The Best Oil Filled Radiators For Consistent Warmth

Create a warm and cozy atmosphere in your home with our handpicked selection of cost-effective and practical oil-filled radiators.
Tried & Tested: See Our Testing ↓
Written & Tested By: Richard Morgan | Updated:
Best Oil Filled Radiator
Richard Morgan/DIY Works
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For quite some time, oil-filled radiators have quietly played the role of winter’s unsung heroes by delivering a dependable and energy-efficient means of ensuring a warm and cozy atmosphere in your home. Unlike other electric heaters, they provide a stable room temperature as it outputs a steady flow of heat. They are also much safer to use because there are no exposed heating elements present in the construction.

To help you choose an oil filled radiator, our hand-picked selection features top-performing models chosen through our first-hand experience using multiple (as shown in the image above), testing and thorough research.

VonHaus Portable Oil Filled Radiator
Best Overall: VonHaus Portable Oil Filled Radiator
DeLonghi Dragon 4
Best Quality: De’Longhi Dragon 4 Heater
Pro Breeze® Oil Filled Radiator
Best All-Rounder: Pro Breeze® Oil Filled Radiator
ANSIO 1321 Remote Control Heater
Best Digital: ANSIO 1321 Remote Control Heater
Warmlite Small Oil Filled Radiator
Best Budget: Warmlite Small Oil Filled Radiator
Daewoo 9 Fin Portable Radiator
Best Budget Runner-Up: Daewoo 9 Fin Portable Radiator

How The DIY Works Team Tests & Rates The Oil Filled Radiators

Oil filled radiators have seen a vast improvement over the years with better performance and extra safety features. Compared to the likes of a convector heater, oil filled alternatives provide much greater radiant heat, which has the effect of making the room feel much warmer and resembling a standard central heating radiator.

Over the years, we’ve tried and tested a variety of oil filled radiators at our personal home as well as in properties that we are renovating and the central heating is yet to be set up. However, to keep our commitment to testing and reviewing the latest heaters (for this article), we have upgraded the selection we own to see how they’ve improved. During our testing, we tested their heat output, ease of use, functionality as well as their construction quality.

best oil heater

Richard Morgan/DIY Works
best oil filled heaters

Richard Morgan/DIY Works

As you can see in the photos above, the new and improved models are far more aesthetically pleasing than they once were. They also include intuitive displays that allow you to easily adjust the heat and various other settings too.

As well as our testing and experience, we also based our recommendations upon the latest research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the heat output, ease of use, construction quality, design, functionality, warranty and value for money.

The Best Oil Filled Radiators

At DIY Works, our content is 100% independent and we would never recommend a product that we wouldn't use ourselves (read our editorial standards and how we test products).

1. Best Overall: VonHaus Portable Oil Filled Radiator

(How We Review →)

One of the most popular oil filled radiators is by the reputable VonHaus brand and they offer a wide range of options that include 6, 7, 9 or 11-fin radiators to best suit your requirements.

Along with offering multiple heat output options, this model is packed full of safety features. These features include a tip-over switch, an overheat protection system, a thermal cut out and so much more.

Pros
  • 800 – 2,500W (depending upon model)
  • Adjustable thermostat control
  • Backed by a two year manufacturers warranty
  • Free-standing design with carry handle for easy transportation
  • Choice of three heat settings
  • Durable castor wheels
  • 24 hour manual timer
Cons
  • Construction isn't as high quality when compared to some of the premium alternatives

The VonHaus oil filled radiator offers outstanding value for the money when you compare its performance to the alternatives. The stacked compact design also ensures that it remains portable regardless of the size you choose.

If you plan to heat up a mid to large-sized room, we highly advise that you choose the 11-fin option. The 2,500 watts of heating power is more than ideal for providing plenty of heat.

To conclude, if you want an oil filled radiator that ticks all the boxes, you really can’t go wrong with this VonHaus model.

2. Best Quality: De’Longhi Dragon 4 Heater

(How We Review →)

The De’Longhi oil filled radiator is a premium option that’s available in a single size that produces 2,000 watts of heat. However, although expensive, it’s built to the highest of standards and comes with an impressive 10-year guarantee.

According to the brand, due to the increased chimney effect and enlarged fin surface, the radiator is able to provide faster hot air flow. On top of this, it has a 25% larger radiant surface when compared to the previous model they offered.

