The best electric heaters in the UK 2023

A reliable electric heater must produce a sufficient amount of heat while operating safely. Whether it is oil-fired or conventional, each type has its advantages and disadvantages. However, choose a model that is efficient and energy efficient, knowing that the French spend an average of €1,800 per year on electric heating. For you, here is our guide to the best electric radiators.

Princess Connected Radiator White 1
9/10

Best value for money

Princess Connected Radiator White

The best electric heater in 2021

The Princess Electric Heater is a modern design radiator. It is a smart heater that will really be an eye-catcher in your home.

79,99 £ on Amazon

The Princess branded panel heater has a HomeWizard Climate app that allows you to control it however you want. Because of the 1500W of power, the heater heats up quickly so you never have to stay in the cold for long. It's also easy to transport, so you can mount it on the wall as a permanent heater or take it with you to whatever room you need.

The Princess Smart Panel Heater has a luxurious look because of the glass casing and LED indicators. Via the screen or app on your smartphone, you can choose two different heating settings and set the timer. With the timer, you can decide how long you want the heater to stay on and when it will automatically turn off. It also has an adjustable thermostat and can heat from 15⁰ to 35⁰. The Princess Smart Glass Panel Heater is a true addition to your smart home and a wintertime essential.

Clatronic Kh 3077 2
7/10

Best value for money

Clatronic Kh 3077

The best entry-level electric heater

The Clatronic Kh 3077 electric heater is an auxiliary heater which is intended to heat a small room, a garage or a garden shed on an occasional basis.

30,75 £ on Amazon

The convector heater Clatronic Kh 3077 offers an automatic temperature control function that allows the device to work properly even if you do not touch it for a few hours. It does not occupy much space because its size is 63 cm x 44 cm x 14 cm and has a low weight of 3.4 Kg, which allows you to carry it from one room to another. It has 3 heating levels that correspond respectively to a power of 750 W, 1250 W and 2000 W and the choice of power is made from a dedicated switch. It is also equipped with a thermostat to regulate and maintain the ambient temperature in the room to be heated. Clatronic Kh 3077 complies with the European standard and has an anti-overheating safety system which stops it automatically. Its guarantee is 24 months in case of failure or breakdown. Very quiet, it is therefore perfect for heating your home.

STIEBEL ELTRON 236653 CK 20 Trend 3
8/10

Best high-end device

STIEBEL ELTRON 236653 CK 20 Trend

The best high-end electric heater

The CK 20 Trend LCD Rapid Heater is an economical heating solution that can be quickly deployed in various types of interiors. A power outlet is all that is needed for the electrical connection.

107 £ on Amazon

LCD CK 20 Trend is an ideal radiator as an auxiliary or half-season heater. Its power is 2000 W. Equipped with a tangential fan, this convection heater is one of the quietest. Thanks to the position used, access to the temperature control is very easy. With its small and discreet shape, you can move it easily. Also, this radiator has an adjustable thermostat with a fixed temperature that can be programmed over the week.

Moreover, with a weight of 2.5 Kg and a size of 40 x 27.5 x 13.1 cm, its use is optimal because it has a control element with LCD screen that allows you to control it. It is equipped with a weekly timer, antifreeze function and an open window detector. Its setting is done manually and this allows you to automatically calculate the preheating time in timer mode. A radiator with multiple features, the LCD CK 20 Trend is a device that looks good with a complete programming for your comfort.

Delonghi Hvy 1020 4
8/10

A small device with big potential

Delonghi Hvy 1020

For gentle heat

The Delonghi Hvy 1020 is an ideal heater for the bathroom. It is a very efficient heater with several features that provides you with optimal comfort.

34,86 £ on Amazon

This heater is a fan heater with an adjustable thermostat in two levels of adjustable power of 1000 W and 2000 W that allows you to define the ideal comfort level and set the temperature you want with precision. It also has a cold ventilation as well as a frost-free position. Also, it is equipped with the IP21 protection system that protects you from water projections. This makes it really suitable for placement in your bathroom or a room up to 65 m². With its dimensions of 25.4 x 23.8 x 17.7 cm and a weight of only 600 g, you can easily transport it. Delonghi Hvy 1020 is therefore a small but very practical radiator that allows you to heat your bathroom safely.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best electric heater

Any specific needs?

