Best Space heaters in Australia 2023: for your houses, car park and sheds

After months of what seems like endless sunshine, it's easy to forget how cold the Australian Winter is. The best Space heaters in Australia, on the other hand, will make you forget it's Winter by keeping your home at a comfortable temperature even on the coldest nights.

Best Space heaters in Australia 2023: for your houses, car park and sheds
Best Space heater in Australia 2023

Looking for the Best Space heater now that the weather has turned cold? We understand: that even with the central heating on, certain areas of your home are probably too cold for anyone other than polar bears, which means it's time to invest in the best portable heater money can buy.

Previously, this would have resulted in a three-bar fire or paraffin burner, and almost certain death - or at the very least a nasty burn. However, the best electric heaters are now quiet, relatively energy-efficient, and, in some cases, even appear to be décor rather than Soviet-era industrial equipment. Some of the fans in our best fans guide also functions as Space heaters. Several entries are among the best Dyson fans, in particular.

Yes, you could go for a more greater solution and get one of the best smart thermostats, but a fan Space heater or oil heater provides instant and greater heat and can be moved around the house with you. Alternatively, get one for each room.

Another thing to think about is that if your home is particularly humid, you might benefit from reading our best dehumidifier guide, as damp rooms can feel especially chilly in colder weather.

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HOW TO SELECT THE PERFECT PORTABLE BEST SPACE HEATER

Not all heaters are extremely efficient. Some only threaten Jack Frost, while others value power over peace and quiet. Some people drink electricity, while others will bankrupt you. This is the crème de la crème of 'chaud,' as the French say.

When shopping for a Space heater, there are several factors to consider. The first consideration is how you intend to use it. Do you want quick bursts of heat? You need a fan heater. Do you prefer something more akin to a radiator? The oil-filled version is the way to go. And if you want to be heated only if you stand perfectly in front of the heater, a ceramic heater with motion detection is your best friend.

There are significant differences in how Space heaters operate. Some use spinning blades to circulate air, which is effective but noisy; others allow heat to radiate. And some make use of very clever airflow designs to circulate hot air with less noise.

So, without further ado, let's get to the meat and two vegetables and see what's on the heating menu.

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IN ORDER, THE BEST SPACE HEATERS

1. Best Space heater Overall: De’Longhi Dragon 4 2400W Model (TRD42400ET)

Why we like it:
  • Eco Plus mode for efficient power control
  • It has a wide radiant surface for fast heating
  • Pre-installed castor wheels allow for easy portability
  • Timer function for easy programming

Pros
  • It does not require installation
  • Even heat dispersion
  • Energy efficient
Cons
  • Can be a bit noisy when the oil columns are cooling 

Because of its high heat output, amazing safety features, and exceptional build quality, the premier 2400w version of the De'Longhi Dragon 4 is our first choice for the best electric heaters.

This oil-filled column heater will help you remove the chill from your room while using very little electricity. The Eco-Plus function, which not only optimises but also regulates power consumption, is one of its standout features. This feature can also adjust the heat automatically based on how warm or cold the room is.

The current heat setting will be displayed on the digital display. Aside from that, it allows you to make quick temperature changes if the room temperature is not suitable for you. The good thing about this Space heater is that it has a simple control panel that makes it very simple to use. Furthermore, all of the buttons are labelled with icons to eliminate guesswork when configuring the settings.

Because oil has high thermal conductivity and diffusivity, the De'Longhi Dragon 4 will heat up your room quickly. Its high heat capacity allows it to efficiently heat rooms up to 70 cubic metres (m3) in size. The hot air outlets are designed in the shape of a chimney to maximise heat dissipation. They also allow for even heat distribution throughout the room. To achieve the best results, keep the Space heater away from objects that can obstruct airflow.

Furthermore, the oil columns have excellent heat retention, so the Space heater will continue to emit heat even after it has been turned off. Nonetheless, depending on the ambient temperature, the unit can only do this for a few minutes. As a result, when the room temperature is high, the oil retains heat longer than when it is cold. This Space heater has a thermal cut-out function, tilt protection, and an anti-frost feature for your safety.

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2. DYSON AM09 HOT + COOL

Best Space heater for modern homes

SPECIFICATIONS

Power: 2,000W
Timer: Yes
Safety: Cutoff
Size: 59.5x15x11cm

REASONS TO BUY

+
No buffeting
+
Heats and cools
+
Cheaper and more attractive than the purifier (below)

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Still not as 'cool' (ho ho) as Dyson's non-heating fans
The Dyson Hot + Cool Fan Heater (or AM09, for a more technical name) is mainly the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link Fan Space Heater and Air Purifier (see below) without the air purifying components.
This is the model to choose if you need a whole room heated up quickly. Its adjustable bladeless Jet Focus technology draws in air from the back and multiplies it by up to 15 times before blasting it across the room as either a tightly focused stream for personal warmth or a wide, diffused stream for heating a larger area. When you're up close, the airflow doesn't feel particularly powerful, but it's certainly warm enough and, thankfully, uniformly delivered, with no scorching hot spots to set your trousers on fire. The tilting base also aids in focusing the airflow, and it oscillates for maximum coverage.

