Oil heater for home: how does it work and which heater to choose?

Oil heaters will be the subject of this article. These accessories are extremely easy to use, they work by heating the oil circulating inside.

Unfortunately, they warm up for quite a long time, which is at the outset a significant disadvantage compared to other available electric heaters. The advantage of oil heaters is they remain warm for a long time, even when disconnected from energy. They are completely safe, you can use them around the clock.

When is an electric oil heater useful?

Why buy an oil radiator, since our homes have much more efficient and cheaper heating systems? It turns out that in many situations the use of an oil radiator will cost us less. This device will certainly be appreciated at the turn of the seasons, e.g. in autumn - when it is not yet cold enough to start the heating system, and at the same time the temperature is gradually dropping and it is necessary to reheat the interiors in which we stay.

Many people use oil electric radiators as additional heating for bathrooms, where a slightly higher temperature is always desired to comfortably carry out all hygienic activities. Another situation in which they are useful are trips to summer houses, especially those in spring or autumn - in wooden houses, even in summer, we can get cold! You can read more about installations inside houses and apartments in our category here.

Oil radiator - how does it compare with other electric heaters?

Let's see a brief comparison of the most important advantages and disadvantages of popular types of electric heaters and check how oil radiators rank among them:

Radiator type Plus[+]  Minus [-] 

  • Oil radiator [+] Gives heat for a long time.  [-]Warms up slowly
  • Convector heater[+]  Heats up quickly  [-]It cools down just as quickly
  • Fan heater[+] Fast heat distribution thanks to the fan. [-] Lower efficiency than other radiators
  • Ceramic heater[+]  Heats up quickly and gives off heat for a long time. [-] Not very energy-efficient
  • Halogen heater.[+] Energy-saving operation.  [-] Short heating range

As you can see, there is no perfect when it comes to the functionality of portable electric heaters. Oil radiators, however, can be appreciated for their excellent efficiency and safe operation, even if they are operated for a long time because they do not overheat. Additionally, these devices are relatively inexpensive. More information about apartment heating in the article: how to effectively heat an apartment.

How does an oil heater work?

As the name suggests, the oil radiator is filled with oil, which is heated after the device is connected to the electricity using the built-in heaters. The fluid gives off its heat to the metal casing, which in turn heats the air in the room. Before that happens, however, it usually takes several tens of minutes. On the other hand, after disconnecting the oil radiator, it will remain warm for at least an hour (and for some models even longer), which translates into its energy-saving operation.

How to choose an oil radiator - the most important parameters

In order to be able to enjoy the excellent functionality of an electric oil heater, it is necessary to know its parameters carefully before purchasing. Thanks to this, we will make sure that the device will be efficient and equipped with all the necessary programs. 

How to choose an oil radiator? Let's pay attention to:

  • The size of the oil radiator - whether we choose a large oil radiator or a smaller one, it matters. This is because the heating surface of the device will depend on it, but it will also affect the time it warms up and cools down;
  • Power - the range of this parameter among oil radiators is huge. We can successfully find both 200 and 2500 watt devices! You can read about how to choose the power of the radiator to the size of the room here;
  • Oil radiator with a thermostat - a thermostat in the case of oil radiators is very useful. After reaching the appropriate temperature, the heater will automatically turn off, and only when it starts to cool down, it will restart. In the case of oil radiators with long heat retention, such a solution is very profitable;
  • Safety switch - such protection must necessarily be found in our electric oil heater. If the device overheats, the switch will cut off the current automatically, preventing accidents;
  • Power control - another very useful function that allows you to adjust the capabilities of the oil radiator to the size of the room. Thanks to this, our heating device will be universally applicable!
Show more
De'Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater, Quiet 1500W, Adjustable Thermostat, 3 Heat Settings, Energy Saving, Safety Features, Nice for Home with Pets/Kids, Black, Comfort Temp EW7707CB

