September 14th, 2020 by Sarah Miles

Electric panel heaters are a really versatile heat source for your home and even away from the home. This is because they offer several features that offer a real alternative to traditional central heating:

Great for spaces where it’s difficult to have a radiator

As panel heaters are run on mains electricity, you can simply plug them in anywhere that you have power. This makes them a very flexible solution for extensions or conservatories where the central heating may not have been added to, as well as cellars, lofts, and garages/outbuilding (including garden offices or studios)

Great if you only want to heat one room

Sometimes you don’t need to heat the whole house, for example, if one person is working from home during the day. A panel heater will keep just one room nice and toasty for a fraction of the cost of putting the central heating on

Economical to run

While plug-in heaters may once have had the reputation of being expensive to run, modern panel heaters are actually very energy efficient. Many of them are ERP Lot 20 compliant, which is designed to remove inefficient technology from the market and reduce energy consumption. It means that heaters that are compliant offer the highest energy-efficient standards

Very controllable

The panel heaters of old often simply had an on/off switch and a temperature dial. Modern models now have a range of features that can offer all the options you would expect from a central heating system including programmable timers, thermostats, and even smart apps

Portable

Because they just plug in, you can easily move panel heaters from room to room, depending on where you need the heat. You can even use them away from the home such as in a caravan

Which is the best panel heater for you?

There is no definitive answer to this as it really depends on your requirements. We have therefore selected 5 really fantastic models that each offer a different solution.

1. MYLEK Electric Panel Heater with 24/7 Timer and Thermostat

This panel heater has it all and for only £53.99, it’s very affordable. It features 24/7 programming so you can set it to come on before you get out of bed or for when you return home from work and this can be varied at the weekends. You could even have a different setting for every day of the week if you wanted it! It has a thermostat to ensure the room Is heated to the desired temperature and it is Lot 20 compliant so it’s really energy efficient. It is even IP24 rated, which means it can be installed in certain zones within a bathroom. Can be used as a freestanding unit or wall mounted.

MYLEK Panel Heater with 24/7 Timer and Thermostat - IP24 Rated -1KW

Price: £89.99

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2. MYLEK Smart App Controlled Electric Panel Heater with 24/7 Timer

Smart energy is not the reserve of systems like Nest or Hive, this heater has everything the previous model has but with the added advantage of a smart app to control it. The smartphone app allows you to control the heater from anywhere that has an internet connection – great for if you’re likely to be home earlier than expected (or later) or even just for peace of mind so that you can check you haven’t left it on while you’re away from the house for an extended period. The app is really easy to use but if you would prefer to operate it in the traditional way using the controls on the unit, you can do this as well without ever needing to download the app. Priced at £71.99, you will soon make that back in the savings you can make by getting smarter with your energy consumption.

MYLEK App Controlled Digital Electric Panel Heater with 24/7 Timer 1KW

Price: £100.00

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3. Sunburst Wall Mounted Radiant Panel Heater with Thermostat

This model works slightly different to other panel heaters, using radiant heat. This means it heats objects in the room rather than space. These objects then reflect the heat into other areas of the room, allowing the room to heat quickly. This heater is priced at £133.50.

Ducasa Sunburst Wall Mounted Radiant Panel Heater with Thermostat 1KW

Price: £133.50

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4. MYLEK Low Height Remote Control Electric Baseboard Skirting Heater

This compact baseboard heater is designed to fit snugly against your skirting board but don’t be fooled by its size, as it is capable of heating a room just as efficiently as a larger model. Perfect for rooms where space is at a premium or for those who just prefer something more discreet. It even has a remote control so no need to bend down to skirting board level to operate it! This small but powerful heater is priced at £79.99.

MYLEK Low Height Remote Control Electric Baseboard Skirting Heater 1KW

Price: £100.00

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5. Dimplex Girona Glass Front Designer Panel Radiator with 24/7 Timer

This heater is one for people who demand style as well as substance in their appliances. Its minimalist black design would make a stylish feature in even the most modern home and is unlike any other panel heater you’re likely to see. Don’t worry, you don’t have to sacrifice functionality for aesthetics as this is a really clever unit. The timer is designed around when you want the room to be a certain temperature rather than when you want it to turn on. Where a traditional timer may turn the heater on at 7am, meaning the room may not reach the desired temperature until around 20 minutes later, the Girona recognises how long it will take to heat the room and come on at the right time to make sure the room is warmed to perfection at 7am exactly. It will also maintain the temperature to an accuracy of 0.2 degrees. At £351.38 it is a luxury model but this kind of style comes at a premium!