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Best heaters in Australia 2020

We’ve found 9 of the best heaters to help you keep your home warm this winter.

James Dampney
James Dampney

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Marina Tatas
Marina Tatas

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The best heaters in Australia

How did we pick this list?

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.

Read more detail on our methodology below..

Best budget heater: DeLonghi 2000W Convection Heater

  • 3-heat thermostat
  • Built-in handles
  • No timer or child safety lock
  • Not suited to large rooms

Price (RRP): $69

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Why we chose it

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

DeLonghi 2400W Dragon 4 Oil Column Heater w/Timer TRD42400ET

  • 24-hour timer
  • 7-year warranty
  • Some users found it to be large and heavy
  • No remote control

Price (RRP): $399

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Why we chose it

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

Rinnai Avenger Natural Gas Heater AV25N3

  • Emissions are less than half the Australian standard
  • 5-year warranty
  • Expensive
  • Some reviewers say it gives off an odour

Price (RRP): $2,239.50

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Why we chose it

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

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

Price (RRP): $1,564

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Why we chose it

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.

Best electric heater: DeLonghi Panel Heater with Electronic Timer HCX9124E

  • Eco-Plus function automatically regulates energy consumption
  • 7-year warranty
  • Doesn't have a remote
  • Some users find the touch buttons hard to see

Price (RRP): $459

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Why we chose it

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.

Best portable heater: Kambrook 2400W Upright Black Fan Heater

  • Affordable
  • Safety tip over cut-out switch
  • Some reviewers complain of noise
  • Only suited to smaller rooms

Price (RRP): $69

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Why we chose it

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

Kambrook 2400W Upright Black Fan Heater

  • 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

Price (RRP): $1,301

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Why we chose it

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

Dyson AM09 Hot + Cool Fan Heater 302644-01

  • Precise temperature control to the degree
  • Sleep-timer ranging from 15 minutes to 9 hours
  • Cool function not cool enough for some users
  • Pricey for an electric fan

Price (RRP): $599

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Why we chose it

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

Goldair 2400W Platinum Outdoor Radiant Heater

  • Remote control
  • Easy to install
  • May lack the power to suit a large outdoor area
  • Not portable

Price (RRP): $249

Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

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.

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.

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