'This portable £25 ceramic heater is so good for my chilly London flat'

Shopping writer Lauren has put this Devola Portable Heater to the test during the cold snap. (Image: LAUREN CODLING)

Over the recent cold snap, I found myself permanently wrapped up in a million layers: thermal tops, thick socks, and jumpers. After one too many evenings spent shivering on the sofa, I decided enough was enough and bit the bullet on a portable heater.

My flat is compact, so I needed something small that wouldn't dominate the room and, ideally, something I could carry from space to space. After a bit of research, I landed on the Devola Portable Ceramic Fan Heater.

This compact little appliance promises rapid heating, two heat settings up to 1500W, and (crucially) portability. Plus, it's currently 50% off, bringing the price down to £24.99 from £49.99. Over the past few weeks, I've been putting it to the test to see if it could actually make a difference in my permanently chilly flat. 

Straight out of the box, the heater looks sleek and minimal, finished in a matte white and weighing just 1.5kg (the same weight as a small laptop or basketball). The setup was as simple as unboxing and plugging it in. I didn't even need to glance at the instructions, as the buttons are intuitive and clearly labelled.

It comes with two heat settings: 900W for smaller spaces and 1500W for faster, more powerful warmth. I've found the lower setting ideal for my medium-sized bedroom, while the higher setting works well in larger areas like my living room.

In both cases, the difference was noticeable within minutes; a huge plus compared to oil radiators, which can take ages to heat up properly. For those who would prefer a higher temperature, this VonHaus Electric Radiator (£47.99, Wayfair) features adjustable power settings up to 2000W. 

The heater also has three temperature options (18°C, 23°C and 28°C). Despite how cold my flat usually is, I've rarely needed to go anywhere near the highest setting; the lower temperatures have been more than enough to keep things cosy. In fact, there have been moments where I've had to take my jumper off because I was overheating, which, for January, feels nothing short of miraculous.

One thing that initially confused me was that the heater occasionally switched itself off. It turns out this is due to an automatic temperature sensor, which shuts the unit down once the room reaches the set temperature.

The heater's buttons are intuitive and clearly labelled. (Image: LAUREN CODLING)

It's actually a really handy feature for saving energy and preventing overheating. However, I did need to check the instruction manual to work out how to turn it off (you have to press the temperature button a few times). 

Another standout feature is the oscillation mode, which I haven't seen on many other compact heaters. It helps distribute heat more evenly throughout the room, rather than blasting hot air in one direction, so I don't have to sit directly in front of it to reap the benefits.

There's also a fan-only mode for cooling airflow. While I obviously haven't needed this during winter, it's a nice bonus that adds to the heater's year-round usefulness, especially considering the price.

In terms of noise, it's quiet. I can hear it when it's switched on, but it's barely noticeable, and I can watch television, read and work undisturbed. When it comes to portability, I really can't fault it. The built-in carry handle makes it easy to move from room to room, and I've even taken it with me to my boyfriend's flat when staying over (another classic cold London property).

My only minor gripe is that there's no dedicated cord storage; a small hook or wrap would have made it more convenient to carry. Otherwise, I've spotted this sleek cordless option at Fruugo, currently on sale for £33.95 from £69. 

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For anyone living in a cold, poorly insulated home, this Devola Portable Ceramic Fan Heater is a worthy option. It’s compact, easy to use, heats rooms quickly, and has a few thoughtful features that make day-to-day use simple and efficient.

At £24.99, the current 50% discount makes it even more appealing. It’s transformed my winter evenings from freezing to genuinely cosy, and that alone makes it a win in my book.