The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Portable Heater
Whether you're warming up a chilly bedroom, creating comfort in a drafty home office, or just trying to make your bathroom feel less like a walk-in freezer, a portable heater is one of the most practical tools you can own. The right unit can turn even the coldest corner of your house into a cozy retreat—and thanks to modern technology, today’s portable electric heaters are safer, smarter, and more energy-efficient than ever before.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best portable heater for your space? That’s exactly what we’re going to cover here.
This guide breaks down the best portable electric heaters available in 2025, what to look for when shopping, how much it costs to run one, and answers to the most common questions from real users. Whether you’re buying your first unit or upgrading from an old model, this is your go-to source for everything you need to know.
Best Portable Heaters in 2025: EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner
If you're someone who needs a portable heater that does more than just heat, this innovative hybrid from EcoFlow is worth every penny. The WAVE 3 is both the best portable air conditioner and heater, giving you year-round use in one sleek device. Unlike traditional space heaters, this model is fully portable, runs wirelessly (with an optional battery), and is incredibly quiet for its size.
The EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner is a top-tier option for anyone who needs performance on the move—think van life, camping, or moving between rooms. And yes, it actually heats quite well for a cooling-focused device.
Key Features:
Dual-mode: 6800 BTU heating and 6100 BTU cooling performance
Works wirelessly for up to 8 hours (with optional add-on battery)
Cools or heats quickly in just 15 minutes
Multiple power options: solar, AC, or car charging
Smart app control for remote operation
Compact, insulated exhaust system for outdoor or tent use
Durable construction with 2-year warranty
Wondering why some heaters cool while others heat? Here's a deeper look at how does air conditioning work to understand the technology behind dual-function units like this one.
EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Portable Heater for Your Needs
Before clicking “buy now,” it's important to understand what features and specs matter most when selecting the right portable heater. Here are the six key factors to consider when shopping for the best portable electric heater for your home, office, or any other space.
1. Power Source
The first thing to determine is how your heater will be powered.
Electric-Powered Heaters: Most portable electric heaters plug into a standard UK wall outlet (220–240V). They’re simple to set up, highly efficient, and ideal for indoor use. These are the most popular type of portable heaters for home because they’re low-maintenance and safe.
Battery or Hybrid Models: A few advanced heaters, like the EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner, offer hybrid operation. These can be powered via wall outlet, car charger, or a portable battery. They are perfect for outdoor use, off-grid cabins, camping trips, or sheds without electricity.
2. Heating Capacity
How much space do you need to heat, and how quickly?
Wattage Range: Most portable electric heaters range from 1000W to 1500W. A 1500W heater will warm a small-to-medium room (up to 150 square feet) effectively, but it will use more electricity. A 1000W model may be more energy efficient but less powerful.
Room Size Match: Match the wattage to your room size. For larger rooms or higher ceilings, consider models with stronger airflow (fan-assisted), or supplemental units for even coverage.
Efficiency Tip: If you plan to run the heater for long hours, an oil-filled radiator will provide steady, long-lasting heat with lower running costs.
3. Smart Features
Modern best portable heaters often come with intelligent controls to make heating safer, easier, and more energy-efficient.
Digital Thermostat: Lets you set a specific temperature and automatically maintains it without manual adjusting. This reduces energy waste and avoids overheating.
Timer Function: Allows you to schedule when the heater turns on or off. Useful for pre-heating rooms or automatically shutting off overnight.
Remote/App Control: Premium units offer remote control and app integration, giving you control even when you're not in the room. Some are even compatible with smart home assistants like Alexa.
Usage Monitoring: Some smart models can track energy usage, giving you insights into how much power you’re consuming and helping you make adjustments to save money.
4. Heating Method
Not all portable electric heaters warm a room the same way. The heating method greatly affects the type of warmth you’ll feel and how the heat is distributed.
Ceramic Heaters: Fast, fan-assisted heaters that provide immediate, directional heat. Best for personal heating or small rooms.
Oil-Filled Radiators: Slower to heat up, but they retain and distribute warmth evenly over time. Ideal for bedrooms or overnight use.
Fan-Forced Heaters: Combine a heating element and internal fan to quickly circulate warm air. Ideal for heating larger spaces more rapidly.
