How do I choose a space heater?

As the crisp chill of UK winters sets in, many of us start looking for ways to stay warm without blowing the budget. Central heating is effective, but it’s not always the most energy-efficient or cost-effective solution—especially if you only need to heat one room. That’s where space heaters come into play.

Whether you're working from home, relaxing in the living room, or needing extra warmth in a bedroom, choosing the right space heater can make a world of difference. But with so many types, features, and price points on the market, how do you know which one is best for you?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the right space heater for your UK home—based on room size, energy use, safety, noise, and much more.

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1. Why Use a Space Heater?

Space heaters offer targeted, efficient warmth—ideal for heating a single room or supplementing central heating. Here are some key reasons to consider a space heater:

• Cost Efficiency: Heat the room you're using without cranking up the entire house's central heating.

• Portability: Move them easily from room to room as needed.

• Speed: Some models offer rapid heat, perfect for cold mornings or evenings.

• Supplemental Heating: Help maintain comfort during extreme cold spells.

Especially in the UK, where energy bills can rise steeply during winter, space heaters offer a flexible and cost-effective way to stay warm.

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2. Different Types of Space Heaters

Let’s break down the five main types of space heaters you’ll find in the UK, along with their pros, cons, and best use cases:

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a) Fan Heaters

Fan heaters blow air across a heated element, quickly warming a room.

✔ Pros:

• Heats up fast

• Compact and lightweight

• Ideal for quick, short bursts of heat

✖ Cons:

• Noisy

• Less efficient for prolonged use

• Doesn’t retain heat well

Best For: Small to medium-sized rooms needing fast heat, like offices or bathrooms.

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b) Ceramic Heaters

These are a type of fan heater but use a ceramic plate for more efficient heat transfer.

✔ Pros:

• Safer and more efficient than traditional fan heaters

• Some models include oscillation and smart features

• Compact

✖ Cons:

• Still noisy due to fans

• Can dry out the air

Best For: Energy-conscious users looking for portable heat.

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c) Oil-Filled Radiators

These heaters use electricity to heat oil inside fins, which then radiates heat.

✔ Pros:

• Silent

• Energy-efficient over long periods

• Keeps radiating heat after being turned off

✖ Cons:

• Heavy and bulky

• Slower to heat up

Best For: Long-term heating in larger spaces like living rooms or bedrooms.

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d) Infrared Heaters

These heaters warm up objects and people rather than the air, using infrared light.

✔ Pros:

• Instant warmth

• Silent

• Doesn’t dry out the air

✖ Cons:

• Limited range

• Doesn’t heat the air, so the room cools quickly when turned off

Best For: Conservatories, personal heating, or outdoor areas.

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e) Convection Heaters

These heaters warm the air, which then circulates throughout the room.

✔ Pros:

• Silent

• Great for maintaining an even room temperature

• Often include thermostats and timers

✖ Cons:

• Slower to heat

• Can be less effective in draughty spaces

Best For: Overnight bedroom use or consistent background warmth.

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3. Key Features to Consider

Once you’ve narrowed down the type of heater, it’s time to compare features. Here’s what to keep in mind:

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a) Heat Output (Wattage)

Measured in watts, this tells you how much heat the unit can produce. As a rule of thumb:

• 1000W = suitable for rooms up to 10m²

• 1500W = for rooms up to 15m²

• 2000W = for rooms up to 20m²

If you're unsure, always go for a model with adjustable settings.

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b) Thermostat Control

A built-in thermostat lets the heater turn on and off to maintain your chosen temperature, saving energy and preventing overheating.

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c) Timer Functions

Ideal for scheduling the heater to turn on before you wake up or turn off before bed. Timers help reduce energy waste and increase safety.

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d) Smart Controls / Wi-Fi Connectivity

Some modern heaters can connect to apps, letting you control them remotely from your phone or via voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.

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e) Oscillation

Heaters with oscillating functions help distribute heat more evenly across the room. This is especially useful for ceramic or fan heaters.

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f) Safety Features

Absolutely crucial. Look for:

• Overheat protection

• Tip-over switches

• Child locks

• Cool-touch exteriors

All heaters sold in the UK must comply with strict safety standards—check for the UKCA or CE marking.

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4. Energy Efficiency and Cost to Run

Here’s the question on everyone’s mind: how much will it cost to run?

Average cost per hour (based on a 30p per kWh rate):

To save money:

• Use heaters with thermostats and timers

• Only heat the rooms you’re using

• Keep doors closed to retain warmth

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5. Noise Levels

If you’re using a heater in a bedroom or office, noise can be a dealbreaker.

• Silent Options: Oil-filled radiators, infrared, convection

• Noisier Models: Fan and ceramic heaters

Always check user reviews or look for models marketed as "quiet" or "silent operation."

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6. Portability and Size

If you need to move the heater around, look for:

• Carry handles

• Lightweight builds

• Casters/wheels (common on oil radiators)

Also consider storage—slimmer, wall-mounted or foldable models are easier to tuck away in warmer months.

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7. Style and Design

These days, space heaters come in sleek, stylish designs—from brushed aluminium towers to retro-styled radiators. Especially in open-plan or living spaces, you’ll want something that doesn’t look out of place.

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8. Recommended Heaters in the UK (2024–2025)

Here are some top-rated heaters available in the UK market right now:

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1. Duux Threesixty Smart Heater

Best Compact Heater

• 1800W ceramic heater

• 360-degree heat distribution

• App + voice control

• Stylish, modern design

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2. De’Longhi Dragon 4 Oil-Filled Radiator

Best Long-Term Heating

• 2000W

• Silent and efficient

• Thermostat + 24-hour timer

• Great for bedrooms or lounges

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3. Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09

Best Premium All-in-One

• Heater, fan, and air purifier

• Sleek design with LCD display

• HEPA filtration and app control

• Expensive, but versatile

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4. Russell Hobbs Convection Heater

Best Budget Option

• 2000W

• Thermostat + overheat protection

• Affordable and reliable

• Ideal for small to medium rooms

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5. Warmlite WL42005N Infrared Heater

Best for Instant Warmth

• 1200W

• Wall-mounted

• Silent with no moving parts

• Great for conservatories or bathrooms

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9. Where to Buy in the UK

Trusted UK retailers with wide heater selections:

• Argos

• John Lewis

• Currys

• Toolstation

• Amazon UK

Always compare prices, check reviews, and look for warranties or return policies.

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10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Buying the wrong size heater – Too powerful wastes energy, too weak won’t heat your room.

• ❌ Ignoring safety features – Especially if you have pets or kids.

• ❌ Leaving heaters unattended – Even safe models should be monitored.

• ❌ Blocking airflow – Never place items directly in front of heaters.

• ❌ Using heaters as primary heating – They’re meant to supplement central systems.

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11. Eco-Friendly Heating Tips

• Use draft excluders to prevent heat loss

• Install thermal curtains to retain warmth

• Consider a smart thermostat for whole-home efficiency

• Always turn off heaters when leaving the room

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Conclusion

Choosing the right space heater involves a bit of planning, but it can dramatically improve your comfort and energy efficiency through the winter months. Whether you want quick warmth, silent overnight heating, or a smart system that fits into your connected home—there’s a perfect heater out there for you.

Remember to prioritise:

• Room size

• Heating method

• Energy consumption

• Safety

• Budget

And most importantly, think long-term: a heater that’s slightly more expensive now could save you hundreds on your energy bills over time.