As winter settles in, the need for effective heating solutions becomes increasingly important. The team at the Manchester Evening News recently conducted a comparative evaluation of three electric heaters from the renowned brand Russell Hobbs. With rising energy costs and the frigid temperatures of the season, the findings aim to help consumers make informed decisions regarding home heating options.
Evaluating the Russell Hobbs Digital Convection Heater
The first heater tested was the Russell Hobbs Digital Convection Heater with Turbo Fan, priced at £44.99. At initial glance, its design is straightforward, featuring two white panels surrounding a black grill. Included in the box are a remote control, safety paperwork, and easily attachable feet.
Upon powering it on, the heater offers three power settings and adjustable temperature controls. While the user required a brief orientation with the instructions, the LED display simplifies monitoring the current setting. This model quickly generates heat, reaching a comfortable 21 degrees Celsius within minutes, making it suitable for small spaces like home offices. The heater’s automatic on-off function maintains the selected temperature, mimicking central heating while being more energy-efficient for individual rooms.
While the heater is generally quiet, its turbo fan feature, which circulates hot air, may generate noise that some users find unnecessary in smaller areas. Nevertheless, this functionality could be beneficial for larger spaces. Safety features include a timer that allows the heater to turn off after a set duration, and an automatic shut-off if it tips over, reinforcing its reliability.
Despite some drawbacks, such as the remote control’s somewhat cheap feel and clunky navigation, the overall performance of the heater impressed the tester, particularly in combating the cold of recent weeks.
Smart Heating with the Russell Hobbs Wifi-Enabled Glass Panel Heater
Next, the Russell Hobbs Wifi-Enabled Glass Panel Electric Smart Heater entered the spotlight, retailing at £99. Known for its sleek design and modern aesthetics, this heater also integrates smart technology, allowing users to control it remotely via a dedicated app. This feature proved invaluable for the tester, enabling preheating the room before arriving home.
The heater operates silently and efficiently, delivering warmth quickly. However, one limitation noted was that the heat dissipates relatively fast once the heater is turned off. For those seeking prolonged warmth, alternatives like oil-filled radiators might be more suitable. Russell Hobbs offers their 2kW Oil Filled Radiator for £36.69 and the Pro Breeze Oil Filled Radiator for £69.99.
This smart heater is also compatible with Alexa and Google Home, enhancing user convenience. The app includes a child lock feature, appealing to families with young children.
Exploring the Russell Hobbs Bladeless Electric Heater & Cooling Fan
Lastly, the evaluation included the Russell Hobbs Bladeless Electric Heater & Cooling Fan, originally priced at £139.99 but currently available for £119. This unit stands out with its dual functionality, offering both heating and cooling capabilities. The tester, who benefits from solar energy, found the heater to be cost-effective and efficient in maintaining temperature without a noticeable increase in energy bills.
The bladeless design allows for a sleek look while providing customizable settings. Users can select from nine speed settings and a temperature range of 5 to 35 degrees Celsius. The remote control enhances usability, allowing adjustments without hassle.
While the heater operates quietly, the touch screen display can be challenging to navigate, particularly for those with visual impairments. Despite this, the overall performance and functionality of the Russell Hobbs Bladeless Electric Heater impressed the tester, making it a viable alternative to more expensive models like the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10.
In conclusion, for those facing the challenges of winter heating, the Russell Hobbs range offers innovative and effective solutions. Whether opting for the convection heater, the smart glass panel model, or the versatile bladeless fan, users can find a heater that meets their specific needs while remaining budget-friendly.
