As energy costs remain a concern for households across the country, finding an efficient way to warm a single room without cranking up the central heating is a common dilemma. The solution for many is a dedicated electric heater, but with a vast array of models from simple fans to smart radiators, choosing the right one is tricky.
To cut through the noise, we conducted rigorous hands-on testing of 12 popular electric heaters. The goal was to identify which models deliver the best combination of warmth, efficiency, quiet operation, and smart features for UK homes in 2026.
Our Top Electric Heater Picks After Testing
After creating sauna-like conditions in a living room to test each heater at maximum power, nine models stood out from the rest. Performance was measured using a digital thermometer, a noise meter, and a power usage monitor to assess temperature gain, sound levels, and running costs.
Overall Winner: Beldray 2,000W Smart Ceramic Core Radiator
Priced at £206.75 from Argos, this heater was crowned the best overall for its powerful performance and extensive smart features. It can be used freestanding or wall-mounted and offers multiple modes including Economic, Frost Prevention, and a sensor mode that detects movement.
While it takes around 10 minutes to warm up, it made the room wonderfully snug within half an hour, operating at a near-silent 28dB. Control via its wifi app is intuitive, allowing users to turn up the heat from bed. A minor drawback is that the front panels stay very hot after use, though a temperature limitation feature adds safety.
Best Budget Buy: Russell Hobbs Oscillating Ceramic 2kW Heater
For those seeking value, the Russell Hobbs model at £49.68 from Amazon is a standout. It delivers powerful, efficient heating with higher-end features like oscillation and an Eco mode. It produced a significant 6.3°C temperature increase during testing.
Its low-pitched operating noise is more agreeable than the whine of some fan heaters, and it includes safety shut-off if tipped over. The on-unit controls are slightly clunky, but this is a minor point for a heater of this quality and price.
Best Fan Heater: Dreo PTC Fan Heater Solaris 718
This obelisk-shaped fan heater from Dreo (£118.98 at Amazon) impresses with its speed and relatively quiet operation for a 2,000W model. It began making a chilly room feel cosy within seconds and operates at a measured 46dB on its highest setting.
It features a remote control, lateral oscillation, a child lock, and can even function as a cooling tower fan in summer. Its main downside is its relatively high energy usage on maximum power.
Best for Style: Everhot Cast Iron Electric Heater
For those prioritising aesthetics, the beautiful Everhot cast iron heater (£1,199 at Cooks & Company) is a statement piece that also performs. It delivers 1.5kW of heat near-silently (34dB) via a stove-top vent, perfect for filling an empty fireplace.
Its simple dial controls match its premium finish. The significant price tag and the fact its top gets extremely hot make it best for regular use in homes without young children or pets.
Most Efficient: Mill Wifi Max Portable Heater 1,500W
The Mill heater (from £169 at Amazon) wins on efficiency, subtly heating a room in under 10 minutes while using less electricity than comparable models. It was barely detectable on a sound meter at 26dB.
Unusually, it has an IPX4 moisture resistance rating, making it bathroom-suitable. It can be controlled via a dial or a smartphone app, though the app setup can be fiddly and its oval base takes up more floor space than expected.
Other Notable Models Tested
The Swan 700W plug-in mini fan heater (from £10.90) is a ultra-compact option for direct personal warmth, but is noisy. The tech-forward Duux Threesixty 2 ceramic heater (from £89) heats efficiently in all directions but its smart app was buggy.
The sleek Devola wifi-enabled smart glass panel heater (from £89.90) offers great smart functionality, but its remote control isn't intuitive. Finally, the VonHaus small oil-filled radiator 1,500W (from £44.99) is a quiet, budget option, though its heat output is only moderate.
Key Buying Considerations for Electric Heaters
When choosing an electric heater, your budget should reflect your intended use. For occasional use, a model under £100 is often sufficient. For regular, primary heating in a room, investing more can secure better design, efficiency, and smart features.
It's important to note that electric heaters are generally not cheap to run compared to gas central heating, as electricity is more expensive per unit of energy in the UK. However, using one to heat a single room can be more cost-effective than heating an entire house with the boiler.
The choice between a ceramic heater and a fan heater often comes down to priority: ceramic models are typically quieter and provide residual heat, while fan heaters warm a space almost instantly but are noisier.
When your old heater reaches the end of its life, consider taking it to a local recycling centre for processing as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), or list it for spares or repairs online to minimise environmental impact.
This guide, updated in January 2026, is based on extensive testing by journalist Pete Wise, who has reviewed hundreds of home products since 2017. The tested heaters that were not returned by brands will be donated to the Cat Action Trust 1977 for fundraising.
