
Oil-filled radiators are cheap to run – and there is no need to replace the oil. Likewise, are oil filled radiators any good? Energy-Efficient Oil filled radiators usually (but not always) heat up slightly slower than panel heaters, but they use less energy to do so.
Are oil filled radiators cheap to run?
Oil-filled radiators are cheap to run – and there is no need to replace the oil. Click to see full answer. Then, do oil filled radiators use a lot of electricity?
What are the benefits of oil free radiators?
Oil free radiators are faster and easier to use than their counterparts. The aluminum and ceramic stone inside oil free radiators make the heating process faster and more efficient than oil filled radiators. Because of this, dry radiators are ideal for large spaces. This includes homes with high ceilings, open floor plans, and stairwells.
Should you use an oil radiator to heat your home this winter?
MILLIONS of people using an oil-filled radiator to heat their homes amid the colder temperatures this winter could save money by warming up another way. As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, we start to wear more layers and dial up the heating in a bid to keep cosy. Many people will use an oil radiator in a bid to keep warm.

Which is better oil filled or oil free radiator?
Oil free, or dry radiators tend to be safer than oil filled radiators. Because they don't contain any oil at all, there's no risk of the oil leaking or the radiator rupturing.
Is oil free better than oil heater?
Due to the fact you don't have to wait for the fluid inside to get to temperature, Oil-free radiators offer a more rapid heat up when compared to their traditional Oil-filled counterparts.
Which type of heater is cheapest to run?
Not only are infrared heaters one of the cheapest to run – but it's easy to use them efficiently, too!
Are oil filled radiators cheaper to run than electric?
Oil-filled heaters are generally cheaper to run due to better heat retention. Though they take longer to heat up, the can then change to 'low' power and use much less energy to maintain a warm temperature. Electric fan heaters lose their heat quickly, so need to stay on a higher power to keep the temperature high.
Do oil filled radiators use a lot of electricity?
All the electricity used by an oil filled radiator is used to generate heat; namely by warming the oil inside. There is no electricity wasted. This makes the oil filled radiator one of the most energy efficient ways of heating any room. It is also surprisingly cheap to run!
Are oil filled radiators worth it?
Oil filled radiators are excellent at retaining heat, so less energy is needed to top up temperatures in your space. Even after they've stopped drawing power from the wall, these radiators will continue to gently radiate heat and keep you comfortable because the fluid inside is designed to cool slowly.
What is the cheapest way to heat a room?
10 Cheap Ways To Heat A RoomUse A Small Space Heater. GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater. ... Try Insulated Curtains. ... Apply Heat Under The Covers. ... Consider A Heated Blanket. ... Wrap Yourself In A Blanket Scarf. ... Apply A Door Draft Stopper. ... Cover Bare Floors With A Rug. ... Hang A Shelf Above A Radiator.More items...•
What is the cheapest way to heat your home?
As a general rule, heating your home with a natural gas furnace is the cheapest way to keep warm through the winter months. Electricity is usually significantly more expensive than gas, so even the most efficient heaters will be a bigger drain on your pocketbook than a traditional furnace.
Which is the best heater to save electricity?
The best electric heaters to buyStadler Form Anna: The best designer small heater. ... Dimplex ECR20 Tie: The best electric heater for economical background warmth. ... Princess Glass Smart Panel Heater 1.5kW: The most stylish smart electric heater. ... Dimplex MaxAir Hot and Cold: A high-tech, versatile fan heater for bigger rooms.More items...•
What is the cheapest heater to run UK?
Generally speaking, Halogen heaters are one of the most inexpensive types of electric heater. They average around 1200W in terms of power output and because they provide instant-heat at close quarters, you shouldn't need to leave them on for long periods of time.
How much does an oil filled radiator cost per hour?
According to Utilita, a standard 2,000 watt oil filled radiator uses around 2 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy for every hour it's in use. The equation you use to convert that energy usage into cost is the power (kilowatt) x cost of one kWh (pence) x length of time. Currently the cost of one kWh is just over 21p.
Do oil filled heaters save money?
Because their energy requirements are so much lower than the average furnace (400W - 1500W on average) they provide you a low-cost way of raising the temperature without significantly affecting your energy costs. Oil filled space heaters are also over 99 percent energy efficient.
What is the difference between oil filled radiators and oil free radiators?
Therefore, when compared to oil-free radiators, an oil-filled radiator has a whole lot more heat-retaining capabilities.
What is an oil free radiator?
Also known as dry thermal electric radiators, an oil-free radiator, as the name suggests is designed and made to utilise some of the most advanced heating technology available today, ensuring efficient, fast and careful heating throughout rooms, without making use of any oil.
Is an oil free radiator good for the environment?
This is because it makes use of no oils or any other substances that are or may be detrimental to the environment. Rather, oil-free radiators make use of dry thermal components, as week as electricity to heat up the surrounding air.
Can central heating have cold spots?
You know how sometimes, heating technology like central heating can have cold spots, especially when you don’t maintain it regularly. Well, that isn’t the case with oil-filled radiators, as it spreads and distributes the heat uniformly and evenly.
