7 Best Convector Heaters on the Market (Reviews) in 2023
If you’re looking to heat an entire room for an extended period of time, then a convector heater (aka a convection heater) is a great option.
A convector heater — unlike, say, a radiant heater — works by passing air over a heated element, thus heating the room in an even and more efficient way.
Why Use A Convector Heater?
As mentioned above, even and consistent heat is one of the major benefits of a convector heater. Consistent heat ensures that the entire room is hot, not just the immediate vicinity. Convector heaters are perfect for eliminating cold spots and areas that are prone to cool drafts.
Additionally, there’s a level of customisability that comes with convector heaters; for example, it is easier to set a specific temperature with a convector heater, since radiant heaters (and other types of heaters) will be unable to give off a heat as evenly and consistently, much less at a specific temperature.
Another huge benefit of using convector heaters is their noise of operation (or, rather, lack thereof). Because there is no forced air or ductwork at play, a convector heater runs very quietly.
If you’re a very light sleeper, you need not worry about being woken up by a convector heater. By the way, that’s another big benefit of a convector heater. Many heaters, especially fan heaters, are not only noisy but also not very cost-effective. A convector heater, on the other hand, cuts down on costs by using airflow to distribute heat in an even and efficient manner.
Best Convector Heaters On The Market
Convector heaters are the ultimate long-term heaters. With a high amount of efficiency and with room-wide coverage, convector heaters have a lot to offer. For this list, we’re considering build materials, value, efficiency, customer feedback, warranties, customer service, effectiveness, and additional features such as timers and thermostats.
On top of that, we’ll be giving extra credit to heaters that have built-in safety features, as there’s nothing more important than the health and safety of you and your family.
1. Dimplex 3 kW 403TSFTie
The Dimplex 403TSFTie electric convector heater with Turbo Boost and Timer is a true workhorse. With a solid output of 3 kW, Dimplex promises “superfast warm-up” with all four of their variants. For this item, though, we will just be focusing on the Turbo Boost model.
For an extra £10 or so, you’ll get a turbo booster that will mix through the air with blistering speed, ensuring the room is warmed up before you can sit back down to enjoy the flood of warmth. However, it’s not just sheer brawn; indeed, Dimplex has thoughtfully included a 24-hour electronic timer to go with the turbo fan boost setting. Finally, Dimplex has been given BEAB Intertek Safety Approval and ships with a 3-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
We’re so enamoured with this heater that we even wrote a feature article on it.
Who Should Buy This?
Anyone who loves to come home from work to a warm room will appreciate the heater. If you don’t feel comfortable setting a timer for when you get home (in case you’re held up or have an emergency), you can be assured that your room will heat up really quickly anyway, especially if you select the Turbo Boost version.
Pros:
- Affordable and great value
- Great programming
- 3-year guarantee
Cons:
- No wall bracket supplied
- Although the overwhelming majority of users had no issues, some users have reported faults upon receipt, although Dimplex’s guarantee means you won’t be left out of pocket
2. SORTFIELD Convector Radiator Heater
Durable and powerful, the SORTFIELD Convector Radiator Heater with Adjustable Thermostat provides fantastic value for its price point. Sortfield has recognised that what people want in a heater varies from person to person. For some people, a turbo fan is the most essential part of a heater; for others, a timer is crucial.
Sometimes, a combination of such features is necessary. As such, Sortfield has five different variants of this model, ensuring there’s something here for everyone. With three heat settings, you can enjoy a precise level of evenly distributed heat.
The three heat settings are as follows: Setting 1: 750 W, Setting 2: 1250 W, Setting 3: 2000 W. Setting 3 actually means that both switches are turned on (as opposed to one or the other). The inbuilt thermostat ensures that the heater always keeps the room at a steady heat.
Who Should Buy This?
If you’re after power and portability (and without breaking the bank), Sortfield has a lot of great options for you to consider.
One of the reasons why this heater can be considered portable is the fact that Sortfield has included a pair of ‘feet’, which gives the heater stability without sacrificing portability. It also has an overheat cutoff, ensuring that your heater doesn’t get to dangerous levels.
Pros:
- Affordable and great value
- Portable
- Three heat settings
- Feet included
- Three heat settings
- Many variants available
- Overheat protection
Cons:
- Not the most efficient heater; we recommend the fan variant so you get increased efficiency
- Is only guaranteed for one month
3. DONYER POWER Convector
The DONYER POWER Convector Radiator Heater with Adjustable Thermostat is a tried-and-true heater with decent power output and a high degree of portability.
Unlike some brands (especially those who trade off components for price), Donyer Power has all the bells and whistles one could hope for, including handles (for portability), timer, three heat settings (up to 2,000 W), the ability to be mounted onto a wall, and overheating protection in three levels (including automatic temperature control, manual temperature control, and fuse).
