Electric heaters

Best bargain electric heaters under $100

These budget buys performed well in our tests and even beat some pricier models.
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Last updated: 5 Jun 2023
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Need to know

  • We reviewed more than 35 popular models from Dyson, DeLonghi, Arlec, Kmart Anko, Kambrook and more
  • Our tests revealed cheaper heaters that outperformed $500+ models 
  • Our experts rate key factors like heating performance, safety, ease of use, running costs, noise and more

If you’re looking for a cheap fix to fend off the winter chills, an electric heater is probably your best bet. 

While they’re not great for heating large spaces or energy efficiency, a decent unit can reliably turn the heat up in a room so you can at least feel your toes again.

The great news is our latest lab tests uncovered some impressive performers for under $100 that should do the trick. Some cheaper models even rated better than big-budget flops that cost well over $500.

The bad news is they also found plenty of cheapies that rated poorly. Kmart’s Anko heaters, for example, have a terrible track record but happily we found one this year that’s worth considering (which we reveal below). 

Some cheaper models even rated better than big-budget flops that cost well over $500

Of course, when you’re shopping online or in store, it can be impossible to tell the hot from the not, which is why we’ve scientifically tested more than 30 popular heaters, including fan, convection, column, panel and tower types from leading brands.  

Read more:
The banned mini heaters still being sold online

What our heating expert says

“Sadly, there are some terrible heaters out there at all price points,” says CHOICE heating expert Chris Barnes. 

“Some don’t have enough grunt to raise the temp in our test chamber by 10, or even five degrees. Others have failed our safety tests or suck up a lot of power, which means higher running costs.”

“Quality can even vary dramatically within a brand’s own range, which can make shopping even more confusing,” he adds. 

“We’ve seen some brands put out very good panel heaters but also release very ordinary oil heaters. That’s why it’s so important to do your research before buying one.”

Quality can even vary dramatically within a brand’s own range

CHOICE heating expert Chris Barnes

Consider becoming a CHOICE member to see two great bargain buys under $100 (and one recommended model that costs just a little more) so you can bag a good quality heater than actually warms your home.

Members can access the list compiled by our experts and our full heater test results, plus reviews for over 200 other product categories.

Jason

Jason Treuen worked at CHOICE as a content specialist and audience engagement editor from 2019 to 2021. You can find him on LinkedIn.

Jason Treuen worked at CHOICE as a content specialist and audience engagement editor from 2019 to 2021. You can find him on LinkedIn.

Alice

I'm a content creator and marketer here at CHOICE – which basically just means that I write stuff. CHOICE's testing is so comprehensive that we publish vast amounts of data on all the products we test. We know that not everyone likes to wade through numbers to find the best product, so my job is to take the data and translate it into something more easily digestible for readers who are time-poor or just want to know the best products to buy – and which to avoid. I also get to dream up fun ways of taste-testing products, like the Tim Tam challenge and the Democracy Sausage taste test. I write about all kinds of things, from health insurance to heaters and BBQs to bargain-hunting, so each day is different and I'm lucky that I get to learn about all the different things CHOICE does to help consumers.

I'm a content creator and marketer here at CHOICE – which basically just means that I write stuff. CHOICE's testing is so comprehensive that we publish vast amounts of data on all the products we test. We know that not everyone likes to wade through numbers to find the best product, so my job is to take the data and translate it into something more easily digestible for readers who are time-poor or just want to know the best products to buy – and which to avoid. I also get to dream up fun ways of taste-testing products, like the Tim Tam challenge and the Democracy Sausage taste test. I write about all kinds of things, from health insurance to heaters and BBQs to bargain-hunting, so each day is different and I'm lucky that I get to learn about all the different things CHOICE does to help consumers.

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