The use of heaters is no longer rare nowadays. In fact, data from the Residential Energy Consumption Survey or RECS in 2015 revealed that most American households use at least one type of heater during winter.
And because of this surge in demands, more and more companies are producing different types of heating system such as electric powered, natural gas, and oil filled heaters.
In this article, we will focus on the latter, and why consumers favored the best oil filled heater among others. If you are interested to know the reasons, just continue reading below.
How Does Oil Filled Heater Work?
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Contrary to what many people believe, there is actually no burning of oil involves here.
So, what is an oil filled heater exactly and how does its system work?
An oil filled heater resembles the old type of radiator but is smaller in size. It is made up of metal columns with open spaces between the columns. The heating element at the base of the heater will then heat up the oil before it flows around the metal columns of the heater through the process called convection.
After the metal columns are heated, they spread the heat to the room through the conduction heating method. This is when you will feel that the surrounding air has increased in temperature.
The Advantages of Using Oil Filled Heaters
We’ve mentioned earlier that an oil filled heater has several advantages. This is why people are making the switch. To give you more insights on this claim, we listed the benefits that an oil filled heater is known for.
Consumes less Energy
Those seeking for ways to lessen electricity consumption while still able to use heaters will appreciate the fact that the best oil filled heater consumes less electricity as compared to the conventional electric-powered heaters.
They also make a good power-saving heater. Even after you turned off the heater, the room will still be well heated because the oil serves as a heat reservoir.
Doesn’t Burn Oxygen and Affect Humidity Level
Unlike the gas-powered heaters that burn oxygen and produce harmful emissions, an oil filled heater neither burn the oxygen present in the room nor does it affect the humidity level.
For this reason, oil filled heaters are considered the healthiest option as it doesn’t emit harmful gas that can cause eye irritations, skin rashes, and suffocation. All of these concerns are harmful to newborn babies. And that is exactly the reason why parents are making the switch from gas to oil filled heaters.
A smart move, should we say.
Can Be Left Overnight
Oil filled room heaters are also excellent heaters for large rooms. The heater distributes the heat in all corners of the room evenly and consistently. In addition, since there is no actual oil burning involve, you can leave the oil filled heater running throughout the night.
Isn’t it perfect for severe cold weather?
No Overheating of the Surface
Another reason why an oil filled heater is the best heater for newborns is because its surface doesn’t heat up much. This means that overheating won’t likely to happen. Because of this oil filled heaters also earn the tile as a child-safe heater.
Works Quietly
Lastly, what a lot of people seems to love about oil filled heaters is its noise-free operation. They don’t produce unpleasant noise while in use. Therefore, putting it inside the bedroom won’t interrupt you or your baby’s sleep at night.
How to Choose the Best Oil Filled Radiator Heater
When we say “the best choice,” it’s actually kind of subjective and depends on a person’s preference. But as a rule of thumb, there are 7 key features that you must consider when buying an oil filled heater.
Here are the 7 things to look for in an oil filled heater:
1. Power Output
The power output of the heater is one important consideration. Power input refers to how much energy is consumed per time period while power output is the power that the heater releases to actually warm up the room.
In other heater types, the power input and output have a slight difference with the output slightly lower than the input. However, the good thing about oil filled heaters is that they usually have the same power consumption and output, which ranges from 300 to 2400 watts.
If you have a big bedroom, it’s better to buy a heater with a higher power output to ensure that all corners of the room are well heated.
2. Power Levels
Because of the advent of technology, heaters nowadays may come in various power levels. A heater with multiple power levels allows you full control over how warm you want your room to be. Usually, an oil filled heaters can have 500W, 1000W, and 1500W power levels.
With this function, you can turn the heater full force for the first few hours, and then reduce it to the minimum level just to maintain the heat.
3. Thermostat
The Thermostat is a crucial part of every heater. Why? Well, this is because thermostat is the one responsible for detecting the current temperature of the room so that it can perform the best action.
This device controls and maintains the heat circulation by regulating the flow of the heat transfer within the metal columns of the oil filled heater.
