If you’re still relying on old Economy 7 brick storage heaters, the chances are they’re expensive to run, slow to respond, and impossible to control properly. The good news is that modern smart electric radiators and panel heaters have largely made them obsolete. The Adax Neo Electric Panel Heater is our top pick: it’s wall-mounted, WiFi-enabled, has a 24-hour programmable timer, and can be scheduled to run on off-peak Economy 7 rates, without any of the bulk or inflexibility of a traditional storage heater.
Whether you’re replacing old storage heaters or simply want a smarter, more efficient electric heating option, the products below cover the full range, from no-fuss Dimplex panel heaters to fully connected smart radiators with Alexa support and app control.
Our Top Picks
| Image | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| Adax Neo Electric Panel Heater 2000W | |
| Dreo Smart Electric Wall Heater | |
| MYLEK Smart Electric Panel Heater 2000W | |
| Dimplex PLX200E 2kW Electric Panel Heater | |
| MYLEK Glass Panel Heater 2000W WiFi | |
| Dimplex PLX150E 1.5kW Electric Panel Heater | |
| Ballu Smart WiFi Electric Panel Heater 2000W | |
| SolAire Smart WiFi Oil-Filled Electric Radiator |
8 Best Smart Electric Radiators and Storage Heater Alternatives
1. Adax Neo Electric Panel Heater 2000W
The Adax Neo is the closest thing to a genuine storage heater replacement you’ll find on Amazon UK, and at 4.6 stars from 324 reviews it’s the most trusted option on this list. It’s slimline, wall-mounted, and comes with a built-in timer and thermostat, meaning you can set it to run overnight or in the early hours on cheaper Economy 7 electricity and have the room warm by morning.
The WiFi version connects to the Adax app, giving you full remote control and scheduling from your phone. If you’re replacing a room-by-room installation of old storage heaters, the Neo fits in the same spaces and delivers heat more controllably. There’s no stored heat element, it’s a convection panel heater, but the programmability and low profile make it the natural modern equivalent.
It’s available in a range of wattages from 400W up to 2000W, which means you can match output to room size rather than over-specifying. Installers familiar with the brand rate it highly for reliability and build quality.
Features
- 2000W slimline wall-mounted electric panel heater
- Built-in digital timer and thermostat
- Optional WiFi connectivity for app and remote control
- EcoDesign Lot 20 compliant
- Available in multiple wattages (400W–2000W)
- 4.6 stars from 324 reviews
- Best replacement for traditional storage heaters
- Programmable for Economy 7 overnight rates
- WiFi control from app
- 324 reviews at 4.6 stars, extremely well proven
- No heat storage, responds in real time only
- WiFi module sold separately on some variants
2. Dreo Smart Electric Wall Heater
With nearly 3,000 reviews at 4.6 stars, the Dreo Smart Wall Heater is the most-reviewed product on this list by a considerable margin. It’s a ceramic fan heater that mounts to the wall, runs at 28dB (genuinely quiet), oscillates 30° to spread heat around the room, and connects to Alexa or the Dreo app for voice and remote control.
It’s a different type of product to the Adax, this uses a fan to distribute heat rather than passive convection, but the programmable 24-hour timer means you can set it to run on Economy 7 off-peak rates just as effectively. It also has IP24 splash protection, which makes it bathroom-suitable.
Features
- Smart wall-mounted ceramic heater with 30° oscillation
- 28dB ultra-quiet operation
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Dreo app
- 24-hour programmable timer and thermostat
- IP24 splash-proof rating
- 4.6 stars from 2,915 reviews
- Nearly 3,000 reviews, the most proven product here
- Alexa and app control
- Genuinely quiet at 28dB
- IP24 rated, safe in bathrooms
- Fan heater rather than silent panel/convector
- Oscillation means less focused heat direction
3. MYLEK Smart Electric Panel Heater 2000W with WiFi
MYLEK’s smart panel heater is a flexible option for anyone who wants the choice of wall mounting or freestanding installation. The built-in WiFi connects to the MYLEK app for remote scheduling and thermostat control, and the optional wheels make it portable between rooms if needed.
