There’s a specific kind of chill that sinks into your bones. It’s not the biting cold of a winter storm, but the persistent, creeping cold of a single room that just won’t warm up. For me, that room has always been my home office. It’s a small converted box room, and while the main central heating does its job for the rest of the house, this little corner seems to exist in its own microclimate. For years, I’ve fought this battle with oversized jumpers and endless cups of tea, stubbornly refusing to heat the entire house just to make my workspace comfortable. The problem is inefficiency; running a 2000W heater or the central heating system for an 8-square-meter space feels like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It’s wasteful, expensive, and a constant source of frustration. This is the precise dilemma that sends so many of us searching for a smarter, more targeted heating solution.
- PORTABLE PLUG IN HEATER – Ideal for close proximity heating in your home office, living space, or even your caravan
- 700 W OUTPUT - Provides up to 30°C of heat from 700 W of power and features 2 fan speeds for added flexibility
What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Heater
An electric heater is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for creating comfort, managing energy bills, and solving the problem of unevenly heated homes. In an era of fluctuating energy prices, the ability to deliver warmth precisely where and when it’s needed—without firing up a costly central heating system—is a significant benefit. These devices offer a way to reclaim chilly conservatories, make home offices bearable on frosty mornings, and provide a quick boost of heat in workshops or caravans. The primary advantage is control: you heat the person, not the entire building, leading to immediate comfort and potential long-term savings.
The ideal customer for a compact, plug-in heater like this is someone facing a localised cold spot. This includes home office workers, students in chilly dorms, caravan or campervan enthusiasts, or anyone needing to warm a small bedroom or conservatory without affecting the rest of the house. It’s for the pragmatist who understands the value of targeted heating. Conversely, this type of product might not be suitable for those looking to heat a large, open-plan living room or a poorly insulated, draughty space. In those cases, a more powerful 1500W-2500W convection heater, a larger oil-filled radiator, or addressing the underlying insulation issues would be a more effective, albeit more expensive, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The appeal of a plug-in heater is its lack of a footprint and trailing cables. However, you must consider the location of your sockets. These units often require clearance on all sides for safety and airflow. A socket tucked behind a sofa or low to the ground might not be suitable. Measure the unit’s dimensions and check your intended plug socket location before purchasing.
- Capacity/Performance: Wattage is the key metric for heat output. A 700W heater like the Russell Hobbs RHPH7001 Compact Fan Heater is specifically designed for small, enclosed spaces up to 10m². Do not expect it to heat a large lounge. Also, consider the heating method; ceramic fan heaters provide fast, directional warmth, while oil-filled radiators offer slower, more sustained, silent heat.
- Energy Efficiency & Features: A basic heater is simply on or off. A smart heater saves you money. Look for features like an adjustable digital thermostat, which turns the heater off when the target temperature is reached, and a programmable timer. These two features are the difference between a cheap-to-run appliance and an energy drain. They give you precise control over your consumption.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good heater should be intuitive. Digital displays, clear buttons, and straightforward controls are essential. For maintenance, fan heaters can accumulate dust internally. Some users have noted that units without a removable filter, like this one, may require occasional cleaning with compressed air or a vacuum nozzle to maintain performance and prevent overheating.
Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a heater that perfectly matches your specific needs, providing efficient warmth exactly where you need it most.
While the Russell Hobbs RHPH7001 Compact Fan Heater is an excellent choice for personal heating, 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:
- 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...
- 2 POWER SETTINGS: Choose from 1000W and 2000W of power to get your home or office space heated effectively
- 2S Fast Heating Keeps House Warmer - The PALINTH electric heater use advanced 1500W PTC ceraming heating technology combined with the ultra-efficient fan, it deliver heat within 2 seconds, quickly and...
First Impressions: A Deceptively Small and Solid Package
Unboxing the Russell Hobbs RHPH7001 Compact Fan Heater, the first thing that struck us was its diminutive size. The product photos don’t quite do it justice; it’s about the size of a large coffee mug or a small smart speaker, weighing a mere half a kilogram. There’s no assembly whatsoever. It is a single, self-contained unit that plugs directly into the wall. The build quality feels solid and reassuring, as we’d expect from a brand like Russell Hobbs. The black plastic housing has a matte finish and, most importantly, lives up to its “Cool Touch” promise, a critical safety feature for a device that generates significant heat. The digital display is bright and clear, and the control buttons on top are tactile and responsive. Unlike freestanding heaters, there are no wires to trip over and no floor space is sacrificed, which is a huge design win for cramped spaces like ours. It immediately feels like a purpose-built tool designed for a very specific job: delivering heat without fuss or clutter.
