New Zealand winters are tough for people living in poorly insulated or single-glazed homes. For those without the luxury of a central heating system or a heat pump, a portable electric heater is a practical way to stay warm during the colder months.
According to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), heating works best when combined with good insulation and draught control, making it important to consider both your heater and your home environment together.
Portable electric heaters are popular because they require no installation. Newer models offer energy-efficient features such as built-in thermostats, timers, and eco modes to maintain a consistent temperature while reducing power use.
When choosing a model, consider where you’ll use your heater and how much space it needs to cover. Quiet operation is key for bedrooms. Features like timers and safety shut-off systems are important for homes with children and pets. For bathrooms, prioritise moisture-resistant models designed for damp environments.
Browse our edit of the best portable, energy-efficient heaters available in New Zealand, from compact models suited to bedrooms and home offices to more powerful options for open-plan areas. To help you decide, read our advice on which heater size and type you should get for your space, along with other affordable insulation methods to keep warm.
Shop the best electric heaters in New Zealand for Winter 2026
The best heaters for small spaces and apartments
Compact heaters are ideal for bedrooms, home offices and smaller living areas, where fast, targeted heat and quiet operation are most important.
Around 1500W is typically sufficient for small spaces (10–13m²). If you’re buying a fan heater for quick, targeted warmth, opt for a higher wattage model (around 2000W) to deliver faster, more effective heating.
De’Longhi Fan Heater
$89 at Appliances Online
The best affordable fan heater for reliable, controlled spot heating
This affordable fan heater delivers fast, directional warmth for smaller rooms. It has three heat settings, two speed settings, and a cooling-only mode. Its adjustable thermostat maintains a set temperature.
Designed with a quieter airflow setting to reduce noise, it’s ideal as a personal heater for use under your desk while working. The auto anti-frost feature makes it suitable for chilly climates.
Key features:
- 2000W wattage for quick, targeted heat
- Anti-frost function
- Three heat settings and a cooling mode
- Quieter airflow setting to reduce noise
- Adjustable thermostat
Kogan SmarterHome Premium Glass Panel Heater
$139 at Mighty Ape
The best space-saving bedroom or bathroom heater with remote controls
This sleek glass-panel heater features removable castor wheels, allowing use as freestanding or wall-mounted, saving space in small rooms.
With WiFi connectivity, you can control it remotely via smartphone to adjust temperature without getting out of bed or set a heating schedule. This is great for nurseries to ensure your baby or toddler’s optimum sleep conditions.
The heater’s IP24 rating means it’s splash-resistant, making it perfect for bathrooms.
If you like the look but want something more powerful or for a larger space, 2000W and 2400W models are available.
You can choose between white and black to seamlessly integrate the heater into your interior aesthetic.
Key features:
Capsule Ceramic Fan Heater
$99.99 at De’Longhi
The best energy-efficient fan heater for desk or bedside use
Using ceramic technology for high-performance heat output, this compact unit is ideal for desk or bedside use when quick warmth is needed. Its light design and ergonomic handle makes it easy to move between rooms.
Key features:
- 1800W wattage for fast, targeted heating
- Ideal for bedrooms, home offices and spot heating
- Ceramic heating technology for efficient performance
- Adjustable heat settings and thermostat control
- Lightweight design with ergonomic handle
Dragon 4 Oil Column Heater
$299.99 at De’Longhi
The best eco-conscious oil heater for consistent, quiet warmth
Providing steady, long-lasting warmth, this oil column heater is ideal for overnight use in bedrooms or reliable heat in small to medium living rooms. Its fin design improves airflow, and its high thermal inertia keeps it radiating warmth after being switched off.
Its cool-touch handle and castor wheels make it easy to move around your home. The eco plus function helps optimise power consumption or schedule heating when needed. The LED display and three power settings make the thermostat easy to use.
Key features:
- 1500W wattage for consistent heating
- Three power settings
- 24-hour programmable timer
- Cool-touch handle and castor wheels for portability
- Safety tilt switch and overheat protection
- Cable storage for convenience
- Seven-year warranty
The best heaters for medium-sized rooms
For living rooms and larger bedrooms, choose a model that delivers consistent heat throughout the space.
The AirRounder Connect
$469.95 at Breville
The best oscillating heater, cooler and air purifier for year-round use
Breville’s AirRounder Connect combines heating, cooling, and air purification in a sleek design for improved air quality. Its 1800W output is just below typical medium-room heaters, but its fan-assisted airflow and oscillation circulate air evenly, making it well-suited to heating medium-sized rooms.
Smart temperature controls maintain a consistent room temperature and automatically turn the heater off once the desired temperature is reached. In bedrooms, the night mode’s ambient light sensor adjusts the display as the room darkens, so you’ll sleep without disturbance. Its purification is also a strong choice for people with allergies.
You can use a remote with magnetic storage on the unit to avoid losing it, or control it via the Breville Home Connect app or voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This is ideal for smart home living.
