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Best Oil Filled Radiators to Keep You Warm This Winter (2022)

Written by :
Heating Wise
Last updated: December 14, 2021
Table of Contents
  • 1 1. De’Longhi Dragon 4 Oil Filled Radiator
  • 2 2. Pro Breeze 2500W Oil Filled Radiator
  • 3 3. Warmlite Portable Oil Filled Radiator
  • 4 4. PureMate 2500W Oil Filled Radiator
  • 5 5. Russell Hobbs 5 Fin Oil Filled Radiator
  • 6 6. VonHaus Oil Filled Radiator
  • 7 7. De’Longhi TRNS0505M Oil Filled Radiator
  • 8 8. Dimplex Oil Filled Radiator

As a versatile and portable way to boost the warmth in your home, oil filled radiators are an excellent choice. Compact, easy to use and pretty energy efficient, these electric powered devices use hot oil to generate heat that can warm up small or larger spaces, depending on the size of radiator you buy.

Using oil in a self-contained internal reservoir, an oil filled radiator will convert almost all of the energy they use into heat and they don’t need to be re-filled. And this oil – called diathermic oil – is excellent at retaining heat, meaning you continue to reap the warming benefits for some time after the radiator switches off.

With a range of sizes and designs, there’s an oil filled heater for your needs, whether that’s to warm up a campervan or caravan, add extra heat to a conservatory or to help keep your bedroom or office lovely and toasty.

To help you pick your new hot companion, whatever your budget, we take a look at some of the best oil filled radiators you can currently buy.

1. De’Longhi Dragon 4 Oil Filled Radiator

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Key Features
  • 2kW output; three heat settings
  • Chimney effect accelerates hot air
  • Thermostat, timer and anti-frost
  • Cable tidy, wheels and handle  

With its sleek, compact looks, the De’Longhi Dragon 4 will work well in most rooms and with a 2kW output, can create a decent amount of heat. And with its neat ‘chimney effect’ design, that heat gets distributed around the whole room. By channelling cold air through the hottest part of the radiator to accelerate heating, the result is an even heat that warms up faster than more traditional oil heater designs. 

You get a decent amount of tech spec for the mid to top range price, including an anti-frost device and 24-hour timer. You also have three heat levels and an adjustable thermostat to put you in control. Add in safety features including an overheat cut out, a cable tidy and sturdy wheels and you can use this radiator anywhere in your home. 

From an aesthetic point of view, the Dragon 4 looks good too, with its brilliant white finish and slim, elegant design. A great addition to any home that looks as good as it heats. 

Check price on Amazon

2. Pro Breeze 2500W Oil Filled Radiator

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Key Features
  • 2500w with three heat settings
  • 11 fins for even heat distribution
  • Adjustable thermostat and 24-hour timer
  • Safety tip-over switch and auto shut off 

For the price, this is a well-built and efficient oil filled radiator, which powers out plenty of heat, thanks to its 2500W rating. And the 11 fin panels ensure the heat is evenly generated to warm through your whole room. This is also a good-sized radiator that feels substantial yet is compact enough to have by your desk or chair. And the easy roll castors mean getting the Pro Breeze around is, well, a breeze! There’s a nice bit of temperature control too, as you get three heat settings plus a fully adjustable thermostat and for when you want your room warm when you get home, a handy 24-hour timer. It has the key safety features you would expect, including tip-over switch and automatic thermal shut off should things get too heated. All-in-all a solidly performing oil filled electric heater, although an extra handle would make it a little easier to move around. 

Related Post: Best Electric Heater

Check price on Amazon

3. Warmlite Portable Oil Filled Radiator

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Key Features
  • Ideal for caravans and smaller spaces
  • 650w capacity and adjustable thermostat
  • Five fins for even heat distribution
  • Overheat protection feature 

Compact and bijou is a good way to describe this mini oil filled radiator and its smaller size is perfect for smaller spaces. And, as it is a lower wattage – 650W – it is also a good choice for caravans and campervans as it works well with campsite electrical supplies.  

While it doesn’t push out sufficient heat for larger rooms, this neat heater is a nice addition for when you need to take the edge of a small room or as a back-up to boost the heat. It features five fins to evenly distribute the warmth it generates and has an adjustable thermostat to fine tune the temperature. And an overheat protection feature means you can be sure your oil filled electric radiator won’t get too hot. There are no wheels on this portable oil filled heater but there is a sizable top handle, and, at just over 2.6 kg, the whole unit is lightweight and easy to carry around. 