At 4.4 stars from 95 reviews, it doesn’t have the volume of the Adax or Dreo, but the feature set is solid: timer, thermostat, app control, and a slim profile that sits comfortably in most rooms. It’s bathroom-rated and EcoDesign-compliant, and the option to use it freestanding gives it more flexibility than a fixed wall heater if your circumstances change.
Features
- 2000W smart panel heater with built-in WiFi
- Freestanding or wall-mounted installation
- App and remote thermostat control
- Bathroom-rated and EcoDesign Lot 20 compliant
- Programmable timer
- Versatile, freestanding or wall mounted
- WiFi app control included as standard
- Bathroom-rated
- Fewer reviews than some rivals
- App experience variable per user reports
- Less recognised brand than Dimplex or Adax
4. Dimplex PLX200E 2kW Electric Panel Heater
Dimplex has been making electric heating in the UK for decades, and the PLX200E is their EcoDesign-compliant panel heater, a modern update to the kind of electric heating that’s always worked well. It’s electronic rather than WiFi-enabled, so control is via the onboard thermostat and timer rather than an app.
If you want something reliable, from a brand with real UK heritage, that doesn’t require an app or smart home setup, the PLX200E is the honest choice. At 4.6 stars from 90 reviews it has a solid track record, and the Dimplex name comes with a quality assurance that newer brands can’t match.
Features
- 2kW electronic panel heater from Dimplex
- EcoDesign Lot 20 compliant
- Electronic thermostat and 24-hour timer
- Wall-mounted
- 4.6 stars from 90 reviews
- Trusted UK brand with long heritage
- No app or WiFi needed, simple to use
- EcoDesign compliant and energy efficient
- No WiFi or app control
- Basic display compared to smart rivals
- No Alexa or voice control
5. MYLEK Glass Panel Heater 2000W with WiFi
The glass panel version of the MYLEK steps things up visually, it’s the kind of heater that sits flush to a wall and looks like it was designed to be there rather than bolted on as an afterthought. The 2000W output with app control, open window detection, and Lot 20 compliance makes it a genuinely capable modern alternative to older panel heaters.
The open window detection is a useful feature: when the heater senses a sudden temperature drop (i.e. you’ve opened a window), it pauses automatically to avoid wasting energy heating the outdoors. It’s a small but practical detail that older storage heaters never had.
Features
- 2000W glass panel heater with WiFi app control
- Open window detection to prevent energy waste
- Lot 20 EcoDesign compliant
- Wall mounted with slim glass panel design
- 4.7 stars from 55 reviews
- Premium glass panel design
- Open window detection, smart energy saving
- WiFi app control included
- 55 reviews, fewer than some competitors
- Glass panel can show fingerprints
6. Dimplex PLX150E 1.5kW Electric Panel Heater
The smaller sibling of the PLX200E, rated at 1.5kW rather than 2kW. This is the right pick for smaller rooms, a single bedroom, a study, or a hallway, where the full 2kW would be over-specifying the heating requirement. The running costs at 1.5kW are proportionally lower, and the thermostat will cycle less aggressively in a smaller space.
The same Dimplex reliability and EcoDesign compliance applies here. If you’re replacing a modest-output storage heater in a smaller room, the PLX150E is the most practical size to match it.
Features
- 1.5kW EcoDesign-compliant electric panel heater
- Electronic thermostat and timer
- Wall-mounted from Dimplex
- Ideal for small to medium rooms
- 4.5 stars from 59 reviews
- Right-sized for smaller rooms
- Lower running costs than 2kW equivalents
- Trusted Dimplex build quality
- No WiFi or app control
- Not powerful enough for larger rooms
7. Ballu Smart WiFi Electric Panel Heater 2000W
The Ballu is the quietest heater on this list, it’s a fanless convector, meaning there are no moving parts and no fan noise whatsoever. If you’re putting a heater in a bedroom or a study where you need complete silence, that matters. At 4.8 stars from 48 reviews it’s highly rated, though the review count is still building.