Key features:
- Energy-efficient operation with automatic temperature control
- Heating (1800W), cooling (25W), and air purification functions
- Oscillation options (60°, 120°, 180°) for even heat distribution
- Smartphone app and voice assistant compatibility
- Ambient light sensor for bedroom-friendly night mode
Radia S Easytronic Oil Column Heater
$279.99 at De’Longhi
The best model for set-and-forget warmth overnight
With intuitive electronic controls and a sleep function for overnight use, this portable oil column heater is a reliable choice for consistent, long-lasting heat in medium bedrooms and living spaces.
It uses proprietary technology to automatically adjust power levels to maintain your desired temperature while minimising energy waste. A modern radiator design improves heat transfer, warming the room faster.
Key features:
- 2000W output suitable for medium to large rooms (up to 60m³)
- Precise temperature controls (14–28°C)
- Three comfort modes: Extra Care, Comfort and Sleep
- Energy-saving performance with automatic power regulation
- Enhanced radiator design for improved heat distribution
- 24-hour programmable timer
- 360° castor wheels for easy movement
- Seven-year warranty
Panel Heater
$239 at Goldair
An all-rounder panel heater for affordability and energy-efficiency
Popular among Kiwis, this Goldair panel heater uses convector technology for quiet, even heating without a fan. It’s energy efficient because the room stays warm after the heater is turned off.
It’s simple to use with an adjustable electric thermostat. To save space, remove the castor wheels and mount it on the wall.
Key features:
- 2000W wattage
- Slimline panel design
- Wall-mountable or freestanding
- Adjustable thermostat
- Safety shut-off protection
- Energy-efficient performance
The best heaters for large, open-plan areas
Larger spaces require higher wattage and better heat distribution. Fan-assisted and oscillating models are often the most effective.
De’Longhi Ceramic Tower Fan Heater
$209 at Appliances Online
An efficient oscillating heater for open-plan spaces
This ceramic tower heater warms open-concept living areas and spacious bedrooms with fan-assisted airflow and an oscillating base that evenly distributes heat. Though it is 2000W, its air circulation makes it a strong performer.
It also features a convenient carry handle and built-in storage for the remote control.
Key features:
- 2000W wattage suitable for medium to large rooms
- Oscillation for wider, more even heat distribution
- Ceramic heating technology for efficient performance
- Eco mode lowers energy consumption
- Remote control and programmable timer
- Safety shut-off and tip-over protection
Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP2 De-NOx
$1,299 at Dyson
A premium, design-led heating, cooling and air purification system
Designed for year-round comfort, this Dyson model improves indoor air quality beyond heating. Its advanced purification works during heating or cooling, capturing fine particles, gases, and pollutants (including formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide) while maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Dyson’s airflow technology and wide-angle oscillation design project and circulate air evenly, making it effective for larger open-plan spaces. Use it while cooking to minimise lingering odours.
You can connect it to the MyDyson app to control it hands-free, monitor your home’s air quality and set heating schedules.
Most Dyson fan heaters have similar heating output (around 2000W). This model stands out for advanced airflow projection and purification technology, helping it heat and circulate air more effectively in larger spaces.
If you want warmer, cleaner air, this is a premium choice.
Key features:
- Approx. 2000W heating output for whole-room performance
- Heating, cooling and purification in one unit
- The machine and app will notify you when it’s time to replace the filter
- Quiet night mode
- Up to 350° oscillation for even air distribution
- Advanced HEPA filtration (captures up to 99.95% of ultrafine particles)
- Removes gases, odours and formaldehyde
- Smart control via app and voice assistants
What size heater do I need for my space?
As a general guide (based on manufacturer recommendations and industry standards):
Small rooms (10–13m²)
Choose a heater around 1500W. However, fan heaters often require a higher wattage, closer to 2000W, because they rely on short bursts of direct heat rather than gradual background warmth.
Medium rooms (13–17m²)
You’ll likely need a heater around 2000W.
For large rooms (20m² or more)
It’s recommended to select a heater with 2200 to 2400W. Some 2000W fan-assisted heaters can also work well in big spaces, especially if they have strong airflow or oscillation to spread heat evenly instead of just warming one area.
“If you have a small heater in a massive room it has to run full bore the whole time, which can be expensive. So, size the heater to the room, get a larger heater for a large room so you won’t spend more running it, and make sure it has a good thermostat to save you money. Bear in mind you might spend a bit more for the heater itself initially”, advises Evan Claxton, general manager of small appliances, Harvey Norman.
Different types of heaters
When it comes to heating a home there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What suits a big family who like to socialise together in an open-plan space may not work for a smaller one that spreads itself out into different rooms.
Your choice of heating should reflect your family’s lifestyle and your home’s aesthetic. Ideally, it effortlessly segues into your interior, without being noticed, or it’s a style statement – either way, it should tie in with the look of your interior.
