An oil filled radiator heater is a secondary source of heating that can save your life. We live in unpredictable times, so a backup heating source for your home is not only a great choice but also necessary. The space heaters offer an extra heating element and are great for larger spaces as they provide heat for areas with greater square footage.
Power grids can shut down when you least expect it. In February 2021, thousands of homes in Texas went without power for 12 days after the state’s grid shutdown. Residents across the state without a secondary source of power and heat were forced to live in freezing weather conditions.
Similar situations have also occurred in upstate New York where a simple oil heater was the difference between life and death.
Oil filled radiators are reliable and great for emergency situations, and every home should have at least one. The radiators require electricity so you’ll need a backup power source to plug into when you home is denied power. However, with these heaters, you do not need to refill the oil.
Often, you’ll find that battery powered space heaters aren’t enough. Fan heaters are another option, but even though they can provide instant heat, they don’t work well for large spaces. You don’t want something that only produces hot air, or you could get sick.
Radiant heaters can be set at a desired temperature and according to the square footage of a room. This is where the space heaters outperform standard electric space heaters as they provide a constant heat source that can fulfill your heating needs.
Before we go further, let’s address one of the most important questions that most people have.
Are Oil Filled Space Heaters Harmful?
Oil-filled space heaters do not pose a health risk. The room heaters do not burn oxygen nor reduce humidity while heating. This is the reason why they are the best choices for children and the elderly as they also do not cause dehydration.
Unlike other heaters, you also won’t have to worry about suffocation, dry eyes, or skin rashes. The thing you need to remember is that the space heaters contain oil, so there’s a risk they could spill. To prevent spills, make sure your oil heater is secure and can’t be knocked over.
What Is Radiant Heat?
Radiant heat is the heat that comes from a hot surface. An oil filled heater is a great example of radiant heat in action. The “fins” of these types of space heaters are filled with oil, which is then heated via electric heating elements.
The oil never burns and retains heat and keeps the radiator warm for hours at a time. It uses less energy to do so than it would to keep air as hot for the same period.
Oil Filled Radiator Heater Pros And Cons
Before you buy an oil filled radiator heater, you should know what you’re getting before making a purchase. Also, choose one that fits your household needs. First and foremost, make sure it can cover the square feet of the entire room you want to heat.
Average electric heaters are often too small or not powerful enough. The wattage of electric heaters determines how much space it covers. Large heaters have higher wattages and can heat bigger rooms.
Pros:
- Multiple heat settings. This will help you gain more control over the heat output inside the room, so you can set the temperature to your desired level.
- Energy efficiency. The heaters will lower your utility expenses.
- Portability. Look for space heaters with caster wheels. The problem with space heaters is their bulky design makes them heavier compared to other types of electric heaters.
- Easy to Clean. Oil heaters are made from steel, which means they’re durable and easy to clean.
Cons
- Expensive. The heaters aren’t cheap.
- Longer heat times. The heaters can take longer to heat a room. They do not provide instant heat.
- Movability. Unless the space heater has wheels, moving it from room to room is not easy.
What To Look For In An Oil Filled Radiator Heater
There are a few important details to consider before purchasing an oil space heater. Here are the most important things:
- Coverage. You want something that can cover the area that you want to heat.
- Multiple heat settings. This will help you gain more control over the heat output inside the room, so you can set the temperature to your desired level.
- Temperature Range Display. This helps measure the temperature. Some units work with Fahrenheit, others work with Celsius, while others have both.
- Design. Some heaters are designed to cover larger areas by adding multiple fins to the design of the product.
- Warranty. The standard warranty for space heaters is one year and extended warranties are available.
Ceramic Plate Heaters Vs Oil Filled Space Heaters
There are two choices you can make ceramic and oil.
It is important to know the differences between a ceramic heater and an oil filled heater because buying the wrong one can lead to problems. Portable space heaters are delicate and serve a specific function depending on the size of a room.
Here are a few points to consider when choosing a ceramic plate or oil heater:
- A ceramic heater functions on the principle of convection. That means that ceramic heaters usually have an electricity-powered element and a fan that blows heat into the room. However, not all ceramic heaters are convection heaters, with some of them being radiant as well.
