Our editorial team selected the products on this list based on actual customer reviews. For each category, we carefully selected parameters based on our research and identified the heaters with the highest review score within those parameters.
With a consistent rating above 4.5 stars out of 5, the DeLonghi 2000W Convection Heater is our pick for best budget heater. Portable with built-in handles for easy relocation, it retails for $69, but can be found for $49 if you shop around.
It features an adjustable thermostat with 3 heat settings, a tip over safety system, an anti-frost function and a bracket kit for wall mounting. With a maximum power of 2000W, it's designed to quickly heat rooms up to 60m3, according to the manufacturer. It also comes with a one-year warranty.
Best for bedrooms: DeLonghi 2400W Dragon 4 Oil Column Heater w/Timer TRD42400ET
Our top choice for bedrooms is another appliance from the DeLonghi range, the 2400W Dragon 4 Oil Column Heater. An electric oil column space heater, it's widely credited with heating up much faster than traditional heaters of this type.
If you do shop for this range, take care as there are a number of models in the 2400W Dragon category. We've opted for the TRD42400ET, but there are other, less expensive models, with varying features. This version has an electronic control panel, 24-hour timer, anti frost function and a 7-year warranty.
Best for large rooms: Rinnai Avenger Natural Gas Heater AV25N3
Emissions are less than half the Australian standard
This heater from Rinnai, which was rated the best overall gas heater brand in the 2019/2020 Finder Retail Awards, is our choice for best heater for large rooms. We opted for the Avenger Natural Gas Heater, model AV25N3. Retailing for $2,239.50, you can find it for significantly cheaper than that if you shop around.
Receiving consistently high reviews for its ability to quickly heat a large room and its energy efficiency, it comes with a remote control, dual programmable timers and a 5-year warranty. It also has a child lock, tilt sensor switch, overheat switch and carry handles.
Best gas heater: Rinnai Dynamo Natural Gas Heater DY15SN
Dual programmable timers
5-year warranty
Doesn't have wheels
Small number of reviews complain about the gas smell
For a reasonably priced gas heater to heat a medium-sized room, our top overall choice is the Rinnai Dynamo Natural Gas Heater DY15SN. It averages around 4.7 stars out of 5 across a range of websites.
Weighing a manageable 13kg, it has a remote control, child lock, low emissions technology and a 5-year warranty. You can pre-set on and off times for this portable heater that also has variable heat settings. Retailing for $1,564, it is available for under $1,000 if you shop around.
DeLonghi was the best rated electric heater brand for actual users in the 2019/2020 Finder Retail Awards. Our top pick for electric heaters is the DeLonghi Panel Heater with Electronic Timer HCX9124E.
It offers a digital display, Eco-Plus function that optimises energy use, a double fan system, delayed stop/start timer button and a wall mounting kit. While it has a slim design, it is able to quickly and uniformly heat rooms up to 70m3, according to the manufacturer. Retailing for $459, you can find significant discounts if you shop around online.
For a small heater that still has plenty of power, we opted for the Kambrook 2400W Upright Black Fan Heater. Averaging 4.3 stars out of 5 from reviewers, it has two heat settings and its 2400W of power puts it on par with some much larger heaters.
At 220mm wide, 315mm high and 160mm deep, plus a carry handle, it can easily be moved around as desired. It heats up quickly, has an Oscillation Function to quickly circulate heat and a safety cut-out switch if it tips over. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.
Best for energy efficiency: Panasonic C2.5kW H3.2kW Reverse Cycle Split System & Air Purifier CS/CU-Z25VKR
Air purification technology
Very high energy star rating
The low fan setting didn't suit one customer
Some reviewers feel that it's not as powerful as previous models
Our choice for the best energy efficient heater is the Panasonic Reverse Cycle Split System CS/CU-Z25VKR model from the company's "Aero Series" range. With a built-in air purifier and a very high 5.5-star heating rating, it has a direct focus on energy efficiency and clean air.
On top of cooling and heating, its Nanoe purification technology removes dust, allergens, pollens and more from the air. It also has Inverter technology, which reduces temperature fluctuations and power consumption. With a 24-hour dual timer, Eco, Quiet and Powerful modes and an LCD remote control, it's packed with features.
