Best Oil Filled Radiators in 2023: Buying Guide

For some, wintertime means building snowmen and enjoying holiday cheer. For others, winter is the season of horribly frigid weather and sky-high power bills. If you have a drafty house, inadequate HVAC system or a failing furnace, you don’t have to suffer through winter with only layers of sweaters and your fireplace to keep you warm.

Introduction

Oil-filled radiators use convection heat and a quiet, internal fan to bring warmth to an entire room. Unlike fireplaces, these radiators don’t produce smoke, and you don’t have to shell out tons of money to replace the oil like you have to do with a propane tank. The oil-filled radiators made today have safety mechanisms that prevent them from overheating. Plus, most do not take up a lot of space.

With the varying features on each of these heat-generating wonders, how do you choose just one? We’ve researched countless oil-filled radiators to bring you the 15 best models you can purchase right now, so you can spend less time shopping around and more time staying warm.

Is an Oil-filled Radiator the Best Choice for You?

An oil-filled heater can be a great addition to the right home. But is it suitable for your home or will it end up being a waste of money? To find the answer, you should ask yourself the following questions:

Do you prefer to sleep with a heater on all night? If the answer is yes, you might benefit from an oil-filled heater. This type of heater is ideal for sleeping as they are silent while in use, which can be a bonus when compared to other heaters. This is because oil-filled heaters don’t use internal fans like other heater types. Instead, they are filled with oil that becomes heated and the heat dissipates to warm up the room. Oil-filled heaters are perfect for bedrooms and offices where silence is needed.

Is it sufficient to heat a larger room? Yes, oil-filled heaters are a good choice if you are looking to heat a larger room or space. They come in a range of sizes, so are suitable for a room of any size. The best way to choose the correct size oil-filled heater is to look at the fins. If you have a small room, look for fewer fins. If you have a larger room, look for a larger heater with more fins.

Do you suffer from allergies? If so, you are not alone. Heaters that use an internal fan work by circulating the air. This simply creates a vortex of allergens that continue to spread throughout the room. If you suffer from allergies, oil-filled heaters are the best choice. Since they don’t rely on internal fans, airborne allergens aren’t being recirculated around the room.

How much do you want to spend? Sadly, oil-filled heaters tend to be more expensive than other types of heaters. Depending on what extra features you are looking for, you should expect to pay more. Safety features and high-quality manufacturing will add to the price tag. Extra functions such as auto-shutdown will also add to the price. This makes oil-filled heaters a difficult choice for people on a tight budget.

Are there any downsides to an oil-filled heater?

We pride ourselves on giving our readers the best information so they can make an informed decision. This means talking about both the advantages and negatives of buying a particular product. There are lots of positive reasons to buy an oil-filled heater, but there are also some drawbacks. Here are some reasons an oil-filled heater might not be for you.

One of the main drawbacks of oil-filled heaters is they take a long time to heat up, particularly when compared to other types of heaters. While some heaters will heat a room in just a few minutes, an oil-filled heater can take up to 30 minutes to heat a room. If you are looking for a heater that provides near-instant warmth, an oil-filled heater may not be the best choice for you.

Another negative of oil-filled heaters is the outer surface can get hot during use. For adults, this isn’t a problem as they won’t be tempted to touch it. However, this can be an issue with younger children. It can also be a problem if you have pets in your home.

Our Recommended Oil Filled Radiators in 2023

9) Comfort Zone CZ7007J

The CZ7007J by Comfort Zone is an ultra-versatile oil-filled radiator made for 250-square-foot spaces. The unit takes up just 10 x 8 x 24.5 inches of space, has seven heating fins, and offers three heating modes—500W, 700W, and 1200W—with two speeds. To adjust heating modes and speeds, simply push one of the switches and turn the temperature dial until you’re satisfied with the radiating heat.

This oil-filled radiator sits atop four durable casters that allow it to glide between rooms with ease, making it an excellent portable heating option for large homes and apartments. It also has a tip-over safety switch that automatically kills the motor when tilted, as well as overheat protection for enhanced safety.