Alexa compatibility, a 24-hour timer, and both wall-mounted and freestanding options make it genuinely versatile. The wheels for freestanding use are included, so you can move it between rooms during the day and mount it permanently in a bedroom at night.
Features
- 2000W fanless silent convector heater
- WiFi with Alexa and app control
- Wall mounted or freestanding with wheels
- 24-hour programmable timer
- Energy-saving thermostat
- 4.8 stars from 48 reviews
- Completely silent fanless operation
- Alexa and app control
- Flexible, wall or freestanding use
- Highest star rating on this list at 4.8
- Only 48 reviews so far, newer product
- Fanless convectors heat rooms more slowly than fan heaters
8. SolAire Smart WiFi Oil-Filled Electric Radiator
If the retained heat of a traditional oil-filled radiator appeals to you, the way it continues warming a room after switching off, the SolAire is the modern smart version. It’s WiFi connected with voice control, can be wall-mounted or used as a portable freestanding unit, and has a programmable timer for Economy 7 scheduling.
Oil-filled radiators take longer to heat up than panel heaters but also cool down more slowly, which can be an advantage in rooms that need background heat sustained over time. The smart controls here are a significant improvement over old-style dial-and-dial storage heaters, and at 4.4 stars from 50 reviews it’s a solid if newer option.
Features
- Smart WiFi oil-filled electric radiator
- Voice control and app connectivity
- Wall mounted or portable freestanding
- Programmable timer for Economy 7 scheduling
- 4.4 stars from 50 reviews
- Retains heat like traditional oil radiators
- Smart WiFi and voice control
- Wall or freestanding installation
- Slower to heat up than panel heaters
- Fewer reviews than most on this list
- Heavier than panel heater alternatives
Smart Electric Radiator Buying Guide
Key Takeaways
- Modern smart panel heaters are the best replacement for old Economy 7 storage heaters, more controllable, more efficient, and far more responsive
- The Adax Neo is the top pick for a like-for-like storage heater replacement: programmable, wall-mounted, and schedulable for off-peak rates
- Match wattage to room size, 1kW–1.5kW for small rooms, 2kW for medium rooms
- WiFi control lets you adjust schedules remotely and avoid heating empty rooms
- All EcoDesign Lot 20-compliant heaters must have a 24-hour timer and thermostat by law
- Oil-filled radiators retain heat longer; panel and convector heaters respond faster
What Are Storage Heaters?
Traditional storage heaters use dense ceramic bricks inside a heavily insulated casing to absorb and store electrical energy during off-peak hours, typically overnight on an Economy 7 tariff, and release that heat gradually throughout the day. The core idea is to use cheaper overnight electricity to provide heat during the day, reducing energy bills.
The problem with older storage heaters is control. Once the heat is stored, you can’t easily adjust it. If the day turns out warmer than expected, you’re stuck with a heater slowly releasing heat you don’t need. If the weather is colder than anticipated, you run out of stored heat before the day ends.
Modern smart electric radiators and panel heaters solve this by providing on-demand heat with precise control. You can schedule them to run at off-peak rates just as you would a storage heater, but you retain full control over when they heat, how hot they get, and when they stop, making them a genuinely superior alternative for most households.
How Do Smart Electric Radiators Work?
Smart electric radiators convert electrical energy directly into heat using either a heating element (panel heaters, convectors) or an oil-filled sealed unit. The heat produced warms the air in the room via convection, warm air rises from the heater, cool air falls to replace it, and the cycle keeps the room at the target temperature.
The “smart” element comes from the controls. WiFi-connected heaters can be scheduled via a phone app, respond to voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant, detect open windows, and adjust output based on room temperature feedback. Most modern heaters are also Lot 20 EcoDesign compliant, which requires a 24-hour timer, thermostat, and open window detection as a minimum.
