Choosing the right electric heater depends on more than just picking the highest wattage. The best option depends on the size of the space, how quickly you need heat, whether the room is insulated, how often the heater will be used and whether you need a domestic, workshop or industrial solution.
For some customers, a compact plug in heater is enough to warm a bedroom, office or small living space. For others, a rugged workshop heater or high output industrial heater is the better choice. There are also heating and cooling systems that use heat pump technology if you want year round comfort from one fitted system.
This electric heater buyer’s guide explains the main types of heater, where each one works best, how to think about wattage and room size, and which CoolEasy heater range to choose for your space.
You can also browse our portable heating units, view all heaters for home and industrial use, or compare larger options in our industrial portable heater range.
What Is An Electric Heater?
An electric heater is a heating product that uses electricity to generate warmth. Some heaters provide direct heat into the room using a fan, heating element or radiant heat source. Others, such as air conditioning heat pumps, use electricity to move heat from one place to another.
Most portable electric heaters are designed for quick, targeted warmth. They are useful when you want to heat one room, a specific work area, a garage, a workshop or a temporary space without relying on the main heating system.
Electric heaters are popular because they are easy to use, quick to position and available in a wide range of sizes, from compact 1.5kW personal heaters to powerful 30kW industrial heaters.
Which Type Of Electric Heater Is Right For You?
The right electric heater depends on where you want to use it.
| Space | Best Heater Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | Small portable heater | Compact, easy to move and suitable for occasional top up warmth |
| Home office | 1.5kW to 2kW portable heater | Good for targeted heating while you work |
| Living room | 2kW portable heater or fitted heating and cooling system | Useful for extra warmth in occupied spaces |
| Garage | Workshop heater | More rugged and better suited to colder, less insulated spaces |
| Workshop | 3kW to 5kW electric fan heater | Stronger airflow and faster warmth for work areas |
| Warehouse or industrial unit | 9kW plus industrial heater | High output heating for large spaces |
| Large commercial space | Three phase portable heater | Powerful heating for demanding environments with the correct supply |
| Year round comfort | Heating and cooling air conditioning system | Cools in summer and heats in winter from one fitted system |
If you only need short term warmth in one room, start with a portable electric heater. If you need to heat a garage, workshop or warehouse, choose a more powerful industrial style heater. If you want a permanent all season system, consider a fitted heating and cooling unit instead.
Portable Electric Heaters
Portable electric heaters are the simplest choice for most homes, offices and small rooms. They plug into a standard socket, can be moved around and provide quick heat when and where you need it.
They are useful if you want to warm one room without turning on the whole central heating system, or if one area of the home is colder than the rest.
Portable heaters are well suited to:
- Bedrooms
- Home offices
- Small living rooms
- Spare rooms
- Conservatories
- Garden rooms
- Occasional use rooms
- Rental properties where fitted heating is not practical
For smaller domestic spaces, browse our 3kW and below portable heating units.
Personal Heaters
Personal heaters are compact heaters designed to warm a smaller area rather than a whole building.
They are useful for close comfort, such as heating a small office, study area, desk space or individual room. They are not designed for large open spaces, but they can be very effective when used in the right setting.
A personal heater is a good choice if:
- You want heat close to where you are sitting
- You only need to warm a small room
- You want a lightweight heater that is easy to move
- You need occasional top up warmth
- You do not want a large industrial style unit
For example, the Glaziar 1.5kW Globe Personal Heater is a compact option for single spaces and everyday targeted warmth.
PTC Portable Heaters
PTC portable heaters use a positive temperature coefficient heating element. In simple terms, the heater is designed to provide controlled electric heat while helping regulate the heating element as it warms up.
PTC heaters are popular for domestic and office use because they are compact, quick to warm up and easy to position around the home.
A PTC portable heater is a good option for:
- Home offices
- Bedrooms
- Small living spaces
- Occasional room heating
- Targeted warmth during colder periods
CoolEasy options include the Glaziar Portable 2kW PTC Heater in White and the Glaziar Portable 2kW PTC Heater in Black.
Electric Fan Heaters
Electric fan heaters use a heating element and fan to push warm air into the space. This makes them a good choice when you want faster heat movement rather than passive warmth.
