When winter arrives, there’s nothing better than stepping into a home that’s warm and inviting. Whether you're trying to take the chill off a small bedroom, a draughty lounge, or an open-plan living space, finding the right heating solution makes all the difference, both for staying comfortable and managing your energy bill through winter. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different heater types, compare popular options, and help you figure out which one will best suit your home.
Types of Heaters
In Australia, electric heaters remain the most common choice for most households. Let’s break down the key types and where each one shines.
Fan Heaters
Fan heaters are compact and highly portable, making them great for quickly warming up a space. They work by blowing air across a heated element to circulate warmth. These heaters are ideal for small areas like home offices or bathrooms, but they can get a bit noisy and may struggle to heat larger living spaces effectively.
Best suited for: Small rooms, personal spaces, short bursts of heat.
Ceramic Heaters
Ceramic heaters operate similarly to fan heaters but use a ceramic heating element, which helps regulate temperature more efficiently. They heat up quickly and often come with added features like oscillation and adjustable settings. Thanks to their design, they’re generally safer and more energy efficient compared to standard fan heaters.
Best suited for: Quick heating in small to medium-sized rooms.
Panel Heaters
Panel heaters offer gentle, consistent warmth by heating the air through convection. They operate almost silently and can be wall-mounted for a sleek, unobtrusive appearance. Many models include built-in timers and thermostats for easy control.
Best suited for: Bedrooms, study areas, spaces where quiet, steady heat is preferred.
Oil Heaters (Oil Filled Heaters)
Oil-filled column heaters, also known as oil radiators or fin heaters, provide long-lasting, even heat. While they take a bit longer to reach full temperature, they retain warmth well even after being turned off, helping to reduce running costs over time. Many models come equipped with thermostats, timers, and multiple heat settings to allow for customised heat distribution and control. Portable oil heaters are especially popular due to their quiet operation and built-in safety features like tip-over protection and surface temperature regulation. Whether you need a small oil heater for a bedroom or a larger model for a living room, these remain some of the best oil heaters available in Australia.
Best suited for: Medium to large rooms, overnight heating, long-term energy efficient use.
Convection Heaters
Convection heaters work by drawing in cooler air, warming it internally, and then releasing warm air back into the room. These heaters run quietly and produce consistent heat, though they’re not the quickest to warm up.
Best suited for: Daily home use in closed-off rooms.
Radiant Heaters
Radiant heaters use infrared technology to warm objects and people directly instead of heating the air. This means you’ll feel the warmth instantly, making them perfect for short periods when you’re sitting still, such as reading or watching TV.
Best suited for: Immediate personal warmth, short-term use.
Electric Fireplace Heaters
Electric fireplace heaters combine heating with ambience. They use a fan or infrared technology to warm the room while simulating the look of a real fireplace. These heaters add visual appeal, are easy to install, and often include adjustable flame effects. While they aren’t typically the primary heat source for large areas, they can comfortably warm smaller living rooms or bedrooms while creating a cosy atmosphere.
Best suited for: Small to medium living areas where you want heat and decorative ambience.
Heated Blankets
If you’re after a more personal heating solution, electric heated blankets are a great choice. Designed to provide direct warmth, they’re perfect for snuggling up on the couch or adding an extra layer of comfort to your bed during winter. Heated blankets typically feature adjustable heat settings, allowing you to control the temperature to suit your needs. They use less power than space heaters, making them an energy-efficient option for those looking to stay warm without driving up the energy bill. Plus, many modern heated blankets come with safety features like automatic shutoff timers and overheat protection.
You can also find heated throws blankets and heating pads, perfect for the couch or office.
Best suited for: Personal warmth on cold nights, energy-saving comfort.
Best Heaters for Large Rooms
Keeping larger areas warm can be challenging, but choosing the right heater will help you effectively heat a room without wasting power.
- Oil column heaters offer reliable, long-lasting heat. They take a little while to get going but keep the space warm for hours.
- Panel heaters work well in well-insulated, enclosed rooms and can be wall-mounted to save space.
- High-wattage ceramic or fan heaters can quickly boost the temperature but are generally better for temporary heating.
For bigger rooms, aim for heaters with at least 2000W output. Features such as thermostats, timers, and oscillation functions help spread warmth evenly throughout the space.
Ceramic Heater vs Fan Heater
Although they may seem similar at first glance, there are a few important differences between ceramic and fan heaters:
| Feature | Ceramic Heater | Fan Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Element | Ceramic plate | Metal coil |
| Warm-Up Speed | Fast | Very fast |
| Efficiency | Higher due to self-regulating element | Lower |
| Noise Level | Moderate | Often louder |
| Price | Slightly higher | Budget-friendly |
In short: Choose a ceramic heater for better energy efficiency and added safety features. If you’re after something budget-friendly for occasional use, a fan heater may still do the job.
Panel Heater vs Oil Heater
Both panel and oil heaters are known for their quiet operation and even heat, but each has its strengths:
| Feature | Panel Heater | Oil Heater |
| Warm-Up Time | Quick | Slow |
| Heat Retention | Moderate | High |
| Portability | Wall-mounted or light | Heavy with wheels |
| Noise | Silent | Near silent |
| Best Use | Bedroom or small lounge | Larger rooms, overnight use |
In short: Go for a panel heater if you need quick daytime warmth for smaller spaces. Opt for an oil heater when you want lasting heat overnight or for larger rooms.
For more heater comparisons, read our electric heater comparison blog.
Extra Tips Before You Buy
- Double-check wattage: Small rooms typically need 1000 to 1500W, while larger spaces often require 2000W or more.
- Prioritise safety: Modern heaters are designed with tip-over protection, overheat shutoff, and child locks, making them safer for homes with kids or pets.
- Timers and thermostats are your friends: They help control energy use and keep your space comfortable.
- Think about energy efficiency: While many electric heaters don’t have star ratings, features like eco modes and smart sensors can help minimise running costs.
- Flexibility matters: Models with temperature control and multiple heat settings give you more control over comfort and power usage.
Still not sure which heater will work best for your home?
Your local Bi-Rite expert can help you choose. Visit us in store or browse the full range of heaters available online. Whether you're looking to buy oil heaters, browsing oil heaters for sale, or need advice on the best oil column heaters in Australia, we’ll help you stay warm this winter.
FAQs About Oil Heaters
What is the most energy efficient oil heater?
Oil-filled column heaters are among the most energy efficient portable heaters for medium to large rooms. They retain heat even after being switched off, reducing running costs compared to models that constantly cycle. Look for models with timers and thermostats to get the best efficiency.
Is an oil heater safe to run overnight?
Yes. Oil heaters are one of the safest choices for overnight heating. The heating element is fully sealed inside the oil-filled fins, and most models include essential safety features like tip-over protection, overheat shutoff, and surface temperature regulation. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use models with temperature control.
Which size oil heater do I need for my room?
For smaller bedrooms, a 3 fin oil heater or small oil heater (around 1000W to 1500W) is generally sufficient. For larger living rooms or open-plan areas, choose a 10 fin oil heater or a larger oil column model with at least 2000W output to ensure proper heat distribution and efficiency.
