In this guide, we’ll help you discover the answers to the three most important questions before buying an electric radiator:
- What type of electric radiator is right for your home?
- What size (wattage) electric radiator do you need?
- Which controls and smart features are worth choosing?
In addition to this, we’ll explain which electric radiators work best in different rooms, what to expect during the installation process, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about electric heating. Essentially, we’ll deliver all the key information you need to select an electric radiator with confidence.
Which electric radiator should I buy?
Electric radiators have grown to become one of the most popular heating solutions for UK homes. No matter if you’re looking to replace an outdated storage heater, seeking a heating device for a loft or garage conversion, heating up a garden room or office space, or simply weighing up an alternative to central heating, there’s a huge variety of choice where electric radiators are concerned.
Whilst that’s great for homeowners, the wealth of options can make choosing the right electric radiator feel a touch overwhelming. From ceramic core to dry thermal styles, designer electric radiators, smart thermostats and WiFi compatibility, there’s lots to think about to find the perfect fit for your home.
But fear not, because selecting the ideal electric radiator is much simpler than it might first appear. Once you understand the nuances between different electric radiator types, how much heat your room requires and which control features are most important to you, zoning in on the best electric radiator model becomes a much simpler task.
What is an electric radiator?
An electric radiator is a fixed heating device that is connected directly to your household’s electrical supply as opposed to a central heating system. As it doesn’t require a boiler or pipework, each electric radiator operates independently, allowing you to heat up individual rooms as and when required.
In contrast to portable electric heaters or convector heaters that are typically designed for use as temporary heating solutions, electric radiators are made for permanent installation and a long-lasting, durable performance. Most electric radiator designs are wall mounted, though optional feet can be fitted to some models for enhanced flexibility.
Modern electric radiators encompass a plethora of sizes, styles and finishes, from slimline contemporary profiles to classic column radiator designs. Several also incorporate digital thermostats, WiFi connectivity and programmable timers, affording homeowners better control over how and when their heating works for a more efficient and cost-effective performance at the point of use.
Electric radiators are especially well suited to properties without a gas central heating supply, as well as the likes of garage and loft conversions, extensions, home offices, garden rooms, and spaces where extending an existing heating system would be particularly disruptive and expensive.
What types of electric radiator are there?
One of the greatest misconceptions around electric heating is that all electric radiators work in the exact same way.
There are several different types of electric radiator, all designed with a range of different heating characteristics in mind. Instead of asking “what is the best type of electric radiator” so broadly, it is more useful to consider which type will best suit the room you are heating up and how you plan to use it.
BestHeating’s own electric radiator collection splits our choice into three main categories with regards to how they operate. We offer designer electric radiators, ceramic core radiators and dry thermal electric radiators, each boasting their own unique strengths and advantages depending on their application.
Dry thermal electric radiators
Dry thermal electric radiators incorporate an internal heating element and an aluminium construction to provide a responsive, controllable heat output.
Due to aluminium’s properties as an excellent heat conductor, this type of radiator is quick to heat up, and reacts rapidly when the thermostat signals for an increase or reduction in heat. As such, dry thermal radiators are especially well suited to rooms that aren’t occupied all day, where you quickly want to reach a comfortable warmth without waiting for the radiator to heat up fully.
Additionally, dry thermal electric radiators tend to embody a slim and lightweight profile, which makes them a popular pick for modern properties where wall space is limited.
Best suited to:
- Home offices
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
- Kitchens
- Occasional-use rooms
- Modern apartments
Ceramic core electric radiators
The clue is in the title with ceramic core electric radiators. These radiators contain a dense ceramic heating core element which absorbs heat before releasing it on a gradual basis into the room.
Whilst they typically take slightly longer to reach their optimal temperature than other electric counterparts, they do provide a steady and consistent level of warmth that is especially well suited to rooms that are occupied for longer periods of time.
This controlled level of heat release marks ceramic core radiators as a first-rate choice for spaces where the maintenance of a comfortable temperature throughout the day is favoured over rapid heat-up times.
Best suited to:
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Larger bedrooms
- Open-plan living spaces
- Frequently occupied rooms
Designer electric radiators (glycol)
Designer electric radiators combine stylish radiator aesthetics with electric heating technology via the use of glycol – a sealed thermal fluid – inside the radiator.
As this internal fluid is heated, warmth is evenly distributed across the radiator before heat is gradually released as the thermostat cycles off and on. The result is the delivery of a comfortable and consistent heating experience through the same impressive contemporary designs that populate our designer radiator ranges.
Available in horizontal, vertical and column designs, designer electric radiators are an ideal option for those who don’t want to compromise on eye-catching looks when switching to electric heating.