8) De’Longhi TRD40615E

The TRD40615E by De’Longhi is arguably one of the fanciest oil-filled radiators you can get your hands on today. The oil reservoirs are sealed inside steel, leakproof fins, so you’ll never need to top it off. It offers multiple heating levels with a 1500W ceiling, providing up to 250-square-foot rooms with a comfortable toastiness like no other.

What’s interesting about the TRD40615E is the thermal slots that are designed in such a way so as to promote better heat distribution with minimal surface temperature interference. A handy Eco Mode ensures that the device can run for hours on end without spiked energy bills. It’s a shame that the TRD40615E doesn’t come with a remote controller.

7) PELONIS Electric 1500W Oil Filled Radiator Heater

The PELONIS oil-filled radiator doesn’t offer very much in terms of temperature flexibility, but it’s certainly a great unit to have during cold seasons. It has a maximum heating output of 1500W at 85 degrees, and the seven fins distribute heat evenly to all four corners of 150-square-foot rooms.

The greatest thing about the PELONIS is its user-friendliness. The LCD display panel and touch-control buttons allow users to scroll between different heating modes (Eco, Lo, Hi), five temperature settings, and timer settings (10 hours maximum). It doesn’t come with a remote control, but it has the primary safety features that customers are looking for, namely, overheat protection and anti-tilt shutoff.

6) KopBeau 1500W Oil Filled Radiator

The KopBeau isn’t just a versatile oil-filled radiator, but it’s also a beauty to look at. This sleek radiator has three heating levels of between 600W, 900W, and 1500W, and it can cover entire rooms of 200 square feet and smaller.

The KopBeau’s temperature range is from between 40 and 95 degrees, but with adjustability at 1-degree increments, you should be able to find the sweet heating spot without going over or under. You don’t have to worry about getting up or wheeling the KopBeau over to you. It comes with a nifty remote control to adjust temperature, heating levels, and the 24-hour timer.

5) Aireplus 1500W Oil Filled Radiator Electric Heater

The Aireplus is another 1500W oil-filled radiator with three heating levels—600W, 900W, and 1500W. It has a maximum coverage area of 200 square feet, and it’s as good-looking as it is functional. Like other oil-filled radiators, the Aireplus temperature setting is adjustable from 40 to 95 degrees with 1-degree increments. It takes several taps of the onboard buttons to reach the max temp, but with the handy remote control, you adjust temperatures up and down more quickly.

With the preinstalled Eco heating mode, you can heat up rooms and maintain comfortable temperature levels. And like other top-performing oil-filled radiators, the Aireplus comes with an auto-shutoff feature for tilts and overheat protection.

4) Honeywell HZ-789 EnergySmart Electric Oil Filled Radiator

The Honeywell HZ-789 EnergySmart Electric Oil Filled Radiator Whole Room Heater has all the technology that modern consumers enjoy and energy-saving features that cost-conscious people want.

This lustrous black radiator looks great in offices, living rooms and bedrooms. It features six efficient heat-circulating fins and a pull handle that you can use to move the radiator along on its four secure caster wheels. The 21-pound oil-filled radiator measures 25 feet tall, 15.3 wide and 6.7 long, making it large enough to heat a 144-square-foot room.

On the front of the radiator, there is a recessed oval-shaped panel surrounding by a chrome ring to give the appliance a touch of opulence. From the EasySet Controls on the digital panel, you can select one of the two constant heat modes – 750 watts and 1,500 watts.

The panel also has an energy usage indicator to show you if the wattage selection you choose is drawing power too quickly or slowly. This indicator also has a standby mode that illuminates when the radiator reaches your desired temperature. You can even set a sleep timer to one of seven settings up to a maximum of 12 hours.

For further heat customization, the radiator has an EnergySmart mode. When you activate the EnergySmart setting, the radiator will determine the wattage level to maintain the temperature you have chosen – 65, 70, 75 or 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

To override this mode, simply turn off the space heater or select the low-powered or high-powered constant-heat setting. If the radiator overheats or falls, the thermal fuse or tip-over switch will shut down the unit. In terms of consumer protection, Honeywell offers a 3-year limited warranty on the EnergySmart Electric Oil Filled Radiator.

