Halogen Heater: The Best Heaters On the Market in 2023 (Reviews)
Sick of the cold and shopping around for a halogen heater? Allow us to help you make that search a little easier, with reviews for the 6 best halogen heaters in the UK. Further down the page, you’ll also find a useful FAQ to help you determine which factors and details are most important to your situation and budget.
A halogen heater is efficient, versatile, and compact — in other words, perfect for occasional use during frigid winter months, when you need an extra burst of warmth to get you by. The market is flooded with them, too, so picking out a decent model isn’t simple.
And that’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best halogen heaters in the UK. Hopefully, our 6 top picks will give you enough options to make an informed decision before you buy.
Is a Halogen Heater Any Good?
Halogen heaters heat whatever you point them at — so they’re a great option if you need direct heat to keep yourself, your family, or your guests warm. On the other hand, they’re not ideal for warming up an entire room.
Intriguingly, halogen room heaters often triumph where other space heaters fail. For instance, most other space heater types are awkwardly large, or even unsafe. Take gas heaters — they’re usually quite cumbersome and unsafe to operate indoors. If they’ve got a fault, they could easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning, too.
Electric heaters, including halogen heaters, do not carry such a risk.
With some exceptions, most halogen heaters aren’t conventionally attractive home furnishings. However, judging a heater by its looks is about as useful as judging a book by its cover, so for this list we’ll focus on things that matter — efficiency and value.
Of course, we’ll also consider features and safety mechanisms, so you’ll have all the information you need before you buy your halogen heater.
Best Halogen Heaters (Reviews)
Based on our extensive research and reviews from customers, these are the best halogen heater options on the market right now:
1. Warmlite WL42005N Three Bar Halogen Heater
What really sets the Warmlite WL42005N halogen heater apart from the others is its safety and value for money. It even looks nice, which is saying a lot for a space heater, especially one with such a modest price point. It also comes with an easy method for bulb replacement (should this become necessary at some stage in the future).
For your convenience, this appliance has 3 heat settings: 400 W, 800 W, and 1,200 W. The power in this halogen heater is not extraordinary, but sufficient — 1.2 kW should do the trick for most (as long as you’re not trying to heat up an entire room).
What makes this heater safe? Most space heaters get a bad rap for their tendency to fall over. This won’t be an issue with the Warmlite, however, as it’s built with a stable, topple-resistant base.
What’s more, this halogen heater features a safety tip-over switch and thermal cutoff mechanism, so you and your family can get cosy by the heat without worrying about accidents.
As for warranty — Warmlite offers a guarantee of 1 year, and you can extend it up to 2 years if you register the product online.
Who Should Buy This?
Consider getting Warmlite’s halogen heater if you prefer its portability and direct, efficient heating over a high-capacity heater that would serve a large space.
Pros:
- Good value
- Reliable
- Portable
- Guarantee of 1 year; can be extended to 2 years if registered online
- 3 heat modes available: 400 W, 800 W, and 1,200 W
- Stable base to minimise the risk of accidental toppling
- Excellent safety features
Cons:
- Relatively low power output
2. Fine Elements Oscillating Halogen Heater 1,200 W
The Fine Elements Oscillating Halogen Heater is efficient and economical. Like most freestanding halogen heaters, this one has an oscillation feature and 3 heat modes. Conveniently, it also ships with an extra cut-out fuse in case you blow the first one.
But what about the lifespan of the tubes? Fine Elements estimates that you’ll get around 8,000 hours out of your halogen tubes. That’s like running your heater for 11 hours every day for 2 years (which you probably wouldn’t). Not too shabby.
Fine Elements has perfected the art of making low-priced heaters. Now, the word ‘cheap’ has a lot of baggage as it implies corner-cutting or inferior build quality. But luckily, this halogen heater is built from quality materials, and the design is both pleasing to the eye and functional.
It’s also incredibly portable, and provides excellent heat output given the price tag. It can be used in a conservatory, or just in the living room or bedroom on a chilly winter day.
Fine Elements didn’t cut any safety corners, either. While this unit has a very stable base, it’s also got a cut-off switch to avert accidents if it’s somehow knocked over.
Who Should Buy This?