4. Timer
As we said and as what many users revealed, an oil filled heater is safe to use overnight. This is why a timer is a very useful feature to look for. You can even set time intervals so that the heater will automatically turn off the heat as you go to work and turn back on when you arrive from work in the evening.
5. Tilt Protection
To guarantee that the heater last longer, tilt protection is a must. The tilt protection works by automatically turning off the heater when it is knocked over. With this auto shut down that comes with the tilt protection, damage can be prevented.
6. Remote Control
Of course, remote control is quite helpful to adjust the temperature of the heater. During night time when you need to increase the heat level, the wireless remote control allows you to change the temperature without you having to leave your bed.
7. Small Caster Wheels
Didn’t we mention that most oil filled heaters are actually movable? Like they have these small caster wheels that make it easier for you to move the heater from room to room.
Unlike the other types of heating system, you don’t have to worry about pricey installation process with this one. They are portable, compact, and space-saving.
Best Oil-Filled Heaters In the Market
1. Costway 1500W Oil Filled Heater Thermostat
First on this list of oil-filled heater reviews is the 1500W Electric Oil-Filled Heater from Costway. This electric heater is considered the best oil-filled space heater as it provides a rapid and effective solution for everyday heating. As a result, it is the perfect addition for any room, including the bedroom, living room, or office.
In fact, once the heater is turned on, you can relieve yourself from the cold within few minutes. This is due to the heater’s exclusive design, which allows heated air to rise faster. This helps it generate hotter air than a standard oil-filled radiator.
Furthermore, with its adjustable thermostat and three heat settings, you can easily control your heat and energy preferences.
The heater also has a gently rounded design with a thermal cut-off function that will automatically turn off the heater in case of overheating. Lastly, the heater features a sleek look and noise-free application for convenient use.
Highlighted Features:
- Adjustable thermostat
- Fast and effective application
- Gently rounded design
- Silent operation
- Thermal cut-off function
- Three heat settings
The Pros:
- Exclusive design to allow faster production of heated air
- Thermal-cut off function prevents overheating
- Adjustable thermostat to regulate heat capacity
- Noise-free application
- Fits any preferred room
The Cons:
- The heater has no programmable timer
- Lacks a power indicator light to show that the heater is still turned on.
2. Costway 700 W Portable Mini Electric Oil Filled Radiator Heater
If you’re looking for the best oil-filled heater that’s also portable, check out this oil-filled heater from Costway.
The Costway Oil Filled Heater is highly portable, allowing you to carry it wherever you need it. This is due to its compact and lightweight design, along with its four universal casters and front carry handle.
Despite its small size, it can generate enough heat in any room at a rapid rate. In fact, to adjust the temperature, use the twist button that allows you to choose your preferred temperature.
So, when it comes to saving money and time, the Costway 700W oil-filled heater has got all that covered for you. For example, it has seven mini heat sinks that were built to last for many chilly seasons.
In addition, it can also help save on costly electricity bills due to the intelligent power-saving mode. Moreover, this heater guarantees maximum safety and a quiet environment for you and your loved ones.
Finally, its overheating protection feature can signal the heater to shut off once overheating occurs, making it the best oil-filled electric heater.
Highlighted Features:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Durable construction
- Adjustable heating system
- Intelligent power-saving mode
- Overheating protection feature
- Silent operation
The Pros:
- Portable design for use while on the go
- Overheating protection system to guarantee maxim safety
- Noise-free operation
- Compact design for simple storage
- Adjustable temperature so you can choose the heating capacity
The Cons:
- Lacks a programmable timer to set the temperature changes when you are not around.
3. DeLONGHI ComforTemp Oil-Filled Radiator
Next on the list is this model from Delonghi, an excellent contender for the best oil-filled heater. This is because this oil-filled radiator heater features a ComforTemp button that helps save money and energy.
The ComforTemp button allows the unit to automatically turn on once the room temperature drops below the set temperature.
This means that the heater will stay on until it reaches the set temperature again. In addition, the heater also has thermal slots that ensure rapid heat production while still maintaining a low service temperature.
