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Nobo 1.2kW Electric Panel Heater with Thermostat and Castors
Best overall electric heater
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Slim, compact design
- Value for money
Cons
- Not for large rooms
- Some customers said it’s not as warm as they’d like
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Why we chose it
For the best overall electric heater, we picked the Nobo 1.2kW Electric Panel Heater with Thermostat and Castors, which has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Harvey Norman. This model is also one of our picks for the best heaters available online.
With a Scandinavian design and easy-to-use controls, this electric panel heater is a great solution for warming up a small study or bedroom. It is fitted with a tilt switch, stopping operations if knocked over, overheating safety and a child lock. Apart from being IP24-rated, it is compatible with an energy control system.
Customers praised the heater's ease of use, durable construction and value for money. The heat outlet vents behind the front panel for a streamlined look that blends against the wall and minimises visual clutter. The electronic thermostat makes it easy to set desired room temperature, while its 1.2kW heating capacity can make a 12.5sqm room cosy and warm.
De'Longhi 2000W Convection Heater HCM 2030
Best cheap electric heater
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Portable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some claims it’s not the most energy-efficient heater
- Supporting feet are difficult to attach
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Why we chose it
We recommend the DeLonghi Convector Heater as the best cheap option. On Harvey Norman, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 300 reviews.
With an affordable price tag of $69, this convector heater won't break the bank and will keep you warm and toasty during colder months. It can heat up a room that measures up to 60sqm, using the convection effect. It also offers frost protection for increased durability throughout the coldest day of the year. The double insulation protects against electric shock, too.
This DeLonghi heater garnered tons of positive feedback from customers, who praised its portability and performance. It provides gentle and consistent warmth and has an adjustable thermostat for added convenience. While some said it's not the most energy-efficient heater there is, it's still a solid option if you're on a budget.
How do Australians rate DeLonghi's heaters?
80% of surveyed Australians recommend DeLonghi
How DeLonghi compares
In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.
For heaters, DeLonghi was ranked 19th for value for money, 14th for features and functions, 13th for heating performance and 15th for safety.
19 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
Rinnai 2200W Electric Panel Heater PEPH22PEW
Best electric heater for large rooms
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Claims to evenly and quickly heat up a room
- Slimline design
Cons
- Some said it’s difficult to install
- Doesn’t have a built-in fan
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Why we chose it
The Rinnai 2200W Electric Panel Heater PEPH22PEW is our choice for the best portable electric heater. This model has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
This electric heater is designed to quickly and evenly warm the room by letting air flow over the heating element. This process enables warm air to rise naturally so you'd feel cosy in no time. According to the brand, its versatile design heats up any large bedroom and can be installed as a wall panel or portable heater. It also has a delay timer function, digital thermostat and overheat shut-off feature.
With a minimalist design and quick heat-up time, this electric heater is perfect for any household. It can be wall-mounted with wall brackets or make it a portable model that you can move around, thanks to its freestanding castors. Users said it is easy to use and comes with a friendly thermostat. It doesn't have a built-in fan, but this seems to be a minor issue for customers.
How do Australians rate Rinnai's heaters?
94% of surveyed Australians recommend Rinnai
How Rinnai compares
In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.
For heaters, Rinnai was ranked 7th for value for money, 1st for features and functions, 1st for heating performance and 1st for safety.
19 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
Noirot Spot Plus 7358-8T Panel Heater with Timer
Best portable electric heater
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Design is a bit bulky
- There are cheaper options in the market
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Why we chose it
We picked the Noirot Spot Plus 7358-8T Panel Heater as the best model for large rooms. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on The Good Guys.
This boasts 2,400W of heating power that relies on convection heating to warm up larger spaces. It features a Monobloc heating element to cover large surface areas, while its electronic thermostat ensures temperature stays within 0.1°C of your desired setting. It also doesn't have a fan that can catch dust and dirt, suitable for people with asthma or allergies.
Numerous buyers have testified that this model has a relatively silent operation and a user-friendly programming system. It features an integrated timer and a keypad that you can lock to prevent any tampering with the temperature. It isn't the cheapest heater out there, but it comes with a lifetime manufacturer's warranty for peace of mind.
Goldair 2000W Electronic Platinum Ceramic Fan Heater
Best fan heater
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Compact, portable design
- Affordable
Cons
- Not suitable for large rooms
- Only has 2 heat settings
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Why we chose it
The Goldair 2000W Electronic Platinum Ceramic Fan Heater is our choice for the best fan heater, garnering a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Harvey Norman.
With a maximum heating power of 2,000W, this compact electronic ceramic fan heater can keep small rooms warm and cosy during the cold months. It has an oscillation function for the best coverage and comes with a 9-hour auto-off timer to suit your schedule.