If you’re looking for the perfect balance between instant heat, durability, and budget — look no further, the Fine Elements Oscillating Halogen Heater is a great choice. Keep in mind, thought, that at only 1,200W, this space heater is meant to provide direct heat to you, not warm up an entire room.
Pros:
- Cheap, great value
- Portable
- Instant heat
- Stable base
- Cut-out fuse (for extra safety)
- Incredibly long tube life
- 3 heat modes: 400 W, 800 W, and 1,200W
Cons:
- Relatively low power output
3. belaco New and Upgraded Halogen Electric Heater
The belaco is yet another 1,200W halogen heater, with 3 customary heat settings: 400 W, 800 W, and 1,200 W.
Unlike most of our picks here, this model from belaco looks, well, nice. In fact, it’s arguably the most palatable halogen heater on this list in terms of appearance.
However, looks don’t warm up our toes when things get chilly in late December. So while its cream colour and subtle curves are pleasing to the eye, the gentle fireplace-style glow is this heater’s true shining point. Compared to the older belaco model, this one has improvements across the board, particularly in its ability to heat evenly and quickly.
The construction is also robust and will stand the test of time. We’re not exactly sure, but it’s quite possible there was an upgrade in terms of the material quality from the older model. In any case, we’re really thrilled with this offering from belaco.
Who Should Buy This?
Considering all of its advantages, you really can’t go wrong with belaco’s halogen heater.
However, it’s our due diligence to tell you that there is no mention of a guarantee. And whilst the 4.5-star rating is a trustworthy indicator of quality, there seems to be no way of getting replacement bulbs for this model, either.
However, at this price point (and at the risk of sounding a little wasteful), one can always buy a replacement heater.
Pros:
- Pretty design
- Stable base
- Portable, easy to move around the home
- Has the charming glow of a fireplace
- Has received upgrades from the previous edition
- 3 heat modes: 400 W, 800 W, and 1,200 W
- Safety features that include automatic cut-off and tip-over protection
Cons:
- No replacement tubes available
- No mention of a guarantee
- Relatively low heat output
4. Igenix IG9509 Portable Upright Halogen Heater
I get some seriously retro vibes from Igenix IG9509 Portable Upright Halogen Heater.
I’m not really sure what it is; perhaps it’s the mesh grill or the horizontal halogen bars? Or maybe, it’s those old-school red switches on the cream-white casing, so elegantly supported by a single base foot…
In any case, it’s probably a combination of these traits, and I have to say I appreciate this halogen heater’s aesthetic. I’m a sucker for retro, and this baby harkens back to a simpler time.
Power-wise, this heater unit only has 2 settings, 400 W and 800 W. The latter should be sufficient for most people, but good luck trying to keep more than a single person warm with this thing, let alone a larger room in your home.
Then again, portable halogen heaters are typically “personal heaters”, so it ins’t fair to belabour this point too extensively.
This halogen heater has a wide-angle heat reflector and safety features such as an automatic cut-out and tip-over switch. If you’re looking for something portable, Igenix has you sorted.
Weighing in at just 1.2 kg, the IG9509 is easy to move about from room to room.
Who Should Buy This?
As we already mentioned above, this heater is only 800 W, so keep this lower-than-normal power setting in mind.
However, don’t go discounting this heater on wattage alone. The efficiency here is excellent, which should be great news to people looking to cut down on power wastage – whether for environmental or economic reasons. Its light weight, portability, and safety features are all strong benefits, too.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Excellent safety features
- Portability
- Energy efficiency
Cons
- Relatively low heat output
5. Blumfeldt Rising Sun Mono Infrared Radiant Heater
Breaking the mould a bit here on our list of the best halogen heaters, we present the Rising Sun Mono from Blumfeldt — a hanging heater. Featuring famous German engineering, this model from Blumfeldt is a highly durable, outdoor infrared heater capable of withstanding the elements with aplomb.
The Rising Sun Mono is highly flexible in how you can deploy it, thanks to its sturdy, extendable base. Whether you’re in need of heat for your garage, conservatory, patio, or garden, you’re pretty much good to go out of the box. It weighs just 7kg in total, and is easy to position — but hard to knockdown.
