With the UK set to be hit by more wintry weather, we are all doing our best to stay warm. But energy bills are still extremely high, so many of us are apprehensive to turn on our heating for the fear of losing more money.
As we debate whether to cuddle further into our blankets, or put on another layer of clothing, some people have taken the initiative to see what other heating gadgets are on the market that won’t break the bank. From this investigation, mini plug-in heaters have proved to be useful.
These little devices simply slot into a plug socket, and they are promising to produce lots of heat for only pennies an hour. Two top rated mini heaters have been found on Amazon, and both are currently under £20 each.
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The first one is Russell Hobbs 500W Ceramic Plug Heater down from £24.99 to an affordable £14. An alternative option is the Swan SH27010N Plug-In Fan Heater selling at a cosy £12.99. But do these devices live up to what they claim?
Zoe Cripps from our sister title the Mirror took on the challenge of testing out both of the mini heaters to see if they live up to their claims of saving you money for consistent heat. Read below to see how she got on.
Plug number one: Russell Hobbs 500W Ceramic Plug Heater
Cost: £14
If you’re after a portable heating solution, the Russell Hobbs RHPH2001 Ceramic Plug Heater is worth a look. This nifty device offers up to 30C of heat from just 500W, making it energy-efficient for rooms up to 10 square metres.
It features two fan speeds and a variable temperature setting, so you can find your perfect comfort level. The compact design means it’s easy to take with you, whether you’re moving from room to room or heading off on a trip. Plus, with a 12-hour timer and built-in thermostat, keeping your space warm has never been more convenient.
Head of shopping Zoe says: “I was blown away by this mini heater. It was so quick to turn on and heat up, and when I closed my bedroom door and came back less than four minutes later (I only went to make a cup of tea), the room was as warm as it was when I had my central heating on. I was fully expecting to return this little gadget, but it’s staying right where it is in my bedroom.”
Plug number two: Swan Plug-In Fan Heater
Cost: £12.99
Looking to keep cosy without cranking up the central heating? The Swan SH27010N Plug-In Fan Heater might be your new best mate. This compact gadget plugs straight into the wall, delivering instant warmth with its 700W power. With an adjustable temperature range from 15C to 30C and two fan speeds, you can tailor the heat to your liking.
The LED display and 12-hour timer make it a doddle to use, and the overheating protection feature ensures safety. Perfect for those chilly mornings or when you just need to warm up a single room without heating the whole house.
Head of shopping Zoe says: “While I preferred the overall sleek design and easy-to-navigate buttons on this plug heater, even on full power, it didn’t pack as much of a punch as the Swan heater. I felt the fans were angled downwards slightly, so the heat didn’t seem to rise and fill the room quite so fast. I left it on for 15 minutes, and my room stayed warm during that time. It’s an excellent budget option at under a tenner.”
How do plug heaters compare to space heaters in terms of energy costs?
Here’s the exact price breakdown for you:
- Swan SH27010N (700W) → 19p per hour
- Russell Hobbs RHPH2001 (500W) → 14p per hour *winner*
- Standard fan heater (2kW) → 54p per hour
- Oil-filled radiator (1.5kW) → 41p per hour
- Halogen heater (1.2kW) → 32p per hour
In conclusion, both of these plug-in heaters are much cheaper to run than traditional space heaters, especially for heating small areas. If you just need to warm up a small room, office, or bedside space, they’re a cost-effective option. However, the downside is they won’t heat a large room as effectively as a full-size 2kW heater.
Zoe’s verdict is for a small bedroom or an office, they’re perfect. For a bigger room, she’ll be using her Dimplex 2000W Electric Freestanding Oil-Free Radiator, or turning to a cheap-to-run electric blanket.