Buyers Guide

Oil Filled Radiator Reviews

In the colder winter months life can get pretty uncomfortable quickly especially if the heating packs up and you can’t get it repaired quickly. If you were in this unfortunate situation, what kind of heater would want by your side to bail you out?

From personal experience I would recommend an Oil filled radiator as the heater of choice but how do you choose a suitable one? Since your reading this article, you are definitely someone that plans ahead, and you don’t want just any old heater, you want the best oil filled radiator possible to keep your rooms warm. So the aim of this website is to give you all the information you would need to pick the perfect heater for your needs.

After hours of research we have come up with a comparison table and reviews of what we consider to be the best units available.

ModelMakePower
(kW)
Heat
Settings
VonHaus
2.5kW
VonHaus2.53Check
Price
Prem-I-Air
2.5kW
Prem-I-Air 2.53Check
Price
DeLonghi
TRD0820ER
DeLonghi 2.03Check
Price
DeLonghi
TRD0615T
DeLonghi1.53Check
Price

#1 – VonHaus 2500W

VonHaus Oil Filled Radiator 11 Fin 2500W

The VonHaus 2500W with its 11 fin design is suited to heating both medium to large sized rooms and spaces.

With a maximum power of 2500watts the unit can also be switched between three different power settings for more control.

The unit features an adjustable thermostat that ensures a space is kept at a constant temperature and the unit continues to work efficiently by only being switched on when needed.

Once the heater arrives it is easy to assemble, all you need to do is add the castors to it. The four castors easily allow you to move the unit between rooms. If you have to carry the unit up or down stairs the carry handles will make the task much easier.

This unit measures 67.5 cm(H) x 54.2 cm (L) x 17 cm (W) allowing you ti use it  in a fairly small space such as a caravan or small office.

This model comes with a fairly lengthy power cable measuring in at 1.5 metres in length. When the unit is not in use the cable can be tucked away in the built in cable tidy.

The 24 timer function is a great feature as you can set and forget the unit. All you need to do is ensure the unit is plugged in and it will turn on and off at the preset time so you no longer have to worry about a chill in the morning or evening.

If you are planning on using the unit in a caravan or bedroom you may be interested in knowing that the VonHaus 2500W runs quietly. You will hear a click when the unit is switching on or off, however this should not be loud enough to keep you awake at night.

Something that is often overlooked by users is the safety features that come with heaters. This model comes with some great safety features including a safety tip over switch, thermal cut off and an automatic overheat protection system.

Key Features

  • 2500W radiator
  • 11 oil-filled fins
  • 3 power settings
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • 24 hour timer
  • Thermal cut off
  • Safety tip over switch
  • Automatic overheat protection
  • 1.5m power cable
  • Built in cable tidy
  • 2 Year Manufacturer Warranty

Verdict

The VonHaus 2500W radiator is easy to setup, is responsive with it’s thermostat and most importantly heats the space up quickly.

With it’s compact design and ability to heat spaces quickly this unit is suited to caravans, lofts and general household spaces.

The VonHaus 2500W has been reviewed by 220 customers on Amazon and has been given a impressive customer rating of 4.3 stars out of 5.0.

#2 – Prem-I-Air 2.5kW

Prem-I-Air 2.5kW

Although this Prem-I-Air model has a maximum power of 2.5kW it comes with an adjustable thermostat that will allow you to switch between 3 different temperature modes (1KW, 1.5KW or 2.5KW).

Even at the lowest temperature mode this model still kicks out a fair amount of heat. Generally speaking unless your heating a massive room, the 1kW and 1.5kW settings are more then enough to keep a room warm.

This unit comes with a 24hr timer that is a real bonus. You can set the timer to switch the heater on/off when needed. Especially during periods of the night when you might want to keep the chill off.

Key Features

  • 2.5kW of Heating Power
  • Variable temperature settings – 3 Heat Settings
  • Adjustable Thermostat
  • 24 Hour Timer
  • Built in casters for ease of movement

Verdict

The Prem-I-Air radiator feels like a more expensive model with all the features you would normally get with such models including the 24 Timer and adjustable thermostat.

The Prem-I-Air heater has been reviewed by over 530 customers on Amazon and has been given a impressive customer rating of 4.6 stars out of 5.0.

#3 – DeLonghi Dragon 3 ECC TRD0820ER

DeLonghi Dragon 3 ECC TRD0820ER

The De’Longhi Dragon 3 ECC TRD0820ER is a perfect radiator for any space that needs extra heat.

With it being an oil filled heater it will take longer to heat up but the heat will remain for longer
when it is turned on.

The power of the unit can be adjusted automatically, which is a definite plus point for anyone concerned about the environment.

Key Features

  • 2kW heat output and 3 heat settings
  • Exclusive “super chimney convection effect” heats the air faster than a traditional oil-filled radiator
  • Thermostat with frost guard setting and 24-hour timer with override

Verdict

The DeLonghi Dragon 3 ECC TRD0820ER is a great and technological advanced oil-filled radiator that can heat up any kind of space in no time. The unit heats up in no time at all and will supply a constant long lasting heat. Temperature can be adjusted easily with the addition of a remote control.

The  DeLonghi TRD0820ER has received over 180 users reviews on Amazon with an overall rating of 4.4 stars out of 5.0.