Fan heaters can be especially useful in colder workspaces where you want to push warm air across a garage, workshop or work area.
An electric fan heater is a good choice if:
- You want fast warm air movement
- You are heating a workshop or garage
- You need warmth while working in a cold space
- You want a portable heater with stronger airflow
- You need something more robust than a small domestic heater
For workshop and garage use, the Olympus 2.0kW Portable Fan Heater for Garages and Workshops, Olympus Pro 3.0kW Workshop Heater, Trotec 3.0kW TDS 20 R Electric Fan Heater and Trotec 5.0kW TDS 30 R Electric Fan Heater are useful options to compare.
Workshop Heaters
Workshop heaters are built for more demanding spaces than normal domestic rooms. They are often more rugged, more practical to move around a working environment and better suited to colder areas such as garages, workshops, small warehouses and site spaces.
A workshop heater is a better choice than a small home heater if the space is:
- Poorly insulated
- Used for practical work
- Cold for long periods
- Larger than a typical bedroom or office
- Used with doors opening regularly
- A garage, unit, workshop or storage space
For this type of use, view our industrial portable heaters.
Industrial Electric Heaters
Industrial electric heaters are designed for larger spaces that need higher heat output.
These heaters are better suited to workshops, warehouses, construction areas, factories, industrial units and larger commercial environments. They are usually chosen when domestic heaters do not provide enough warmth or airflow.
Industrial heaters are useful for:
- Warehouses
- Large workshops
- Industrial units
- Construction spaces
- Large garages
- Trade workspaces
- Temporary heating on site
CoolEasy industrial options include the Olympus 9.0kW Industrial Space Heater, Olympus 15.0kW Industrial Heater and Olympus 30.0kW Industrial Heater.
Three Phase Portable Heaters
Three phase portable heaters are high output electric heaters that require a compatible three phase electrical supply.
They are not usually the right choice for a normal home, bedroom or office. They are designed for commercial and industrial spaces where a standard plug in heater is not powerful enough.
Choose a three phase heater if:
- You have access to a suitable three phase power supply
- You need to heat a large commercial space
- You are heating an industrial unit or warehouse
- You need high output portable heating
- You need a durable heater for tough environments
You can browse suitable options in our three phase portable heating units collection.
Heating And Cooling Systems
Not every electric heating solution is a portable heater.
If you want one system that can heat in winter and cool in summer, a heating and cooling air conditioning system may be a better long term choice. These systems use heat pump technology and are designed for all season comfort.
A heating and cooling system may be right if:
- You want permanent climate control
- You need cooling in summer and heating in winter
- You want a fitted system rather than a portable heater
- You are heating and cooling a bedroom, living room, office or commercial space
- You want a more efficient long term solution for regular use
Browse our heating and cooling systems if you want a fitted solution rather than a portable electric heater.
For more advice, read our guide: Can Air Conditioning Heat a Room?
Electric Heater Vs Heat Pump: What Is The Difference?
A portable electric heater usually creates heat directly from electricity. This makes it simple, convenient and useful for quick warmth.
A heat pump uses electricity differently. Instead of simply creating heat, it moves heat from one place to another. This can make heat pump systems more efficient for regular heating, especially in suitable homes and fitted applications.
| Option | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Portable electric heater | Quick heat in one room or work area | Simple, portable and easy to use |
| Workshop heater | Garages, workshops and colder workspaces | Stronger airflow and more rugged design |
| Industrial heater | Warehouses, units and large spaces | High output heating |
| Heating and cooling AC system | Bedrooms, offices, homes and commercial spaces | Heating and cooling from one fitted system |
| Fitted air source heat pump | Whole home heating and hot water systems | Long term fitted heating solution |
If you need quick local heat, choose an electric heater. If you want year round climate control, look at heating and cooling systems. If you are considering a whole home heating change, browse our fitted heating systems.
What Size Electric Heater Do I Need?
The size of heater you need depends on the room size, insulation level, ceiling height and how cold the space gets.