Check price on Amazon

4. PureMate 2500W Oil Filled Radiator

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Key Features
  • 2500W; three heat settings
  • 11 fins for quick heating
  • Ideal for home or garage
  • Handle and castor wheels 

PureMate have come up with a substantial 2500W model with this 11-finned oil filled radiator, making it a versatile choice for any home. It is not the cheapest in our review, but you get a lot of decent heat for your money and it can also be used in a garage to keep the chill away on colder days. The design is slim and attractive and with four castor wheels and an end handle, you can easily move it around. There are three heat settings and an adjustable thermostat so you can fine-tune the warmth it generates. And you can set when it comes on or goes off, thanks to the easy to use 24-hour timer. You get the standard safety features too, including tip over switch, which is handy as this is a tall radiator, and an auto thermal shut off. At over 11 kg, this is one of the heavyweights in our best oil filled radiators review, but it looks and feels as if it has been built to last. 

Check price on Amazon

5. Russell Hobbs 5 Fin Oil Filled Radiator

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Key Features
  • Compact unit for rooms up to 10m2
  • Five fins for heat distribution
  • 650w power output and three settings
  • Two-year guarantee 

The Russell Hobbs five fin oil radiator is another compact unit that is sized for smaller rooms and spaces of up to 10m2. And the sleek black design is attractive and should work with most decors. At 650W, this doesn’t have the biggest output but it is sufficient, and you get three settings so you can adjust the heat. There is also a thermostat, so the unit switches off once it reaches the desired temperature and the five fins help to radiate the heat where it is needed. This oil filled radiator requires some assembly, but the instructions are clear to follow. And once in place, the small castors work well, backed up by an integrated handle so you can easily move the radiator from room to room. 

Check price on Amazon

6. VonHaus Oil Filled Radiator

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Key Features
  • 1500W heater with three settings
  • 7 fins for even heat distribution
  • Adjustable thermostat and safety features
  • Integrated cable tidy 

Sized for spaces up to 20m2, this is a larger electric oil filled radiator that has a 1500 output and uses its seven slim fins to quickly distribute heat around your room. We think this radiator is smart enough for the office as well as the home and as it is portable, can go wherever you need an extra boost of heat. The three heat settings cover a 600-1500W range, and the adjustable thermostat means you can set your ideal room temperature. However, there is no timer which is a shame, as it would make this a really versatile oil filled radiator to own. But it does have the necessary safety features you would expect, including a tip over safety stich. For the size, this is a nice and lightweight portable electric heater, boosted by four castors so you can easily move it around and would make a good back up when you need a little extra warmth and cosiness in your home. 

Check price on Amazon

7. De’Longhi TRNS0505M Oil Filled Radiator

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Key Features
  • Compact design with 500W output
  • Overheat safety protection
  • Anti-frost setting and adjustable thermostat
  • Large carry handle for portability 

The squat design of the De’Longhi Nano gives this small electric oil filled radiator a robust look and is sturdy enough to have under your desk or beside your favourite chair. And it has been designed to heat up rapidly, so you get the warm benefits sooner. As the smallest entry in our best oil filled radiator review, it also has the lowest wattage, coming in at 500W. But the manufacturer says this is suitable for rooms up to 15 cubic metres. But pop it into a smaller space and you will certainly feel nice and toasty. And should the temperature in your room drop to icy below 5 degree levels, then the anti-frost kicks in and the automatic thermostat will turn your mini oil filled radiator on. The thermostat is also adjustable so you can dial the heat up or down and thanks to its size and large carry handle, this is a radiator you can easily take on your travels to keep you warm. 

Check price on Amazon

8. Dimplex Oil Filled Radiator

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Key Features
  • 2KW heater with two heat settings
  • Adjustable thermostat, plus frost setting
  • Programmable 24-hour timer
  • Safety tilt switch

Coming in at near the top end of our best oil filled radiator review budget, the Dimplex is a powerful heater that is ideal for a bedroom as it has an almost silent operation. This model is sizeable, but the design keeps it slimline, and the radiator body is made from quality steel. This does add to the weight, but you do get four easy roll castor wheels and an end handle so you can safely move it around.

The Dimplex also has the functionality you would expect from an oil filled radiator in its price bracket, including an adjustable thermostat which includes a frost setting and a fully programmable 24-hour timer. There’s also a choice of two heat settings and a safety cut out should the unit start to overheat. As the radiator is on the tall, slim side, it is good to see a safety tilt switch to keep everything safe should the heater get knocked over. This model is also the best oil filled radiator when it comes warranty as it comes with a three-year guarantee as standard. 

Check price on Amazon

Best oil Filled Radiators Buying Guide

Here's what you need to know!
How Do Oil Heaters Work?

Oil heaters don’t actually burn the fuel to create warmth but heat up the oil using electricity. At the heart of the oil heater is a resistor which turns electricity into heat, which in turn heats up the oil. The oil used is called diathermic oil which is stored in an internal reservoir and is particularly good at holding on to heat. Diathermic oil also has a very high boiling point – around 300 °C – so the radiator doesn’t need a venting system to release any build-up internal pressure. Once hot, the oil flows smoothly into the radiator fins and columns in a similar way your central heating flows hot water into your home’s radiators. The result is an even spread of warmth radiating from your oil heater. 

