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Having an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective home heating system is important for every homeowner.
There are many options out there, from the whole-house to room type, and we will focus on comparing two affordable ones: oil radiator heater vs. infrared, both powered by electricity.
Due to their small and compact size, both heating systems are used in room heating.
Let’s have a look at how they work, their advantages, disadvantages, and which one is better.
Oil radiator heaters, also known as oil-filled radiators, use electricity to heat oil stored inside the metallic radiator housing and transfer that heat to the surrounding air. Heated air rises toward the ceiling while lower colder air gets pushed between the radiator walls, resulting in air circulation and distributing warm air throughout the room.
Oil-filled radiators are ideal for heating small and medium-size rooms efficiently and without leaving your home dry. While they use electricity for heating, they utilize oil as a medium to transfer heat efficiently.
Due to excellent heat retention, once the radiator is heated, it stays warm for a long time. Better models include many cool features such as a remote control, digital controls, safety protection, and multiple control options.
Homeowners can enjoy a warm and cozy environment without being disturbed by the annoying sound as found in other heaters.
Infrared heating is similar to heating from the sun - the heat is a product of light. Infrared heaters convert electricity into radiant heat and transfer that heat from the heater to the objects and people directly. You feel warm because the light that hits your skin and clothes keeps you warm without heating the air in between.
As opposed to oil-filled radiators, infrared heaters can be used indoors and outdoors no matter the weather (cold, wind…). While they heat objects exposed to their heating tubes, infrared heaters can provide immediate heating without heating surround air. This is why they are recommended for cold areas such as garages, patios, and such.
As they heat in one direction, they are ideal at heating one person only or spot heating.
While they glow in the dark and produce high temperatures, they should not be used overnight and when away.
Type | Oil-filled radiators | Infrared heaters |
Heating recovery | Slow | Fast |
Efficiency | Efficient | Less efficient (only in front of the unit) |
Even heat distribution | Yes | No |
Large space heating | Yes | No |
Heating capacity | High | Low |
Heating modes | Yes | Yes |
Digital display | Yes | Yes |
Remote | Yes | Yes |
Plug-and-play | Yes | Yes |
Use | Indoors | Indoors and outdoors |
Mount | Floor standing | Wall and ceiling |
Comfort | Better | Good |
Maintenance | Low | Low |
Safety | Safe to touch | Not safe to touch |
Size | Large | Small to large |
Weight | Heavy | Lightweight to heavy |
So which one is better; oil radiator heater or infrared?
As you could see, there are many advantages of either type, and the best heating device will be the one that works best for your unique situation.
Buy an oil radiator heater if you want to heat the whole room evenly and with greater comfort, or buy an infrared heater if you need quick heating either indoors or outdoors.