For better mobility, the heater contains pre-attached wheels that easily snap into place within few seconds. It also has three heat settings comprising of high, low, and medium to provide efficient energy.
Moreover, the seven oil-filled fin heating elements will allow larger heating capacities for optimum effectiveness. Finally, the exterior color of DeLonghi Radiator is off-white, which is a perfect addition to most home decors.
Highlighted Features:
- Energy-saving function
- Pre-attached wheels
- Three heat settings
- Oil-filled fin heating elements
- Off-white color
- Super thermal slots
The Pros:
- The ComforTemp button saves on money and energy
- Thermal slots ensure rapid heat flow
- Pre-mounted wheels for more effortless movement
- Larger heating capacities
- Efficient energy application
The Cons:
- The light-colored fins tend to show dust and dirt on the unit, which is hard to clean
DeLonghi Electric Oil Filled Radiator Unboxing
4. 1500W Oil-Filled Heater
This heater consists of three heater settings, including 600, 900, and 1500 watts. Moreover, it also has a safety auto shut-off with a tip-over switch for overheating purposes.
This means that your family members are always protected even when using the heater for an extended period. Furthermore, the heater operates quietly to allow a noise-free atmosphere.
With an adjustable thermostat, you can easily change the temperature to your preferred capacity. In addition, the heater can further show if it is still turned on through a power indicator light.
Aside from these, you will also be able to transport it to any area due to the convenient cord wrap and easy carry handle. Even moving the heater from one room to another is quite simple since it has heavy-duty caster wheels.
Highlighted Features:
- Three heater settings
- Adjustable thermostat
- Easily portable
- Heavy-duty casters wheels
- Silent operation
- Power indicator light
- Safe application
The Pros:
- Has an adjustable thermostat to regulate temperature
- Strong casters wheels to allow more effortless movement
- Simple to carry
- Power indicator light shows if the heater is still on
- Safe for whole family use
The Cons:
- The casters wheels may break easily if too much force is applied
5. Comfort Zone Oil-Filled Heater
Next for these best oil-filled radiator heater reviews is the Comfort Zone Heater. It features an adjustable thermostat with three heat settings, including 500, 700, and 1200 watts. This ensures that you have complete control over your heater by changing the temperature levels.
In addition, while the heater is in use, it operates silently to avoid being disrupted by unnecessary noise. This means that you can work, read, or even sleep while enjoying the warmth it provides.
Moreover, the compact design of this heater will further fit easily in any medium-sized room and allow simple carry. Furthermore, the tip-over switch and overheat protection system prevents the heater from starting a fire, thereby promoting safety.
Lastly, with this heater model, you receive a filled-up heater with a sealed seven-channel design making it one of the best oil-filled radiator heater.
Highlighted Features:
- Adjustable thermostat
- Silent operation
- Compact design
- Safe to use
- Sealed design
The Pros:
- No continuous refilling
- Easy to adjust the temperature
- Operates silently
- Safe for all family application
The Cons:
- Has no power indicator light to show if the heater is still on
6. Ecohouzng Oil-filled Heater
The best thing about this heater is that it has a remote control that allows you to adjust the temperature from the comfort of your couch or bed.
As a result, you can easily change the temperature level by choosing one of the three heat settings. After this, heat will be distributed evenly all around your room, even during the peak of winter.
Moreover, the heater’s digitalized design makes it perfect for most medium and small rooms. It is also very safe to use since it includes an automatic safety tip-over switch and a shut-off function during overheating. Lastly, the digital controls are simple to read and adjust, making it easier for you to apply.
Highlighted Features:
- Included remote control
- Adjustable thermostat
- Three heat settings
- Safe to use
- Digitalized design
- Simple application
The Pros:
- Remote control for adjusting the temperature from anywhere
- Safe for whole family use
- Simple to read digital controls
- Modernized design that fits most homes
- Adjustable temperature for easier control
The Cons:
- Extensive care is required when moving the heater as the wheels may come apart
7. NewAir Oil-filled Heater
Due to the heater’s small size, you can easily place it under your desk or anywhere you find suitable. Therefore, it is easy enough to store, allowing you to save space in your house or office. In fact, you can even carry the heater to keep yourself warm while on the go.
