We tested two top-rated plug heaters to see if the mini devices that cost pennies to run pack enough power to heat a room
With energy bills still sky-high, I’ve been on a mission to find a budget-friendly way to stay warm without cranking up the central heating. Enter mini plug-in heaters—tiny gadgets that slot right into a plug socket promising big heat for just pennies an hour. So, I put two of the lowest-costing and top-bought models I could find to the test, both under £20, to see if they were actually worth it.
Could a pocket-sized heater really warm up a whole room, or would I be left shivering and out of pocket?
To my surprise, one of them absolutely smashed it. The Russell Hobbs Ceramic Plug Heater had my small bedroom toasty warm in just four minutes, all while costing much less to run than a space heater. The other… well, read on.
If you’re thinking about ditching the blankets and investing in a mini heater this winter, here’s how they measured up.
Plug number one: Russell Hobbs 500W Ceramic Plug Heater
Cost: £14.99
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If you’re after a portable heating solution, the Russell Hobbs RHPH2001 Ceramic Plug Heater is worth a look. This nifty device offers up to 30°C of heat from just 500W, making it energy-efficient for rooms up to 10 square metres.
It features two fan speeds and a variable temperature setting, so you can find your perfect comfort level. The compact design means it’s easy to take with you, whether you’re moving from room to room or heading off on a trip. Plus, with a 12-hour timer and built-in thermostat, keeping your space warm has never been more convenient
Head of shopping Zoe says: “I was blown away by this mini heater. It was so quick to turn on and heat up, and when I closed my bedroom door and came back less than four minutes later (I only went to make a cup of tea), the room was as warm as it was when I had my central heating on. I was fully expecting to return this little gadget, but it’s staying right where it is in my bedroom.”
Plug number two: Swan Plug-In Fan Heater
Cost: £9.99
Looking to keep cosy without cranking up the central heating? The Swan SH27010N Plug-In Fan Heater might be your new best mate. This compact gadget plugs straight into the wall, delivering instant warmth with its 700W power. With an adjustable temperature range from 15°C to 30°C and two fan speeds, you can tailor the heat to your liking.
The LED display and 12-hour timer make it a doddle to use, and the overheating protection feature ensures safety. Perfect for those chilly mornings or when you just need to warm up a single room without heating the whole house.
Head of shopping Zoe says: “While I preferred the overall sleek design and easy-to-navigate buttons on this plug heater, even on full power, it didn’t pack as much of a punch as the Swan heater. I felt the fans were angled downwards slightly, so the heat didn’t seem to rise and fill the room quite so fast. I left it on for 15 minutes, and my room stayed warm during that time. It’s an excellent budget option at under a tenner.”
How do plug heaters compare to space heaters in terms of energy costs?
Here’s the exact price breakdown for you:
In conclusion, both of these plug-in heaters are much cheaper to run than traditional space heaters, especially for heating small areas. If you just need to warm up a small room, office, or bedside space, they’re a cost-effective option. However, the downside is they won’t heat a large room as effectively as a full-size 2kW heater.
Zoe’s verdict is for a small bedroom or an office, they’re perfect. For a bigger room, she’ll be using her Dimplex 2000W Electric Freestanding Oil-Free Radiator, or turning to a cheap-to-run electric blanket. For recommendations on which blanket to buy, check out our editor Laura Mulley’s round-up of the 13 best electric blankets to save you money on your heating bills.
