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  4. 10 Best Portable Heaters UK 2024 | De'Longhi, Dyson and More
  • 10 Best Portable Heaters UK 2024 | De'Longhi, Dyson and More 1
  • 10 Best Portable Heaters UK 2024 | De'Longhi, Dyson and More 2
  • 10 Best Portable Heaters UK 2024 | De'Longhi, Dyson and More 3
  • 10 Best Portable Heaters UK 2024 | De'Longhi, Dyson and More 4
  • 10 Best Portable Heaters UK 2024 | De'Longhi, Dyson and More 5

10 Best Portable Heaters UK 2024 | De'Longhi, Dyson and More

As the temperatures drop the sales of portable heaters start to heat up. While they're unlikely to be a long-term solution, if you’re looking for a quick fix and additional heat, there’s no better option than a space heater. These devices are suitable for personal, home and commercial use, and best of all they can often be picked up for a snip! From energy-efficient to wall-mounted options, and ones for large rooms.


The difficulty comes when deciding which is the right heater for your needs. Do you actually know how much wattage an electric heater needs per square metre? Or the differences between convection, oil-filled and fan heaters? In the name of making life a little cosier, we’ve put together this buying guide complete with a top 10 ranking of the best heaters in the UK on Amazon and Argos to keep you toasty all winter. 

Last updated 26/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Portable Heater in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Select the Right Type of Portable Heater for the Space
  2. Verify That the Wattage Is Suitable for Your Space
  3. Minimise Potential Hazards With Safety Features Such as Auto-Off
  4. Search for Various Heat Settings and Timer Function for Optimum Temperature Control
1

Convection, or Fans? Choose a Type of Portable Heater to Suit the Space

Convection, or Fans? Choose a Type of Portable Heater to Suit the Space

Fans Are Best for One-Person Use or Quickly Heating Up Small Rooms

This style of heater works by blowing air through a heated element, which in turn disperses warm air throughout the room. There are two types of fan heater: ceramic and metal. If the company does not state which, then you’d be right to assume it’s a metal one. Whilst they both work under the same principals, ceramic options will heat up quicker and more efficiently. 


Fan heaters are considered the quickest way of heating a small space. Therefore, they're a great choice if you’re looking for something that will heat the immediate area - for example, your office desk or workspace at home. The downside is that they won’t be able to heat larger areas and aren't ideal for more than one person.


For more items that can keep you cosy and warm during winter, check out our favourite electric blankets.

Go For a Powerful Convection Heater if You're Buying for a Larger Room

Go For a Powerful Convection Heater if You're Buying for a Larger Room

As the name suggests, the principles of convection are what runs these heaters. Heat is generated by using an electric element, the warm air then moves up through the heater and out into the room. The more power, the quicker it works and the wider it spreads. Plus, they’re near silent when in use. 


As these heaters are generally more powerful, they’ll likely be overkill if you’re only looking to heat a smaller space. Further, because the heater responds to the temperature of the air, if you get a cold draft it will take longer to heat up.


When the temperature begins to drop, get yourself a winter duvet to keep you warm during your slumber. 

Keep Costs Down With an Energy-Efficient Oil-Filled Heater

This style of portable heater uses the same method as convection. However, instead of an electrical element, these generate warmth by heating the oil inside. It’s important to understand that the oil doesn’t burn, so there will be no need to replace it, nor will there be any additional hazards.


Oil-filled heaters offer the best value for long-term warmth, as they retain heat more effectively. This also makes them more efficient as they will use less electricity over time. As they use the same principles as convection heaters, they will be near silent as well. 


The only concern is the additional weight, although this is often offset by the inclusion of wheels on the bottom. Unfortunately, these models are the most expensive, and the ones that take the longest to heat up. 

2

Check That the Wattage Is Sufficient for Your Space: The Average UK Living Room Usually Needs 2000 W

Check That the Wattage Is Sufficient for Your Space: The Average UK Living Room Usually Needs 2000 W

The next factor to think about is the amount of power you're going to need. Portable heaters measure power output in either watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), with one kW equal to 1000 W. Finding the right power output will be determined by the size of the area you would like to heat up, as heaters range anywhere from 500 to 3000 W.


Experts recommend choosing a heater with a power output of approximately 2000 W or more for the average UK living room (17.09 m2). If you’re looking for something on the smaller side, then a heater that pumps out 10 W per 0.1 m2 should keep you nice and snug. 

3

Keep Potential Hazards to a Minimum With Safety Essentials Like Auto Shut-Off

Keep Potential Hazards to a Minimum With Safety Essentials Like Auto Shut-Off

If not engineered properly, portable heaters can become a fire hazard. Which is why we recommend looking for one with a few safety features to help minimise the risks. First, you'll want some sort of safety feature to prevent the heater from overheating. This could be an alert light, or an automatic shut-off switch that will cut the power if it gets too hot. 


Another good safety feature is a tip-over function. This means that if the heater is accidentally knocked over, for example by a pet or small child, then it will automatically turn itself off. This could save you a nice big burn hole in your lush carpet, let alone even even greater disasters.


