In this article, Canstar Blue compares different types of electric heaters and the costs of running them. Electric heaters are an ideal choice if you are looking for quick and simple warmth this winter. There are various types and models of electric heaters available at different price points to suit many budgets, including those with energy-efficient functions.
Canstar Blue has compiled a comprehensive list of electric heaters to make warming your home a little simpler.
Types of electric heaters
Which type of electric heater is cheapest to run?
Different types of electric heaters will have different usage costs. Some electric heaters use fans, others take longer to warm up and some radiate more efficiently than others. To get a better idea of how much your electric heater costs to run, compare winter heating costs by reading the following Canstar Blue article.
Winter Heating Costs Explained
Compare electricity providers
If you are looking to save money on your winter electricity bill, or if you haven’t compared your electricity provider in a while, check out some of the latest electricity deals below.
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. Oil column electric heaters are oil-filled units that disperse heat for extended periods of time. Oil inside the fins is heated without the unit exterior getting too hot to touch. This type of electric heater can be used to heat medium-sized rooms and will still produce heat for a period of time after the appliance is switched off. Oil column electric heaters are relatively inexpensive appliances, retailing between $35-$900. Pros Cons Goldair 1000W 5-Fin Oil Column Electric Heater Goldair is known for its heating appliances including electric blankets and heaters. The Goldair 5-fin oil column heater retails for $69 making it a cheaper heating option and features three heat settings, adjustable thermostat and an integrated carry handle so you can easily move it from room to room. With a built-in fan, electric panel heaters can be a great option for heating large rooms. Their slim design makes them convenient for homes with limited floor space, and they can be wall-mounted for further space-saving. Depending on the size and wattage of electric panel heaters, they retail approximately between $59-$500. Pros Cons De’Longhi 2400W Electric Panel Heater The De’Longhi 2400W Panel Heater can efficiently warm a room of up to 60 square metres. It is 9cm wide with three knobs for fan speed, 24-hour timer and thermostat control. This electric panel heater has anti-frost function and a tip-over safety system. Radiant heaters are an ideal personal electric heater, with an exposed heating element that helps to heat anything in front of it quickly. They come in portable and wall-mountable designs for indoor and outdoor spaces. Radiant heaters retail between $30-$1,000 or more, depending on the size and model. Pros Cons Kmart radiant heater Kmart’s radiant heater is an affordable electric heater, retailing for $59. It features an adjustable thermostat, safety tip-over switch, two heat settings and four quartz heating tubes. Electric fan heaters are a smaller, more portable electric heater. Ceramic fan heaters have ceramic heating elements, which cool faster than traditional metallic heating elements. These electric heaters work by propelling air over a heating coil with a fan, then rapidly blowing the warm air into the room. Fan heaters retail from $15-$1,700, with various models depending on heating needs. Pros Cons Heller Oscillating Upright Electric Fan Heater – 2000W The Heller Oscillating Upright Electric Fan Heater is a compact heater that retails for around $45. With multiple heat and fan settings, it can be an ideal choice for different seasons as the oscillating movement dispenses heat across the room. Ceramic heaters have a ceramic heating plate that is warmed by electricity, that then heats the surrounding air. Ceramic versions of metallic electric heaters are available, including standard electric heaters, panel heaters, fan heaters and tower heaters. Due to the different types of ceramic heaters, retail prices vary between $49 and $1,700. Dimplex 1.5kW Ceramic Heater Retailing for around $70, the Dimplex 1.5kW Ceramic Heater is a stylish choice for heating. Featuring brushless DC motor technology, you can expect a more energy-efficient appliance that can warm a small space efficiently. Electric fire heaters are a great combination of a simulated fire with an electric heater. Electric fire heaters can create an ideal atmosphere without the hassles of firewood, soot and smoke. Retailing from $179-$2,000, most electric fire heaters come in a range of sizes to heat different-sized rooms. There are also wall-mounted designs or portable models to fit the décor of any given room. Pros Cons Dimplex Mini Cube Optiflame Portable Electric Fire The Dimplex Mini Cube Optiflame Portable Electric Fire is ideal for heating small spaces. It features a curved steel casing and two heat settings. The Optiflame LED provides a realistic coal effect that can be turned on without using the heat source. Prior to purchase, consider the following: General guide only Choosing the right electric heater for your home can come down to personal preference for the space you want to heat. With an abundance of electric heaters to choose from, the decision can be tough. Some customers look for portability, some prefer to save space, while others want strong heating capabilities. For further information on gas versus electric heaters, click on the Canstar Blue link below. Image credits: Vershinin89/Shutterstock.com
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Oil column electric heaters
Oil column electric heater pros and cons
Cheap oil column electric heater
Electric panel heaters
Electric panel heater pros and cons
Cheap panel heater
Radiant heaters
Radiant heater pros and cons
Cheap radiant heater
Electric fan heaters
Fan heater pros and cons
Cheap fan heater
Electric ceramic heater
Cheap ceramic heater
Electric fire heater
Electric fire heater pros and cons
Cheap electric fire heater
What to consider when buying an electric heater
This will depend on your individual heating needs. If you need to heat a larger space, then an electric panel heater may be an ideal choice. For heating small spaces, an electric fan heater or electric fire heater could be for you
Some electric heater models are better suited to certain room sizes than others. As a general guide you can match the appliance watt power to the room size:
Room size
Watt power
Small room (5m2 – 20m2)
1000W – 1500W
Medium room (20m2 – 30m2)
2000W – 2500W
Large room (30m2 – 50m2)
At least 2500W+
Checking the energy star rating for an appliance can help determine how much energy your heater may use and how it could impact your energy bill
Running costs will change depending on a number of factors. If the electric heater has a low energy rating, the specific heat setting you’re using and how long you leave it on for can all impact running costs
Some electric heaters may be more expensive to buy up front but, if they have a better energy rating than cheaper models, it could help lower energy costs in the long run. There are a range of price points for electric heaters, making purchase cost less of a hurdle in keeping warm.Which type of electric heater should you buy?
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