This ceramic heater has a modern capsule design, making it portable and easy to store. It has a fast heat-up time and comes with 2 heat settings, built-in overheat protection and a thermostat. For added safety, it has a safety tilt switch and no glowing parts. While it's not ideal for larger rooms, this can warm up small and medium-size areas at an affordable price.
How do Australians rate Goldair's heaters?
89% of surveyed Australians recommend Goldair
How Goldair compares
In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.
For heaters, Goldair was ranked 1st for value for money, 5th for features and functions, 1st for heating performance and 3rd for safety.
19 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
Heatstrip Classic Radiant Outdoor Heater THH3200A
Best outdoor electric heater
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Pros
- Easy installation
- Heats up quickly
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
- Some found the motor a bit noisy
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Why we chose it
Our pick for the best outdoor option is the Heatstrip Classic Radiant Outdoor Heater THH3200A. On productreview.com.au, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
This panel heater produces radiant heat through the air, providing an even temperature for your outdoor space. It offers 3,200W of power and can be mounted at heights between 2.1 and 2.7 metres. However, this particular model needs to be installed by a licensed electrician. If you prefer a more DIY approach, the brand offers lower-wattage models. The THH3200A is ideal for ceiling, wall, beam, fixed umbrella and recess mounting. It comes with brackets for ceiling and wall mounting, too.
This model is engineered for the best heating performance possible. And while gas heaters remain a more popular option for the outdoors, this model is marketed as being cheaper to run. It also features IP55-rated water protection and has an anodised alloy rear casing for added durability. For peace of mind, this is backed by a 24-month residential warranty, too.
De'Longhi 2400W Digital Ceramic Tower Heater
Best electric heater for energy efficiency
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Small footprint
- Silent operation
Cons
- Slow heat-up time
- Doesn’t have a timer
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Why we chose it
We recommend the DeLonghi 2400W Digital Ceramic Tower Heater as the best energy-efficient option. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Harvey Norman.
This digital ceramic tower heater is integrated with a ceramic heating element that evenly and quickly spreads warmth in small and medium-sized rooms. It features an optimised heating airflow and a handy safety system for added convenience. And if you want to save on energy, it has an ECO PLUS function that regulates power flow and manages temperature levels.
Customers gave positive feedback on the heater's sleek design, superb performance and affordable price. It has a user-friendly touch control panel, 3 power settings and an anti-dust filter designed to remove pollutants and allergens in the air. This model is also part of our list of the best energy-efficient heaters you can get right now in Australia.
How do Australians rate DeLonghi's heaters?
80% of surveyed Australians recommend DeLonghi
How DeLonghi compares
In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.
For heaters, DeLonghi was ranked 19th for value for money, 14th for features and functions, 13th for heating performance and 15th for safety.
19 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
De'Longhi Capsule Fan Heater
Best electric camping heater
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Portable
- Silent operation
Cons
- Slow heat-up time
- No timer included
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Why we chose it
For camping, we picked DeLonghi's Capsule Heater as the best choice. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
This capsule fan heater is one of our picks for the best camping heaters, offering direct warmth. It's suitable for 1–2 people inside a tent. It features ceramic technology that helps the device self-regulate for optimal efficiency. It also has 2 power settings and a summer ventilation function so you can use the heater as a fan during hotter months.
Priced at just $100, this compact fan heater is a fantastic option for outdoor adventures. It has an ergonomic handle for portability and enough power to keep you warm while you camp. You can also use this as a personal heater for your home office. However, this doesn't have the bells and whistles of larger and more expensive heaters. But for the price, it's a pretty decent heater for camping.
How do Australians rate DeLonghi's heaters?
80% of surveyed Australians recommend DeLonghi
How DeLonghi compares
In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.
For heaters, DeLonghi was ranked 19th for value for money, 14th for features and functions, 13th for heating performance and 15th for safety.
19 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
Winterwarm WWDF20E Downflow Electric Bathroom Fan Heater
Best electric bathroom heater
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- IP22-rated with flame-retardant construction
- Easy installation
Cons
- Doesn’t have a light
- Only runs for 30 minutes at a time
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Why we chose it
For bathrooms, we picked Winterwarm's WWDF20E Downflow Electric Bathroom Fan Heater as the best option. It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
This Winterwarm fan heater claims to provide rapid warmth and an adjustable heat output at installation. Once on, it runs for about 30 minutes before turning itself off. But you can stop it sooner or reactivate it using the pulling cord. It features 2 heat settings and 2,000W of power to warm up your bathroom.
An energy-efficient solution for bathrooms, this model is part of our list of the best bathroom heaters available online. It has a mechanical control, a wall-mounted design and IP22-rated steel construction. While it doesn't have a time function and other programmable features, it is more than enough if you want a simple heater for your loo.