In terms of heating, you’ll find the 2500W halogen heating element positively belches heat. It is made all the more efficient and effective thanks to a stainless steel reflector. The latter enables you to focus all that energy on warming a specific area rather than dispersing it wastefully into the air.
Who Should Buy This?
If you’re looking for an outdoor patio heater with great coverage, Blumfeldt’s Rising Sun Mono is hard to beat. This halogen heater warms up quickly and offers a powerful — but gentle — heat, much like what you feel on a warm sunny day. We also love the cosy aesthetic cast by the inviting glow of the heating element–sure to liven up any gathering.
Pros:
- Super-powerful 2500W heating element
- Durable IP34 construction perfect for outdoor usage
- Lightweight and easy to set up and move
- Adjustable height and directional heating
Cons:
- Power cord is just too short, and doesn’t reach the ground at full extension
- No warranty, though Blumfeldt will replace units that arrive broken
6. Beldray EH0197 Halogen Heater
Wrapping up our list is a halogen heater from Beldray — a no-frills, straightforward, portable heater, with a decent output that’s easy to underestimate given the modest price tag. This handy halogen heater is a testament to Beldray’s 150-year history of producing quality home appliances, with close to 800 favourable reviews on Argos (where it’s a best seller).
The Beldray EH0197 Halogen Heater offers 3 heat settings — 400W, 800W, and 1,200W. Thanks to its wide-angle oscillation function, you can use this halogen heater to spread warmth throughout an entire room. According to Beldray, this heater is an optimal solution for spaces with good insulation, but lacks the power to heat up a garage or utility room.
That said, you can use Beldray’s halogen heater for that extra burst of heat just about anywhere — just select the highest setting, turn off oscillation, and position the device nearby, thus focusing the radiant heat on yourself.
Thanks to its recessed carry handle and relatively light weight, you can easily move this halogen heater around anywhere you go (just not outdoors, where it could be exposed to moisture).
What makes this heater safe? For safety, Beldray’s halogen heater is equipped with overheat protection and a tip-over safety device. Both features are the industry standard for these types of heaters.
Keep in mind, though, that this device doesn’t have a thermostat. This means you’ll have to play around with the heat setting before getting to the optimal output temperature.
If the halogen bulbs become damaged or worn out, you can easily order the replacement from Beldray. Just make sure you get a licensed electrician to perform the switch for you.
Who Should Buy This?
If you’re looking for a low-cost, portable halogen heater to use in a living space, Beldray’s halogen heater is a fantastic option. On the other hand, it’s not ideal for poorly insulated rooms, like garages, sheds, or utility rooms. Like most portable heaters, this model is meant to be an occasional heating solution, not a permanent one. If this halogen heater is out of stock on Amazon, you can easily purchase it online from Argos.
Pros:
- Low price
- Sufficient heat output, with 3 settings from which to choose
- Wide-angle oscillation feature
- Light weight (2.2kg), compact build, and a carry handle for easy portability
- Industry-standard safety features
Cons:
- No thermostat
- No remote control
- Unsuitable for poorly insulated spaces
Halogen Heater FAQs
When should I use my halogen heater?
Halogen heaters serve as effective personal heaters, as their warmth is direct, efficient, and instant. That said, we’d urge you to only run your heater when you can monitor it.
While these space heaters have safety mechanisms built-in, not every safety measure is 100% perfect.
Another thing to keep in mind is the heat setting. All of the halogen heaters on this list have heat modes that facilitate heating at different wattages. So, if circumstances allow, try to dial bak the heat whenever possible — this will save you money.
Crucially, note that halogen heaters can’t heat up an entire room the way other heaters do. Their infrared heat is instant, and warms anything you aim it at; however, it’s not suitable for heating up the surrounding air. So, unless you fancy heating up your wall, turning on a halogen heater before you enter the room is a waste of energy.
Are halogen heaters cheap to run?
It depends on the heater’s power and the unit rate your electricity supplier charges you. Luckily, the calculation is pretty straightforward:
Heater’s Output (kW) x Unit Rate (p) = Hourly Cost to Run Your Heater
So, for example, if your electric unit rate is 15p/kWh, here’s how much you’ll pay to run a 1,200W halogen heater at its highest setting:
1.2kW x 15p = 18p/h
In the example above, it’ll cost you 18p to operate a 1,200W halogen heater at its maximum capacity. You can perform the same calculation with your own unit rates and heat settings to estimate how much your halogen heater will add to your electric bill.