The included remote also makes it easier to control - just don't lose it or you'll lose control of some of the functions.

Even without the bells and whistles of its big brother, you get a lot of great design flourishes and top build quality for your money here. While there are plenty of knockoffs of Dyson's designs available for much less money, they aren't a patch on the real thing.

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3. MEACO HEAT MOTION EYE 1.8KW FAN SPACE HEATER

Small blow Space heater with a motion sensor that packs a big punch

SPECIFICATIONS

Power: 900W - 1,800W
Timer: Yes
Safety: Cutoff plus tilt switch
Size: 22.5x17x15 cm

REASONS TO BUY

+
Produces very high heat
+
Built-in motion sensor
+
Two power settings
+
Compact design

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Nothing at this price
This small fan Space heater measures 225 x 170 x 150mm but packs a powerful punch, producing between 900w and 1,800w of toasty heat depending on the setting. Seriously, for its small size and low price, this writer is blown away by the amount of direct instant heat it produces - too hot to keep a hand within six inches. Despite its small size, the MeacoHeat 1.8kW Fan Heater is suitable for rooms up to 55m3 and is ideal for personal heating whether used on a desktop or on the floor.
The really clever thing about this model is that it has a motion sensor that detects when a person enters the room and switches on and off accordingly. As a result, the Space heater turns on and stays on as soon as you move within range of the sensor. When you leave to make a cup of tea, it turns off after about 30 seconds. This is a significant benefit because it will not continually heat a room unnecessarily - thereby adding pennies to the electricity bill.
The MeacoHeat also has a tilt switch that cuts power if the Space heater is managed to knock over - pretty unlikely its hardness when in place - a one-to-seven hour timer, and an obligatory thermal fuse that shuts it down if it overheats because someone draped a pair of damp socks over the front grille.
The MeacoHeat is available in three colours: white, black, and red, with a taller 2kW version for larger rooms. This is the model to choose if you want a small, highly efficient ceramic heater for close-quarters warmth. It's simple to use, undeniably efficient, and small enough to fit under a desk, on a desk, or in a room corner. An impressive piece of low-cost equipment.
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Best Space heater with an air purifier, app and Alexa control

SPECIFICATIONS

Power: 2,100W
Timer: Yes, and a mobile app
Safety: Cutoff
Size: 63x22x22.2cm

REASONS TO BUY

+
Heats cool and purifies
+
Quiet and non-buffeting

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Not Dyson's sexiest device

Due to the lack of blades, Dyson fans provide quiet and 'non-buffeting' air circulation and oscillate very elegantly. This top-of-the-line model does a lot more.

Most importantly for the purposes of this buying guide, it heats up quickly and efficiently. You can set a preferred temperature via the dependable iOS and Android app, even when you're not at home, and it will maintain that temperature with minimal fuss. There's also a handy little remote that offers much of the same functionality, albeit at a much closer range.

The fan also cools in the summer and removes impurities and allergens from the air; the filter should be changed once a year or so, depending on how frequently you use it. When the time comes, the app will notify you. This is beneficial for allergy sufferers because the HEPA filter captures pet dander, pollen, and other airborne impurities.

The Pure Hot+Cool is also energy efficient, automatically turning off when not in use and turning back on when the temperature needs to be adjusted. It's also the only fan Space heater with Quiet Mark certification, so it won't interfere with a good night's sleep. Because there are no blades, it is also much easier to clean than a traditional fan.

If you have the money, this is one of the most technologically advanced fan Space heaters on the market.

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5. STADLER FORM ANNA LITTLE FAN SPACE HEATER

Best Space heater for small rooms

SPECIFICATIONS

Power: 1,200W
Timer: No
Safety: Self-regulating ceramic
Size: 18.3x27.7x15cm

REASONS TO BUY

+
Really small
+
Quiet and powerful

REASONS TO AVOID

-
No fancy features
-
A carry handle would be nice

The Anna Little is similar to Stadler's other Anna Space heater, but it is less expensive and, yes, smaller. Don't be fooled by its small size: it produces a respectable 1,200W from its tiny fan, making it ideal for smaller spaces.

Stadler Space heaters are known for their high quality and quiet operation, and this model is no exception. It's worth noting, however, that it's a no-frills product: if you want a Space heater that will oscillate, cool you in the summer, or turn itself on in the morning, this is not the Space heater for you.