This heater can also work without a fan, so there is no production of noise. Lastly, you can even choose the perfect temperature since it has an adjustable thermostat function.
Highlighted Features:
- Compact design
- Silent operation
- Adjustable thermostat
- Simple to carry and store
The Pros:
- Small size for easy carry and store
- Adjustable thermostat allows you to choose your desired temperature
- Silent operation for quiet atmospheres
The Cons:
- Lacks a visually appealing design
8. Lorell Oil-Filled Heater
When it comes to mobility, Lorell Oil-Filled Heater will provide you with the simplest way to move it from one room to the next. With the casters in place, you will quickly move your heater without scraping your floor.
In addition, this heater also provides you with three heat settings and an adjustable thermostat so you can choose your preferred temperature level.
Moreover, if the heater senses overheating, it will automatically shut down due to the safety overheat protection and tip-over protection. Lastly, you receive a 2-prong plug and a safety handle for a complete package.
Highlighted Features:
- Easy to move around
- Three heat settings
- Adjustable thermostat
- Safe to use
- Included 2-prong plug and safety handle
The Pros:
- Casters to make movement easier
- Adjustable thermostat to control temperature levels
- Overheating protection prevents accidents
- Safety handle ensure easy portability
The Cons:
- The casters may break easily if too much pressure is applied while moving
9. Mainstays Oil Filled Heater
This heater will allow you to adjust the temperature levels with three heat settings – 600, 900, and 1500 watts.
In addition, you can adjust its settings via two control knobs; one controls the temperature while the other regulates its output. Aside from this, the heater is also very safe to use with auto shut-off protection and safety tip-over protection.
The heater includes four caster wheels for better mobility, making it easier to move from one room to the other. It also has a power indicator light that lets you know if the heater is still on. In addition, the heater requires no fans to create a quiet environment.
Highlighted Features:
- Three adjustable heat settings
- Two control knobs
- Easy mobility
- Quiet application
- Four caster wheels
- Power indicator light
- Safe to use
The Pros:
- Prevents overheating for safe use
- Power indicator light shows if the heater is still on
- Four caster wheels for more effortless movement
- Adjustable heat settings to control the temperature
- Works quietly
The Cons:
- The caster wheels may break when too much force is applied
10. Westfital Oil Filled Heater
Last but not least on these oil-filled heater reviews is this model from Westfital. With three heating options, you can freely select the most suitable temperature for your needs.
Moreover, this heater includes a timer to maintain 12-hour steady temperature levels and remote control for simple heat regulation. In addition, its four swivel caster wheels can make a 360-degrees rotation so you can move the heater from one room to the next.
Aside from these, the heater operates quietly to prevent any noise disruptions. It also has a permanent seal since the oil does not need to be refilled, making it even more accessible and convenient to use.
Highlighted Features:
- Automatic timer
- Three heating options
- Operates silently
- Four caster wheels
- Permanent seal
- Included remote control
The Pros:
- Remote control to adjust the temperature from anywhere
- Automatic timer to set temperature changes
- A permanent seal prevents refilling
- Three heating options to choose from
The Cons:
- The timer maintains only 12-hour steady temperature levels
11. DeLonghi Safe Heat 1500W Comfortemp Portable Oil Filled Heater
DeLonghi is a pretty renowned brand in the thermodynamics Home Appliances market. They are known for manufacturing very efficient oil filled heaters that you’ll find in the market with this being one of the examples.
The DeLonghi Safe Heat 1500W Comfortemp is known for its high-powered energy technology allowing up to 1500 watts of power. This kind of power is great for bigger rooms that need heating, especially during the winter.
Aside from just raw power though, this heater also has a great energy saving feature in the form of the Comfortemp button. If you press the button, you’ll immediately be able to switch to the optimal room temperature and save costs.
Finally, it has three adjustable temperature settings allowing you to get the best heating for your own comfort. The versatility of the machine lets you control how hot you want your room to be depending on the season.
The Pros:
- It has a high quality, patented steel structure.