0

4.4
£184.98

De'Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater, Quiet 1500W, Adjustable Thermostat, 3 Heat Settings, Energy Saving, Safety Features, Nice for Home with Pets/Kids, Black, Comfort Temp EW7707CB

-20%
Warmlite WL43003YW 1500W Oil Filled Radiator with 3 power Settings and Adjustable Thermostat, White

0

4.3
£44.00£34.99

Warmlite WL43003YW 1500W Oil Filled Radiator with 3 power Settings and Adjustable Thermostat, White

-4%
Warmlite 650 W 5 Fin Oil Filled Radiator with Adjustable Thermostat and Overheat Protection, Dark Titanium

0

3.8
£25.00£24.10

Warmlite 650 W 5 Fin Oil Filled Radiator with Adjustable Thermostat and Overheat Protection, Dark Titanium

-12%
Zanussi ZOFR5004B - 9 Fin Oil Filled Radiator, 3 Adjustable Heat Settings up to 2000W Power, 20m² Room Capacity, Always Cool Carry Handle, Compact Size, Black

0

4.4
£74.00£64.99

Zanussi ZOFR5004B - 9 Fin Oil Filled Radiator, 3 Adjustable Heat Settings up to 2000W Power, 20m² Room Capacity, Always Cool Carry Handle, Compact Size, Black

Daewoo Oil Filled Radiator, 1000 Watt

0

3.8
£34.99

Daewoo Oil Filled Radiator, 1000 Watt

Kingavon BB-OR100 9-Fin 2kW Oil Filled Radiator

0

3.4
£46.20

Kingavon BB-OR100 9-Fin 2kW Oil Filled Radiator

-46%
Sealey RD2500 Oil Filled Radiator, 2500W/230V, 11 Element, White

0

4.7
£129.00£69.95

Sealey RD2500 Oil Filled Radiator, 2500W/230V, 11 Element, White

VonHaus Oil Filled Radiator – 1500W/1.5KW – 7 Fin – Freestanding – Small Plug in Portable Electric Heater – 3 Power Settings, Adjustable Temperature/Thermostat, Thermal Safety Cut off - White

0

4.5
£54.99

VonHaus Oil Filled Radiator – 1500W/1.5KW – 7 Fin – Freestanding – Small Plug in Portable Electric Heater – 3 Power Settings, Adjustable Temperature/Thermostat, Thermal Safety Cut off - White

HOMCOM 2720W Oil Filled Radiator, Portable Electric Heater w/ 3 Heat Settings, Adjustable Thermostat, Safe Power-Off, 11 Fins
£62.99

HOMCOM 2720W Oil Filled Radiator, Portable Electric Heater w/ 3 Heat Settings, Adjustable Thermostat, Safe Power-Off, 11 Fins

COMFEE' Oil Filled Radiators 7 Fins 1500W, Portable Electric Heater with 3 Power Settings, Adjustable Temperature / Thermostat, Energy Efficient, Tip Over Switch and Overheating Protection, White

0

4.5
£49.99

COMFEE' Oil Filled Radiators 7 Fins 1500W, Portable Electric Heater with 3 Power Settings, Adjustable Temperature / Thermostat, Energy Efficient, Tip Over Switch and Overheating Protection, White

-2%
Daewoo 11 Fin 2500W Portable Oil Filled Radiator Heater with Thermostat & Wheels (White), Large

0

4.2
£44.00£42.99

Daewoo 11 Fin 2500W Portable Oil Filled Radiator Heater with Thermostat & Wheels (White), Large

HOMCOM 1630W Oil Filled Radiator, 7 Fin, Portable Electric Heater with LED Display, 24H Timer, 3 Heat Settings, Adjustable Thermostat, Safety Cut-Off and Remote Control, White
£59.99

HOMCOM 1630W Oil Filled Radiator, 7 Fin, Portable Electric Heater with LED Display, 24H Timer, 3 Heat Settings, Adjustable Thermostat, Safety Cut-Off and Remote Control, White

