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.
Related: The best energy-efficient electric heaters for your home
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 shortlist:
Amazon Basics Portable Radiator Heater in White
ANSIO Oil Filled Radiator Heater
Wickes Electric Oil Filled Thermostatic Radiator
Mill 99407 2000W Portable Oil Filled Radiator
Challenge 1kW Oil Filled Radiator
Russell Hobbs RHOFR5001B 1.5kw 7 Fin Oil Filled Radiator Heater in Black
Acova TAG-200-116-S Wall-mounted Oil-filled Convector Heater
Warmlite WL43002YW 5 Fins Compact Oil Filled Radiator
TCP Wall-mounted Smart Wi-fi Digital Oil-filled Electric Radiator in White
The best oil-filled radiators
![Amazon Basics Portable Radiator Heater in White](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/6075/81d9/eaee/8d04/1579/c3f8/Amazon%20Basics%20Portable%20Radiator%20Heater%20in%20White.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Amazon Basics Portable Radiator Heater in White
The best quiet oil-filled radiatorMade 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. Features: Three heat settings, nonslip base, fully enclosed heating elements, thermal cut off and anti-freeze mode. Measurements: 37.5 x 28 x 64 cm (183 cm power cord) Weight: 11kg
![ANSIO Oil Filled Radiator Heater](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/6075/82c2/a7e8/b571/68d4/13ab/ANSIO%20Oil%20Filled%20Radiator%20Heater.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
ANSIO Oil Filled Radiator Heater
The best remote-controlled oil-filled radiatorThis 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. Features: Overheat protection, three heat modes, accidental tip-over protection, stand-by mode and a built-in timer. Measurements: 67.4 x 55.4 x 15.6 cm Weight: 12kg
![Wickes Electric Oil Filled Thermostatic Radiator](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/6075/839c/6447/b926/70b1/cf14/Wickes%20Electric%20Oil%20Filled%20Thermostatic%20Radiator.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Wickes Electric Oil Filled Thermostatic Radiator
The best thermostatic oil-filled radiatorWith 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. Features: Power indicator light, multiple heat settings, 24-hour timer and 360° safety tip over switch. Measurements: 650 x 440 x 250 mm Weight: 10.5kg
![Mill 99407 2000W Portable Oil Filled Radiator](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/6075/8491/80b3/f6ff/135e/8511/Mill%2099407%202000W%20Portable%20Oil%20Filled%20Radiator.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Mill 99407 2000W Portable Oil Filled Radiator
The best small oil-filled radiatorIf 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. Features: LED display screen for thermostat control, advanced day and night settings, heat boost technology, three heat settings and overheat protection. Measurements: 66 x 14.5 x 41.5 cm Weight: 13.1kg
![Challenge 1kW Oil Filled Radiator](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/6075/8596/9961/127a/325e/c714/Challenge%201kW%20Oil%20Filled%20Radiator.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Challenge 1kW Oil Filled Radiator
The best oil-filled radiator for narrow spacesNot 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. Features: Suitable for rooms sized up to 10m2, freestanding, multiple heat settings and safety cut out switch. Measurements: 31 x 2.9 x 25 cm (1.5m cord) Weight: 6.4kg
![Russell Hobbs RHOFR5001B 1.5kw 7 Fin Oil Filled Radiator Heater in Black](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/6075/8692/9961/1265/f65e/c726/Russell%20Hobbs%20RHOFR5001B%201.5kw%207%20Fin%20Oil%20Filled%20Radiator%20Heater%20in%20Black.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Russell Hobbs RHOFR5001B 1.5kw 7 Fin Oil Filled Radiator Heater in Black
The best oil-filled radiator for multiple fin choicesYou 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. Features: 1500 W, sleek design, convection heating and a 2-year guarantee. Measurements: 30 x 24 x 62 cm Weight: 7.75kg
![Acova TAG-200-116-S Wall-mounted Oil-filled Convector Heater](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/6075/87c4/eaee/8d54/0079/c47f/Acova%20TAG-200-116-S%20Wall-mounted%20Oil-filled%20Convector%20Heater.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Acova TAG-200-116-S Wall-mounted Oil-filled Convector Heater
The best wall-mounted oil-filled radiatorIf 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. Features: Electronic parent lock, timer, different heat settings, digital consumption indicator for eco-responsibility and electronic thermostat control. Measurements: 575 x 1154 x 113 mm
![Warmlite WL43002YW 5 Fins Compact Oil Filled Radiator](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/6075/88b0/6447/b969/06b1/cf95/Warmlite%20WL43002YW%205%20Fins%20Compact%20Oil%20Filled%20Radiator.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Warmlite WL43002YW 5 Fins Compact Oil Filled Radiator
The best oil-filled radiator for travellingYou 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. Features: Adjustable thermostat, built-in carry handle, overheat protection system and power indicator light. Measurements: 13 x 23 x 38 cm Weight: 3kg
![TCP Wall-mounted Smart Wi-fi Digital Oil-filled Electric Radiator in White](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/6075/89af/9961/1289/505e/c76f/TCP%20Wall-mounted%20Smart%20Wi-fi%20Digital%20Oil-filled%20Electric%20Radiator%20in%20White.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
TCP Wall-mounted Smart Wi-fi Digital Oil-filled Electric Radiator in White
The best smart oil-filled radiatorWho 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. Features: Electronic thermostat control, multiple heat settings, app controlled, programmable timer, easy to install and low consumption technology. Measurements: 575 x 585 x 120 mm
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.
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Eve Miller is a Storytelling Executive for WhatsTheBest with a love for writing, film, her dog and beauty. She also writes for Yours.co.uk.
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