- Big oil reservoir that enables you to only refill from time to time.
- Has a Comfortemp button used for maintaining room temperature.
- With a thermal slot used for optimizing heat transfer and maintain surface temperature.
- It has an anti-freeze feature for surviving in winter.
The Cons
- It is quite pricey.
- Tips over quite easily due to its heavy built
12. HoneySmartEnergySmart Electric Oil Filled Heater
This is probably one of the sturdiest oil filled heaters in this list of oil filled heater reviews. What makes it rather sturdy would be its easy pull handle and big wheels. Aside from being able to stay in one place without falling over, it’s also really easy to move around. You can move it from room to room without much problem. Also, it has a 360-degree Tip Over Switch allowing it to stay put in one place. Aside from that, it also has really efficient safety features such as an overheat protection feature and thermal insulated wiring to protect you from being electrocuted.
Another thing that you’ll probably find quite attractive would be its EnergySmart digital controls. Unlike other oil filled heaters, this one features a very easy-to-use digital control board which allows you to easily control all functions of the heater like the timer, heat settings, and even thermostat. It’s one of the more techie machines on this list.
The Pros:
- Has an easy to control digital control board.
- This is easy to move around.
- It has a 1 to 12-hour timer to save energy.
- Comes with 3 heat settings for easy control.
- It has a robust built making it very sturdy and durable.
The Cons
- It doesn’t have an anti-freeze setting.
- Doesn’t have enough power for bigger rooms.
13. Pelonis 1500W Electric Heat Radiator
This is one of the few machines that has four modes of heating for your comfort. It has low heating, medium heating, high heating, and Eco heating, which is the type of heating that has a rather low temperature but still comfortable. While it is easy to control its heat settings, it still is powerful enough to give off a max power of 1500W which is probably enough to fill up an average sized master bedroom.
Another thing that you’ll probably like about this heater is that it can be controlled by a remote control the same way that a bedroom HVAC or air conditioning unit can. Everything can be controlled by the remote from the heat settings to the safety systems and other things. With regard to safety, it is probably one of the safest units in the market with an anti-freeze setting for pipes, overheat protection, tip over protection, and anti-inflammation functions.
The Pros:
- It has a unique Eco setting for saving energy.
- Comes with an anti-overheating heat element.
- This is controlled remotely.
- It has a timer of up to 24 hours.
- Can run continuously without stopping as long as it has oil inside.
The Cons
- It is noisy compared to other heaters.
- The fan is not as strong as other products.
14. NewAir Electric Oil Filled Space Heater
This is one of the quietest oil filled heaters that you’ll probably find. This is because it has a fan free air circulation so you don’t expect any whirring or crackling noises from inside. It uses more advanced air circulation technology for this purpose instead of a fan.
Aside from having no sound, it is also pretty powerful, allowing up to 1500W of power or 5120 BTU of heat. This type of power can heat up small rooms such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or study rooms. Not only is it a powerful machine, but it’s a pretty fast one too. It makes use of a 7 fin radiator design allowing it to heat up rooms quicker than other products. This is especially useful for those who live in four-season countries where the winter seasons can get pretty harsh.
The Pros:
- This is a super quiet oil filled heater.
- It makes use of very heavy-duty wheels preventing the machine from tipping over.
- Uses a digital control system for controlling both the timer and thermostat.
- Its heating element does not produce high flames or fumes.
- Can heat up rooms very quickly due to the 7-fin radiator.
The Cons
- Doesn’t have energy saving features.
- It has the tendency to overheat.
15. Costway 1500W Oil Filled Radiator and Heater
The first thing that you’ll notice about this heater and radiator would be its design. It is one of the machines in this list that has a very futuristic design due to the structure of its knobs and dials plus its sparkly white color. However, this machine isn’t just about aesthetics– it does have other redeeming qualities as well. Just like most of the other machines on this list, this one also has a 1500W power heating rate allowing you to have optimal heating during winter.
What makes this machine pretty cool is that it has a sealed oil compartment. This allows you to no longer refill since the oil is already reserved and ready to use. This can come in handy in winter when you don’t want to go out and buy extra oil. It’s also pretty easy to use as it has 4 universal casters and a handle making it quite simple to move around.