3) Comfort Zone CZ8008 Silent Electric Oil-Filled Radiator Heater

With the Comfort Zone Oil Filled Deluxe Radiator, you get a ton of value at a truly affordable price. This light gray radiator utilizes diathermic heat-transfer oil to generate warmth to the seven fins on the radiator’s cabinet.

In turn, these fins radiate heat throughout your small or average-sized room. Since the oil reservoir is hermetically sealed, it will never leak oil and you will never spend money on refills. Thanks to its user-friendly design, the unit runs virtually silent even on its highest wattage setting.

Regarding the wattage settings, you can select one of three. For a low, gentle heat, choose the 600-watt setting on the turn dial. For a moderate level of heat, set it to 900 watts. If you have just turned on the radiator or feel freezing cold, set the dial to 1,500 watts, which is the maximum power setting.

In addition, you can adjust the radiator’s temperature with the thermostat dial as easily as you change the wattage with the heat output dial. To protect the appliance and your home, Comfort Zone integrated an overheat protection fuse and a safety tip-over switch.

At 21 pounds, this oil-filled radiator is not the heaviest model on the market. However, it isn’t the lightest model either. Therefore, the pivoting caster wheels and large cool-touch recessed handle come in handy when you need to move the radiator to a new location.

For your convenience, Comfort Zone also included an extended cord-wrap caddy where you can keep the 6-foot power cord stored. It also comes with 12 months of warranty coverage on parts and labor.

2) TANGKULA Electric Oil Heater

Large space heaters are great, but there are some rooms and reasons that call for a smaller heater. If you want a personal heater, the Tangkula Mini Room Electric Oil Filled Radiator is worth your consideration. This petite radiator is 15 inches tall, 5.5 inches long and 13.5 inches wide. Its small stature makes it ideal for placing underneath a desk in an office cubicle, on top of a bedside table or on the floor in a half bathroom.

The gleaming white oil-filled radiator weighs a mere 13 pounds, and it has an elevated looped handle. Therefore, the radiator is not difficult to move. Since this space heater is light, there is a half-moon foot screwed into the base to give the radiator stability and help keep it in place.

One benefit to the radiator’s small size is that it takes less time for the fins to get warm. When used for close-range heat, it only takes 5 minutes for you to notice a difference in the surrounding temperature. For small-space heating, the room will become warm in about 20 minutes.

In terms of oil volume, this radiator holds 2.6 pounds of diathermic oil, bringing you 700 watts of heating power. If the radiator overheats, the thermal cut-off switch will prevent burns and fires. A rounded rocker switch controls the power to the radiator, and a black turn dial changes the heat level of the thermostat.

To quell any worries while you’re away from home or the office, a power light indicator glows red when the 6-foot power cord is plugged into an electrical outlet.

1) De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater EW7707CB

Do you need to heat a medium or large-sized room, but you don’t have the time to constantly monitor a thermostat? DeLonghi makes whole-room heating easier with the DeLonghi EW7707CB Safe Heat 1500W ComforTemp Portable Oil-Filled Radiator.

With its exclusive ComforTemp push button, the radiator automatically switches to the lowest power setting and maintains the room temperature, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the radiant heat. The ComforTemp feature also helps you save money on your energy bill by allowing you to decrease your home’s thermostat setting.

With 1,500 watts of heating power, you can enjoy a steady supply of heat all winter long. The totally sealed unit contains diathermic heat-transfer fluid, which lasts the entire life of the radiator. To tailor the energy output to your heating needs, there are three settings from which to choose – 700 watts, 800 watts and 1,500 watts. Activating the low, medium and high settings is easy thanks to its two rocker switches and turn dial.

Made of high-quality steel with curved edges, this black oil-filled radiator with silver trim has thermal slots that are designed to increase the flow of heat. Inside of the radiator, a thermal cutoff mechanism and anti-freeze setting prevent fires and frozen pipes, respectively.

