Say goodbye to chilly days and nights as we explore the best oil-filled radiators on the market in the UK.
Whether it’s a small office, a bedroom, or a spacious living area that requires heating, our top picks were made to assist you in making an informed decision, one that not only brings efficient warmth but also contributes to your budget and energy-saving goals in 2024.
Best oil-filled radiators at a glance
- Budget-friendly: Russell Hobbs 1500w
- For tiny rooms: De’Longhi 500w
- For medium-sized rooms: Vonhaus 11 Fin
- For large rooms: De’Longhi Dragon 4 TRD41025T
- For small rooms: Vonhaus 7 Fin
- For cheap running cost: Monhouse 11-Fin
- Wall mounted: Hausmaster 1000w
01. Russell Hobbs 1500w Oil Filled Radiator
Best for being budget-friendly.
Running cost: 40p per hour on full (1500w).
The Russell Hobbs 1500w radiator emerges as a standout heating solution for small to medium-sized spaces, delivering a balance of efficiency, safety, style, and cost.
This freestanding radiator features 7 fins that contribute to even heat distribution, creating a comfortable ambience in rooms up to 15m².
While its stamped metal construction might give off a budget vibe, it doesn’t compromise on sturdiness. The heater efficiently pumps out heat, making it a reliable work buddy during chilly weather.
Why choose the Russell Hobbs?
- Even heat distribution with 7 fins.
- Variable heat settings (600W/900W/1500W) for flexibility.
- Overheat and tip-over protection for enhanced safety.
- Portable design with carry handle and castors.
- Smart integration for convenient control.
Cons?
- Moderate heat output compared to higher-end models.
- The construction feels slightly economical, though sturdy.
02. De’Longhi TRNS0505M Oil Heater
Best for tiny rooms up to 15m³ and under-desk heating.
Running cost: 13p per hour on full (500w).
This little dynamo packs a punch with only 500 watts of power, making it the best buddy for your small office, personal nook, or any space up to 15m³ that needs a touch of toasty magic.
The TRNS0505M’s compact design, complete with integrated carry handles, not only makes it easy to move around but also adds a touch of style to your space. It’s not just a heater – it’s a cosy companion that fits right in, wherever you place it.
Why choose the De’Longhi TRNS0505M?
- Compact: Small in size, big in style.
- Efficient Warmth: Perfect for small spaces, ensuring you stay cosy.
- Safety: Overheat protection and smooth edges.
- User-Friendly: Simple controls for a hassle-free experience.
- Trusted Brand: DeLonghi’s reputation speaks volumes.
Cons?
- Not the sole heating superhero for larger rooms – more of a sidekick.
03. Vonhaus 11 Fin Oil Filled Radiator
Best for medium to larger-sized rooms up to 25m².
Running cost: 67p per hour on full (2500w).
This powerful contender boasts a mighty 2500 watts, making it the go-to for larger rooms up to 25m², especially those master bedrooms and taller ceilings.
The Vonhaus radiator comes equipped with an automatic thermal cut-off, safety tip-over switch, and an overheat protection system – a triple threat against all worries.
The clean white finish seamlessly blends into any environment, making it a stylish addition to your lounge, study, or office space.
Easy assembly, quick heating, and a handy timer function. make this a top alternative to central heating during the day, ensuring warmth without the need to heat the entire home.
Why Choose the Vonhaus 11 Fin?
- Master Heating: 2500 watts for a warm embrace in larger rooms.
- Temperature Regulation: Three power settings and an adjustable thermostat for your desired ambiance.
- Scheduler: 24-hour timer to program when you want that heat.
- Safety: Thermal cut-off, tip-over switch, and overheat protection.
- Stylish: Clean white finish.
Cons?
- We struggled to find any for this one!
04. De’Longhi Dragon 4 Oil Filled Radiator
Best for large rooms up to and over 75m³.
Running cost: 67p per hour on full (2500w).
This heating marvel from De’Longhi is a powerhouse that brings comfort and efficiency to a whole new level.
The enhanced chimney effect ensures rapid and effective heating, creating a cosy environment faster than any other traditional oil-filled radiator.
Three heat settings (1100W/1400W/2500W), a digital display, and a variable temperature thermostat provide precise control over the warmth, making it adaptable for rooms up to 75m³.
Why Choose the De’Longhi Dragon 4?
- Powerful 2500W heat output.
- Elegant design.
