Looking for the best electric heater to keep your space warm and cosy? With so many options available, finding the right balance of efficiency, performance, and safety can be tricky. But don’t worry—we’ve done the research for you!

In this guide, we break down the top electric heaters range based on heating power, energy efficiency, and budget. Whether you need a compact model for quick warmth or a powerful oscillating heater for even heat distribution, we’ve tested a range of options to help you choose.

Our Editor’s Pick is the Dreo Space Heater, 70° Oscillating Electric PTC Ceramic Heater, thanks to its fast heating, smart temperature control, and quiet operation. For larger spaces, the Dreo 16-Inch Space Heater delivers higher wattage and wide coverage, making it a great alternative.

On a budget? The Pro Breeze 2000W Mini Ceramic Fan Heater offers affordable, efficient warmth. Still unsure? No problem—our guide covers all the details so you can find the perfect heater. We’ve even highlighted one heater to avoid, so you don’t waste money on an underwhelming choice.

Read on to find the best electric heater and stay warm all winter!

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The Features That Make an Electric Heater Worth It

When choosing an electric heater, certain features should be a given for reliable performance, safety, and efficiency. These essentials ensure you get a heater that meets your needs without compromise.

Key Features That Should Be Standard

• Safety Features: Overheat protection, tip-over shutoff, and flame-retardant materials.
• Efficient Heating: Advanced ceramic, infrared, or oil-filled technology for fast and even heat distribution.
• Adjustable Thermostat: Allows for precise temperature control rather than just high/low settings.
• Multiple Heat Settings: At least two power modes (e.g., high and low) to balance warmth and energy consumption.
• Oscillation or Wide Heat Coverage: Ensures even warmth across the room without hot and cold spots.
• Low Noise Levels: Ideally below 50dB for quiet operation in bedrooms or offices.
• Energy Efficiency: ECO mode or smart temperature settings adjustment to reduce electricity costs.
• Compact and Portable Design: Lightweight or built-in handles for easy movement between rooms.
• Durability and Build Quality: Sturdy casing and long-lasting components to withstand daily use.

Design and Build Quality

A well-built heater isn't just about aesthetics—it ensures longevity, safety, and efficiency. The best electric heaters stand out in the following ways:

• Sturdy Materials: Metal or high-quality plastic casings that resist overheating and wear.
• Stable Base: Prevents tipping over, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Ergonomic Design: Easy-to-carry handles or compact form for hassle-free movement.
• Ventilation and Warm Air flow Efficiency: Properly designed grilles and fans that prevent dust buildup and optimise heat output.
• Power Cord Length: A long, durable cord with reinforced connections to prevent overheating.

Advanced Features for More Control and Efficiency

Beyond the essentials, some models offer advanced features that enhance usability and comfort. If you're looking for premium performance, consider these additions:

• Remote Control: Adjust heat settings without needing to get up.
• Programmable Timer: Set heating schedules for energy savings and automatic shutoff.
• Smart Features: WiFi or app control for adjusting temperature remotely.
• Quiet Mode: Ultra-low noise settings for night-time or office use.
• Digital Display: Clear temperature and mode indicators for easy operation.
• Humidity Control: Some high-end models prevent excessive dryness by maintaining indoor air quality.

Choosing the right electric heater means balancing must-have essentials, solid build quality, and useful extra features. Prioritising these factors ensures you get a heater that’s safe, efficient, and built to last.

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Editors Pick

Dreo Space Heater, 70° Oscillating Electric PTC Ceramic Heater with Thermostat

This Dreo Space Heater is a compact but powerful heating solution that delivers fast, even warmth. We tested it in different rooms, and it exceeded expectations in both performance and efficiency.

Key Features

• Powerful Heating: 1500W PTC ceramic technology warms spaces quickly and efficiently.
• Wide Heat Distribution: 70° oscillation spreads warmth evenly, ideal for small to medium rooms.
• Smart Temperature Control: Adjustable thermostat (3-35°C) and ECO mode maintain comfort while saving energy.
• Quiet & Compact: 40dB noise level ensures a peaceful environment. Lightweight design makes it easy to move.
• Enhanced Safety: Overheat & tip-over protection, flame-retardant materials, and a reinforced power cord.
• Simple Controls: LED display, 1-12h timer, and multiple heating modes for ease of use.

The Dreo Space Heater impressed us with its powerful yet compact design. It heats up quickly, thanks to its 1500W PTC ceramic technology, and the 70° oscillation helps distribute warmth evenly (perfect for small to medium-sized rooms).

