Oil Free vs Oil Filled Radiator: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing the right electric radiator is important as it will heat your home for many years. Oil-filled electric radiators retain heat for much longer after turning off, thanks to the thermodynamic oil inside. This means the room stays toasty even after the radiator switches off.

At Best Electric Radiators, we offer a variety of oil-filled electric radiators, including our popular Comfort Control and designer Romano, Levanto, and Morrano ranges. All our units use advanced technology, such as individual room thermostats and Wi-Fi control, for customised comfort.

Did you know oil filled radiators are also 100% silent, making them suitable for bedrooms and home offices? Their sturdy construction provides durable heating performance season after season. Be sure to consider an oil filled model for reliable, long-lasting heat.

Understanding the Basics

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty comparisons, it’s essential to understand what we’re talking about. Electric radiators, regardless of type, work by converting electrical energy into heat. The primary difference between the two lies in the medium they use to distribute this heat.

• Oil Filled Radiators: Manufacturers fill these devices with a special thermal oil. When you switch on the radiator, the oil heats up, circulates inside the unit, and spreads warmth to the surrounding area.
• Oil Free Radiators (Dry Radiators): These do not use any oil. Instead, they often use a combination of ceramic, aluminium, or other materials to generate and spread heat.

How Does an Oil Filled Radiator Work?

These types of radiators combine electrical elements with thermodynamic oil. The electrical elements heat the oil. Once warmed, the oil circulates through the rest of the radiator, heating 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. This warm air rises, making the cooler air settle at the bottom. As the warm air keeps rising, the cooler air heats up, warming the entire room.

Picture it this way: the air near the radiator gets all toasty, rises, and the cooler air takes its place to get warmed. This cycle continues until the whole room basks in a comforting warmth.

How Does an Oil Free Radiator Work?

Oil free radiators, also known as dry electric radiators, work almost like oil filled electric radiators, but without using any oil.

Instead, they employ advanced thermal components, like ceramic stone or aluminium. Just like their oil-filled counterparts, they use radiation and convection to warm up the room. Over time, the whole room warms up. Truly, it’s heating technology at its finest!

Comparative Analysis: Oil Filled vs Oil Free Radiators

Various factors influence the choice between oil-filled and oil-free radiators. Oil-filled electric radiators provide long-lasting heat, ideal for consistent warmth. In contrast, oil-free radiators heat up quickly, perfect for immediate comfort. Understanding how electric heaters work helps in making an informed choice.

Feature	Oil-Filled Radiators	Oil-Free Radiators
Definition	Contains oil to retain and transfer heat.	Uses advanced heating elements without oil.
Heat Retention	Retains heat longer due to oil.	Heats up quickly but cools down faster.
Efficiency	Good for consistent, long-term heating.	More energy-efficient for quick heating.
Portability	Heavier due to oil content.	Lighter and easier to move.
Safety	Risk of oil leaks.	There is no risk of leaks, and it is safer for households.
Installation Options	Available in wall-mounted and portable forms.	Often portable, some wall-mounted options.
Technological Features	Basic thermostat control.	Advanced features like WiFi control.
Environmental Impact	Potential for oil disposal issues.	Lower carbon footprint, no oil disposal.

Oil-filled radiators contain thermodynamic oil that retains heat for extended periods, even after switching off. This feature makes them perfect for maintaining a steady temperature and keeping rooms warm longer.  They may be heavier due to the oil, but their durability and silent operation make them a preferred choice for bedrooms and home offices. With features like individual room thermostats and Wi-Fi control, they offer a blend of traditional heating and modern convenience. Oil-free models heat up rapidly, providing quick warmth. They are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for rooms where heat is needed instantly. While both types have benefits, oil-filled electric radiators offer reliable, long-lasting heat, making them a solid choice for consistent warmth.

Benefits of an Oil Filled Radiator

Oil-filled electric radiators offer several distinct advantages. They retain heat well, keeping your room warm even after the radiator is off, ensuring consistent heat distribution. They are also durable, making them sustainable for long-term home heating.

Better Heat Retention

The oil inside these radiators retains heat better than dry radiators. Once they warm up, they stay warmer for longer periods of time. Because of this, they don’t work as hard as other radiators to heat your home. This can save you some money on your energy bill. Oil-filled radiators turn off when the room reaches the desired temperature. But even after they’ve stopped heating up, the room will stay warm for a time. This makes oil-filled radiators good choices for large rooms or rooms your family uses a lot.

Even Distribution of Heat

Some types of heating technology, like central heating, can leave cold spots in the room. Oil filled radiators don’t do this. The warm oil spreads over the entire surface of the radiators. In other words, the radiator heats the air inside the room in an even and uniform way.

Sustainability

You won’t ever have to replace the oil inside your radiator. In fact, you don’t have to do any maintenance at all. This makes oil-filled radiators self-sustainable.

Benefits of an Oil Free Radiator

Oil-free or dry radiators are 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 can severely damage your home, and in extreme cases, endanger you and your loved ones. Here’s a quick look at some of the other benefits that come with oil free radiators.

Easy to Use

Oil free radiators don’t make any noise when they run. This means you can switch them on without disturbing your chats, movie time, or naps. These radiators are also lighter than most other radiators. If you’re looking for portability, you can easily shift dry radiators between rooms.