As a general rule, smaller rooms need less wattage, while larger or poorly insulated areas need more heating power. A 1.5kW to 2kW heater may suit a small domestic room or office, while garages, workshops and industrial spaces often need a more powerful heater.
| Heater Output | Typical Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5kW | Personal or small room heating | Bedrooms, small offices and close comfort |
| 2kW | Small to medium room heating | Home offices, spare rooms and living spaces |
| 3kW | Higher output portable heating | Garages, workshops and colder rooms |
| 5kW | Stronger workshop heating | Workshops, small commercial spaces and larger garages |
| 9kW plus | Industrial heating | Warehouses, large workshops and industrial units |
| 15kW to 30kW | High output industrial heating | Large commercial and industrial spaces |
This should only be treated as a starting point. A well insulated room will be easier to heat than a draughty garage or warehouse of the same size.
For a more detailed breakdown, use our What Size Heater Do I Need? guide.
How Much Does An Electric Heater Cost To Run?
Electric heater running cost depends on the heater’s power input, how long it runs for and your electricity rate.
The basic formula is:
Running cost = power in kW x hours used x electricity cost per kWh
For example, a 2kW heater uses up to 2kWh of electricity for every hour it runs at full power. A 3kW heater uses up to 3kWh per hour at full power.
In real use, heaters with thermostats may not run at full output continuously once the room has reached temperature. Insulation, draughts and room size all affect how hard the heater has to work.
To keep running costs lower:
- Choose the right size heater for the space
- Use the thermostat rather than leaving the heater on maximum
- Close doors to keep heat in the room you are using
- Reduce draughts where possible
- Only heat the area you need
- Turn the heater off when the room is not in use
- Use a timer if the heater includes one
For more detail, read our guide: How Much Does an Electric Heater Cost to Run?
Are Electric Heaters Energy Efficient?
Electric heaters are efficient at turning the electricity they use into heat at the point of use. The bigger question is whether they are being used in the right way.
A small electric heater can be a sensible choice if you only need to heat one room for a short period. It can avoid warming the whole home when only one space is being used.
However, using multiple electric heaters for long periods can become expensive. For regular, long term heating across larger areas, a fitted heat pump or heating and cooling system may be more suitable.
Electric heaters are most effective when used for targeted, occasional or supplementary heating.
Best Electric Heater For A Bedroom
For bedrooms, choose a compact, quiet and easy to control heater.
A bedroom heater should be suitable for the room size and should include sensible safety features such as overheat protection and stable placement. Avoid choosing an oversized industrial style heater for a small bedroom.
A small portable heater can work well for occasional bedroom warmth, especially in a spare room, guest room or colder area of the home.
Good options to consider include the Glaziar 1.5kW Globe Personal Heater and the Glaziar Portable 2kW PTC Heater.
Best Electric Heater For A Home Office
Home offices are one of the most common places to use a portable electric heater.
If you work from home in one room, heating that specific space can be more practical than increasing the temperature across the whole house.
For a home office, look for:
- Compact size
- Portable design
- Adjustable heat settings
- Thermostat control
- Safety features
- Enough output for the room size
A 1.5kW or 2kW portable heater is usually the right starting point for many small home office spaces.
Best Electric Heater For A Conservatory
Conservatories can be more difficult to heat than normal rooms because they often have more glass and can lose heat quickly.
If the conservatory is small and well insulated, a portable heater may be enough for occasional use. If it is large, draughty or used regularly, you may need a more powerful solution or a fitted heating and cooling system.
For conservatories, consider:
- How often the room is used
- How quickly it loses heat
- Whether doors to the house are open or closed
- Whether you need heating only or cooling in summer as well
- Whether a portable or fitted system is more suitable
If the space gets too hot in summer and too cold in winter, a heating and cooling system may be more useful than a heater alone.
Best Electric Heater For A Garage
Garages are often colder than normal rooms because they can be less insulated, draughtier and more exposed to outside temperatures.
A small domestic heater may struggle in a garage, especially if the door is opened regularly or the space is used as a workshop.
For garage heating, look for:
- Rugged construction
- Strong airflow
- Enough kW output for the space
- Portable design
- Stable placement
- Suitable power supply
The Olympus 2.0kW Portable Fan Heater for Garages and Workshops is a useful starting point for smaller workspaces, while larger garages may need a 3kW, 5kW or industrial heater.