Another omission is that, unlike many Small Space heaters, the Anna Little lacks a carrying handle. It's a Space heater that's meant to be stationary most of the time, so if you need something that can be moved around easily, you might be better off with something less elegant but more versatile.

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6. VONHAUS OIL-FILLED RADIATOR

Best Portable Space heater for regular use

SPECIFICATIONS

Power: 2,500W
Timer: Yes
Safety: Cutoff
Size: 28x14x38 centimetres

REASONS TO BUY

+
Simple and dependable
+
Long-lasting heat

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Takes time to warm up
-
Timers can be noisy
-
Looks awful

The main disadvantage of fan Space heaters is that they stop heating the air as soon as you turn them off, so you frequently find yourself in the "too cold!" cycle. "That's better!" "That's too hot!" And, of course, they consume your electricity bill whenever they are turned on.

An oil-filled radiator isn't as quick to heat up (they all do), but the oil and metal surround stays hot for a long time, warming the room long after the heating element has turned off. As a result, they are particularly well suited to everyday use in a variety of settings. A timer is also included, which is especially useful in areas without central heating.

However, if you intend to use it in a small bedroom, you should test it first: some people find the timers too loud, and like other radiators, there is some noise as they warm up and cool down.

This six-fin model generates 800 watts of radiant heat and includes a thermostat and overheat protection. It's cheap to buy but not particularly attractive.

7. STADLER FORM PAUL ADAPTIVE HEAT FAN SPACE HEATER

A good alternative to a Dyson

SPECIFICATIONS

Power: 2,000W
Timer: No
Safety: Thermostat
Size: 53.6x18.5x17.7cm

REASONS TO BUY

+
Clever design
+
Heats like a Dyson, for less

REASONS TO AVOID

-
No timer
-
Drab looks

Paul is an adaptive Space heater, which means that, like Dysons, it adjusts its output to maintain the temperature you set, much like your car's heating and cooling system does. It is accurate to one degree and has eight heat settings that can be controlled remotely or via the integrated control panel.

One of the primary advantages of the Paul Space heater is that it is extremely quiet, even at higher airflow settings, wafting the air around rather than blowing it in your face. It also functions as a fan in the summer, circulating air throughout even large rooms.

Although it is a more expensive model, it is less expensive than a Dyson and well-engineered. It's also smaller than it appears, producing up to 2,000W of heat from an 18cm footprint. No-name knock-offs are much cheaper, but they are also less efficient and much noisier.

8. HONEYWELL HZ-510E1

Best Space heater for the shed

SPECIFICATIONS

Power: 1,800W
Timer: No
Safety: Cutoff
Size: 29.5x18x27cm

REASONS TO BUY

+
Great for garages
+
Wide dispersal fan
+
Resembles KitchenAid toaster

REASONS TO AVOID

-
A little noisy

This is a wide dispersion Space heater designed to quickly warm up a relatively large space: in this case, rooms up to 22 square metres. It blows very hot air very vigorously, similar to an industrial fan Space heater, which means it can be quite noisy compared to others, especially over time. It's not jumbo jet noise, but it's probably better suited to a shed, garage, or workshop than a bedroom.

Even at full throttle, the casing doesn't get too hot, but it's best to avoid the front of it after it's been turned on for a while. A temperature warning marker that changes colour lets you know when it's safe to touch.

This model does not have frost protection like some others in the range, but it is suitable for a wide range of chilly settings thanks to its two thermostat settings and adjustable aim.

9. RUSSELL HOBBS 1.5KW RETRO PTC SPACE HEATER

Best compact and portable heating solution

SPECIFICATIONS

Power: 1500W
Timer: No
Safety: Cutoff
Size: 26.7x21x17.5 cm

REASONS TO BUY

+
Compact styling
+
Decent heating

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Retro looks not for everyone

The Russell Hobbs 1.5kW Retro PTC Heater is ideal for heating a relatively small area. It can provide warmth to approximately 15 square metres of space, making it ideal if you work from home frequently these days.

There is retro styling, which may not be to everyone's taste, but the unit is small enough that it isn't an issue. You get two heat settings, 750W or 1500W, or a fan-only option, as well as a variable thermostat to help maintain a consistent temperature.

How We Found the Best Electric Space Heaters

We began our search for the best electric Space heaters by going to ProductReview.com.au, one of Australia's most extensive product review websites. This gave us a list of some of the best brands in Australia known for selling high-quality electric heaters. However, we did not solely rely on the information found on this website.

To broaden the scope of our search, we consulted other reputable product comparison sites for expert critics' opinions. We also compared the views of independent reviewers and professional critics. As a result, we were able to create a list of factors to consider when selecting a Space heater.

