How Is the NEOS Electric Radiator Different Compared to Old Night Storage Heaters?

If you grew up in the UK, you probably remember night storage heaters, those bulky, unpredictable boxes that heated up overnight and (hopefully) kept you warm during the day. Many people assume all electric heating works the same way. It doesn’t.

The NEOS electric radiator is fundamentally different from old night storage heaters. Let’s break down exactly how.

How Night Storage Heaters Work

Night storage heaters were designed for Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs, which offered cheaper electricity during off-peak hours (typically overnight).

The heaters worked by:

• Charging overnight with cheap electricity

• Storing heat in internal ceramic or clay blocks

• Releasing that stored heat gradually throughout the day

The Problems with Night Storage Heaters

1. No Control - Once charged, night storage heaters released heat on their own schedule, not yours. If you needed warmth in the evening, tough luck. If it was a warm day and you didn’t need heat, too bad, the heater was still releasing it.

2. Bulky and Ugly - Night storage heaters were typically 17-20cm deep, huge, protruding boxes that dominated wall space and collected dust behind them.

3. Dependent on Cheap Night Tariffs - Night storage heaters only made economic sense on Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs. As these tariffs became less competitive, the running costs of storage heaters increased significantly.

4. Poor Heat Distribution Storage heaters primarily used radiant heating, which meant uneven warmth. The area near the heater got hot, but distant parts of the room stayed cold.

How the NEOS Electric Radiator Is Different

The NEOS is a Hybrid Electric Radiator

The NEOS combines the benefits of direct electric heating (instant warmth, full control) with heat storage technology (efficiency, gradual release).

1. Works on Standard Electricity Tariffs The NEOS doesn’t rely on cheap night-time electricity. It operates on standard tariffs, giving you the flexibility to heat your home whenever you need warmth, not just when electricity is cheapest.

You’re not locked into Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs, which often charge higher daytime rates that offset the night-time savings.

2. Full 24-Hour Control Unlike night storage heaters, the NEOS gives you complete control:

• Heat your room whenever you want

• Set precise temperatures

• Control via thermostat or app

• Adjust settings throughout the day

If you don’t need heating, the NEOS doesn’t run. If you need warmth at 10pm, the NEOS delivers. You’re in control, not the tariff schedule.

3. Slimline Design The NEOS is just 6.5cm deep, less than half the depth of old storage heaters. It sits almost flush against your wall, creating a sleek, modern look that works with any interior style.

Available in over 1,600 colours, the NEOS can blend seamlessly with your décor or make a bold design statement.

4. Superior Storage Technology Night storage heaters used clay or ceramic blocks that were porous and prone to cracking. The NEOS uses a patented soapstone core, compressed from 16cm to 2cm with 200 tonnes of pressure.

Soapstone is:

• Non-porous (doesn’t crack from moisture)

• Superior heat retention

• Faster to charge and slower to cool

This means the NEOS stores heat more

efficiently and releases it more gradually than old storage heaters ever could.

5. Convection-Based Heating Night storage heaters relied primarily on radiant heat, which created uneven temperatures. The NEOS is 80% convection-based, actively circulating warm air throughout your entire room for even heat distribution from floor to ceiling.

6. Smart Cycling Operation The NEOS doesn’t need to “charge” overnight. Instead, it operates in smart cycles:

• Heats your room to the desired temperature (typically in the first hour)

• Switches off and uses stored soapstone heat

• Runs for only 17-30 minutes per hour to maintain temperature

• Continuously adjusts based on room temperature at floor level

This cycling operation is far more efficient than the “charge all night, release all day” approach of storage heaters.

7. 25-Year Guarantee Old storage heaters typically came with minimal warranties—1-2 years if you were lucky. The NEOS electric radiator comes with a 25-year guarantee on the radiator and 5 years on the thermostat.

This isn’t a heating system you’ll replace in a few years. It’s a long-term investment built to last decades.

Can You Stay on Economy 7 with the NEOS?

No, and here’s why: Economy 7 tariffs are designed for night-time charging. The NEOS is a direct-acting heater that provides heat instantly when needed, not a storage heater that charges overnight.

Staying on Economy 7 would mean paying higher daytime rates when you actually use your NEOS radiators. We recommend switching to a standard tariff for the most cost-effective use.

The Bottom Line

Night storage heaters were bulky, uncontrollable, tariff-dependent, and used outdated storage technology. The NEOS electric radiator is slim, fully controllable, works on standard tariffs, and uses superior soapstone storage technology for efficient, comfortable heating on your schedule.

Since 2014, thousands of customers across the UK have replaced their old storage heaters with NEOS electric radiators and never looked back.

Ready to Upgrade from Storage Heaters?

If you’re tired of bulky, uncontrollable night storage heaters, it’s time for an upgrade. 

Call 0800 5999 109 or email [email protected] for a free, no-obligation quote.

Trust Electric Heating, modern heating for modern homes.

Scott Conor

Chief Technical Officer

In 2012, Scott founded Trust and invented the NEOS electric radiator after finding a gap for a more innovative and cost-effective electric radiator within the industry. He’s the driving force behind Trust’s research and development, using market-leading strategies to keep customers warm.

Meet the Team | More Blogs from Scott

Tags: General Guides.