An important note from the manufacturer includes the recommendation of keeping the temperature control knob at maximum if you want to ensure that your unit remains on continuously.
Who Should Buy This?
Donyer Power has constructed a solid unit that ticks all our boxes. It features 360° circulation heating, which means that thermal air is manipulated in such a way that cold air is sucked through the bottom of the unit and then converted into hot air.
As who should buy this, that is a very interesting question. Out of all the heaters on this list, this one is arguably the most versatile. Its stunning value and features means you’re getting a very useful convector heater at an excellent price point. The manufacturers themselves recommend this heater for the elderly as well as babies and pregnant women. This is because it doesn’t require an oxygenated environment to operate, nor does it emit radiation. This notion is backed up by the fact that the heater has an anti-topple feature.
Pros:
- Anti-topple feature
- Great value for money
- Variable power output
- Timer
- Highly portable
Cons:
- Inexpensive build materials
- Some customers reported blowing a fuse
4. Duronic HV051 Black Mica Panel 1.5 kW
The Duronic HV051 is not the most powerful on this list; in fact, its maximum power output is half that of many on this list. But what it lacks in sheer horsepower, it makes up for with its supreme portability.
Despite its lower power output, Duronic has still managed to ensure this heater will have your room warmed up in under a minute, which is great news for those who don’t like to wait long to feel the heat. However, in case 1.5 kW doesn’t cut it, Duronic has other models with higher outputs in the same form factor (albeit at a higher price point).
One benefit that this particular variant has (besides being cheaper than its bigger brothers) is that it has three heat settings, whereas the bigger ones only come with two.
Who Should Buy This?
As mentioned, it’s essential to determine the size of your room when making a heater selection — as well as factoring in things like insulation and double-glazed windows (or lack thereof). Another thing to consider is the type of room you wish to heat. If you have, say, a garage that you’d like to prevent mould or frost from accumulating, you’ll be pleased to know that Duronic has thoughtfully included an anti-frost setting.
Additionally, its lack of moving parts ensures silent operation, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms or lounge rooms. Furthermore, the heater is capable of keeping your room at 18 to 36 ℃, which means that all temperature preferences can be easily met.
Conveniently, when the thermostat detects that the room’s temperature is within +/– 2 ℃ of your setting, the radiator will temporarily deactivate to save energy and keep your room at a stable, comfortable temperature of your choosing.
Pros:
- Anti-topple feature
- Good value for money
- Variable power output
- Anti-frost mode
- Highly portable
Cons:
- Power output is not as high as other variants
5. VonHaus Convector Heater (2kW)
This VonHaus Convector Heater is a rugged unit with an aggressive price point. VonHaus are well known for their heaters, and this heater is no exception. If we had to pick just one work for this heater, it would be ‘stable’. Its two feet gives it a solid foundation, and the tip-over protection and overheat protection means this heater is arguably the safest one on this list. VonHaus has also thoughtfully included a thermostat, allowing users to set the temperature from 10 ℃ to 35 ℃.
As is commonplace on this list (but should never be taken for granted), this heater features three heat settings, which is particularly useful for keeping energy costs down. VonHaus has also included a chunky two-year warranty, which is perfect for people who want to be financially ensured their heater will stand the test of time.
Who Should Buy This?
Anyone who cares about safety should consider this heater. Its MICA heating element has also been carefully constructed with safety in mind; additionally, it has been designed to be silent and long lasting.
At 2,000 W, the output is decent but nothing to write home about. Nevertheless, its heat output should be more than enough for most bedrooms and living rooms. If you’re after a portable heater with the ability to heat up your room rapidly, this heater will do the trick. While this heater doesn’t have wheels, it’s convenient carry handles makes this unit just as portable as a model with wheels.
Pros:
- Numerous safety measures
- 2,000 W power output
- Stable heat
- 3 heat modes
- Large feet
- Thermostat has a large range
- Carry handles
- Two-year guarantee
Cons:
- Some users reported faults after a couple of months, although (in the unlikely event that it does give up the ghost after just a few months, VonHaus’s two-year guarantee will ensure you won’t be left out of pocket
6. Stiebel Eltron 1kW Panel Convector Heater
The Stiebel Eltron 1 kW Panel Convector Heater is a prime example of why power output isn’t the be-all and end-all when it comes to heaters, especially convector heaters. Coated with a gleaming Alpine White finish, the Stiebel Eltron has been specially constructed for easy use and installation.
The manufacturer has thoughtfully supplied a wall bracket, opting not to dump the extra cost and inconvenience you would otherwise have to suffer if it wasn’t supplied. Owing to this, the Stiebel Eltron can be installed on any wall with sufficient clearance.