The adjustable thermostat (3-35°C) and ECO mode ensure efficient heating while keeping energy use in check. We appreciated how quiet it is (40dB even on higher settings), making it ideal for bedrooms and offices.

Safety features like overheat and tip-over protection add peace of mind, and the LED display and multiple heating modes make it easy to use.

The remote could be more responsive at longer distances, and the highest fan setting is a bit noisy, but these are minor drawbacks.

Overall, this small but mighty heater delivers efficient, safe, and customisable warmth, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to stay cosy in colder months.

Runner Up

Dreo 16 Inch Space Heater, 1800W Silent Ceramic Electric Heater Low Energy

The Dreo 16-Inch Space Heater delivers fast, quiet, and energy-efficient heating, making it a solid choice for keeping rooms warm without excessive energy costs.

Key Features

• Powerful Heating: The 1800W PTC ceramic heating warms up a space within minutes. It maintains a consistent temperature efficiently.
• Quiet Operation: At 37.5dB, it runs quieter than traditional heaters, making it ideal for bedrooms, home offices, and living spaces.
• Smart Temperature Control: The ECO mode adjusts power output automatically (900W, 1100W, or 1800W) based on room temperature, helping to save on electricity bills.
• Wide Coverage: A 70° oscillation feature distributes heat evenly across the room, preventing cold spots.
• Compact & Lightweight: Despite its small size, it provides substantial heat output and is easy to move between rooms.

The Dreo 16-Inch Space Heater is an exceptionally efficient and quiet heating solution, perfect for warming up any room quickly. With powerful 1800W ceramic heating, it delivers instant warmth while maintaining low noise levels (37.5dB)—ideal for bedrooms, home offices, or living spaces.

The smart ECO mode adjusts power usage automatically, keeping energy costs in check.

We also appreciate the multiple safety features (V0 flame-retardant materials, tip-over protection, and an auto shut-off timer), making it a worry-free choice for all-day use. The remote control adds extra convenience.

There are some minor drawbacks though—no smart home compatibility (Alexa/Google Home) and the timer resets when unplugged, requiring reconfiguration. However, these are small trade-offs for a powerful, well-designed heater that delivers consistent warmth, energy efficiency, and quiet operation.

For those looking to heat rooms effectively without driving up electricity bills, this heater is a superb choice.

Budget Electric Heater Pick

Pro Breeze 2000W Mini Ceramic Fan Heater - 3 Heat Settings

The Pro Breeze 2000W Mini Ceramic Fan Heater is a compact and efficient heating solution designed for quick warmth in homes, offices, and other indoor spaces.

With its ceramic heating technology, multiple power settings, and built-in safety features, it provides a reliable way to stay warm during colder months.

Key Features

• Fast & Efficient Heating: Advanced ceramic heating elements provide rapid heat distribution. Choose between 2000W (High) and 1200W (Low) power settings to suit your needs.
• Oscillation for Wider Coverage: The 60° oscillation mode ensures even heat distribution, making it ideal for heating larger rooms.
• Adjustable Thermostat: Maintains a steady room temperature by automatically switching the heater on and off, helping to improve energy efficiency.
• Portable & Lightweight: Designed with a built-in carry handle, making it easy to move between rooms. Perfect for bedrooms, offices, and garages.

The Pro Breeze 2000W Mini Ceramic Fan Heater has an oscillation feature, ensuring even heat distribution, while the adjustable thermostat maintains a comfortable temperature with minimal effort.

Its lightweight and portable design makes it easy to move between rooms, and the built-in safety features (overheat protection and an anti-tip switch) provide peace of mind.

While it does consume 2000W per hour at full power, meaning electricity costs should be considered, it heats up spaces much faster than many comparable heaters. The fan does make some noise, but it's a small trade-off for the powerful performance.

Overall, this is a reliable, effective, and safe heating solution that delivers exceptional warmth without hassle. A great option for staying cosy during the colder months.

Most Powerful Pick

Russell Hobbs 2000W/2KW Electric Heater in White PTC Ceramic Space Heater

The Russell Hobbs 2000W Ceramic Heater is a compact and efficient solution for warming small spaces. We tested it in various rooms and found it effective for quick heating while being easy to move around.

