What's in an oil-free radiator?

John_Gray

An oil-filled radiator contains oil. (Surprise!)

What is the corresponding medium in an oil-free radiator? Googling only gives me adjectives like "unique", "patented" and "eco-friendly", but nothing about what it is actually filled with.

Thanks!

HappyMJ

It's filled with air.

John_Gray

I think your signature embodies my view of your explanation!

spuunge

I have an oil-free radiator and it is just essentially some heating elements at the bottom of traditional looking convector panels studded with holes bottom and top to allow convection. So they really are just filled with air.

John_Gray

If that's the case, then I can't see a good reason why they seem to be as least as expensive as the oil-filled versions, if not more so...

spuunge

I will admit I was quite disappointed....

John_Gray

So how does it differ from the standard convector heater, apart from having ribs like an oil-filled radiator?

daveyjp

If you read the blurb on sites offering eco radiators you will read of gels and plasma and other clever stuff. It is in fact 'snake oil', i.e. Wording designed to confuse and get a premium price tag on the product.