Plus, the radiator has DeLonghi’s no-assembly smart-snap wheels and a convenient wrap-around holder for the 6-foot-long power cord. Since its exterior is resistant to rust, the 24-pound radiator will last you for years to come, and you get a standard 1-year warranty in the event you need to replace or repair the heater.

Oil Filled Radiator Buying Guide

An oil filled radiator is an electric heater that is filled with oil. They are usually portable and use single or multiple electrical elements to generate heat. The oil inside does not need to be replaced. This type of heater uses both convection and radiant heat to warm up a room. This is different from any other type of heater. Oil-filled heaters also warm up a room without drying out the air.

This guide will help you understand the features available when buying an oil-filled heater, as well as the benefits and costs.

Key Features

Before you buy an oil-filled heater, it is a good idea to understand the key features on offer. It is important to have a specific budget in mind before you begin looking. Remember that more features will increase the price. There are some excellent budget options on the market and we will help you choose the right one.

Power

This is one of the most important things to look for when buying an oil-filled heater. Nobody wants a heater that doesn’t have enough power to effectively heat the room. If you know the size of the room you intend to heat, you can look for a heater with enough power to heat it.

A general rule is the most powerful heaters will have an output range of between 1500 watts and 2500 watts. Be careful when buying heaters with a power output over 2000 watts as they tend to be less efficient and end up using too much power to be of value. No one wants to become bankrupt due to high electricity bills.

At the other end, look for a minimum power of 600 watts. This is not sufficient to heat a large room but is still efficient for smaller-sized rooms.

Portability

This is another key feature to look out for. If the heater doesn’t have wheels, it will be difficult to move between rooms. If you do want to move it, you will have to wait for it to cool down before lifting and carrying it around. This can be a hassle nobody wants to deal with.

The wheels aren’t just good for moving the heater. They also act as a buffer between the floor and the heater. This can help protect your floor from heat damage and help keep your home safe.

Safety

Safety is of primary importance when looking for the right oil-filled radiator. A good thing to look for is a tip-over switch. Products with this feature will generally be safer. It is also important if you have children or pets in your home. It will stop the product from overheating and malfunctioning, as well as stopping it from becoming a potential fire hazard.

Size

It goes without saying that the bigger the heater, the more energy it requires to operate. If you are looking to heat a smaller room, choose a smaller heater to save money in the long run.

Generally, larger heaters tend to be more basic and are robust and efficient in their designs. Smaller heaters often have more advanced features and produce heat more efficiently. For the best results, chose a suitably sized heater for the room that you want to heat.

Capacity

It is sometimes more efficient to run a heater that uses a high amount of energy to produce a lot of heat. You should look for a heater that doesn’t waste energy or heat. One of the best ways to do this is to run the heater on the lowest setting. Running the heater on high can be wasteful and expensive. It can also be dangerous. In general, the higher the wattage of your heater, the lower the setting you can use. Be careful to check if the heater is suitable for your room type and size. Some heaters aren’t suitable for use in certain rooms, such as bathrooms.

Design

While functionality is important, aesthetics also matter since you want a heater that will suit your home’s décor. However, be careful not to pick a heater based solely on its looks. You may end up with a product that lacks special features or is unsuitable for your chosen room.

When choosing a heater, the size is important as it indicates the amount of liquid that is inside. Larger oil-filled heaters will take more time to heater up. This might sound like a drawback, but it isn’t necessarily so. If you give it the time it needs to heat up, you can unplug it and use the residual heat to warm up a room.

Since it is larger, it will also take a longer time for it to cool down. Once the oil and fins are hot, they will remain hot for quite some time. Larger heaters are slower to heat up but also retain their heat for longer. Depending on where you are using your heater, this might be perfect.

Adjustability

Do you want to control your oil-filled heater? What options do you want? With the correct options, you can control your heater and ensure it operates safely and efficiently. A heater with different programs will allow you to set the temperature to ensure maximum efficiency.

Rapid changes in the weather can cause problems in your home. Rooms with poor insulation are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in outdoor temperature. If you are buying an oil-filled heater for a poorly insulated room, make sure you pick one that has a variety of settings.