- Unlike ceramic heaters, oil heaters are radiant. That means that they function on the principle of heating up a certain surface and having that surface spread the heat throughout the entire room.
- Ceramic heaters make it more difficult to maintain steady temperature levels inside a room. Oil space heaters do a much better job, even if it takes longer for them to heat up.
- An oil space heater is a great choice for medium to large rooms, while ceramic heaters have proven to be more efficient in heating smaller rooms.
4 Top Pick Oil Filled Radiator Heaters
Now that you know more about oil heaters, let’s look at a few of the top picks available on the market today. The space heaters can run on the same power strip with other appliances and comes with unique safety features.
1. PELONIS Electric Oil Filled Radiator Heater
The Pelonis radiator is a space heater that comes with three different heating options and five temperature settings that to help you stay warm while it radiates heat. It features a timer that will turn off the heater after 10 hours if you want it to, a programmable thermostat, and four swivel caster wheels that can rotate at 360 degrees to make it easier for you to move the portable heater.
Whenever the unit is on, a power indicator light will be displayed. The space heater is also equipped with a bunch of safety features, such as overheat protection that turns off the unit automatically if the internal components exceed a certain hazardous temperature.
The front side of the space heater comes with an LCD panel for a cool-looking design and better interface.
Pros:
- Three heating options.
- Five temperature settings.
- Programmable thermostat.
- LCD screen.
- Built-in timer.
- Overheat protection.
Cons:
- Noisy when it heats up.
2. NewAir Electric Oil-Filled Space Heater
The NewAir oil filled heater works with any wall outlet and can run on a power strip. The unit with a black finish that allows it to blend well amongst any type of furniture.
It comes with an ECO mode that you can activate if you’re looking to get a more cost-effective way of using electricity. Filled with diathermic oil, this heater uses the power of convection to radiate heat through its fins, making sure heat is dissipated in all directions at the same time.
It comes with three heat modes that grant control over the heat output, as well as energy usage. You can set your temperature at increments of five degrees and you have a 10-hour timer that you can use at your convenience.
Pros:
- Lightweight design.
- ECO mode.
- Three heat settings.
- Integrated timer.
Cons:
- Short lifespan.
3. COSTWAY Oil Filled Radiator Heater – 1500W
The space heater offers 1,500 watts of power and can be plugged into a wall outlet or power strip.. It comes with three heat settings that help you stay warm and allow you to choose how much energy you want to consume.
The bottom side of the space heater has four casters that allow you to move the unit around as you please, while the carrying handle will make sure that you’ll never have to touch any of the heated elements while doing so.
The space heater unit is also equipped with a tip-over auto-shutdown feature and an overheating protection system.
Pros:
- Three heat settings.
- Four casters.
- Carrying handle.
- Tip-over protection.
- Overheat protection.
Cons:
- No timer.
- Unsuitable for large rooms.
4. COSTWAY Oil Filled Radiator Heater – 700W
If you’re looking for a cheaper oil filled heater that works well with smaller rooms, here is the option to go for. This Costway heater may have just 700 watts, but sometimes you really don’t need anything more.
When the heater is on, you will notice that the power indicator turns to bright orange, so you’ll always know when the unit is up and running.
The front panel is also home to a carrying handle that makes it easy to move the unit back and forth even when it’s heated. It also features an overheating protection system to avoid any hazards.
Pros:
- Overheating protection system.
- Built-in thermostat.
- Affordable option.
- Front carrying handle.
Cons:
- Can only heat up small rooms.
Power Backup Solutions
As mentioned earlier, you want to be prepared in the event of a power outage. When you lose your power, you need something to plug your heater into.
Here are a few ideas for secondary power sources:
Portable Power Station
Portable power stations are the younger cousins of power generators. They have a port, jack, and outlet selection that allow you to keep power tools, phones, and other electronics charged. They provide the same amount of as other sources.
The units are ideal if you have a small space heater. They’re also good for camping trips and construction projects. And they’re useful backup power sources for when you need to keep your heater running during a winter storm.
Permanent or Fixed Generator
These generators run on diesel or gasoline fuel. this system is much like a portable generator but handles larger loads and cannot be moved. There is little risk of theft, and some homeowners opt to add a battery bank for more reliability during long-term power outages.
