Most cost efficient way to heat a large room?

[stirling]

Which doesn't have central heating? My parents are coming to stay in my studio in the garden. It's a solid building but very big with high ceiling.
Does anyone know how much it'll cost to run the cheapest possible electric radiator and can you recommend a good one?
Thanks

Forget it. That’s just not big enough if it’s cold. Maybe a big fan heater? Or two! Definitely get it heated in the future. It would be horrible if it’s is cold and icy. Don’t you use it in the winter? Seems a waste of a building. Is there a bathroom for them?

Thanks bubbles... No my kids have been using it on and off but it does get cold in the winter...
Just thinking fan heater would be extortionate?

Are they going to be using a bathroom in there, or will they literally just be sleeping in there? If just sleeping, I'd get an electric blanket and make the bed toasty, then they get dressed etc in the house

Wood burner.

Like the idea of electric blanket. Wood burner... Will look up. Do I need a chimney?

Yes they will be using a little bathroom in there

start by insulating and draught-proofing it.

What dimension is "very big with high ceiling?"

What is it made of?

I'd get a couple of oil filled radiators - if you get 1.5kw they usually have thermostats so will, cut out if the room gets too hot, and cost about 20p/hour to run each. If you have an electric blanket, you could set the heaters on thermostat so they run in the evening and then come back on early morning for when they get up

Oil filled electric radiators are the way to go. Get a decent sized one (like a proper radiator) not one of the tiny ones. Fan heaters are useless as they just blow hot noisy air and it’s cold as soon as you turn them off.

I used to heat a similar sounding room with a portable gas log burner ( fake) It was really economical as you just replace the gas canister when required. It sounds naff but honestly looked great too
I think I bought it from Calor Gas

although a flueless gas heater creates damp, because the burning gas makes a greater weight of water than the gas it burns.

And the fumes are delivered into the air you breathe.

A log burner will cost £££ to install. I would think about how you wish to use this building. If it’s big, a log burner is quite a localised heat. Ok for 20 x 20 ft but it’s maybe a bit limited for 30 x 30 upwards. They need a flue. Not necessary to have a chimney. They can be very hot if you are close to them and not safe with unsupervised children. You need a guard. They are hot!

I thought if you wanted a cheap solution for very occasional use a fan heater is cheap to buy. Obviously not ideal in terms of spread of heat but they are not noisy these days.

If it’s a very big room, one oil filled radiator just won’t be enough. Two might be better so you get even heat. If it’s to be used by your parents for a few nights, how much do you want to spend? If you want a solution so it can be used Year round then you need to consider insulation and a more permanent heat source. We have a flat above our garage and that’s about 25 x 30 ft2 and we have a condensing boiler in the gardener’s loo and it heats the flat (3 radiators), the bathroom in the flat via a towel rail, the gardener’s loo and a radiator in the garage. Every area is warm and usable all year round. It makes a huge difference to have this heat and has added value to the property.

How long are they staying? I would second oil filled radiators, at least 2.

Also, why don't you put the DC in there and DP in the house?

Halogen - very cheap to buy and use, heat large spaces very quickly, easy to control how much heat + lovely cosy glow.

I got them first in a flat that had crappy bloody expensive storage heaters, and fell in love. That was 12 years ago and I still have them in for emergencies in gch flat I'm in now and if it's just me no dd and it's very cold I'll pop the one in my room for a bit. Costs pennies to run.

How long are they staying - agree a fan would be expensive if used all day every day for the whole winter, but for a few hours each day of a weekend might cost a £5er or £10er

This is a good one.

www.argos.co.uk/product/4111115

But this is cheaper

www.argos.co.uk/product/4153733

Yes it is cheaper Graphista The only one I've used personally was the one I've linked, which was fantastic for heating a large room.

A 1.2kW heater gives out only 60% as much heat as a 2kW heater.

All electric heaters are equally efficient, regardless of their brand and type.

I prefer the oil-filled ones because they give out a more regular heat.

Here are some at an assortment of prices.
www.screwfix.com/c/heating-plumbing/oil-filled-radiators/cat7230008?cm_sp=managedredirect--hvac--oilfilledrads

www.wickes.co.uk/search?text=oil+heater

The ones with timers may seem like a good idea but (especially in bedrooms) the noise made by the clock mechanism, especially as it ages, can be rather irritating.

I like to by named brands on certain items that I'm only going to use temporarily, as they're easier to sell on.

I would ensure it's aired , including bedding, so elec radiator on low for two days before. Elec blanket to air bed and mattress. Or drape bedding around so it is aired properly.Then if pleasantly dry and warm when you come in from outside, a fan or something to warm it quick pre bedtime and getting up time, like a fan heater.
People who are used to central heated houses, like me, will find an unaired bed and room damp.

I'd use one of these
We have the Provence one but there are cheaper ones
https://www.calor.co.uk/shop/in-the-home/portable-gas-heaters.html

Thank you everyone, I had no idea there were more suggestions. Parents may be staying about 6 months. Im not sure what it's made from but my guess is breeze blocks.
Going to look up some of the links now, thanks all