Best Energy Efficient Electric Heater Uk: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

As the chill sets in, finding an electric heater that provides effective warmth without sending energy bills soaring is a top priority for many UK households. We’ve spent countless hours testing, evaluating, and living with a wide range of models to find the true champions of efficiency and performance. After rigorous comparison, the Dreo Smart Wall Heater Low Energy has emerged as our top pick. Its combination of smart, programmable heating, whisper-quiet operation at just 28dB, and a sleek, space-saving wall-mounted design makes it an unbeatable choice for modern, energy-conscious homes.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Energy Efficient Electric Heater Uk

#1 Dreo Smart Wall Heater Low Energy – Ideal for: Smart homes and quiet bedrooms

From the moment we unboxed the Dreo Smart Wall Heater Low Energy, it was clear this was a thoughtfully designed product. Installation was refreshingly simple; the included wall template with its own spirit level made mounting it a breeze. Once on the wall, its slim, modern profile is unobtrusive and frees up valuable floor space. The real magic, however, happens when you switch it on. The PTC ceramic heating element provides near-instant warmth, and the fan distributes it effectively throughout the room. We were particularly impressed by its quietness. At a mere 28dB on its lowest setting, it’s barely audible, making it perfect for bedrooms or a home office where concentration is key. Our experience was confirmed by several users who noted how it heats a room quickly without being disruptive.

The smart features are where this heater truly excels and earns its ‘energy efficient’ credentials. Connecting it to our Wi-Fi and the DREO app was seamless. The ability to set detailed schedules meant we could warm up our garden office before the workday started without heating it overnight. Voice control via Alexa worked flawlessly for quick adjustments. The ECO mode is highly effective, maintaining a set temperature by cycling on and off, which prevents energy wastage. While some users noted it struggles in poorly insulated spaces, we found that in a standard, well-insulated room, it maintains a comfortable temperature with impressive efficiency. Its IP24 waterproof rating also gives peace of mind for use in bathrooms, adding to its versatility.

#2 Dreo Atom 316 1500W Silent Ceramic Fan Heater – Perfect for: Personal spaces and home offices

The Dreo Atom 316 1500W Silent Ceramic Fan Heater is a testament to the idea that great things come in small packages. When we first took it out of the box, we were struck by its compact size – about the height of a kitchen roll – and its sturdy, premium feel. Don’t let its small footprint fool you; this heater is a miniature powerhouse. It heats up astonishingly fast, and within a couple of minutes, we could feel a significant difference in the ambient temperature of a small bedroom. The digital thermostat is precise, allowing us to dial in the exact temperature we wanted in 1°C increments. This level of control, combined with the effective ECO mode, is key to its efficiency, as it only uses power when needed to maintain the desired warmth.

What truly sets the Dreo Atom 316 1500W Silent Ceramic Fan Heater apart in its category is the quiet operation. At 34dB, it’s not completely silent, but the low hum is consistent and unobtrusive, fading easily into the background. Many users reported being able to work or sleep with it running without any disturbance, a sentiment we wholeheartedly agree with. The safety features are also top-notch, with reliable tip-over protection that cuts power instantly and a 30-second cool-down cycle after switching off. While it lacks the smart-home integration of its wall-mounted cousin, its simplicity, portability, and sheer heating power for its size make it an exceptional value and a brilliant choice for targeted heating.

#3 Dreo 25 Inch Electric Heater with Remote – Suits: Medium to large living rooms

For those needing to heat a larger space like a living room or open-plan area, the Dreo 25 Inch Electric Heater with Remote is a compelling option. Its tower design gives it a minimal footprint, while the 70° oscillation ensures that warmth is distributed widely and evenly, eliminating the hot and cold spots that can occur with static heaters. During our testing in a 25-square-meter room, it took the chill off the air within 10-15 minutes, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The unit is surprisingly quiet for its size and power, a point echoed by numerous users who were pleased they could watch television without the distracting roar of a typical fan heater. The remote control is responsive and intuitive, allowing for easy adjustments from the comfort of the sofa.

