7 Best Oil Filled Heaters of 2021 Compared & Reviewed

Best Oil Filled Heater
Photo: DeLonghi

During the winter, there is a growing number of people who choose to heat their home with oil-filled heaters rather than other types of heaters.

This is because the oil-filled heater is environmentally friendly and does not output any toxic gas or bad odors during its operation. It is totally clean.

In addition, the oil-filled heater is very energy efficient. It also requires no maintenance because it uses heavy-duty diathermic oil and a leakproof design.

If you are fresh on the market for such a device, then read our review below because it contains some of the most efficient oil-filled heaters for your need.

What to Check Before Buying Best Oil Filled Heater?

How to Buy the Best Oil Filled Heater
Photo: Tangkula

Before finding the most efficient oil-filled heater for your need, there are some important aspects to consider. Here they are:

1. Size of Your Room

First and foremost, you should ensure that you measure the size of your room in square feet.

Each oil-filled heater has been designed with a maximum heating area.

If your room exceeds the heating area of your oil filter heater, then it will be ineffective in heating up the room.

Also, the oil-filled heater is not as powerful as a kerosene heater.

Therefore, this type of heater is most effective for those who own a small to medium-size room.

For most people, an oil-filled heater that has a heating area of at least 100 square feet should be enough.

2. Size of Heater

In addition to the size of your room, the oil-filled heater also comes in different sizes.

Evidently, a larger-sized heater will produce more heat and be able to heat a large room faster.

In this instance, you need to choose a size based on the size of your room. The bigger the room you have, the bigger the heater needs to be as well.

3. Safety Features

Safety should always come first when operating any type of heater in the home. In order to make your oil filter heater safer to use, ensure that it has safety features.

Features like an automatic shut-off during overheating are an absolute must. What this does is automatically shut off the heater in case it senses that it is producing too much heat.

It will prevent the risk of a fire hazard from happening. In addition, the heated parts of your oil filter heater must not come in direct contact with the user, or it may cause scalding.

4. Timer

The timer in an oil-filled heater will decide how long the heater will run.

Most top-rated oil-filled heaters will offer you an adjustable timer anywhere from 2 hours up to 24 hours running time.

Moreover, the timer function is very important. It is not only a practical way to allow you to save electricity, but it is also a security feature that will prevent the heater from working too much and overheating over time.

5. Design

The oil-filled heater comes in many shapes, looks, and sizes. Choose a model based on your need and purpose.

Remember, this type of heater is usually a radiant heater which means that it will radiate heat in one direction only.

Therefore, you should always install the oil-filled heater in either a corner of the room or facing a wall.

Additionally, as a reminder, you should never place this heater under or close to flammable materials like furniture, curtains, etc.

6. Caster Wheels

For better portability reasons, many oils filled heaters come with castor wheels at the base.

Those caster wheels allow you to quickly and easily drag the heater in any direction you want.

You do not have to lift the device to carry it which is very neat.

In addition, ensure that the caster wheels have a security feature that allows you to lock on the wheels in position. You don’t want the oil field heater to move on its own.

7. Warranty

It is difficult to find spare parts for an oil-filled heater, so it is equally difficult to repair.

Therefore, always ensure that your chosen model comes with a form of warranty by the manufacturer.

Most of the time, at least a 1-year warranty on your oil-filled heater should be more than enough.

Of course, the more, the better in this case as some of the best oil-filled heaters on the market come with more than a 1-year warranty.

7 Best Oil Filled Heaters of 2021 Reviewed

IMAGE

PRODUCT

FEATURES

Pelonis NY1507-15K1

1. Pelonis NY1507-15K1 (Most Affordable)

  • Affordable and value for money
  • 4 caster wheels for portability
  • Easy to adjust heat settings
  • Front indicator lights
Insignia HTRFBK6

2. Insignia HTRFBK6 (With Remote Control)

  • Comes with a remote control
  • Large heating area of 144 square feet
  • Easy to use and beginner-friendly
  • Portable heater with caster wheels
DeLonghi KH390715CM

3. DeLonghi KH390715CM (Aesthetically Pleasing & Full-Featured)

  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Comes in different colors
  • Retractable power cord
Tangkula Oil Radiator Heater

4. Tangkula Oil Radiator Heater (Quiet & Performing)

  • Silent operation
  • Various security features
  • Easy power cord storage
DeLonghi EW7707CB

