Best Electric Radiators in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 7, 2024
Does your home lack sufficient central heating for all of your rooms? If so, then the best way to keep yourself warm throughout the cold winter months is by using an electric radiator. Read on for our picks of the top 5 models and find the best electric radiators for your home. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
For Rooms
Power
Settings
Extras
Safety
Placement
Dimensions
Warranty
 
PROS

Thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi module and compatibility with the proprietary application, you can control this heater remotely through the free mobile app.

CONS

Fingerprints are noticeable on the glossy surface.

OUR VERDICT

A stylish heater, which at high performance, has a low power consumption. It is able not only to warm, but also to become an interior decoration. The model is recommended by the publication 'Architecture Art Design'.

detailed parameters
Type

Convection heater

For Rooms

Medium spaces

Power

2000 W

Settings

Wi-Fi control with app: 3 heating modes (comfort, economy, anti frost), Weekly programmable thermostat, Temperature range 15-35°C, Timer

Extras

LCD display, Wall mount bracket & feet Included

Safety

IP22 waterproof, Overheat protection, CE, GS & RoHS approved

Placement

Wall mountable or feestanding

Dimensions

47 x 78 x 8 cm

Warranty

2 years

PROS

Thanks to the memory function, the heater will remember the last setting you selected. And even in the event of a power outage, this setting will still be saved.

CONS

Remote can't turn off the unit; it can only adjust the temperature.

OUR VERDICT

A powerful micathermic freestanding heater with electronic climate control, which quickly warms up even a large room. It works in accordance with the innovative TPT system, which makes it possible to customise the operation of each side of the heater separately.

detailed parameters
Type

Micathermic radiator

For Rooms

Medium to large spaces

Power

3000 W

Settings

2 heat settings, Adjustable thermostat, 24-hour Electronic timer, Temperature memory, Remote control

Extras

LCD display, Cable tidy, Easy glide castors

Safety

Frost protection, Safety cut out, Auto shut-off, BEAB approved

Placement

Freestanding

Dimensions

60.5 x 77 x 25 cm

Warranty

5 years

PROS

The unit has special openings for the cold air on the bottom and air vents on the top, through which the hot air comes out. Thus, the device has a convenient chimney effect.

CONS

The power cord is a bit short.

OUR VERDICT

If you need to heat up a large room in a short time, this model from DeLonghi will suit you. With a power of only 2000 Watts, this appliance has the potential to raise the temperature in a space up to 50 sq. m.

detailed parameters
Type

Oil radiator

For Rooms

Medium to large spaces

Power

2000 W

Settings

3 heat settings, Adjustable thermostat, 24-hour mechanical timer

Extras

Carry handle, Wheels, Cord storage

Safety

Overheat protection

Placement

Freestanding

Dimensions

65 x 44 x 16 cm

Warranty

10 years

PROS

Among the available settings, Eco mode stands out, in which the heating temperature will be 3.5°C lower than in Comfort mode while still remaining both comfortable and economical.

CONS

Poor instructions.

OUR VERDICT

This convector heater, thanks to the protection class IP20, can be mounted on the wall even in the bathroom. Also suitable for heating any room up to 27 square meters while remaining friendly to your budget.

detailed parameters
Type

Convection heater

For Rooms

Medium to large spaces

Power

2500 W

Settings

3 heating modes with temperature selection, Comfort mode, Eco Mode & Frost Protection, Adjustable thermostat, 24-hour timer with 4-week programme schedule

Extras

LCD display, Wall mounting brackets included

Safety

IP24 splashproof, overheat protection, child lock

Placement

Wall mountable

Dimensions

43.7 x 103.2 x 11.6 cm

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The device is extremely safe to use due to the intelligent auto-shut-off systems, as well as the wide and stable legs at the base, which prevent it from being easily tipped over.

CONS

Not enough wheels to be easily rolled to another spot.

