Top Pick for
Overall electric heater
Top Pick for
Heater for a baby room
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Outdoor heater
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Heater for energy efficiency
Heaters keep areas warm and cosy during cold winter days and come in many shapes and sizes to address different heating needs. They can be fuelled by gas, electricity, wood or diesel and there are options for camping, outdoor areas, pools and even bathrooms.
Before choosing a heater, consider its purpose and where you plan to use it. This will determine which type of heater is suitable for you. Apart from the price, consider installation costs (if any) the heater's ease of use, safety features and energy efficiency.
Our team has examined a wide range of heaters from brands like Rinnai, Hayward, Campy Gear, Mr Heater, Autoterm, Dimplex and Ultimate Fires to help you find the best heater for your household. We carefully evaluated customer reviews and ratings. We also considered key product features when picking models for each category.
Read more detail on our methodology below.
For the best overall electric heater, our team picked the Nobo 2.0kW Electric Panel Heater with Thermostat and Castors, which has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online and Bing Lee.
This model features a Scandinavian design with heat outlet vents behind the front panel for a streamlined look that blends in with any home aesthetic.
It has easy-to-use controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to meet any heating requirements and can be wall mounted or be a standalone portable unit.
A tilt switch, overheat protection and a child lock are a few safety features worth highlighting. Additionally customers have found that it doesn't get hot to touch.
It is compatible with an energy control system and its 2.0kW heating capacity makes it suitable for large rooms of up to 20sqm.
27% off Nobo 2.0kW Panel Heater with Timer, Thermostat and Casters (DEAL: Save $91)
25% off Nobo 2.0kW Panel Heater with Timer, Thermostat and Casters (DEAL: Save $91)
27% off Nobo 2.0kW Panel Heater with Timer, Thermostat and Casters (DEAL: Save $91)
For the best overall gas heater, we picked the Omega Altise Brigadier 25MJ Natural Gas Radiant Convection Heater. On Harvey Norman, this has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
The Brigadier has a compact and portable design that suits small houses. It also has an energy-efficient operation without sacrificing its superb heating power, warming up large areas during cold winter days. It utilises radiant heat and convection heat to warm rooms up to 90sqm at a rate of 25MJ per hour. For ease of use, it also has an oxygen depletion sensor, a push-button control and a flame failure shut-off function.
Customers gave positive feedback on the heater's portable design, impressive heating performance and affordable price tag. To help you save on running costs, this has a whopping 5.9-star energy rating. It is also backed by a 3-year labour warranty. In addition, this unit is one of our picks for the best gas heaters you can buy right now in Australia.
The Rinnai 2200W Electric Panel Heater PEPH22PEW is what we'd recommend for the best portable heater you can get online. On Appliances Online, it has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
With a whisper-quiet operation, this electric panel heater quickly and evenly distributes warmth to keep small spaces cosy during winter. It has a perforated design that disperses air evenly to make your surroundings comfortable. Additionally, it comes with a host of safety features such as a delay timer, overheat protection and a digital thermostat. It turns itself off when it reaches your desired temperature, too.
Numerous buyers were impressed by this heater's ease of use, quick heat up and value for money. While it's a bit bulkier than other portable options, it remains compact to fit any home layout. It can also be wall mounted or move around, thanks to its smooth wheels. Several users said it gives them long-lasting warmth, making gloomy days cosier, while others praised its near-silent operation. A few people found its heat output too weak, but this seems to be down to preferences.
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For heaters, Rinnai was ranked 11th for value for money, 1st for performance, 3rd for ease of use, 4th for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.
12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
Large rooms need powerful, tall heaters to get them warm and toasty fast and with 2200W of power behind it and a standing height of 54.8cm, the Olimpia Splendid is our winner for the best heater to cover large spaces.
Designed in Italy this ceramic heater is built with a fan and oscillating function to circulate warm air evenly and efficiently. It has a handful of safety features including a tilt switch which one reviewer found was so sensitive it activates if you so much as try to move the heater when it's on.