Benefits of Using Smart Electric Radiators Over Old Storage Heaters
The most significant benefit is control. Smart electric radiators let you set precise on/off schedules for every day of the week, adjust temperatures remotely, and respond to changes in your routine without physically adjusting anything. Old storage heaters required you to set input dials before going to bed and hope for the best the next morning.
Responsiveness is another advantage. Panel heaters and convector heaters warm rooms in minutes rather than the hours it takes stored heat to release from ceramic bricks. If you want heat at 6pm on a cold evening, you switch on a panel heater and have it in ten minutes.
Running costs on a like-for-like basis are broadly similar, but the ability to only heat rooms when occupied, and to precisely control how much heat you use, gives smart electric radiators a practical efficiency advantage that translates into real savings over time.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying
Wattage is the most important specification. As a rough guide, you need approximately 100W per square metre for a well-insulated room, so a 15m² bedroom requires around 1,500W (1.5kW) and a 20m² living room needs 2,000W (2kW). Over-specifying wastes money; under-specifying leaves you with a cold room.
Consider your tariff. If you’re on Economy 7 or another time-of-use tariff, a programmable smart heater can schedule itself to run during cheap-rate hours, giving you the cost benefit of the old storage heater system without its inflexibility. If you’re on a flat-rate tariff, the Economy 7 advantage disappears, but the control and efficiency advantages remain.
Think about installation. Panel heaters require wall mounting and a connection to a fused spur or 13-amp plug, depending on the model. Wall mounting is straightforward but does involve drilling, and some people prefer freestanding models for flexibility. Several products on this list offer both options.
Types of Electric Heater Suitable as Storage Heater Alternatives
Panel heaters are the most common type and the closest visual and functional match to a storage heater. They mount flat to the wall and heat by convection. Convector heaters work similarly but draw air through a heated element more actively. Oil-filled radiators store and release heat from heated oil in sealed fins, providing a gentler and more sustained warmth. Smart fan heaters add a fan to distribute heat faster, at the cost of some noise. Each type has a place, the right choice depends on the room, how quickly you need heat, and how important silence is to you.
Case Study: Replacing Storage Heaters in a 1970s Semi-Detached
Background
A family in a 1970s semi-detached in the East Midlands had four original Economy 7 storage heaters installed, one per bedroom, one in the hallway, one in the living room. They were old, unresponsive, and on a flat-rate tariff, meaning the overnight charging advantage had been gone for years. The heaters ran constantly regardless of whether rooms were occupied, and the family had no meaningful control over individual room temperatures.
Project Overview
The goal was to replace all four storage heaters with smart panel heaters that could be individually scheduled and controlled via app. Budget was a consideration, the family wanted the job done without a large upfront investment, using plug-in or fused-spur models where possible to avoid full rewiring.
Implementation
Three Adax Neo panel heaters (1.5kW for the bedrooms, 2kW for the living room) were installed on existing fused spurs where the storage heaters had been connected. The hallway received a smaller 700W panel heater. Each was connected to the Adax app and set to individual schedules, bedrooms warm between 6am and 7.30am, living room from 4pm to 10pm weekdays, longer at weekends. The old storage heaters were removed and disposed of through the local tip.
Results
Monthly electricity usage in the heating season dropped noticeably within the first billing period. The family stopped heating unoccupied rooms, previously impossible with fixed storage heaters. Room temperatures were consistent and predictable for the first time. The investment paid for itself within the first heating season, and the family rated the control improvement as the most significant quality-of-life change.
Expert Insights From Our Heating Engineers About Smart Electric Radiators
One of our senior heating engineers with over 22 years of experience in UK domestic heating has this to say about the shift away from traditional storage heaters: “The fundamental problem with Economy 7 storage heaters was always that the energy grid knew when you were charging, but you didn’t know how much heat you’d actually need the next day. You were essentially placing a bet the night before about tomorrow’s weather. Smart panel heaters remove that gamble entirely.”
