01.Introduction
Test results for 17 electric heaters from $29 to $395
An electric heater may not be the most efficient or cost-effective way to heat a room - especially when compared with a reverse-cycle air conditioner or gas heater. However, if you’re renting or don’t have a gas outlet, a convection or column heater can help take the chill out of a small living area or bedroom.
A heater with a fan is best for warming a small area such as a bedroom or study. The near-silent operation of a column heater also has its advantages. If you want the best of both worlds, some of the heaters tested operate with the fan on to reach optimum temperature and then allow you to turn the fan off and let the radiant element keep the room at a stable temperature. If portability is important, the convection models are significantly lighter than their column counterparts. We also included some radiant-and-convection models, as well as a ceramic fan heater, for comparison.
This test includes:
- Four newly-tested models (see below). We have more in testing, so watch this report for further updates later in June.
For more information on heaters, see our heating options buying guide. Or, for moreheating and cooling test reports go to Heating and Cooling.
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How we test
Our tester looked at:
- How long the heaters take to raise the room temperature by 5°C and 10°C, and how evenly the heat is distributed. Several heaters didn't manage a 10° temperature rise.
- Ease of use: including controls, stability, moving around, storing the power cord and cleaning.
- Our tester conducted electrical safety and surface temperature tests including those required by the Australian standard. We also include a towel test, in which a towel is draped over the heater while it's on full power. We check that the heater doesn't overheat and shuts down before it damages the towel or itself. This is a tough test that simulates what might happen if something is draped over the heater (deliberately or accidentally). While most heaters pass this test, always put your clothes on a rack nearby rather than put anything in direct contact with a heater.
Brands tested
- # Abode 11-fin 8126795
- # Abode 2000W 8126801
- Atlantic Artisan 519622
- DeLonghi HCS2552FTS (A)
- DeLonghi DL2401TF
- DeLonghi RAP2401T
- DeLonghi HS25F
- # Dimplex OFC2000TI
- Dimplex OFC2400TIF
- Dimplex OFRC24TIB
- Eurolux RC241
- # Kambrook KOH111
- Kambrook KPH200 (A)
- Omega Altise OPM24M
- Omega Altise AE2400
- Omega Altise OC2411
- Omega Altise OPM20E
# Newly tested model.
(A) Discontinued.
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