What We Like
- Extremely compact and portable plug-in design
- Digital thermostat and 12-hour timer offer excellent energy control
- Very low running cost, ideal for targeted heating
- Heats up almost instantly thanks to the ceramic element
- Essential safety features like Overheat Protection and a Cool Touch exterior
Drawbacks
- Fan is audible, though not excessively loud
- Requires a wall socket with adequate clearance on both sides
- Strictly for small spaces (up to 10m²) only
In-Depth Analysis: Performance Under Pressure
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a product, you have to live with it. We put the Russell Hobbs RHPH7001 Compact Fan Heater through its paces for several weeks in the exact environment it was designed for: a chilly 8m² home office. We tested its heating capabilities, scrutinised its energy efficiency, and evaluated its day-to-day usability. The results were, for the most part, genuinely impressive for a heater of this size and power.
Heating Performance and Efficiency: The 700W Wonder
Let’s be clear from the outset: 700 watts is not a huge amount of power, and this heater will not warm a medium or large room. Its purpose is personal, localised heat, and in that role, it absolutely excels. Plugging it in under the desk, we aimed the warm air at our feet and legs. The effect was almost instantaneous. The ceramic heating element glows into action immediately, and the fan, even on its lower setting, projects a comforting column of warm air. Within five to ten minutes, the persistent chill that plagued the workspace was gone, replaced by a comfortable bubble of warmth. It transformed the room from a place to be endured into a pleasant place to work.
The real magic, however, lies in its efficiency. We were initially sceptical, but our experience mirrored that of many users. One happy owner noted, “this heater has been on all morning… and the electricity smart reader has nearly moved. Cooking mushrooms used more electricity!” This perfectly captures its low energy draw. At current UK electricity prices of around 29p per kWh, running this heater on full power costs approximately 20p per hour. But thanks to its thermostat, it rarely needs to run continuously. We set ours to 21°C, and the heater would cycle on for a few minutes to top up the temperature before shutting off again, making the actual running cost even lower. This is the device’s core strength: providing comfort without inducing bill anxiety. For anyone in a caravan, campervan, or small bedroom, this efficiency is a game-changer. As several users confirmed, it’s a brilliant, cost-effective way to heat a small, enclosed space very quickly.
Smart Controls and Usability: The Digital Brain
What elevates the Russell Hobbs RHPH7001 Compact Fan Heater above more basic models are its digital controls. The interface is wonderfully simple. There are buttons for power, fan speed (high/low), temperature up/down, and a timer. The digital display clearly shows the current room temperature and your target setting, which can be adjusted in one-degree increments from 15°C to 30°C. This level of precision is fantastic.
The programmable 12-hour timer is another standout feature. We found it incredibly useful for pre-warming the office. By setting the timer the night before, we could walk into a warm room at 9 am instead of starting the day with a shiver. This “set it and forget it” functionality adds a layer of convenience that we quickly came to rely on. The thermostat is the key to its efficiency. Once the ambient air around the heater reaches your set temperature, the heating element and fan switch off. The unit will then periodically sample the air and kick back on if the temperature drops. Some users have expressed confusion about this, with one asking how to keep it running continuously when it “trips off”. This isn’t a fault; it’s the thermostat working exactly as designed to save energy. For continuous heating, you simply need to set the target temperature higher than the room is likely to reach. For us, letting it manage the temperature automatically was the most efficient and comfortable way to use it, proving that its smart features are genuinely useful additions.
Design, Portability, and Practical Considerations
The plug-in form factor is the heater’s greatest design strength and its most significant practical limitation. On the plus side, its portability is unmatched. It’s small enough to throw in a bag and take to a holiday cottage or, as many users do, install in a campervan where space is at an absolute premium. There are no cables to manage, and it takes up zero floor or desk space. However, socket placement is critical. As one user astutely pointed out, “you will need a plug socket that is higher of the ground.” Sockets located just above the skirting board will position the heater very low, which may not be ideal. Furthermore, the instructions (and common sense) demand adequate clearance around the unit, meaning a socket squeezed into a tight corner next to a bookshelf is not a safe option. We found a standard-height kitchen counter or desk-level socket was perfect.
Safety is clearly a priority for Russell Hobbs. The Overheat Protection is a standard but essential feature that cuts power if the internal temperature exceeds a safe limit. The Cool Touch exterior works brilliantly; even after running for an hour on high, the casing was only mildly warm to the touch, providing peace of mind. One minor but valid criticism from a user was the lack of a dust filter. The fan intake can draw in dust and lint over time, which could potentially impact performance. We recommend a quick clean with a vacuum brush every few weeks to keep the vents clear, ensuring the heater continues to operate safely and efficiently. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its design.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we dug into feedback from a wide range of users to see how our findings compared. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, particularly among those who use the heater for its intended purpose. The most common praise is reserved for its efficiency and low running cost. One user was “impressed with the warmth it gives and in that it appears to cost just a few pence to run per hour.” This sentiment was echoed by campervan and caravan owners, who hailed it as a “brilliant little heater” that “warms my campervan in minutes.”
