Electric Panel Heaters

How do electric panel heaters work?

Electric panel heaters turn electricity directly into heat, with no boiler, pipework or water involved. A heating element warms the panel, and the heater releases that warmth into the room through convection, or a blend of convection and radiant heat. Because they're slimline and wall-mounted, they're a good fit where floor space matters as much as warmth.

What makes them so responsive is their low thermal inertia. They don't store much heat, so they warm a room quickly when switched on and stop heating just as quickly when switched off. Add an accurate thermostat and a timer, and the room holds the temperature you've chosen without drifting up and down, only for as long as you need it.

Digital models such as the AirMaster LOT20 panel heaters and the ATC Almeria ECO range take this further with LCD displays and programmable timers, while WiFi enabled options from ATC and Dimplex let you adjust the heating from your phone.

Is one type of electric heater more efficient than another?

You'll see plenty of "higher efficiency" claims in electric heating, so here's the straightforward answer. Every direct-acting electric heater is 100% efficient at the point of use. If a heater draws 1kWh of electricity, it releases 1kWh of heat into the room. Energy can't be created or destroyed, only converted, so no electric panel heater can honestly promise more heat from the same electricity than another.

What does differ is how the heat reaches you. A fluid-filled radiator spreads heat evenly through the oil or thermal fluid inside it, giving off a higher share of radiant warmth. Because the fluid holds on to heat, it takes a little longer to warm the room and keeps releasing warmth after you switch it off. A panel heater with no fluid does the opposite, delivering heat quickly at start-up and stopping just as quickly at switch off. So the real question isn't which is more efficient, but which suits the way you use the room.

Panel heaters or electric radiators?

For rooms used in bursts, such as a home office, hallway or spare bedroom, electric panel heaters are an affordable way to add fast, controllable warmth exactly where it's needed. For rooms you spend long stretches in, an electric radiator gives steadier background heat and can work as a main heat source. If you're still comparing options, our wider range of electric heaters covers everything from compact top-up heaters to full room solutions.

Choosing the right output

Outputs run from 300W up to 3000W, so it's worth matching the heater to the room. As a rough guide, a well-insulated room needs around 100W per square metre, meaning a 12 square metre bedroom suits about 1200W. Older or draughtier spaces may need more, and if you're between sizes, going slightly higher usually feels more comfortable.

Whether you're heating one cold room, adding to your existing central heating or planning a temporary backup, browse our full heating range or get in touch with our team, who are always happy to help you choose.