When winter nights get chilly, an electric heater is a handy way to warm up a room. They’re efficient, safe indoors, and let you heat only the spaces you’re using instead of the whole house. That saves money and keeps things cosy where you need it most. 

The Four Main Types

Convection heaters

• Heat the air in the room using liquid‑filled coils.
• Good for steady warmth in small to medium rooms.
• Energy efficient, but slower to heat up.

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Fan‑forced ceramic heaters

• Use a fan to push warm air into the room.
• Best for quick heat in small spaces like offices or bedrooms.
• Directs warmth where you need it.

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Radiant heaters

• Use infrared rays to warm people and objects directly.
• Silent and efficient, but don’t spread heat around the whole room.
• Great for personal warmth in small areas.

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Panel heaters

• Combine convection and radiant heating.
• Heat evenly and reach full power quickly.
• Good for larger rooms needing consistent warmth.

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Choosing the Right Size

Electric heaters are designed for single rooms, not whole houses. Think about:

• Room size: Small radiant heaters suit tight spaces, while panel or convection heaters work better in bigger lounges.
• Placement: Decide where the heater will sit and how much area it needs to cover.
• Power use: Wattage varies — panel heaters often use 1000–1500W, convection heaters 1–4kW. Match the power to your room size, not just the number on the box.

Features Worth Having

Safety and convenience matter. Look for:

• Emergency shut‑off if tipped over
• Programmable thermostat
• Timer settings for on/off cycles
• Wheels for easy moving
• Oscillation or directional vents for better airflow
• Child‑safe designs if you’ve got kids or pets

Price Guide in New Zealand (2026)

• Basic fan heaters: $40–$80
• Convection heaters: $100–$250
• Panel heaters: $200–$400
• Premium models with extra features: $400+

Final Tip

Start with the room you want to heat, then pick the type of heater that matches the space. Add safety features if you’ve got kids or pets, and balance price with durability. A well‑chosen heater will keep your home warm without blowing out the power bill.

Our choice

Goldair GPPH Panel Heater

• Type: Wall‑mount or portable panel heater
• Best for: Bedrooms and small lounges
• Features: Adjustable thermostat, timer, child‑safe design
• Price: Around $220–$280
• Why Kiwi families like it: Quiet, efficient, and blends into the room without taking up much space.

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