Pros
  • 2,000 watt heat output
  • Stylish white finish
  • Three switchable heat modes
  • 24 hour mechanical timer
  • Anti-frost function
  • Safety cut out
  • Durable wheels and carry handle
Cons
  • Most expensive within our roundup

Although expensive, the Dragon 4 radiator provides a more premium look and feel with the performance to match when compared to the alternatives. It also provides plenty of functionality and is backed by a long warranty and a reputable brand for complete peace of mind.

3. Best All-Rounder: Pro Breeze® Oil Filled Radiator

(How We Review →)

The Pro Breeze brand is well-known for its heaters and dehumidifiers and they have a great reputation for their build quality at an affordable price. Their oil filled radiator is a great example of their reputation and it’s a high-powered option with 11 heating fins and three variable heating modes.

Pros
  • 2,500 watt heat output
  • Pre-assembled out of the box
  • Three variable heat modes
  • Built-in overheat protection and tip-over switch
  • 1.5 metre power lead and organiser
  • 11 fin design
  • Desirable 24 hour timer
Cons
  • During our testing, we found it to be slightly more noisy than other oil filled radiators we've used

To conclude, the Pro Breeze radiator is a powerful heater that’ll raise the temperature of the room quickly and also retain heat. It also offers great value for the money without compromising on quality and performance.

4. Best Digital: ANSIO 1321 Remote Control Heater

(How We Review →)

Another premium option is by the ANSIO brand and it’s fairly unique because it can be controlled via remote control. In terms of the design, it has an 11-fin construction that’s capable of producing a heat output of up to 2,300 watts whilst on the highest heat setting.

Depending upon your requirements, the three heat modes available on this radiator produce 1000, 1300 or 2300 watts.

Pros
  • 11 oil filled fins
  • Overheat protection system
  • Easy to move caster wheels
  • Child lock and safety tip-over features
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Backed by a three year warranty
Cons
  • Relatively expensive when compared to the alternatives

The standout feature of this model is the digital display and remote control operation. Although you have to pay a premium, it’s perfect for those that struggle to move around or simply want to warm up whilst staying in bed.

Considering that the ANSIO heater is one of the most expensive, it’s a worthwhile investment that you won’t regret. The brand also provides a three year warranty for complete peace of mind.

5. Best Budget: Warmlite Small Oil Filled Radiator

(How We Review →)

The Warmlite radiator is another affordable option that’s available with heat outputs of 650, 1,500, 2,000 and 2,500W. Regardless of the model you choose, each offers the choice of three temperatures that efficiently heat the room.

If you require a small oil filled radiator that’s easy to transport, this heater by Warmlite is ideal. As it’s only 30 x 25 x 58 cm in size, it’s ideal for small rooms with its compact design.

Pros
  • 650 to 2,500 watt heat output options
  • Easy to use switch controls
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Four smooth rolling casters
  • Overheat protection system
  • Three power settings
  • Includes a 1 year guarantee (2 years if registered)
Cons
  • Due to its small size, it may not output as much heat as you require

Overall, the Warmlite radiator is an excellent all-round option that’s thermostatically controlled and ideal for small rooms. The slim and compact design is very lightweight and it can be easily transported to wherever heat is required.

6. Best Budget Runner-Up: Daewoo 9 Fin Portable Radiator

(How We Review →)
Daewoo 9 Fin Portable Radiator

Daewoo is a highly reputable brand that produces a range of products from cars to white goods. Their oil filled radiator is a popular product they offer and it’s a portable option that combines performance with value for money.

In terms of its availability, the brand offers it in a single size with a heat output of 2,000 watts, which Daewoo claims will warm up large rooms in less than 30 minutes.

Pros
  • 2,000 watt heat output
  • Thermostat control
  • Free standing vertical design
  • Four durable roller wheels
  • Built-in cable organizer
  • Choice of three heat settings
  • Automatic tip over cut out
Cons
  • Very basic in terms of its functionality

Overall, the Daewoo oil filled radiator is an affordable option that has the backing of a reputable brand. It ticks all the boxes in terms of performance and safety and is ideal for homes, garages or office use.

Conclusion

Oil filled radiators are a desirable heating device that’s versatile and provides a steady flow of heat. Whether you need to heat a small or large room, most brands will offer an array of different sizes and heat output options.

All of our recommendations are suited to a range of budgets and heat outputs. However, to avoid disappointment, we advise that you purchase from a brand that’s known for its heaters because many cheap options lack safety features.

If you require further information regarding any of our oil filled radiator recommendations, feel free to get in touch and we will try to provide our assistance where possible.

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