OUR VERDICT

This compact oil heater with six sections is useful for quickly heating small rooms, such as a nursery or office. This unit is quite affordable, not heavy, and has simple and intuitive controls.

detailed parameters
Type

Oil radiator

For Rooms

Small spaces

Power

800 W

Settings

3 heat settings, Adjustable thermostat

Extras

Carry handle, Sturdy feet

Safety

Overheat protection, tip-over switch

Placement

Freestanding

Dimensions

38 x 27 x 13 cm

Warranty

2 years

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Wärme WH-24P

Control Remotely

Electric radiators can be great appliances to have whenever your home's heating system isn't able to effectively warm every part of the house. With an electric radiator, you are often able to not just heat areas that otherwise wouldn't get heated, but with most models you can also adjust the temperature at which the room should be heated, allowing for the most comfortable atmosphere possible. However, adjusting the thermostat on many radiators can be tricky, as they often don't have settings for showing the exact temperature, which often leaves it to be a guessing game as to which settings will provide the ideal temperature.

The Wärme WH-24P WiFi Electric Wall Heater is a high-tech electric radiator that gives you full control over your own comfort. This radiator lets you set the exact temperature that you wish to heat the room to, and you can be assured that the room will be heated to that exact temperature, with little variation. Furthermore, thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi module and compatibility with the proprietary application, you can control this heater remotely through the free mobile app. This gives you a great amount of control over the heater, letting you turn it off when not in the room and turn it back on before entering, letting you enjoy the comfort of the heat without stressing your electricity bill.

Review of Wärme WH-24P WiFi Electric Wall Heater

Stylish Design

Although many electric radiators tend to be very functional devices, they also tend to be rather ugly. Very few manufacturers seem to pay attention to their design, which results in them often being an eyesore in whichever room they are placed. Thankfully, this is not the case with the Wärme WH-24P WiFi Electric Wall Heater. This device is a stylish heater, which at high performance, has a low power consumption in comparison to many other models, which doesn't diminish its effectiveness. It is able not only to warm, but also to become an interior decoration, thanks to its stylish black body that looks more like a work of art rather than an appliance. The model is recommended by the publication 'Architecture Art Design', which should show you just how nice it looks.

The unit works just as a simple wall heater, letting you mount it on the wall in a way that keeps it from taking up precious space in your room. It also includes two standing feet that lets it act as a freestanding heater as well, which gives you plenty of flexibility in where to place it. Overall, this stylish and highly convenient Wi-Fi controlled model is one of the best electric radiators on the market, and will quickly become your favourite home appliance during the coldest times of the year.

Wärme WH-24P WiFi Electric Wall Heater in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £149.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B07NPT3GSH

 

Dimplex CDE3ECC

Heat The Whole Room

Anyone who has used an electric smart radiator before can number off a list of complaints about whichever model they have. One of the most common complaints with most models, though, is the fact that they sometimes aren't well-suited for heating an entire room, even if the room is smaller than the total area that the radiator is supposedly able to heat. This often isn't much the fault of the radiator, as the flow of air in a room can often affect the heating, but in many ways this problem comes down to the basic design of many models, in that they only provide heat from one side, which means that the part of the room furthest away from it doesn't get as much heat.

The Dimplex CDE3ECC Oil Free Radiator helps solve this problem thanks to its innovative design. This unit is a powerful micathermic freestanding heater with electronic climate control, which quickly warms up even a large room. It works in accordance with the innovative TPT system, which makes it possible to customise the operation of each side of the heater separately. This lets you place the heater in a central location, giving full heating coverage to a room instead of just to a part of it. Furthermore, the customisation of each side lets you adjust the heating to its most comfortable level, so even rooms with uneven heat distribution can have the same level of comfort throughout.

Review of Dimplex CDE3ECC Oil Free Radiator

Remember the Last Setting

This very powerful heating unit provides up to 3kW of heating output, making it ideal for rooms of virtually any size. The electronic controls on the front of the heater let you easily set the climate control for a specific temperature for each side of the heater, and the warm up time is quite fast, so you won't have to wait long for the room to warm up. On top of that, thanks to the memory function, the heater will remember the last setting you selected. And even in the event of a power outage, this setting will still be saved, so you won't need to readjust the heater's settings in case the power goes out.