On the more critical side, the two recurring points are fan noise and placement requirements. Several people noted that it “sounds like a fan” and is “not so quiet.” We agree—it is not a silent device. However, most, including ourselves, found the noise to be a low, consistent white noise that was not unduly distracting. As one person put it, “The noise from the cars outside are much louder than the heater.” The other key point of feedback is the need for careful placement. One user rightly warned that “you won’t necessarily be able to plug it into a corner if it is close to a wall,” highlighting the need for clearance. This practical advice is crucial for potential buyers to consider before they check the latest price and availability.
Alternatives to the Russell Hobbs RHPH7001 Compact Fan Heater
While the Russell Hobbs is a master of its niche, different needs require different solutions. Here’s how it compares to three other popular alternatives on the market.
1. Dimplex OFRB7N Eco Mini Oil Free Radiator Heater
- DIMPLEX ECO CHICO MINI RADIATOR - A compact and versatile home heating solution with near silent operation, oil free energy saving technology, rotary dial and 700 watt heat output
- PORTABLE FREESTANDING HEATER - Dimplex mini oil free heaters are ideal for heating smaller rooms, such as a lounge, study or bedroom, by efficiently heating your space whilst using less electricity
The Dimplex OFRB7N offers a completely different heating experience. As an oil-free radiator, its primary advantage is completely silent operation. Instead of a fan pushing hot air, it radiates heat gently and consistently. It shares the same 700W power rating as the Russell Hobbs, making it suitable for similar small spaces and also very cheap to run. However, it’s a freestanding unit with a power cord, meaning it takes up floor space. It also heats up more slowly than a ceramic fan heater. This is the ideal choice for someone who needs to heat a small bedroom or office and prioritises absolute silence over instant heat and a plug-in design.
2. Dreo Atom 316 1500W Silent Portable Ceramic Fan Heater
- Powerful heat that fits everywhere: Dreo space heaters for indoor combines Hyperamics 1500W advanced PTC system with a new heat funnel design to deliver heat within seconds and enhance warm air...
- Unbreakable safety: Dreo goes beyond the unexpected to deliver peace of mind with every room heater. The innovative tilt-detection sensor improves accuracy and reliability for better tip-over...
If you love the idea of a fast-heating ceramic fan but find the 700W of the Russell Hobbs too restrictive, the Dreo Atom 316 is the logical step up. With a much more powerful 1500W output, it’s capable of heating larger rooms more effectively. It’s still a compact, portable, freestanding unit but offers more versatility than a dedicated plug-in model. It includes similar features like a thermostat and timer, plus the added benefit of tip-over protection. This is the heater for someone whose “small room” is on the larger side, or who wants a single portable heater that can handle a bedroom as well as a small living area.
3. Dreo Smart Wall Heater
- 𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚: Thanks to the PTC heating system and optimized airflow design, the Dreo Wall-Mounted Heater delivers powerful warmth with...
- 𝑺𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍, 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑶𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: Control your Dreo Wall-Mounted Heater effortlessly using the included...
The Dreo Smart Wall Heater represents a more permanent and feature-rich solution. It’s a wall-mounted unit, which saves floor space but sacrifices the grab-and-go portability of the other models. Its key advantages are its smart capabilities—including Alexa compatibility—and its 30° oscillation feature, which helps distribute heat more evenly across a room. At just 28dB, it’s also exceptionally quiet. This is the perfect choice for someone looking to create a permanently comfortable and smart-enabled home office, bedroom, or bathroom, and who values advanced features and quiet operation over portability.
Final Verdict: The Ultimate Personal Heating Gadget?
After extensive use and analysis, we can confidently say that the Russell Hobbs RHPH7001 Compact Fan Heater is a superb specialist tool. It is not an all-purpose room heater, and it would be a mistake to buy it for that purpose. Instead, it is an exceptionally designed solution for a very common problem: the personal cold spot. For warming your feet under a desk, taking the chill off a tiny box room, or making a campervan cosy on a cold night, it is almost perfect. Its combination of instant ceramic heat, brilliant energy-saving controls like the thermostat and timer, and an ultra-compact, clutter-free design make it a standout product in its category.
While the fan is audible and you need to be mindful of your socket placement, these are minor trade-offs for the efficiency and convenience it offers. If you are tired of being cold in your own small space and want a targeted, low-cost solution that just works, we wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s a small investment that pays significant dividends in comfort and control. To solve your personal cold spot problem once and for all, we highly recommend you explore the Russell Hobbs RHPH7001 and see if it’s the right fit for you.
Last update on 2025-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API