Best Electric Radiators in Ireland 2026: The Complete Buying Guide
John Phelan
Shopping for electric radiators and heaters? See the range, with free delivery anywhere in Ireland from the first euro.
Introduction: Why Electric Radiators Are a Growing Choice in Ireland
Electric radiators have become one of the most popular home heating choices in Ireland, and for good reason. Whether you are in a new build without a gas connection, retrofitting a room that is off the central heating circuit, or simply looking for a more controllable, room by room heating solution, electric radiators offer flexibility that wet systems cannot match.
This guide covers everything you need to know to choose the best electric radiator in Ireland in 2026: room size and wattage, heat output types, smart controls, running costs, installation requirements, and what to look for in a supplier.
What wattage do I need for my room?
Getting the wattage right is the single most important decision when choosing an electric radiator. An undersized unit will struggle to heat the room; an oversized one will waste energy cycling on and off.
The standard rule of thumb for Irish homes is:
- Small room (up to 10m²): 750W to 1,000W
- Medium room (10 to 16m²): 1,000W to 1,500W
- Large room (16 to 25m²): 1,500W to 2,000W
- Very large room (25m² and above): 2,000W to 2,500W
These figures assume average Irish insulation. If your room has poor insulation, a north facing aspect, or high ceilings, add 10 to 20 percent to the estimate. Well insulated new builds or passive homes can go 10 to 15 percent lower.
Pro tip: For rooms with large windows or patio doors, always calculate on the higher end. Glass is a significant source of heat loss even with double glazing.
Convector, panel, or oil filled: which type is right for you?
Not all electric radiators work the same way. The three main types each suit different scenarios, and we cover this in detail in our panel heater vs convector vs electric radiator comparison.
Electric panel radiators
Slim profile units that heat primarily by convection, warming air which then circulates around the room. They heat up quickly and cool down quickly, making them ideal for rooms that need intermittent heating such as a home office or a guest room. They are the most space efficient option. The Titan Electric Panel Heater with WiFi Control covers 1kW, 1.5kW and 2kW.
Oil filled electric radiators
These use an internal reservoir of oil, sealed and never needing a refill, as a thermal mass. They are slower to reach temperature but hold heat longer after switching off, which is a better choice for rooms where you want sustained background warmth such as a sitting room or a bedroom used for extended periods. The Titan Smart WiFi Electric Radiator is the wall mounted version, and the Titan 2kW Oil Filled Radiator is the portable one on castors, with or without a 24 hour timer.
Convector heaters
The fastest and cheapest way to lift the temperature in a room, heating the air directly through an open element. They go cold as soon as they switch off, so they suit utility rooms, garages and spaces heated occasionally rather than a room you sit in every evening. See the Titan 2kW Convector Heater, available with or without a built in timer.
Can you get electric radiators in black?
Yes. The Titan Smart WiFi Electric Radiator comes in classic white or a matt black finish, in all five sizes from 600W to 1800W.
Black has become one of the most common requests we get, particularly for new builds, dark feature walls and rooms where a white radiator is the one thing interrupting the scheme. It is the same radiator underneath, with the same oil filled body, app control, 24 hour timer and open window detection, so the choice costs you nothing in performance or control. Black sizes move in and out of stock with our supplier through the season, so if the size you want shows as sold out, call us on 01 401 9907 and we will tell you when it is due.
Where will the radiator go?
Location matters for both safety and performance.
- Living rooms and bedrooms: standard electric panel or oil filled radiators are fine.
- Bathrooms and en suites: you need a model rated for the room, typically IP24 or higher. A standard panel radiator is not suitable for bathroom use. Use an electric towel radiator for warm towels and background heat, or a downflow bathroom heater for fast heat before a shower.
- Hallways and landings: slim vertical radiators work well in narrow spaces.
- Conservatories: these lose heat rapidly, so size up, often to a unit 50 percent larger than the calculation suggests.
Smart controls and programmability
Modern smart electric radiators make a meaningful difference to running costs. Look for:
- 7 day programmable thermostat: set different heating schedules for weekdays and weekends. Essential for avoiding heating an empty house.
