Winter comparisons
Short answers first, then the numbers, for the questions UK households ask every winter.
Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest way to heat one room?
Heat yourself first (heated throw or electric blanket for pennies an hour). For the room, any electric heater costs the same per kW at 26.3p/kWh; choose by how long you'll run it.
Dehumidifier or moisture absorber?
Moisture absorbers for cupboards and wardrobes; a compressor dehumidifier for rooms with condensation.
How we choose: we don’t lab-test products. Picks are based on published specifications, wattage and running-cost maths, brand track record and UK availability. Running costs use the Ofgem price cap for October–December 2026 (26.3p/kWh, electricity VAT removed). Prices on the buttons update hourly from Amazon UK. About Winter Ready.
How these comparisons work
Every comparison opens with a short answer, then shows the running costs side by side. We use the Ofgem price cap for October to December 2026 (26.3p per kWh for electricity), so the pence-per-hour figures are what a typical UK household on a standard variable tariff actually pays. If you're on a fixed or time-of-use tariff, swap in your own unit rate: cost is simply watts × hours × rate. We don't lab-test products; the figures come from published power ratings. For the full list of appliances, see what heating costs per hour.