There’s a specific kind of quiet that descends on a home office or bedroom in the colder months—a stillness that makes every click of the keyboard, every hum of a device, sound like an unwelcome intrusion. The problem is, that quiet is often accompanied by a persistent, creeping chill that seeps into your bones, making concentration difficult and comfort a distant memory. For years, we battled this with noisy fan heaters that blasted hot, dry air in disruptive cycles, or bulky, slow-to-warm oil radiators. The choice often felt like a compromise: sacrifice your peace and quiet for warmth, or shiver in silence. Not solving this problem properly means lower productivity, restless nights, and a constant, low-level discomfort that grates on you day after day. Finding a heating solution that is powerful, efficient, quiet, and aesthetically pleasing has become the modern homeowner’s quest for the perfect indoor climate.
- Powerful 2KW Heat Output: The stylish Dimplex ML2CE Convector Heater delivers effective heating for medium to large rooms, ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere in living rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
- Easy-to-Use Rotary Thermostat with Frost Protection: Equipped with a large, simple rotary control dial, the ML2CE allows you to easily set and maintain your desired temperature. Includes a frost...
What to Consider Before Buying a Convector Heater
A convector heater is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for providing consistent, silent, and efficient warmth to specific areas of your home. Unlike fan heaters that can be noisy and circulate dust, or radiant heaters that only warm objects directly in their path, convection heaters work on a simple, elegant principle. They draw in cool air from the floor, pass it over a heated element, and then allow the naturally rising warm air to circulate throughout the room, creating a gentle, uniform temperature. This makes them ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices where sustained, unobtrusive comfort is paramount. They excel at raising the ambient temperature of a whole room, rather than just providing a spot of intense heat. We found the Dimplex ML2CE 2KW Digital Freestanding Convector Heater Touch Screen to be a prime example of this technology perfected.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing chilly spots in their home that central heating can’t quite reach, or those looking for a primary heat source for a single room like a conservatory, home office, or guest bedroom. It’s perfect for families with young children or light sleepers who need silent operation during the night. However, it might not be suitable for those who need to heat a very large, open-plan space or a poorly insulated workshop, as a 2KW heater has its limits. In those cases, a more powerful industrial heater or a permanent solution might be more appropriate. For those needing instant, directional heat for a short period, a simple fan or halogen heater could be a more economical, albeit less comfortable, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure the intended location for your heater. A freestanding model like this Dimplex needs adequate clearance around it for air circulation. Consider its footprint (22.3 x 57.7 x 43.3 cm) and ensure it won’t be a trip hazard or block a walkway. Its relatively slim profile is a benefit, but it’s not a wall-mounted panel, so floor space is a key consideration.
- Capacity/Performance: A heater’s power is measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). A 2KW (2000W) output is generally recommended for medium to large rooms, up to around 25m². It’s vital to match the heater’s power to your room size. An underpowered heater will struggle and run inefficiently, while an overpowered one is unnecessary. Features like an electronic thermostat and multiple heat settings are crucial for maintaining temperature without wasting energy.
- Materials & Durability: Look for heaters made from a combination of durable metal and high-quality, heat-resistant plastic. This ensures longevity and safety. The build quality should feel solid, without flimsy parts or rattling components. A reputable brand like Dimplex, backed by a significant guarantee (in this case, 3 years upon registration), is a strong indicator of a well-made, durable product.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Modern digital controls, like a touch screen and clear display, are far superior to vague analogue dials. Consider features like a timer, which adds immense convenience. For maintenance, convector heaters are wonderfully simple; they require little more than an occasional wipe-down with a dry cloth to keep the vents clear of dust. Look for integrated carry handles if you plan to move it between rooms.
While the Dimplex ML2CE 2KW Digital Freestanding Convector Heater Touch Screen is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- SLEEK AND MODERN DESIGN - The Daewoo convector heater features a clean, modern design, which makes it ideal for homes and offices where you need a heater to warm you up during the winter months
- Powerful 1800-2000W Convector Heater: Alternate between the 3 heat settings (low - 750W / medium – 1250W / high - 2000W) provided to get the perfect temperature in the room of your choice. Utilising...
- FREESTANDING VERSATILITY: Enjoy the freedom to place this heater anywhere in your space, thanks to its freestanding design. It effortlessly complements your room's layout while providing comforting...
First Impressions: Sleek, Smart, and Surprisingly Light
Unboxing the Dimplex ML2CE 2KW Digital Freestanding Convector Heater Touch Screen was a refreshingly simple affair. There’s no complex assembly required; you simply attach the two plastic feet with the provided screws, a process that took us less than five minutes. Our immediate impression was of its clean, modern aesthetic. The combination of crisp white and soft light grey, along with its curved edges, gives it a contemporary look that blends into a room rather than dominating it. This is what Dimplex refers to as its “360-degree design,” and we can confirm it looks good from any angle, with no ugly back panel to hide.
