Electric heater recommendations

Ectophile

I'm another one who prefers an oil filled radiator.  The big advantage for me is that while they get hot, it's never hot enough to set anything on fire.  It's the only type of portable heater I would leave on unattended or when going to sleep.

WIAWSNB

Toolstation have them from £35, and a few squid more adds a timer.

Cisco001

Get electric throw and heated vest.
Electric heater are expensive to run compare to those

casper_gutman

I have an oil-filled electric radiator in an outbuilding, which is very effective and provides a comfortable stable temperature. As others have said they're safer than convection heaters as the surface temperature of the heater doesn't get so high. Also, although you still shouldn't cover them, a blanket or similar that was accidentally dropped over one would be much less likely to burst into flames.

I'd say a thermostat would be essential if the heater will be used more than occasionally, and some kind of programmable control would be nice to have so the heating can come on before your MIL gets up.

My electric heater has 'smart' controls so that I can control the heater from the house. I can also programme it to switch on at particular times etc. Given the number of frustrating phone calls I've had over the years trying to assist people with programmable heating controls that I can't see, I'd consider getting smart controls if I was buying something for a relative so I could assist them remotely. Admittedly it will raise the cost a bit, but if you shop around you should still be able to pick something up for say £60-£100. I'd consider it if the budget will stretch.