At your fingertips are 4 modes: normal, fan, frost protection and eco mode while a thermostat lets you choose your optimal temperature in each. Both of these can be controlled by the touchscreen on the heater itself or via the supplied remote control.
The reviews for the Olimpia Splendid speak for themselves with customers happily giving it 4.3 out of 5 stars on The Good Guys, commending it for its quick and efficient heating abilities and its features such as the timer that lets you set and forget.
Keeping your baby at a temperature that's not too cool but not too hot (i.e. just right) is important for their development and energy reserves. Since babies aren't generally mobile a freestanding heater is a great option though if you want a heater that will last them a while we recommend the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool.
With its open design there's little in the way for your loved one getting their arm caught and while it gets warm it doesn't get so hot that it smarts to touch, unlike an oil heater.
We love the fact that it serves a dual purpose and purifies the air as well as acting like a heater or cooling system. The Dyson Pure Hot+Cool is Wi-Fi enabled which lets you monitor and adjust the temperature via the app, even while your baby is sleeping.
We recommend the Rinnai 1500W Black Glass Panel Heater with WiFi as the best heater for bedrooms. On The Good Guys, it has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Suitable for bedrooms and living spaces, this sleek glass panel heater features Wi-Fi connectivity for voice control using Google Home or Amazon Alexa. It also comes with an electronic thermostat with a digital display so you can adjust the temperature to fit your heating requirements.
This 1,500W panel heater boasts a sleek, black design to blend into any home aesthetics. It can be wall-mounted or move around, thanks to its slimline design. For convenience, it comes with wall brackets for installation and freestanding metal feet. Customers said it heats up relatively quickly, distributing warm air to small areas. This unit is backed by a 7-year warranty and comes with overheat protection for added safety.
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For heaters, Rinnai was ranked 11th for value for money, 1st for performance, 3rd for ease of use, 4th for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.
12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
For the best oil heater, our team recommends the Dimplex 2.4kW Oil Column Heater with Turbo Fan, which has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
The Dimplex 2.4kW Oil Column Heater with Turbo Fan features 3 heat settings and thermostat control to fit all your heating requirements. This model is portable and offers rapid heat circulation, thanks to its Turbo Fan Boost function.
Numerous buyers were impressed by the product's superb performance, affordability and user-friendliness. It is best suited for small rooms such as home offices and bedrooms. While you can use it for larger living areas, this oil heater may not provide your desired temperature.
With 3 heat settings and thermostat control, this Dimplex oil heater is designed to meet your heating requirements. It features a portable radiator design, so you can move it around with ease. Apart from 9 fins, this has a Turbo Fan Boost feature that offers rapid heat circulation.
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For heaters, Dimplex was ranked 5th for value for money, 1st for performance, 3rd for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.
12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
10% off Dimplex 2.4kW Oil Column Heater with Turbo Fan
Our pick for the best panel option is Omega Altise's 2400W Panel Convection Heater. It has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Harvey Norman.
This panel convection heater features 3 heat settings to suit your temperature requirements. It features a soft-touch button control panel with an LED for ease of use. It also comes with castors, wheels and wall mount brackets so you can install it in any area in your home.
With an affordable price tag and easy controls, this panel heater is a solid option for small living spaces. It has a flat, compact design that blends seamlessly with any home's aesthetic. Apart from an overheat protection and a tip-over switch, it has a near silent operation. A few customers wish it heated up a lot faster, but this seems to be a minor concern.
The Autoterm Diesel Air Heater 12V 2kW Kit with Digital Controller is our choice for the best diesel option. It has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Caravan RV Camping.
This diesel heater has a brushless fan motor, stepless fan speed and air intake silencer for a high-performance yet near-silent operation. According to the brand, this is also ISO 9001-compliant and CE approved. It comes with a guaranteed worldwide 2-year warranty.