The Pros:
- It has a permanently sealed oil reservoir.
- With a shut off feature for when the machine is overheated.
- Has 3 heat settings for your comfort.
- Also has a front handle for easy moving.
- It is a low heater and can be used for underfloor heating
The Cons
- Doesn’t have enough power for big rooms.
16. DeLonghi MG7307CM 1500W SafeheatComfortemp
This is the second Delonghi variant that appears on this list and is also quite a good buy like the last one. This model shares some of the same features as the last Delonghi model such as the Comfortemp button which is used for saving energy by controlling it to the ideal room temperature. It also shares the same anti-freeze setting for the pipes during winter season.
As for the features that are different, there is the patented vertical thermal chimney. Now, this feature allows the machine to have a strong flow of heat while still keeping a low surface temperature. The low surface temperature allows you to touch the machine without a problem. Finally, it has a safety thermal cut off feature which prevents the machine from heating up too much.
The Pros:
- It has seven 1-inch fans for keeping oil intact.
- Has a Comfortemp button for keeping the energy bills low.
- With a patented chimney for keeping the surface area cool.
- It has a nice, white design.
- Also has a thermal cut off.
The Cons
- Gives off an odor when turned on for the first time
- The manual is a it difficult to understand, but you can watch video tutorial on YouTube to help you out.
17. Insignia HTRFBK6 Oil Filled Radiator
If you’re looking for a lightweight oil filled radiator, then this is the most recommended for you. Unlike most of the other radiators or heaters that weigh around above 22 pounds, this one only weighs around 17 pounds (19.55 pounds shipping weight). This makes it very easy for you to move it around, even without wheels. Other than that, it also does have a tip over switch to keep it in place.
Just like the other heaters, this one also has 1500W of power allowing it to heat rooms of up to 144 to 150 square feet. Lastly, it’s also quite easy to control since it comes with a remote-control device. So even if you are not that near the machine, you can still control the heat settings, the thermostat, and the other functions of the machine.
The Pros:
- With a 2-prong tip over technology.
- It has a power of 1500W.
- Has 12.5 amp oil radiator.
- It has a remote control included.
- Can reach up to a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius.
The Cons
- It has the tendency to overheat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oil filled Radiator Heaters
1. Can oil heaters catch fire?
The straightforward answer is YES, but only if you are being careless. Oil heaters have a substantial risk of catching fire if they are near flammable materials such as bedding, clothes, etc.
But following the safety precautions, you can avoid such accidents.
2. Do you need to refill oil heaters?
No. As we explained in the “How Does Oil Filled Heater Work?” this type of heater doesn’t burn oil, which means that it doesn’t use oil as fuel. The main function of the oil is as heat reservoir, so it actually never gets used up.
3. Do oil heaters use a lot of electricity?
Oil heaters use electricity to heat up the oil reservoir. But as compared to the conventional electric heaters, oils heaters don’t use as much energy.
If you’ve read the previous section, we explain how the power output and power consumption of the oil heaters are similar. This indicates that oil heaters have 100% efficiency.
4. Does oil-filled heater smell?
Brand new oil filled heaters don’t smell at all. But after using the heater over time, a smell like that of a hot motor oil will probably start to become noticeable.
Also, the paint coating on the surface of the heater will most likely melt over time, thus giving off a chemical smell.
But no need to worry that much. By the time these issues occur will be the same time that you need to buy a new oil filled heater. The average life of oil heaters is between 8 to 10 years when well-taken care of.
Conclusion
As you can see, oil filled heaters beat the other heating types when it comes to efficiency, power, and health. Hence, it is not surprising why more and more people are now using this product.
Among the 7 best oil filled heaters on the list, we think the DeLonghi Safe Heat 1500W Comfortemp Portable Oil Filled Heater offers the best value to money. It is 100% efficient and has most of the key features we mentioned above. People who have bought this oil heater also vouch for the product’s heating power, so we are confident that you’ll get the most out of your investment with this one.
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