Finally, check for safety handles. These are more about personal safety than anything else. If the heater has been on for a while, then it will likely have become pretty hot. So having safety handles is important for transporting the appliance while in use. Of course, if you’re not planning on moving it very often, then this may not be so much of an issue.


Keep your hands warm and toasty with our favourite reusable hand warmers!

4

Look For Multiple Heat Settings and Timers for a Just-Right Temperature Every Time

Look For Multiple Heat Settings and Timers for a Just-Right Temperature Every Time

Lastly, you’ll want to check the temperature control features. While heaters come with many different functions, we think these are certainly the most vital. Of course, most portable heaters come with either one, two or even three heating options. But having multiple thermostats will help you find your ideal temperature


The next feature worth considering is a timer. These can be perfect to get the room toasty just before you have to get out of bed on those cold January mornings. Likewise, they're also handy if you’re the forgetful type as a timer could save you running up a large leccy bill.


Finally, you don't want to have to get up and turn off your heater the moment you get the temperature just right. To save you from this dreaded scenario, you could always look for a heater that has a remote control. That way, you'll have full control no matter where you are. 

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Portable Heaters in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Duronic

Heater With Mica PanelsHV220

Duronic Heater With Mica Panels 1

£84.99

High Mid

A Reassuringly Safe Heater That Warms Up in Just 60 Seconds

2

Mill

Oil-Filled Radiator99407

Mill Oil-Filled Radiator 1

£184.99

High Mid

A Modern Update on the Oil-Filled Heater to Keep the Bills Down

3

De'Longhi

Capsule Ceramic Fan Heater

De'Longhi Capsule Ceramic Fan Heater 1

£44.99

Mid

A Small Yet High-Performance Design Easily Carried From Room to Room

4

Donyer Power

Convector Radiator Heater

Donyer Power Convector Radiator Heater 1

£29.99

Low Mid

The Best Budget Pick if You Need a Quick Fix

5

Pro Breeze

Mini Heater

Pro Breeze  Mini Heater 1

£24.99

Low

A Well-Designed Personal Heater for Desk or Tabletop Use

6

VonHaus

7 Fin Oil-Filled Radiator

VonHaus 7 Fin Oil-Filled Radiator 1

£44.99

Mid

A Compact Oil Heater Designed for Smaller Rooms

7

Yes UK

Convection Heater

Yes UK  Convection Heater 1

£59.99

Mid

2000w Black Glass Free Standing Wall Mounted Panel Convection Heater

8

Dimplex

Ceramic Fan HeaterDXUC2B

Dimplex Ceramic Fan Heater 1

£30.00

Low Mid

A Tiny Fan Heater With Impressive 2000-Watt Power

9

De'Longhi

Oil Filled RadiatorTRNS0505M

De'Longhi Oil Filled Radiator 1

£54.99

Mid

Compact and Ideal for a Quick Burst of Warmth

10

Dyson

Hot+Cool™ Purifying Fan Heater

Dyson Hot+Cool™ Purifying Fan Heater 1

£550.00

High

An Elite Heater, Fan and Air Purifier for Allergy Sufferers

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

DuronicHeater With Mica PanelsHV220

Heater With Mica Panels 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£84.99
High Mid
Reference price
£84.99
High Mid

A Reassuringly Safe Heater That Warms Up in Just 60 Seconds

Heating up to full capacity within 60 seconds, this heater from Duronic will have you, and your room cosy in no time. Our favourite part of the design is the inclusion of mica panels. This protects against electric shocks and electrical fires, as well as keeping the heater cool to the touch, preventing any accidental burns. Genius! 


The device has two thermostat settings, 1000 W and 2000 W to attain your perfect room temperature. If that wasn't enough, it even has a cable tie and wheels, despite already being light enough for effortless transportation. 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

MillOil-Filled Radiator99407

Oil-Filled Radiator 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Oil-Filled Radiator 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£184.99
High Mid
Reference price
£184.99
High Mid

A Modern Update on the Oil-Filled Heater to Keep the Bills Down

Our no. 2 is a remarkably well-built portable heater that provides rapid heat, far faster than your average oil-filled model. It also has an easy-to-use LED display, as well as advanced functions that can help you save power consumption by up to 25%.


Furthermore, it has all the necessary safety features, alongside three thermostat settings and a day and night timer. Best of all, it really looks the part, with a contemporary and almost space-age design. 

No.3

De'LonghiCapsule Ceramic Fan Heater

Reference price
£44.99
Mid

A Small Yet High-Performance Design Easily Carried From Room to Room

With its retro design, this is one of the more aesthetically pleasing options on our list. Fortunately, it's more than just a pretty package. This heater kicks out a very respectable 1800 W of power, which is impressive when you consider its small size.


On top of that, it has a very stylish loop handle on top that allows for safe and easy transportation from room to room, as well as an overheating cut off function to save from, well, overheating. 

