Best Ceiling Heaters in the UK | 2022 Beneficial Buyer’s Guide
What is the best ceiling heater? The first thing to consider is what company made a device you are going to buy. When you opt for a brand, you get guarantees that the product is quality and reliable. As for technical specifications, you need to consider the volume of heat the unit can handle, versus the size of the room you are trying to heat. Since almost all ceiling heaters are electric, energy efficiency is also essential. It should have enough power level and volume to meet your needs.
What Is a Ceiling Heater and How Does It Work?
This is a type of heater a lot of homeowners don’t think much about. That’s not to say they think poorly of them, they’re just not something they consider, because, for most homes, they’re not ideal. These tend to be found in wide-open areas, and those with relatively high and sometimes open ceilings.
You see them all the time, you really do. But you never notice them, because they’re in commercial spaces where the entire environment draws attention away from the ceiling, generally. They’re boxy-looking devices, often with a vent on their underside, and often, ductwork connected to them to distribute heat across other locations in the space.
Sometimes there are two or three of them, if you pay attention in grocery stores or the likes of WalMart, you’ll start to notice these. Sometimes, there’s one massive one, often in the back of the store, a massive box hanging from an inverted gantry, with large pipes leaving it, and branching across the ceiling like tree roots.
This is the ceiling heater, and as far as heating technology for thermogenic processes, they’re not unique. They’re usually electric, and use heating elements to produce the heat, and a blower component to move the air. They’re fairly quiet, though they make a creaking noise when they first kick on.
This is a fairly straightforward way to industrially heat something without drilling or cutting into floors and walls, and having to route from an obtuse location. While I don’t recommend installing this yourself (we’ll get into that), they’re fairly straightforward.
This makes them fairly inexpensive to install, easy to access and maintain, and in many cases, very efficient in actuality.
They’re, as I said, not ideal for residential spaces usually, but there are exceptions to this, but we’ll get into that in a few minutes.
When you’re looking for one of these, you want to factor in some of the same things you do with any other kind of heater. The difference is that almost all ceiling heaters are electric, so you’re not likely to worry about concerns regarding incendiary fuels, exhaust or the like.
You do need to consider the volume of heat it can handle, versus the size of the room you’re trying to heat. You need to consider whether or not you want to run just one of these heaters or use a few in parallel. You need to consider the control interfacing that it’ll require because these will need thermostats and switches to turn them on and off, and to regulate the temperatures or how hard they run.
Energy efficiency is a big one too because the one disadvantage that these have is hot air rising. This means, to keep the heat from hugging the ceiling, you have to work harder to push it downward, which uses up more electrical energy on top of generating the previously-mentioned heat. It also has to work to push this hot air through ducts and diffusers in many cases.
You need to consider all of these things, because replacing these, or building onto them to amplify power – can all become a tangled mess you don’t want to have to contend with. You do not want your HVAC system to become complicated and unbalanced, it will cost you dearly to fix this, and in the meantime, your energy bills will skyrocket as you’re overworking some of your devices, and your heat is uneven, causing you to constantly have to pump more hot air into the space.
It’ll become a maintenance nightmare too. So, pick the right power level and volume for your needs right out of the gate. You’ll thank me later.
TOP Best Ceiling Heaters
Below, you will find a review of the best ceiling heaters at a price ranging from £60 to £260. The first one is meant for a single small to medium-sized room, sheds, and bathrooms. The second model can be used to heat a small garage, shop or a small storefront. Unlike the Broan model, the ceiling heater made by Panasonic comes with duct connections and is much more powerful.
Broan Model 157 Low-Profile Ceiling Heater
This is actually a bit different from most ceiling heaters, including the ones I’ve mostly described, and I figured, well, why not show off how diverse these can be. This one, though, isn’t really ideal for most of the applications that most ceiling heaters are used for.
This saucer-shaped thing looks like an alien spacecraft, but it’s actually a small-scale heater/blower that mounts similar to domed light fixtures and the like. These are meant for a single small to medium-sized room, and thus you see them often in use in the likes of sheds, sometimes bathrooms where you want a little more heat than the ambient house temperature or efficiency apartments.
