The best oil heaters
One of the most common misconceptions regarding oil heaters is that it can get expensive to run them. However, these are comparatively much cheaper to run than electric heaters. Oil Heaters only use electricity to heat the oil inside and generate heat. Apart from this, they do not need any electricity at all.
Lastly, the best part about owning these heaters is their ultra-quiet operation. They do not have a fan, and they use radiant-convection heating; hence, these are much more silent than other types of heaters!
Best overall
Aikoper Oil Space Heater
Aikoper Oil Space Heater
The product is rich with value-adding features. For example, the ECO mode adjusts the room’s temperature, whereas the heat settings automatically optimize the energy consumption. In addition, the tip-over protection is ideal for safety, while the anti-freeze option ensures that the pipes of the heater do not freeze up. Overall, each feature makes using the unit extremely convenient!
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With three heat settings(600W/900W/1500W) and an ECO mode, the Aikoper 1500W Space Heater is ideal for all those who are looking for an oil heater for a medium to a large room. It possesses a large LED screen which displays all the features. Right below the screen is five buttons that allow you to navigate through the various controls.
The unit operates silently and includes many features like a 24-hour auto on/off timer, remote controller, auto-shut-off, anti-freeze setting, and tip-over protection. However, what we did not like about this heater is that it makes loud clicking noises when you change the settings. So, if you have a small baby sleeping in the same room as yours, or you are looking for a unit to put in the nursery, make sure to never change the settings while the baby is sleeping!
Best affordable
PELONIS Quiet Digital Oil-Filled Heater
PELONIS Quiet Digital Oil-Filled Heater
The best thing about this oil heater is its portability. The caster wheels are smooth, and you can roll the unit over any surface without any problem. The wheels can move in 360 degrees which further makes moving the unit easy.
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PELONIS Oil Radiator/Heater is the perfect unit for those who are looking for an affordable but flawless heater for their place. The unit includes three different heating modes; High, Low, and ECO (up to 1500Watts) to give you the best experience and has a temperature range of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. So, whether you live in an area with mild or harsh winter weather, this small and compact unit will perform spectacularly.
Some of the most remarkable features we noticed in this heater were the LED display, 10-hour time, digital thermostat, quiet operation, and remote control, so you can easily change the settings without getting out of our bed. Furthermore, it is decorated with 4 swivel caster wheels and a reliable carrying handle, so it is perfect for people who want a portable and lightweight unit on the go. However, we would have liked it if it had a 24-hour timer rather than a 10-hour one. Also, you cannot use an external timer with it.
Best for baby room
KopBeau Oil Filled Radiator Space Heater
KopBeau Oil Filled Radiator Space Heater
The unit keeps pin-drop silence in the room it is placed while working at full speed. It keeps the room warm, comfortable, and cozy without making even a 1 decibel sound. This one is probably the best oil heater for individuals and children who have sensitive ears and require pin-drop silence in the room.
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KopBeau’s Space heater is an elegant, tall, and durable unit that offers you everything you need. It has three heating options; 600W, 900W, and 1500W, so it can perform in any room irrespective of its area. This unit can get you through the harshest of weather thanks to its temperature range; 40-95 degrees Fahrenheit.
The large display screen and soft-touch buttons are easy to understand and use. We liked the fact that the unit operated ultra-quietly because you can put this device in your child’s nursery/room and they won’t even notice it. Moreover, it includes various built-in safety features to eliminate the risk of potential accidents. Although you cannot set the unit for a specific time, you can set a delayed start.
Best premium & best for large room
De’Longhi Dragon Digital Full Room Radiant Heater
De’Longhi Dragon Digital Full Room Radiant Heater
Despite being one of the smallest oil heaters we have seen, the unit is powerful enough to heat a large room without any problem. The three power levels ensure that you have the perfect temperature indoors at all times.
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If you are looking for a reliable, durable, easy-to-use, and maintenance-free oil heater, then De’Longhi’s TRD40615E Radiant Heater is perfect for you. Standing at 27.20 x 15.80 x 9.20 inches, the unit is the perfect size for any kind of room; a nursery, bedroom, living room, or even an office. The best thing is that it comes with four smooth wheels so you can easily transport it from one place to another.