Radiant Heaters: These don’t warm the air; instead, they heat objects and people directly. Good for spot heating in small, insulated areas.
Still deciding between heating and cooling? Learn the technical differences in our breakdown of air cooler vs air conditioner and how they compare to space heaters.
5. Safety Features
Safety is one of the most important considerations—especially in homes with kids, pets, or elderly residents. Even the best portable space heater should include reliable built-in protection.
Look for these essential safety features:
Tip-Over Shut-Off: Automatically powers off the heater if it's knocked over to prevent fires.
Overheat Protection: Shuts the unit down if it reaches an unsafe internal temperature.
Cool-Touch Housing: Prevents burns if someone accidentally touches the heater while it's operating.
Water Resistance: For bathroom use, choose heaters with features like IP24 splash protection and ALCI plugs to prevent electrical hazards.
Safety Certifications: Always check for third-party certifications like ETL, UL, or CE, which indicate the product meets specific electrical safety standards.
6. Portability and Placement
One of the main reasons people choose a portable electric heater is because it’s easy to move around. But not all models are equally convenient.
Weight and Size: Choose lightweight ceramic or fan-based models for easy portability, or go for oil-filled radiators with wheels for added mobility.
Wall-Mounted Options: For tight spaces like bathrooms or hallways, consider wall-mounted heaters for a space-saving, permanent solution.
Compact Design: For under-desk use, small tabletop units are perfect. If you want a unit that can transition from bedroom to camper van to outdoor use, consider hybrids like the EcoFlow WAVE 3.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Portable Heater
Running a portable electric heater can be surprisingly affordable—if used wisely. Most heaters are rated at 1500W, which means they use about 1.5 kilowatt-hours per hour.
At the UK average electricity rate of 28p per kWh, that’s around £0.42 per hour. If you run it five hours daily, expect roughly £2.10 per day or £63 per month. To keep costs down, use built-in thermostats, timers, and heat only the room you’re in.
Choosing energy-efficient models like oil-filled or smart-controlled heaters can make a big difference in long-term energy savings without sacrificing warmth or comfort.
Conclusion
A high-quality portable heater is one of the most practical ways to stay warm without running up your energy bill. Whether you need fast heat in a chilly room, quiet warmth while you sleep, or a smart, app-controlled solution, today’s best portable electric heater offers reliable performance for any UK home. With features like safety shut-offs, timers, and efficient heating methods, these units are more capable and user-friendly than ever. Just match the heater to your space and needs, and you’ll enjoy targeted warmth and greater control all winter long—without overspending on whole-home heating. For year-round comfort, consider the EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner, offering both heating and cooling in one compact device.
FAQs
Do portable heaters use a lot of electricity?
Portable heaters can consume a fair amount of electricity, especially if they have high heat output, such as 1500 watts. While they may not always be as energy-efficient as central heating systems, models with energy-saving features like thermostats or timers can reduce consumption. If you're looking for a versatile option that also offers cooling capabilities, the EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner can be a great solution. It offers both cooling and heating functions, allowing you to manage energy usage based on the season and your needs, all while being portable and efficient.
Is a portable heater safe?
Portable heaters can be safe when used correctly, but safety precautions are essential. Always place them on a flat surface, away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended. Many modern heaters come with built-in safety features like overheat protection and automatic shut-off mechanisms. If you're looking for a safer, more versatile option for both heating and cooling, consider the EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner. It is designed with safety in mind, including a quiet operation and portable features that make it easy to use in various settings without worrying about overheating.
What are portable heaters called?
Portable heaters are often referred to by various names depending on their design and functionality. Common types include space heaters, electric heaters, and personal heaters. They come in various forms, such as fan heaters, ceramic heaters, and oil-filled radiators. For a versatile solution that offers both heating and cooling, the EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner is an excellent choice. It provides efficient heating, as well as the added benefit of cooling in warmer months, making it a great all-in-one portable option for year-round comfort.
Is a portable heater good?
A portable heater can be a great solution for quickly warming up a specific area without needing to heat an entire home. They are highly convenient, energy-efficient, and often more affordable than central heating systems. If you need both heating and cooling in one compact device, the EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner is an ideal choice. It offers both cooling and heating functions, making it perfect for various scenarios, such as camping, road trips, or small indoor spaces, providing comfort year-round with minimal space.