HOMCOM 2720W Oil Filled Radiator 11 Fin Portable Electric Heater w/ LED Display 24Hrs Timer Three Heat Settings Adjustable Thermostat Safety Cut off Remote Control-White

0

3
£69.99

HOMCOM 2720W Oil Filled Radiator 11 Fin Portable Electric Heater w/ LED Display 24Hrs Timer Three Heat Settings Adjustable Thermostat Safety Cut off Remote Control-White

Kemket Portable Electric Slim Oil Filled Radiator Heater with Adjustable Temperature Thermostat, 3 Heat Settings (700W | 7 Fin)
£29.99

Kemket Portable Electric Slim Oil Filled Radiator Heater with Adjustable Temperature Thermostat, 3 Heat Settings (700W | 7 Fin)

Fine Elements Lightweight and Portable Oil Radiator With Roller Wheels and 7 Fins

0

3.9
£29.99

Fine Elements Lightweight and Portable Oil Radiator With Roller Wheels and 7 Fins

Mini 700W Oil Filled Radiator Portable Electric Thermostat 6 FIN Heater Compact (White)

0

4.2
£26.95

Mini 700W Oil Filled Radiator Portable Electric Thermostat 6 FIN Heater Compact (White)

-13%
STAYWARM 1500w 7 Fin Oil Radiator with 3 Heat Settings/Variable Thermostat/Frost Watch Protection - F2602GR – Grey

0

4.3
£59.00£51.56

STAYWARM 1500w 7 Fin Oil Radiator with 3 Heat Settings/Variable Thermostat/Frost Watch Protection - F2602GR – Grey

Dimplex 1.5kW Oil filled radiator with variable thermostat and 3 heat settings, X-078056
£54.99

Dimplex 1.5kW Oil filled radiator with variable thermostat and 3 heat settings, X-078056

Supawarm 2500W Oil Filled Radiator Heater with Timer

0

4.1
£69.99

Supawarm 2500W Oil Filled Radiator Heater with Timer

HOMCOM 1630W Oil Filled Radiator, Portable Electric Heater w/ Three Modes Adjustable Thermostat Safety switch, White
£45.99

HOMCOM 1630W Oil Filled Radiator, Portable Electric Heater w/ Three Modes Adjustable Thermostat Safety switch, White

Warmlite 1500 Watt 7 Fins Oil Filled Electric Portable Radiator

0

4.1
£49.99

Warmlite 1500 Watt 7 Fins Oil Filled Electric Portable Radiator

NONMON 2500W 2.5KW Oil Filled Radiator 11 Fins, Portable Electric Heater Energy Efficient with Adjustable Thermostat, 24H Timer, 3 Power Setting, Overheat Protection, Tip Over Safety Cut Off - Black

0

4
£46.99

NONMON 2500W 2.5KW Oil Filled Radiator 11 Fins, Portable Electric Heater Energy Efficient with Adjustable Thermostat, 24H Timer, 3 Power Setting, Overheat Protection, Tip Over Safety Cut Off - Black

Fine Elements Mini Oil Filled Radiator, 800 Watt

0

4
£34.99

Fine Elements Mini Oil Filled Radiator, 800 Watt

BENROSS 42690 7-Fin Mini Oil Filled Radiator, 1500 Watt, Steel, W

0

2.7
£44.50

BENROSS 42690 7-Fin Mini Oil Filled Radiator, 1500 Watt, Steel, W

-0%
Kingavon BB-OR103 5-Fin 500W Mini Oil Filled Radiator

0

4.2
£26.00£25.99

Kingavon BB-OR103 5-Fin 500W Mini Oil Filled Radiator

650W 5 Fin Oil Filled Radiator, White
£24.99

650W 5 Fin Oil Filled Radiator, White

HOMCOM Convector Radiator Heater Freestanding or Wall-mounted Portable Electric Heating with 2 Heat Settings, Adjustable Thermostat and Safety Cut-Off, Black
£39.99