Features
- Power – 1250w, 120v.
- Forced air – Yes.
- Circuit requirement – 15A circuit minimal.
- Weight – 1lbs.
- Form factor – Domed light fixture style.
- Duct connections – No.
- Thermostat Interface – Sort of.
Performance
This will heat something like a shed, a single room, or an efficiency apartment quite readily, so they’re fine for that. Broan is a reputable manufacturer of HVAC equipment, so you know you’re getting something durable and powerful for the most part. Paired with a ceiling fan in push mode, and it’s pretty quick and effective.
I don’t recommend these for most situations where you need a ceiling heater, though, as these are something of a niche implementation if we’re being perfectly honest with ourselves.
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Broan: Check the current price
Best-Selling Ceiling Heaters in the UK | Comparative Table
Most Popular
Outsunny 1500W Electric Patio Heater Aluminium by MHSTAR
- 1500W POWER: Keep partially-covered outdoor areas warm and cozy, perfect for using in the evenings when it gets cold. Also suitable for indoor areas such as conservatories.
- REMOTE CONTROLLED: Maximum distance 5m, easy to use when you are sat down - no moving from your comfy spot!
- IP44 RATED ALUMINIUM CASE: Safely suitable for small water particles touching the surface. Lightweight and sturdy. Mesh barrier to protect from direct heat contact.
Heatlab 1.5kW Retro Style Hanging Ceiling Electric Patio Heater in Black
- Highly efficient clear halogen heating element lasts for up to 3000 hours
- Cheap to operate - less than 18p an hour running cost, without the need to purchase fuel
- Versatile - IP24 approval makes the heater suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Anodized extruded aluminum alloy frame - durable and long-lasting
- Multi-functional - a source of both heat and light
DONYER POWER Electric Hanging Patio Heater, by Donyer Direct
- 【Patio heater parameters】Size: Diameter is 17 inches and height is 10 inches; 220-240V,50Hz,2000W, Heating scope: 65sq ft; with CE/GS/LVD/EMC/IP24 certificate
- 【2 heating modes】①800W low heating; ②2000W high heating
- 【Halogen heating pipes】Two halogen heating pipes can increase temperature quickly and resist high temperatures with a long life span for use and environmental protection, 360°all round heating can expand the heating square
Products with a 5-star rating
Other Popular
SORTFIELD Electric Patio Heater, 2000W, Ceiling Mounted, Outdoor or Indoor Use
- RADIANT AND QUIET HEATER: Halogen Tube technology will deliver heat more efficiently from a distance. Produces an output of 2000 watts. The heater can also connect to a standard 220-230 Volt 50 Hz wall outlet.
- NEW MODERN STYLE: Designed to complement any gazebo, patio, and balcony.
- ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE: Zero carbon monoxide emissions - safe for environment and people.
- SUPERIOR QUALITY, SAFETY AND RELIABILITY: The heater is GS/CE/EMC Certified to meet the highest level of quality and reliability standards.
- ULTIMATE WEATHERPROOF PROTECTION: Certified and quality tested to withstand the intrusion of dust and rain (IP24). No need to store away every day. Safe to use outdoors, even in wet or rainy environments.
KIASA – 350 Watts - Far Infrared Panel Heater – Ceiling or Wall Mount Heater - Home or Office Electric Low-energy...
- INSTANT HEAT - Carbon Crystal heating elements are fast to heat and is durable heat solution
- NATURAL and HEALTHY - No noise, No air circulation, No dust, perfect for full day or night use
- VERSATILE INSTALLATION - Wall mount, Ceiling mount or make it your personal heater by freestanding options
- ENERGY SAVER - Covering room size of 5-10m2 and consuming only 350 wattages, that’s 70% cheaper than normal electric fan/oil heater.
- IP65 RATED (WATER RESISTANT) - Perfect choice for bathroom, kitchen, conservatory or laundry room alongside traditional living room, bed room or office spaces.