While this heater comes with a hefty price tag, its durability and efficient performance have earned it a spot on our list of the best diesel heaters you can get right now in Australia. The heater's fans utilise a balancing machine and it can operate at -40 °C. Several users found installation a challenge, but this seems to be a minor issue.
For the best outdoor heater, we picked the Heatstrip Classic Radiant Outdoor Heater THH3200A. This uses radiant heat to provide an even temperature, keeping you warm during cold days.
With an impressive 3,200W of power, this outdoor heater is suitable for medium and large areas. It is IP55-rated for water protection, making it a safe and durable option at a reasonable price. It can also be mounted at a height of 2.1 to 2.7 metres, but you need a licensed electrician to install the unit.
This Heatstrip heater is one of the best outdoor heaters we've found online. It has an anodised alloy read casing, quick heat-up time and easy-to-use controls. For your peace of mind, the brand also offers a 2-year residential warranty for the heater.
10% off Heatstrip Classic Radiant Outdoor Heater THH3200A
Affordable and wall-mountable, the Heller 2000W Bathroom/Toilet Fan can keep you warm on a budget without using up too much space.
Google Reviews gives it a 4.4 out of 5 star rating with customers raving over how easy it is to install and how effective it is, particularly in small bathrooms such as ensuites.
A pull switch mechanism turns it on. Continue to pull to click through all the functions, which include 1000W and 2000W cool blows for hot days.
For safety there's an integrated overheat cut-out and thermal cut-out.
In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.
For heaters, Heller was ranked 7th for value for money, 5th for features and functions, 5th for heating performance and 3rd for safety.
19 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
Save on Heller 2000W Bathroom/Toilet Fan Heating
7% off Heller 2000W Bathroom/Toilet Fan Heating
The DeLonghi Capsule Fan Heater is what our team would recommend as the best option for camping, garnering a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
The Capsule offers direct warmth for up to 2 people inside a tent. It features ceramic technology, helping the unit self-regulate for the ideal temperature possible. One of our picks for the best heaters for camping, this has 2 power settings and a summer ventilation function for hot days.
Numerous buyers were impressed by the heater's compact design, affordable price and user-friendliness. It's got a small footprint and an ergonomic handle, allowing you to easily move it around. You can even use it as a personal heater indoors. However, this heats up quite slowly compared to other options.
In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.
For heaters, DeLonghi was ranked 19th for value for money, 14th for features and functions, 13th for heating performance and 15th for safety.
19 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
Our pick for the best energy-efficient heater is the Rinnai Avenger 25MJ. It has a 5.8-star energy rating (out of 6 stars) and an average customer review rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online, The Good Guys and Bing Lee.
Dual programmable timers for mornings and evenings allow you to optimise its performance and reduce energy waste. Choose from a variety of heat settings, all of which are adjustable using the remote control.
The Rinnai Avenger 25MJ runs on LPG or Natural Gas and can be connected to an existing gas bayonet point.
Positive reviews call out how quickly and efficiently it warms up large open spaces. It has a child lock and comes with a 5-year warranty.
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For heaters, Rinnai was ranked 11th for value for money, 1st for performance, 3rd for ease of use, 4th for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.
12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
Whether you're warming an indoor or outdoor pool, spa or bathtub, the VEVOR Pool Electric 11KW 220V Spa Heater is a versatile heater that comes packed with a heap of intelligent functions.
With an average 4.7 out of 5 stars review rating on the official VEVOR website it's our pick for the best pool heater you can buy in Australia.
Compact and durable, this VEVOR pool heater boasts a ST-11 Water Heater Thermostat that's built with aluminum-plating zinc plates for reduced wear-and-tear against a harsh Aussie sun.
A smart temperature setting maintains a consistent heat while the touchscreen LCD screen lets you observe and adjust the temperature in seconds.
