A portable electric heater is a cheap way to warm the room you're in without firing up the whole central heating. But which type is cheapest to run? Here's how they compare.
The main types
- Fan heaters: cheap to buy and heat a room fast, but best for quick bursts rather than long periods.
- Convector heaters: warm a room steadily and quietly — good all-rounders.
- Oil-filled column radiators: slower to warm up but retain heat efficiently and stay warm after switching off — great for longer use in living rooms.
- Halogen/infrared: heat people and objects directly and instantly — ideal for spot warmth.
Which is cheapest to run?
Here's the key point: all electric heaters of the same wattage use the same energy for the same heat — a 2kW heater costs the same per hour whatever the type. The savings come from using them well: a heater with a thermostat and timer only runs when needed, and oil-filled radiators keep giving heat after they switch off. So choose a type that suits the room and, crucially, one with good controls.
What to look for
- Thermostat & timer — the real money-savers.
- The right wattage for the room size.
- Safety: tip-over and overheat cut-offs.
Our picks
- Steady living-room warmth: a Dimplex oil-free column radiator with a timer.
- Fast heat: a Dimplex fan heater — see the full heaters & radiators range.
Final thoughts
Don't chase a “cheaper” heater type — chase good controls and the right size for the room. Browse heaters & radiators online or ask in any of our 60+ stores.
