Heater buying guide
Last updated: 10 June 2026
Cold bedroom? Chilly living room? Need a heater that warms up fast, or one that’s cheaper to run over winter? From portable electric heaters to gas heating and reverse-cycle split systems, this guide makes it easy to compare your options and find the right fit for your home. Portable fan heaters are usually better for small spaces, panel and oil column heaters are popular for larger rooms, and reverse-cycle split systems are one of the most efficient options for ongoing heating.
In this guide
Discover the best types of Heater for small rooms, large rooms, all-rounders, as well as budget options. Jump to >
Learn about the four latest technologies in Heaters: air purification, phone connectivity, timers and humidifiers. Jump to >
Find out what size Heater you should be looking for based on your room. Jump to >
Check out the glossary and top frequently asked questions. Jump to >
What type of Heater do you need?
This is the biggest decision. The main types each heat differently and suit different spaces. For most households, the best Heater is the one that fits the room you want to warm, suits how long you'll run it and balances upfront price with long-term running costs.
Choose a Reverse Cycle Split System if you want efficient whole-room heating, year-round use with cooling in summer. Choose a Gas Heater if you want fast, powerful warmth for larger or open-plan spaces and have access to natural gas or LPG. Choose an Electric Heater if you want a low purchase price and portable, plug-in warmth for smaller rooms or occasional use. Choose a Panel or Convection Heater if you want quiet, even background heat for bedrooms or studies. Choose a Radiant Heater if you want instant, targeted warmth that heats directly rather than the whole room.
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Great for small rooms because they push warm air out quickly and are easy to move.
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A popular choice for larger rooms where you want more even, gentle warmth.
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Takes a little longer to warm up, but they keep radiating heat even after they’re switched off.
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Convector heaters warm the air, which then rises through the room.
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If you want direct personal warmth, radiant heaters are a simple and effective solution.
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A strong choice for homes already set up for gas.
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For year-round comfort, reverse-cycle split systems are hard to beat.
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Some combination models can heat, cool and purify the air, making them a handy option.
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Outdoor heaters help take the edge off chilly nights on the deck or patio.
Quick decision guide
Best for small rooms → Fan heaters are a handy choice when you want quick warmth in spaces like bedrooms, studies or bathrooms.
Best for larger rooms → Panel heaters and oil column heaters are better suited to bigger living spaces where you want steady, comfortable warmth.
Best all-rounder → Reverse-cycle split systems heat in winter, cool in summer and can be highly energy efficient.
Cheapest to run → Gas can be economical in some homes, but high-efficiency reverse-cycle split systems can be even cheaper to run depending on the model and setup.
Dryer types compared
Heater type | Best for | Running cost | Upfront price | Key advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Reverse cycle split system | Whole rooms | Lowest | Highest | Cools in summer too |
Gas heater | Large / open-plan spaces | Moderate | Moderate | Fast, powerful warmth (needs gas or LPG) |
Electric heater | Small rooms, occasional use | Higher | Lowest | Portable, plug-in |
Panel / convection heater | Bedrooms, studies | Moderate | Low | Quiet, even background heat |
Radiant heater | Targeted warmth | Moderate | Low | Heats people and objects, not the air |
Recommended Heater based on room
Different rooms need different types of Heaters. As a simple guide, around 1000W to 1500W can be enough for a small room, while 2500W or more is a better starting point for a larger area. But room size is only part of the story. Ceiling height, insulation, window size and draughts all affect how hard your heater has to work, so it pays to match the heater to the room rather than guessing.
For bedrooms, a fan heater is great when you want quick warmth before bed, while an oil column heater is a good fit if you prefer gentler, longer-lasting heat. Timers and thermostats are especially handy here so you can stay comfy without overheating the room.
For a living room, look at panel heaters, oil column heaters or a reverse-cycle split system. These options are better suited to bigger areas where the whole household wants to stay warm and comfortable for longer stretches.
If you’re warming one small space while you work, a compact fan heater is often the easiest answer. It heats up quickly and gives you warmth where you need it most.
Bathrooms usually suit heaters that warm the space quickly for short periods. Portable fan heaters are commonly used in bathrooms, and fixed bathroom heat lamps are another option for fast, short-use warmth where suitable.