#4 – DeLonghi Dragon 3 TRD0615T 

DeLonghi Dragon 3 TRD0615T

Although the DeLonghi Dragon 3 TRD0615T is not the cheapest model on the market it is has been highly rated as being well worth the money.

With 3 different heat settings you can find a setting to suit your needs. The design of the heater ensures that the room is warmed efficiently and effectively event with a maximum power of 1.5 kW.

This unit comes with a mechanical timer so you can set the heater to work during periods of the day you really need it.

Key Features

  • 1.5 kW heat output and 3 heat settings
  • Exclusive “super chimney effect” heats the air faster then a traditional oil-filled radiator
  • Thermostat with frost guard setting and 24-hour timer with override

Verdict

The DeLonghi Dragon 3 TRD0615T is a powerful heater that is easy to use and reliable. The design of the heater with its chimney affect ensures that even on the lowest setting this model will kick out a fair amount of heat.

The DeLonghi TRD0615T has received over 60 user reviews on Amazon with an overall rating of 4.6 stars out of 5.0.

Oil Filled Radiators – Buyers Guide

What is an Oil Filled Radiator?

When we look at the basic oil filled radiator we establish that it is one of the most basic methods of heating homes that is available on the market. In terms of construction the unit is basically a radiator that is filled with heat retaining oil that conducts heat during operation.

The heat conserving oil is sealed inside the coils of the radiator. Since the oil is only warmed during operation, and is never burned it never requires replacement or refilling. With proven technology and great efficiency the radiators are a great addition to heat any room quickly.

Why Use an Oil Filled Radiator?

These radiators are great to heat sold rooms and offices. They are generally very compact and lightweight, making them extremely portable allowing you to place them wherever extra heat is needed.

Oil filled radiators have a few advantages over other electric heaters. These advantages make them both safer, and more efficient than other heaters. One of the most common problem with other electric heaters is that many people don’t feel safe using them during night. And electric heaters generally are costly as they will use a fair amount of electricity, and some cheaper models can have faults leading to short circuiting. In the worst case this could lead to damaged wiring and in some cases electrical fires.

If you are worried about electrical heaters and safety then oil filled radiators are the answer. Unlike other electrical heaters, oil filled radiators tend not have such a high risk of causing electrical damage. Like other electrical heaters they must be plugged into a power socket however the amount power the use is only about 25% of the typical power consumption of other electric heaters. The reason for this is based on how the radiator works. The heat conserving oil in the radiator is slowly heated to a specific temperature, and then the heating unit shuts off.

Key Considerations

Here are the key points you may need to consider when selecting your ideal oil filled heater:

  • Power
  • Safety features
  • Appearance
  • Weight
  • Portability
  • Cost
  • Warranty

Power

The power you will require from a radiator will be determined by its expected use. For instance the larger the area you want to be heated the greater power the radiator must be capable off. A common power rating is 2000watts for a unit.

Safety Features

Since oil filled radiators are generating heat there is always the minuscule risk of something going wrong resulting in injury. Some units have built in safety features that can include auto-shut down, anti-frost and so on.

Appearance

I like most people tend to part with my money when I love the appearance of a product even if it does not fulfill all my requirements. I think to myself, do I find the product appealing? If not then I will not touch it with a barge pole. This also applies to oil filled radiator since there are all manner of shapes and sizes that will meet most peoples expectations.

Weight

Look into the weight of the unit, generally the lighter the radiator the more portable

Portability

One of the most important features to look out for in an oil filled radiator is how easy is to move around? How portable is the unit? Check the dimensions of the unit to ensure it will easily fit wherever you choose to sit the radiator. There are various sizes of oil filled radiators so always pick the one that fits your needs and requirements and more importantly fits in your room.

Cost

If money is no were no object then you could forget about this consideration but for many the cost of the unit is probably the most important consideration. Generally you can easily pick up a decent model from between £50 to £100. The more you are willing to spend the more features you will likely get including extra safety features.

Warranty

Many products come with a manufacturer’s warranty that should give a customer peace of mind, so you are ensured of getting a replacement for a faulty unit if the fault appears within the warranty period. Manufacturers offer different length and coverage of warranty. There are some that can offer a lifetime limited warranty while others offer one or two years of limited warranty. In terms of coverage, there could be some differences too. Therefore, you need to make sure that you have read and understood the warranty coverage first before buying a specific product.

How Do Oil Filled Radiators Work?

So how do these radiators work, firstly the heat conserving thermal oil is heated by heating elements within the radiator to the desired temperature. The oil circulates throughout the coils and fins of the radiator to heat them. These fins in turn will heat the air that moves over them and then will cool the oil as they cool. This cycle will eventually cool the oil to a point where the radiator turns back on. This is much safer than an electric heater that must stay on constantly. Since there are no moving parts to take care of maintenance is rarely required.

Newer radiators have a number of safety features such as overheating shutoff sensors and anti-tipping detectors have made the units extremely safe to use. And they can heat rooms quickly due to the large surface area of the radiator fins.

Summary

Picking a suitable oil filled radiator can be extremely difficult since there are plenty of models available. Now that you have seen the various options and read reviews of our top picks on the market, it’s totally up to you to pick one based on your needs and your budget.

If you have any comments, feedback or suggestions about any oil filled radiator s that should be added to the list, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. We appreciate all your opinions! Feel free to contact us here at Oilfilledradiatorreviews.co.uk

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