Why choose a convector heater?

• Silent operation making it great for sleep or quiet workspaces
• Provides consistent heat across the whole room
• Slim and portable, with wall-mount options available
• Often includes thermostats, timers and safety features

What is a convector heater?

Convector heaters are electric heaters designed to warm the air in a room by circulating it naturally over a heated element. They offer quiet, even heating and are ideal for spaces where background warmth is needed without the distraction of a fan or moving parts. These heaters are lightweight, low-profile, and can be wall-mounted or freestanding, making them a flexible choice for home heating in medium-sized rooms.

Best for

Convector heaters are best suited to:

• Medium-sized rooms such as lounges, bedrooms and home offices
• Background warmth where silent operation is preferred
• Rooms that stay closed or insulated during use
• Households that want low-noise heating with consistent airflow

They’re especially good for those who want a heater that blends into the room and provides warmth without drawing attention.

How it works

Convector heaters work by heating air through an internal electric element. As the air inside the unit warms, it rises naturally and exits through vents at the top. Cooler air from the room is pulled in at the base, creating a natural cycle of warm airflow. This type of heating provides an even, consistent temperature and is completely silent unless the model includes an added fan for faster heat-up.

Key features and benefits

• Adjustable thermostats for temperature control
• Timers to set operating times and reduce energy use
• Overheat protection and safety shut-off
• Wall-mountable or freestanding design
• Lightweight and easy to move

What to consider

Convector heaters are ideal for people who want quiet, background warmth, especially in insulated spaces. While they take longer to heat a room compared to fan or ceramic heaters, the warmth they provide is steady and even.
These heaters are often slim and easy to position along walls or under windows. Some models come with built-in thermostats, timers, or Wi-Fi connectivity for extra control. If you’re heating a large or draughty space, a more powerful option like a micathermic or oil column heater may be better.

Matching wattage to room size

To choose the right heater size for your space:

• Small to medium rooms such as bedrooms or home offices typically suit heaters between 1.5 and 2 kilowatts
• Larger models can reach up to 2.4 kilowatts and are suitable for lounges or open-plan areas with good insulation

This helps ensure efficient heating without overloading your power usage. You can also look for room guides on packaging or product listings to match wattage with room type.

Take a look below at the recommended rooms for this heater:

Power use & running costs

Convector heaters use electricity to power the heating element, typically drawing between 1.5 and 2.4 kilowatts. They are efficient for maintaining room temperature over time but may take longer to initially warm the space.
Heater running costs depend on wattage, electricity rates in your area and how long the heater runs each day. As energy prices can fluctuate across New Zealand, use cost calculators or your electricity provider’s tools to estimate usage. For the most accurate info, base estimates on your local kWh rate and usage patterns.

Choosing the right convector heater

To pick the best model for your space:

1. Choose a wattage that suits your room size – larger rooms may need over 2000W
2. Look for built-in timers for overnight or scheduled heating
3. Decide if you want a wall-mounted or portable unit
4. Select digital or manual controls based on your comfort level
5. For quicker warmth, consider a model with optional fan assist

Explore the range

Convector heaters provide quiet, all-over warmth without taking up much space. Explore streamlined models by Goldair and Nouveau and Kent suited for bedrooms, lounges and workspaces.

Want help choosing?

Compare electric heater types below or jump straight to the one that suits you:

FAQ's