? This can vary depending on the room you’re looking to heat. For example, a heated towel rail might be best for a bathroom, but hallways and kitchens might be better suited to convector radiators.
• How does the radiator distribute heat? Some heat the room evenly, while the air closest to the radiator will be hotter for others.  
• How long does the radiator take to heat up, and how long does it retain heat after being switched off? In this case, choosing a radiator will depend on the user’s habits.
• How well is the home insulated? A poorly insulated home will take more energy to heat than a well-insulated home.
• What is your budget?

All electric radiators are 100% energy-efficient because they use all their energy to create heat. There’s no heat loss, unlike gas radiators, which are only around 90% efficient.

However, it's worth noting that energy efficiency isn't the same as cost efficiency. And different types of electric radiators have different running costs depending on their size and how they work. In addition, the property's size and its insulation's effectiveness will also affect how economical electric radiators are.

Read our complete home insulation guide for advice on how to make a home more energy-efficient 

What are the most efficient electric radiators?

Electric storage heaters are the most energy-efficient heaters available. They're called economy 7 or night storage heaters because they draw electricity during off-peak hours when it's cheaper. They're made of a highly thermally conductive material. They're filled with a thermal fluid (e.g., an oil-filled radiator) or solid material (e.g., stone or ceramic), which is heated with a heating element. The heat is stored in the core fluid or solid material overnight and is then released slowly throughout the next day without having to use any more electricity. 

The advantages of electric storage heaters are that they're cheaper to run, have a low carbon footprint, and are easy to install since they only need to be plugged into an electrical socket. On the downside, they're larger and heavier than other electric radiators, so they take up more space in a room.

It's worth noting that there are advantages and efficiencies to be found depending on when, where, and how electric heaters are used. For example, if you only need to heat one room for a short time on an ad-hoc basis, a portable electric heater will be more cost-effective. 

Are electric radiators cheaper than gas?

If you look solely at the cost of gas versus electricity, then gas heating costs less per hour to run than electric heating. So, for your main heating source, gas radiators are cheaper. However, there are advantages and saving to be made by using portable electric heaters as top-up heating. For example, electric heaters allow you to heat just the space you need to be warm rather than the entire home, which means they can help reduce energy bills. And electric heaters don't burn fossil fuels, so they're better for the environment, especially if your supplier uses renewable energy.

The power output of electric radiators and heaters is measured in watts, and the amount of power you need will depend on the room size. The higher the power output, the bigger the room it is suitable for.

Follow these steps to calculate the wattage you need:

For rooms with ceilings below 2.5m:

1. Measure the length and width of the room in centimetres
2. Multiply these figures to calculate the room’s surface area in square meters 
3. For poorly or moderately insulated homes, multiply the surface area by 100W
4. For well-insulated homes, multiply the surface area by 60W
5. For bathrooms, multiply the surface area by 125W

The final figure will tell you the wattage of electric radiator you need to heat the room.

For rooms with ceilings higher than 2.5m: 

1. Measure the length, width, and height of the room in centimetres 
2. Multiply these figures to calculate the room’s volume in cubic meters 
3. For poorly or moderately insulated homes, multiply the volume by 100W 
4. For well-insulated homes, multiply the volume by 60W
5. For bathrooms, multiply the volume by 125W 

The final figure will tell you what wattage of electric radiator you need to heat the room. 

If the room is over 30sq.m, opt for two radiators with individual wattages that add up to the total wattage you need. This will give better heat distribution. 

Electric radiators often come with additional features that make them more convenient and efficient to use. Some excellent features to look out for are:

• Programmable timers: this feature allows you to schedule the heater to turn on and off at times that suit your lifestyle. The best models have multiple programs (i.e., different times can be scheduled for weekdays and weekends) and customisable options.
• Remote control: this feature allows you to turn the heater on and off or adjust its settings using a handheld controller from the comfort of an armchair. They’re particularly beneficial for people with mobility needs.
• Cold air setting: this feature can be found on some fan heaters. It allows you to blow cold air out of the fan to help cool a room in hot weather.
• Fan heater climate control: fan heaters without this feature will keep pumping out hot air until they are manually turned off or down. But a fan heater with climate control automatically adjusts its settings to maintain the room temperature once the desired temperature is reached.
• Temperature limiter: this feature automatically turns a radiator off if its surface temperature reaches a set limit to prevent overheating or people from getting burned. It’s an important feature to have in homes with young children or vulnerable adults.