The best electric heater in 2021

The best entry-level electric heater

The best high-end electric heater

For gentle heat

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best electric heaters

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Princess Connected Radiator White 5
9/10
Clatronic Kh 3077 6
7/10
STIEBEL ELTRON 236653 CK 20 Trend 7
8/10
Delonghi Hvy 1020 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Princess Connected Radiator White
Clatronic Kh 3077
STIEBEL ELTRON 236653 CK 20 Trend
Delonghi Hvy 1020
The Princess Electric Heater is a modern design radiator. It is a smart heater that will really be an eye-catcher in your home.
The Clatronic Kh 3077 electric heater is an auxiliary heater which is intended to heat a small room, a garage or a garden shed on an occasional basis.
The CK 20 Trend LCD Rapid Heater is an economical heating solution that can be quickly deployed in various types of interiors. A power outlet is all that is needed for the electrical connection.
The Delonghi Hvy 1020 is an ideal heater for the bathroom. It is a very efficient heater with several features that provides you with optimal comfort.
Power
1500 W
2000 W
2000 W
2000 W
Weight
-
3.4 Kg
2,5 Kg
600 g
Functionality
Featuring an adjustable thermostat and can heat from 15⁰ to 35⁰
Features 3 heating levels
Equipped with a tangential fan
dotted with a cold vent as well as a frost-free position
Performance
Superb radiator that heats up quickly
Offers an automatic temperature control function
Disposed of a control element with LCD screen
Features an adjustable thermostat
Specificity
a luxurious look
24 month warranty
Very quiet
Superb bathroom heater

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - electric heater

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How to choose your electric heater

The choice of an electric radiator is not a simple matter, especially for those who are not experts, so here are some parameters to consider when buying such a device.

#1 - Technology and thermal comfort

There are different types of electric radiators depending on your needs: convection, radiant, inertia, or dual heating system. The thermal comfort offered by the radiator depends on its ability to diffuse heat. For optimal comfort, choose an electric inertia heater. It provides excellent thermal comfort well beyond its electrical consumption. If you are on a tight budget, a convection heater can be used as a backup, even if it is far from providing the same comfort as inertia. For occasional needs in a small room or bathroom, a fan heater is an efficient way to heat. For winter heating needs, the radiant heater is ideal for small rooms that are occupied from time to time, and offers heat that is close to that of the sun.The temperature increases as you approach the heater.

#2 - The power

The choice of an electric heater depends on the surface area to be heated, the level of insulation in the house, and the type of climate. These factors help define the right radiator wattage for your needs. To calculate the ideal radiator power for a room, multiply the surface area in m² of a room by 100 W if the house is poorly insulated, by 60 W if the house is well insulated, and by 125 W for the bathroom. The ideal temperature for living rooms should be around 19°C, 17°C for bedrooms, and 22°C for a bathroom in use (17°C if not in use).

#3 - Power consumption

An electric radiator can be more or less energy consuming depending on the model. Inertia models are economical in terms of consumption. Their ability to store energy allows heat to be distributed even if they are turned off. Depending on your preferences, the inertia heater can be liquid or dry. For the first model, it is from the fluid contained in the structure that the heating is done. The second device diffuses heat from the device itself. Electric heaters with an accumulator are also less energy consuming. They offer excellent thermal comfort, as well as appreciable energy consumption.

#4 - The design

Available

in several shapes (square, vertical, horizontal, flat, curved, etc.), and in different sizes, the models of electric radiators are easily adapted in your home. Offbeat, discreet, or even colorful, there is something for every taste to bring warmth and a touch of originality to your home.

#5 - Controls and features

The available programming can quickly tip the balance from one model to another. To optimize comfort, all modern electric radiators are equipped with an electronic room thermostat, various energy saving programs that can be adapted to all comfort needs and different periods. Additional functions such as the presence detector or remote control via your smartphone can be offered. It's up to you to choose according to your needs.

How to reduce your electricity bills?

  • Unplug inactive appliances

The consumption of standby appliances such as television and computer represents 3% of the electricity bill.

  • Wash clothes at 30% of their weight

Washing clothes at more than 30% is often unnecessary, and this can weigh heavily on electricity bills.

  • Buy only A+ or A++ appliances

The higher the energy class of your appliance, the more efficient it is and the less you spend.

  • Fill your machine

Washing machines and dishwashers are energy guzzlers. Don't start them if they are not full.

  • Turn off the lights

If you leave a room for at least 10 minutes, turn off the light, don't waste energy unnecessarily.

  • Defrost your freezer

5mm of frost in the freezer increases the consumption by 30%.

  • Fill your fridge

The ideal is to be satisfied with a capacity of 60L per person, but to avoid a too big and empty fridge, add small bags of water.

Important

A home heated with electricity emits on average 3 times less CO2 than a home heated with gas.

The different types of electric heaters

Inertia, radiant, convector or storage? There are several types of electric radiators to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here's a closer look at them.

The inertia radiator

The principle of the inertia radiator is to accumulate heat from an electric resistance, to store it via a central refractory element called heating body, and finally to diffuse it in the form of infrared radiation when you decide to take advantage of it. The refractory element can be solid, made of aluminum or cast iron (dry inertia radiator). It can also be liquid in the fluid inertia models that work with vegetable or mineral oil, water glyceride, or petroleum derivatives.

