Most of us know that being cold for most of the year is just part of being British. Even when the days are getting warmer, cold nights can still creep up on you. If, like us, you want to keep your home toasty warm, then getting an oil-filled radiator could be your next favourite purchase. They’ll keep everything warm without breaking the bank.
What is an oil-filled radiator?
Also known as an oil-filled heater or column heater, oil-filled radiators are electric powered, portable heaters that can be plugged into a plug socket. They’ll keep your space warm without taking up loads of space. They’re a popular choice for heating and are very cost-effective.
The best oil-filled radiators 2024
The best quiet oil-filled radiator
Made from durable rust-resistant steel, this compact radiator is safe, efficient and gives off quiet but radiant heat. There's no assembly required and it's a decent price.
| Measurements: | 37.5 x 28 x 64 cm |
| Weight: | 11kg |
| Power cord length: | 183 cm |
- Three heat settings
- Nonslip base
- Fully enclosed heating elements
- Thermal cut off and anti-freeze mode
The best remote-controlled oil-filled radiator
This sleek, black heater is powerful, easy to move from room to room and super smart. With the clever addition of a remote control, warming up the room is simple and takes zero effort. Perfect for when you've found the comfortable sweet spot in bed and don't want to budge.
| Measurements: | 67.4 x 55.4 x 15.6 cm |
| Weight: | 12kg |
- Overheat protection
- Three heat modes
- Accidental tip-over protection
- Stand-by mode and a built-in timer
The best small oil-filled radiator
If you want a heater in a smaller space like your home office, then this more compact version will work perfectly. This steel-fronted radiator has a high gloss finish and a streamline design so it's not going to be an eyesore, which can be a worry with portable heaters. It also warms up a room rapidly so you'll love it if you feel the cold.
| Measurements: | 66 x 14.5 x 41.5 cm |
| Weight: | 13.1kg |
- LED display screen for thermostat control
- Advanced day and night settings
- Heat boost technology
- Three heat settings
- Overheat protection
The best oil-filled radiator for multiple fin choices
You can get this radiator in three versions, fives fins, sevens fins and nine fins. This makes it a versatile choice for whatever space you have.
| Measurements: | 30 x 24 x 62 cm |
| Weight: | 7.75kg |
- 500 W
- Sleek design
- Convection heating
The best oil-filled radiator for travelling
You might be heading for caravan holiday, to a new place or possibly to university soon and need a reliable heat source that travels well. That's where this pocket rocket comes in. With all the benefits of a quality heater but with an easy to access handle, you can take this anywhere or just easily move it around your house.
| Weight: | 3kg |
| Measurements: | 13 x 23 x 38 cm |
- Adjustable thermostat
- Built-in carry handle
- Overheat protection system
- Power indicator light
The best thermostatic oil-filled radiator
With a high heat output, you get a lot of bang for your buck with this radiator. The thermostat is easy to adjust so you will have full control over how warm your space gets, which is ideal for those who like it just right.
| Measurements: | 650 x 440 x 250 mm |
| Weight: | 10.5kg |
- Power indicator light
- Multiple heat settings
- 24-hour timer
- 360° safety tip over switch
The best oil-filled radiator for narrow spaces
www.argos.co.uk
Not only is this radiator reasonably priced, you won't have to work hard to find space for it, due to its narrower design. It requires minimal assembly, is easy to manoeuvre, plus it heats up a room perfectly.
| Measurements: | 31 x 2.9 x 25 cm (1.5m cord) |
| Weight: | 6.4kg |
- Suitable for rooms sized up to 10m2
- Freestanding
- Multiple heat settings
- Safety cut out switch
The best wall-mounted oil-filled radiator
www.screwfix.com
If you want your oil-filled radiator to be a more permanent fixture in your space, then this will be perfect for you. Made from aluminium, this heater is larger than normal but gives out more heat than some other options. It's also very easy to install.
| Measurements: | 575 x 1154 x 113 mm |
- Electronic parent lock
- Timer
- Different heat settings
- Digital consumption indicator for eco-responsibility
- Electronic thermostat control
The best smart oil-filled radiator
www.screwfix.com
Who knew a radiator could make you feel toasty and part of the future! This does have a higher price tag but it's worth it as it's efficient and you can control it with the TCP smart radiator app. The app works with iOS and Android, so using this radiator is stress-free.
| Measurements: | 575 x 585 x 120 mm |
- Electronic thermostat control
- Multiple heat settings
- App controlled
- Programmable timer
- Easy to install
- Low consumption technology
How does an oil-filled radiator work?
An oil-filled radiator has a series of columns, with spaces in between which attach to a base. It turns the energy from electricity into heat, that can then circulate through the columns and into your space. The oil part comes from the diathermic oil that helps create the right surface temperature.
What makes oil-filled radiators so popular?
Not only are they an affordable option for heating, they’re also energy efficient. You can have them in any room and control the thermostat easily. They’re also a really safe option that makes minimal sound.
Chris Duffill is a Senior Tech Writer and reviewer for What's The Best, Yours, Closer, Grazia, Heat and more. He’s an experienced bargain-hunter - finding genuine deals on electronic and audiovisual tech from the best brands. As one of our resident experts in computing, he also specialises in PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, games consoles and peripherals.
His background in video production and digital media also means that speakers, amplifiers, turntables, TVs and streaming entertainment of all kinds are at the centre of his tech expertise. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he’ll write about it.
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