Factors to Consider Before Buying

With a wide range of price-tags, it’s important to look beyond the cost of an oil heater and consider what it is offering you. Key factors to take into account when buying an oil filled radiator include:

Size
The size of your oil radiator will depend on the space you will need the heater for as the larger the radiator, the more energy it will consume and so the higher the running costs. And if you are needing a very large radiator, then another type – a space heater, for example – may be more energy efficient than oil. Just make sure the size of radiator you choose works with the size and heating needs of your room. 

Energy capacity
A higher watt radiator that gives out a high power output may actually be more efficient when it comes to the running costs than a smaller model, especially if you have a larger room to heat. But whether you opt for a more powerful heater or one with a lower energy output, make sure you choose a radiator that has a choice of heat settings so you can adjust its output to suit your desired temperature needs. 

Adjustability 
You need to be able to effectively control the levels of heat the oil filled radiator puts out, so look for controls that are easy to use and adjust. Many oil heaters also include programmable settings, 24-hour timers and adjustable thermostats as well as a minimum temperature level and frost settings, so it fires up when you need to generate more heat.

Safety features  
As it is generating heat, you want your new oil heater to be as safe as possible so look for built-in safety features for that extra peace of mind. Things to look for include auto shut-off and overheat protection should the device get too hot, as well as stabilising devices (if it is freestanding) and tip-over switches should it get knocked over. 

Energy efficiency 
You want your new oil filled radiator to be as efficient as possible when it comes to energy consumption, so that it is cost-effective to run, especially on a daily basis. Look for energy saving features, including remote control operation, adjustable thermostat, 24-hour timer, programmes and max/min temperature and power settings, which are all designed to enable you to control the energy efficiency.

Related Post: How to Lower Your Electric Bill

Portability
If you plan to use your oil heater in several locations in your home, as you need it, then it needs to be easy to move and transport. Look for lightweight portable heater models with handles and wheels so it can safely move around. 

Oil Filled Heaters Vs. Other Types of Heaters

As with any heating device for your home, there are pros and cons, depending on your needs. We take a look at the differences between oil filled radiators and other types of heaters that are available.

Compared to other heaters, including fan heaters and electrical, oil filled radiators:

  • Have no internal fans so are one of the quietest types of domestic heaters you can buy
  • Used correctly, oil heaters are energy efficient and cost-effective to run
  • The oil inside the radiator doesn’t need to be replaced as it is not the fuel source
  • They create a lovely, long-lasting warmth, even after the device is switched off
  • Many oil filled electric radiators will cycle on and off, when it reaches the desired temperature, so saving energy without losing warmth in your room
  • Unlike heaters based on fans or blowers, oil heaters don’t dry out the surrounding air 
  • There is no exposed heating element which can be a fire hazard
Our Top Pick

With its compact design and 2kW output, the De’Longhi Dragon 4 will work well in most rooms and can create a decent amount of heat. It also offers a ‘chimney effect’ design, meaning the heat gets evenly distributed around the whole room. And it warms up faster than more traditional oil heater designs. With an adjustable thermostat, safety features, 24-hour timer and castor wheels so it is easy to move around, we think the Dragon 4 is a hot addition to any home.

You may also like our reviews of the best bathroom heaters and garage heaters.

FAQ

Q:Does it need to be refilled?

A:

As the diathermic oil inside an oil filled electric radiator is used as a vessel for generating heat rather than the actual fuel source, it doesn’t need to be changed or refilled. The oil is contained in its own internal reservoir and does not burn or evaporate, so should last the lifetime of the radiator.

Q:How long do oil filled heaters last?

A:

The heater coil inside an oil filled radiator can deteriorate over time, especially if consistently or regularly used at higher temperatures, but overall, oil filled heaters are designed to last. With the right care when being used, oil filled radiators are durable, with an average expected lifespan of between 10 and 15 years, if not longer.

Q:Is it Safe to Leave it on?

A:

With safety features such as an adjustable thermostat, timers and overheat auto-switch off, oil filled radiators are generally safe to leave on as well as leave unattended. But remembering to turn it off when you leave the room or no longer need the heat is going to preserve the oil filled radiator for longer as well as keeping your heating costs down.

Q:How Much Does It Cost to Run an Oil Filled Radiator?

A:

As long as you choose an appropriately sized radiator for the size of room you need it for, oil filled radiators are pretty energy efficient and so cost-effective to use. An oil filled heater will run at full power when initially switched on as it works to heat the oil to its required operating temperature. If the room temperature is too cold, then the radiator will run at full power for longer, so use more energy. Which is why these heaters are not necessarily suited to all sized rooms or environments as if the room is too large, the heater will simply not be able to put out the level of heat it will need. But if used within its capabilities, an oil filled radiator has a consistent and long-lasting warmth that is not expensive to run, and as the oil does not need to be changed, there is a cost saving there too.

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