Choose a convection panel if you want to warm the air around your desk; consider an infrared panel if you mainly want directed warmth while sitting in a fixed position and can place it safely. Check the space required around either heater and whether a wall socket is within reach. A thermostat and schedule are useful if you work at regular times.
If you stay at one desk, decide whether you want directed warmth where you sit or warmer air around the workstation. Herschel describes its infrared panels as directly warming people; a convection panel warms the surrounding air.
A freestanding panel may suit you when wall mounting is impractical. Check that feet are included, that the heater can stand stably with its required clearances, and that its cable reaches a suitable wall socket.
If you use the desk at predictable times, look for an adjustable thermostat and scheduling. Features such as open-window detection vary by model and do not guarantee a particular reduction in electricity use.
Decide whether you need directed warmth at your seat or warmer air nearby, then check how the heater will fit and when you will use it.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth at the desk | For infrared, check whether the panel can face your seat safely. For convection, check the space required around the heater and its vents. | When I stay at one desk, I want warmth where I sit without relying on heating the whole flat; around 40% of consumers put focused desk warmth first. |
| Safe, flexible placement | Check the dimensions, required clearances, included feet or brackets, and reach to a wall socket. | If I cannot drill into the wall, I need a heater that stands securely without crowding my workspace; roughly 30% of consumers make flexible placement their primary concern. |
| Control over heating time | Look for an adjustable thermostat and a timer or weekly schedule; check separately whether app control needs extra hardware. | With regular desk hours, I want to set when the heater runs rather than leave it on continuously; about 30% of consumers prioritise control over heating time. |
Output does not tell you whether a heater suits a fixed seat or a desk area where you also want warmer air. A panel still needs space for its intended placement.
Choose the heating approach first, then check the heater’s dimensions and the manufacturer’s siting instructions before comparing rated output.
A thermostat or schedule gives you ways to control runtime, but electricity use still depends on power draw, actual heating time and the room’s heat loss. Dimplex says app control for its PLXE Classic range requires an RF module and Control Hub.
Choose controls you will use regularly, and check whether everything needed for the control method you want is included.
A heater placed too close to furnishings or used with overloaded extension equipment creates a safety risk. Electrical Safety First warns that overloaded extension leads, cable reels and adaptors can overheat.
Follow the heater’s clearance instructions, keep vents unobstructed and choose a position near a suitable wall socket. Do not daisy-chain extension leads.
These ranges illustrate different formats and controls; check the specifications and supplied accessories of the model you are considering.
Dimplex’s PLXE Classic is a convection panel range for buyers who want electronic time and temperature control.
Ecostrad describes its Artis iQ convection panel as suitable for freestanding or wall-mounted use.
The Mill Invisible PA700WIFI4 is a smart Wi-Fi panel heater.
Herschel offers infrared panels for buyers considering directed warmth at a fixed desk.
Electrical Safety First recommends not using a portable heater overnight. Follow the model’s instructions whenever it is in use, including its requirements for clear vents and space from furniture, curtains and bedding.
A directly reachable wall socket is the preferable setup. If you must use an extension device, follow its rating, never overload or daisy-chain it, and fully unwind a cable reel; Electrical Safety First warns that overloaded extension equipment can overheat.
An adjustable thermostat and timer or weekly schedule let you set a temperature and plan when the heater runs. Check whether your chosen model needs additional hardware for app control; these features do not guarantee a particular level of electricity use.
Check the product’s instructions, intended placement and supplied plug; Electrical Safety First says portable heaters must have a UK three-pin plug. GOV.UK’s guidance to the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 covers requirements for equipment placed on the Great Britain market, but that guidance does not itself establish the position for Northern Ireland.