What Are The Best Alternatives To Storage Heaters?

Still relying on old storage heaters for consistent warmth?

Wondering if they’re still your best option?

You’re not alone, and thousands of UK homeowners are switching, or looking to switch, to a smarter and more efficient system. If you’re wondering what your best options might be, you’re in the right place.

Let’s break down what you need in an alternative and look at some potential options.

Why Are People Moving Away from Storage Heaters?

Storage heaters were introduced decades ago, and they’ve had their moment. They were designed to take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity, storing heat through the night and releasing it through the day. But today?

Energy tariffs have changed
People want heat when they need it
And no one wants to guess what British weather is going to throw at us, 12 hours in advance.

If you’re having to top up your home with plug-in heaters every evening, then chances are your storage heater isn’t running efficiently, and it’s costing you more than it should be saving you!

What Makes a Good Replacement for Storage Heaters?

Before we look into your options, let’s cover what a modern heating system should provide:

Control: No more switching on and hoping for the best, you should have room-by-room and hour-by-hour control.
Efficiency: Pay for what you use, don’t waste money on unnecessary daytime heat for an empty house.
Flexibility: Work with your standard tariff or modern alternatives, not just relying on Economy 7.
Style: Slim, unobtrusive designs that don’t dominate the room or hog all the floor space.
Reliability: Built to last, and a solid warranty, without the need for regular repairs.

So, What are Your Alternatives?

1. High Heat Retention Storage Heaters (HHRs)

High heat retention storage heaters are sometimes seen as the ‘modern version’ of a traditional storage heater, and for good reason. They’re more efficient, better insulated, and include smart controls to meet Lot 20 regulations.

Pros:

Improved insulation: They retain heat better than older units, meaning more warmth in the evenings.
Built-in fans: Some models include fans to actively push heat into the room, rather than slowly releasing it.
Smart controls: Many offer 7-day timers, temperature sensors, and boost options for better control.
Compatibility with Economy 7: Still an option if you’re on a cheap overnight tariff.

Cons:

Still charge overnight: You’re still pre-loading heat the night before, and hoping that it matches the next day’s needs.
Bulky and Heavy: These units often use ceramic blocks and can weigh over 150kg, meaning there are limits as to where they can be installed.
Limited room-by-room control: You often don’t have a choice but to heat large areas unnecessarily, which is usually wasteful.

Best for: Housing associations or landlords upgrading flats on an overnight tariff.

Less ideal for: Homeowners who want instant heat, flexibility, and control.

2. Infrared Heating Panels

Infrared heaters work differently from convection-based heating. Instead of heating the air, they warm up surfaces and people directly. So in a way, they act like the sun.

Pros:

Low profile: Slimline panels that can blend easily into walls or ceilings.
No airflow needed: Great for allergy sufferers; they create no circulation of dust.
Quick warmth: You feel heat almost instantly when standing in front of one.
Low running costs: They can be economical to run if in small, focused spaces.

Cons:

Doesn’t heat the air: Rooms can feel cold as soon as you move away from the panel.
Limited coverage: You often need multiple panels to heat larger spaces.
Less suitable for whole-home heating: Can be used for zonal heating or as supplementary heating, but struggles to replace an entire central heating system.
Can create uneven heating: You’ll often be warm if stood next to it, but be chilly at the other end of the room.

Best for: Conservatories or home offices that only need occasional, focused heating.

Less ideal for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and full property heating where air temperature and consistency matter

3. NEOS Electric Radiator

Not to be biased, but we’ve saved our favourite for last!

The NEOS electric radiator was designed to tick every box that the storage heater misses, while still incorporating a storage element.

Quick heat-up: No overnight charging, just fast warmth when you need it, thanks to our aluminium casing.
Smart control options: 3 choices of thermostat, each offering scheduling options.
Tariff compatibility: Works with your standard tariff, or smart options like the Octopus Cosy Tariff. Click here to learn more!
Soapstone core: Stores heat and emits it for up to 40 minutes after electricity is switched off (this is dependent on the nature of your space, e.g., the insulation/window glazing).
Built to last: Every NEOS comes with a 25-year guarantee because we believe in the design and trust that it’s fit to perform for a lifetime.
British made: The NEOS electric radiator was designed and is manufactured right here in Leeds.

You don’t have to compromise on warmth to cut your bills, you just need better technology, and a smart system.

How The NEOS Compares to Other Options

HHR: It stores heat efficiently, but also gives you instant control.

Infrared: It’s slim and fast-acting, but warms the whole room rather than just surfaces within it.

Unlike both, it works with modern tariffs to provide cheaper overnight energy rates.

Still Unsure Which is the Right Fit for Your Home?

No problem! That’s what we’re here for.

We can help you compare your current setup with the NEOS, and explore how it would work for your lifestyle. Click here to book a free consultation, where one of our heating advisors can visit your property and leave you with a personalised, no-obligation quote. They don’t come to pressure you, they come to provide you with practical advice and support.

Get in touch to book or consultation or if you have any further questions.