5. DeLonghi EW7707CB (Automatically Adjusts the Temperature)

  • Automatically adjusts the temperature
  • Large heating area
  • Aesthetically pleasing
Honeywell HZ-789

6. Honeywell HZ-789 (Superior Digital Control Panel)

  • Digital control panel
  • Modern and aesthetically pleasing
  • Many security features
Optimus H-6010

7. Optimus H-6010 (Simple & Effective)

  • No maintenance and leakproof
  • Automatic temperature control
  • Control over the energy consumption

1. Pelonis NY1507-15K1 Most Affordable Model

Pelonis NY1507-15K1
Photo: Pelonis

  • Settings: 3 heat settings and adjustable thermostat

If there is one department where the Pelonis is a true winner, then it is definitely in the price department. Indeed, this model is the most affordable solution you will find in this oil-filled heater review.

And despite its small price, it still has many attractive features.

For starters, this model has 4 caster wheels at the bottom that allow you to quickly and easily move it anywhere you want in the home.

It is also aesthetically pleasing with a slim and compact form factor. You will have no difficulty installing it anywhere in the room as it will not consume a lot of space.

There are 3 operation modes in this heater that will change the heat output as well as the electricity consumption on the fly.

Of course, there is also a thermostat to adjust the temperature. All those settings can easily be controlled using the knobs right at the front of this unit.

As a security feature, you will find an indicator light at the front so that you know when the device is working.

All things considered, this model by Pelonis is an excellent choice especially for those with a small budget. This oil-filled heater has enough features despite its small price to allow it to remain competitive.

It is definitely one of the best oil-filled heaters out there.

Pros:

  • Affordable. Value for money
  • Large knobs for adjusting the heat settings
  • 4 caster wheels for better transportation
  • Front indicator lights for safety

Cons:

  • Not as well made as other models
  • Noisy thermostat

2. Insignia HTRFBK6 – Comes with a Remote Control

Insignia HTRFBK6
Photo: Insignia

  • Heating Area: 144 square feet
  • Settings: Digital temperature adjustment

This model by Insignia is slim and compact as well as aesthetically pleasing. You will have no difficulty installing it in a tight area because of its small form factor.

Additionally, you do not have to lift this oil-filled heater because it has 4 caster wheels at the bottom, so you can easily drag it anywhere you want.

The front is equipped with a red indicator light that will show you when the heater is powered on. This is an excellent security feature.

Additionally, you can make all types of temperature adjustments right at the front of the unit. It comes with a handy digital display that will show you all your settings, so it is very easy to use.

Talking about ease of use, you also get a handy remote control with this purchase. It will allow you to control the heater at a distance with great ease.

But what we like the most about this model is that it has an excellent heating area of 144 square feet. This means that it will have absolutely no difficulty heating up a medium-size room with ease.

Finally, in case of an emergency, there is a safety tip-over the switch so that you can quickly switch off the heater.

This model is definitely one of the best oil-filled radiator heaters on the market in case you’re looking for a slim model that comes with remote control.

Pros:

  • Easy to make adjustments to temperature
  • Large heating area of 144 square feet
  • Comes with a handy remote control
  • Easy to carry around with its caster wheels

Cons:

  • Outside grills get hot to the touch
DeLonghi KH390715CM
Photo: DeLonghi

  • Settings: 3 heat settings and adjustable thermostat

This DeLonghi oil-filled heater is unbeatable when it comes to looks. In fact, it is one of the most aesthetically and modern-looking heaters in this review.

What we also like about this model is that all the controls are found right at the front of the unit. They are easily accessible, and you can change the temperature or switch on/off the device all in one place.

In addition, the power cord of this oil-filled heater is retractable, so whenever you’re not using it, the wires will not get in the way.

Also, there are caster wheels at the bottom, and for added security, they have guard protectors.

Best, you have the possibility in color as this model comes in both a black and a light gray color to suit the aesthetics of your room.