Outsunny 2000W Electric Hanging Patio Heater Ceiling Mounted Halogen Heating Indoor Outdoor with Remote Control...
- THREE TEMPERATURES: Ranges from 800W, 1200W and 2000W, allows you to be in complete control of how warm you want to be. Can be controlled by the remote or via the middle touch switch.
- ALUMINIUM AND METAL CASING: A strong, durable and reliable blend to withstand daily use in your home.
- LED LIGHT: Can be used with or without the heating on, perfect for creating a peaceful ambience in your home and garden. 100CM HANGING CHAIN: Great for placing on your balcony, gazebo
- MESH CASING: Provides a safe barrier between the heat and you – great for homes with pets and children around. FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE: IP45 certified, meaning it is protected by water spraying from any direction and from touch by fingers and objects greater than 12 millimetres.
- DIMENSIONS: 10H x 45L x 45Wcm. Chain: 100cm. Voltage: 220-240V. EASY ASSEMBLY REQUIRED. 2 x AAA BATTERIES REQUIRED FOR REMOTE.
Ex-Pro 2KW Outdoor Ceiling Mounted Hanging Halogen Electric Garden Patio Heater, 2000W, IP24 Rated, with 2 Power...
- [PERFECT FOR OUTDOORS] - Stay warm and cosy any time of year with this electric patio heater. You can enjoy food and drink on the patio, stay comfortable during a garden party, or spend a relaxing evening in your conservatory.
- [2 HEAT SETTINGS] - Using halogen heat technology, its never been easier to get everything feeling cosy in a highly efficient way. With 2 adjustable heat settings (800W / 2000W), you can easily switch the settings to get your temperature just right.
- [EASY TO ASSEMBLE] - The ceiling mounted patio heater is ideal for suspending from the roof of your balcony, patio or terrace. With its round head design, the heat is directed at multiple angles, effectively warming up your space.
- [IP24 SPLASHPROOF] - IP24 rated, the heater is protected from water splashes. Paired with its durable metal build, the heater is ideal for outdoor use - and its easy to store away indoors when you are done, or if it rains.
- [SAFE TO USE] - Featuring overheat protection for that extra peace of mind. Mains powered, the heater runs on electricity rather than gas or other flammable fuel - meaning no odours, chemicals, or fumes.
Outsunny Adjustable Power 1000/2500W Infrared Halogen Electric Light Heater, Ceiling Hanging Mount -Black
- TWO HEAT SETTINGS: 1000W and 2500W - it's easy to set to a temperature which is most comfortable and warming for you. Perfect for use throughout the days and evenings, suitable for many outdoor spaces.
- DURABLE CASING: Made from selected metal for reliability. Mesh barrier in front of heat output to prevent dangerous direct contact on source.
- EASY TO USE: Designed with a pull rope, You can easily control the outdoor heater by it
- INSTALLATION METHOD: Heater is easily attached to gazebo or outdoor ceiling with provided hook and chain.
- Overall Size: Dia.47.7 x 37.5H cm.
Outsunny 2100W Outdoor Ceiling Mounted Halogen Electric Heater Hanging Patio Garden Warmer Light - Black
- Hanging halogen heater with 2100W power to distribute heat quickly and efficiently.
- Steel shade in black with protective metal grill for safety enhanced safety and long lasting durability.
- IP24 rating makes the heater suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Multifunctional as a heater and vintage look light source.
- Overall Dimension: 36L x 36W x 48.5H cm. CE, CB, GS, ROHS certified.
Outsunny 1500W Patio Heater Outdoor Ceiling Mounted Aluminium Halogen Electric Hanging Heating Light Pull Switch...
- Uses halogen heating technology to efficiently distribute heat; Uses standard 240 volts outlet and provides 1500 watts of quiet warmth.
- Heater is easily attached to gazebo or outdoor ceiling with provided hook and chain.
- Aluminium cover makes it more stable and safe.