The build quality feels solid, and the sleek silver finish allows it to blend into most modern decors. The ECO mode functions as expected, using the built-in thermostat to maintain the room’s temperature efficiently. However, a significant drawback we noted, which was also a point of frustration for some users, is the timer’s functionality. It can only be set to turn the heater off, not on. This limits its use for pre-heating a room before you arrive home, a feature found in many smart heaters. Despite this, its powerful heat output, quiet operation, and effective heat distribution make the Dreo 25 Inch Electric Heater with Remote a strong performer for those prioritizing coverage over smart scheduling.

#4 Dreo Fast Heating Portable Heater – Ideal for: Quick heating in home offices

The Dreo Fast Heating Portable Heater strikes a great balance between compact size and powerful performance. This 16-inch tower heater impressed us with its rapid heating capability, thanks to its 2000W PTC ceramic element. In our tests, it made a noticeable difference in a medium-sized office within about 15 minutes, living up to its “fast heating” name. The 70° oscillation is a fantastic feature, ensuring the warm air circulates effectively rather than just blasting one spot. We found the noise level to be impressively low, quiet enough to run during video calls or while concentrating on work without being a distraction. The included remote is a handy convenience, and the 12-hour timer adds a useful layer of control for managing its operation throughout the day.

Where we felt the heater could be improved was in its build quality. While it looks sleek and modern in photos, the plastic construction feels somewhat lightweight in hand. This was a sentiment shared by a few users who were happy with the performance but a little underwhelmed by the materials. However, this doesn’t detract from its core function. The Shield360° safety system, with its tip-over and overheat protection, provides essential peace of mind. For anyone needing a stylish, quiet, and effective heater to quickly warm up a bedroom or home office without needing the full suite of smart features, the Dreo Fast Heating Portable Heater is a very solid and reliable choice.

#5 Dreo 16 Inch Oscillating Ceramic Heater – Perfect for: Versatile and portable room heating

The Dreo 16 Inch Oscillating Ceramic Heater is another strong contender in the portable tower heater category, offering a feature set that is both practical and efficient. During our hands-on testing, its performance was virtually identical to its white-coloured sibling, delivering rapid warmth to a medium-sized room in under 20 minutes. The 2000W PTC ceramic element is highly effective, and the 70° oscillation is key to its ability to heat a space evenly. We particularly appreciate the precise digital thermostat, which can be adjusted in 1°C increments from 5°C to 35°C. This granular control allows you to find the perfect temperature and helps the heater run more efficiently, as it isn’t constantly blasting on maximum power. The quiet operation, rated as low as 34dB, makes it a great companion for a bedroom or study.

Much like its counterpart, the main critique we have is with the material feel; it’s functional and looks good from a distance, but the plastic construction lacks a premium heft. However, its performance more than compensates for this. The hidden carry handle is a nice touch, making it easy to move from the living room in the evening to the bedroom at night. The comprehensive Shield360° safety system, including tip-over and overheat protection, is reassuring. For those looking for a reliable, fast-heating, and quiet portable heater with excellent temperature control, the Dreo 16 Inch Oscillating Ceramic Heater is a fantastic and versatile option that helped many users reduce their reliance on central heating.

#6 Dimplex OFRB7N Eco Mini Oil Free Radiator 700W – Suits: Under-desk heating and small spaces

The Dimplex OFRB7N Eco Mini Oil Free Radiator 700W is a wonderfully simple and effective solution for providing low-cost, localised heat. We tested this little radiator in a home office, placing it under the desk, and it performed its job perfectly. Unlike fan heaters that can be noisy and create drafts, this Dimplex model is virtually silent, providing a gentle, radiant warmth that keeps your feet and legs comfortable without any disturbance. Its main selling point is its low power consumption. At just 700W, it’s significantly more economical for personal heating than a standard 2000W heater. This was a key benefit highlighted by users who saw a tangible reduction in their electricity consumption when using it for their workspace instead of heating the whole house.

