Oil-Filled vs Fan Heaters: Which One Is Better?

Winter has arrived and you need something to keep you warm. But which heater should you buy? Oil-filled heaters vs fan heaters. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. In this guide we’ll show you how they work and which one is best suited for your needs.

Oil-Filled Heater: How Do They Work?

Oil-filled heaters resemble traditional radiators. They have metal posts with oil inside that heats up. When you plug the heater in, an electric component warms the oil. The metal fins then heat up and transfer heat to the room.

The oil doesn’t burn up or need replacing. It just cycles around the heater continuously. That’s why oil-filled radiators are sealed units that can last decades. There’s no need to refill them or clean out the oil.

Oil-filled heaters typically have wheels on the bottom. So, you can easily roll them from room to room. They have built-in thermostats you can use to regulate temperature as well. Some models also include timers and other safety features like tip-over protection.

Fan Heater: How Do They Work?

Fan heaters operate on a different principle. They have either a ceramic plate or metal coil that heats up. A fan then blows air across this hot element. This produces a stream of warm air that heats up the room.

Fan heaters are generally small and lightweight. You can put them on your desk, shelf, or floor. Because of this, they’re ideal for small rooms like bathrooms or offices.

Fan heaters heat up much quicker than oil-filled ones. You’ll notice warmth almost immediately after turning them on. This is good if you need heat in a hurry.

Speed: Oil-filled or Fan Heater?

If you want a heater that heats up quickly, go with a fan heater. They provide instant heat as soon as you turn it on. Within a minute or two you’ll feel right at home. Fan heaters are great when you need heat quickly.

Oil-filled heaters take longer to heat up. The oil has to warm up before it transfers heat to the air. You may have to wait 15-30 minutes to feel heat coming from it. But once an oil-filled heater warms up, it stays warm.

Oil if you don’t mind waiting a bit to warm up.

Energy Efficiency: Oil-filled or Fan Heater?

Oil-filled heaters win this category by a landslide. They are much more efficient at heating your home and saving you money. Since these heaters run slower, they retain their heat.

When you turn off an oil-filled heater, the room will continue to warm from its reservoir of heat. It takes longer for the heat to escape the room once transferred. Therefore, you use less electricity.

Fan heaters are constantly running when they’re on. The fan uses power and so does the heating element. It’s working harder than an oil-filled heater to produce heat. You may pay more money using these heaters all day.

Fan heaters can be efficient if you only use them for short periods of time. If you plan on running your heater all day, buy an oil-filled heater.

Noise: Oil-filled or Fan Heater?

Oil-filled heaters operate almost silently. The only moving part is a small internal fan. You likely will never hear it while it’s on. These are great for bedrooms or office spaces where you need quiet.

Fan heaters obviously have a fan in them. When it’s running, you’ll hear a constant humming or whooshing sound. Some people find this noise distracting. Others find the white noise relaxing and soothing. If noise is a concern, purchase an oil-filled heater. If not, fan heaters are just fine.

Safety: Oil-filled or Fan Heater?

Both heaters are perfectly safe if you use them responsibly. That being said, there are different concerns with each.

Oil-filled heaters get hot on the outside. If you touch it you can burn yourself. Keep them away from children and pets as they contain hot surfaces. On the plus side, these heaters don’t blow hot air out. They won’t dry out your room or spread dust around.

Fan heaters aren’t as hot on the exterior. When you turn them off, they cool down faster. Therefore, there’s less of a risk you’ll burn yourself with this type. However, they do blow hot air out which presents a different problem. Dust and allergens will fly around your room.

Look for both tip-over protection and overheat sensors in either heater. These things will turn the heater off if something is wrong.

Portability: Oil-filled or Fan Heater?

Fan heaters are lighter and more compact. You can move them from room to room with ease. They can sit on your shelf or desk without taking up much space. This makes them ideal for people that live in apartments.

Oil-filled heaters are heavier due to all the oil inside them. However, most models come with built-in wheels and handles. You can easily move them wherever you need to go. They’re bulky compared to fan heaters, but portable enough. If you’ll be moving your heater often, get a fan heater. If it stays in one place, weight shouldn’t be an issue.

Air Quality: Oil-filled or Fan Heater?