The unit itself is relatively small for such a powerful heater, making it easy to move from one area to another, especially with the wheels mounted on the base. This unit is a freestanding model, which means it will need to be placed on a floor, but the wide base of the unit helps keep it upright even when bumped, minimising the chance of it toppling over. The fact that this unit is micathermic means there is no oil, which contributes to its lightweight design. A remote control is included that lets you easily change the settings of the heater from where you are sitting, although it should be noted that you can't turn the unit off with the remote. Regardless, this micathermic radiator is one of the easiest to use and most effective units on the market.

Dimplex CDE3ECC Oil Free Radiator in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £349.50
Stock In stock
ASIN B002G0DE14

 

Delonghi Dragon 4 TRD40820T

Designed to Impress

Designed for medium to large apartments and houses, the radiator heaters are a perfect way to warm up the room in a short period of time. And this model from DeLonghi is not an exception.

The 2 KW Dragon 4 heater is able to heat up the rooms no larger than 60 square metres, which is a quite economical power/spent electricity ratio. Thus, the radiator is suitable for medium to large rooms such as living rooms, offices, etc.

Instead of a digital timer, this version of DeLonghi Dragon 4 features a manual dial for setting a timer, which will be convenient for people that prefer preheating rooms or using the heater only at a certain time of a day. The heater has a switch that features an indicator light that will conveniently show if the device is on. Alternatively, when the convector reaches a maximum temperature it will automatically turn itself off with a distinct click sound, which some users may find a little bit loud. However, it doesn’t reach a non-safe level of 20 dB so it should not annoy or bother you that much, once you get used to it.

Moving on, the radiator has a special handle, which in combination with pre-assembled castors makes it quite easy to transport or carry around the house, despite the fact that the heater is quite heavy.

Review of Delonghi Dragon 4 TRD40820T Oil Filled Radiator

Passive Heating Capabilities

Thanks to the special “chimney” effect, the radiator is able to act as a convector heater. So, the way it works is quite simple, a radiator in pair with the special construction of the housing pushes the cold air through the lower part of the heater and channels it through the top of the device. This way your room, no matter how big it is, is always heated from the bottom to top.

Although the device features a safety thermostat that will automatically turn the device off when it reaches a certain temperature level, it doesn’t feature a thermal cut-off function, unlike most recent models of Dragon 4. Thus, with a two-step safety system on board, you are getting a high-quality thermostat the can be reused numerous times, unlike a thermal detector that has a limited reusability and will have to be changed every couple of years.

Owing to the convector effect the heater can effectively heat up not only one floor but two in case you live in a multi-story building. Of course, the effect of such kind of heating will be rather passive, however, in case you tend to leave the heater on for a night it can warm up the room above in just a few hours.

To wrap things up, the Dragon 4 TRD40820T from DeLonghi with a slim design will be a good investment in case you are the owner of a big house or apartment and don’t have a central heating system installed.

Delonghi Dragon 4 TRD40820T Oil Filled Radiator in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £132.91
Stock In stock
ASIN B00CA1T07G

 

Devola Eco LOT 20

Space-Saving Heater

Electric radiators tend to take up space in a room that often could be put to better use. This is especially true in a crowded space, where every little bit of extra space counts. That is why wall-mounted electric radiators have become a more popular design, thanks to the savings in space that they provide. Unfortunately, wall-mounted heaters can sometimes have their own sets of problems, the most common of which is that they often don't work well in heating an entire room, thanks largely to the lower power output of many units in comparison to some free-standing models. This makes it difficult for people to find a wall-mounted unit that will sufficiently heat a larger room.

The Devola LOT 20 Electric Panel Heater makes this choice a lot easier for everyone. This convector heater, thanks to the protection class IP20, can be mounted on the wall even in the bathroom, providing an even distribution of heat while helping you save precious floor space. This unit is suitable for heating any room up to 27 square meters while remaining friendly to your budget, so you can safely and effectively heat any room without going broke in the process, as this unit won't use as much electricity as some other larger units, while still being just as effective.

Review of Devola Eco LOT 20 Electric Panel Heater

Heat on a Budget

The design principles of this electric radiator are all about helping you save as much money as possible while still being quite effective at heating. Among the available settings on this unit, Eco mode stands out, in which the heating temperature will be 3.5°C lower than in Comfort mode while still remaining both comfortable and eco-friendly. This ensures that your room still remains warm enough while providing as little use of electricity as possible, which can immensely help your electric bill in the long run.