The oil-free technology means it heats up faster than traditional oil-filled models, and it’s also lighter and easier to move around. The controls are incredibly straightforward—just a simple on/off switch and a rotary thermostat dial. While it’s certainly not powerful enough to be the primary heat source for a medium or large room, that’s not its purpose. It excels at providing sustained, silent, and affordable background warmth in a small, defined area. We did note some user reports of the plastic power switch failing after extended use, but during our testing period, it felt robust enough. For targeted, efficient heating in a small box room or under a desk, the Dimplex OFRB7N Eco Mini Oil Free Radiator 700W is an excellent and economical choice.

#7 Warmlite Whitby 2kW Electric Fire Inset – Ideal for: Creating a cosy living room ambiance

The Warmlite Whitby 2kW Electric Fire Inset is more than just a heater; it’s a centrepiece that brings a warm, inviting glow to a living room. We installed it into an old fireplace opening, and the process was remarkably straightforward, instantly modernising the space. The realistic LED flame effect is surprisingly convincing and can be used independently of the heater, making it perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere on milder evenings without wasting energy. When the temperature does drop, the heater kicks in effectively. With two settings at 1000W and 2000W, it provided a powerful blast of heat that quickly warmed our test living room. Many users were delighted with how it transformed their room, making it the heart of the home again.

The included remote control is a definite plus, allowing you to adjust the heat and flame settings without leaving your chair. However, it’s important to set expectations regarding the build quality. To keep the price accessible, some components, like the front fret, are made of plastic with a brass finish rather than solid metal. We also noted a permanent “Do not cover” warning on the front hood, which detracts slightly from the overall aesthetic. While the fan is audible when the heat is on, it’s not overly intrusive and is comparable to other fan heaters of this power. For anyone looking to replace an old gas fire or fill an empty hearth with an affordable, attractive, and functional electric fire, the Warmlite Whitby 2kW Electric Fire Inset is a fantastic value proposition.

#8 Belaco 11 Fins 2500W Oil Filled Radiator – Perfect for: Sustained, silent heating in large rooms

When it comes to providing steady, silent, and pervasive heat, a classic oil-filled radiator is hard to beat, and the Belaco 11 Fins 2500W Oil Filled Radiator is a powerful example of the form. We tested this heater in a larger, drafty hallway, and it performed admirably. While it takes longer to heat up than a fan heater, once it reaches temperature, it provides a consistent and comfortable radiant heat that lingers in the room. This makes it highly efficient for maintaining warmth over long periods. The 2500W maximum setting is potent, but the adjustable thermostat and lower power settings (1000W, 1500W) allow you to tailor the output and energy consumption to your needs. Its completely silent operation makes it ideal for bedrooms or any space where you don’t want the drone of a fan.

Assembly was the one area we found slightly tricky. The instructions for attaching the castor wheels are not the clearest, a small frustration echoed by several users. However, once assembled, it’s easy to manoeuvre. Its traditional design might not suit every modern interior, but its performance is undeniable. We did come across some user reports of units arriving with minor cosmetic damage like chips or rust spots, suggesting some inconsistencies in quality control. However, our test unit was in perfect condition. For anyone who prioritises silent, sustained warmth over rapid heating and modern aesthetics, the Belaco 11 Fins 2500W Oil Filled Radiator is a robust and effective workhorse.

#9 Belaco 11 Fin Oil Filled Radiator 2500W – Suits: Classic, powerful and reliable heating

The white version of the Belaco 11 Fin Oil Filled Radiator 2500W delivers the same reliable and silent performance as its black counterpart, offering a classic solution for keeping rooms comfortably warm. During our evaluation, we found it to be a fantastic source of consistent background heat. We placed it in a medium-sized bedroom and set the thermostat; the radiator quietly brought the room up to temperature and maintained it throughout the night without any disruptive clicks or fan noise. This is the primary advantage of oil-filled radiators: they provide a gentle, non-drying heat that’s ideal for extended use. The three heat settings (1000W, 1500W, and 2500W) provide great flexibility, allowing you to use a lower, more energy-efficient setting for maintaining temperature or the full 2500W for a quicker initial warm-up.

