Best fan heater 2022

Source: De'Longhi

Best fan heater TechnoBuffalo 2022

Fan heaters are a fabulous invention. Portable and lightweight, affordable to run thanks to advances in technology, they are the perfect solution for an occasional heat source, or to warm up smaller spaces without blasting on your entire central heating system. Our overall best choice, the Dimplex DXFF30TSN, can even warm medium-sized rooms thanks to its 3KW power output. The selection of fan heaters available today is pretty vast — we've narrowed things down to models that offer everything from desktop heat to room-filling warmth.

Source: Dimplex

Ideal for occasional use in small spaces, Dimplex's 3KW electric fan heater has two heat settings and can also blow out cool air. The controls are set on the top of the fan, and they are easy to use. The thermostat control means that your chosen temperature will be reached, and then the fans stop, coming on again only when it drops. It also has a frost protection setting.

The fan has an integrated carry handle, which makes it easy to move from room to room. On the safety side of things, this fan has thermal overheat and safety cut-out protection.

Best looking: De'Longhi Capsule HFX30C18.IW ceramic fan heater

Source: De'Longhi

Designed in Italy, this is a seriously stylin' fan for designer homes and offices. Its pod-like design and leather effect handle make for a heating product you won't want to hide away. It boasts rapid heat ceramic tech, which means you don't get a glowing red element and can also provide cool air ventilation.

On the heat side of things, there are two heat settings, as well as a variable temperature control dial, so you can get your space to the level of toasty that suits you.

Best desktop: Nexgadget desktop ceramic space heater

Source: Nexgadget

If you work in an office where the draconian bosses think "lukewarm" is an acceptable setting for the heating, consider investing in a desktop fan heater that will defrost your fingers as you work. This small scale option from Nexgadget only offers 0.5KW of power, but for a desktop version, that is enough, especially as this fan heats up quickly, emitting heat from two seconds after switch on.

There's also a fan mode to offer ventilation when you need it and automatic shut off with tip over and overheating protection.

Best Portable: Warmlite portable upright fan heater

Technically, all the fans we're featuring are classed as portable, but this affordable Warmlite upright option is especially so with a pronounced, built-in, decent-sized handle and a weight of just 948 grams. There are two heat settings, one which uses 1000 watts of power and one that uses the full 2000 watt capacity. Also, there's a cool air setting for warmer days.

Elsewhere this offers an adjustable thermostat, a power indicator light, overheat protection, and a safety tip switch that will cut the power if the fan gets knocked over.

Best personal: Pro Breeze mini heater

Another desk- or table-top option, this Pro Breeze mini heater has such good looks we think it doesn't need to be relegated to office use. Measuring just 20cm high, this would look good in dorm rooms or bedrooms in shared houses that need some extra heat. The fan's ceramic heating elements offer fast and efficient heating while the adjustable thermostat control monitors the ambient temperature for optimal heat levels.

The built-in safety features include an anti-tip-over switch and overheat protection.

The heat is on

Our overall best pick, the Dimplex DXFF30TSN, is a great all-rounder suitable for a wide variety of uses in small- and medium-sized rooms. It's the most powerful fan we're featuring and follows the traditional fan heater design.

If you're looking for something that seems a little more stylish, the designer De'Longhi Capsule could be for you. With retro looks and playful design, it's the ideal fan heater for someone who hates the thought of blighting their home decor with such an item.

More niche, the two desktops fans we're featuring, the Nexgadget desktop ceramic space heater and the Pro Breeze Mini are both capable and competent despite their diminutive sizes. Still, the Pro Breeze does pip it on the looks front — another option that is hot in more ways than one.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Amy-Mae Turner As someone who is always chilly, cold-blooded Amy-Mae was the perfect choice to warm her hands around this hot collection.