- Overheat and tip-over protection.
- Rapid heating with a mixture of radiant and convected heat.
- Variable temperature thermostat for customized comfort.
Cons?
- Slightly heavy, though manageable with sturdy casters.
05. Vonhaus 7-Fin Oil Heater
Best for conservatories up to 20m².
Running cost: 40p per hour on full (1500w).
The VonHaus 7-Fin oil-filled radiator proves that power doesn’t always come in a large package; it’s a testament to efficient design.
Three power settings (600W, 900W, 1500W) and an adjustable thermostat make the VonHaus radiator a beacon of efficiency, running at only 16p per hour on its lowest setting at 600 watts.
The heater features a thermal cut-off, a safety tip-over switch, and automatic overheat protection for peace of mind if you live with children or pets.
Our test revealed that it heats quickly and maintains an impressive output, proving its capability even in the most challenging rooms such as a chilly conservatory.
Read our full review here
Why Choose the Vonhaus 7-Fin?
- Efficient 7 thermostatically controlled oil-filled fins.
- Three power settings and an adjustable thermostat for complete temperature control.
- Portable design with four wheels and a 1.5m cable for easy placement.
- Comprehensive safety features, including thermal cut-off and tip-over switch.
- Backed by a minimum 2-year warranty, providing confidence in the product’s durability.
06. Monhouse 11-Fin portable oil filled radiator
Best for cheapest running costs.
Running cost: 10p per hour on low (400w).
This multi-functional plug-in heater comes with 5 power settings ranging from 400 watts on its lowest setting, all the way up to 2900 watts, making this the best choice for heating many room sizes.
Running this one on its lowest setting of only 400 watts will cost around 10 pence per hour, making this the most economical electric heater you can get your hands on.
Equipped with the usual safety features such as a tip-over cut-off function and overheat protection, you can feel at ease to leave the oil-filled heater unattended.
There is also a 24-hour timer, allowing you to program the unit to heat your room automatically at any given time throughout the day or night.
Why choose the Monhouse 11-Fin?
- Energy efficient heat settings
- Adjustable temperature thermostat
- 24 hour timer & fan
- Slim & portable design
- CE marking adhering to EU safety requirements
Cons?
- The instruction booklet could use an update as it shows a different bracket attachment to the one given with the unit.
What to look out for when buying an oil-filled radiator?
Here are some key aspects to look out for when picking an electric radiator to ensure that you choose a unit that meets your heating needs efficiently and safely:
Heating Capacity:
Consider the wattage of the radiator, as it directly influences its heating capacity. Higher wattage typically means more heating power.
Ensure the radiator’s wattage aligns with the size of the room you intend to heat, otherwise, you may find that you’re overspending on energy that is being wasted.
Size and Portability:
Assess the dimensions and weight of the radiator. Compact and portable models with wheels are advantageous as they can be easily moved from one room to another.
Thermostat and Power Settings:
Opt for a radiator with an adjustable thermostat and multiple power settings. This allows you to efficiently control the temperature of the room automatically. Perfect for waking up feeling cosy in the mornings.
Safety Features:
Prioritize safety features such as a tip-over switch, overheat protection, and a thermal cut-off. These mechanisms ensure that the radiator automatically shuts off in case of accidental tipping, overheating, or any other safety concerns.
Heaters that have a CE marking show that they’ve been inspected and meet EU safety requirements, so it’s good practice to keep a lookout for these.
Brand Reputation and Warranty:
Consider purchasing from reputable brands with a history of producing reliable heating appliances. Check customer reviews and ratings for insights into the product’s performance. Additionally, a warranty provides assurance and protection in case of any defects or issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
They take longer than a traditional electric fan heater, typically around 20 to 30 minutes to reach the desired temperature.
Modern oil heaters come with many built-in safety features that will turn it off if it overheats or is tipped over. This means you can leave it unattended while you sleep.
If cleaned and maintained regularly, they can last up to 16 years.
You will not need to refill them as they burn or evaporate the oil inside. The oil is designed to retain heat and not be used as a fuel to burn.
Final Thoughts
There are many brands and different models that we decided not to cover in our list of best oil-filled radiators because we only wanted to review the ones from the most popular brands.
These plug in heaters are a popular choice for many reasons, such as favourable reviews, energy-saving costs, and ease of installation. The ones we’ve covered here will suit any room in your home, garage, or conservatory.