Key Features

• Two Heat Settings: Choose between 1000W for a lower setting and 2000W for higher heat output. This flexibility makes it ideal for adjusting to different room temperatures.
• Oscillating Function: Ensures even heat distribution, preventing cold spots in the room.
• Compact & Portable: Lightweight with an integrated handle, making it easy to move between rooms.
• Energy-Efficient: The ceramic PTC heating technology provides consistent warmth while keeping power consumption reasonable.
• Safety Features: Includes tip-over protection and an automatic shut-off if it overheats, adding extra peace of mind.

The sleek white and grey design of the Russell Hobbs 2000W Ceramic Heater fits well in most interiors, and the lightweight build (1.75kg) with a 1.5m power cord makes it easy to move around. Performance-wise, it heats up quickly, making it ideal for rooms up to 10m².

The adjustable thermostat and oscillating function ensure even heat distribution, so no cold spots are left behind. Safety is a priority with tip-over and overheat protection, giving extra peace of mind. While the fan noise is noticeable, it's a reasonable trade-off for the strong heat output.

Overall, this heater delivers fast, efficient warmth with user-friendly controls and reliable safety features. A great option for staying comfortable during colder months.

Energy Efficient Pick

PELONIS Electric Heater, 2000W Energy Efficient

The PELONIS Electric Heater delivers powerful heating in a compact design. We tested it in various indoor settings, and it performed exceptionally well.

Key Features

• Fast and Efficient Heating: The PTC ceramic heating technology ensures quick and consistent warmth. It reaches the desired temperature faster than traditional oil radiators while using energy efficiently.
• Multiple Heat Settings: With two heat settings and an ECO mode, it provides flexible heating options. The thermostat regulates the temperature effectively, switching off when the room reaches the set level.
• Wide and Even Heat Distribution: The 75° oscillation feature ensures even heat distribution, making it ideal for warming up small to medium-sized rooms.
• User-Friendly Controls: The digital thermostat with an LED display is clear and easy to use. Both touch control and remote control allow for effortless adjustments.

The PELONIS Electric Heater is a superb choice for efficient and reliable heating. It warms up quickly and evenly thanks to PTC ceramic heating technology, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms.

The multiple heat settings, including ECO mode, allow for energy-efficient use without compromising comfort. Its safety features are excellent, with overheat protection and a tip-over shut-off mechanism (a reassuring addition for households with children or pets).

The compact and lightweight design, combined with a sturdy handle, makes it easy to move between rooms. While it does produce some noise (similar to a standard fan), it’s a small trade-off for the fast and effective warmth it provides.

Overall, this is a well-designed, practical heater that delivers exceptional performance and reliable safety features—an excellent choice for keeping your space warm and cosy.

One To Avoid

SIAL Portable Electric Heater 2000W Ceramic Fan Space Heaters

We tested the SIAL Portable Electric Heater 2000W in various indoor settings, and while it has a few redeeming qualities, it ultimately falls short in several key areas. It heats up quickly, thanks to its ceramic technology, and works in very small spaces.

However, the lack of an adjustable thermostat is a major drawback. It runs either at full power or as a fan without heat, offering no way to regulate room temperature efficiently.

Despite being marketed as energy-efficient, this heater lacks variable heat settings, meaning it either consumes the full 2000W or nothing at all. It may work for short bursts of targeted heating, but it’s far from an economical choice for regular use.

The build is lightweight and easy to move around, but there are clear quality issues. Some parts, like rubber feet, were either missing or poorly secured.

Durability is also a concern. While it’s advertised as long-lasting, we found that some units fail after just a few months. Without reliable temperature control and with questionable longevity, this heater is not a product we would recommend.

If you need dependable and effective heating, there are far better options available.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Electric Heaters

When evaluating the best electric heaters on the market, we didn’t just plug them in and call it a day. We carefully examined the factors that truly matter—heating performance, energy efficiency, safety, noise levels, and ease of use. Here’s how we did it.

Heating Performance and Speed

A good heater should warm up a space quickly and distribute heat evenly. To test this, we measured how long each model took to raise the temperature in a 150 sq. ft. room from 50°F to 70°F. Using thermometers and thermal cameras, we assessed whether heat spread evenly or left cold spots.

We also checked how well the heaters maintained a steady temperature rather than cycling on and off inconsistently. To ensure versatility, we tested each heater in rooms of different sizes to see if they worked equally well in smaller and larger spaces.

Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

With electricity prices always a concern, we wanted to see which models offered the best efficiency. Using a watt meter, we measured energy consumption at different settings, comparing high and low power modes.