Speaking of this unit's available settings, the control panel on this electric radiator is fully programmable, letting you set up a weekly heating schedule that lets you make full use of its energy-saving capabilities while still providing the warmth you need. You can even set the temperature to vary by every hour and day of the week.

This unit is quite easy to setup, as the process of programming the unit is relatively straight forward. This is quite good, as the instructions included in the unit are poor, providing little useful information. That said, this is about the only downside to this economical yet effective panel radiator, which should serve you well in any room in your home.

Devola Eco LOT 20 Electric Panel Heater in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £84.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07ZHJTJJ4

 

VonHaus 2500109

Safety First

A common concern that many people have about electric radiators is about how safe they are to use. As with any kind of device or appliance that uses heat, such heat can often cause a safety hazard when not dealt with properly, with extreme heat having the ability to cause flammable items to catch fire. Since any electric radiator uses extreme internal temperatures in order to create the desired outside temperature, this means that any device of its kind can pose a safety hazard if not handled correctly. Most units are shielded so that the internal components that heat up to very high temperatures don't come into contact with any other materials, but even then there is always the risk of this happening.

The VonHaus 2500109 Oil Filled Radiator is one device that was made with safety in mind. The device is extremely safe to use due to the intelligent auto-shut-off systems, as well as the wide and stable legs at the base, which prevent it from being easily tipped over. The casing of the unit provides ample protection of the internal components from coming into contact with any flammable materials as well as preventing children from getting their fingers inside of it, providing a fully safe heater.

Review of VonHaus 2500109 Oil Filled Radiator

Effective Design

Although this unit contains quite a few safety features, these in no way prevent the unit from being effective at its job of providing heat to a room. In fact, the design of the unit also helps its effectiveness. This compact oil heater has six sections that provide heat along with plenty of space in between each section, which allows for the airflow to effectively distribute the heat throughout the room. This makes it useful for quickly heating small rooms, such as a nursery or office. This unit is quite affordable, not heavy, and has simple and intuitive controls, all of which will allow for easy and quite transporting and operation of the heater.

Speaking of the controls, this unit has three heat settings along with an adjustable thermostat, which lets you set the heating temperature to the ideal setting for whichever room it is placed in. Along with those settings, a 24-hour timer is included that lets you program the radiator to automatically turn on and off, letting you heat a room only when it is needed, helping to save in energy costs. In the end, this small but efficient electric radiator will give you peace of mind in it being a safe device that is also quite good at heating any small room in your home.

VonHaus 2500109 Oil Filled Radiator in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £84.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07FNKLKJB

 

What Is an Electric Radiator?

Anyone who lives in a house in a climate with cold winters is sure to be familiar with a radiator. These devices are found in most homes in such areas, and are usually the primary source of heating during the coldest parts of the year. Radiators work by providing a flow of hot water or steam, which then uses the principles of convection to provide heating to nearby areas. Of course, not all home radiators work well, which is why people often find the need to get another external source of heat.

One of the best ways to do this is by purchasing an electric radiator. These devices work in a similar principle to standard radiators, with the main difference being that they use electricity to provide the initial heat source. Not all electric radiators work the same, though. Some will use oil in order to provide heat in a similar manner to a steam radiator, whereas others will simply use heating elements to provide heat via convection, which are known as micathermic heaters. There are pluses and minuses to each type of radiator, and the effectiveness of different models can vary.

If you are looking for a heater that will only heat a very specific area instead of an entire room, you may want to check our reviews of the best personal heaters.

What Features to Compare

There are lots of different electric radiators on the market, yet hardly any two models will be the exact same, which means that the variance between all of the different models is quite wide. That is why it is important to know exactly what to look for when you are looking to purchase the best electric radiators for your home. Below are some of the most common characteristics that will help define the capabilities of each individual model.

