Homes

The best heaters to keep out that winter chill

Keep your family cosy all season long.
Getty

With winter in full swing, you may be on the hunt for the best heaters to keep your family warm all season long.

If that’s the case you have come to the right place as we are taking a look at the best options on the market to suit any occasion, budget and room in the house. As well as answering some of your burning questions on all things heating.

What is the most efficient heater to heat a room?

You can find out how strong your heater is by looking for the figure in kilowatts or watts to determine what heater to shop.

Obviously it depends on your needs to choose a heater. If you live somewhere particularly cold then you will likely want something that can pump out a bit more warmth, thus using a bit more energy.

Convection heaters that use oil or water are largely considered to be the most efficient heaters for homes. Convection heaters work by transferring heat onto cold air, which then rises and distributes throughout a room. Just ensure to keep windows and doors closed to avoid heat loss, which isn’t very efficient.

What type of heaters are most energy efficient?

Look out for that energy rating on the heater you are wanting to buy to gage it’s power usage first. Panel and column heaters are generally a great option to go for, or for bigger rooms gas heaters certainly fit the bill.

Ultimately, the most energy efficient way to heat your home depends on size, climate and needs.

Below are some tips to make the most out of your heaters while reducing energy waste.

  • Use your heater’s timer. Most modern heaters have the ability to turn on and off at pre-determined times which means you can prevent against them running all night long.

  • Take advantage of the heating from natural daylight when you can. Open blinds and curtains to allow the sun to heat the house for you.

  • Older appliances often have higher energy use. If you can, switch to a more modern appliance that uses less.

  • Keep doors and windows closed while the heater is running.

Winter has certainly dug its icy talons in this year, read on to find our top picks for the best heaters for the season.

(Getty)

Every heater is made equal, however, the hunt for a good heater has never been easier thank to the myriad of options on the market. as well as handy guides like this on how to find the heater that best suits your needs.

Read on to find our top picks of the best of the best when it comes to heaters. So grab yourself a good book and cup of tea, and shop one of these must-try heaters to curl up next to all winter long.

Best Cheap Heaters

For many of us, we don’t want to blow the bank in order to keep ourselves warm in winter.

Luckily, there are plenty of options for affordable heating systems that don’t skimp on quality or function, that can provide your home with a much needed air of warmth without burning a hole in your wallet.

Not only is it important to look at the price tag when it comes to affordability; consider things like electricity and power usage on the heater as well as the efficiency in which it heats up a room.

Our pick:

01

Kogan Premium Oil column heater

$79.99 at Kogan

This heater is under $100 but has all of the features and capabilities of a heater twice its price. Oil heaters in particular are a great option if you’re on a budget as they retain heat well and can turn off once they reach the desired temperature which is energy-efficient.

This heater has three power settings as well as a necessary safety switch in case of tipping, to reduce fire risks.

Key features:

  •  2.4kW of heating power
  • Oil heater
  • Tip over safety switch
  • 3 Power settings: low, medium, high

Best Oil Heaters

As we mentioned above, oil heaters are a great option for your home.

Not only are they energy-efficient and budget-friendly, they’re also silent which is great for light sleepers as well as being relatively portable to move throughout the house!

There are a huge range of oil heaters to choose from that come in a range of prices, styles and sizes, which means there are plenty of options to suit your needs.

Our pick:

02

DeLonghi 2400W Oil Column Heater with Timer

$219 at The Good Guys

Warm up any room of the house in just moments thanks to this speedy oil heater from DeLonghi.

This portable electric heater is powerful with 24000W output and three heat settings.

Key features:

  • 2400 Watt
  • 24-hour timer
  • Safety tip over switch

Best Electric Heaters

There are many benefits to electric heaters. They allow a controlled temperature throughout the house and are often super economical to run.

They are also, in some cases, safer than other forms of heating as they don’t retain heat or become as hot to the touch. Which makes them a great option for pet or kid-friendly homes.

Our pick:

03

Pursonic Portable electric tower heater

$69.95 (usually $189) at MYER

This chic and sleek black tower heater will compliment the décor of your home and slot in like a dream.

It can heat a space up to 30m2 and is easily portable throughout the house. It also features adjustable temperatures and overheating and power off protection. Not to mention it comes with a remote which means you don’t even have to leave the couch!

Key features:

  • Dimensions: 23cm x 23cm x 60cm
  • Weight: 1.6 kg
  • Touch Screen 
  • 120-degree rotatable range heating 

Best Heaters for Bedrooms

One of the places we want to feel our cosiest is the bedroom. And we want to do so without disturbing our sleep and waking us up throughout the night.

There are a lot of options to choose from when looking for a bedroom heater, but particularly convection and oil heaters are the ones to focus on for this occasion.

Our pick:

04

Noirot Spot Plus panel heater

 $489 at The Good Guys

Using the heating method of convection, this sleek panel heater will gently warm large bedrooms, leaving you toasty and comfortable all night long.

It’s also completely silent and a great option for allergy sufferers as it is electric. it’s built-in thermostat will also maintain the temperature of within 0.1 degree to prevent energy waste.

Key features:

  • Maximum 2000 watts
  • Wall mountable or portable
  • Lockable childproof settings

Best Portable Heaters

Are you after a little pocket rocket to take on the go and stay warm all winter?

Sometimes we don’t want to invest in a large heating system, but are after something that can provide some added warmth on extra cool days. Shopping an efficient portable heater can be a great alternative to large scale heaters, particularly if you live in a warmer climate that has occasionally cold days.

Our pick:

05

DeLonghi Capsule fan heater

$89.00 at Amazon

This handy little heater is not only adorable to keep in your room but the perfect size for transporting around with you.

It has two power settings and digital control to suit your needs, as well as using ceramic technology to self-regulate its heat.

Key features:

  • Digital control
  • Two power settings
  • Portable 

Best Outdoor Heaters

Want to enjoy your outdoor space year round but don’t want to be left blue and shivering? Shop a subtle outdoor heater that will warm you up and keep the space looking sleek.

Our pick:

06

Lennoxx Free standing adjustable outdoor heater

$104.95 (usually $119.95) at MYER

This standing heater is super powerful but thanks to the radiant heat you won’t worry about toxic gases, static and that awful drying sensation. Place this next to your outdoor table for an alfresco dinner and completely forget about the weather.

Key features:

  •  IPX4 water-resistant and splash-proof rating
  • Height between 170 to 210 centimetres. 
  • Pull chain to turn the heater on and off

Related stories