- Safe and environmentally respectful with no carbon monoxide emissions.
- Overall Size: Φ42 x 28H cm
Panasonic FV-11VH2 Whisper Warm 110 CFM Ceiling Mounted Fan with Heat | Best Bathroom Ceiling Heater
Unlike their TVs and VCRs in the 1990s, these heaters are very long-lasting, ruggedly-built, powerful and very high-quality stuff. This is your typical small-scale ceiling heater, meaning if you want to heat a large space, the scope may be a little on the small side, but it works just fine.
You can heat a small garage, a small shop, a small storefront etc. with this kind of heater just fine.
Features
- Power – 220v
- Forced air – Yes.
- Circuit requirement – .25A circuit minimal.
- Weight – 22.7lbs.
- Form factor – Box style ceiling heater.
- Duct connections – Yes.
- Thermostat Interface – Yes.
Performance
Panasonic’s actually made a pretty decent heater here. Is it the crème of the crop? No, but it’s pretty powerful for its size. It’s very efficient, putting out 110 cubic feet of heat per minute, with a very low noise threshold.
The problem is, it’s a smaller one, so if you want to heat a large area, you may need multiple instances of these. Grocery stores, warehouses and the like generally need a bigger unit than this.
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How to Install a Ceiling Heater
Alright, I’m going to start with saying this – don’t. This is something a professional should do, and I’ll explain why. I’m also going to give you a brief overview of what’s involved, which should better help you appreciate why a professional should really be the one doing this.
This requires some competent structural work, first of all. With most of these, you have to install a support gantry, and while it’s not the most complex thing ever, it is something you have to make sure you do completely properly, lest the heater fall off and potentially injure someone. Vibrations can shake this loose as well, so you really better be handy with this.
Next, it has to be wired up, which requires running high-voltage wire to it from your main box, often installing a separate box for it as well. Obviously, this isn’t immediately dangerous (aside from branching the main line), because you’re not stupid enough to play with live wire. But this wiring is kind of complex, and interfacing a thermostat more so. None of this stuff is as standardized as it could be, to be perfectly honest.
Lastly, you have to run ductwork and air piping for these as well. This is the simpler of the tasks, but it’s something that, if not done right, can result in your system not working very well. You really do need to have a professional do this, unless you actually possess commercial-level skills in these things yourself. DIY is great and can save you a lot of money, but sometimes, it’s just better to have a professional handle something like this. After all, this is why professionals are sought out – they can make sure this is done right, done to code, and also that it doesn’t look awful.
Pros & Cons of Ceiling Heaters
Ceiling heaters are ideal for specific environments, but there are times when they’re not ideal. They also aren’t perfect, and with any decision regarding your heating system, you’re always going to make some sort of compromises, guaranteed. So, let’s talk first about when these are best suited for your environment, because if you’re not heating the types of environments which I describe next, you don’t want one of these. Heating is diverse, allowing for specialism in different conditions, after all.
- Lofts – Loft-style residential spaces where the area’s mostly open with a high ceiling, can often benefit from a ceiling heater, because it can fairly efficiently heat this kind of space, and make for easy maintenance and overall usage.
- High-Ceiling Garages and Workshops – If my garage/workshop were bigger, and I needed more intense heat in the winter than I do, I’d probably have one of these in there. Similar to lofts and studio apartments, the high ceilings and open areas are what these are the most ideal for.
- Retail Spaces – They don’t have to be an open ceiling plan, but drop ceilings will probably be required. However, like I said, they are used heavily in these environments, and for a reason.
- Industrial Spaces – These are also ideal for large, high-ceiling industrial places as well.
Pros
- Easy to access, fairly centralized, and very efficient for the most part.
- Simple to install for a professional.
- Easy to maintain, thanks to accessibility and relative simplicity in their design.
Cons
- They have to work hard to force that air downward, because hot air rises. Many heating solutions use the ground to disperse the heat. Diffusers help, but it does burn some energy.
- They need voluminous spaces with high ceilings.
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