Portable electric heaters offer a convenient way to add warmth to any room during the colder months, especially in homes where central heating may be insufficient or costly to run. They come in various styles and sizes, designed for easy movement and targeted heating. These heaters are popular because they allow users to heat only the spaces they occupy, which can save energy and reduce bills.
Within this category, different types of portable heaters use varying technologies, such as fan heaters, oil-filled radiators, and ceramic heaters. Each type has its own efficiency level and running cost, which is important when considering monthly energy expenses. Understanding these differences helps consumers choose the option best suited to their heating needs and budget.
When buying a portable electric heater, key factors to consider include power consumption, heating method, safety features, and noise level. These aspects directly affect the cost of running the heater and user comfort. We analysed multiple models available in the UK market to find the cheapest portable heaters to run this winter without compromising on performance.
Best Portable Electric Heaters for Cost-Effective Heating
We have carefully selected the cheapest portable electric heaters to run this winter in the UK. Our list prioritises efficiency and affordability to help you stay warm without overspending on energy bills.
Fitabok Portable Electric Heater
This heater offers quick warmth and energy efficiency, making it a solid choice for heating small rooms without high costs.
Pros
- Heats up extremely fast, creating warmth within seconds.
- Simple to use with a single knob for three heat and fan settings.
- Compact and quiet, ideal for bedrooms or offices.
Cons
- Fan noise is noticeable, not completely silent.
- Best suited for small rooms only; larger spaces feel underheated.
- Build quality feels basic, especially the fan mechanism.
After using the Fitabok heater, we noticed the room warmed up quickly, which is great for chilly mornings or evenings. The PTC ceramic element really does deliver consistent heat, and the low energy settings help keep running costs down.
We found the control knob straightforward for switching between fan-only and two heat levels. This made it flexible when the temperature changed throughout the day.
Its compact size helped us move it easily between rooms, but the fan noise was louder than expected. It might be less suitable for ultra-quiet spaces like nurseries or study rooms. Overall, it’s practical for small spaces where quick heat and low running costs are priorities.
CUQOO 2KW Fan Heater
This heater offers solid warmth and energy efficiency at a very reasonable price, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious users.
Pros
- Heats rooms quickly with two power settings
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Includes a cool function for summer use
Cons
- Plastic casing feels a bit cheap
- Can be noisy due to internal vibration
- Thermostat control isn’t fully automatic
We’ve used the CUQOO 2KW heater in various rooms and appreciated how fast it brings noticeable warmth. The dual heat settings allow us to balance energy use depending on how cold it is, which helps keep costs down without sacrificing comfort.
Its portability is a big plus. We found the carry handle handy to shift it from bedroom to living space and even used it during a short camping trip. The compact size fits well on desks or smaller surfaces, which suits flats or smaller homes.
In terms of noise, it’s not silent. A slight buzz comes from the fan motor and sometimes from vibrations. Placing a soft material underneath reduced this somewhat but won’t eliminate it entirely. The thermostat requires manual adjustments to maintain temperature, which can be a small inconvenience. Overall, this heater does a good job of delivering affordable, reliable heat with some useful extras for year-round use.
Xyvolve Portable Ceramic Heater
This compact ceramic heater is a practical choice for quickly warming small spaces without a big impact on energy bills.
Pros
- Rapid heat-up in 3 seconds
- Quiet operation suitable for bedrooms and offices
- Convenient remote control with timer settings
Cons
- Not powerful enough for large rooms
- Heat distribution is focused, not whole-room
- Requires close proximity to feel full effect
We found the Xyvolve heater useful for keeping our immediate area warm during chilly mornings. It heats up rapidly thanks to advanced ceramic technology, which made a noticeable difference on cold days.
The two heat modes let us adjust the warmth according to our needs, and the built-in timer ensures it turns off automatically without fuss. Its quiet fan made it easy to work or sleep without distraction.
However, it’s clear this heater is best for smaller spaces like bedrooms or offices. We noticed the heat doesn’t carry far, so it isn’t suitable for larger rooms or open-plan areas. Overall, it’s a simple, energy-efficient option for targeted heating.
CUQOO 2KW Fan Cooler and Heater
This heater is a reliable choice for those wanting effective warmth without a high energy bill during colder months.
Pros
- Heats rooms quickly with 2 power settings
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Dual heating and cooling functions for year-round use
Cons
- Can be noisy, especially on higher settings
- Basic build quality with some cheap plastic feel
- Requires manual switching to manage temperature
We’ve found the CUQOO 2KW heater does a solid job warming small to medium-sized rooms with its adjustable 1000W and 2000W settings. It’s especially handy when you need heat fast, and moving it between rooms is simple with its compact size and handle.
