Best Electric Heaters for Australian Homes 2026
Electric heaters are the most popular supplementary heating choice in Australian homes, particularly in southern states where winters are cold enough to require heating but most homes lack the ducted gas central heating common in colder climates. All electric heaters sold in Australia must carry the RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) confirming compliance with AS/NZS 60335.2 electrical safety standards. The Australian market offers panel heaters, oil-filled column heaters, ceramic fan heaters, and infrared heaters — each suited to different room sizes and Australian heating patterns. Available at Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, Kmart, Big W, and Amazon Australia.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
- 1All electric heaters sold in Australia must carry the RCM mark — only buy from Australian retailers to ensure compliance with AS/NZS 60335.2 safety standards.
- 2Australian winters typically require heating from June to August; in Melbourne and Hobart, May and September can also be cold — plan for 4–5 months of use.
- 3For Australian energy costs (28–35c/kWh), a 2,400W fan heater costs roughly $0.70–0.84 per hour — panel heaters or reverse-cycle air conditioning are more economical for longer heating periods.
- 4Reverse-cycle air conditioning is more energy-efficient than any electric heater for Australian whole-room heating — if you have a split system, use it in heating mode first.
- 5Oil-filled column heaters are the safest choice for Australian homes with children or pets — no exposed heating element, stable base, and they retain heat well after switching off.
- 6Smart Wi-Fi heaters allow scheduling from Australian smartphones — particularly useful for heating bedrooms 30 minutes before your winter wake-up time.
Top 5 Heating & Warmth Picks for Australia
De'Longhi
De'Longhi Dragon 4 Pro Oil Column Heater
| Power | 2,400W (11 fins) |
| Safety | No exposed element, tip-over protection |
| RCM | Certified |
| Thermostat | Digital programmable |
Pros
- No exposed heating element — safest type for Australian families with children or pets
- Heat fins retain warmth after switch-off — efficient for Australian bedroom overnight use
- Digital thermostat and weekly timer
- Available at Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, and Kmart Australia
Cons
- Slow to heat — takes 15–20 minutes to reach full output
- Heavy to move between Australian rooms
Verdict
Australia's most popular oil-filled heater — safe for families with children, retains heat well, and whisper quiet for Australian bedrooms.
Dyson
Dyson Hot+Cool HP09 Fan Heater
| Power | 2,000W heating |
| Filter | HEPA + carbon |
| Summer Mode | Yes (cooling) |
| RCM | Certified AU |
Pros
- Bladeless design — safe and quiet for Australian homes with children
- HEPA and activated carbon filtration for Australian pollen and air quality
- Works as a fan/cooler in Australian summer — year-round utility
- Available at Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi with Dyson Australia warranty
Cons
- Very expensive vs standard fan heaters
- Heating output slower than ceramic fan heaters at the same price
Verdict
Premium Australian fan heater with air purification — heats and cleans Australian indoor air simultaneously.
Goldair
Goldair 2400W Fan Heater
| Power | 2,400W ceramic |
| RCM | Certified |
| Availability | Kmart, Big W, Bunnings |
Pros
- 2400W ceramic element for rapid Australian room heating
- Available at Kmart, Big W, and Bunnings across Australia
- Compact and lightweight — easy to move between Australian rooms
- Under $50 making it the most accessible heater in Australia
Cons
- Basic features — no thermostat or timer on entry models
- Audible fan noise limits bedroom suitability
Verdict
Australia's most popular budget fan heater — reliable 2400W output from a brand available in Kmart and Big W stores nationwide.
Rinnai
Rinnai 25R Natural Gas Space Heater
| Output | 5.1kW |
| Fuel | Natural gas |
| Installation | Professional required |
| Efficiency | ~90% star rating |
Pros
- 5.1kW output heats large Australian living rooms efficiently
- Gas is cheaper per kWh than electricity in most Australian states
- Flued design vents combustion gases outdoors — safe for Australian enclosed rooms
- Rinnai's strong Australian service and dealer network
Cons
- Requires natural gas connection and professional installation
- Not available in all Australian states (limited gas infrastructure in QLD, WA)
Verdict
Best gas space heater for Australian homes with natural gas connection — highly efficient and effective for large Australian living rooms.