Is an oil filled radiator self-sustainable?
However, that belief is quite wrong, as oil-filled radiators are amazingly self-sustainable.
What is oil free radiator?
Oil-free radiators, or dry thermal electric radiators , use some of the most advanced heating technology on the market today to heat rooms in a fast, efficient, economical manner. Using dry thermal heating elements such as aluminium or ceramic stone, heat is emitted and transferred through a combination of convection, which involves the transportation of heat around the room; and radiation, which emitted from the heater. Oil-free radiators with aluminium heat up quickly and tend to be more responsive, whereas heaters that are made up of ceramic stone are slower heating up but have excellent thermal properties.
How does an oil filled radiator work?
Oil-filled electric radiators, also called thermal fluid electric radiators, heat up by using an electrical element immersed in thermodynamic oil. The specially formulated fluid then spreads heat evenly across the radiator, transferring warmth into the metal, which emits heat into the room through radiation.
What is the best heater for high ceilings?
Oil-free heaters with ceramic stone elements are a particularly great source of heat for properties with high ceilings. Radiators such as the Haverland Inerzia push heat out with powerfully high intensity making them ideal for hard to warm places.
What is electric radiator?
The radiators that we supply at Electric Radiators Direct come equipped with state-of-the-art, innovative functions that make our products easy to use and adaptable to any lifestyle. For example, radiators such as the Haverland SmartWave provide homeowners with 24/7 programming as well as a precision thermostat which automatically turns the radiator on or off to maintain a comfortable temperature. These advanced features enable you to take full control of your heating, minimising waste and reducing your heating bills as much as possible.
Does oil heating cause cold spots?
As oil-filled radiators heat up, the thermal fluid inside them is evenly spread along its entire surface area, which means that the room will be heated uniformly. This, in contrast, is not the case with other forms of heating such as central heating which, if not bled regularly, can develop cold spots.
Do you need to replace oil in a radiator?
It is a common misconception that the oil inside oil-filled radiators needs replacing regularly. This is not the case with our heaters. Unlike central heating, which often needs ongoing maintenance, you will never have to replenish the oil as it merely acts as a mechanism for the absorption and re-emission of the heat.
Do aluminium radiators heat up?
In contrast to oil-filled heaters where you’d have to wait for the liquids inside to heat up, aluminium dry thermal electric radiators heat up rapidly and cool down quickly. This makes these heaters easier to control as they instantly respond to instruction. This, in combination with the innovative functional capabilities ...
What is an oil free radiator?
Oil free radiators, or dry electric radiators, work almost the same as oil filled radiators, but they don’t use any oil. Instead, they use thermal components, such as ceramic stone or aluminum. Through the same process of radiation and convection, the air gets heated as it touches the radiator. Over time, the whole room warms up.
What is an efficient radiator?
by James Halderthay. An efficient radiator is an important part of your home. If you’re looking into buying a new radiator for your home, there are a few different options you should consider. And one of the first choices you need to make is whether you want an oil filled radiator or an oil free radiator. Take a look at this guide ...
Why do dry radiators heat up faster?
Warms up Fast. Because you don’t have to wait for any oil to warm up, dry radiators heat the room a lot faster than other heating technology. They also cool back down faster than oil filled radiators. This makes it easy to control the exact heat in your room.
How does oil heat up?
The electrical elements heat up the oil. Once warmed, the oil circulates through the rest of the radiator, heating up the metal walls. The process of radiation takes the heat from the radiator walls and spreads it throughout the room. Here’s how the process works. When the air comes in contact with the radiator, it gets heated.
How does a radiator heat up?
When the air comes in contact with the radiator, it gets heated. This air then rises to the top of the room, leaving the cold air at the bottom. As the hot air continues to rise and the cold air continues to warm up, the entire room gets heated.
Is an oil free radiator good for high ceilings?
Good for High Ceilings. The aluminum and ceramic stone inside oil free radiators make the heating process faster and more efficient than oil filled radiators. Because of this, dry radiators are ideal for large spaces. This includes homes with high ceilings, open floor plans, and stairwells.
Is it safe to use oil free radiators?
Benefits of Oil Free Radiators. Oil free, or dry radiators tend to be safer than oil filled radiators. Because they don’t contain any oil at all, there’s no risk of the oil leaking or the radiator rupturing. Both of these things could cause some serious damage to your home and, in serious cases, harm to you and your family.
How much does it cost to run an oil radiator?
Oil radiators use an electrical element to heat up thermal oil inside.
What can I do to keep energy bills down?
The cost of energy is high on many people’s minds at the moment as a number of providers have collapsed and bills are soaring.
Why do oil filled radiators take so long to warm up?
However, because the oil element retains heat, oil-filled heaters stay heated for a long time, even after they are switched off.
How does an oil filled radiator work?