What truly surprised us was its weight. At just 3.8 kg, it feels remarkably light. The dual integrated carry handles are perfectly placed, making it effortless to lift and move from the living room to the bedroom. This is a significant advantage over cumbersome oil-filled radiators. Powering it on for the first time, the top-mounted touch screen panel lit up with a clear, bright digital display. The controls were instantly intuitive—no need to consult the manual to set the temperature or timer. It felt less like a traditional heater and more like a modern smart home appliance, a feeling enhanced by its swift and silent start-up. You can see the full feature list and modern design here.
Key Benefits
- Powerful 2KW output heats medium-to-large rooms quickly and effectively.
- Intuitive touch screen controls and a clear digital display make operation simple.
- Whisper-quiet operation is ideal for bedrooms and quiet environments.
- Lightweight design and integrated handles offer excellent portability.
- Energy-saving features like Eco Mode and a 12-hour timer help manage running costs.
Potential Drawbacks
- Lacks smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity or app control.
- The power cord could be slightly longer for more flexible placement.
A Deep Dive into the Dimplex ML2CE’s Performance
A heater’s true worth is measured in the comfort it provides. We put the Dimplex ML2CE 2KW Digital Freestanding Convector Heater Touch Screen through its paces in various scenarios—a chilly home office, a medium-sized living room, and overnight in a bedroom—to assess every facet of its performance, from raw heating power to its user-friendly interface.
Heating Performance: A Silent, Powerful Wave of Warmth
The core function of any heater is, of course, to heat. The Dimplex ML2CE excels here with its 2KW stitched heating element. We tested it in our 20m² office, where the ambient temperature was a brisk 15°C. After switching the heater to its maximum setting, we began to feel a noticeable difference within minutes. The beauty of convection is its subtlety; there’s no roaring fan, just a silent, upward current of warm air. Within 30 minutes, the room’s temperature had climbed to a comfortable 20°C. The heat distribution was impressively even, eliminating the cold spots that our old fan heater used to miss. The electronic thermostat proved to be highly accurate. Once we set our desired temperature (say, 21°C), the heater worked intelligently to reach it and then cycled on and off silently to maintain it, preventing the room from becoming stuffy or overheated. This precision is a huge leap from the vague “low-medium-high” dials on older models and is crucial for both comfort and efficiency. For those concerned about running costs, the Eco Mode is a standout feature. It automatically selects the optimal power output to maintain your desired temperature, reducing energy consumption. This smart functionality makes it one of the more economical choices for sustained heating.
The Digital Brain: Intuitive Controls and Smart Timing
Dimplex has clearly prioritized user experience with the ML2CE’s control panel. The touch screen is responsive and simple to navigate. The bright LED display shows both the set temperature and the current room temperature, taking all the guesswork out of operation. We could easily cycle through the three heating modes (low, high, and eco) and adjust the temperature in one-degree increments. The 12-hour timer is perhaps the most practical feature for daily life. We found it incredibly useful for pre-warming the bedroom before going to sleep or setting it to turn off automatically after we’d left for the day. For example, we could set it to run for two hours in the evening and then shut off, ensuring the room was cosy at bedtime without wasting electricity all night. The timer can be set for both switch-on and switch-off, offering excellent flexibility. Another key function is the frost protection setting. When activated, the heater will automatically turn on if the room temperature drops to 5°C, making it perfect for preventing pipes from freezing in a conservatory, utility room, or holiday home during a cold snap. The sheer ease of use of this heater’s digital interface sets it apart from many competitors.
Design and Portability: A Heater You Don’t Have to Hide
Too many portable heaters are functional but ugly, destined to be hidden away when not in use. The Dimplex ML2CE 2KW Digital Freestanding Convector Heater Touch Screen breaks this mould. Its minimalist white and grey finish and clean lines allow it to integrate seamlessly into modern decor. During our testing, it sat in the corner of our living room and looked perfectly at home. At just 3.8kg, its portability is a genuine asset. We frequently moved it between the downstairs office and an upstairs bedroom, a task that was effortless thanks to the well-designed carry handles. It’s light enough for almost anyone to carry with one hand. But the most impressive design feature is its acoustic performance, or rather, the lack thereof. It is truly whisper-quiet. The only sound it makes is a very faint, occasional click as the thermostat cycles, but this is barely audible and certainly not disruptive. We used it overnight in a bedroom and it didn’t disturb our sleep at all, a claim that very few heaters can genuinely make. This silent operation makes it a superlative choice for any space where peace and quiet are valued.
Safety and Reassurance: Built to Last
When dealing with any heating appliance, safety is non-negotiable. Dimplex is a brand with a strong reputation for safety, and the ML2CE is no exception. It features built-in overheat protection, which automatically cuts power if the unit detects an internal temperature that is too high, preventing a potential fire hazard. The unit is also BEAB approved, which is a significant mark of quality. This means it has been independently tested and certified to meet the highest European safety standards. This level of certification provides immense peace of mind. The frost protection feature adds another layer of safety for your property. Furthermore, Dimplex provides a 3-year guarantee upon registration. This is a substantial warranty for a portable heater and demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s build quality and longevity. It suggests that this isn’t a disposable appliance but a reliable investment for many winters to come. When you invest in a heater with these safety credentials, you’re buying confidence as well as comfort.