Type

The type of radiator is the first thing to look at. Just because a radiator is powered by electricity doesn't mean it is the same as other models; far from it, in fact. Within the models reviewed here, there are two main types of electric radiators. Convection radiators transfer heat through the movement of some type of fluid, usually oil, in order to warm the air currents in an area. Micathermic radiators, on the other hand, use heating elements covered by mica stone material in order to heat the air. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, but both types are generally considered to be the best heating types.

Power

The next thing to check is going to be the power of any electric radiator. This indicates how much electricity, measured in Watts, will be used to perform the heating. Generally, the higher the power, the more powerful and effective the heater. On the other hand, higher powered units consume a lot more electricity, and thus will often cause a large increase in your electricity bill. Ideally, you will want to find one that has the best balance of heating power and efficiency.

Settings

The different settings available on electric radiators will show you just how much you are able to customise their heating ability. Most electric radiators feature an adjustable thermostat, but many recent models include plenty of other settings that can help with their efficiency, such as heating timers. Some may even let you control them remotely. Whichever radiator you choose, you will want to make sure it includes the settings that you want.

Extras and Safety Features

Most electric radiators will come with some types of extras that help enhance the overall usability of the device. These extra features can range from LCD displays for showing the current settings, to different accessories that help with transporting the unit, such as wheels or carrying handles. Many will also include various safety features such as auto-turnoff for various situations, such as the unit tipping over, or if the internal or external temperatures get too hot.

Placement

Last but not least, the placement of a unit will tell you where exactly you can put it in any room. Most electric radiators tend to be freestanding units, but some models allow for mounting on walls. Wherever you wish to place the unit, you will want to make sure that the model you choose will support that type of placement.

How to Use an Electric Radiator

When it comes to getting a new electric radiator, many people just find a clear spot to place it, plug in, and rarely move it from that spot. While this may work for some people, there are nuances that you should be aware of that will help you get the best out of the device. Just placing it in any random spot and setting a specific temperature may not effectively heat the room, so it is always helpful to be aware of not only the ideal placement of the unit but also the best way to program its use. Below are some suggestions for helping you get the best performance from your new electric radiator.

Radiator Placement

The best place to put your new electric radiator will vary depending on which type of radiator you purchased. With wall-mounted and freestanding units, their ideal placement can become difficult depending on the layout of the room. However, it is not too difficult to put these in spots where they will have the best effect on heating the room to the ideal temperature.

Wall-mounted units are best placed on a central portion of a wall, and ideally somewhere on the lower half of it. The central spot should ensure that all parts of the radiator are able to effectively reach all of the corners of the room, while the lower half placement ensures that the heat gets distributed fully. Heated air tends to rise, which is why a lower placement is best. Placing the heater high on the wall won't do much for ensuring that your feet remain warm.

For a freestanding unit, the best place to put the radiator is in the most central location. Of course, placing it in the centre of a room is less than ideal for many reasons and just isn't practical. However, you can still place it with its back near a wall in a central area to prevent it from getting in the way. You should make sure that the radiator isn't nestled closely between two items, as that will trap the heat that is generated by the radiator, preventing effective heat distribution. Keeping at least a foot of space free on each side of the radiator would be ideal, preferably more if possible.

Programming

Having placed your new electric radiator in an ideal spot, you should know the best way to program your unit. All of the units reviewed here offer some type of programming, letting you set the times when the heater should work at full capacity. Programmable units are the ideal ones for being efficient with energy, as they only heat the room when necessary, preventing you from having to constantly turn it on and off.

You should always leave a programmable unit on, with the temperature set to the most comfortable setting at times that you will be home, and set somewhere between 3 to 5 degrees C lower when not. Although this may seem wasteful, it really isn't. Heating a room from its coldest temperature not only takes more time, but it also requires more energy. Furthermore, programmable units with thermostats will automatically turn off once the temperature is at the specified setting and turn on again whenever it drops below it, so the amount of electricity it uses by being left on is negligible. 

With the unit set only a few degrees below the comfort level, the heater will, in turn, use less energy to heat the room back up to the ideal temperature than if the temperature were much colder. 

In the end, following this guide for programming your electric heater will not only keep your room temperature ideal when you need it but also lessen the impact that it will have on your electricity bill.

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Publish Date: 2019-10-30 17:38:30