For safety, a self-checking function has been implemented which detects and warns you of the absence of water.
Although advertised as effortless to install, some customers have run into issues, particularly with compatible parts. For example, one said that the PVC didn't match up. Another also hired an electrician as the current of the 11KW thermostat is 50A and therefore a circuit breaker greater than or equal to 63A was recommended.
A pump of at least 1.1KW is also recommended, which could be another cost to bear in mind.
The DeLonghi Ceramic Panel Heater HX65L15AG is our choice for the best ceramic option, garnering a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Harvey Norman.
Featuring ceramic technology, the HX65L15AG is designed to self-regulate and adjust its heat output depending on the temperature in the room. It creates a convection effect to provide a gentle background warmth at a consistent temperature. Apart from heaps of safety features like an auto-off function and tip-over switch, this has a key lock and a 24-hour digital timer for convenience.
This ceramic heater offers 3 power settings and an ECO PLUS function to help reduce heating costs. It is also double-insulated and has an anti-freeze function for durability. A few customers said the touch control panel is difficult to configure, but this seems to be a minor issue.
In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.
For heaters, DeLonghi was ranked 19th for value for money, 14th for features and functions, 13th for heating performance and 15th for safety.
19 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
38% off De'Longhi Ceramic Panel Heater HX65L15AG
14% off De'Longhi Ceramic Panel Heater HX65L15AG
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15Our team evaluated hundreds upon hundreds of heaters from a wide range of retailers. We evaluated and picked heaters from the following brands:
We then made a shortlist based on customer reviews and ratings (as of May 2023). We also picked heaters based on key product features such as value for money, size coverage, power and safety features. We came up with what we believe are the 16 best heaters available online.
Consider these factors when shopping for a heater:
Some heaters are designed for small spaces, others for large open-plan areas. Determine the size of the room you need to heat and shop accordingly.
Are you using the heater for camping? In the bathroom? No heaters do it all. For example indoor heaters aren't suitable for camping and traditional heaters aren't recommended for bathrooms.
Electric, gas, ceramic and oil heaters are typically cheaper than wood heaters. Also consider any installation expenses that you might need to shell out.
Choose between gas, electric, oil and wood options. For vehicles, diesel heaters are your best bet.
Opt for a heater with a user-friendly control panel and adjustable thermostat to accommodate your heating requirements.
Choose an option with energy-saving features like an eco-mode, timer, multiple heat settings and low emission technology.
Make sure the heater has overheat protection, an auto shut-off function and a tilt-over switch. Some brands also offer models with a child lock.
A noisy heater can be annoying when you're trying to relax. A quiet heater has a noise level of 50dB or lower.
Heaters have become a winter essential that helps keep us warm and toasty even on the gloomiest days, but they still pose some risks. Follow these tips to avoid any heater mishaps:
The Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards is an annual national survey conducted in partnership with research firm Dynata. With over 30,000 real shoppers participating, the awards serve as a reliable reflection of Australian consumers' preferences and opinions.
Here are the scores for heater brands from 2024.
| Brand | Cleaning and maintenance | Ease of use | Overall | Performance | Product features | Value for money | Recommended | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kmart Anko | 4 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4 | 4.5 | 96% | 4.39 |
| Arlec | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4 | 4.4 | 93% | 4.32 |
| Aldi | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 92% | 4.31 |
| Dimplex | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 81% | 4.28 |
| Delonghi | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 94% | 4.2714 |
| Rinnai | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4 | 92% | 4.2714 |
| Kogan | 4 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4 | 4.4 | 86% | 4.23 |
| Bosch | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 3.9 | 90% | 4.19 |
| Goldair | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 86% | 4.17 |
| Target | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 86% | 4.11 |
| Kmart | 3.7 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 86% | 4.1 |
| Kambrook | 3.7 | 4.3 | 4 | 4.1 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 86% | 4.01 |
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92% of surveyed consumers recommend Rinnai heaters.
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