Which storage heater to buy?

thesouthernnortherner

My old storage heater has completely given up - both on NSH and boost function. I had an electrician come to look at last year when NHS wasn't working, and he said he couldn't find a fault and that it would probably need replacing (he suggested an electric radiator - but thanks to this forum, I realise that would be a costly mistake!)

So, I need to buy a new one. I've narrowed it down to two options - a Creda one and the famous Dimplex Quantum. I definitely want one with a boost function (which I know is money-hungry, but I want to be warm!). I decided to go with a lot20 compliant one, as eventually I will sell the flat (probably in a few years), so it makes sense.

My dilemma is: do I go for the Creda, which is £200 cheaper and will do the same thing, or do I invest the extra money in the Quantum, which looks better and is the 'leading brand' I guess. Thinking purely from a selling the flat on point of view - I know people on the whole don't really like NSH, but do you think the brand would make a difference? And how it looks? I've invested a fair bit in turning the flat from a rented dump to a modern home, so I'm hoping that I can sell it for more when I do sell. Would the heater make that much of a difference to buyers? It's a one-bed flat, so suited to FTBs (like me).

Any thoughts?

Gerry1

Some meters have a boost function where you can fire up the E7 circuits for an hour or so, although you might want to switch off the immersion heater and / or some other NSHs.

Is the Creda so well insulated that it needs a fan to blow the heat out?  That seems to be the selling point with the Quantum.  If its high heat retention saves you £200 or more during your occupancy then it would be worth it, and having evidence of relatively low bills might also help with the sale of the flat.

thesouthernnortherner

Gerry1 said:

Some meters have a boost function where you can fire up the E7 circuits for an hour or so, although you might want to switch off the immersion heater and / or some other NSHs.

Is the Creda so well insulated that it needs a fan to blow the heat out?  That seems to be the selling point with the Quantum.  If its high heat retention saves you £200 or more during your occupancy then it would be worth it, and having evidence of relatively low bills might also help with the sale of the flat.

The Creda does have a fan, although I can't tell if it needs that to blow the heat out in the same way as the Quantum. I've found it quite difficult to find out reliable information that I can understand (this kind of thing is new to me), a lot of sites seem to be trying to persuade me to buy electric radiators instead! I can't post a link, but the Creda model is TRSE150, if that helps.

As for the meter/bills, that's a whole different problem. I'm stuck with a pre-pay meter at the moment, which was supposed to be changed in August but they cancelled. It's on my ever-growing list of things to sort out - my energy provider is pretty stubborn about not coming out because of Covid-19...

Be_Happy

Have you had a look at the Dimplex XLE range.  I don't have experience of using them, but from reading up, am planning to get one of these rather than the more expensive Quantum when I come to replace my old storage heater.

thesouthernnortherner

Be_Happy said:

Have you had a look at the Dimplex XLE range.  I don't have experience of using them, but from reading up, am planning to get one of these rather than the more expensive Quantum when I come to replace my old storage heater.

I did have a look at them, I got confused and thought they didn't have a boost function. Although looking again, it seems they do. I am so confused by all the options!  

danrv

Be_Happy said:

Have you had a look at the Dimplex XLE range.  I don't have experience of using them, but from reading up, am planning to get one of these rather than the more expensive Quantum when I come to replace my old storage heater.

They’re not that much cheaper than the Quantum which are the ultimate in storage heater
technology.
The Creda TRSE and Dimplex XLE are similar and require two supplies.
The whole problem with NSHs has always been giving heat when you don’t want it and running out when it’s needed.
The design of the Quantum is optimized to address this problem and as previously mentioned, needs a fan to distribute the heat.
With the UK’s unpredictable and changeable weather, I’d be looking at these.

Storky1911

Be_Happy said:

Have you had a look at the Dimplex XLE range.  I don't have experience of using them, but from reading up, am planning to get one of these rather than the more expensive Quantum when I come to replace my old storage heater.

Nice one @Be_Happy - I'm thinking of getting the Dimplex XLE as well. I was just wondering how you came to the decision of choosing those over the Quantum?

Be_Happy

Hi Storky.   Considerations were slightly lower price, more importantly ease of use.  I have only 2 heaters, don't need all the extras like zoning etc and am happy with existing storage heaters although they are 20 years old and new ones could be more economical and controllable.  I just want the simplest replacement when the time comes.

I'm also not too keen on using fans.  I find even the slightest noise from these annoying.

Storky1911

Cheers again @Be_Happy - very helpful. Same here on the fan noise - slightly worried about that it has to be said.

thesouthernnortherner

Hmm, I'm still undecided, although thanks for the input everyone!
I'm probably edging towards the Quantum just because it looks nicer - I'll be here for a few years, so part of me thinks it would be better to get something I am happy looking at! And it looking nice might help with selling - it's such a shame that NSHs in general are so unappealing to look at. Hopefully changing to a credit meter and better tariff with offset some of the extra cost!

danrv

Be_Happy said:

I'm also not too keen on using fans.  I find even the slightest noise from these annoying.

I think they’d be quiet on the Quantum. I’m used to the fan on my warm air heater. 
Specs state that the XLE output is fan assisted but not sure if that’s the peak time boost function or normal use.