Best suited to:
- Living rooms
- Hallways
- Kitchens
- Open-plan spaces
- Interior-led renovation projects
- Homes where radiator design is just as important as performance
Which type of electric radiator is right for you?
Each type of electric heating technology has its own benefits. So, rather than thinking about which technology is “better”, it’s worth considering how you use the room you’re heating, and which type is best suited to it.
|
Electric radiator type |
How it heats |
Best for |
|
Dry thermal |
Fast heat-up and quick response to thermostat changes |
Bedrooms, home offices, kitchens, occasional-use rooms |
|
Ceramic core |
Gradual, steady heat release |
Living rooms, larger spaces and rooms occupied for longer periods |
|
Designer electric (glycol thermal fluid) |
Even, consistent warmth in stylish designer radiators |
Design-led interiors, renovations and feature spaces |
The best electric radiator for your needs isn’t necessarily the one that utilises the newest heating technology. it’s the one that’s best suited to your room, your heating habits and the way you use your home.
There's no single 'best' electric radiator for every homeowner. The right choice depends on how the room is used. Someone heating a home office for a few hours a day may benefit from a different solution than someone heating a busy family living room throughout the evening. Matching the radiator to the way you live is always the most important consideration.
How to make real-world BTU adjustments
One of the key advantages of electric radiators is the amount of control they provide the user. As each electric radiator works independently, you can choose exactly when and where heat is required as opposed to heating the whole home at once, and wasting costly unnecessary energy.
Most modern electric radiators feature in-built digital controls that make it simple to alter temperatures, create tailored heating schedules and manage your heating around your daily lifestyle and routine.
Features and capabilities will vary between electric radiator models, but some of the most common functions include:
- Digital thermostats
- 24/7 and weekly programmers
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Child lock functions
- Open-window detection
- WiFi connectivity
- Smartphone app control
- Smart home compatibility on selected models
Digital thermostats
A built-in digital thermostat enables an electric radiator to set and maintain your chosen room temperature automatically.
Instead of continuously producing heat, the radiator monitors the room temperature and adjusts how it is operating accordingly to help maintain a comfortable environment.
This provides homeowners with an enhanced level of control over their home heating whilst simultaneously reducing the need for regular manual alterations.
Programmable timers
Several electric radiator models have the functionality to create daily or weekly programming schedules.
Heating plans can be curated to work around your lifestyle and routine, whether that be by warming up your home office before you begin work, heating up the living room ready for the evening, or lowering heating levels overnight.
Rather than remembering to switch radiators on and off each day, you can easily create a heating programme that fits around how each room is used.
WiFi and smart controls
Many modern electric radiators can also connect to your home’s WiFi network.
Through a compatible smartphone or tablet device app, you can make temperature changes, adjust schedules and control your heating remotely, whether you’re relaxing on the settee or on the way back from the pub.
Some designs can also integrate alongside popular smart home systems such as Google Home and Alexa, allowing heating voice control through compatible devices.
For the homeowner that wants enhanced flexibility, WiFi-enabled electric radiators deliver convenient room-by-room heating management from virtually anywhere.
Open-window detection
Open-window detection functionality is another feature that is growing in presence and popularity within electric radiators.
If the radiator detects a sudden drop in room temperature, potentially from an open window or external door, it temporarily pauses heating before returning to normal operation as temperatures stabilise.
One of the more practical electric radiator capabilities, it helps to avoid unnecessary heating whilst a room is being ventilated.
Which smart heating controls do you need?
Although all premium smart heating features are appealing in their own way, the right controls for you will depend on how you use the room.
|
If you want to… |
Look for… |
|
Set heating times each day |
Built-in programmer |
|
Maintain a comfortable room temperature |
Digital thermostat |
|
Control heating remotely |
WiFi connectivity |
|
Integrate with smart home devices |
Smart home compatibility |
|
Heat individual rooms independently |
Individual room controls |
A programmable thermostat is generally viewed as the key smart feature with regards to electric radiators, and for many homeowners, will provide everything they need. That said, if remote control and flexibility are priorities, WiFi-enabled models are well worth considering.
Which size electric radiator do I need?
Selecting the right size electric radiator is equally as important as choosing the right type.
A radiator that is too small could struggle to provide a comfortable level of warmth, whilst opting for a significantly larger model than needed is impractical and can lead to unnecessary energy expenditure.
Unlike central heating radiators, which measure their output in BTUs (British Thermal Units), electric radiators are generally sized based on their wattage (W).
The amount of heat your room requires is dependent on many factors, including:
- Room dimensions
- Ceiling height
- Insulation levels
- Number of external walls
- Window size and glazing
- The room’s intended use
For instance, a well-insulated home office is likely to require a lower wattage electric radiator than would be needed for an older conservatory of the same size.
