How to choose the best heater for your home

A decent heater is a winter essential. But with so many options – from fan and panel heaters to fireplaces and outdoor heat strips – knowing what will work in your home can seem tricky. After all, it’s not just about staying toasty. It’s about choosing the best heater that suits how you live, the spaces you actually use and how much you’re prepared to spend on running costs. Here’s how to get it right, room by room. 

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Simple tips for energy saving

Good heating starts with keeping warmth where you want it.

• “Draught sealing and insulation upgrades are often the most cost-effective improvements and make the biggest difference,” says Architect John Liu of Inbetween Architecture.
• Drawing curtains at night and closing doors to unused rooms also help maintain heat where it’s needed.
• Running heaters smarter helps, too. Nicholas Kaiko of Kaiko Design Interiors recommends models with thermostats and timers: “They maintain a steady temperature without overheating, which improves comfort and energy efficiency.”
• And remember that heating people, not whole spaces, uses less energy and saves on running costs.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Q: What’s the best heater for a living room?
A: Living room favourites include wood-burning fireplaces and wall-mounted radiator heaters, as they provide steady and long-lasting heat.

Q: What heater should you get for your bedroom?
A: Something quiet and gentle like a slim panel heater. Look for smart features.

Q: What’s the best heater for large rooms?
A: For shorts bursts of heat try convection or fan heaters. For spaces you use for long periods, try wall-mounted panels.

Q: What are the best heaters for outside?
A: For efficiency try infrared ceiling or wall-mounted heaters with remote control options. For a fireside vibe, try low-smoke fire pits. 

What’s the best heater for a living room?

Aim for: steady background warmth rather than short bursts of heat in living spaces. Try:

• Wall-mounted electric panel or radiator heaters
  John recommends these. “They save floor space and provide comfortable radiant heat, which suits open and draughty rooms,” he says. Once warmed up, they hold heat well, making them ideal for spots where families spend long stretches together.

• Wood-burning fireplaces
  Another living area favourite. “A wood heater creates warmth, atmosphere and a sense of ritual that other heaters can’t replicate,” says John, particularly when positioned as a focal point in the main gathering space.

• Electric fireplaces
  If you love the look of an open flame, but not the hassle of a real-wood fire, consider an electric fireplace. Today’s models deliver realistic flame effects without smoke, ash or the need for ventilation. They won’t heat your entire home but are an easy way to add gentle warmth and ambience.

What is the best heater for a bedroom?

Aim for: just enough warmth to stay comfortable through the night and on cold mornings. Sleeping spaces don’t need intense heat. Try:

• Slim panel heaters
  They're a popular choice because they’re quiet, low-profile and easy to live with. “Bedrooms benefit from gentle, consistent warmth,” says John, noting that good temperature control is especially important in children’s rooms and nurseries.

• Smart heaters
  They give you app control on your mobile phone, add another layer of convenience. Being able to warm a bedroom before bedtime or switch heating off remotely once everyone’s asleep helps avoid overheating and running heaters longer than needed.

What are the best heaters for multi-use spaces?

Aim for: Heating that can adapt throughout the day. This works best in areas like dining rooms, playrooms and family zones. Scale and placement are key, says Nicholas. In larger rooms, zoning helps manage energy use more effectively. “Getting the size right is also critical – undersized heaters struggle, while oversized ones waste energy,” says Nicholas. Try:

• Convection or fan heaters: Suit spaces that are used for short periods.
• Wall-mounted panels: Work well in rooms that are occupied for longer.
• Wall-mounted, high-capacity panel heaters: Nicholas’ favourite pick for open plan spaces. “They provide consistent background warmth without taking up floor space.” 

What are the best heaters for outside?

Aim for: Heaters that deliver in both looks and performance. Clare Howie, associate buyer for barbecues and outdoor heating at Bunnings, says there’s now a clear emphasis on aesthetics – from slimline infrared bars to sculptural flame towers, chimeneas and designer-grade fire features. “Outdoor heaters are no longer just functional; many are statement pieces,” she says. Outdoor heating works best when it’s targeted. Try:

• Infrared ceiling or wall-mounted heaters
  These “warm people and objects directly rather than heating the surrounding air, which makes them far more efficient – especially in breezy areas,” advises Clare. Many newer models also offer app or remote control, making adjustments easier when conditions change.

• Low-smoke fire pits
  Want that fireside feel outdoors? Smoke is a big consideration, particularly in courtyards or smaller backyards. New low-smoke fire pits are designed with improved airflow to burn more cleanly, significantly reducing smoke while delivering warmth and glow. “They’re a great option for homeowners or renters who want atmosphere without the side effects,” says Clare.

Keep in mind…

• Any hardwired electrical work must be carried out by a licensed tradie.

• Check fire pit manufacturer’s safety/set-up advice and local authority regulations for open fires. Position fire pits away from combustible structures.

• Wood heaters should be installed by a licensed professional to manufacturer’s specifications and complying with local council regulations.

• Firewood sold separately. Only burn dry, sustainably forested, well seasoned and chemically untreated timber. Supervise children and pets around fires at all times.

Keen for more winter heating ideas?

Check out our article on how to install a panel heater.

Photo credit: Scandia, Louise Roche.