“What I tell people is to look for Lot 20 compliance first, that’s the minimum standard for any electric heater sold in the UK since 2018, and it means the heater has a proper 24-hour timer and thermostat built in. Anything older than that is significantly less efficient by design. If you’re replacing pre-2010 storage heaters, you’ll almost certainly see your electricity use drop just from switching to a modern panel heater, even before you start optimising the schedule.”
“The Adax Neo is the product I recommend most often for direct storage heater replacement. It fits in the same spaces, mounts the same way, and the app control genuinely transforms how people manage their heating. I’ve had customers tell me it’s the first time they’ve felt properly in control of their home temperature.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are storage heaters expensive to run?
Traditional storage heaters running on Economy 7 off-peak electricity can be cost-effective if you’re on the right tariff. But on a flat-rate tariff, which most households now use, they offer no advantage over a modern panel heater and are typically far less controllable. Modern smart panel heaters on a time-of-use tariff can match or beat storage heater running costs while giving you far more control.
Can I replace storage heaters with panel heaters?
Yes, and it’s often the best option. Most modern panel heaters can connect to the same fused spur wiring used by storage heaters, keeping installation costs low. You lose the heat-storage element but gain precise programmable control, faster response, and the ability to only heat rooms when needed, which for most households is a net improvement.
What wattage do I need to heat my room?
A rough rule of thumb is 100W per square metre for a well-insulated room. So a 12m² bedroom needs roughly 1,200W (a 1.5kW heater is ideal), a 20m² living room needs 2,000W, and a poorly insulated room needs more. If you’re replacing an existing storage heater, check its original rated output and match accordingly.
Do smart electric heaters work with Economy 7?
Yes, any smart heater with a programmable timer can be scheduled to run during Economy 7 off-peak hours (typically midnight to 7am). Unlike traditional storage heaters, you can also run them at peak times when needed, which gives you much more flexibility. If you’re on Economy 7, set your heater schedule to pre-heat rooms during cheap-rate hours and use the retained warmth through the morning.
What does Lot 20 EcoDesign compliance mean?
Lot 20 is a UK regulation that requires all electric heaters to meet minimum energy efficiency standards. Compliant heaters must have a 24-hour timer, a thermostat accurate to within 1°C, and open window detection. Heaters sold after January 2018 must meet this standard, it’s a useful quality indicator when buying.
Which is more efficient, a storage heater or a panel heater?
Both convert electricity to heat at nearly 100% efficiency, so the energy conversion is the same. The difference is in how controllably you use that energy. A modern smart panel heater used only when rooms are occupied will almost always use less energy in practice than an old storage heater that heats constantly regardless of whether anyone is home.
Can I use a smart electric heater in a bathroom?
Yes, provided the heater has an appropriate IP rating. IP24 is the minimum for bathroom use and means the heater is splash-proof. The Dreo Smart Wall Heater on this list has IP24 certification. Always check the product specifications before installing any electric heater in a bathroom, and ensure installation complies with Part P electrical regulations.
How long do smart electric radiators last?
A well-maintained electric panel heater or convector should last 10 to 15 years with normal use. There are no moving parts in a convector or panel heater to wear out, and the heating elements themselves are robust. Fan heaters have a shorter lifespan due to the fan motor, typically 5 to 10 years. Oil-filled radiators can last 20 years or more if the sealed unit isn’t damaged.
Summing Up
Old Economy 7 storage heaters served their purpose for decades, but modern smart electric radiators and panel heaters have made them largely obsolete. The Adax Neo Electric Panel Heater is the best direct replacement, programmable, wall-mounted, and schedulable for off-peak rates with full app control. For something with more smart home integration and the reassurance of a huge review base, the Dreo Smart Wall Heater is the pick. Dimplex options are the safe choice for anyone who wants UK brand reliability without needing an app.
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