The power rating is 1500W, and it can easily heat up a large room within minutes. Furthermore, it offers an adjustable thermostat and three heat settings to allow you to customize the heater according to your liking. Many users reported that the power cable becomes slightly warmer than average body temperature when the unit is set at high heat settings. Hence, keep an eye on it, especially if you have a carpeted house.
Best with remote
KopBeau Oil Filled Space Heater
KopBeau Oil Filled Space Heater
If you like remote access to your devices and you do not want to get up in freezing cold weather to turn the heater on and off, then this device is for you. You can control all of its settings via remote control.
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KopBeau’s Space heater is another great option for those who are looking for an easy-to-use and convenient oil heater for their living or working spaces. The unit sports a 24-hour programmable timer, an adjustable thermostat, and three heat settings (600W, 900W, and 1500W). The temperature range is 40-95-degree Fahrenheit, so it is perfect for icy cold weather.
The LED display is visible, and the five buttons below it are easy to understand and use. It also comes with a remote control so that you can easily control all of its features without getting out of your blanket. Moreover, the tip-over protection feature makes sure that the risk of accidents is averted. Although it can be turned on and off remotely, it cannot be used with a smart plug.
Best with timer
Honeywell HZ-789 EnergySmart Electric Oil Filled Heater
Honeywell HZ-789 EnergySmart Electric Oil Filled Heater
Apart from the small and convenient remote controller, we liked the safety features of the oil heater. It is almost impossible to tip over, so this unit can be used carefreely if you have toddlers or pets. Furthermore, the unit turns itself off as soon as the temperature gets above the optimal point!
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Honeywell HZ-789 EnergySmart Electric Oil Heater is jam-packed with features. It has to overheat shut-off protection, EnergySmart with energy Usage Indicator, auto-off timer option, smooth and easy to glide wheels, tip-over protection, a timer (1-12 hours), a remote controller, and three heat settings!
The unit is ideal for small rooms whereas not so much for large rooms. So, if you place it in a large room, it would take quite some time to heat up. Other than this, this unit is ideal for almost all people! It is safe to use and does not tip over easily. The unit also turns itself off if it gets too hot, so you can place it in your children’s room as well without a worry!
Best for bedroom
De’Longhi Comfort Temp Full Room Radiant Heater
De’Longhi Comfort Temp Full Room Radiant Heater
Its thermal slot design helps to maximize the heat flow and ensures that you get the optimal indoor temperature at all times.
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Heat up any room with the Delonghi’s KH390715CB Space Heater. The unit has comfort Temp technology which automatically adjusts and maintains the most optimal temperature and power settings to help you cut electricity costs. The oil system is sealed permanently, so you do not have to ever think about replacing the oil. Furthermore, we liked the addition of an adjustable thermostat and multiple heat ratings, and it is equipped with a power of 1500W.
It has multiple safety features like insulated wiring, reinforced connection, and automatic power cuts; hence it can be used in any space without any worry. Though you can easily move the unit from the only place to another via the four wheels at the bottom, it would have been better if there was a handle rather than a small ‘lip’ design that is not hollow and easy to grab.
What to look for in a good oil heater
So what should you look for in an oil heater? Which features are preferred? How to evaluate whether the oil heater you have your eyes on is the right fit for you or not? If questions like these are revolving around your head then this section is ideal for you.
We will discuss all the features and aspects that you need to inspect before you swipe your credit card and buy a particular product. These features include:
Power rating
Before anything else, you need to check out the power rating. Usually, the rating is between 600 to 800 watts. However, choose one according to the size of the room and our budget. Let us explain.
You need to keep the size of the room in your mind because the higher the rating, the better the performance. Hence, if you have a small room, an oil heater with a rating of 600 watts will be sufficient. However, if you have a larger room, you would need a unit with 800+ Watts power rating so it can efficiently heat the room.
Since high performance means the unit will draw more electricity, thus keep your budget in mind too. Note down exactly how much are you comfortable spending on electricity. Then check how much electricity your heater will use (the higher the power rating, the more the electricity usage). Buy one which fits your budget.