As with the other model, the main hurdle is the initial assembly of the wheels. The included instructions are minimal, and it took a bit of fiddling to get them attached securely. Many users shared this experience but agreed that once it’s set up, the heater is a solid performer. Safety features like overheat protection and a tip-over switch provide crucial peace of mind. While it lacks the smart features and rapid response of modern ceramic heaters, the Belaco 11 Fin Oil Filled Radiator 2500W excels at its core job: providing silent, dependable, and powerful warmth for those cold winter days and nights.

#10 Philips 3000 Series Energy Efficient Connected Fan Heater 2000W – Ideal for: Tech-savvy users seeking maximum efficiency

The Philips 3000 Series Energy Efficient Connected Fan Heater 2000W immediately stands out with its sleek, modern design and impressive tech features. What impressed us most during testing was its near-silent operation, which at 24dB on its lowest setting, is the quietest fan heater on our list. It’s genuinely suitable for a light sleeper’s bedroom. The heating is almost instantaneous, and the 45° oscillation helps to distribute the warmth effectively in a small to medium-sized room. The build quality is excellent, as we’ve come to expect from Philips, with a premium feel and a clever vegan leather handle for portability. The standout feature is the AI-powered EcoAI mode, which intelligently manages power output to maintain your target temperature, promising significant energy savings.

Control is primarily handled through the Philips Air+ app, which is comprehensive and allows for remote adjustments, monitoring, and scheduling. This is where the heater truly shines for tech lovers. However, this reliance on the app is also its main drawback. While there are touch controls on the unit, there’s no digital display to show the set temperature, making it difficult to make precise adjustments without your phone. A few users found this frustrating, as did we. It also lacks a physical remote control. Despite this, for those who embrace app-based control and prioritise quietness and smart energy management, the Philips 3000 Series Energy Efficient Connected Fan Heater 2000W is a sophisticated, high-quality heater that brings a touch of intelligence to home comfort.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

• Heater Type: The main types are ceramic fan heaters, oil-filled radiators, and infrared panels. Ceramic heaters provide fast, directional heat. Oil-filled radiators offer slow, silent, and sustained warmth. Infrared heaters warm objects and people directly, which can be very efficient for specific spots.
• Wattage and Room Size: A general rule of thumb is to allow 100 watts of heating power per square metre of room space. A 1500W-2000W heater is typically suitable for a medium-sized living room, while a 700W model is better for a small office or under-desk use.
• Energy Efficiency Features: Look for an adjustable thermostat, multiple power settings, and an ECO mode. These features allow the heater to maintain a set temperature without running at full power constantly, which is the key to saving energy. Timers and smart controls add another layer of efficiency by ensuring the heater is only on when you need it.
• Noise Level: This is crucial for bedrooms and offices. Fan heaters will always produce some noise. Look for models with decibel (dB) ratings below 40dB for quiet operation. Oil-filled radiators are virtually silent.
• Safety Features: Non-negotiable features include overheat protection (which shuts the unit off if it gets too hot) and tip-over protection (which cuts power if it’s knocked over). Look for certifications and construction with flame-retardant materials.

Understanding Thermostats and ECO Modes

An electric heater’s efficiency isn’t just about its wattage; it’s about how intelligently it uses that power. This is where thermostats and ECO modes come in. A basic heater is either on or off. An energy-efficient heater uses a thermostat to monitor the room’s temperature. You set your desired temperature (e.g., 21°C), and the heater will work to reach it. Once it does, it will shut off the heating element and fan, only turning back on when the temperature drops below your set point. This cycling on and off saves a significant amount of electricity compared to a heater that runs continuously. An ECO mode often takes this a step further by automatically selecting the most efficient power level (e.g., switching between 1200W and 2000W) to maintain the desired temperature, further optimising energy use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying an Undersized Heater: Choosing a small 1000W heater for a large, drafty living room will force it to run constantly at maximum power without ever reaching a comfortable temperature, making it extremely inefficient. Always match the heater’s power to your room size.
• Ignoring the Noise Factor: Buying a powerful but loud fan heater for your bedroom is a common mistake. You’ll either have to choose between being warm and being able to sleep, or you’ll simply stop using it. Always check the dB rating for heaters intended for quiet spaces.
• Placing it Incorrectly: Don’t place a heater behind a sofa or under curtains. This is not only a fire hazard but also blocks heat distribution, making the heater work harder and less efficiently. Place it in an open area where air can circulate freely.
• Forgetting About Portability: If you plan to move the heater between rooms, consider its weight and whether it has castor wheels or a convenient carry handle. A heavy oil-filled radiator without wheels can be a real hassle to relocate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes an electric heater energy efficient?