A fixed generator can handle all the same loads as a portable generator, along with some appliances. This system requires a transfer switch and inverter. A charger is required for generators with a battery bank.
Solar Generator
A solar generator offers a renewable solution for small residential systems. A single panel or multiple panel photovoltaic solar generator mounts on your roof or ground-mount framing. Portable systems are available, although with only limited generation.
One thing to consider with solar generators is how they require professional installation by a licensed electrician.
Wind Generator
In a rural areas, you’ll find wind turbines in locations with the proper zoning and weather patterns. Installing a wind turbine in an area with little wind exposure does not make economic sense, but this solution presents several benefits to certain properties.
Wind turbine generators are ideal for heating units, emergency lights, and other essential power. The system requires regular maintenance. And a professional should install it.
Battery Backup System
Look for products with a deep cycle battery for dependability. Grounding is essential for safety. Depending on the type of battery backup system, these products are available online and at your local hardware store.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Do you like to sleep with the heater turned on?
If so, an oil-based heater might be the right choice for you because it operates at a silent level, at least compared to pretty much every other type of room heater out there. Oil filled heaters don’t have any internal fans.
They are just filled with oil that heats up, and the low sound output makes them a very good choice for bedroom and office use (especially in offices where silence is mandatory).
Do you have a larger room that needs heating?
Oil filled heaters are typically preferred by those who have to heat up a large room.
However, the versatility in size makes them suitable for just about any rooms. The basic rule is this: for smaller rooms, you want an oil filled heater with a lower number of fins (also called external heating elements), while larger rooms require bigger heaters with multiple fins.
Do you have any allergies?
Every heater that has an internal fan and works on the principle of air circulation will basically create a vortex of contaminants that just keeps spreading across the room.
Oil filled heaters are a much wiser choice for people who have allergies and simply can’t stay in an environment where pollen and dusts just circulate from here to there.
Are you looking for a really cheap heater?
The sad part about oil filled heaters is that they tend to be more expensive compared to other types. If you want a product that has additional safety measures and is made with high-quality construction, you can expect to pay even more.
Features like auto shutdown or anti-tipping will add to the final price of the product, which makes oil filled heaters a poor choice for people who have to stick to a very limited budget.
Can You Leave An Oil Filled Radiator On Overnight?
Oil heaters are safe to leave on overnight. Unlike an average electric space heater, radiator heaters do not have an exposed heating element, which makes them safer than other portable heaters.
Are Oil Filled Radiators Cheaper To Run Than Electric?
The oil heaters are cheaper to run due to better heat retention. Though they take longer to heat up, they can change from ‘low’ power and use much less energy to maintain a warm temperature.
Electric space heaters can lose heat fast and need to stay on high power to keep the temperature high.
Are Oil Filled Radiators Cheaper To Run Than Central Heating?
The heaters are energy efficient, and more so that ceramic heaters. The biggest advantage of an oil panel heater is its portability, it heats parts or areas of your house, where other conventional heaters can’t.
Which Type Of Room Heater Is Good For Health?
An oil filled space heater is the best space heater for patients with respiratory disorders, although they’re about 10 times more expensive than the most basic rod heater. The space heaters have pipes filled with oil.
The hot air doesn’t dry out because it’s passing over hot liquid oil to soak up heat. They also provide enough heat to cover the square feet of any large space.
Do Oil Filled Radiator Heaters Explode?
Oil heaters can explode when their thermal fuses fail to shut them off. This can cause fire, thick black smoke, unpleasant odors, oil on walls and other surfaces, and disfiguring scalding.
Oil Filled Radiators Conclusion
An oil radiator is a great choice for your home. The real benefit of the portable heater is how the oil isn’t used as fuel, but instead as a heat reservoir. As the oil is warmed, it flows around the open cavities in the heater by convection, producing long-lasting heat.
Radiated heaters offer warm air and instant heat. It goes without saying that you want your home to stay warm during colder months.
As an added convenience, oil filled radiators are a silent operation, unlike heating fans that operate at a higher decibel level. If you’re shopping for small heaters, your next purchase should be an oil radiator. Oil filled space heaters great for homes with small children as they automatically turn off when a room reaches the desired temperature.
The goal is to protect your family and to do so, you need to ensure your home has a backup power system. After you’ve successfully added an oil heater to your home, you’ll feel better.
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