Pros:

  • Aesthetically pleasing design
  • Comes in 2 different colors
  • Retractable electrical cord
  • Guard protectors for the caster wheels

Cons:

  • There is only a small lip to hold onto when moving the heater
  • Noisier when compared to other models

4. Tangkula Oil Radiator Heater Quiet & Performing

Tangkula Oil Radiator Heater
Photo: Tangkula

  • Heating Area: 80 square feet
  • Settings: 3 heat settings and adjustable thermostat

The Tangkula is a full-featured oil-filled heater that comes with a retractable power cord as well as a 1500-watt power rating.

With such high maximum power, this radiator will have absolutely no problem heating a small room fast and easily.

Also, it has 3 power settings of 600 watts, 900 watts, and 1500 watts depending on your need. Of course, there is an adjustable thermostat for you to adjust the temperature settings.

In case of a situation where the heater is overheating, there are safety mechanisms inside. For one, this heater will automatically switch off whenever it senses that it is heating too much.

But what we like the most about this top-rated oil-filled heater is its quiet operation. Indeed, when compared to other models, it works very efficiently and quietly.

Pros:

  • Silent heater
  • Power cord storage compartment
  • Automatically switches off when overheating
  • Front indicator power button

Cons:

  • Smaller heating area of 80 square feet

5. DeLonghi EW7707CB – Automatically Adjusts the Temperature

DeLonghi EW7707CB
Photo: DeLonghi

  • Heating Area: 144 square feet
  • Settings: 3 heat settings and adjustable thermostat

DeLonghi makes excellent oil-filled heaters. This current model is no different as it is a full-featured oil-filled heater that comes with all safety features as well as sports an excellent build construction.

At the bottom, you will find heavy-duty casters so that you can move this heater and relocate it to another room with ease. You do not have to lift it which makes it easy for transportation.

The build construction is also superb as it has a mixture of plastic and metal painted in a black finish that makes it aesthetically pleasing as well. What we like about this oil-filled heater is its superior heating area of 144 square feet.

In fact, with such a big heating area, this heater will have no problem heating a medium-size room with ease.

At the top, you will find a trademark feature in almost all DeLonghi oil-filled heaters called ComforTemp.

What this does is automatically adjust the temperature for you so that it is the most comfortable possible. You do not have to make complex temperature adjustments with the thermostat with this model.

Pros:

  • ComforTemp Feature automatically adjust the temperature for you
  • Aesthetically pleasing model. Will fit with the decor of your room
  • Large heating area of 144 square feet
  • Heavy-duty cast the wheels at the bottom

Cons:

  • The price could have been a little bit better
  • The caster wheels are difficult to roll on some surfaces

6. Honeywell HZ-789 – Superior Digital Control Panel

Honeywell HZ-789
Photo: Honeywell

  • Heating Area: 144 square feet
  • Settings: 3 heat settings and adjustable thermostat

Where this Honeywell oil-filled heater is a true winner is in its temperature control adjustments. Indeed, both the thermostat as well as its 3 heat settings are easy to work with right at the front of the device.

It has an easy-to-read display that will show you the current temperature at all times as well as various adjustment settings. The emergency shutoff switch is also located at the front of the heater.

Of course, this heater provides you with a way of storing your electrical cord when not in use as well. At the bottom, there are 4 heavy-duty rotor casters for transportation.

For your safety and security, this oil-filled heater comes with various safety features like a tip-over switch, thermally insulated wires, and overheat protection. The risk of a fire is minimal with this model.

Indeed, all those factors make this Honeywell model one of the best oil-filled electric heaters that you will find in this review.

Pros:

  • Front digital control panel. Easy to read and easy to make adjustments
  • The electrical cord can be stored when not in use
  • Modern and aesthetically pleasing
  • Various security features like overheat protection and tip-over switch

Cons:

  • No control over the amount of wattage this heater pulled from the wall

7. Optimus H-6010 Simple & Effective Heater

Optimus H-6010
Photo: Optimus

  • Settings: 3 heat settings and adjustable thermostat

The Optimus H-6010 does not have any fancy looks. In fact, it is pretty generic looking when compared to other models in this review. However, it is fully featured and easy to work with.

For one, this unit uses a special diathermic oil which means that you will not have to perform maintenance on this heater. It will work out-of-the-box for a long time without leaking.

You have the possibility between 3 different heat settings with this model to allow you to save on energy costs. Almost everything in this heater, except the caster wheels, is made from a metal material.

This has the advantage of conducting heat quite well. However, the caveat is that since it is metal, almost everything in this heater gets hot to the touch when it is operational, so you need to place it in a safe location.