Best Electric Heater For A Workshop
Workshops need practical heating. The heater should provide useful warmth, be easy to position and be suitable for the working environment.
A workshop heater is usually a better choice than a domestic heater because it is designed for tougher spaces and stronger airflow.
For workshops, consider:
- The size of the workspace
- Insulation level
- Ceiling height
- Whether doors are opened regularly
- How many people are working in the space
- Available power supply
- Whether you need portable or fixed heating
Good workshop options include the Olympus Pro 3.0kW Workshop Heater, Trotec 3.0kW TDS 20 R and Trotec 5.0kW TDS 30 R.
Best Electric Heater For A Warehouse Or Industrial Unit
Warehouses and industrial units need much more heat than normal domestic spaces.
The challenge is not just floor area. Ceiling height, open doors, insulation, air movement and working patterns all make a difference. In many cases, a standard 2kW or 3kW heater will not be enough.
For warehouses and larger units, look at high output industrial heaters and three phase portable heating where a suitable power supply is available.
Suitable ranges include:
Safety Features To Look For In An Electric Heater
Safety is important when choosing any electric heater.
Always choose a heater suitable for the space and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Domestic heaters, workshop heaters and industrial heaters are not always interchangeable.
Useful safety features include:
- Overheat protection
- Tip over protection on suitable portable models
- Thermostat control
- Stable base or frame
- Thermal protection for fan motors where applicable
- Suitable carry handles
- Correct plug or electrical connection for the heater output
Do not cover electric heaters, do not block air inlets or outlets, and keep heaters away from curtains, bedding, furniture and combustible materials.
Do Electric Heaters Need Installation?
Many portable electric heaters do not need installation. They can be plugged in, positioned safely and used straight away.
However, larger industrial heaters and three phase heaters may need the correct electrical supply and should only be used where the site power is suitable.
Fitted heating and cooling systems, air conditioning heat pumps and whole home heat pump systems are different. These require proper installation and should be matched to the property, room size and intended use.
If you are unsure, speak to the CoolEasy team before purchasing.
Portable Heater Or Fitted Heating System?
Choose a portable heater if you want quick, flexible warmth in one space.
Choose a fitted heating system if you want a more permanent solution, especially where heating is needed regularly or where you also want cooling in summer.
| Choose A Portable Heater If... | Choose A Fitted System If... |
|---|---|
| You want quick warmth | You want long term climate control |
| You need to move the heater between rooms | You want one system for heating and cooling |
| You are heating one room occasionally | You use the space every day |
| You do not want installation | You are happy to arrange installation |
| You need temporary heating | You want a neater permanent finish |
For portable options, browse portable heating units. For all season installed systems, browse heating and cooling systems.
Recommended Electric Heaters
Here are some useful CoolEasy heater options to consider depending on your space.
Best For Personal Warmth: Glaziar 1.5kW Globe Personal Heater
The Glaziar 1.5kW Globe Personal Heater is a compact portable option for smaller rooms and personal warmth.
It is a good choice for home offices, bedrooms, small spaces and occasional heating where you do not need a large unit.
Best For Small Rooms: Glaziar Portable 2kW PTC Heater
The Glaziar Portable 2kW PTC Heater in White and Glaziar Portable 2kW PTC Heater in Black are compact options for domestic and office use.
They are suitable for customers who want a small, stylish and easy to move heater for everyday top up warmth.
Best For Garages: Olympus 2.0kW Portable Fan Heater
The Olympus 2.0kW Portable Fan Heater for Garages and Workshops is designed for practical spaces such as garages, workshops, small warehouses, trade vans, site work and garden buildings.
It is a good option where you want a more rugged portable heater than a typical home unit.
Best For Workshops: Olympus Pro 3.0kW Workshop Heater
The Olympus Pro 3.0kW Workshop Heater is a stronger option for hobby workshops, garages and practical working spaces.
Choose this if you need more output than a smaller domestic heater can provide.