Oil-filled radiators produce heat through the use of an electrical element fully immersed in oil. Contrary to common misconception, the oil of these heaters is not used as fuel, but rather as a reservoir and buffer. The oil is usually thermal oil, and does not need to be replaced. Heating takes places through a process of convection and conduction, by which heat is transferred from the electrical element to the liquid, and then from the liquid to the radiator body and metal walls through conduction. When the metal walls are heated up they distribute the heat to the air of the room.
What is a convection heater?
Convector heaters have an internal element, which heats up when the heater is turned on. The element heats up the air around it, and the hot air rises and gradually spreads out evenly around the room. Convector heater elements are often coil elements, but some newer models feature resin-treated aluminum elements, which prevent dry air and the discoloring of walls, which convection heaters have a tendency to do.
Why do convector heaters work?
They work fast. Because of the blowing air they can warm up a room faster than some oil-filled heaters. This makes them a good choice for situations where you need to warm up a room quickly. Convector heaters distribute heat more evenly than oil-filled heaters.
Is a convector heater more portable than an oil filled radiator?
They are usually lighter and therefore more portable than oil-filled radiators. Convector heaters are extremely convenient and easy to use. Convector heaters heat up quickly but they also cool down quickly. Because they often use fans to force out and distribute the heat these heaters can overheat if the fan fails.
Is an electric heater a good appliance?
There is nothing like snuggling up in a warm cozy room. Some rooms, however, easily turn cold and damp, particularly when the cool months bring in drafts of cold air. At these moments, an electric portable heater can be your most cherished household appliance. Even though you may have central heating, electric portable heaters are essential household items because they provide good supplementary heating.
Is it safe to use an oil filled radiator?
Oil-filled radiators are also the best option for newborn babies and children. They are child safe and will not burn upon touch. At the same time, they do not dry the air and thus promote healthy indoor air. Oil-filled radiators are also very quiet.
What is a ceramic core radiator?
Ceramic core radiators are extremely energy efficient and retain heat well, even after being turned off. The heat retention features of ceramic radiators play into their energy efficiency as they don’t need to be running all the time.
How do ceramic radiators work?
Electric ceramic core radiators work by passing an electrical current through a ceramic plate within the device to produce heat. Just like oil-filled radiators, the heat from the ceramic core is conducted by the radiators body (often made of aluminium or steel) and then transferred to the air surrounding it, heating the room.
What is an oil-filled radiator?
Electric oil-filled radiators are often used as portable, standalone radiators and are employed to heat a variety of spaces.
How do oil-filled radiators work?
Electric oil-filled radiators work by using an electrical heating element that is submerged within a reservoir of thermal liquid, often a form of oil, inside the radiator. As the heating element’s temperature increases the heat is transferred directly to the oil in the radiator.
Ceramic vs oil-filled radiators
Like anything else, both ceramic and oil-filled radiators have advantages and disadvantages. Some advantages of ceramic radiators are:
So, which is better?
It’s clear that ceramic core radiators have more advantages, especially when it comes to energy efficiency, safety and heat retention.

Oil-Free Radiators
Oil-Filled Radiators
- Also referred to as thermal fluid electric radiators, the oil-filled radiator is the more traditionally known radiator type throughout the world. Last update on 2021-12-22 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API An oil-filled radiator is obviously in contrast with an oil-free radiator and a simple look at the name will tell you why, as this radiator type makes use of a combination of ele…
The Advantages of Oil-Free Radiators
- An amazing aspect of oil-free radiators is that it is exceptionally quick when it comes to warming up or heating up your home. The reason for this is based on the main fact that it makes use of no oil in the first place, as you basically no longer need to wait for the oil to heat up. Therefore, an oil-free radiator which makes use of dry thermal heating elements heats up a room faster than any …
The Advantages of Oil-Filled Radiators
- A benefit of an oil-filled radiator is one that is contrary to the popular belief that the oil-filled radiator has a major flaw, which is, the constant change of oil and continuous maintenance, you will have to do. However, that belief is quite wrong, as oil-filled radiators are amazingly self-sustainable. This is because when utilizing an oil-fill...
Which Radiator Should I get?
- In answering the above-stated question, you should first understand that the radiator you should get doesn’t solely depend on just the features of the radiator alone, but on other factors as well. The other factors that you ought to consider are factors surrounding your home or household, as well as your personal preferences. Now, in regards to the former, you ought to take into consider…
Oil-Filled Radiators
Oil-Free Radiators
The Benefits of Oil-Filled Radiators
The Benefits of Oil-Free Radiators
- Quick & Easy to Control
In contrast to oil-filled heaters where you’d have to wait for the liquids inside to heat up, aluminium dry thermal electric radiators heat up rapidly and cool down quickly. This makes these heaters easier to control as they instantly respond to instruction. This, in combination with the innovativ… - Suitable for High-Ceiling Properties
Oil-free heaters with ceramic stone elements are a particularly great source of heat for properties with high ceilings. Radiators such as the Ecostrad iQ Ceramic push heat out with powerfully high intensity making them ideal for hard to warm places. Due to this, radiators with ceramic stone ar…
Common Benefits