Power Rating

When buying a heater, it is incredibly important to check the power rating. By checking this, you will know how much power output the heater has and what its performance will be. Most heaters will state their power rating in watts.

The power rating will most likely be 700 watts, 1000 watts, and 1500 watts depending on the size of the heater. Looking at these numbers, 1500 watt is the best option for larger rooms as it will give out the highest amount of heat. This will also tell you about the power consumption and how much it will cost to run. Heaters with a higher watt rating will use more power and ultimately cost you more in electricity bills.

Customer Reviews

With so many options on the menu, it can be daunting to choose the correct oil-filled heater for you. One of the best ways to do this is to look at reviews written by customers who have already purchased and used the model. This will give you a better idea of how the product functions with everyday use by the average customer.

The best way to find these reviews is by looking online. You will be able to find a range of reviews by different people. Reading these will help you learn about the heater’s quality and how it holds up to continued everyday use. It will tell you how easy it is to operate. You can then decide whether it is the right product for you before investing your hard-earned money.

Price

One of the main reasons why people buy oil-filled heaters is because they are the most affordable type of heaters around. They can start for as low as £25. Although it is tempting to buy the cheapest option you can find, it is advisable to check its efficiency rating since a heater with poor efficiency can be expensive in the long run.

Timer and Heat Settings

These are important features since how well you can control the heater will determine its overall function and efficiency. This will also translate to how much energy it consumes during operation. Some heaters come with a digital display that allows you to set the heater exactly as you want it. Others also have audible beeps to indicate whenever a button has been pressed.

While this may sound like a necessary feature, a heater with a simple dial will do the job just fine. A timer is a useful feature that allows you to set the heater to operate at specific times. Most heaters including more budget-friendly options come with this feature built-in.

While more modern heaters with digital panels may look impressive, they can often be a hindrance as they may become an additional point of failure. If the software or display is broken, it can be expensive to fix. A heater is designed to heat a room, so it is good to look for a model that is designed primarily for this purpose. The value should be in the quality of the product heating the room, not flashy special features.

Features you should look for are a thermostat and at least two power settings. A thermostat is designed to turn off the heater when it reaches a particular temperature. The power settings will help you control how much energy the heater consumes.

Ceramic or Oil-Filled Heaters?

One of the most important questions you need to ask yourself when buying a heater is what type you want. The most popular types are ceramic and oil-filled heaters. Before buying, it is important to know the difference between the two. Buying the wrong one can be frustrating in the long run. You might think room heaters are a bad investment when it is simply just the wrong product. There are some important things you need to know about both types of heaters.

Ceramic heaters use the process of convection to generate heat. They use an electrically powered element inside. This powers a fan that then distributes heat into the room. However, not all ceramic heaters work in this way. Some use radiant heat rather than convection.

Ceramic heaters have this name because the heating element inside is made from ceramic. This is a good choice for heaters as it is long-lasting and a good conductor of heat.

The other type of heater is oil-filled. These use radiant heat to warm up the room. This process heats a particular surface. This surface then heats the whole room. The oil inside the heater is heated by an element. The oil then heats the fins, which ultimately heat the entire room.

The main drawback of a ceramic heater is that they struggle to maintain a constant temperature in the room. Oil-filled heaters are much better suited for this, although they do take longer to heater up.

If you are looking to warm a medium or large room, the best choice is an oil-filled heater. If it is for a smaller room, you are best buying a ceramic heater.

Why an Oil-filled Heater is a Good Investment

Efficiency

Oil-filled heaters are known for their heat retention, making them the ideal choice to heat rooms efficiently. Most heaters constantly generate heat while they are running. This means that once they are turned off, they stop making heat. Oil-filled heaters retain their heat for a long time, so can be turned off to save energy bills. This can save you money in the long run.

Money-saving

As they can be turned off sooner, they require less energy than other types of heaters. As they use less power to run, they will give you lower energy bills. As they stay warm for a long time, you won’t need to turn them on for a long time.

The amount of power varies between models. Some will have higher wattage and use more power to run. It is a good idea to check this before you buy a model if you are looking to run a heater on a strict budget.