Best For Commercial Workspaces: Trotec 3.0kW And 5.0kW Electric Fan Heaters
The Trotec 3.0kW TDS 20 R Electric Fan Heater and Trotec 5.0kW TDS 30 R Electric Fan Heater are useful for garages, workshops, construction spaces and unheated indoor environments.
They are a good step up when you need stronger airflow and a more commercial style heater.
Best For Large Industrial Spaces: Olympus Industrial Heaters
For larger spaces, compare the Olympus 9.0kW Industrial Space Heater, Olympus 15.0kW Industrial Heater and Olympus 30.0kW Industrial Heater.
These are high output heaters for workshops, warehouses, construction environments and industrial settings where smaller heaters are not enough.
Electric Heater Buying Checklist
Before buying an electric heater, check the following:
- What size is the room or workspace?
- Is the space well insulated or draughty?
- Do you need domestic, workshop or industrial heating?
- How often will the heater be used?
- Do you need heat in one position or across a wider space?
- Is a standard plug in heater enough?
- Do you need a three phase supply for larger heaters?
- Does the heater have suitable safety features?
- Would a fitted heating and cooling system be better long term?
Choosing the right heater for the space will help improve comfort, avoid underpowered heating and keep running costs more manageable.
Electric Heater FAQs
What type of electric heater is best?
The best electric heater depends on the space. A compact portable heater is usually best for small rooms and offices, while garages and workshops often need a rugged fan heater. Warehouses and industrial spaces need high output industrial heaters.
What size electric heater do I need?
Room size, insulation and use all matter. A 1.5kW to 2kW heater may suit smaller rooms, while garages and workshops may need 3kW to 5kW or more. Large industrial spaces may need 9kW plus heaters.
Is a 2kW heater enough for a room?
A 2kW heater can be suitable for many small to medium domestic rooms, depending on insulation, ceiling height and how cold the space is. Larger or draughtier rooms may need more output.
Is a fan heater good for a garage?
Yes, a fan heater can be useful for a garage because it pushes warm air into the space. For colder or larger garages, choose a more rugged workshop heater rather than a small domestic heater.
What heater is best for a workshop?
For workshops, look for a portable heater with strong airflow, rugged construction and enough output for the space. A 3kW or 5kW workshop heater is often a better choice than a small domestic unit.
Do electric heaters cost a lot to run?
Running cost depends on the heater’s power rating, how long it runs and your electricity tariff. A higher kW heater uses more electricity at full output, but it may heat the space faster. Use thermostats and timers to help manage use.
Are portable electric heaters safe?
Portable electric heaters are safe when used correctly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep them clear of furniture, curtains and bedding, do not cover them and make sure they are placed on a stable surface.
Can I use an electric heater in a conservatory?
Yes, but conservatories can lose heat quickly. A portable heater may work for occasional use, but a heating and cooling system may be better if the space is used regularly throughout the year.
Can I use a domestic heater in a workshop?
You can use a domestic heater only if it is suitable for the environment, but workshops often need more rugged heaters with stronger airflow. For regular workshop use, choose a dedicated workshop or industrial heater.
What is the difference between a portable heater and an industrial heater?
A portable domestic heater is designed for smaller rooms and everyday comfort. An industrial heater is designed for larger, colder and more demanding spaces such as warehouses, workshops and commercial units.
Do three phase heaters work at home?
Three phase heaters require a compatible three phase electrical supply, which is not normally found in standard domestic homes. They are usually for commercial and industrial spaces.
Should I choose an electric heater or air conditioning heat pump?
Choose an electric heater for quick, portable warmth. Choose an air conditioning heat pump if you want a fitted system that can heat in winter and cool in summer.
Final Advice: Match The Heater To The Space
The best electric heater is the one that suits the space, not simply the one with the highest output.
For bedrooms, home offices and smaller rooms, a compact portable heater is usually the right starting point. For garages and workshops, choose a more rugged fan heater with enough airflow. For warehouses, industrial spaces and larger work areas, look at high output industrial and three phase heaters.
If you want one system for heating and cooling throughout the year, consider a fitted heating and cooling air conditioning system instead.
Explore our portable heating units, browse all heaters for home and industrial use, or speak to the CoolEasy team for help choosing the right heater.