In the final stage of our investigation, we combed through both local and major e-commerce sites popular among Australians. Amazon, The Good Guys, Harvey Norman, Myer, eBay, and My Deal were among the online stores we visited. This allowed us to compare prices and select Space heaters that met our requirements. We chose our top six Space heaters based on the following criteria: build quality, heating speed, noise level, temperature consistency, and user safety.

Buying Guide for Electric Space Heaters

In the winter, electric Space heaters are essential. You won't have to worry about the cold if you have the right space heater in your home. Nonetheless, locating an electric Space heater is a difficult task. This is primarily due to the fact that each brand claims to be the best, making it easy to become confused when comparing the available options.

Furthermore, there are various types of Space heaters, each of which uses a different heating technique. As a result, before investing in one, you should learn everything there is to know about them. We've put together this buying guide to help you find the best Space heater for your needs.

Types of Electric Space Heaters

The majority of different electric Space heater types are listed below. Electric Space heaters are also covered in the Australian Energy Department's section.

Column Space heaters

Column Space heaters, also known as oil-filled column Space heaters, are a popular type of electric heater. These Space heaters, as the name implies, have oil-filled columns that dissipate heat through radiation and convection.

When the Space heater is plugged in, the oil inside the columns is heated and circulated repeatedly throughout the unit, keeping your room warm. Oil-filled Space heaters are extremely efficient and can keep your room warm for several hours after being turned off.

They are, however, heavy, which is why most of them are fitted with castors for easy portability. The De'Longhi Dragon 4 is one of the most effective oil-filled column Space heaters available in Australia.

Panel Space heaters

Because of their space-saving design, panel Space heaters are very popular. They make use of powerful heating elements to warm the air drawn into the Space heater. The warmed air is then circulated to the cold spots of the room via convection.

You can mount these Space heaters on the wall or use them as freestanding units, depending on the model you choose. For those looking for a panel heater, the De'Longhi Slim Style Panel Space Heater is a good option.

Ceramic Space heaters

Ceramic plates with high heat conductivity are used in these electric Space heaters. Once the plates are heated, the Space heater will distribute the heat evenly throughout the room. Ceramic Space heaters are classified into two types: convection and radiant.

The former has fans that blow warm air into the cold areas of the room. Radiant ceramic heaters, on the other hand, can radiate heat directly because they lack fans. Most people prefer ceramic Space heaters because they are less expensive, safer, more energy-efficient, and easier to use. Furthermore, they are lightweight and portable.

What to Look for in an Electric Space Heater Safety features

Safety features

This is one of the factors you should consider when purchasing any electrical appliance. Most electric Space heaters have advanced safety features that will protect you and your family from harm.

Some models include an auto-shutoff feature that allows the unit to power down if it overheats. To avoid accidental burns, make sure the Space heater you're about to buy has stay-cool surfaces.

Heat output

Electric Space heaters, as previously stated, employ a variety of heating techniques. As a result, some Space heaters are more efficient than others. The majority of manufacturers measure heat output in watts. Space Heaters with higher wattage ratings produce more heat than those with lower wattage ratings.

If you intend to heat a large room, you should consider purchasing a Space heater with high heat output. The electric heaters on our list have wattage ratings ranging from 950W to 2,400W.

Noise level

Most Space heaters with fans are noisier than models without fans. However, regardless of whether it has a fan or not, a Space heater can make noise, so choose wisely.

Price

The cost of an electric Space heater varies depending on its features, heating capacity, functionality, type, and so on. Electric heaters range in price from $50 to $600. Some Space heaters, however, may cost more or less.

Energy efficiency

If you want to save money on your electric bill, choose an energy-efficient electric heater. Some Space heaters have energy-saving modes that reduce power consumption, whereas others are insulated to reduce heat loss.

According to the Centre for Sustainable Energy, all-electric heaters are energy efficient, but the cost of operation varies depending on the wattage rating. Space Heaters with a high heat output consume more energy than units with a low heat output.

What to Look for When Purchasing an Electric Space Heater

Automatic thermal cut-out

This feature keeps your electric heater from overheating, even if it has been running for a long time. It turns off the Space heater automatically, allowing the unit to cool before resuming normal operation.

Timer function

Electric Space heaters with advanced timers give you complete control over the heating system. A timer allows you to programme the heater to only turn on when you want it to. As a result, the Space heater will not consume as much electricity as it would without the timer.

Tip-over protection

Electric Space heaters with tip-over protection are less likely to start fires by themselves because they shut down automatically when they fall over. Almost all of the Space heaters on our list have this incredible feature.

Adjustable thermostat

The majority of electric Space heaters have a variable temperature control system that allows for quick and easy adjustment. This means you can adjust the temperature to suit your preferences.

Anti-frost mode

Space Heaters with this feature can turn on automatically if the temperature falls below a preset level. However, the set point may differ from heater to heater. Nonetheless, the majority of units use 5°C as the set point.