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11 Apr 2024

Best oil filled radiators

See which oil filled radiators we think are worth buying, with John Lewis, Zanussi and more expert-tested

Joel BatesSenior researcher & writer

Couple sat on sofa in front of electric heater

Oil filled radiators might not be quite as popular as other heater types, but the best oil filled radiators pack an impressive punch when it comes to heating.

With the look (and sometimes weight) of a classic radiator, oil filled radiators are designed to heat as a more gradual, but longer lasting, rate. Our test results have found out which ones will be worth the wait to warm up.

Discover the best oil filled radiators and how much each costs to run below.

Best oil filled radiators

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Type	Cost per hour*	Heating performance	Ease of use
Oil filled radiator	53p	Average	Good
Oil filled radiator	44p	Poor	Average
Oil filled radiator	22p	Very poor	Good
Oil filled radiator	18p	Very poor	Good
Oil filled radiator	32p	Very poor	Good
Oil filled radiator	20p	Very poor	Good
Oil filled radiator	8p	Very poor	Excellent

Dates tested: December 2023, August 2023, November 2022. We are not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available.

*Cost per hour is based on using the heater on its highest setting as, following our testing, we think this is the setting you're more likely to use. Calculated using the unit price under the current energy price cap (24.5p/kwH). We're not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available.

Oil filled radiators tested

All the oil filled radiator heaters we've tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

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Challenge 2kW Contemporary Digital Oil Filled Radiator

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Type Oil filled radiator

Size and weight 64 x 39.3 x 28cm (HxWxD); 9.7kg

Maximum power output (kW) 2kW

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Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 7-35°C

Need to know Three power settings, 198cm cable, digital display, remote control, has wheels, programmable timer (24 hours), one lip handle at one end on the top, integrated cable storage

Daewoo Mini Oil Filled Radiator

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Type Oil filled radiator

Size and weight 12.2 x 5.1 x 16.1cm (HxWxD); 3.3kg

Maximum power output (kW) 800W

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Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C

Need to know One power setting, 150cm cable, one handle on top at one end

DeLonghi Dragon 4 Oil Filled Radiator TRDX41025E

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Type Oil filled radiator

Size and weight 22.6 x 26.2 x 6.3cm (HxWxD); 18.8kg

Maximum power output (kW) 2.5kW

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Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 5-28°C

Need to know Four power settings, 130cm cable, digital display, has wheels, programmable timer (24 hours/seven days a week), two lip handles on top at both ends, integrated cable storage

Dimplex 2.0kW Rapid Eco Oil Free Radiator

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Type Oil filled radiator

Size and weight 65 x 57.5 x 17cm (HxWxD); 10.2kg

Maximum power output (kW) 2kW

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Variable thermostat Yes, but you can't set specific temperatures in °C

Need to know Three power settings, 180cm cable, digital display, has wheels, programmable timer (24 hours), integrated cable storage

John Lewis Digital Oil Radiator

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Type Oil filled radiator

Size and weight 31.5 x 64 x 28cm (HxWxD); 8kg

Maximum power output (kW) 1.5kW

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Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 5-35°C

Need to know Three power settings, 170cm cable, digital display, has wheels, programmable timer (24 hours), integrated cable storage, lip handle on the top at one end, remote control

Zanussi ZOFR5005 Portable Oil Filled Radiator

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Type Oil filled radiator

Size and weight 66.5 x 14.3 x 56.3cm (HxWxD); 11.2kg

Maximum power output (kW) 2.3kW

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Variable thermostat Yes, temperature programmable from 5-35°C

Need to know Three power settings, digital display, remote control, wheels, 180cm cable, programmable timer (1-24 hours), one lip handle at one end on the top

See the top 10 best heaters from our tests, and all of our reviews of the best fan heaters, best convector heaters and best halogen heaters.