Best Electric Boilers 2026

Electric boilers are becoming an increasingly important heating option for UK households.

Many homeowners now consider them when replacing an ageing system, especially in properties without a gas connection or in homes where lower emissions and simpler installation matter.

This guide explains how electric boilers work, the different types available, the advantages and drawbacks and who they are best suited for.

It also includes an overview of leading models so you can make an informed decision about whether an electric boiler is suitable for your home.

If you want to compare them with modern gas units before deciding, see our guide to the best combi boilers 2026.

What an electric boiler is and how it works

An electric boiler heats water using electrical resistance rather than burning gas or oil.

Water passes across a heating element inside the unit and warms up before circulating through radiators or supplying hot taps.

Electric boilers do not release combustion gases and do not require a flue, which makes installation simpler in many homes. They also operate quietly because they contain fewer moving parts than gas boilers.

Although gas boilers remain common across the United Kingdom, electric boilers are becoming more relevant for properties that cannot access the gas grid, homes where space is limited and households looking for cleaner point-of-use heating.

Types of electric boilers in 2026

Electric boilers are available in several designs. Choosing the correct type depends on how much hot water you use, how many bathrooms you have and the layout of your property.

Electric combi boiler

An electric combi boiler heats water on demand. It does not store hot water and does not require a separate cylinder.

Advantages

• Compact all-in-one unit

• Hot water available instantly

• No hot water tank required

• Suitable for small to medium homes

Limitations

• Hot water flow is limited to one outlet at a time

• Not compatible with Economy 7 style overnight heating because water is not stored

An electric combi boiler suits households with one bathroom, modest daily hot water use and fewer than ten radiators.

Electric storage boiler

An electric storage boiler includes a built-in hot water cylinder or is supplied with one. It can heat water overnight using cheaper off-peak rates.

Advantages

• Compatible with Economy 7

• Suitable for homes with higher hot water demand

• Allows multiple taps to run at once

Limitations

• Larger footprint

• Higher installation cost than an electric combi

This type suits homes that use large volumes of hot water throughout the day.

Dry core storage boiler

A dry core storage boiler heats specially designed internal bricks using off-peak electricity. The stored heat transfers into water when required.

Advantages

• Works efficiently with off-peak electricity

• Suitable for properties without gas supply

Limitations

• Slower response time than instant-acting systems

A dry core system suits households that want to make consistent use of cheaper night-time tariffs.

Electric CPSU

A combined primary storage unit (CPSU) stores a large volume of hot water inside the boiler. It can deliver high flow rates instantly.

Advantages

• Designed for high hot water usage

• Powerful and fast output

Limitations

• Oversized for most domestic properties

• Higher running costs

These units are mainly used in commercial settings such as hotels or care facilities.

Solar compatible electric boiler

Some electric boilers include an immersion heater designed to work with solar PV or solar thermal systems.

• Advantages
  Can reduce running emissions further

• Uses self-generated electricity when available

Solar-compatible units are a suitable option for homes already investing in renewable energy.

Best electric boilers in 2026

Below is a selection of well-known electric units suitable for UK homes. All operate at high efficiency and are designed for properties without a gas supply or for homeowners seeking low-emission heating.

Electric Heating Company Comet Combi

• Type: Electric combi
• Output range: 9 to 14.4 kW
• Ideal for: Small to medium homes
• Key benefits: Compact size, straightforward controls, quiet operation

Heatrae Sadia Electromax

• Type: Electric flow with integrated cylinder
• Output range: 6 to 9 kW
• Ideal for: Medium households with multiple outlets
• Key benefits: Stored hot water, familiar installation layout, reliable performance

Elnur Mattira MACC

• Type: Electric combi
• Output range: 3 to 15 kW
• Ideal for: Flats and smaller homes
• Key benefits: Slim wall-mounted unit, smart thermostat compatibility, high efficiency

Fischer EB Electric Combi

• Type: Electric combi
• Output range: 9 to 36 kW
• Ideal for: Larger homes or high water demand
• Key benefits: Strong hot water flow, robust construction, long service life

Vaillant Eloblock Electric Boiler

• Type: Electric system

• Output range: 6 to 24 kW

• deal for: Homes upgrading to electric heating or integrating renewable power

• Key benefits: Reliable brand, digital controls, suitable for solar input

Advantages of electric boilers

Electric boilers offer several benefits that suit particular property types.

These advantages help explain why installations are increasing across the UK.

Lower installation demands

Electric boilers do not require a flue or condensate pipe because they do not release combustion gases.

This often makes installation easier and more flexible, particularly in flats or properties where routing a flue is difficult.

High efficiency at point of use

Electric boilers typically operate at around 99 percent efficiency at the point of use.

Almost all the electrical energy consumed becomes usable heat because no energy is lost through flue gases.

No combustion emissions

Electric units do not burn fuel, so they do not release carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxides.

This makes them suitable for homes prioritising low emissions or where ventilation options are limited.

Low maintenance requirements

Electric boilers have fewer components and no burners or flues, so they generally require less maintenance.

A heating engineer should still inspect the unit if a fault occurs, but annual servicing is not required in the same way as for gas systems.

Quiet operation

With only a circulation pump operating inside the unit, electric boilers run quietly. This allows installation in living spaces without causing disturbance.

Compact and flexible installation

Most electric boilers are lightweight and small, allowing installation in cupboards, utility rooms or areas where a gas boiler might not fit comfortably.

Disadvantages of electric boilers

To give homeowners a balanced understanding, it is important to recognise the limitations of electric boilers.

Higher running costs

Electricity remains more expensive per unit than gas.

This means that although electric boilers are highly efficient, homes with large heating and hot water usage may see higher running costs over time.

Dependence on electricity supply

A power cut will stop an electric boiler from operating until supply is restored.

This is uncommon but important to consider.

Electrical load requirements

An electric boiler must be able to operate on the property’s electrical supply

A qualified heating engineer or electrician should confirm suitability before installation.

Who electric boilers are best suited for

Electric boilers can be an excellent choice when the property and household demand match what the system can deliver.

• They are well suited to:
  Flats and smaller homes with one bathroom

• Properties without access to the gas grid

• Households with fewer than ten radiators

• Homes where installation space is limited

• Properties aiming to reduce point-of-use emissions

• Homes with solar PV or those planning renewable integration

Homes with large families, multiple bathrooms or high hot water demand will usually need a storage-based electric system or a different heating solution altogether.

How to decide if an electric boiler is right for you

Choosing the correct heating system depends on property size, insulation quality, electrical capacity, heating patterns and long term running costs.

• An electric boiler may be the right option if you:

• Live in a smaller property with modest hot water use

• Are not connected to the gas grid

• Want a compact and low-maintenance heating unit

• Prefer a system with no combustion emissions

• Have or plan to install solar energy

If you want to compare electric boilers with modern gas systems before choosing, see our full guide to the best combi boilers 2026.

iHeat

iHeat’s team works with thousands of homeowners each year to advise on safe, efficient heating choices.

While iHeat currently installs modern gas boilers, we regularly help customers understand whether electric heating may suit their home and what factors to consider when planning a future upgrade.

If you would like tailored guidance or want to explore modern gas boiler options, our heating specialists are available to help.