By Nick Gelling
Product Test Journalist | Kaipūrongo Whakamātautau Hautaonga
In New Zealand, panel heaters from fancy European brands like Nobo and Noirot command a price premium over the cheap ones we import from Asia. But what are you paying extra for, and is it actually worth it?
As part of our electric heater product testing, we’ve assessed panel heaters from these two brands, which tend to cost between $600 and $900. We measure how quickly and evenly they heat a room, how well they maintain a set temperature and how easy they are to operate.
We’ve also tested cheaper panel heaters from competitors like Goldair and Arlec, which range in price from $150 to $400.
Are Nobo and Noirot heaters cheaper to run?
These European heaters use the same amount of power as any plug-in heater for the same amount of heat, so their running costs aren’t any lower.
They’ll never be as efficient as a heat pump. To find out why, read our guide on the cheapest ways to heat your home. If you’re keen to save on electricity another way, check out Powerswitch.
What are the advantages of premium panel heaters?
Expensive heaters can be quieter: some cheaper panel heaters make creaking or pinging sounds when they’re heating up or cooling down.
Nobo heaters are Wi-Fi-enabled, meaning you can control them from a mobile app. Read more about the pros and cons of Wi-Fi panel heaters.
Honestly, the big advantage of these heaters is their elegant design. They just look nicer.
Where can I get a Noirot or Nobo heater in NZ?
You can shop for a Nobo from building and electrical stores like PlaceMakers or Mico. Noirot heaters are available from high-street stores like Harvey Norman, PB Tech and some 100% Home locations.
Nobo has an excellent range of spare parts available on its website. We couldn’t find a spare parts store for Noirot.
