Best Electric Radiator for Garden Room: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Garden Studio Specialist
Garden rooms and studios have surged in popularity, but many homeowners in York discover that without proper heating, these spaces become unusable from November through March. A cold garden room is not just uncomfortable; it is a breeding ground for damp that can damage expensive timber joinery.
Unlike a brick extension, a timber garden room heats up quickly but cools down just as fast. The key to maintaining a usable space—and protecting your investment—is a heating solution that offers consistent, safe warmth without costing a fortune in electricity.
In this review, I have analysed three electric radiators suitable for garden outbuildings. I have looked at a budget option for background heat, a high-end smart heater for modern home offices, and a powerful unit for larger, draftier summerhouses.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Coverage Area (e.g., 'Heats 25m²')"
"Manufacturers calculate this based on well-insulated brick homes with double glazing."
In a timber garden room, even with insulation, heat loss is faster. Halve the manufacturer's coverage claim to be realistic for a Yorkshire winter.
The Spec: "Thermostat Accuracy"
"The radiator cuts off exactly when the room reaches the desired temperature."
Basic oil-filled radiators measure the temperature of the oil or the air immediately next to the unit. In a garden room, the far corner might still be freezing. Positioning is crucial.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Russell Hobbs 650W Oil Filled Radiator, 5 Fin Portable Electric Heater
Russell Hobbs
This compact unit is ideal for keeping the chill off in a small potting shed or fitting neatly under a desk in a garden office. It won't heat a large log cabin, but for targeted warmth at a very low price point, it is an excellent choice.
The Good
- Very affordable protection against damp
- Compact size fits easily in cramped sheds
- Low power consumption (650W) keeps running costs down
The Bad
- Not powerful enough for heating a whole room in winter
- Basic manual controls only
Installer Tip:
Use this on a frost-protection setting in smaller insulated sheds to stop your tools from rusting and paint from spoiling. It is small enough to sit out of the way whilst doing its job.
Priced at £29.75 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonDreo 2000W Smart Oil Filled Radiator for Large Room, 9 Fins
Dreo
For a professional home office in the garden, this is the superior choice. The smart features allow you to turn the heating on from the house via an app, meaning your workspace is warm before you even cross the lawn. It is efficient, quiet, and robust.
The Good
- Remote control via app is a game-changer for garden offices
- Precise digital thermostat helps regulate temperature
- ECO mode helps manage electricity bills
The Bad
- Significant upfront investment
- Dependent on Wi-Fi signal extending to the garden
Installer Tip:
Before buying, check your Wi-Fi signal in the garden room. If the signal is weak, the smart features won't work reliably. You might need a Wi-Fi extender to get the most out of this unit.
Priced at £169.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonMidea Oil Filled Radiator, 2300W, 11-Fin Portable Electric Heater
Midea
If your summerhouse is on the larger side (over 12m²) or isn't perfectly insulated, you need raw power. This 2300W unit offers high output to raise temperatures quickly, making it the problem-solver for draftier timber buildings.
The Good
- High 2300W output tackles cold, large spaces
- Good value for the amount of heating power provided
- Simple, robust knob controls rarely fail
The Bad
- Bulky unit takes up floor space
- Higher running costs on max setting
Installer Tip:
In a timber building, never rely on a single plug socket for high-draw appliances if the wiring is old. Ideally, this should run on a ring main, not a spur, if you plan to run it at full 2300W for long periods.
Priced at £59.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Is an oil-filled radiator safe for a wooden summerhouse?
Do I need to insulate my garden room before heating it?
How do I stop my garden studio getting damp in winter?
Can I leave an electric radiator on overnight in a garden room?
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