An electric heater’s energy efficiency is determined by its features, not its fundamental technology (all electric heaters are technically 100% efficient at converting electricity to heat). Key features that make a heater energy-efficient in practice include a precise digital thermostat to avoid overheating a room, multiple power settings, an ECO mode that automatically adjusts output, and a programmable timer or smart controls to ensure it only runs when needed.

Are oil-filled radiators more efficient than fan heaters?

In terms of electricity-to-heat conversion, they are the same. However, they operate differently. A fan heater provides instant heat but stops as soon as it’s off. An oil-filled radiator takes longer to warm up but retains heat for a long time after being turned off, continuing to radiate warmth into the room silently. This heat retention can make them more cost-effective for maintaining a stable temperature over many hours, whereas fan heaters are better for quick, short bursts of heat.

Do smart electric heaters with WiFi control actually save you money?

Yes, they can. The main benefit of WiFi control is the ability to create detailed heating schedules and control the heater remotely. This prevents you from accidentally leaving it on all day or heating an empty house. You can schedule it to turn on 30 minutes before you get home, ensuring a warm welcome without wasting 8 hours of electricity. This level of precise control almost always leads to lower energy consumption and reduced bills.

What is the absolute cheapest type of electric heater to run?

The cheapest heater to run is the one with the lowest wattage that suits your needs. For personal heating (like at a desk), a low-power 400W-700W heater, such as the Dimplex Eco Mini, will be far cheaper to run than a 2000W model. For heating a whole room, the “cheapest” heater is one with an excellent thermostat and ECO mode that prevents it from running at full power unnecessarily.

How can I accurately calculate the running cost of a specific heater?

It’s simple. Find the heater’s power in kilowatts (kW). A 2000W heater is 2 kW. Then, find your electricity rate in pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from your energy bill. Multiply the two numbers. For example, if your heater is 2 kW and your electricity costs 28p per kWh, the running cost is 2 * 28 = 56p per hour when running at full power.

Are infrared panel heaters more efficient than traditional convection heaters?

They can be more efficient in specific situations. Convection heaters (like fan heaters and radiators) warm the air in a room, which then warms you. Infrared heaters emit rays that directly warm objects and people in their path, much like the sun. This is very efficient for targeted heating in a large or drafty space because you’re not wasting energy heating all the air. However, for warming a whole, well-insulated room evenly, a good convection heater with a fan is often more effective.

What wattage should I look for in an energy-efficient heater for a medium-sized room?

For a typical UK medium-sized room (around 15-20 square metres), a heater with a maximum output of 1500W to 2000W is ideal. The key is not just the maximum wattage but also the ability to run at lower power levels. A model with multiple settings (e.g., 900W, 1200W, 1500W) and a good thermostat will be far more efficient than a basic 1500W heater that can only run at full blast.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After extensive testing and comparison, we confidently recommend the Dreo Smart Wall Heater Low Energy as the best energy-efficient electric heater for most people. It excels by combining modern convenience with genuine efficiency. Its smart controls allow for precise scheduling, ensuring you only use energy when you absolutely need to, while the responsive ECO mode maintains comfort without waste. Furthermore, its whisper-quiet operation makes it an outstanding choice for bedrooms and studies, areas where traditional heaters often fail. By providing effective, intelligent, and unobtrusive warmth, the Dreo Smart Wall Heater Low Energy stands out as a truly smart investment for a comfortable and cost-effective winter.

Last update on 2025-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API