B&Q 2kW Fan Heater
Model number 26841250
Price £24.98 Weight 1.35kg
Dimensions 31 x 25 x 14cm
Power consumption 2000W
Web www.diy.com
This fan heater, which comes with a one-year guarantee looks stylish, but its silver coloured side trims mark easily. It has a carry handle and a cord storage space in the base, plus illuminated two-in-one controls for the thermostat and fan. It also boasts frost-guard and over-heat protection. In practice, the controls were fiddly and the storage for the mean 1.4m of flex was inadequate. The pulsing sound was intrusive, but its heat output was as good as any of the others on test.
Verdict Expensive for what you get, and not very practical for caravanners.
Rating ¤¤

JMB 2kW Fan Heater
Model number JMB FH 200 (525342)
Price £9.95 Weight 1.05kg
Dimensions 27 x 23 x 13cm
Power consumption 2000W
Tel 0845 0752233
Web www.index.co.uk
This is a reasonably priced fan heater with a one-year guarantee. It comes in a smart grey plastic case that boasts a useful carry handle. It has a generous two metres worth of flex that allows the heater to be placed in a variety of positions. While it blasts out plenty of warmth, it was also the noisiest fan heater we tested. It has few features and operation is limited to two heat settings. An LED lights up when the heater is switched on, but it is inconveniently located on the heater’s base.
Verdict A cheap basic heater that performs well but is noisy.
Rating ¤¤¤

Bionaire 'Twin-heat'
Model number BCH 3220
Price £49.99 Weight 2.3kg
Dimensions 32 x 16.5 x 18cm
Power consumption 2100W
Tel 0800 052 3615
Web www.theholmesgroup.com
This is a stylish and virtually silent fan heater. The top panel houses the digital controls and the LCD display has a night-light option. There is also an LED indicator that displays temperature. The controls are complex, but instructions are clear. The swivel function means that heat can be blown in different directions, and there’s a generous 2m flex. It’s expensive but it does come with a two-year guarantee.
Verdict This heater is hard to fault, but it is on the expensive side.
Rating ¤¤¤¤¤
EDITOR'S CHOICE

Challenge 2kW Fan Heater
Model number E0220R [415/8972]
Price £8.95 Weight 1.2kg
Dimensions 24 x 20 x 14cm
Power consumption 2000W
Tel 0870 600 1010
Website www.argos.co.uk
This is a fan heater with lots of features. Dual rotary controls include two heat settings, while the thermostat protects against overheating and frost. Its appearance is basic, but it is lightweight and sturdy. Rear extensions keep the vents clear and allow for wall-fixing, and a 2m flex is provided. Adequate heat is provided, without excessive noise. It comes with a one-year guarantee.
Verdict A bargain price and plenty of features, this is let down only by its appearance.
Rating ¤¤¤¤¤
BEST BUY

B&Q 800W Mini Space Heater
Model number NSA 10
Price £14.98 Weight 1.8kg
B 34 x 37 x 17cm
Power consumption 800W
Website www.diy.com
This compact, lightweight and virtually silent infra-red heater comes with a one-year guarantee. Simple controls operate the two infra-red heating elements, the body has a well-designed handle and there’s useful storage for the 1.8m cord. The low wattage means you need to be close to the heater to feel its effect, but it does heat up quickly. This is the only model on test that cuts the power if the heater falls over.
Verdict Low on energy consumption and easy to use, but you need to sit up close to feel the heat.
Rating ¤¤¤

Challenge Convector Heater with Turbo Fan
Model number CH 2000B (415/8408)
Price £19.95 Weight 3.5kg
Dimensions 43 x 58 x 20cm
Power consumption 2000W
Tel 0870 600 1010
Web www.argos.co.uk
This convector heater has a durable metal body but a rather basic design. It has two heater settings, plus full thermostatic controls including frost-guard. There are two carry handles and a safety cut-out function. There’s also an internal turbo-fan that aids circulation and boosts initial warm-up, although this is noisy. Its great for background warmth and heats up within minutes, warming the awning nicely even though the output is not directional.
Verdict Good performance, plenty of features and sturdy construction – all at a bargain price.
Rating
Rating ¤¤¤¤

Dimplex Low Wattage Panel
Model number DXL WP 800 1SW
Price £59.99 Weight 6kg
Dimensions 54 x 80 x 20cm
Power consumption 800W
Tel 0870 727 0101
Web www.dimplex.co.uk
Backed by a generous three-year warranty, this simple but stylish panel heater gives a credible output considering it’s rated at only 800W. The steel body has a durable white finish with one switch for operation. Feet and wall brackets are included. At 6kg, it is quite heavy considering its low output, but it warms up quickly, creating an obvious ‘hot-zone’ around the central area. There is little noise, and the low energy-consumption will suit the environmentally conscious caravanner.
Verdict Heavy and bulky for its performance, the Dimplex’s appeal lies in its sleek lines and running costs. And the 1m flex is too short.
Rating ¤¤¤

Dimplex Dual Warmth Heater
Price £69.99 Weight 12.3kg
Dimensions 57 x 82 x 22cm
Power consumption 1000W
Tel 0870 727 0101
Web www.dimplex.co.uk
This panel-style heater combines an oil-filled radiator with a direct element heater. It has the biggest dimensions of any model we tested, but if you can cope with the weight, you will benefit from the near-instant heat it produces from the direct element, and gentle background heat once the oil panel heats up. It returned the best temperature rise inside the awning of all the models tested. There are two illuminated switches and a rotary thermostat on top of the steel front panel. Frost-guard and overheat protection are standard, as is a three-year warranty.
Verdict Heavy and expensive, but it does perform extremely well.
Rating ¤¤¤

Glen Oil Filled Panel Radiator
Model number 2158
Price £36.99 Weight 11.5kg
Dimensions 63 x 80 x 23cm
Power consumption 1200W
Tel 0870 727 0101
Web www.dimplex.co.uk
This oil-filled radiator has the most dated design of any tested here. But it does have tried and tested components and a robust build. Fitting the metal feet involves six screws and is very fiddly, and at 11.5kg this is one of the heaviest models on test. There is one switch for combined operation and thermostatic control, and the thermostat has a frost-guard feature. The controls are located just above the ground and with poor instructions, fixing a setting is a matter of guesswork. But it produces good background heat that warms the awning nicely.
Verdict Heavy, with awkward controls and a dated design, this model might have passed its sell-by date.
Rating ¤¤

DeLonghi Radia 7-Fin
Model number R030715VW
Price £48.50 Weight 12.1kg
Dimensions 64 x 35 x 22cm
Power consumption 1500W
Tel 01933 442040
Web www.delonghi.co.uk
This oil-filled, electric radiator has a fashionably retro look and some nice design touches. It boasts thermostatic control, frost-guard, two-stage heater controls and fan assistance – although the fan has limited output and is slightly noisy. At 64cm and 12.1kg it’s no baby, yet has only a 1.4m flex. But the controls are simple to use and it has a three-year warranty. The Radia produced gentle all-round warmth with no noticeable cold spots, and it stayed warm for half an hour after use.
Verdict This heavyweight has useful features and good background performance.
Rating ¤¤¤

NEXT MONTH: MICROWAVE OVENS