What Other Users Are Saying
While our hands-on testing was overwhelmingly positive, we always like to cross-reference our findings with the broader user community. The feedback for the Dimplex ML2CE 2KW Digital Freestanding Convector Heater Touch Screen is concise but affirming. We saw feedback, such as one user’s simple but effective summary: “Very good heater.” This type of direct praise, while not descriptive, often points to a product that delivers on its core promise without any fuss or complications. It heats well, it’s easy to use, and it doesn’t cause problems. In our experience, when a product just works as intended, users are satisfied. The lack of detailed negative feedback online is also telling; it suggests that the heater doesn’t have any significant, recurring flaws. The points we noted—such as the desire for a slightly longer power cord or smart home integration—are minor enhancements rather than fundamental issues, reflecting a well-designed and reliable product.
How Does the Dimplex ML2CE Compare to the Alternatives?
No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the full picture, we’ve compared the Dimplex ML2CE 2KW Digital Freestanding Convector Heater Touch Screen against three popular competitors in the portable heating market. While the Dimplex shines with its modern digital interface and silent operation, other models may appeal to users with different priorities, such as raw power or a smaller budget.
1. Igenix IG5300 3000W Convector Heater
- 3000 W with thermostat
- Three heating settings 1200 W/1800 W/3000 W
The Igenix IG5300’s primary advantage is its sheer power. With a 3000W output, it’s capable of heating larger spaces more quickly than the 2000W Dimplex. This makes it a better choice for big, draughty living rooms or open-plan areas where the extra kilowatt will make a noticeable difference. However, this power comes at a cost, both in upfront price and higher running expenses. It also relies on a traditional analogue thermostat and dials, which lack the precision and modern feel of the Dimplex’s touch screen. For users who prioritize raw heating power over digital features and nuanced control, the Igenix is a formidable alternative.
2. Duronic HV101 Oil Free Convection Heater
- SUPERIOR TO OIL HEATERS: While oil-filled heaters have their advantages, micathermic panel heaters (or mica panel heaters) offer superior performance. These electric heaters radiate heat more...
- SAFE TO USE: Compared to typical electric convection heaters and oil-filled radiators, the HV101 micathermic heater is exceptionally safe. The mica panels are naturally insulating, reducing the risk...
The Duronic HV101 uses micathermic heating technology, which combines both convection and radiant heat. This allows it to warm up very quickly, similar to the Dimplex, but without using oil, making it lighter than traditional radiators. At 2500W, it offers a bit more power than the Dimplex. Its key appeal lies in this hybrid heating method, which some users prefer for the feeling of direct radiant warmth. However, its design is more industrial and less refined than the sleek Dimplex. If you want the benefits of oil-free heating with a bit more power and don’t mind a more utilitarian look, the Duronic is worth considering, though we find the Dimplex’s silent convection and digital controls to be a more user-friendly package.
3. De’Longhi HSX2320 2.0 kW Slim Convector Heater
- Great for occasional usage - delivers fast heat to the immediate area around it
- No installation or assembly required - Simply plug it in and use immediately
The De’Longhi HSX2320 competes directly with the Dimplex on power output (2.0 kW) and brand reputation. Its main selling point is its ultra-slim and compact design, which may appeal to those with very limited floor space. It also features a lateral fan system for a boost of heat distribution, a feature the Dimplex lacks. However, this fan introduces noise, sacrificing the silent operation that is a hallmark of the Dimplex ML2CE. Furthermore, its controls are mechanical dials, not a digital touch screen. The choice between the two comes down to priorities: choose the De’Longhi for its slim profile and fan boost if you can tolerate the noise, or stick with the Dimplex for superior silent operation and modern controls.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Dimplex ML2CE Worth Your Money?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Dimplex ML2CE 2KW Digital Freestanding Convector Heater Touch Screen is a superb heating solution for the modern home. It masterfully balances powerful, silent performance with a sleek, contemporary design and an exceptionally user-friendly interface. Its whisper-quiet operation makes it a class-leader for bedrooms and offices, while its smart features like the Eco Mode and 12-hour timer provide both convenience and energy efficiency. While it may lack the smart-home connectivity of premium models or the raw power of a 3KW unit, it excels in its intended role: providing reliable, controllable, and unobtrusive warmth for medium to large rooms.
We recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone seeking to banish the chill from a specific room without sacrificing peace and quiet. It’s an ideal choice for families, home workers, and light sleepers who value precision, safety, and style. If you’re tired of noisy fans and clunky dials and want a heater that feels like a modern appliance, this is the one for you. For its combination of performance, design, and usability, it represents excellent value and a worthwhile investment in your home comfort. Ready to experience silent, intelligent heating? You can check the latest price and availability to make the Dimplex ML2CE yours today.
Last update on 2025-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API