Best Oil-Filled Heaters in 2024

Factors to Consider Before Buying an Oil Heater

Type of Heater

This is important because different types have different functions. You may find that some don’t work for your needs, and others might work much better for you. Generally, you should do research into these categories and size up their strengths and weaknesses to get a better impression of how it will operate for you in your space.

Typically, there are oil-filled, ceramic, and electric types, which will be covered later on in this guide. For now, know that these all generate heat differently, and give you warmth in various ways.

Size

Size also matters here, because you might value portability or floor space. Knowing the size of your product will go a long way in terms of safety and, sometimes, the convenience of use. For example, larger ones might not fit appropriately in your space, becoming cramped and posing as potential fire risks.

Generally, it’s the wattage that determines heat output, so choose a size most comfortable for you.

Material

Materials matter and you should definitely keep this in mind when shopping. Some are more durable than others, which might make a difference in how long yours will hold up. Shopping around for different types might help you if this is of concern.

Some types like steel tend to hold up well against damage, so be sure to do research on what yours is made out of.

Controls

The type of controls your product comes with can be of great convenience to you, depending on what you’re in the market for. For starters, some have more controls than others, allowing you more breadth of choice in how you regulate your temperature.

There are many different types, with some even being eco-friendly, which might be important if you’re concerned about energy consumption. Be sure to look into what yours has and see what you need.

Design

Design is important because it determines how the heating capabilities should function. Some are designed in such a way as to prevent the structure itself from getting too hot, while others have a longer, wider design that has a better distribution of warmth with a bigger surface area.

Portability is also a factor in design, with some being far more convenient than others, coming with included features to help facilitate transportation. Look into this to make sure what kind yours will have.

Pricing

Some models or brands will be priced better than others, while potentially offering the same functions. This isn’t always the case, as sometimes less expensive means fewer features or a design that isn’t as good as more pricey versions. This is all highly dependent on the individual and what they want out of their product.

For example, some people might want simple warming with nothing too fancy, which means a cheaper option might be the way to go for them.

Warranty

Warranty will vary from store to store and by the manufacturer. Some will have longer warranties, while others might be short and only cover basics like manufacturing defects. There’s no one size fits all rule for this, and you might have to go to the manufacturing website itself to check.

Be wary of online stores, as the warranty isn’t always upfront, and might be drastically different than expected, especially if purchasing a used product.

Wattage

Typically, higher wattage means more warmth output, which means it’s an important number to look out for. On the downside, this also means that there’s more energy consumption, so that might be of concern to some people wanting to save money down the road. Larger rooms will require heaters with higher wattage, as they need more heat, so this is also dependent on the size of your space.

You’ll need to be aware of this for any future purchase, as it’s a major deciding factor in how yours will perform.

Want to know more? Check out our full guide to space heaters for large rooms.

How Do Oil Heaters Work?

These function differently than other types, thanks to the oil element inside of them. Typically, people use these for their superb temperature retention, giving you long-lasting warmth well after it is turned off. These can work well for people who want to be more conscious about energy use, as it does not need to be continuously in use once your space is warmed up sufficiently.

The oil element inside of these passes through long grooves called radiator fins, warming it up to a specified degree. Because there aren’t any fans, these don’t circulate air, instead, they warm up other objects in the room, causing the overall temperature to rise around them.

These might provide more optimal energy-saving capabilities over other types because of this design, which might interest those who are conscious about power bills and overall energy use.

Why You Should Buy Oil Radiator Heaters

Efficient

Because of their known heat retention, oil radiators can be an excellent alternative to more traditional means. Other types tend to only generate warmth as long as they are on, going cold once shut off. These, on the other hand, can trap heat in a space for a long period of time after being turned off.

This means that they might be more energy efficient for you in the long run, as you should end up needing less to feel comfortable.

Economical

Because you should use less energy, these also tend to be more economical. There’s less power needed, so you’re not using as much to heat up a given room. Because that retention stays, there’s less of a need to use more energy, potentially reducing electric bill costs.

Some models are different from others and might use higher wattage, but generally, these offer economic advantages that might not be afforded to other types.

Convenient

Convenience is another aspect that many people think about when considering a purchase. Is yours easy to use and will it perform well?

Some brands and models are more convenient than others, including more features for ease of use. You’ll need to check each potential product to see which is the more attractive option. In general, however, the capabilities of oil allow one to comfortably warm a space without extra assembly required, following a plug-and-play approach.

Portable

Depending on what you’re looking for, portability can be important. How easy is yours to transport? Can you place it anywhere?

These are all valid questions that also depend on which make you go with. Some are more portable than others and come with features like wheels or carrying handles. Make sure you do research on which ones do and which don’t.

Generally, these can be very convenient in this area.

Safe

Pretty much everyone is concerned with safety, whether it be how hot theirs gets or whether it uses dangerous materials. Typically, these are safe when taken care of properly and all the instructions are followed. With a good model, the oil inside should be encased well within durable material, and the design should not lead to fire accidents.

With that being said, safety ultimately depends on the user.

Learn More: How to Safely Use A Space Heater

Adjustable

Some space heaters are better at this than others, but this ultimately depends on the types of settings and controls included. Being able to change the level of warmth is an invaluable feature for any purchase, but you might have needs that a few might models not be able to accomplish. Doing research on each potential product can save you the hassle of returning the item and wasting time and money.

Comfortable

How hot does yours get? Is the warmth comfortable? You’ll want to keep these questions in mind when considering one.

Some might be more efficient at keeping the temperature at a certain level for extended periods of time.

Shoppers should check the features included; this could include whether it is capable of autoregulating, if it operates hands-free, or if you can set a timer for it to turn off after a certain amount of time.

Oil-Filled Heater Tips And Safety Precautions

As with any potentially dangerous product, it’s very important to read the instructions and to take safety seriously. There are a few tips you can follow to take better precautions when using your heater.

• Try not to use extension leads with your product, as this can pose a fire hazard. Plug sockets work better most of the time.
• If your heater breaks sometime in the future, either get a professional to fix it for you or replace it either through warranty or by yourself.
• Make use of auto shut-off features when applicable. Using a timer to turn yours off automatically after a set time can also help.

Frequently Asked Questions about Oil-Filled Heaters

Does it need to be refilled?

Despite common misconceptions and the name, these do not ever have to be refilled. The oil inside doesn’t deplete when in use, and is instead used as a heating element to spread the warmth.

Don’t open yours or try to refill it, as it should work perfectly on its own without any further action on your part. These tend to last a very long time without replacement.

How long do oil-filled heaters last?

This will ultimately depend on how you’re using it. If yours tends to get damaged a lot or is used improperly, it might potentially have a much shorter lifespan than expected. If used properly and safety precautions are taken, then you could expect to use yours for quite a while.

Good maintenance and safe storage are ideal for long use, so be sure to read up on how to keep yours in working condition.

Is it safe to leave it on?

Typically, it is safe to keep your oil-filled space heater on, but this will depend on the surroundings. Like with all types, the longer it’s in use, the higher the risk of danger, as it might be prone to accidents, burns, or even fire. However, most of the time extended use is safe as long as you keep it away from flammable objects and take the necessary precautions.