You’ll find infrared panels in more homes and businesses than ever now that electric heating has firmly settled itself into the mainstream. It’s not hard to see why: they’re efficient, cost-effective, and most are DIY-friendly straight out of the box. Not to mention, their use of radiant heat to deliver superior all-day warmth. You’ll recognise infrared panels by their distinct square, slimline builds – but despite their similar appearances, they don’t come as a one-size-fits-all solution. Across multiple sizes, mounting options and programming possibilities, our range of infrared panels is extensive, which is why we’ve already weighed up the options to give you the very best for 2023. Let’s take a look.
Why you should upgrade to infrared panels
100% radiant warmth
Unlike convection heaters which work by heating the air, infrared travels in a straight line towards people and objects, for warmth on a deeper level.
Flexible mounting options
DIY-friendly installation on the wall or ceiling allows for effective heat dispersion that doesn’t take away from your home’s interior.
Innovative programming
Point & click remote control, external thermostats or WiFi app control – there’s an infrared panel to suit any preference.
Maintenance free
Infrared panels don’t connect to plumbing or run on combustible fuel, so there’s no need to have them regularly serviced.
Keeps damp at bay
Sinking deeply into the walls of your home, radiant heat doesn’t disturb dust particles so it’s great for allergies, prevents mould and leaves a room feeling toasty long after switch-off.
Energy efficient
Pair them with a renewable energy source or green energy tariff, for totally sustainable, efficient heating year-round.
New to the world of infrared heating? Not to worry. Check out our deep dive for everything you need to know about how it works, its benefits, and how much it costs to run.
Best designer heater: Ecostrad Accent IR
At a glance
Top 5 features
- Comfortable Far Infrared Heat
- Programmable Remote Included
- Adaptive Start & Open Window Detection
- DIY-friendly Installation
- In-built Overheat Protection
The Ecostrad Accent IR is a slimline designer infrared panel, finished in crisp white and framed for a classically elegant look. Emitting a soothing, gentle heat, the warmth of the Accent IR is deeply penetrating without feeling harsh or artificial, making it ideal for all-day use. With a flexible DIY-approach to either wall or ceiling installation, you can direct the Accent to the busiest parts of your home, streamlining your heating and reducing running costs.
Each purchase comes with a convenient remote control. As the Accent IR comes pre-fitted with a wireless receiver, you can also pair it with your choice of controller for seamless integration with the rest of your home’s heating. Its digital thermostat accurately measures temperatures within ±0.5 °C: set weekly schedules and utilise its energy-saving features knowing the temperature won’t fluctuate and add to your heating bills unnecessarily.
When mounted to the wall, the Accent delivers long-lasting, comfortable warmth to everything in its path.
The remote control acts as both the room thermostat and programmer, allowing you to set a custom weekly schedule using its digital interface.
The Ecostrad Accent IR is a great choice for those looking for a reliable heater with a simple approach to heat management, and our favourite designer infrared heater for 2023.
Best smart heater: Ecostrad Opus iQ
At a glance
Top 5 features
- Comfortable Far Infrared Heat
- WiFi App Control
- Amazon Alexa & Google Home Compatible
- 0.5 °C Accurate Thermostat
- DIY-friendly Installation
Its frameless body, crisp white finish and depth of just 25mm means the Ecostrad Opus iQ integrates discreetly no matter your home’s design scheme. Insulated for increased efficiency, the Opus iQ is also covered with a fire-resistant coating for superior heat transfer. Maintaining warmer temperatures for longer, its gentle heat can be felt even after the appliance has been turned off.
The Opus iQ is in-built with smart technology: simply connect to your smartphone app to access WiFi control. Create bespoke schedules and regulate start and end times to the exact minute. As each panel comes with its own wireless room temperature sensor to accurately monitor comfort levels, you never run the risk of over or underheating a space. For a handsfree approach to heat management, pair to your home voice assistant and control your heater with just the sound of your voice. It couldn’t be easier!
Wall-mount the Opus iQ to direct heat towards the busiest areas.
Mount on the ceiling for a completely unhindered spread of warmth!
With the option of wall or ceiling panels, the Ecostrad Opus iQ is extremely adaptable and can be mounted in minutes. With smart app control, controlling the Opus couldn’t be simpler or more intuitive, which is why it’s our favourite smart infrared heater for 2023.
Best mirror heater: Herschel Inspire Mirror Panel
At a glance
- Price – From £479.99
- Wattage (w) – 250-1250
- Heats from – 5-29m²
- Installation options: Wall
- Programming – WiFi thermostat | Voice control
- Compatible with – Smart Life app | Amazon Alexa & Google Home
Top 5 features
- Comfortable Far Infrared Heat
- Frameless Mirror Design for Dual Practicality
- WiFi Compatible with Thermostat
- Combats Mould & Condensation
- Splashproof IP54 Rating
Contemporary and practical, the Herschel Inspire Mirror Panel is the answer to dual-purpose heating. Behind its reflective surface is a powerful infrared panel built to provide gentle, long-lasting warmth, with a layer of internal insulation for added efficiency. The radiant heat of the Inspire Mirror also minimises condensation, mould and dampness – that means there’s no risk of it fogging up!
