Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Best overallDe’Longhi Dragon 4 Oil-Filled Radiator | EfficiencyDimplex Cadiz Eco Oil-Free Radiator | Quick heatRussell Hobbs 2kW Fan Heater |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Consider |
| Typical price | £180–£260 | £120–£170 | £20–£35 |
| Best for | Steady heat | Efficiency | Quick heat |
| Key feature | Quiet oil-filled heat with timer | Eco controls and timer | Instant heat for small rooms |
| Power | 2,000 W | 2,000 W | 2,000 W |
| Timer | Yes | — | — |
| Controls | — | Eco timer | — |
| Settings | — | — | 2 |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
De'Longhi · Electric heaters
De’Longhi Dragon 4 Oil-Filled Radiator
Quiet oil-filled heat with timer.
- Buy it if
- you want steady, silent heat
- Skip it if
- you need instant heat
Pros
- Quiet
- Steady warmth
- Safe
Cons
- Slow to warm
- Heavy
Key specifications
- Power
- 2,000 W
- Timer
- Yes
Dimplex · Electric heaters
Dimplex Cadiz Eco Oil-Free Radiator
Eco controls and timer.
- Buy it if
- you want controllable heat
- Skip it if
- you want the cheapest heater
Pros
- Smart controls
- Light
- Safe
Cons
- Pricier
- Slower than fan heaters
Key specifications
- Power
- 2,000 W
- Controls
- Eco timer
Russell Hobbs · Electric heaters
Russell Hobbs 2kW Fan Heater
Instant heat for small rooms.
- Buy it if
- you need quick heat
- Skip it if
- you want quiet heat
Pros
- Cheap
- Instant heat
- Compact
Cons
- Noisy
- Expensive to run long
Key specifications
- Power
- 2,000 W
- Settings
- 2
Compare more Electric heaters on Amazon Paid link
Who this list is for
Oil-filled radiators, fan heaters and ceramic heaters compared on running costs and safety. We show what each model does best, what it typically costs in the UK and who should skip it.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, then gave every product a clear verdict: Buy, Consider or Skip. Our verdicts are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not done.
What to look for
- Oil-filled radiators give steady, quiet heat for longer periods.
- Fan and ceramic heaters warm small rooms quickly.
- Thermostats and timers avoid wasting energy.
Buying in the UK
At around 25p per kWh, a 2 kW heater costs about 50p an hour on full power – heat only the room you are in.
Frequently asked questions
Which electric heater is cheapest to run?
All electric heaters turn electricity into heat at the same efficiency; the cheapest is the one you run least, with a good thermostat.
Oil-filled or fan heater?
Oil-filled for steady heat over hours; fan for quick bursts in a small room.