PennyPerHourWhat's the cheapest electric heater to run?
Every electric heater turns 1kWh of electricity into 1kWh of heat, so the cheapest heater is the one with the lowest wattage that keeps you warm. At 26.32p/kWh, a 2kW heater costs 53p an hour at full power.
Electricity 26.32p/kWh, gas 7.97p/kWh (Ofgem cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026). Typical figures.
Electric heater running costs per hour
| Appliance | 1 hour | 4 hours | 8 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heated throw (120W) | 3.2p | 13p | 25p |
| Infrared panel (500W) | 13p | 53p | £1.05 |
| Halogen heater (1,200W) | 32p | £1.26 | £2.53 |
| Oil-filled radiator (1,500W) | 39p | £1.58 | £3.16 |
| Fan heater (2,000W) | 53p | £2.11 | £4.21 |
| Convector heater (2,000W) | 53p | £2.11 | £4.21 |
Based on 26.32p/kWh, the Ofgem price cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026.
Heaters with thermostats switch off once the room reaches temperature, so real costs are often lower. An oil-filled radiator in a small, well-insulated room might only run at full power half the time.
Which type should you choose?
- Heating yourself, not the room? A heated throw or electric blanket is by far the cheapest.
- Quick warmth where you sit: halogen and infrared heaters warm people and objects directly.
- Keeping a room warm for hours: an oil-filled radiator with a thermostat and timer gives steady, even heat and keeps radiating after it cycles off.
- Short bursts: fan heaters warm a room fast but are noisy and the warmth disappears quickly.
Electric heater vs gas central heating
Per unit of heat, gas is much cheaper. Gas costs 7.97p/kWh; even allowing for a boiler around 90% efficient, that's about 8.9p per kWh of heat against 26.32p for an electric heater. Electric heaters only save money when you heat one room instead of the whole house, for example when you're home alone and working from a single room.
Must-have features
- Adjustable thermostat
- 7-day or 24-hour timer
- Tip-over and overheat protection
- Low or eco setting (e.g. 800W / 1,200W / 2,000W)
Work out the cost for your heater
Change the wattage or hours to match yours.
Default price is the Ofgem cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026. Check your bill for your exact unit rate. Figures exclude standing charges.
What to buy: our picks by need
We recommend types of product based on running costs and features, not specific brands we have tested.
An oil-filled radiator with a thermostat, a timer and a lower power setting.
See options on Amazon →A heated throw or blanket. It's by far the cheapest way to stay warm while sitting still.
See options on Amazon →A fan heater with a thermostat and tip-over protection, for rooms you only use briefly.
See options on Amazon →Shopping for one? Compare current models, prices and wattages before you buy.
Browse electric heaters on Amazon →Affiliate link: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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Frequently asked questions
Are oil-filled radiators cheaper to run than fan heaters?
Watt for watt they cost the same. Oil-filled radiators often work out cheaper in practice because their thermostats cycle and they keep releasing heat after switching off.
Is it cheaper to heat one room with an electric heater?
It can be, if the alternative is heating the whole house with central heating just for one person in one room.
How much does a 2kW heater cost per hour?
About 53p at the current UK price cap rate of 26.32p/kWh.