Electric radiators - oil-filled v convector..?

Alan_Cross

Can anyone tell me what the relative merits of these two types are? I need to heat a couple of medium-sized rooms in a property I own and need to buy some free standing, plug-in units.

Would be grateful for any thoughts.

penrhyn

Oil filled radiators cost more than convectors to buy.
Both types are near 100% efficient.
All a matter of choice/aesthetics.

Millionaire

I think Oil Filled Radiators don't dry the air or something along those lines. I's sure I have read that somewhere.

DatabaseError

i have an oil filled for my caravan (don't mock! ) as it generates plenty of heat while being a lot safer if kids drop a towel on it etc...

moonrakerz

A 2kW oil filled radiator produces just as much heat as a 2kW convector.
Convectors produce their heat more quickly after switching on but cool down quicker after switching off.
Convectors are much cheaper to buy.

I have a convector in my conservatory, it heats up quickly and when I leave I am not wasting heat stored in the oil in the radiator.

Millionaire

moonrakerz wrote: »

A 2kW oil filled radiator produces just as much heat as a 2kW convector.

Isn't that just power consumption, and nothing to do with heat generated?

Convectors produce their heat more quickly after switching on but cool down quicker after switching off.
Convectors are much cheaper to buy.

Agree with that.

I have a convector in my conservatory, it heats up quickly and when I leave I am not wasting heat stored in the oil in the radiator.

As heat is stored in the Oil it is beneficial and I would not class it as waste because they can maintain room temperature better than Convectors, thus why alot come with thermostats and switch off whilst still giving off heat thus not using electricity.

spud17

If the room is to be used for relatively long periods, I'd go with the oil filled.

cyberbob

The fact that oil filled radiators store the heat means they use less electricity (make sure you get one with a thermostat) so are cheaper to run

CHR15

Another vote for oil filled here.

I've used both and feel much more comfortable in a room heated with an oil filled that a convection heater.

JasX

moonrakerz wrote: »

....when I leave I am not wasting heat stored in the oil in the radiator.

yes but you could turn an oil filled one off sooner and make use of that heat rather than wasting it.... unless you often have urgent unplanned need to leave your conservatory in a hurry :cool:

penrhyn

cyberbob wrote: »

The fact that oil filled radiators store the heat means they use less electricity (make sure you get one with a thermostat) so are cheaper to run

This is incorrect, a 2kw convector and a 2kw oil filled radiator will consume the same amount of power, assuming the thermostats are set to the same temperature.
They will cost exactly the same to run.
Both covert electrical energy to heat energy with near 100% efficiency.
Oil filled radiators take longer to heat up, and consequently longer to cool down.