Coverage area
The thing with power rating is that it only indicates how well a heater will function in a particular room. It allows you to assume whether you need one with a lower power rating or a higher one, depending on the size of the room. However, one should never just go with the assumptions. You need real-time facts about the heater and its coverage. So, this is why it is important to check the coverage area.
These numbers will tell you the maximum size of the room that the heater can support and efficiently warm up. Coverage area is the measure of the performance of the unit. There are many options for rooms with variable sizes.
Portability
If you are someone who wants to move the heater with them in whichever room they go to, or for travel, look for one that is compact and portable. Most types of modern designs are extremely lightweight and are convenient to be moved around from one place to another. Some powerful models are small enough to make room in tight spaces where normally other kinds of heaters won’t fit.
Temperature range
You need to check the temperature change and check if it can easily accommodate you in harsh winters. If you are living in a place that has moderate winters, then an oil heater with a range of 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. However, if you live in an area with frequent snowfalls and rainfall during the winter, you might have to opt for one with at least 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do oil heaters work?
It is important to understand how these units work before we begin enlisting all the important features that one needs to find in an oil heater:
Main phenomena used in oil heaters
Thermal convection is a heat transfer phenomenon that usually occurs by the mass movement of a fluid such as the air. In oil heaters, the oil-filled fins are used to pull in cooler air, heat the oil inside the heater, and then escape through the same passage.
Main components of an oil heater
– Metal columns with cavities: The columns and their cavities transfer the oil through the entire unit.
– A heating element: This is situated at the bottom of the heater. It usually heats the oil.
– Internal resistor: It converts the electricity to heat which then heats that the oil that is present inside the fins.
– Metal fins: These help in ventilation. They inhale fresh air and exhume hot air.
The oil used in an oil heater
A very specific oil is used in the oil heater; Diathermic oil. It is known for its heat transfer properties and high heating capacity. So, the best thing about this oil is that it never just burns off, and you will not need to replace it after every few weeks. It can last for much longer!
Working process of an oil heater
Following is the typical way in which such heaters function:
– The electricity goes into the resistor
– The resistor converts the electricity into heat
– The heat is absorbed by the diathermic oil
– The oil heats up and flows through the cavities of the metal column and the fins
– This increases the temperature of the unit overall and ensures that there is an even surface temperature.
– The metal fins start to radiate the heat to the room once it fully heats up
FAQ
Are oil heaters expensive to run?
Not really. Oil heaters are the cheapest type of heaters that you can find out of all the different types. They use Diathermic oil, which does not require frequent refills. Furthermore, though they do use electricity, it is only to heat up the oil. So, overall, it does not cost much.
Are oil heaters safe to leave on overnight?
Although many people do recommend that it is perfectly safe to keep the oil heaters on throughout the night, we would recommend you not to do so. Fire is one of the biggest risks; if the heater is tipped over, it can get dangerous. Furthermore, if you do not have a reliable thermostat, then the temperature can get beyond the optimal level, and there is a risk of suffocation.
If it is too cold, we would suggest that you keep the heater on until it is time to sleep. Make sure to keep the windows and doors tightly closed to trap the heat in and ensure that the room remains cozy and warm throughout the night.
Do oil-filled heaters produce carbon monoxide?
No, oil heaters do not produce carbon monoxide. These heaters/radiators use oil as the main heat source and conductor. As explained in the above section, the oil heats up, and that heat is carried via the fins to the room.
Can you put an oil heater on the carpet?
Yes, you totally can! Putting an oil heater on the carpet is safe, and you should not worry about any potential mishap since the chances of issues like oil spillage and fire are extremely low. However, just keep an eye on the heater while it is on since it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Final verdict
Oil heaters are truly the best kind of heaters that one can purchase for themselves. Though a few models are too expensive, the overall cost of maintaining the heater is pretty low, which makes it worth buying, despite the high purchase costs. Although, you need not worry! In the above list, you will find the best affordable oil heaters that you can buy.
Just make sure to keep the points we mentioned above in your mind while you shop. The most important features that you must check are the coverage range, temperature range, and power rating. Only when you have found the ideal measure for all these should you move to additional features like tip-over protection, timers, and overheat protection.