Warms up Fast

Since dry radiators don’t rely on oil to heat up, they warm the room faster than other heating methods. They also cool back down faster than oil filled radiators. This makes it easy to control the exact heat in your room. If you want the space a little warmer, you can adjust the heat and feel the difference immediately. The same goes for making the room cooler when you get hot. Oil-free radiators are faster and easier to use than their counterparts.

Good for High Ceilings

The aluminium 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.

Environmentally Friendly

Dry radiators don’t use any oils or other substances that harm the environment. Instead, they use electricity to warm up the air around them. This makes them an eco-friendly choice for environmentally-aware families.

Ideal Households: Oil Filled vs Oil Free Radiators

Understanding how to use a radiator and its specific benefits helps you choose the right one for your home. Whether you need the steady warmth of oil-filled electric radiators or the quick heat of an oil-free model, each type has unique advantages.

Household Characteristic	Oil-Filled Radiators	Oil-Free Radiators
Heat Duration Needs	Long-lasting, steady heat	Quick, temporary heating
Room Size	Larger rooms (living rooms, master bedrooms)	Smaller rooms (home offices, small bedrooms)
Usage Frequency	Frequent, prolonged use	Occasional, short-term use
Portability Requirements	Fixed position, heavier	Portable, lightweight
Noise Sensitivity	Silent operation, ideal for quiet spaces	Silent, but best for short-term use

Oil-filled radiators are perfect for households needing consistent, long-lasting heat. They are best suited for larger rooms like living rooms and master bedrooms, where the radiator remains fixed.  These radiators retain heat well, providing steady warmth even after being turned off, making them ideal for frequent, prolonged use. Their silent operation is perfect for quiet spaces like bedrooms. Oil-free radiators are suitable for households needing quick heat in specific areas. They work well in smaller rooms or home offices, offering rapid heating and easy portability due to their lightweight design. They provide immediate warmth, making them great for occasional, short-term use.

How to Choose the Best Oil-Filled Radiator?

Knowing all the options and alternatives ensures you select the best radiator. Consider factors like room size, heating duration, and specific features like timers and thermostats. A well-chosen radiator can save energy and provide optimal comfort. Checklist for Choosing the Best Oil Filled Radiator:

1. Room Size: Ensure the radiator’s capacity matches your room’s size.
2. Heating Duration: Consider if you need long-lasting heat or short-term heating.
3. Features: Look for features like timers, thermostats, and remote control.
4. Energy Efficiency: Check the energy rating to save on electricity bills.
5. Safety Features: Ensure the radiator has overheat protection and tip-over switches.

Factors to Consider: 

1. Space Requirements: Choose a radiator that fits your room size and layout.
2. Heating Needs: Determine if you need the radiator for long-term or short-term use.
3. Safety Concerns: Look for features like overheat protection and stable bases to prevent tipping.
4. Budget: Consider the initial cost and long-term energy savings.
5. Installation Options: Decide between wall-mounted or portable models based on your space.

Explore Your Options Between Oil Free vs Oil Filled Electric Radiators

When comparing oil-free and oil-filled electric radiators, consider their distinct benefits. Oil filled electric radiators offer long-lasting, steady heat, ideal for larger rooms needing consistent warmth. 

• Oil-Filled Radiators: These contain a special thermal oil that heats up and circulates inside the unit, spreading warmth to the surrounding area.
• Oil-Free Radiators: These do not use oil. Instead, they often use ceramic, aluminium, or other materials to generate and spread heat.

Assessing your specific needs is crucial. Think about room size, usage duration, and portability. For steady, long-term warmth, oil-filled radiators are recommended. For quick, flexible heating, oil-free models are better.

Upgrade to Advanced Electric Radiators for Enhanced Comfort

At Best Electric Radiators, we offer a range of innovative heating solutions designed to meet various needs. Our products feature advanced technology like WiFi control and individual room thermostats. These features provide personalised comfort and enhance energy efficiency.  Whether you need consistent warmth or quick, portable heating, our units deliver reliable performance. Contact us today to explore our products and get personalised advice for your household heating requirements.

FAQS

What Does ‘Fin’ Mean on an Oil Filled Radiator?

A “fin” refers to the metal ridges or extensions on the radiator. These fins increase the surface area, allowing more efficient heat distribution. The more fins a radiator has, the more heat it can emit into the room.

Do Oil Filled Radiators Use a Lot of Electricity?

Oil filled electric radiators are efficient in terms of energy consumption. They use electricity to heat the oil, which retains heat well, reducing the need for continuous electricity use. This makes them more energy-efficient than some other heating options.

Are Oil Filled Radiators Cheaper to Run Than Electric Fan Heaters?

Yes, oil filled radiators are generally cheaper to run than electric fan heaters. They retain heat longer, so they don’t need to be on constantly. This efficiency can lead to lower electricity bills over time.

Are Oil-Filled Electric Radiators Any Good?

Oil-filled electric radiators are highly effective for consistent and long-lasting heat. They are silent, durable, and maintain a steady temperature. For detailed user experiences and feedback, check out oil filled radiators reviews.