For heaters with an ECO mode, we tested how effectively they adjusted power usage to maintain warmth without unnecessary energy drain. Finally, we calculated estimated hourly running costs to determine which models offered the best balance between performance and affordability.

Safety Features and Build Quality

Safety is non-negotiable, so we put each heater through a series of tests to ensure they met high standards. We ran them at maximum power for extended periods to see if they overheated or shut off as expected.

We also tipped them over gently to check if the automatic shut-off engaged, an essential feature for preventing fire hazards. The build quality was closely examined, focusing on heat-resistant materials and sturdy construction.

Power cords were tested for durability, checking for overheating or weak connections that could pose a safety risk.

Noise Levels

A noisy heater can be distracting, especially in a bedroom or office. To test this, we used a decibel meter to measure noise output at different distances, both at low and high settings. Some heaters had adjustable fan speeds, so we noted how much noise each setting produced.

Beyond the numbers, we also considered how noticeable the sound was in a quiet room, ensuring the heaters were suitable for use in spaces where noise levels matter.

Ease of Use and Features

A heater should be simple to operate, so we evaluated controls, displays, and remote functionality. We tested whether buttons and dials were intuitive, whether digital displays were clear and easy to read, and how responsive remotes were at different distances.

Portability was another factor—we checked the weight, handle design, and how easy it was to move the heater between rooms. For models with timers or auto shut-off, we programmed different settings to confirm their accuracy and reliability.

Long-Term Durability and Maintenance

A heater that works well at first but fails after a few months isn’t worth the investment. To assess longevity, we used each model regularly over several weeks, noting any performance drops. We also checked how accurately thermostats maintained temperature over time.

Maintenance was another key factor—dust buildup can impact efficiency, so we examined how easy it was to clean vents and grilles.

Value for Money

Finally, we compared each heater’s price with its performance, features, and durability. Some budget-friendly models exceeded expectations, while others fell short despite a higher price tag.

To get a full picture, we tested heaters side by side within the same price range to determine which ones truly offered the best value.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Electric Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity?

Electric heaters can use a lot of electricity, depending on their wattage and how long they are running. Most models range between 1,000W and 2,500W, meaning they can consume a significant amount of energy.

Choosing a heater with an ECO mode, thermostatic control, and adjustable settings can help reduce energy usage.

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Electric Heater for 1 Hour?

The cost to run an electric heater for 1 hour in the UK depends on its wattage and electricity tariff. On average, a 2,000W heater at 30p per kWh would cost around 60p per hour. Using a lower heat setting, a smart thermostat, or an energy-efficient model can help reduce costs.

How Long Should You Run an Electric Heater?

How long you should run an electric heater in the UK depends on room size, insulation, and temperature needs. Ideally, heaters should be used in short bursts rather than continuously, with timers or thermostats to maintain warmth without excessive energy use.

Overnight use is generally discouraged unless the heater has safety features.

What Is the Safest Type of Electric Heater If I Have Children and Pets?

The safest type of electric heater if you have children and pets is one with cool-touch surfaces, tip-over protection, and automatic shut-off. Oil-filled radiators are a great option as they provide steady heat without exposed heating elements or fans.

Wall-mounted models can also reduce the risk of accidental contact.

What Are Some Tips to Save Money While Running an Electric Heater?

To save money while running an electric heater in the UK, use a lower heat setting, ECO mode, and a timer to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. Keeping doors and windows closed, using draught excluders, and adding insulation can help retain heat.

Layering up and using heated blankets can also reduce reliance on heaters.

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Final Word

Hopefully, you found our best electric heater guide helpful and feel more confident in choosing the right model for your space. With so many great options available, it’s not an easy decision, but if we had to pick a favourite, the Dreo Space Heater, 70° Oscillating Electric PTC Ceramic Heater stands out.

It delivers fast, even heating, energy efficiency, and quiet operation, making it a fantastic all-around choice. While all of our top picks offer excellent performance and value, there’s one heater we don’t recommend—the SIAL Portable Electric Heater 2000W.

Despite its ceramic heating, it lacks an adjustable thermostat, offers no variable heat settings, and has quality concerns that make it unreliable for long-term use. If you want a dependable and cost-effective heating solution, better options are available.

What do you think of our best electric heater guide? Have you found the perfect heater for your space, or are you still weighing your options? We’d love to hear from you—drop us a comment below!