Electric radiator wattage guide
As a general reference point, plenty of modern homes require approximately 60-100 watts per square metre to adequately heat the space, depending on insulation levels and the room’s characteristics.
The table below offers some rough guidance around approximate wattage requirements in line with typical room sizes.
|
Room size |
Approximate wattage guide* |
|
Small room (up to 8m²) |
500-800W |
|
Medium room (8-12m²) |
800-1,200W |
|
Large room (12-18m²) |
1,200-1,800W |
|
Extra-large room (18m²+) |
1,800W+ |
*The figures quoted are intended for use as a starting guidance point only. Actual heating requirements will vary depending on the property.
Use our BTU Calculator for an accurate recommendation
Rather than relying on general estimates, the BestHeating BTU Calculator is heartily (or heatily?) suggested as an excellent resource to accurately calculate the right heat output for your specific room.
Simply enter your room dimensions along with other details such as window sizes and insulation levels, and the calculator will recommend an appropriate level of required heat output. From there, you can identify an electric radiator with an adequate wattage to meet your heating requirements.
Common electric radiator sizing mistakes to avoid
When weighing up which size electric radiator to invest in, it’s worth noting a few common pitfalls to avoid:
- Choosing based on looks alone rather than heat output.
- Assuming all rooms of the same size require the same wattage.
- Forgetting that older properties may need more heat than modern, well-insulated homes.
- Not considering ceiling height in rooms with vaulted ceilings or open-plan layouts.
- Ignoring how often, or little, the room is used throughout a typical day.
Taking the time to size your radiator correctly can make all the difference to long-term comfort and performance, and ultimately making the right electric radiator decision.
Choosing the best electric radiators by room
What the best electric radiator might be for a living room could greatly differ to the best electric radiator for a bathroom, for example. Different rooms are obviously used in different ways and have their own unique heating requirements, so it is well worth matching your radiator to the space you’re heating.
Electric radiators for the living room
Living rooms are generally occupied for longer periods than others in the home, making designer electric radiators and ceramic core heaters a popular choice due to their delivery of steady, consistent warmth.
Larger areas could also benefit from higher-output models or the addition of multiple electric radiators, dependent on the layout of the room.
Electric radiators for the bedroom
Bedrooms are often well matched with dry thermal electric radiators on account of their quick response when heat is needed, and programmable controls to suit your daily routine.
Furthermore, quiet operation and accurate temperature control are well sought after in sleeping areas.
Electric radiators for the bathroom
Electric heated towel rails and bathroom-safe electric radiators offer dual functionality, delivering practical warmth whilst helping to keep towels dry.
When deciding on an electric radiator for a bathroom, it’s essential to ensure the product is suitable for the intended installation area and compliant with the relevant electrical safety requirements.
Electric radiators for the home office
Not that one. For a home office space used regularly during working hours, dry thermal radiators provide responsive heat that can quickly ramp the room up to a comfortable temperature before the working day even starts.
WiFi controls and programmable timers also make it much easier to create heating schedules around your working hours.
Electric radiators for the hallway
Hallway heating often presents a conundrum for homeowners, with the space usually heated for shorter periods and often incorporating limited wall space.
Slim vertical electric radiators represent an effective heating option for a hallway, without taking up much valuable room.
Electric radiators for the conservatory or garden room
With gardens rooms and conservatories typically experiencing greater fluctuations in temperature throughout the year, selecting the correct wattage is especially important.
Electric radiators with a higher wattage could be required dependent on insulation, glazing and room size.
Electric radiators for flats and home extensions
Electric radiators are often an ideal solution for scenarios where extending an existing central heating system isn’t practical.
If you’re heating a fresh home extension, loft conversion or flat, electric radiators can deliver reliable independent room-by-room heating without the need for additional pipework.
Which electric radiator suits each room?
The table below displays broad guidelines as to which electric radiators are best suited to each type of room.
|
Room |
Recommended radiator type |
|
Living room |
Ceramic core or designer electric |
|
Bedroom |
Dry thermal |
|
Bathroom |
Electric towel rail or bathroom-safe electric radiator |
|
Home office |
Dry thermal |
|
Hallway |
Slim vertical electric radiator |
|
Conservatory |
Higher-output electric radiator (correctly sized) |
|
Extension or loft |
Dry thermal or designer electric, depending on room use |
Of course, these are general guidelines, and you should make your electric radiator choice based on several aforementioned factors.
How do I install an electric radiator?
Electric radiators have grown in popularity and prominence for a variety of reasons over the past few years. One of them that cannot be discounted is their straightforward installation process in comparison with extending a wet central heating system.