Methodology
Why you can trust our picks
Our time evaluated electric heaters listed in various sites like Amazon, Bing Lee and The BBQ Store. We examined models from the following brands:
- Bliss
- DeLonghi
- Dimplex
- Dyson
- Goldair
- Heatstrip
- Nobo
- Noirot
- Omega
- Panasonic
- Pronti
- Rinnai
- Stiebel
- Winterwarm
- Zip
We then made a shortlist based on customer reviews and ratings (July 2022). We also considered each electric heater's key product features, including size coverage, value for money and energy efficiency. We came up with what we believe are the 9 best electric heaters you can buy right now in Australia.
What are my main options?
There are several types of electric heaters you can choose from.
- Fan heaters. Fan heaters are small, portable and affordable. They can heat a small area quickly. Models that oscillate heat up faster. However, they are not as powerful as some other electric heaters and they can be noisy and dry out your skin.
- Convection and panel heaters. These types of heaters are long and thin and can be mounted on the wall or moved easily due to their lighter weight. Cold air passes by a heating element and then returns to the room as hot air, heating the room relatively quickly. Some models have fans to increase the speed of room heating, but they are often more expensive than other types of heaters.
- Oil column heaters. Column heaters have fins that are filled with oil, which are heated from electricity. They can be left on for long periods of time and don't feel extremely hot to touch. While they can take a while to heat up a room, you can distribute heat more quickly by using a ceiling or desk fan on a low setting.
- Radiant heaters. Radiant heaters only radiate heat out to the area next to them rather than heating the air of the entire room. Although they are usually inexpensive, they are more of a personal heater and can be a fire hazard if you put something on it or too close to it.
- Ceramic heaters. With a heating element behind a ceramic block, this type of heater is suitable when you have young children around. The ceramic radiates heat out to heat a small area. If you want to heat a whole bedroom, it is worth investing in a model with oscillating functions. Tower heaters have bigger ceramic blocks and are suitable for heating larger rooms.
How to compare electric heaters
When you're choosing a new heater, consider the following key factors:
Room size
If you only have a small space to heat and use a heater designed for large spaces, it will be a waste of energy. Radiant and fan heaters are better for smaller rooms whereas convection and panel heaters work best for larger rooms.
Watts
A heater with 2,000W–2,400W is usually enough to heat a medium-sized room efficiently, but factors like the outdoor temperature and whether any drafts are present can affect how warm the room actually gets. Keep in mind, heaters with higher wattage increase your electric bill.
Speed of heating
When you want heat fast, you should consider the speed at which the appliance can output heat. Fan heaters start blowing out hot air straight away, but oil heaters need time to warm up before they'll start heating the room.
Safety features
Electric heaters don't have an open flame, but there is still a fire risk when using any heater. Look for an automatic cut-off feature that turns the heater off in case you forget. Also, tip-over protection turns the heater off if it's knocked over accidentally.
If you plan to use the heat in an area with condensation, like a bathroom, drip protection ensures water doesn't get into the electrical workings of your heater. This feature is recommended for heaters that are used in the bathroom or any room where condensation can occur.
Cost
Electric heaters can cost anywhere from $20 through to $600. Fan heaters and radiant heaters sit on the lower end of the scale while panel, convection and oil heaters are generally more expensive. The brand, wattage and additional features make a difference, so prices can vary considerably for each type.
Thermostat and settings
Depending on the type of heater, a thermostat helps to control the temperature that you want the room to be. Convection and panel heaters usually have a timer so you can set the heater to come on when you get home from work or get up in the morning. If you are looking at a fan or radiant heater, check that it has both low and high settings so you can control the output of heat.
Portability
Choosing a model that has wheels or is lightweight enough to carry means that you can use it in different rooms with ease.
Cooling function
Some fan heaters come with cool settings so that you can use it as a fan in the warmer months.
Filters
If someone in your household is sensitive to allergens, opt for a heater that has a filter built in to stop allergens and dust from spreading.
Electric vs gas heaters
If you are deciding whether an electric or gas heater is the best option for your home, compare the differences between them.
- Cheaper
- Better for enclosed spaces and small rooms
- Needs to be plugged in
- Includes safety features
- More expensive
- Cheaper to run
- Works during power outages
- Unflued models need to be used in larger spaces with good airflow
Frequently asked questions
Do electric heaters use a lot of electricity?
Compared to gas heaters, electric heaters use more energy. In general, most electric heaters use at least 1,500W of power to keep a room warm. The average daily cost of electric heaters is $2.32.
How long can I leave my electric heater on?
Generally, you can leave your heater on for 10 or more hours. However, this may depend on the model and make of your electric heater. Check your user manual to know the manufacturer's recommended amount of time you can leave your electric heater on.
Is it safe to put an electric heater in a baby's room?
While electric heaters offer tons of safety features to protect you and your family, it is still best to consult your doctor.
Best heater brands
2021/22 Finder Retail Award results
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