With an inertia heater, the heat is distributed gently and evenly without drying out the air suddenly to provide optimal heating comfort. Easy to install and maintain, the device offers the possibility to adjust the temperature of the room at will while saving up to 45% of energy compared to a conventional radiator. However, it is quite expensive, imposing, and the fact that it radiates on both sides requires the installation of an insulator between the radiator and the wall. Also, if you choose a fluid inertia model, liquid leaks can occur as a result of the aging receptacle.

The radiant heater

As

its name suggests, the radiant heater uses the process of radiation, as in the case of an infrared heater. It simulates exposure to the sun. The heat is diffused in the room on the surrounding objects, bodies and walls with the help of a plate heated by electric resistances. These elements in turn heat the ambient air. The honeycomb grid that protects the radiant plate allows the heat to pass through and be distributed in the room. Since the unit is usually equipped with an electronic thermostat, the room temperature can be set as precisely as possible.

The fast heat-up time, the affordable price, the uniformity of the heat, and the compact size are all advantages that a radiant panel offers. However, the heat produced by the unit in the room is dry. To enjoy the best heat sensation, it is better to be in front of the heater than on the side. Also, black streaks may appear on the walls and on the grille because of the air movement emitted by the radiant heater.

The convector heater

The

convection heater is a metal heater that heats the room's ambient air from its electrical resistance, before redistributing it. The warm air that is lighter rises naturally, and exchanges places with the cold air that enters from the bottom of the heater, and is heated in turn by the resistance. Some models are equipped with a fan for faster heating. These are electric convection heaters.

Being the least expensive of all types of radiators, the convector model is easy to use and install and ideal for heating your rooms occasionally. However, the thermal comfort it offers is not necessarily optimal because the warm air that rises to the ceiling does not always reach the walls, the source of cold. It tends to dry out the air in the room and can cause health problems. Without a control system and requiring time to heat a room properly, it is very energy consuming. Its jerky heating, once turned off, stops immediately and does not provide much comfort.

The storage heater

With

an operating mode similar to that of inertia radiators, these types of radiators accumulate heat within a room in refractory materials, and then redistribute it. The difference is that its storage capacity is much greater than that of an inertia heater. The storage heater has the capacity to accumulate heat during the night, to store it, and to redistribute it all day long by radiation, without the need for a connection. A thermostat allows to regulate the diffusion of the radiation.

Result: a real thermal and sound comfort in the room and important savings on the electricity bill. The temperature rise is both rapid and homogeneous and requires very little maintenance. However, the storage model is quite expensive and after having heated a room, the process of reheating is long because it requires a restocking of heat. In addition, this type of radiator can store too much heat and is cumbersome due to its large size and weight.

Electric radiator or reversible air conditioner?

Electric radiator

The electric radiator or electric emitter transforms electricity directly into heat by the Joule effect, which it will then diffuse into the room to be heated. It is this method of diffusion that distinguishes one electric radiator from another. Some transmit heat by convection while others by radiation or both at the same time.

The electric radiator is simpler to install and is especially better suited to small homes, most radiators are even portable and can be moved to suit your convenience. Moreover, their price is very affordable if you have a limited budget. However, the electric radiator is expensive in the long run because it consumes a lot of energy, in this case, it should only be used as a back-up heater.

Reversible air conditioner

Usable in all seasons, the reversible air conditioner is less cumbersome because it is installed high on a wall or embedded in the ceiling. Unlike electric radiators, it consumes little energy and diffuses heat gently. It will reduce your bill by 10 times, especially if the model offers a high efficiency.

However, its installation is more constraining because it requires the work of a professional. Finally, its operation as a heater is limited because some air conditioners malfunction when the surrounding temperature is negative. The most efficient models lose efficiency when the temperature drops below -20°C.

Verdict

To conclude, the choice between an electric radiator and a reversible air conditioning system will depend on your budget, the frequency and duration of your heating use and the surrounding temperature in your region.

If you live in extremely cold regions, it is obvious to use a reversible air conditioner because it will save energy, but at the same time you will have to consider getting a space heater because the reversible air conditioner will lose efficiency when the temperature is too low.

Good to know

According to the ADEME (French Agency for the Environment and Energy Management), lowering the heating by 1°C during the night saves 7% of energy.

The best brands of electric heaters

In our opinion, the best brands of electric heaters in 2022 are :

Trotec
AEG
Rowenta
Acova
Cayenne

Trotec is a German company with more than 20 years of experience in dehumidification, heating, air conditioning and ventilation for industry, trade and private customers. Trotec offers a wide range of products internationally including electric radiators, convectors, fan heaters, unit heaters which are so coveted in this field because of their power, high performance and compactness especially for heating spacious rooms.

