Natural convection heaters heat up the air, and allow natural circulation to carry the heat around the room. By drawing cool air into the bottom of the unit, they heat it as it passes over an exposed element. Warm air rises from the top of the heater and circulates around the room, gradually heating the entire space.

Natural convection heaters are cheaper to buy than oil filled heater radiators, and they heat the room much more quickly, reaching operating temperature in a couple of minutes. The downside of this type of heater is that they use much more electricity, and natural convection heaters do not deliver instant heat as quickly as conduction heaters.

Natural convector heaters are much less liable to overheating than fan-assisted convection heaters, although it is vitally important to keep the air vents clear of any obstructions. Like most convection heaters, they struggle to heat large spaces, especially when there is a door to the outside, constantly mixing warm and cold air and disrupting the circulation. However, natural convection heaters are a good compromise between the various factors, a natural balance between economy and quick heat.

Radiant heaters are to use an exposed element to directly heat an object through conduction rather than heating the surrounding air. Old-fashioned electric bar heaters, and halogen heaters, are the two most common examples of radiant heater. Radiant heaters provide instant and intense heat, so are a godsend if you have just come in from the cold. Radiant heaters provide directed heat, so are a great option where only a few people feel the cold.

Conduction electric fireplace heaters are not designed to heat up large spaces, and are limited in range. In addition, they are extremely uneconomical, especially when compared with oil heaters. Conduction heaters are best used for a quick blast of instant heat rather than to provide permanent heating. On the other hand, radiant heaters can be extremely unsafe, easily causing burns or electrocution. A model with robust guards and an anti-tip cut off is the only safe option.