Plug-in heaters: the complete UK guide
A plug-in heater plugs straight into a wall socket – no stand, no trailing cable. Here's how they work, what they cost to run and whether one is right for you.
Written by the Pyrivo UK team · Updated October 2026
- Price
- From £59
- Power
- 400W / 800W
- Room size
- Up to 12 m²
- Guarantee
- 30 days
Quick answer
A plug-in heater plugs straight into a wall socket – no stand, no trailing cable. Here's how they work, what they cost to run and whether one is right for you.
What is a plug-in heater?
A plug-in heater (also called a wall plug heater, socket heater or plugged heater) is a small electric heater with the plug built into the back. You push it into a standard UK 3-pin socket and it sits flush against the wall. Most use a ceramic element and a small fan to push warm air into the room.
Why people choose them
- No floor space and no cable to trip over.
- No installation – ideal for renters, students and spare rooms.
- Targeted heat – warm only the room you're using.
- Low wattage – usually 400–1,000W, so cheaper per hour than big fan heaters.
How much do plug-in heaters cost to run?
| Heater power | Cost per hour at 25p/kWh | Typical example |
|---|---|---|
| 400W | 10p | Pyrivo on low |
| 800W | 20p | Pyrivo on high |
| 2,000W | 50p | Standard fan heater |
| 3,000W | 75p | Large convector or fan heater |
Your actual cost depends on your tariff and how long the heater runs. A thermostat cuts power once the room reaches temperature, so real costs are usually lower than the table. See our full running-cost guide.
Are plug-in heaters safe?
A good plug-in heater should have overheat protection that switches it off automatically, a UK plug and a thermostat. Always keep it clear of curtains, bedding and clothes, never cover it, and don't use it in wet areas unless the socket is safe to use there.
What to look for
- An adjustable thermostat and a timer.
- A remote control, so you don't have to reach the socket.
- Two power modes for flexibility.
- A clear UK returns policy and support.
Pyrivo: our plug-in heater
Pyrivo ticks each of those boxes: 400W/800W ceramic heating, digital thermostat, timer, remote and overheat cut-off. It's sized for rooms up to about 12 m².
| Heating technology | PTC ceramic heating plates |
|---|---|
| Power | 400W (low) / 800W (high) |
| Coverage | Rooms up to approx. 12 m² |
| Controls | Touch panel, LED display and remote control |
| Thermostat | Adjustable digital thermostat |
| Timer | Yes – set from the remote |
| Safety | Overheat protection with automatic shut-off |
| Air filter | Antimicrobial filter |
| Plug | UK 3-pin, plugs straight into a wall socket |
Official UK store
Pyrivo Plug-In Heater
- Warms rooms up to 12 m²
- 400W / 800W, from ~10p an hour
- Remote, timer & overheat cut-off
From £59
Choose your bundle30-day money-back guarantee
Frequently asked questions
Official Pyrivo UK store
Get Pyrivo – official UK store
Stop heating the whole house to warm one room. Pyrivo plugs straight into the wall and puts the heat where you are.
- Heats the room in minutes
- Remote control & timer
- Adjustable digital thermostat
- Overheat auto shut-off
Choose your bundle
Secure checkout · Card, Apple Pay & Google Pay where available
- Tracked UK delivery
- 30-day money back
- Secure checkout
- UK 3-pin plug