Pair the Herschel Inspire Mirror with an external mains-powered WiFi thermostat to unlock its full programming potential. Adjust temperatures, set the 24-hour timer or access energy-saving functions like Eco Mode, which lowers the temperature while you’re away. With smart control, you can even pair it to your home voice assistant, for a convenient handsfree approach to heating.
Due to its clever design, the Inspire Mirror will look the part just about anywhere: opt for a stylish centrepiece in your hallway, living room or bedroom, and reap the benefits of this dual-purpose heater all day. For these reasons and more the Herschel Inspire Mirror Panel is our favourite mirror infrared heater for 2023.
Best German heater: Technotherm ISP Frameless Infrared Heating Panels
At a glance
- Price – From £269.99
- Wattage (w) – 350-1200
- Heats from – 7-24m²
- Colour(s) – White | Black
- Installation options: Wall | Ceiling
- Programming – Technotherm TPF-Eco Thermostat
- Compatible with – Tydom Home | Tydom app
Top 5 features
- Even Heat Distribution with Matrix Heat Mat
- Heat-Retentive Rock Wool Insulation
- 24/7 Digital Programming with Eco Interface
- Optional WiFi Control
- Smaller Height for Compact Spaces
[UK ONLY] The Technotherm ISP Frameless Infrared Heating Panels range encompasses an extensive collection of sizes, wattages and colour finishes, so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect style for your home. With outstanding build quality tantamount to German expertise, Technotherm panels are made from sturdy steel and insulated with rock wool, with their carbon wiring stitched into a unique Matrix Heat Mat for improved efficiency.
Programmable with the TPF-Eco Thermostat, these panels benefit from wireless temperature management: choose between 5 heating modes and set up a weekly schedule for heating that suits your routine. If you’re looking for an even more sophisticated approach, the Tydom Home smart hub allows for off-the-cuff heat management from anywhere in the world.
A sleek white colourway adds a sophisticated accent to any space.
With a bold black finish, this minimalist heater adds a touch of dramatic style.
With flexible mounting options and a versatile approach to programming, Technotherm ISP Frameless panels are a true testament of modern heating design, and our favourite German infrared heater for 2023.
Best bathroom heater: Herschel Select XLS Glass
At a glance
- Price – £489.99
- Wattage (w) – 700
- Heats up to – 12m²
- Installation options: Wall
- Programming – WiFi app control | Voice control
- Compatible with – Smart Life app | Amazon Alexa & Google Home
Top 5 features
- Comfortable Far Infrared Heat
- Dual-Purpose Heating
- Integrated Touchscreen Controls
- Built-in WiFi Control
- Amazon Alexa & Google Home Compatible
Ideal for bathrooms, the Herschel Select XLS Glass Towel Rail comes in a contemporary, slimline build to provide luxurious warmth while also drying your towels. With dual-heating technology, the top half of the heater reaches temperatures of up to 105 °C, whilst the bottom half focuses on keeping your towels warm at a comfortable 45 °C. With the robust but gentle warmth of infrared, bathroom walls and surfaces are kept dry, preventing the formation of damp and mould.
With integrated touchscreen controls, the towel rail can run on a timer for up to 24 hours – ideal for set-and-forget heating. New for 2023, the Select XLS Glass also comes WiFi-ready. Experience a smarter approach to heat management with the Smart Life app and customise temperatures, timers and schedules from the convenience of your smartphone. For total hands-free control, you can also pair the Select XLS with your smart speaker.
With a contemporary, slimline build, built-in WiFi control and intelligent dual heating technology, the Herschel Select XLS Glass Towel Rail is our favourite bathroom infrared heater for 2023.
Want some help finding the best type of infrared panel for your home? Check out our buying guide to take away the need for guesswork.
Your ideal infrared panel heater is a few clicks away
Now you have our recommendations, it’s time to weigh up the options to decide which infrared panel heater is right for you. If you’d like to learn more about our products, get in touch for a no obligation free quote from our expert heating consultants today.
Want to know our other favourites for 2023? Check out these blogs:
Key learnings
- Infrared panels are a great choice due to their highly efficient use of radiant heat, DIY-friendly installation and innovative programming.
- Ecostrad Accent IR – a slimline infrared panel with convenient remote control, mountable on the wall or ceiling.
- Ecostrad Opus iQ – a smart infrared panel with extensive programming capabilities, wrapped in a discreet and understated package.
- Herschel Inspire Mirror – a cleverly disguised infrared panel; its reflective surface adds dual-practicality. Pairable with a WiFi thermostat, programming this heater is a breeze.
- Technotherm ISP Frameless – (UK only) A compact infrared panel made using the latest innovations in German heating design, compatible with WiFi programming for a smarter approach to heat management.
- Herschel Select XLS Glass – a contemporary towel rail with intelligent dual heating technology, WiFi-ready for 2023 with integrated touchscreen controls.