Sunair
Sunair 2000W Infrared Panel Heater
| Power | 2,000W |
| Type | Infrared radiant |
| Mount | Wall/ceiling |
| RCM | Certified AU |
Pros
- Wall-mountable — frees floor space in smaller Australian rooms
- Instant infrared heat — no warm-up wait
- Silent operation — suitable for Australian bedrooms
- RCM certified for Australian 230V installation
Cons
- Requires wall mounting (professional installation recommended)
- Infrared heats objects not air — less effective for open Australian living spaces
Verdict
Slim wall-mountable infrared panel heater for Australian bedrooms and studies — silent operation and instant warmth.
Editor's Note
Reverse-cycle air conditioning (split system) is the most energy-efficient heating method available in Australia, with a COP (coefficient of performance) of 3–5 — meaning it generates 3–5 units of heat per unit of electricity. This is significantly more efficient than any electric resistance heater (which has a maximum COP of 1.0). Australian consumer groups consistently recommend reverse-cycle AC as the first choice for heating, with portable electric heaters as supplementary options for smaller rooms or quick spot heating.
Our Take
For whole-room heating in Australian homes, reverse-cycle air conditioning beats any portable heater on energy efficiency. For bedroom heating, an oil-filled column heater in the $80–$150 range is the safest choice. For quick spot warmth in a small Australian study or bathroom, a 2kW ceramic fan heater from De'Longhi or Dyson is the most practical option.
Honourable Mentions
Breville Smart Heater
Breville's premium Australian fan heater with Wi-Fi control — schedule heating from your phone for Australian winter morning warm-ups.
Kambrook Ceramic Tower Heater
Popular tall tower heater available at Kmart Australia — oscillating ceramic element distributes warmth across Australian rooms more broadly than standard fan heaters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to heat an Australian home in winter?
Reverse-cycle air conditioning (split system heating mode) is the cheapest per-kWh heating method in Australia — it's 3–5x more efficient than any electric resistance heater. If you don't have a split system, gas heating (ducted or gas log fire) is the next most economical option in Australian states where gas is available. Portable electric heaters have the highest running cost per square metre heated.
Are electric heaters safe in Australian homes?
Yes, when buying RCM-certified heaters from Australian retailers. Oil-filled column heaters are the safest type — no exposed element. Fan heaters and bar heaters have exposed elements that represent a fire risk if too close to curtains or furniture. ACCC Australian product safety guidelines recommend keeping heaters 1m away from flammable materials and never leaving unattended. Only buy heaters with RCM marking.
What size electric heater do I need for an Australian bedroom?
For an average Australian bedroom (10–15m²), a 1,500–2,000W heater is appropriate. For a living room (20–30m²), 2,400W is the minimum for adequate warming in southern Australian winters. Panel heaters are more efficient for longer-duration heating in Australian bedrooms; fan heaters are better for quick warmth when you're already in the room.
Is it cheaper to run an electric heater or gas heater in Australia?
Gas heating is typically cheaper in Australian states with gas infrastructure (Victoria, NSW, South Australia) — gas costs approximately 3–4c/MJ vs electricity at 7–9c/MJ equivalent heating. However, in Queensland and WA where gas infrastructure is less developed, this comparison changes. Reverse-cycle air conditioning beats both for efficiency. This gap is narrowing as gas prices rise in Australia's east coast market.
What electric heater works best in an Australian open-plan living room?
Reverse-cycle split system air conditioning is the most effective and economical choice for Australian open-plan living rooms. If a portable heater is needed, a 2,400W fan heater or oil-filled column heater for the seating zone works best. For Australian open-plan areas over 40m², a single portable heater will struggle — prioritise the occupied zone rather than heating the entire space.
Affiliate disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase via our links, AUPicks may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings — all picks are based on genuine research.