INVO Curved Freestanding Infrared Heating Panel review: "does the job quickly and cheaply"

Price on writing: £130 | Buy now from Amazon

How I tested

I tested the INVO Curved Freestanding Infrared Heater at home during cold autumn weather over the course of 2 months. Taking detailed notes on warmth and efficiency, I tried it out in front of me on the sofa and under my desk while I was working. To get an objective view of the heater's output, I used an infrared thermometer gun to take a temperature reading of the space in front of the heater when it had been on for 10, 30 and 60 minutes.

Read next: Best electric heaters

My verdict

When it comes to staying warm at home without turning the heating on, there are so many options to choose from. Many opt for a heated throw to heat one person, or an oil-filled radiator to make a room cosy. Infrared heaters like this one from INVO are a happy medium between the two - and they're much cheaper to run than an oil-filled radiator, too.

This heater's curved shape makes it excellent for directing heat efficiently, and it also means it won't topple over (although it could possibly be knocked over accidentally). It fits easily under my WFH desk, and the heat-proof edges and back mean I don't need to wait for it to cool down if I want to pick it up and reposition. It provides really cosy, infrared heat in a targeted way - that is, it doesn't heat the whole room, rather it heats the space and objects it's placed in front of.

While it's not as attractive as an electric fireplace or heated throw, this heater does the job quickly and cheaply - it costs just 8p per hour to run (compared to around 60p per hour for a 2kw oil-filled radiator). It won't heat the whole room, but it does create a cosy semi-circle area of warmth.

The heated side does get very hot to the touch, so young children need to be supervised around this heater. The curved design means it can't quite be stored flat, but it'll still take up much less space in the cupboard than an oil-filled radiator or large fan heater.

At £130, it's about the same price as a premium heated throw like the Dreamland Alaskan Husky, and costs about the same to run. I think this is a smart investment for providing fast, efficient heat cheaply over the winter.

Does the INVO Curved Freestanding Infrared Heater keep you warm?

This heater is amazing at keeping your bottom half warm, thanks to its size and design - all the infrared heat is directed at your legs. Infrared heaters work by emitting invisible infrared light waves that directly warm up objects and people in their path, rather than heating the air around you.

Because of this, an infrared heater won't heat the whole room, but it's really good at heating one person, or two sitting next to each other. The heat is gentle and comforting - similar to the sun's warmth, which is mostly infrared energy.

After just 10 minutes on, I took a reading of 25.4°C on the floor in front of the heater. After an hour it had reached a super-cosy 32°C, which was too hot for me if I'm honest.

While you can't wrap yourself up in this heater like you can a heated throw or heated gilet, it heats up fast and emits a steady warmth that takes the chill off in a cold room.

Is the INVO Curved Freestanding Infrared Heater safe?

Infrared heat is completely safe. While on, the heated side of the INVO heater does get very hot to the touch, so young children need to be supervised while nearby.

Its design means it's possible to tip the heater over accidentally, but the curved angle makes this unlikely. However, there's no auto-shut off when it tips over or timer, which is worth bearing in mind.

The back and edges of the heater are heatproof, so it can be picked up and moved even when it's hot. Once turned off, the heated side cools down very quickly - it was completely cool in under 10 minutes when I tested.

Does the INVO Curved Freestanding Infrared Heater offer good value for money?

At £130, this heater isn't cheap. However, when it comes to running costs, it's the most energy-efficient type of electric heater you can buy. At 300W it costs about 8p per hour to run, and concentrates its energy on heating you rather than the room around you.

Lighter, cheaper and easier to store than an oil-filled radiator, this is a great little heater for one or two people - and perfect for under a desk.

About the author

Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She researches and reviews the products Mumsnetters swear by, with a particular focus on laundry essentials like steam irons, clothes steamers and washing lines.

From a highly recommended retractable washing line to the best quiet fans money can buy, and Mumsnet's favourite dehumidifier to the steam generator iron that'll cut your ironing time in half, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the very best products on the market.