Electric heaters and radiators come with various different types of controls as follows:

Mechanical, electronic, and digital thermostats:

• Mechanical thermostats maintain a set temperature with an accuracy of 2 degrees, which can lead to uncomfortable swings in the temperature.
• Electronic thermostats maintain a set temperature with an accuracy of 0.5 degrees, so they’re better at conserving energy (and are therefore cheaper to run) than mechanical thermostats.
• Digital thermostats are the most accurate as they can maintain a set temperature with an accuracy of 0.1 degree, which keeps the room temperature comfortable and helps save money on fuel bills.

Smart controls:
Smart electric radiators have built-in technology that enables them to be connected to the internet through Wi-Fi. They can then be controlled remotely through a smartphone or tablet or with a smart speaker using voice commands. This allows you to control the radiator more precisely, set timers and temperatures, and view energy consumption data.

One significant advantage of electric radiators is that they require very little maintenance compared to gas central heating radiators. There are no annual services, and they don't need bleeding or flushing. All they really need is to be cleaned.

How to clean electric radiators:

• Clean electric radiators twice yearly: once in September before the heaters are used for winter and once in the spring.
• Turn the radiator off before cleaning, as electricity and water don’t mix.
• First, vacuum the radiator using a crevice tool to remove as much visible dust as possible.
• Then remove dust from inside the radiator. To do this, wrap a stick or ruler with a cloth and push it into the radiator between the fins, moving it up and down to push the dust out. Alternatively, use a hair dryer on full power to blow the dust away.
• Finally, wash the outside of the radiator with soapy water and a soft cloth. Ensure that the cloth is wrung out so that it’s damp but not dripping with water. 

Before you buy, here are a few more things to consider: 

1. What size electric radiator do you need?
   When choosing an electric radiator, consider its physical size and its size in terms of power output (measured in wattage). A large radiator isn’t necessarily more powerful than a small one. Regarding physical size, consider whether it needs to be portable (in which case a small radiator on wheels or one that’s small and light enough to carry would be best). If it’s wall-mounted, consider how much space is available on the wall and how much it will stick out into the room. See point 5 below for more information about power outputs.

2. What type of room is it?
   Some types are better suited for heating certain rooms than others. For example, convector and panel heaters are ideal for rooms that aren't in constant use, such as hallways and kitchens. Fan heaters work well in bathrooms because they heat small spaces quickly and don't need to be on for very long. And storage heaters are best for living rooms and bedrooms where they'll be on for long periods because they're the most cost-effective and offer the most comfort. And, if the room is over 30sq.m, get two electric heaters for better heat distribution.

3. How quickly do you need it to heat up?
   For rooms that will only be used for short periods, such as bathrooms, sheds, and garages, choose a heater that warms the room quickly. Otherwise, you'll have left the room before it's properly heated. Fan and ceramic heaters are the best types for providing heat fast.

4. How well insulated is the room?
   The quality of a room's insulation plays a significant role in the effectiveness of any electric radiator. A great deal of heat can be lost through poorly insulated doors, walls, and windows, so the radiator will have to work harder and will cost more to run than it would if the room was well insulated. It's best to improve the room's insulation if you can, but if you can't, you'll need a radiator with a higher wattage than if the room was well insulated (see point 5 below).

5. How much power do you need?
   Radiator power is measured in wattage, and the amount you need depends on the size of the room and how well it's insulated. To calculate what you need, multiply the room's length by its width to find its surface area. Then multiply the surface area by 100W for poorly insulated rooms, 60W for well-insulated rooms, and 125W for bathrooms.