You get a front power indicator that will show you when the device is functioning as well as a safety shut-off switch in case of an emergency.

If all you care about is functionality, then the Optimus H-6010 Consistently ranks amongst one of the best oil-filled heaters on the market.

Notes: You should place this heater out of reach of pets and children because it gets quite hot

Pros:

  • Requires no maintenance and will never leak
  • 3 heat settings for energy consumption control
  • Front indicator light shows you when the device is powered on

Cons:

  • Due to the metal build construction, this heater gets very hot to the touch

Oil Filled vs Ceramic Heater

Oil Filled vs. Ceramic Heater
Photo: Tangkula

There are several key differences between the oil-filled heater and the ceramic heater. Here is a breakdown of those different types of heaters:

1. Oil Filled Heater

As its name suggests, the oil-filled heater has oil inside that heats up and in turn, generates heats that make it function as a heater.

The oil-filled heater is normally a radiant type of heater which means that it radiates heat in one direction only.

Advantages:

  • 100% Eco-friendly. Does not produce harmful gases
  • Excellent for long-term heating purposes
  • Silent operation
  • A great heater for those who have allergies

Disadvantages:

  • Usually sends heat in only one direction (Radiant)
  • The price. It is usually more expensive than the ceramic heater

2. Ceramic heater

The ceramic heater has a ceramic core that heats up the air around it. This type of heater is generally a convection heater which means that it will radiate heat in all directions uniformly.

To make the ceramic heater more effective, most models are equipped with a fan that helps spread the heat out of the heater more efficiently.

Advantages:

  • Heats up almost instantly
  • Quick to cool down
  • Generally small and compact making it portable

Disadvantages:

  • The fan can be a bit noisy especially at night
  • Not the best for heating a room for an extended period of time
  • Requires regular cleaning because the fan attracts dust

The oil-filled heater is usually the best type for those looking for a silent heater to heat a small to medium-sized room.

Additionally, this type of heater does not produce any harmful gases, so it is very safe to use especially if they are pets and children around.

On the other hand, if you only need a heater to heat up a small room for a short period of time, then the ceramic heater is a better choice.

Oil Filled Heater Safety Tips

Oil Filled Heater Safety Tips
Photo: DeLonghi

Since the oil-filled heater involves heat and electricity, there are some safety precautions to take.

Tip 1: Use the Exact Radiator Load

Since the oil-filled heater is powered by electricity, you may often need to use an extension cord to make it reach your wall socket.

Make sure that the wire of the extension cord, as well as the fuse in the extension, exceeds the electrical requirement of your oil-filled heater.

Else, it may be a fire hazard as it will cause the electrical cord of the heater to get hot.

Tip 2: Prevent Overheating

Always ensure that your oil-filled heater comes with safety mechanisms that prevent it from overheating.

Those will normally be automatic shut off that will power off the device whenever it senses there is too much heat.

Tip 3: Secure in Place

By design, most oil-filled heaters have a way for you to mount it during installation.

There are still some models that come with caster wheels for portability.

If you have one such model, then ensure that the caster wheels of your unit are locked in position to prevent the oil-filled heater from moving unattended.

Tip 4: Install in a Safe Location

Even if the oil-filled heater has been built with safety in mind, you should always install it in a place that is out of reach of pets and children.

This is because the oil-filled heater still contains parts that heat up and can be dangerous to the touch.

Additionally, you should install it in a well-ventilated area and not in close contact with furniture, especially wooden furniture and curtains as this may be a potential fire hazard.

Tip 5: Avoid Humid Places

As much as possible, you should avoid using your oil-filled heater in humid places like bathrooms.

This is because the high level of humidity in a bathroom can easily damage certain parts of your heater, and cause a fire hazard or create a risk of electrocution.

Conclusion

As we have seen, the oil-filled heater is a superior type of heater. It requires little maintenance and heats up the room quite fast.

Most oil-filled heaters are usually slim and compact, so they do not consume a lot of space when installed. They are also easy to use by absolute beginners and energy-efficient.

But above all, when compared to other common types of heaters, the oil-filled heater is more affordable, energy-efficient, and value for money.

So, if you have read our oil-filled heater review above and still not decided on a heater yet, then go through it again. This is a purchase that will serve you well during winter.