- Open window detection: automatically pauses heating if the temperature drops suddenly. A useful energy saving feature.
- WiFi and app control: adjust temperature remotely from your phone. Useful if your schedule is unpredictable.
- Adaptive start: the radiator learns how long it takes to reach target temperature in your room and starts earlier on colder days.
If you are replacing older storage heaters or basic plug in radiators, upgrading to a programmable model typically reduces heating costs by 20 to 40 percent through eliminating waste heating.
What does it cost to run an electric radiator in Ireland?
Running costs depend on three variables: the unit's wattage, how many hours per day it runs, and your electricity tariff.
Using the Electric Ireland 24 hour standard rate from 1 July 2026 of 38.04 cent per kWh including VAT, worked out as kW x hours x 38.04 cent:
- A 1,000W radiator running 6 hours per day costs approximately €2.28 per day, or about €68 per month.
- A 1,500W radiator running 6 hours per day costs approximately €3.42 per day, or about €103 per month.
- A 2,000W radiator running 6 hours per day costs approximately €4.56 per day, or about €137 per month.
These are worst case figures. A programmable thermostat typically reduces actual on time to 3 or 4 hours per day for a well insulated room, roughly halving the running cost.
Installation, what is involved?
Most electric radiators fall into one of two installation categories.
Plug in models
Simply plug into a standard 13A socket. No electrician required. These are convenient but best suited to portable or secondary heating, since a trailing cable is not ideal for a permanent installation.
Hardwired models
Connected directly to a fused spur on the ring circuit, or their own dedicated circuit for higher wattage units. This is the standard approach for permanent installations. A registered electrician is required and the work should be certified. Budget €80 to €150 per unit for installation labour in Ireland, depending on how accessible the wiring is.
For bathroom installations, a registered electrician is always required. Bathroom zoning rules apply and no DIY connection is permitted.
What to look for in a supplier
When buying electric radiators in Ireland, consider:
- Stock held in Ireland: avoids long waits for EU warehouse shipping.
- Technical advice available: a supplier that can advise on wattage and suitability is worth more than the cheapest price.
- Warranty terms: look for a minimum 2 year warranty. The Titan range carries 10 years on the aluminium body and 2 years on the electrical components.
- Delivery: Shamrock Electrical delivers free to every county in the Republic of Ireland with no minimum spend.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an electric radiator as my main heating source in Ireland?
Yes. Many Irish homes, particularly apartments and new builds without a gas connection, use electric radiators as their sole heating source. The key is to choose the right wattage for each room and use programmable controls to manage running costs.
Are electric radiators expensive to run in Ireland?
They are more expensive per unit of heat than gas, but this gap narrows significantly when you factor in the absence of a boiler, no annual servicing costs, and the precision control that avoids heating empty rooms. For smaller homes and apartments, the total cost of ownership is often comparable.
Do I need an electrician to install an electric radiator?
For hardwired models and all bathroom installations, yes. A registered electrician is required and the installation must be certified. Plug in models can be used without an electrician but are better suited to portable or secondary heating.
Can I get an electric radiator in black?
Yes. The Titan Smart WiFi Electric Radiator is available in matt black as well as white, in every size from 600W to 1800W, with identical controls and performance.
How long do electric radiators last?
A quality electric radiator should last 10 to 15 years with no maintenance required. Oil filled models are particularly durable as there are no moving parts and the sealed oil system requires no attention.
Where can I buy electric radiators in Ireland?
From Shamrock Electrical, with free delivery on every order to all 26 counties and no minimum spend. We are an Irish owned supplier based in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, just off the N7, and we post nationwide, so you do not need to be near the counter to buy. Browse the electric radiators range, or call 01 401 9907 for help matching the wattage to your room.
Shop Electric Radiators, free delivery across Ireland
Browse the full range of electric radiators and heaters and wall mounted electric heaters, delivered free to every county in the Republic of Ireland with no minimum spend. Need help choosing? Call us on 01 401 9907 or call into the store in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, just off the N7.