The dual-function feature is a bonus. It works as a fan cooler in summer, making it useful beyond winter, which adds value. However, the noise level can be noticeable, and placing it on a stable surface helps reduce vibrations.
The heater isn’t fancy but performs as expected for its price. The thermostat isn’t automatic, so you’ll need to turn it on and off yourself to avoid overusing power. Overall, it balances efficiency and portability well, ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
DDHTSAL Portable Mini Electric Heater
This compact heater is a solid option for quick and energy-efficient warmth in smaller spaces without excessive noise.
Pros
- Rapid heating in just 2 seconds
- Multiple heat settings for personalised comfort
- Built-in safety features including tip-over and overheat protection
Cons
- Lacks a built-in thermostat for automatic temperature control
- Heat output limited to small rooms only
- Some may find the fan noise noticeable on higher settings
We found the DDHTSAL heater impressively quick at delivering warmth, making it ideal for offices, bedrooms, or dorm rooms where instant comfort is needed. The 900W power is enough for small areas, and switching between three heat modes helps manage energy use without feeling chilly.
Safety features like auto cut-off if tipped or overheated gave us peace of mind, especially in busy households or when used overnight. The unit’s lightweight and small size make it easy to move around, so you can bring the heat with you wherever needed.
However, the absence of a thermostat means you have to monitor the temperature yourself, which could be less convenient if left unattended. Also, while the heater is generally quiet, the fan sound is noticeable if you’re expecting complete silence. Overall, it’s a practical, economical choice for winter needing quick, reliable heat in smaller spaces.
Buying Guide
When choosing a portable electric heater, we first need to consider the type of heater. Different models use varying methods to generate heat, such as fan heaters, oil-filled radiators, or ceramic heaters. Each type affects how quickly and efficiently a room warms up.
Next, it’s important to look at the energy consumption and running costs. A heater with a lower power rating will usually cost less to run, but it might not heat a large space effectively. Balancing power output with room size saves money in the long term.
We should also check for safety features like tip-over switches and overheat protection. These are essential, especially if we plan to use the heater in busy or small homes.
Portability matters too. Some heaters are lightweight and have handles or wheels for easy movement between rooms. This can increase practicality, especially if heating needs vary through the day.
| Feature | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Heater Type | Affects heat delivery and efficiency | Fan, ceramic, oil-filled radiator |
| Power Rating | Impacts running cost | Between 500W and 2000W depending on room size |
| Safety Features | Prevents accidents | Overheat cut-off, tip-over switch |
| Portability | Ease of moving heater | Handles, wheels, lightweight design |
We should also consider additional features such as timers, thermostats, and adjustable heat settings. These allow us to control heat output effectively and avoid wasting energy.
By focusing on these factors, we can pick a portable electric heater that balances cost, efficiency, and convenience for our specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve outlined answers to common queries about portable electric heaters, focusing on costs, efficiency, and practical use. This information helps us make informed decisions about the best options for winter heating in the UK.
What are the cheapest types of portable electric heaters to run during winter in the UK?
Fan heaters and oil-filled radiators tend to be the cheapest to run because they heat spaces quickly and retain warmth. Ceramic heaters also offer a balance of cost and efficiency.
Which portable electric heaters are the most energy efficient?
Oil-filled radiators and ceramic heaters usually provide better energy efficiency. They use energy to maintain steady heat rather than constant high output, lowering overall consumption.
How much does it cost to run a 1200W halogen heater per hour?
At an average electricity rate of 34p per kWh in the UK, running a 1200W halogen heater costs about 41p per hour. This rate fluctuates with energy prices but gives a reasonable estimate.
Are halogen heaters a cost-effective heating solution in the UK?
Halogen heaters heat quickly but can be more expensive to run over time compared to oil-filled radiators. They are best for short-term or spot heating rather than continuous use.
Can you really heat a room for as little as 1p per hour with an electric heater?
Heating a room for 1p per hour is unlikely with typical UK electricity prices. Only very small spaces or low power settings might come close to that figure, but not a whole room effectively.
Is it more economical to use convector heaters for home heating needs?
Convector heaters warm the air quickly but can lose heat fast once turned off. They may cost more to run continuously than oil-filled or ceramic heaters, which retain heat longer.
Last Updated on 5 December 2025 by YEG