The days are getting shorter and the cold is drawing in. Winter is here folks.
While the colder season gives us licence to curl up under cosy blankets and crack into the hot chocolate tin (marshmallows absolutely essential), it also means bills will start mounting up as households use more energy to stave off winter’s chill.
Switching to electric heaters instead of using gas-hungry central heating can help save money, especially with energy prices as they are. They also have the bonus of being able to be used separately, meaning you can heat the room you’re in instead of unnecessarily warming the entire house.
Choose a wall-mounted design, and you can replace your old radiators, heating the room while keeping precious floor space clear. Some wall-mounted designs come with smart features like climate control and timers, which once set, mean you won’t have to do much else to have your heating operating like clockwork.
In terms of type, there are unobtrusive ultra-slim infrared panels, compact storage heaters, and quick-heating panel radiators. They’ll need to be close to a mains power point, but in terms of installation, many can be installed by those with adequate DIY experience.
We’ve rounded up the best options to buy now and make your home the winter hibernation nest you’ve always dreamed it would be.
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Duux Edge 1000 Gen 2 Smart Convector Electric Heater, White
Generous heat and smaller bills; what's not to like with Duux's smart heater? The device uses 1000W to push out heat, using convection methods to draw in cool air and flood out the warmth. It works best in spaces measuring 15sqm; ideal for smaller rooms. As well as three heat modes and a timer to stop you from worrying that you've left it on after you've gone to bed, this digital heater comes with a childproof lock to stop inquisitive fingers from messing with the controls. The control panel lights can be dimmed too, making this a viable option for the bedroom, while IP24 waterproofability means it's one to warm chilly bathrooms too.
Buy now £169.99, John Lewis
Airmaster Smart Panel Glass Heater Black 2000W
Gone are the days of nothing but white heaters; chic black options are there for the taking, especially for those who want to go down the electric route. Fitted with a digital control panel, it's easy to set the temperature to your ideal degree, but if you're sitting cosy with a cuppa, you won't need to get up thanks to the fact that this heater is WiFi enabled. It means you can control your heat source from a few taps on your mobile phone.
With a 2000W output, there's little chance of feeling the cold, especially with an adjustable thermostat making sure things stay stable. This panel heater is IP24-rated too, making bathroom heating a possibility.
Buy now £114.99, Tool Station
Devola Wifi Enabled Smart Electric Glass Panel Heater
Available in both black and white colour options, this tempered glass panel heater runs on 1000W to raise the temperature in chilly rooms. The energy-efficient design is fitted with an integral precision thermostat which constantly monitors the temperature and adjusts to ensure it remains steady and a 24-hour weekly timer too.
There's also WiFi control so you can tweak the metaphorical mercury from your handset, choosing from three heating modes if you don't want to get up and use the touch control display. The digital heater is IP24-rated, making it bathroom-safe - but will require professional installation. It comes complete with its own wall mounting kit but you can also use it as a free-standing device if you like. Comes with a 12-month warranty.
Buy now £91.96, Amazon
MYLEK Panel Space Heater
From Mylek comes this panel heater, which uses convection to heat up cold spaces with a 1500W output. The WiFi-enabled gadget turns your phone into a remote, allowing you to operate it through an app while also keeping an eye on your energy usage.
It's stuffed to the gills with useful features, including a waterproof IP24 rating, various modes and timers and an open window detection tool, which cuts power if the temperature plummets from a window that's been left ajar.
The electric nature means you can use it in the home, outbuildings and even caravans - as long as you have mains power to draw from.
Buy now £114.99, Amazon
Wärme WH-24P Designer WiFi Electric Heater Panel Radiator
Wärme by name, warm by function. This convection heater pulls in cold air from the bottom of the room and warms it before radiating it out across the room. An in-built digital thermostat keeps the room in a cosy climate so you're never using or wasting more than you need. The WiFi-enabled design allows you to control it through a smartphone app, and you can set up heating zones or weekly schedules to suit your home.
Lookswise, it's no eyesore, with a sleek, tempered glass-fronted design that's both pleasing and easy to clean. As well as a wall-mounting kit, this heater comes with feet so you have the flexibility to install it where you wish.
Buy now £79.95, Amazon
Mill Heat 2000W White Mill Invisible Smart Panel heater
While some like to make a statement out of their radiators, others prefer them to adopt invisibility. If that sounds like you, you'll love the look of Mill Heat's sleek, wall-mounted, Wi-Fi-enabled heater. Built from steel and finished with curved edges to stop wayward cuffs and hems from catching on it, the horizontal design radiates a steady output of 2000W of heat, making it best for rooms that measure 80 square feet. It comes with a two-year guarantee and brackets and fixings to help you secure it to the wall.
Buy now £197.97, Amazon
Princess 2kW Smart Glass Panel Heater - Black
With a smart panel heater to make rooms up to 25sqm more comfortable in the winter months, Princess has low-cost home warming in the bag.
This design, which has a sleek glass panel on top, comes with a stand but can be wall-mounted too if you're looking for a more permanent solution. Features for the 2000W heater include a safety cut-out switch and a timer. Control it from the palm of your hand by connecting it with the Princess Home app - even if you're not at home.
Comes with a one-year manufacturer's guarantee.
Buy now £120.00, Argos
Purus Eco Electric Radiator Panel Heater
Offered in a range of sizes, Purus's electric radiator is IP24 rated which makes it safe for bathroom installation (though do have an electrician install the unit for safety). The clever heater has an automatic feature that will turn it off if it detects a sudden drop in temperature of 5 degrees - handy for energy efficiency if you decide to crack open a window.
It's much slimmer than traditional radiators and can be set to between 5 and 35 degrees, warming up a 7.5sqm room easily and quickly. The power cord stretches to 1.45m and buttons are protected with a clear plastic case to protect them from spray and accidental splashes.
Buy now £79.99, Amazon
Swan Al Fresco SH16340N Wall Mounted Electric Patio Heater With Remote Control 1800W - Black
Who says you can't enjoy your garden in the winter as much as you live in it in the summer? All you need is the right kit to keep it feeling comfortable. Swan puts wintry al fresco parties on the schedule thanks to this wall-mounted electric patio heater. Designed to withstand rain as well as snow with an IP44 rating, the powerful 1800W machine can be installed on the wall or even the ceiling to keep you nice and toasty under the stars. Comes with a remote control for easy operation.
Buy now £100.00, AO
