Best Electric Radiators UK: Types, Running Costs and What Actually Saves Money

The types, and who each suits

Prices run from around £62 for budget oil filled models to several hundred pounds for designer and smart glass panels. Wattage sizing matters more than brand: an undersized radiator runs constantly and costs more than a correctly sized one cycling on and off.

Running costs, honestly

Electricity remains several times the price of gas per unit of heat, so whole house electric heating in a gas connected home rarely wins on cost. Where electric radiators earn their place is homes without gas, flats, extensions and single rooms, where precise control avoids heating unused space. A thermostatic radiator that cycles once the room is at temperature costs materially less than a basic heater running continuously at full power, and user reports on smart models commonly cite around 30p an hour at comfortable settings in eco mode. Insulation cuts every one of these numbers.

Electric radiators vs storage heaters

Storage heaters charge overnight on Economy 7 off peak rates and release heat through the day, with running costs that can undercut daytime electric heating substantially when sized and used correctly. Their weakness is control: heat arrives on the charge schedule, not on demand, and older models leak warmth into empty daytime rooms then run cold by evening. Modern high heat retention storage heaters with adaptive charging narrow the gap, while panel radiators on a standard tariff win on controllability. The tariff decides: panel radiators make little sense as primary heating on Economy 7, and storage heaters make little sense without it.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does an electric radiator cost to run?

At the July 2026 capped unit rate of 26.11p per kWh, each kilowatt of output costs about 26p per hour at full power. Thermostatic cycling reduces the real cost once the room reaches temperature, so a 1kW unit typically costs less than 26p for a typical hour of comfort.

Are electric radiators cheaper than storage heaters?

On a standard tariff, controllable electric radiators usually waste less than old storage heaters. On Economy 7, a well used modern storage heater charging at off peak rates can cost less per unit of heat. The tariff and the age of the storage heater decide it.

What is Lot 20?

Ecodesign regulations in force since January 2018 requiring all electric heaters sold in the UK to include efficiency features such as accurate thermostats, timers and open window detection.

Are electric radiators cheaper than gas central heating?

Per unit of heat, no: electricity costs several times gas. Electric radiators win in homes without a gas supply, in single rooms, and where zoned control avoids heating empty space.

What size radiator does a room need?

Sizing follows room volume and insulation; as a rough marker, small bedrooms and offices suit around 500W, mid rooms around 1,000W, and large or poorly insulated rooms 1,500W to 2,500W. Oversizing slightly and letting the thermostat cycle beats undersizing.

Is installation expensive?

Most plug in or wall mount as DIY jobs. Replacing a house of storage heaters involves removal and electrical work: replacing eight storage heaters runs to roughly £600 to £1,000 in labour depending on radiator wattage, before hardware.

Sources

Ofgem price cap unit rates (Jul 2026) · Lot 20 ecodesign regulations · installer cost guides checked July 2026