HOMCOM Convector Radiator Heater Freestanding or Wall-mounted Portable Electric Heating with 2 Heat Settings, Adjustable Thermostat and Safety Cut-Off, Black

Fan Heater Electric Portable Heater with 1200W/600W Heating Modes, Tabletop Heater Low Energy Silent 3 Timing Settings, Tip-Over and Overheat Protection, Heaters for Home Room Bedroom

0

4.1
£19.99

Fan Heater Electric Portable Heater with 1200W/600W Heating Modes, Tabletop Heater Low Energy Silent 3 Timing Settings, Tip-Over and Overheat Protection, Heaters for Home Room Bedroom

Panel Radiator Electric Heating Oil Radiator Wall Panel Various Sizes 1000 W (77 cm x 66 cm)
£180.00

Panel Radiator Electric Heating Oil Radiator Wall Panel Various Sizes 1000 W (77 cm x 66 cm)

Mill 99407 2000W Portable Oil Filled Radiator | Mechanical Thermostat With Digital LED Display | Day/Night Programme | Steel Fronted | Overheat Protection | 3 Heat Settings | Home/Office/Commercial

0

4.3
£179.99

Mill 99407 2000W Portable Oil Filled Radiator | Mechanical Thermostat With Digital LED Display | Day/Night Programme | Steel Fronted | Overheat Protection | 3 Heat Settings | Home/Office/Commercial

ANSIO® Oil Filled Radiator Heater 11 Fins 2300W with Remote Black Portable Electric Column Heater with Thermostat, 24Hr Built-in Timer, Child Lock, Overheat and Accidental Tip-Over Protection

0

4.7
£139.97

ANSIO® Oil Filled Radiator Heater 11 Fins 2300W with Remote Black Portable Electric Column Heater with Thermostat, 24Hr Built-in Timer, Child Lock, Overheat and Accidental Tip-Over Protection

ADAX Neo Low Profile Electric Panel Heater/Convector Radiator With Thermostat, Timer And Temperature Display. Wall Mounted, Modern/Designer, Lava Grey, 1200W

0

4.4
£166.00

ADAX Neo Low Profile Electric Panel Heater/Convector Radiator With Thermostat, Timer And Temperature Display. Wall Mounted, Modern/Designer, Lava Grey, 1200W

-3%
BTGGG 900W Electric Oil Filled Radiators Wall Mounted Oil Filled Heater 5 Fins Portable Heater with Adjustable Thermostat and Timer for Home Use
£155.00£149.99

BTGGG 900W Electric Oil Filled Radiators Wall Mounted Oil Filled Heater 5 Fins Portable Heater with Adjustable Thermostat and Timer for Home Use

Castle Heaters NR20 2000W Smart WiFi Electric Tempered Glass Panel Heater IP24 - Wall Mounted - Freestanding - Slim Convector Radiator with Thermostat - Energy Efficient (White)
£129.95

Castle Heaters NR20 2000W Smart WiFi Electric Tempered Glass Panel Heater IP24 - Wall Mounted - Freestanding - Slim Convector Radiator with Thermostat - Energy Efficient (White)

PELONIS 2019 Oil Filled Radiator Heater Luxurious Champagne Portable Space Heater with Programmable Thermostat, 10H Timer, Remote Control, Tip Over&Overheating Functions. Quiet Heater for Home Office

0

4.5
£176.05

PELONIS 2019 Oil Filled Radiator Heater Luxurious Champagne Portable Space Heater with Programmable Thermostat, 10H Timer, Remote Control, Tip Over&Overheating Functions. Quiet Heater for Home Office

Dimplex Essentials 2kW Oil Filled Radiator (441540177)

0

4.6
£99.00

Dimplex Essentials 2kW Oil Filled Radiator (441540177)