Plug in heaters – also called plug in wall heaters, wall outlet heaters or socket heaters – are the gadget of the heating season. No wonder: they’re small, affordable, ready to go in seconds and take up no space. But the models differ hugely in power, controls and safety. This guide shows you what really matters.
What is a plug in heater?
A plug in heater is a compact fan heater that plugs straight into the wall socket (or wall outlet, as it’s called in North America) – no cable and no stand. Inside the housing is a heating element (today usually ceramic/PTC), and a small fan blows the warm air into the room. Good models have a thermostat, a timer and a remote control.
The big advantage over a plug in space heater on a lead is that it doesn’t occupy any floor space. That makes plug-in wall heaters ideal for small rooms, rented flats and anywhere you’d rather not have a heater standing around – and you simply take it with you when you move from one room to the next.
Pros & limits
Pros
- No floor space, no trailing cable
- Fast warmth in minutes
- Move it from room to room
- Affordable to buy
- Economical with thermostat & timer
Limits
- Designed for small to medium rooms
- Not a replacement for central heating
- Never in multi-plug adaptors or extension leads
What to look for when buying
- Heating technology: ceramic heating elements (PTC) are safer and more pleasant than open heating wires.
- Power: 200–400 W are only enough as frost protection or for tiny spaces. For a bathroom, office or bedroom, 600–900 W is a good middle ground – the WellHeater sits right there at 800 W.
- Thermostat: without one, the heater runs flat out all the time. With a thermostat it holds the temperature and saves electricity.
- Timer & remote: the timer stops the heater being forgotten. A remote is worth its weight in gold when the socket is close to the floor.
- Safety: overheat protection, automatic shut-off and a cool-touch housing are a must.
- Noise: for bedrooms and offices, pick a heater with a quiet fan.
- Guarantee & returns: a money-back guarantee takes the risk out of buying.
Ticks every box: the WellHeater
- Ceramic heating plates, 800 W
- Thermostat, timer & remote control
- Overheat protection & auto shut-off
Plug-in heaters compared
| WellHeater | Mini heater 200–400 W | No-name heater without remote | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 800 W | 200–400 W | 500–1,000 W |
| Heating element | Ceramic | Ceramic/wire | often unclear |
| Thermostat | ✓ | sometimes | sometimes |
| Timer | ✓ | ✗ | rarely |
| Remote control | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Suitable for | Rooms up to approx. 12 m² (130 sq ft) | Frost protection, very small rooms | varies |
| Returns | 30-day money-back | depends on retailer | depends on retailer |
Mini models with 200–400 watts from discount stores and marketplaces are meant as frost protection for a shed or conservatory – for noticeable warmth in a bathroom or office they usually aren’t enough. The WellHeater offers considerably more power and comfort here.
Plug in heater safety: the essentials
- Always plug heaters directly into a wall socket – never into an extension lead, power strip or multi-plug adaptor.
- Keep at least a hand’s width (better more) between the heater and curtains, bedding, clothes or furniture, and never cover it.
- In bathrooms, only use a proper mains socket well away from the bath and shower – never a shaver socket (UK). In North America, bathroom outlets should be GFCI-protected.
- Unplug it when you go out, or use the timer so it switches off by itself.
Our Top Pick
If you’re looking for a plug in heater that doesn’t just keep the frost away but makes a room genuinely cosy, the WellHeater* is our Top Pick: a strong 800 watts, ceramic technology, remote, thermostat and timer, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. In a bundle the price drops to as little as £34.37 per unit. All the details are in our WellHeater reviews.
Frequently asked questions
How well does a plug in heater heat a room?
That depends on the wattage. Models with 200–400 W are suitable for frost protection; with 600–900 W, like the WellHeater (800 W), small rooms up to approx. 12 m² (130 sq ft) become noticeably warmer.
Can I plug a wall outlet heater into an extension lead?
No. Heaters should always go directly into a wall socket. Extension leads, power strips and multi-plug adaptors can overheat.
Are plug-in heaters safe?
Models with a ceramic heating element, overheat protection and automatic shut-off are considered safe – as long as you don’t cover them and keep them away from fabrics.
How much does a good plug in heater cost?
Basic models start at around £20.00; with remote, thermostat and timer you’ll usually pay £40.00 or more. The WellHeater costs £49.99 for one unit and £34.37 per unit in the 4-pack.
Do plug-in heaters work in the US and UK?
Plug-in heaters are sold for the different plug standards of each market. Buy through the product page for your region – our region switcher at the top of the page takes you to the right shop.