Electric radiator and electric heater buying guide

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. Different types of electric radiators have different running costs depending on their size and how they work. In addition, the property's size and insulation effectiveness will also affect how economical electric radiators are.

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 savings 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. Also, electric heaters don't burn fossil fuels, so they're better for the environment, especially if your supplier uses renewable energy.

Electric convector heaters

Electric convector heaters use an internal heating element to warm the air around them. As the warm air rises, cooler air is drawn in to replace it, creating a continuous circulation that gradually heats the entire room.

These heaters are available as either wall-mounted or freestanding models with feet. Most feature simple controls, an adjustable thermostat for maintaining your preferred temperature, and a programmable timer for added convenience and energy management.

Advantages

• Quiet operation.
• Heats up relatively quickly.
• Affordable to buy.
• Simple to install and operate.

Disadvantages

• Can dry out the air.
• Heat distribution may be uneven, with warmer air collecting near the ceiling.
• Air circulation can stir up dust and allergens.
• Can be expensive to run due to high electricity consumption.

Electric panel heaters

Electric panel heaters generate heat using a combination of radiant and convected heat. The radiant heat warms people and objects directly, much like the warmth of the sun, while some models also circulate warm air to help heat the room.

Panel heaters are available as wall-mounted or freestanding models with feet. Many feature simple controls, adjustable heat settings, and either mechanical or programmable timers, making it easy to maintain a comfortable temperature while managing energy use.

Panel heaters are best suited to well-insulated rooms. They are generally not recommended for spaces with large glazed areas, such as bathrooms, conservatories, or greenhouses, where heat can escape more quickly.

Advantages

• Heats up quickly.
• Provides comfortable radiant warmth.
• Can help warm walls and nearby objects, reducing surface dampness and condensation.
• Slim, space-saving design.

Disadvantages

• Heat distribution can be uneven, particularly in larger rooms.
• Stops producing heat almost immediately once switched off.
• Less effective in rooms with high heat loss.

Electric fan heaters

Electric fan heaters use an internal heating element and fan to quickly warm the air. The fan blows air over the heated element and circulates the warm air around the room, providing almost instant heat.

Fan heaters are typically compact and lightweight, making them easy to move between rooms. They are available as freestanding models, wall-mounted units for spaces such as bathrooms, and plinth heaters designed to fit beneath kitchen base cabinets.

These heaters are best suited to small spaces that need fast, short-term heating, such as bathrooms, home offices, or bedrooms. While they provide rapid warmth, they can be expensive to run for extended periods. Some models also include a cool-air setting, allowing them to be used as a fan during warmer weather.

Advantages

• Lightweight and highly portable.
• Heats small rooms very quickly.
• Ideal for providing targeted heat where it's needed.

Disadvantages

• Can be noisy during operation.
• Expensive to run for long periods.
• Heat dissipates quickly once switched off.

Ceramic heaters

Ceramic heaters generate heat by passing an electric current through a heating element embedded in a ceramic plate. The ceramic plate helps protect the heating element while providing a larger surface area to radiate heat more efficiently.

Most ceramic heaters are compact and portable, making them easy to move from room to room. Freestanding models are popular for flexible heating, while wall-mounted options are ideal for occasional use in fixed locations. Many ceramic heaters also include a built-in fan to distribute warm air more quickly throughout the room.

Ceramic heaters are best suited for heating small spaces, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, or home offices, for short periods. While they warm up quickly and efficiently, they can become expensive to run if used for extended periods or to heat larger areas.

Advantages

• Quiet operation.
• Heats rooms quickly, especially fan-assisted models.
• More energy-efficient than standard electric fan heaters.
• Retains heat after being switched off, continuing to release warmth as it cools.

Disadvantages

• It can be expensive to run for long periods.
• Not suitable for heating large rooms.

Halogen heaters

Halogen heaters use infrared technology to provide instant, directional warmth. Instead of heating the surrounding air, they emit invisible infrared rays from halogen lamps, warming people and objects directly in their path.

Compact and easy to use, halogen heaters are available as freestanding or wall-mounted models. Most feature simple mechanical controls and multiple heat settings, making them a practical choice for quick, targeted heating.

They work best in draughty, open, or poorly insulated spaces where heating the air would be inefficient and expensive. This makes them ideal for areas such as garden sheds, workshops, garages, or older homes with poor insulation. If you choose a freestanding model, look for one with an anti-tip safety switch, which automatically turns the heater off if it is knocked over.

Advantages

• Highly energy-efficient, with low running costs.
• Fast heat-up time.
• Lightweight and portable (freestanding models).

Disadvantages

• Only heats the area directly in front of it.
• Heat is lost quickly once switched off.

Oil-filled radiators

Oil-filled radiators generate heat using an electric heating element that warms sealed thermal oil inside the unit. The heated oil then radiates warmth into the room, providing gentle, consistent heat even after the radiator has been switched off.

Available in a range of sizes, styles, and finishes, oil-filled radiators include classic white models, towel radiators, and contemporary designer options to suit a variety of interiors.

Oil-filled radiators can be quite heavy, particularly larger models. If you need to move the heater between rooms, choose a freestanding model with castor wheels for easier portability.

Advantages:

• Retains heat after being switched off, improving energy efficiency.
• Affordable to buy.
• Low running costs.

Disadvantages

• Can take longer to heat up than other electric heaters.
• Heavy and less portable than other heater types.

Other types of heaters

We've covered the most common types of electric heaters above, but there are a few other options worth considering.

Tube heaters are slim, low-profile heaters that resemble fluorescent light tubes. They provide gentle background warmth and are ideal for frost protection or maintaining a steady temperature in small spaces such as greenhouses, garages, sheds, cupboards, and conservatories. They can also help reduce condensation and prevent windows from misting up.

Workshop heaters are robust, portable heaters designed for use in garages, workshops, warehouses, and other workspaces. Many models run on electricity, while others use LPG or diesel for powerful, high-output heating in larger or well-ventilated areas. Their durable construction makes them well suited to demanding environments where quick, effective heat is required.