Electric Radiators vs Storage Heaters
EcoSmartHeat
A common question we get asked is should I can change my storage heaters to electric radiators, this article puts electric radiators vs storage heaters to give you all the facts to make that choice.
Choosing the right heating system affects comfort, energy bills, installation cost and environmental impact. Two contenders often considered for electric heating are EcoSmart electric radiators and storage heaters. While both use electricity, they work differently and suit different homes and lifestyles.
This guide compares EcoSmart electric radiators vs storage heaters to help you choose the most energy-efficient electric heating solution.
How They Work
EcoSmart Heat Electric Radiators
EcoSmart Heat electric radiators are modern direct-acting electric heaters designed to deliver heat only when and where it’s needed. They use fast-acting heating elements embedded in a high-silica aluminium clay core, combined with smart electric heating controls, to provide fast, consistent warmth.
Key features:
- User friendly, Precise digital and smart thermostats
- Zoned heating control (room-by-room)
- Manual, Wi-Fi / app control and scheduling
- Modern electric radiators in any RAL colour
Instant heat: They warm the room quickly when you need it — no waiting.
Heat retention: thermal core releases heat without consuming extra electricity
Storage Heaters
Storage heaters are older technology that store heat overnight (when electricity is cheaper off-peak) and release it during the day.
Key features:
- Large thermal bricks store heat
- Works with cheap “Economy 7 / Economy 10” tariffs
- Simple controls (input and output settings)
Heat from stored energy: You charge them overnight and hope the heat lasts all day.
Running Costs Comparison
EcoSmart Electric Radiators
- Heat rooms only when required
- No wasted stored heat
- Smart electric heating controls reduce overheating
- Running costs based on real usage
Best if you want targeted heating and lower bills when rooms are used intermittently.
Storage Heaters
- Designed to use cheap off-peak electricity
- If not on a low tariff, running costs can be high
- Heat loss can occur if not fully insulated
Best if you are on a dedicated off-peak tariff and want to reduce peak-rate usage.
Comfort and Control
EcoSmart Electric Radiators
- Precise temperature control
- Smart heating app control
- Fast-response electric heating
- Quiet operation
Must be used wisely: Left on all day = higher bills
Storage Heaters
- Uses cheaper electricity tariffs
- Simple to operate once you get the settings right
Slow to respond.
Hard to predict heat release.
Can under – or over-heat rooms.
Best electric heating system for comfort: EcoSmart Electric Radiators (clear, responsive temperature control).
Efficiency and Environment
EcoSmart Electric Radiators
- High-efficiency electric heating
- No wasted heat in unused rooms
- Works with renewable electric heating (solar & batteries)
Storage Heaters
- Heat stored even when not needed
- Efficiency drops if insulation is poor
- Heat bricks take time to warm up fully
EcoSmart typically wins on energy efficiency and reduced waste. However, if you have cheap off-peak electricity, storage heaters can be cost-effective.
Installation and Maintenance
EcoSmart Electric Radiators
- Easy electric radiator installation
- No maintenance
- Ideal to replace storage heaters
Storage Heaters
- Large, heavy units
- Often need professional installation
- Bulky design
Winner for ease: EcoSmart Radiators
Conclusion – Which Should You Choose?
Choose EcoSmart Electric Radiators if:
- You want smart energy-efficient electric heating
- You care about control and comfort
- You don’t want to rely on off-peak electricity tariffs
Choose Storage Heaters if:
- You have a cheap off-peak electricity tariff
- You want basic electric home heating
Without an off-peak tariff, storage heaters can be costly. Smart electric radiators with programmable schedules often deliver lower energy bills, better comfort, and more control.
