Heater Buying Guide
Heaters Buying Guide
Purchasing a Heater

Key considerations when choosing a heater.
- Ensure the heater has essential safety features like automatic cut-off, tip-over protection, and drip resistance.
- If portability is important, choose a lightweight model or one with castors for easy movement between rooms.
- Match the heat output to room size. Using a large heater in a small space wastes energy and money.
Types of Heaters
Column Heaters

Column heaters, resembling traditional radiators, are affordable, quiet, and great for long-term use.
- They heat up slowly but retain warmth well, keeping rooms cosy even after being switched off.
- Heavier and bulkier than other portable heaters, but many come with castors for easy movement.
- Available as oil-filled or oil-free. Oil-free models are faster to heat up and lighter.
Electric Fire Heaters

Electric fire heaters mimic the warmth and ambience of a real fire, without requiring a chimney, and come in traditional or modern styles.
- Available in freestanding, wall-mounted, and inset designs, with wall-mounted options saving floor space.
- Can replicate a flame effect without emitting heat, ideal for year-round use.
- Models with hidden controls create a more authentic fireplace look.
Convector Heaters

Convector heaters warm rooms by drawing in cold air, heating it, and circulating it back out. They are efficient, lightweight, and quiet.
- Quick to warm up with silent operation, though models with fans may be noisier.
- Ideal for heating entire rooms, especially shared spaces like living rooms.
- Look for models with micathermic panels for enhanced efficiency and performance.
Panel Heaters

Panel heaters are slim, stylish, and often wall-mounted for space-saving design, offering effective heating.
- Perfect for saving space with a low profile and wall-mounting options.
- Some models combine convection and radiated heat for enhanced efficiency.
- Choose models with thermostats to maintain consistent room temperatures.
Ceramic Heaters

Ceramic heaters use a ceramic block to absorb and radiate heat, providing a quiet and safe heating option.
- Safe for homes with children as the heating element is enclosed within the block.
- Great for spot heating, with oscillating models offering broader coverage.
- Tower ceramic heaters are ideal for heating larger or taller spaces.
Fan Heaters

Fan heaters offer quick, affordable, and effective spot heating, though less powerful than some alternatives.
- Often feature heating and cooling functions for year-round use.
- Heat up quickly but may be noisier and could dry skin if used nearby.
- Opt for models with oscillating functions for more even heat distribution.
Heater Features
Heat Output

Choosing the right heat output (measured in watts or kilowatts) depends on your needs and room conditions.
- For most rooms, 2000-2400W is sufficient, but uninsulated homes may require more power.
- Higher outputs increase running costs, so opt for efficient models where possible.
Heater Functionality

Modern heaters come with features to improve performance and ease of use:
- Castors make moving portable heaters effortless.
- Digital controls, thermostats, and timers ensure precise temperature control and convenience.
- Models with built-in filters can help reduce allergens, ideal for asthma or allergy sufferers.
Safety

Safety is critical when choosing a heater. Look for models with:
- Tip-over protection, which shuts the heater off if knocked over.
- Automatic cut-out to prevent overheating and reduce fire risk.
- Drip protection for safe use in bathrooms or damp environments.
Heater Essentials
Heated Blankets

Heated blankets are a cost-effective way to stay warm in winter, and can also help soothe muscular aches and pains.