So, first off, which is which? A storage heater is full of bricks or ceramics, which are used to store heat, typically collected overnight when electricity is at a cheaper rate. Panel heaters are essentially oil filled radiators that use electricity to produce instant heat but, due to the fact that they are filled with oil, they still retain heat when turned off.

To break it down further

Storage heaters

The real efficiency of storage heaters comes into play when you are on an economy 7 heating plan. This gives you electricity at a much cheaper rate for 7 hours during the night. The storage heater makes use of this by “charging” up during this period. Using electricity to efficiently store heat which is then slowly released during the day.

This can be a great way of heating your house if you are home during the day but can be a waste if you’re not.

Storage Heater Positives

• Slow to lose heat
• Can be Cheaper to run

Storage Heater Negatives

• Slow to heat up
• Less heating control
• Usually more expensive to buy
• Heavier and more work to install
• Can be bulky

Some storage heaters come with internal fans which will give you more control of the temperature but the tradeoff is that this increases the rate at which you lose your stored heat

Elnur 1.7Kw 8 Brick Static Automatic Night Charge Control Storage Heater

Elnur 2.4Kw 12 Brick Static Automatic Night Charge Control Storage Heater

Elnur 3.4kW Automatic Static Night Charge Storage Heater

Panel Heaters

The real benefit of a Panel heater is that you have heat available when you want it. If they are oil filled panel heaters they will also retain heat even when not in use. They do not store heat as efficiently as storage heaters but are more efficient than standard electrical heaters. In summary, you’ll pay more for your usage but you’ll only pay for heat when you need it.

Panel Heater Positives

• Heat up faster
• Only use electricity when you’re using them
• Better temperature control
• Lighter and easier to install

Panel Heater Negatives

• Loose heat faster
• Can be more expensive to run

Elnur 2kW Oil Filled Radiator 14 Module Digital Electric Panel

Elnur 1.5kW 24 Hour Digital 12 Module Oil Filled Electric Panel Radiator Heater

Elnur 0.75kW 24 Hour Digital 6 Module Oil Filled Electric Panel Radiator Heater

Combi Storage and Convector Heater

Storage heaters with a convector built in can give you the best of both worlds. Your heater will store heat during the night at the cheaper rate but if you need a boost during the day it has the ability to supply the extra heat when you need it.

Combi Heater Positives

• Slow to lose heat
• Can be Cheaper to run
• Better temperature control

Combi Heater Negatives

• The convector boost is slightly less efficient than a panel radiator
• Usually more expensive to buy
• Heavier and more work to install
• Can be bulky

Elnur 3.2Kw 16 Brick Automatic Combined Static Convector Storage Heater

Elnur 2.4Kw 12 Brick Automatic Combined Static Convector Storage Heater

Elnur Smart Ecombi 975W Storage & 450W Convector Heater

Overall Benefits of Electrical Heaters

All of the above heaters have some general benefits over oil or gas boilers. First off, there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a worry for many families. Also, there is no more running out of gas or oil which can be an issue for many people.

So, which is best for you?

Essentially, it is your lifestyle that will determine which works best for you. If you are someone who is home during the day and likely to make use of the heat then a storage heater could well be your best bet. If, on the other hand, you’re not in the house as much, need heat instantly or have a much smaller budget to start with then panel heaters will be your best bet.

At Electrical World we want to sell you what you need as much as what you think you want which is why we’ve written this guide for you.