How do halogen heaters compare to other space heaters?
Halogen heaters differ from other types of space heaters because they give off highly efficient, near-infrared heat. This type of radiant heat is grand for heating what’s immediately in front of it — like yourself, your guests, your dog, you name it. However, it’s less great at warming up the air and making noticeable changes to your ambient room temperature. This more the domain of oil filled radiators, which heat up slow and omnidirectional, but are poor at quickly staving off frosty fingers like a halogen room heater.
In contrast, most other heaters actually release warmth into the surrounding air. So, if you’ve got an oil filled radiator running for a while, eventually your room will become warmer. But you’ll have to bundle up while this warmth builds up — it’s definitely not instantaneous.
The takeaway is this: If you want to get instant heat at a specific spot (your dinner table, armchair, sofa, etc), and you don’t care whether the entire room gets warm, halogen heaters are the way to go. This is what makes them so efficient — they don’t waste energy on empty corners of your room.
Where should I use my halogen heater?
Bedrooms, living rooms, and conservatories are all really popular spots for halogen heaters. So are sheds or garages, provided that the heater is powerful enough (like the Blumfeldt Rising Sun Mono).
However, if you intend to heat an entire room instead of just a small area, I’ll urge you to look into getting a large radiator, or a gas patio heater instead of a halogen heater.
Regardless of where you plan to use your halogen heater, inside the home or in a garage, we recommend you read the manufacturer’s manual before use.
What are some safety concerns I should consider?
Remember — no technology is foolproof. Accidents can happen, so ensuring you have a fire plan is always a good idea. (For your general health, you should have a fire plan ready regardless of whether you own a heater, but it’s particularly important if you use space heaters.)
One other frequently overlooked risk for heaters is water damage. Some of the larger heaters boast water resistance; the halogen heaters on this list do not. As such, please be careful when holding or transporting liquids around your halogen heater–moreover, they don’t make good outdoor heaters in anything other than bone-dry weather. Spilling water on your heater or electrical component can cause short circuits and injury.
RELATED READING: Best Electric Patio Heaters
Conclusion: Halogen Heaters UK
Halogen heaters are the perfect personal heater for your home — they’re affordable, safe, portable, and perfectly tailored for personal use. They are easy to collect from storage when needed, and are quick to store away after the cold weather passes.
However, if you’re looking to keep a whole room warm, please consider taking a look around our website for other kinds of heaters, as opposed to choosing a halogen one.
Additionally, make sure you read the halogen heater manual, understand the various settings, and check with the manufacturer if you have any concerns.
Finally, make sure you’re aware of how to operate your heater with the most efficiency. The best way of doing this is to determine optimal placement (that doesn’t come too close to objects or people) and to test the different heat settings offered. Another trick is to try different wattage settings to see which output is best for your given situation.
Is there anything we missed? Have you used a halogen heater in the past? Contact us in the comments below to share your experience or ask any questions.
I have had countless of such halogen heaters – various brands. If they actually work on day 1, they will certainly fail within 1 year…. 1 bulb/bar always stops working around 1 year – and the other 2 bars will continue to work for a few years. That is assuming the unit powers on at all after 1 year. My latest one cannot be switched off anymore… Previous one randomly made sounds while plugged in but turned off (potential fire hazard). I have 2 other units here where 1x bar failed just after 1 year. Another unit on day 1 had a blue flame come out around the power switch the first time i turned it on. Some other ones come out of the box with their stand so badly bent that they dont turn on because the safety switch is raised too far off the ground – all the units in the shop had the same issue…
I have used Halogen 3 bar heaters (Made by Silvercrest) regularly. Last ones I got from Lidl with a 3 year warranty. They suit me perfectly as I can use them in the day and offset the solar panel (PV) generation especially when we have a bit of sun. However, agree with Colin, these tend to only last about a year or so. The Halogen bulbs tend to blow. Its a shame that the bulbs are not easy to replace. I have had to claim on the 3 year warranty already.