Best for dual action: Dyson AM09 Hot + Cool Fan Heater 302644-01
With an average of 4.5 stars out of 5 across thousands of reviews, the Dyson AM09 Hot + Cool Fan Heater is our pick for best dual action option. Billed as being effective all year round, it comes with a remote control, a sleep timer and a 2-year warranty.
This model has also earned an award for its quietness, it can be tilted, it has no blades and it will turn off automatically if tipped over. You can also alter the air flow, from direct personal heating to a more even flow to fill a room. It also comes with 10 fan speeds.
Best outdoor heater: Goldair 2400W Platinum Outdoor Radiant Heater
Our choice for the best outdoor heater is the Goldair 2400W Platinum Outdoor Radiant Heater. With a digital LED display and remote control, it could be the ideal addition to your outdoor entertaining area.
Offering instant radiant heat, overheat protection and a wall mounting kit, it also comes with a 2-year warranty. The temperature can range from 5-45 degrees celsius and it has a timer function for up to 9 hours.
Methodology
Our research team read hundreds of customer reviews for heaters available in Australia.
Each product was cross-checked to ensure similar ratings, reviews and experiences had been documented from a variety of sites and sources.
The products on this list were chosen by our editorial team and were not selected based on commercial relationships.
In this article, all efforts were made to provide a balanced view on heaters. Reviews of all heater types were studied, from cheaper, more basic models, right through to the latest technology and top brands.
Products selected in each category were available for purchase in Australia at the time of writing.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. But Finder may receive compensation when you click links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.
Electric vs gas heaters
Electric heaters are suitable for those looking for something to heat a small to moderately-sized room. Plus, their portability means that they're perfect for single individuals. They work best in an enclosed area.
Gas heaters thrive in open, large spaces and are commonly used to heat up entire houses. They can run without electricity so some models will still work during a power outage. However, unflued gas heaters need to be used in a well-ventilated space, which can be limiting for some, especially if you are living in a small apartment.
Also, gas is generally cheaper to run than an electric heater, but electric heaters usually cost less up front.
How much electricity does a heater use?
There is no definitive answer as to how much electricity heaters generally use, as not only does each type of heater use vastly different amounts of electricity, but different units within each category can vary wildly. Some models will have an energy rating as part of their product description, which will give a fair indicator of consumption. Gas units use negligible electricity, using only a small amount for ignition and operating computation, and some gas heaters have an inbuilt fan which requires some power.
How to choose a heater
If you're still not sure which heater is best for you, check out our full buying guides for electric heaters and gas heaters.
You can also ask yourself the following questions to help narrow down your search:
What's your budget like? In the long term, gas heaters are cheaper to run. And while a portable electric heater may be more costly to run, its initial outlay can be fairly cheap. This is why they are popular with younger people.
How big is the space? An electric heater is suitable for small rooms like a bedrooms or lounge room. But, if you would like something that heats the entire house, you may want to consider a reverse-cycle split-system air conditioner or ducted gas heater.
How tall is the ceiling? You will also need to consider whether your space has high ceilings, as this will require a more powerful heater.
When will the heater be used and by how many people? Electric-powered heaters are great for warming one person sitting in close proximity. Others are slow to get going, but can turn on and off during the night as required to keep your room at your desired temperature.
Where are you purchasing it from? The maximum heater power output in Australia is 2,400 watts, so if you're considering importing or buying off an online marketplace, make sure you keep this in mind.
Do you need it to filter the air? Most heaters sit close to the ground so it's very easy for them to pick up all kinds of particles. This means that if you have asthma or a dust allergy, choosing the right heater is important. Convection heaters work to filter dust, mould and other particles from being sucked in and blasted out into the room.
Save a huge discount on selected fashion, shoes, accessories, homewares, bedding, and electrical. Valid for a limited time only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
James Dampney is the streaming editor at Finder, specialising in sport and entertainment. He has over 20 years of experience in media, with previous roles including Managing Editor of FourFourTwo in Singapore, Sport Digital Editor at The Sydney Morning Herald and Sydney reporter for AFL Media. Outside of Finder he can be found watching, discussing or playing sport, sometimes over a quiet beer.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product or service.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan.
Products marked as 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money here.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.