Bought in 1996 by the Electrolux group, AEG specialized in the design of large appliances such as kitchen, refrigeration and washing equipment. Over the years, the brand has earned a worldwide reputation for the high quality of its products.

Bought by the SEB group in 1988, the former German brand Rowenta has become a French brand known for its wide range of products in the field of small household appliances. Apart from the central steamers, vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers it markets, it is especially appreciated for the domestic comfort it provides via its many models of radiators and fans.

Acova is a brand renowned for marketing heating equipment including electric inertia radiators that combine both performance (up to 1500 W at full power) as well as modern and attractive design. Users have been especially won over by the thermoactive fluid technology used by the brand in its radiators, which provide soft, even heat throughout the room.

With more than 20 years of experience, Cayenne has positioned itself as a reference in the world of cooling and heating with its high-quality, reliable and high-performance appliances. The brand is a hit with consumers thanks to its easy-to-install, powerful, economical, CE and NF certified radiators that are eco-friendly and offer unbeatable value for money.

What is the price for an electric heater

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
20 £ to 200 £
Mid-range
200 £ to 500 £
High-end
more than 500 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Think of the room, not the whole house.

The most important thing to remember about space heaters is that while they can keep you warm, they're not meant to heat an entire house. Space heaters work best when they heat a confined space, such as the area around a desk or reading chair.

Do not place the heater against the wall.

Once you'

ve chosen the area that needs the most heat, make sure the unit is placed a foot or two from the wall

.

Watch the thermostat!

To

avoid disturbing the internal thermostat, don't install your space heater next to a ventilation grille or door to the outside

.

Keep the unit dry.

As

moisture can damage most electric heaters, keep them away from damp areas. If your intended use involves heating the bathroom while you shower, choose a heater specifically designed for bathrooms with special covers.

Keep it away from the curtains.

This

may be less obvious, but it's just as important. Space heaters need to be able to breathe, so to speak. Having curtains over them will deplete their power; the heat will not be redirected back into the room, but exhausted through the window. In addition, curtains also present a major fire hazard.

FAQ

What is the best electric heater?

The best electric heater depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.

How do I know if a radiator meets quality standards?

An electric radiator with the NF (French standard) label or with private labels is a quality and reliable device.

Do electric heaters require special maintenance?

Apart from dust removal from time to time to optimize air circulation, electric radiators do not require specific and restrictive maintenance as in the case of boilers.

Where is the best place to place electric radiators?

If you have several electric radiators, make sure they are well distributed. In a poorly insulated room, radiators should be placed as close as possible to places where the cold emanates (such as near a window). A minimum distance of 10 cm is necessary between the radiator and the floor, and avoid any clutter of objects or furniture in front of or near the heater for good air circulation.

How do I know which electric heater is right for each room in the house?

Soft heat radiators with intelligent programming are suitable for all rooms in the house. For low-traffic areas such as corridors, hallways or guest rooms, radiant heaters provide fast and even heat. For living rooms (living room, bedrooms or offices), comfort and energy savings are the order of the day, and inertia radiators are to be preferred. For the bathroom, the fan heater is ideal, with a fast heating time, and an excellent heating sensation for your baths.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , leroymerlin.fr
  2. , quechoisir.org
  3. , garanka.fr
  4. , radiateur-electrique.org
  5. , particuliers.engie.fr
  6. , hellowatt.fr
  7. , happ-e.fr
  8. , consoglobe.com
  9. , radins.com
  10. , rothelec.fr
  11. , thespruce.com
  12. , lesbonstuyaux.homeserve.fr
  13. , besteletricradiators.co.uk
  14. , cef.co.uk
  15. , castorama.fr
  16. , leroymerlin.fr
  17. , quechoisir.org
  18. , darty.com
  19. , atlantic.fr
  20. , amazon.co.uk
  21. , acova.fr
  22. , futura-sciences.com
  23. , thermor.fr
  24. , manomano.fr
  25. , leroymerlin.fr
  26. , bricomarche.com
  27. , bricorama.fr
  28. , quechoisir.org
  29. , mr-bricolage.fr
  30. , vitahabitat.fr
  31. , radiateurplus.com
  32. , radiateurplus.com
  33. , radson.com
  34. , cedeo.fr
  35. , espace-aubade.fr
  36. , noirot.fr
  37. , smartelec.be
  38. , maisonae.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Princess Connected Radiator White 9
Princess Connected Radiator White
Clatronic Kh 3077 10
Clatronic Kh 3077
STIEBEL ELTRON 236653 CK 20 Trend 11
STIEBEL ELTRON 236653 CK 20 Trend
Delonghi Hvy 1020 12
Delonghi Hvy 1020

Lecteurs

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