Oil column and convection heaters
These heaters provide steady, long-lasting heat, making them great for bedrooms and overnight use. They warm the air, which then rises and naturally circulates throughout the room. Oil heaters can take a while to heat up, but they keep radiating warmth even after you turn them off. They might not work as well in rooms with high ceilings, since warm air rises and can be harder to spread evenly.
Quick to heat your room and make life more comfortable, the convection heater is quiet to run. “For a budget-friendly option with instant gratification, go for a portable convection heater,” says Claxton. “They will heat a relatively large space without costing a huge amount to run. Generally, they are free-standing and can be moved from room to room if you don’t want multiple heaters running.”
Micathermic heaters
Micathermic models use both radiant and convection heat, so they warm up a room faster than oil column heaters. They’re usually light and easy to move, but the outside can get hot, so be careful if you have kids or pets.
Fan heaters
Fan heaters blow warm air into a room for quick, targeted heat. They’re good for fast heating or spot use, but may not keep a room warm for long unless they have strong airflow or oscillation to spread the heat. Some fan heaters can also be a bit noisy.
Panel heaters
Panel heaters provide gentle, steady warmth, making them best for small or well-insulated rooms. They run quietly and can often be mounted on the wall, but usually take longer to heat up a space than fan or ceramic heaters. Because their surface stays cooler, they’re often safer around kids or pets.
“We have seen a lift towards the premium panel heater, which is completely silent, very economical to run and has a life-time warranty. So, you’re buying a heater you know you will own it forever. Long-term that’s the best way to buy a heater, it’s the cheapest way to run, but you’re buying premium initially. We have people coming back to buy more of these for their second and third rooms”, says Claxton.
Gas heaters
The EECA recommends using unflued or portable gas heaters only as a backup heating option during power cuts, as they can produce moisture and pollutants and carry potential health and fire risks.
Affordable insulation upgrades to stay warm for less
A heater works even better with some simple insulation upgrades. These help retain warmth, make your home more comfortable, and reduce heat loss. Here are some ideas:
- Rugs: Besides making floors more comfortable, floor rugs help stop heat from escaping through the floor, especially on timber or tile.
- Draught stoppers: Cold air can get in through gaps under doors and around windows. Draught stoppers help block these gaps. The EECA also suggests checking hinges and latches, adding weatherstripping, and blocking unused chimneys to keep heat in.
- Curtains: If curtains don’t fit well, cold air can get into the room. Well-fitted curtains can cut down heat loss and work almost as well as double glazing. For best results, curtains should touch the floor, cover the whole window, and be made from thick fabric.
Other budget-friendly, personal heating solutions
- Hot water bottles: Always use a cover to avoid burns, make sure the water isn’t boiling, and check for cracks or splits regularly.
- Electric blankets: You don’t have to buy the most expensive electric blanket. Tests show that cheaper and pricier models heat about the same. The more expensive ones usually have extra features like timers, wool covers, or warm foot zones. Always check for damage, especially near the controller, and replace the blanket if it’s been wet or looks worn. Store it rolled up, not folded, and don’t put heavy things on top.
- Throws: Even if your home is warm, a cosy blanket or throw is an easy way to stay comfortable while you relax.
Tips for choosing a bedroom heater
Look for panel, fan, or oil-filled heaters with a thermostat to keep your bedroom at a steady temperature overnight. For extra convenience, choose a model with a remote or smartphone control so you can adjust the settings from bed.
To sleep better, pick a heater with a quiet or night mode. If you have allergies, an air purifier can also help.
Tip: The World Health Organisation advises that the minimum indoor temperature should be 18°C in living areas and 16°C in bedrooms. Recommendations for babies and elderly people are higher.
What’s the best type of heater for a baby’s bedroom?
A wall-mounted panel heater or a fan heater with a programmable thermostat is a good choice for a nursery. Smart models with remote controls can make things easier for parents.
For extra safety and comfort, choose a heater with a low-glare display and air purification to keep the nursery clean and comfortable.
Tip: If you use an older oil heater in a nursery, try adding a portable temperature controller. This helps keep the room at the right temperature and saves power.
How much does it cost to run an electric heater?
The cost of running a heater in New Zealand depends on wattage, energy efficiency, and duration of use. According to EECA, heating accounts for about a third of Kiwi power bills, so choosing the right type of heater can make a noticeable difference.
Based on April 2026 electricity pricing drawn from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Quarterly Survey of Domestic Electricity Prices, analysis published by MoneyHub shows residential electricity prices average around 34.6 to 39.3 cents per kWh, depending on region and plan, meaning running a 2000W heater can cost roughly 60 to 80 cents per hour.
In March 2026, electricity infrastructure supplier Northpower estimated that it would cost approximately $514 per year to run a plug-in fan heater (around 2400W) or a five-fin oil column heater.
When comparing heat pumps with standard electric heaters, the EECA notes that heat pumps are generally the lowest-cost option for heating, because they are significantly more energy efficient.
Related articles:
- The best electric blankets & heated throws to brave the cold
- 6 best dehumidifiers for a dryer, healthier home
- Cosy up with winter’s best throw blankets