For alfresco areas, choose an outdoor heater designed for exterior use and check the IP rating before you buy. Wall-mounted models are a smart way to save floor space, while freestanding models are handy if you want flexibility.
“Portable and lightweight, electric heaters come in several different types and are an easy and affordable way to enjoy delicious warmth in an instant. Their plug-in-and-go convenience makes them ideal for renters and those living in smaller spaces.”
-Scott Bazley, Seasonal Buyer for The Good Guys
The top 6 asked questions
Explore our articles and buying guides — written to answering the questions our customers ask most.
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How to choose the right heater for your home
Updated 4 May 2026 · 4 mins readWhen the temperature drops, the right electric heater can make all the difference. But with so many options - panel, oil column, ceramic, radiant- it’s easy to feel unsure about what actually suits your space.
Here are the top tips to help you find the right heater for the job, plus we asked our seasonal expert Scott Bazley for a run-down on the latest heating solutions and hot features to stay toasty warm all winter long.
Whether you’re looking for a whisper-quiet panel heater to thaw your home office, a stylish air purifier that can heat and clean the air, or a safety-minded ceramic heater to keep things cosy in the bedroom all night, there’s a perfect house-warming hero for any space.
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How to find the best home Heater for any space
Updated 15 May 2026 · 3 mins readForget avoiding entire rooms that become cold boxes when the temperature plummets – the latest heaters are ready to warm every corner of your home (and the cockles of your heart). From portable electric heaters that resemble a crackling fireplace to energy-efficient gas heaters with inbuilt humidifiers and reverse cycle air conditioners for year-round comfort, there’s a cosy solution for every space. Here are our top picks.
Key features to look for
Once you've settled on type, these are the features worth paying attention to:
Feature | Why you should look for it |
|---|---|
Programmable thermostat | Holds the room at a set temperature, easing back once it's reached rather than running flat-out — more comfortable and cheaper to run. |
Timer | Schedule heating for when you need it. Great for a morning warm-up in the bedroom and an automatic evening shut-off. |
Oscillation | Pivots side to side to sweep warm air across a wider area, so larger and open rooms heat more evenly. |
Humidifier | Adds moisture back into the air as it heats, keeping naturally dry homes more comfortable in winter. |
Air purifier | Captures dust and allergens while heating — a handy two-in-one for cleaner air, especially in allergy-prone homes. |
Tilt-safety switch | Cuts the power automatically if the heater tips over. Reassuring in homes with kids or pets. |
Overheat shut-off | Shuts the unit down if it gets too hot, protecting both the heater and your home. |
Filter clean alert | Reminds you when the filter needs cleaning on compatible models, keeping the heater efficient and running costs down. |
Oxygen depletion safety device & flame-failure shut-off | Key gas-heater safety features: one shuts off if room oxygen drops too low, the other cuts the gas if the flame goes out. |
Wi-Fi / phone connectivity | Control heating, set schedules and check the room temperature from your phone — plus voice control with Google Assistant or Alexa. |
Heater safety and placement tips
Where you place your heater matters. Portable electric heaters should sit on a flat, stable surface and stay clear of curtains, rugs, bedding and upholstered furniture. A convection heater near a window can help reduce the chill from draughts, while gas heaters should always be used and maintained with safety in mind. Unflued gas heaters need adequate ventilation, and all gas systems should be professionally serviced. For outdoor heating, choose a model made for the conditions and check the IP rating before installation.
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That’s where a home air purifier steps in. But with so many models on the market to choose from, including some from high-tech, high-spec brands like Dyson, choosing the best air purifier for your family and your home can be a challenge. Here are a few things to get your head around – and keep in mind – so you can find your perfect fresh-air match.
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Updated 4 May 2026 · 4 mins readThe nights are drawing in. There’s a sharp bite in the air. Hello, Winter. You make us want to put our key in the door and escape to a warm and snug sanctuary. “Cosy is a look as much as a feeling,” says Melbourne interior designer Camilla Molders of Camilla Molders Design. “When I think of cosy, it’s being wrapped up on a gorgeous, comfy sofa, inside a soft cashmere throw, with bright textiles all around me.” Get cosy with the latest winter décor trends and heating solutions to get you toasty in no time.