Convenience

Convenience is often high on most people’s lists when purchasing a new product. This is no different when buying an oil-filled heater.

Some heaters will be more convenient than others. This is because they may have extra features which make them easier to use. You will need to look at the features for each model to decide which is the most convenient for you. If you are looking for convenience, it is a good idea to find one that comes fully assembled. This means you can just plug it in and get going.

Portability

Depending on how you intend to use your heater, how portable a heater is may be very important to you. Some models will have wheels or handles, making them easier to move around the home as needed.

Adjustability 

Different heaters will come with different levels of adjustability. This will depend on what options and settings the heater has. One of the most important is a control for the heat. Being able to adjust the heat setting will help you use the heater to its best potential. Some cheaper models won’t have this feature, so it is worth checking before purchasing.

Comfort

What is the maximum heat setting of your heater? Is the room temperature comfortable when it is in use? These are questions you should ask yourself when looking for a heater.

Some are better at maintaining the desired temperature for a longer period. Good features to look for are auto-regulation, which will help maintain constant heat. Other good features to look for are hands-free operation and a timer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the running costs of an oil-filled heater?

Once you have turned your heater on, it will run on full as the heater is trying to reach the desired temperature. If the heater can’t heat the room to the desired temperature, it will carry on trying. If this happens, it will use a lot of power.

If you want to see how much it would cost you if this happened, you should look at the maximum power output of the specific model. Then find your most recent energy bill and look at the cost per unit. You can use this information to calculate the running cost. Remember that oil-filled heaters are measured in watts.

Do I need to refill it?

One of the benefits of these heaters is they don’t need to be refilled. Even with constant use, the oil never decreases.

You should never try to open the heater and refill it as this can be dangerous. Oil-filled heaters are best left to operate without any interference.

How long do they last?

The lifespan of oil-filled heaters depends on how often you use them. If you use the heater incorrectly or subject it to damage, it won’t last as long. If you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations, it should last a long time.

It is always a good idea to maintain your heater and store it correctly. This information can be found in the manual.

Can I leave it turned on?

Generally speaking, it is considered safe to leave the heater switched on. However, this will depend on where you have placed it. As with most things, the longer you leave it switched on, the more likely it is to cause a fire or become damaged. If you want to leave it switched on, make sure there is nothing flammable close by and follow the safety guidelines.

Are halogen heaters cheaper to run than oil-filled heaters?

Both types of heaters are great choices for people on a tight budget. Oil heaters trap heat which helps cut costs in the long run. Halogen heaters use infrared radiation to focus the heat in one direction rather than heating the surrounding air.

If you are looking to cut costs, oil-filled heaters are generally a better choice than halogen heaters.

Is carbon monoxide something to worry about?

If you leave your oil-filled heater on for long periods, air pollution can be a problem. If you place it in a room which doesn’t have good ventilation, the heater will slowly use up all the oxygen in the room. This is then replaced with carbon monoxide. This is very dangerous to your health. Make sure you have good ventilation wherever you place it.

Put it in the right place

Where you put your heater is very important, especially if there are children in your home. If you choose to place the heater low to the ground, choose a model which has a child lock. You can find this in the model’s description. All models will come with a manual, so use this to check if you are using and placing it correctly. This will make sure you are using it safely and efficiently.

Final thoughts

If you are looking for a portable heater for your home or office, an oil-filled heater is a perfect choice.

When it comes to choosing the best model for you, it is important to make sure you look for a heater that is the right size and style for the room. While power and price are important factors, design is also worth considering. You will have to look at the heater every day, so you need to like it! However, the most important factor to consider is safety.

To stay safe, read the manual thoroughly. When positioning and using the heater, make sure you follow the guidelines for your specific model. Oil-filled heaters have a safety feature that prevents overheating. It is still a good idea to check it regularly.

Are you looking for an oil-filled heater? Where are you going to use it? Do any of our recommendations meet your needs?

Let us know in the comments below.

If you have any questions or comments, please add them below in the comment section. Similarly, please let us know if you spot any mistakes or omissions. Thanks!

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Last Update: 2024-04-17 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API