As they don’t connect to your home pipework, there’s no need for invasive plumbing work or draining down a heating system to accommodate electric radiators.
Most electric radiator models come supplied complete with wall brackets and installation fixings, so they can be easily securely mounted to a suitable wall. Many designs can also be fitted with optional radiator feet if a freestanding electric radiator solution is the preference.
Some electric radiators are designed to plug directly into a standard mains socket, whilst others are intended for hardwiring into a fused spur.
If you do choose an electric radiator that requires hardwiring, or you’re not sure about the electrical installation process, it’s always recommended to use a qualified electrician. This point is yet more imperative when fitting electric radiators or heated towel rails in bathrooms, where additional electrical safety regulations apply.
No matter which installation method you choose, following the manufacturer’s instructions will help guarantee your radiator operates safely and works as intended.
There are a few common mistakes to avoid with BTUs and radiator sizing. The following are some of the most frequently seen mishaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric radiators expensive to run?
The running cost of an electric radiator depends on several factors, including its wattage, how long it is used for, your electricity tariff and how well your home retains heat, in line with insulation levels etc. Modern electric radiators often feature programmable controls and smart thermostats that enable you to heat rooms only when required. Rather than focusing solely on running costs, it’s important to select the correct size radiator and use the available controls effectively.
Do electric radiators retain heat after they're switched off?
This will depend on the type of electric radiator you choose. Dry thermal radiators respond quickly to temperature adjustments, while ceramic core and thermal fluid (glycol) radiators continue to gradually release warmth after the heating element cycles off. Each technology provides its own benefits depending on how the room is used.
Can electric radiators heat an entire house?
Yes, electric radiators can be used to heat an entire property, especially in homes without access to mains gas, or for instances where installing central heating isn’t practical. As each radiator operates independently, you can create different heating schedules for individual rooms. Choosing the correct wattage for each space is vital to ensure a comfortable level of heating throughout the whole home.
Are electric radiators suitable for bathrooms?
Electric radiators can be used in bathrooms, but it’s important to choose a model that is specifically designed for bathroom installation. Electric heated towel rails and bathroom-safe electric radiators must be installed in accordance with the appropriate electrical safety regulations and suitable bathroom zones. If you’re unsure, always seek advice from a qualified electrician prior to installation.
Are electric radiators better than central heating radiators?
Neither electric or central heating radiators are inherently better than the other; they each provide unique advantages and simply suit different homes and requirements. Electric radiators offer a simple installation process, independent room-by-room control and don’t require a boiler or pipework, while central heating remains a popular choice for heating multiple rooms from a single system. The right option will depend on your property layout, budget and heating requirements.
Can I replace storage heaters with electric radiators?
Yes. Many homeowners opt for modern electric radiators when replacing older storage heaters, particularly during renovation projects or home upgrades. Contemporary electric radiator models offer an impressive choice of styles, improved control options and greater flexibility, allowing you to heat individual rooms according to your daily routine.
What's the difference between an electric radiator and an electric heater?
Whilst the terms can sometimes be used interchangeably, electric radiators and electric heaters are designed for different purposes. Electric radiators are fixed heating appliances intended for permanent installation, while portable electric heaters are generally designed for temporary or occasional use as an extra heat source. Electric radiators also tend to offer more advanced controls, improved styling options and greater suitability for everyday room heating.
Choosing the right electric radiator with BestHeating
Identifying the right electric radiator doesn’t have to be a complicated process.
Once you’ve narrowed your options down to the type of radiator that is best suited to your home, worked out the correct wattage and decided which smart control features are essential for your everyday use, the decision becomes greatly simplified.
No matter if you’re heating a home office space, replacing outdated storage heaters or populating an ultra-contemporary open plan living space, there’s an electric radiator to suit practically any property and lifestyle.
BestHeating’s electric heating collection spans everything from responsive dry thermal electric radiators and ceramic core models to electric designer radiators and smart WiFi-controlled heating solutions. Whatever the project, BestHeating offers a stylish, premium quality electric radiator solution to enhance any home for now and years to come.
Shop our electric radiator range online today, and be sure to let us know about your electric heating upgrades via Instagram, Facebook or X.
John is a Research Specialist for the Best Heating Advice Centre, where for over nine years he has dedicated himself to demystifying home heating for our customers. He specialises in creating clear, data-driven guides and how-to articles by collaborating directly with our team of certified heating experts and product engineers.
His work, built on a foundation of journalistic research, has helped millions of readers make confident and informed decisions about their home heating. When he’s not breaking down the heat output differentials from radiators to heated towel rails, John fancies himself as a fine football and music connoisseur.