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Heaters glossary
We’ll break down all the tech talk and acronyms that you need to know.
Tech talk | Definition |
|---|---|
Inverter Technology | Inverter systems use less energy to maintain a consistent temperature by adjusting the output power. Found in reverse cycle split systems. |
Oscillation | Moves the fan side-to-side to improve heat distribution and circulation in the room. |
Wattage (W) | An amount of power output for electric heaters. Higher wattage = more heat. |
Energy Star Rating | Government rating for electric heaters' energy efficiency when compared to similar products. More stars = better efficiency. |
Tilt-Safety Switch | A sensor that shuts off the heater automatically if it’s knocked over. |
Overheat Shut-Off Mechanism | Automatically turns off the heater to prevent overheating and potential hazards. |
IP rating | A guide to how well an outdoor heater resists dust and moisture. |
Flued Gas Heater | A gas heater that vents combustion gases outside through a flue. Flued models are generally safer than portable unflued gas heaters, and room-sealed flued models are the safest and most efficient gas option. |
Unflued Gas Heater | Also called a portable gas heater. These models don’t use a flue, so they need adequate ventilation for safe operation and are restricted or banned in some states. |
Natural Gas | Gas supplied to the home via a pipeline. If you’re choosing a gas heater, it must be designed for the type of gas available at your place. |
LPG | Liquefied petroleum gas, usually supplied in bottles or cylinders. A heater made for natural gas won’t work with LPG, and vice versa. |
Tilt-Safety Switch | A built-in safety feature that automatically turns the heater off if it’s knocked over. |
Overheat Shut-Off Mechanism | Automatically switches the heater off if it gets too hot, helping protect the unit and your home. |
Oxygen Depletion Safety Device | A gas-heater safety feature that senses low oxygen levels and shuts off the gas supply. |
Flame Failure Shut-Off | A gas-heater safety feature that cuts the gas supply if the flame goes out unexpectedly. |
Filter Clean Alert | A reminder on compatible heaters or air conditioners that lets you know when it’s time to clean the filter so the unit can keep working efficiently. |
FAQs
The best Heater for you will depend on your lifestyle, space and budget. If you are heating a smaller space like a bedroom or office, a fan heater will heat the space quickly. However, if you are targeting a larger area like a living room, kitchen or dining room, a radiant heater like a panel or oil column is often the best option.
The best Heater to keep you warm and cosy in the colder months depends on your space. Fan heaters are usually used in bedrooms, main living areas and bathrooms, while radiant heating is the best option for bigger rooms.
Gas heaters are typically the cheapest to run, although they require ventilation, while electric heaters don't. However, 5—and 6-star reverse cycle split systems can be even cheaper to run than gas heaters.
A fan heater is often the easiest answer for a small room because it warms the space quickly and doesn’t take up much room.
For bigger spaces like living rooms, panel heaters, oil column heaters and reverse-cycle split systems are usually a better fit because they deliver more even, sustained warmth.
They can be a great bedroom option if you prefer gentle heat that lingers after switch-off. They warm more slowly than a fan heater, but they’re popular for comfortable overnight room warmth before bed.
Often, yes. Reverse-cycle systems transfer heat rather than generating it directly, which is why they can be much more efficient than standard electric resistance heaters.
Some do. Portable unflued gas heaters in particular need adequate ventilation for safe use, and all gas heaters should be used and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local requirements.
The most useful features are usually a thermostat, timer and safety shut-off. If you want extra convenience, look for oscillation, filter alerts or air-purifying functions depending on the heater type.
Yes — fan heaters are one of the best options for smaller rooms because they push warm air out quickly and are easy to move where you need them.
For electric heaters, look for features like a tilt-safety switch and overheat shut-off. For gas heaters, useful extras include an oxygen depletion safety device and flame failure shut-off.
Not always. Higher wattage usually means more heat, but the best choice is the one that matches your room size and how the room holds warmth. Oversizing isn’t always the smartest move if the space is small or well insulated.
Yes — if you’re shopping for an outdoor heater, check the IP rating to understand how well it handles exposure to dust and moisture.