German engineering has long had a reputation for precision and quality, meaning it’s no surprise that ‘German electric radiators’ have become a bit of a status symbol. So the ‘Made in Germany’ labels may sound premium, but does it really deliver better warmth or lower energy bills?
With energy costs climbing and more people moving away from gas, these heaters seem like an appealing upgrade. But in reality, there are a few cracks beneath the surface. In this blog, we’re busting seven common myths about German electric radiators, and looking at how well they actually fit modern British homes and lifestyles.
We know that German engineering sounds reliable, but many of these electric radiators are manufactured in other areas of the world. They tend to be designed in Germany, but built in areas of Asia, for example, and imported to Europe. While this doesn’t present an issue in itself, it does mean that the build quality associated with German engineering may be lost.
The real value lies in the design, testing and quality control, so other models of electric radiator, like those made in Britain, may outperform some ‘German’ models.
German design has a great reputation for good reason, but when it comes to the ‘best’ electric heating, it could be different for every home. The ‘best’ solution is dependent on the nature of your home and lifestyle. UK homes often have features that German electric radiators weren’t designed for, like draughty walls and some smaller rooms. Not to mention having to keep up the British weather!
That’s where modern electric radiators, like the NEOS, shine. They’re designed and manufactured in Britain, taking inspiration from a variety of electric heating solutions, and innovative technology. They’re built for Britain, and built for the future. That’s why they’re built to last and have a 25-year guarantee! With precise controls and zoning, they can be programmed to match any lifestyle.
So don’t be dazzled by German branding. Ask if it’s right for your home, or if you’re just trusting someone else’s perfect fit and assuming it’ll be right for you too.
All electric radiators convert every kW of electricity, making them all 100% efficient. But effectiveness is the factor that differs. And effectiveness isn’t affected by the country of origin; it’s determined by the design, heat retention, dispersion and smart control.
Some German electric radiators do have some of these features and work effectively as a result. But some other models do too! Referring back to our NEOS, its soapstone core retains and emits heat for a further 40 minutes after the electricity is switched off. Thanks to its patented design, it also reduces heat loss to the back wall (which is usually 40% in electric radiators), and spreads heat more evenly due to its 4 points of convection. Paired with 3 smart control options, cutting bills comes naturally!
So again, effectiveness depends on your needs and what your home needs. What’s effective for you may not be effective for your neighbour!
Many German electric radiators do have digital displays and programming options, but that doesn’t necessarily make them the smartest on the market.
Smart heating does mean app control, zoning, learning behaviour, integration with smart house features, and adapting to energy tariffs. But some models, made outside of Germany, offer these features, too. Some models made in Britain offer all of these features, and tailor them to the UK’s energy landscape. German models can’t easily match that.
What counts isn’t how many ‘smart’ features are crammed in, but which features work for you, and how well they work for you.
Look for simplicity, control, and real-life convenience.
While many electric radiators house a stone core, not all of them are the same, and by no means are they all equal when it comes to quality or performance. Some electric radiator models advertise a ‘stone core’ but don’t specify the type of stone. The following are a selection of the most common stones used:
Chamotte (fireclay): a ceramic made from fired clay which is good at withstanding heat but is less dense and more brittle than some other types, meaning it’s more susceptible to cracking with big temperature changes.
Magnesium oxide (MgO): a material which can heat up faster than others, but can’t retain heat for as long. This is inexpensive compared to some other stones.
Soapstone (steatite): is a more effective option, since it’s volcanic so can withstand high temperatures without cracking or reducing in quality. This is used in our NEOS electric radiator, allowing it to retain heat and continue to emit it for up to 40 minutes, without electricity!
‘Smart electric radiators’ is a term that’s popping up more and more within the electric heating market, but just because an electric radiator has a digital display or app control, it doesn’t necessarily make it smart.
The real functions that make an electric radiator smart are those which allow you to adapt your heating to your habits. Those which can zone your rooms, integrate with your phone, adapt to different tariffs, and ultimately match your lifestyle can be considered smart.
Some German electric radiators are limited to a timer and basic remote access so they may work for some people, but they aren’t as ‘smart’ as many people want or need. We considered all of these factors and channelled them into our NEOS, making it a personalised electric radiator for every single customer!
Some who have the ‘perfect’ German electric radiator for them may agree with this, and not consider it a myth. But for others, British could be the perfect solution, and top any German model they’ve tried.
Models like the NEOS are built in Britain, with local materials and local tariffs in mind. British-based support is also a key factor for many people, making a British company ideal.
Whether it’s a German electric radiator, or a British-made electric radiator, the best one for you is the one that works in your home, not the one waving the nicer flag.
Evaluating which features you need, how ‘smart’ your controls need to be, and how much your budget will allow you to spend are the key factors to your decision.
Click here to book a free consultation with one of our expert heating advisors and see how the British-made NEOS could work in your home! You’ll receive a no-obligation and be under no pressure to make a purchase, so it’s a great first step in exploring your options.
Got more questions? Click here to get in touch!
More on German electric radiators:
German Electric Radiators: what are they and how do they work?
Trust The Alternative to German Electric Radiators
German Electric Radiators vs Modern British Alternatives
Tags: General Guides.
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