Oil-filled heaters don’t blow air around like fan heaters. They simply heat up the air around them without disturbing it. For this reason, they are much better for your air quality and health.

Fan heaters constantly blow air around your room. Dust, pet hair, and allergens will spread around as well. This can aggravate allergies and breathing issues some people have. No one wants to breathe in dust particles. If you have allergies or sinuses that are easily bothered, purchase an oil-filled heater.

Cost: Oil-filled or Fan Heater?

Fan heaters are cheaper than oil-filled ones. You can buy one for under $30 dollars. There are many affordable options if you need something now.

Oil-filled heaters range from $50-$150 depending on the model. These heaters typically last longer than fan heaters. You also save money on your electricity bill. In the long-run they pay for themselves.

Need a heater right now and don’t want to spend much? Go with a fan heater. Looking for something that’ll last you a long time? Pick an oil-filled model.

Oil-Filled Heater vs Fan Heater: Which Should You Buy?

Which heater you buy is completely up to you. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Get a fan heater if you need heat fast, have a small room, want something portable and cheap, or will only use it occasionally.

Buy an oil-filled heater if you want consistent heat, will heat your room for extended periods of time, want something quiet, care about energy efficiency, or have allergies/breathing problems.

Ultimately both types of heaters work great. So, it all comes down to what you value more. Speed or efficiency? Noise or price? Figure out what you need and go with that option. Stay warm this winter with the perfect heater for your needs!

Real world Example: Oil Filled Radiator vs Fan Heater

An oil filled radiator and fan heater were both used in average sized rooms throughout winter by a small office worker household in the UK. The goal was to see which heater they actually preferred day-to-day.

Fan Heater Usage: Bathroom/kitchen for 15–20 minutes to take the chill off in mornings

The fan heater heated up rooms quickly within seconds of turning it on. But the users didn’t like having it on all the time, so it was switched off after 15–20 minutes.

Oil Filled Heater Usage: Used in home office throughout the day

It took a while for the oil filled heater to heat up, but once it did, it distributed heat better. The heater didn’t have to constantly be on to maintain a warm room temperature.

Conclusion drawn after one month of usage:

The fan heater was great for quick heating every once in a while, but caused a significant jump in electricity usage when left on.

Oil filled heater was more comfortable to have on while working all day and had cheaper overall running costs, even though the upfront cost was higher.

Conclusion

Fan heaters are best used when you need quick heat that won’t be on for long. Oil filled heaters are better for rooms you’re in for hours at a time and want quiet, consistent heat without having to turn on/off.

Oil Filled Radiator vs Fan Heater – FAQs

Which is better for bedrooms, oil filled or fan heaters?

Oil heaters are better for bedrooms. Fan heaters can be noisy and blow hot air around you. Oil filled heaters are silent and provide a consistent background heat that’s perfect for rooms where you’ll be relaxing.

Which consumes less electricity oil filled or fan heaters?

Oil filled heaters! Since fan heaters heat up a room quickly they will naturally cycle on/off less which saves you money in the long run. Fan heaters are cheaper to purchase but end up costing you more to run if used throughout the day.

Which one heats up faster – oil heater or fan heater?

Fan heaters heat up quickly. Within seconds of turning on a fan heater you’ll feel hot air blowing. Oil heaters take longer to heat up, but stay hotter once they do.

Are fan heaters OK in small rooms?

Fan heaters are great for bathrooms and office rooms, but shouldn’t be left on their own. As long as they have basic safety features they’re perfectly safe. Features to look for are overheat protection and tip-over cut-off switches.

Do people with allergies have to avoid fan heaters?

Yes, unless you don’t mind allergies being dispersed around the room every few minutes. Fans suck air into them and blow it out hotter. This means dust, pet hair, and allergens are quickly circulated around a room.

Do you have to refill oil heaters?

Oil filled heaters don’t need to be maintained or refilled. The oil inside these heaters never runs out and won’t need replacing.

Which heater is lighter to move around?

Fan heaters are lighter and easier to move around. Oil filled radiators are heavier but nearly all come with wheels. As long as you’re not moving it every few minutes fan heaters will be just as portable.

Which heater is the best value?

Oil filled heaters will save you more money in the long run. They’re cheaper to run and last longer than fan heaters. Fan heaters are only better if you’re only looking to heat a room for a short amount of time.