Its robust construction offers splash protection and a simple thermostat control, allowing you to choose any temperature between 5 ℃ to 30 ℃.
Who Should Buy This?
With 40+ ratings at an average of 4.5 stars, it’s safe to say that everyone has been enjoying the sleek design and reliable warmth that the Stiebel Eltron provides. Seldom do we see a heater blend in so well to home decor as we do with this model.
The minimalist design is modern and streamlined, and this is a design aesthetic that extends to the buttons. There is no fan, but it doesn’t need one. The heater has a one-year guarantee, but please keep in mind that this heater regrettably does not come with a timer. If a timer is important to you, we recommend you take a look at some of the heaters on this list instead.
Pros:
- Beautiful design
- Can be mounted on your wall
- 12-month guarantee
- Splashproof
Cons:
- No timer
- Low wattage
7. Stiebel Eltron 236563 Convector CNS 200
We feel that putting a deluxe Stibel model directly after another Stiebel model is a great way of contrasting two different models from the same brand.
Steibel has taken elegant simplicity to new heights with the Stiebel Eltron 236563 Convector CNS 200. This model is really the Rolls-Royce of heaters: it’s stylish and refined, minimalist, and packed with features.
There need not be a power concern, either, as this model comes in seven power variants, starting at just 500 W and going all the way up to 3,000 W. Speaking of Rolls-Royce, the heater runs just as quietly.
The backlight and LCD display are contained within the remote, thereby allowing Stiebel to maintain the unblemished design that adorns this robustly constructed convector heater.
Who Should Buy This?
Let’s be honest: this heater is the crème de la crème of heaters, which means (like all good things) it doesn’t come cheap. Nevertheless, we contest that it’s worth every penny. While the price of the heater here depends on the exact variant, prepared to shell at 5 or 6 times more than a budget heater.
If you have the budget for it, we can’t recommend this amazing heater enough. In any case, it is an extremely efficient heater, especially when you learn that it can detect an open window, which is almost certainly not a feature you are going to see in a £30 heater. Finally, the heater has a slew of features that would honestly just pad this section out more than necessary. As such, you can take a look at the pros below to see for yourself what sets this heater apart from the others.
Pros:
- Temperature from +5 to +30 °C in 0.5 increments
- Control unit with self-learning capability: automatic calculation of the preheat time in timer mode
- Open-window detection
- Efficient
- Controls with backlit LCD
- 7-day timer with 3 time programs
- Frost protection at 7 °C
- ON/OFF switch and overheating protection
- Locking wall bracket
Cons:
- Expensive compared to budget heaters
Convector Heater FAQs
Convector vs. other indoor heater types
It might be a bit confusing to ascertain the key differences between convector heaters and heaters such as oil-filled radiators. For one thing, convector heaters use an internal heating element, whereas oil-filled heaters have an element which heats up the fluid inside.
Oil-filled heaters will take longer to cool down after being turned off, which could be a positive aspect; however, convector heaters will typically heat up a room fast.
If you intend on heating your clothes over a heater, then you’ll need to use an oil-filled radiator, not an electric heater (as the latter can be a fire hazard). At the end of the day, both kinds of heaters have their own pros and cons. If you’d like to check out the best oil-filled radiators instead, we’ve taken the time to compile the best of those, too.
When to use your convector heater?
Convector heaters can be used any time of the (just as long as they aren’t obstructed by items or clothes). Like any other heater, try to limit your usage to save energy or money. If you’re leaving the house, you can use a timer to make sure your heater turns off and on according to whether or not you plan to be inside.
What are some safety concerns I should consider?
We’ve already mentioned some of the safety benefits of electric heaters (such as not having flammable fuel), but there is also no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning (which is a risk in faulty gas heaters). Something we’ve already touched on but is worth reiterating is making sure that you don’t put objects too close to the heater, including your body.
This is especially true for flammable objects, so please use common sense. Some convector heaters on this list have safety features such as overheat protection, but these features should only be considered as a last line of defence. Ensure you have a functioning smoke alarm and fire extinguisher on hand in case of a fire.
Conclusion
Convector heaters are a superb choice for heating rooms of varying sizes. Before making a purchase, we recommend reading user reviews and checking out the star rating to get a rough sense of what you can expect. Additionally, look for heaters that offer warranties of a year or more.
As always, make sure you do your homework, including factoring in operating costs. For example, a cheap heater might save you money in the short term, but an inefficient heater can eat through your savings and even cost you more in the long run than if you had bought a more expensive one in the first place.
Finally, safety is paramount. For best results, ensure that your heater has some kind of safety measures in place. Such safety measures include overheating protection, tip-over protection, and automatic cutoff.
Some other features that aren’t strictly safety precautions but will save you money include open-window detection and a timer. Frost protection is also a great way of keeping rooms from frosting over without punishing your power meter.