No.4

Donyer PowerConvector Radiator Heater

Convector Radiator Heater 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£29.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£29.99
Low Mid

The Best Budget Pick if You Need a Quick Fix

If you're working on a tight budget, then this offering from Donyer Power will be right up your street. At an affordable price, you'll get a convector heater that will kick out a massive 2000 W of power fast, providing you have both thermostats cranked all the way up.


It's pretty basic in terms of design and materials, but it will certainly get the job done. This heater really is ideal for those looking for a quick fix, or a top-up in a specifically cold part of the home. 

No.5

Pro Breeze Mini Heater

Reference price
£24.99
Low

A Well-Designed Personal Heater for Desk or Tabletop Use

If Derek that sits two seats down from you in the office can be a bit of a heating grouch, then picking up a personal portable heater could be the perfect solution for everyone. We think this mini heater from Pro Breeze ticks all the right boxes


Firstly, it is a ceramic fan heater, which heats up much quicker and more efficiently than metal options. Additionally, it has ample safety functions and a pretty cool design too, pretty neat for a mini heater.

No.6

VonHaus7 Fin Oil-Filled Radiator

Reference price
£44.99
Mid

A Compact Oil Heater Designed for Smaller Rooms

This offering from VonHaus is pretty much the archetypal oil-filled heater. It comes on four wheels to balance the heavier weight (about 6 kg) as well as featuring an integrated cable tidy for storage. The heater has three thermostat settings, 600, 900 or 1500 W, as well as a heat control for each.


Unfortunately, none of the heat settings are really capable of warming an entire room. So even though it's large, this heater is probably best served as a personal heating device for a small home office or a similar-sized space.

No.7

Yes UK Convection Heater

Convection Heater 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Convection Heater 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£59.99
Mid
Reference price
£59.99
Mid

2000w Black Glass Free Standing Wall Mounted Panel Convection Heater

Looking more like a flat-screen TV than a heater, this stylish piece of kit is certainly one for those that care about the appearance of all their appliances. The modern heating device has touch panel controls and remote control, as well as the option to mount it on your wall. 


Unfortunately, some have found that the heater can be a bit tricky to use, which isn't helped by the confusing instructions. Further, it doesn't have any safety functions, which may be worth remembering if this is going in a home with anyone other than reliable adults.  

No.8

DimplexCeramic Fan HeaterDXUC2B

Ceramic Fan Heater 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Ceramic Fan Heater 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£30.00
Low Mid

A Tiny Fan Heater With Impressive 2000-Watt Power

Diplex is a brand that's known for offering high performance at affordable prices, and the DXUC2B model is a perfect example of exactly that. This heater punches well above its tiny 26 x 18.5 cm size, with a very respectable 2000 W power output and two anti-overheating safety features.


You'll also benefit from other functions, such as the cool air option and anti-frost. The shape is a little unusual, so we're sure the aesthetics will split opinions, also it isn't exactly the quietest heater out there. 

No.9

De'LonghiOil Filled RadiatorTRNS0505M

Reference price
£54.99
Mid

Compact and Ideal for a Quick Burst of Warmth

Small and compact, this curved portable radiator from De'Longhi is ideal when you want a blast of heat fast. It comes with two handy especially functions, an anti-frost feature that automatically turns on if the room drops below 5°C, and a safety cut-off to prevent overheating. 


This heater also has some nice large carry handles, so you don't have to worry about burning your paws. Of course, due to the power output and the heater type, it has some limitations. 

No.10

DysonHot+Cool™ Purifying Fan Heater

Hot+Cool™ Purifying Fan Heater 1
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£550.00
High
Reference price
£550.00
High

An Elite Heater, Fan and Air Purifier for Allergy Sufferers

Quite possibly the most elite heater in the world, the Dyson Hot+Cool™ Purifying Fan Heater is a stunning piece of engineering. It heats in winter, cools in summer, can alert you to allergens and pollutants in the air, and projects a mammoth 290 L of air per second into your room. 


However, we imagine that most people won't be keen to spend this much on a humble portable heater, hence why it's propping up the list. Still, if you have the money, and want the latest tech, then you'd be hard-pressed to find anything as advanced as this. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Leave a Portable Heater on All Night?

The short answer is - no. Allowing your heater to run unattended while you sleep creates a fire hazard. You should always keep an eye on your device and be alert in case something goes wrong.

Are Portable Heaters Bad for Your Health?

Fuel-burning portable heaters can generate carbon monoxide as they burn oil, gas, petroleum, or charcoal. Without proper ventilation, the pollutants generated from combustion can be dangerous and bad for your health in the long term. 

Can You Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From a Portable Heater?

Yes. Carbon monoxide poisoning is most frequently caused by unvented space heaters in the house. If a space heater is not installed or operating properly, it can also discharge carbon monoxide and other harmful pollutants while depleting the room's oxygen supply. 

Written and researched by Lewis Clark

Top 5 Portable Heaters

No. 1: DuronicHeater With Mica PanelsHV220

No. 2: MillOil-Filled Radiator99407

No. 3: De'LonghiCapsule Ceramic Fan Heater

No. 4: Donyer PowerConvector Radiator Heater

No. 5: Pro Breeze Mini Heater

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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