ARTICLE
How to choose the right heater for your home
April 28, 2026-4 min read
Choosing the right heater comes down to room size, safety, noise and how long you need warmth. This article compares the main heater types, highlights standout buys and shows when a reverse cycle air conditioner may be the smarter all-season option.
Key Takeaways From This Article
Electric heaters suit smaller rooms and renters thanks to easy plug-in use.
Panel heaters are wall-mountable, low profile and good for quiet heating.
Oil column heaters are better for longer use in larger spaces.
Ceramic heaters suit spot heating with tip-over and overheat protection.
Scott Bazley says reverse cycle split systems with inverter tech are the most efficient.
When 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.
“Portable and lightweight, electric heaters come in several different types and are an easy and affordable way to enjoy delicious warmth in an instant,” says Scott Bazley. “Their plug-in-and-go convenience makes them ideal for renters and those living in smaller spaces.”
Convection And Panel Heaters
Convection heaters and panel heaters use an enclosed heating element and fan to heat and blow warm air into the room and are generally an affordable heating option.
“Because of their enclosed heating elements, convection heaters and panel heaters don’t heat up too much, making them a safe choice for families with little fingers to protect,” says Scott.
“Both styles are a fast source of heat but they aren’t the most efficient style of heater, so they’re perfect for switching on to warm up a cold room – rather than having them on all day to heat up your whole house.”
Got a snug space to warm? Panel heaters are a great space-saving option as they feature a low profile and can be wall mounted to keep your floors and walkways clear.
Shop Panel Heaters
Noirot 2400W Spot Plus Panel Heater with Timer
DeLonghi 2400W SlimStyle Panel Heater with Timer
Olimpia Splendid 1500W Caldo Plus Panel Heater with Timer and Wi-Fi enabled
Oil Column Heaters
Oil column heaters contain heated oil that circulates around the fins, warming up the outer casing. Some new models don’t contain oil but work on a similar principle.
“Oil column heaters are the ideal style of heater to switch on for long periods of time because there’s no exposed heating element and they’re relatively efficient in their power consumption,” says Scott.
Shop Oil Heaters
DeLonghi 2400W Radia S Digital Oil Column Heater with Timer
DeLonghi 2400W Thermo Oil Column Heater with Timer
Dimplex 1.5kW Oil Free Column Heater with Thermostat and Turbo Fan
DeLonghi 1500W Dragon5 Connect Oil Column Heater
Ceramic Heaters
Ceramic heaters work by heating a built-in ceramic element that absorbs then radiates heat for fast and even warmth.
“Ceramic heaters are perfect for spot heating and come with important safety features that switch off the unit if it tips over or before it overheats. They are also cool to touch so are safe for households with small children and pets,” says Scott.
Shop Ceramic Heaters
Nordic Ceramic Fan Heater with Timer
DeLonghi 2200W Electronic Ceramic Heater
Kambrook Personal Ceramic Heater
Kambrook 2200W White Ceramic Tower Heater
Dimplex 2kW Ceramic Heater with Manual Controls
Radiant Heaters
If you love huddling close to a heater while watching TV or working from home, a radiant heater is for you.
“More a personal style of heater, the further away from a radiant heater you are, the cooler it gets. But the warm, cosy glow they give off is like sitting next to an open fire,” says Scott.
Shop Radiant Heaters
Goldair 2400W Upright Radiant Heater
Omega Altise Brigadier 25MJ NG Radiant Convector Heater - Black Marble
How to choose the best heater for your home
Shopping for a new portable heater? Here are a few things to consider…
Room Size
Getting the size right is key to comfort and efficiency. Too small, and it won’t heat properly. Too powerful, and you could be using more energy than needed.
Heat Output
The heat output you require from a portable heater depends on the size of the room you want to heat. A 1000W heater is fine for small rooms measuring about 10sqm. Larger rooms will need an electric heater that provides 1500W to 2000W of power.
Timer
Look for a heater model with a 24-hour timer that switches the unit on and off when needed. It’s the perfect feature to warm up your house in the morning before you wake up, or for keeping a bedroom toasty on a cold winter’s night.
Safety
Most modern heaters feature safety settings for your peace of mind. Look for some of the following:
Thermal cut-out or switch: Switches the heater off if it overheats.
Tilt switch: Turns the heater off if it tilts over to prevent fire hazards.
Automatic shut-off: Turns the heater off after it’s been left on for long periods.
Drip protection: Protects the heater from water dripping onto it and ruining the electrics.
Energy Efficiency
Looking for an energy-efficient heater? The key is choosing the right size for your room and using smart features like adjustable thermostats, timers and eco modes. Heating the space you’re actually using - rather than the whole home - can help reduce energy consumption and running costs.
For longer use, panel heaters and oil column heaters are great for steady, efficient warmth, while ceramic and fan heaters are best for short bursts of heat. The result? Better comfort, more control, and a smarter way to stay warm this winter.
Enjoy warm, fresh air everywhere with an Air Purifier
Winter’s closed windows can lead to stale, stuffy air. Freshen up and enjoy purified, heated air in any chilly room with one of the latest intelligent Dyson heaters that clear the air of nasties while keeping you cosy.
Shop Hot Air Purifiers
Breville the AirRounder Max Connect Purifier, Fan & Heater
Dyson HP00 Pure hot+cool Fan Heater White/Silver
Dyson HP12 Purifier Hot + Cool De-Nox White/Gold
Electric Blankets
When the temperature drops, an electric blanket can make bedtime feel instantly warmer, cosier and more comfortable. Instead of climbing into cold sheets and waiting for your body heat to warm up the bed, an electric blanket helps pre-heat your sleep space before you hop in.
It’s a simple winter essential for anyone who feels the cold, wants extra warmth at night or is looking for a more comfortable way to stay cosy during cooler months.
Shop Electric Blankets
Dimplex Queen Fitted Electric Blanket
Kambrook Snugasabug Heated Throw Smooth Grey
Kambrook Snugasabug Queen Electric Blanket
Sunbeam Sleep Perfect Fitted Antibacterial Electric Blanket Queen
Enjoy Year-Round Comfort with a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner
Prefer an all-in-one heating and cooling solution? Reverse cycle air conditioners are your ticket to perfect climate control at home, in any season. In winter, they bring the heat, drawing it in from outside. And come summer, they pump refrigerated air into the room so you stay cool.
Is energy efficiency a priority? “Reverse cycle split system air conditioners with inverter technology are really energy efficient, thanks to their ability to regulate temperature without starting or stopping,” says Scott.
Find your ideal Heater at The Good Guys
Want to stay warm as toast this winter with one of The Good Guys heaters? Visit us online or in-store and let our friendly experts help you choose the best electric heater or heating solution for your home.
