Winter Heater Guide

You shouldn’t have to wear thermals and a beanie just to stay warm in your own home. Winter in New Zealand can be surprisingly harsh, and with the cold lasting for months, a well-heated home isn’t just about comfort—it’s essential. At Briscoes, we’ve got everything you need to beat the chill, from oil and panel heaters to electric blankets, thick blankets and throws, and one of the best ranges of thermal curtains in NZ. But with so many heating options, how do you know which one is right for your home?

Whether you're in the damp North or the icy South, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to heating. The right solution depends on your space, insulation, routine, and comfort preferences. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each heater type, share energy-saving tips, and help you stay warm and cosy all winter long.

Why staying warm matters?

Types of electric heaters

Energy Efficiency Tips

A dehumidifier and a heater

Why Staying Warm Matters

Prolonged cold indoors can affect your health, especially if you have underlying conditions. With more Kiwis working from home, a warm space also supports productivity and focus. Cold fingers make it tough to type, and a freezing lounge isn't exactly relaxing at the end of the day. Even guests may feel uncomfortable. That’s why choosing the right heating setup makes a real difference to everyday life.

Types of Electric Heaters

• Oil column heaters

- How they work: Oil heaters contain a special oil that warms up and radiates heat even after the power element cycles off.

- Why choose them: They’re excellent for maintaining a steady heat in medium-to-large rooms, and modern models often include thermostats, timers, and safety cut-offs.

- Best use case: Run it on a moderate setting for several hours, such as in a lounge or open-plan living area. While the heat-up time can be slower, once the oil is hot, it releases warmth steadily.

• Panel heaters 

A panel heater is a fantastic option for heating small living areas as they are quiet and very safe. 

• Convector heaters

Convector heaters are portable and lightweight in most cases. They work by heating the surrounding air. 

• Ceramic fan heaters

Small and easy to use, a ceramic fan heater works by heating up the air in small spaces quickly. 

• Fan heaters

A fan heater is the way to go if you're in a rush. Fan heaters provide nearly instant heat for small areas.

Upgrade your heater with Briscoes

Deciding which heater is best for you and your home can be tricky when there are commonly around seven different types and several leading brands. When you view our extensive range of heaters at Briscoes, at least you know you’ll only be purchasing from the world’s leading brands and models. We also categorise our heating options by room, to make it easy to find what you’re after. You can view our selection online or instore, from brands including: 

• Goldair
• DeLonghi
• Sunbeam
• ZIP 
• Handy heater

Our expert team is available to chat to help you make an intelligent purchasing decision, whether that be an oil heater or any other heather that’s electric. Another great place to start is by reading our comprehensive heater buying guide.

How to get the most out of your electric blanket

There is nothing like tucking yourself into your bed that’s been heated by an electric blanket after a cold winter’s day. Yes, thick blankets are important to stay warm at night, but a heated throw or electric blanket adds another element to help improve your sleep. In saying that, not all electric blankets are created equal, and you need to know how to use an electric blanket properly to get the most out of it safely. Tips for doing this include:

• Ensure your electric blanket is laid flat on your bed and tightly secured
• Turn off your electric blanket when you get into bed
• Don’t use an electric blanket for infants, small children or anyone who is immobile
• Have your electric blankets tested annually by a qualified electrician 

Some electric blankets also have other helpful features for your comfort and safety, including special heated foot zones, wifi control and timers. 

Upgrade your electric blanket with Briscoes

Similar to our extensive range of heaters, we also stock a wide variety of electric blankets and heated throws and Briscoes. You can view our range online or at your nearest Briscoes store to enjoy fast delivery to your door and our famous price beat promise. We only supply the leading electric blanket brands, including: 

• Sunbeam
  Sunbeam’s Sleep Perfect Technology means your electric blanket can sense changes to your room and body temperature. That way, it can automatically maintain or change it’s temperature.

• Goldair
  Goldair Platinum Wifi Blankets mean you can turn on your electric blanket from the comfort of your couch before getting into bed later in the evening.

• ZIP
  Like other brands, ZIP offers great, cost-effective heating. Many ZIP electric blankets also have automatic heat protection and temperature regulation. 

There are also six main different electric blanket types to consider, including:

• Antibacterial
• Quilted
• Wool
• Cotton fleece
• Micro plush fleece
• Faux fur fleece

As with our heaters, our staff are happy to chat and offer advice. Otherwise, it may be beneficial to read our comprehensive electric blanket guide for more information. 

How to get the most out of your dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is not only helpful in removing excess moisture from your room or drying washing, but it can also be useful when it comes to heating. The question shouldn’t be dehumidifier or heater? Instead, it should be, why should you have a dehumidifier and heater? Your heater is much more efficient and heats a space more quickly when the air is dry. Considering how little electricity a dehumidifier uses, it’s a no-brainer to bring these two appliances together. When using a dehumidifier in tandem with a heater, it’s best to have doors and windows shut. As well as that, the more centrally located your dehumidifier is, the better it will work. 

Upgrade your dehumidifier with Briscoes

You best believe we have a wide selection of dehumidifiers available at Briscoes. Our main brands are Goldair and DeLonghi, and each brand has options in different sizes and price points. Popular dehumidifier options available include:   

• DeLonghi Tasciugo AriaDry Multi Dehumidifier 16L DEXD216F
• Goldair Select Electronic Dehumidifier 10L GSD195
• Goldair 8 Litre Desiccant Dehumidifier GD330
• Goldair GSD170 Dehumidifier 8L 

Other ways to keep your home warm during winter

As well as using appliances like an electric blanket or electric background heaters, there are many other ways to help keep you warm and toasty at home. At Briscoes, we provide many other cost-effective ways to keep in the heat so your family remains comfortable during winter. 

Curtains

Insulation is a big part of keeping the heat in your home. One main consideration for improving insulation is curtains, or more specifically, blackout curtains or thermal curtains. A good, thick curtain creates a pocket of air between your window and room. This pocket keeps the warm air in and cold air out. At Briscoes, we have a great range of thermal lined curtains for NZ conditions. If you’re looking into thermal curtains in NZ, read our guides on measuring curtains and blinds or installing curtains at home for helpful advice. You may also be keen to check out our custom curtain service. 

Warm bedding

Yes, electric blankets and heated throws are helpful to ensure your bed is warm and toasty. Another way to stay at a comfortable temperature at night is specific winter bedding. At Brisoces, we have a wide variety of winter bedding options, including: 

• Thick duvet inners
• Fluffy sheets
• Soft blankets

A nice thick blanket and throw can be a great option in your lounge or living area. This way, you can pull it over your legs while spudding on the couch. For more advice on bedding, read our helpful blogs, including your guide to bed sheets and your guide to duvet inners. 

Want to consider your heating options?

There are so many options to consider when it comes to heating your home during winter. Whether you’re looking for a new heater, electric blanket, dehumidifier or even winter bedding, you can view our extensive range of winter heating options online or instore. Make the most of our price beat promise, which ensures you know you’re getting the best deal.