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Best Oil Filled Radiator UK

If you want to enjoy comfort and convenience during winter, it is important to invest in a high-quality heating system. While some traditional heaters provide a decent level of heating, they are not always energy efficient.

For heaters with excellent performance and energy saving qualities, choose oil filled radiators. These innovative heaters are ideal for any household. If you are interested in purchasing this appliance, here is everything you need to know about the best oil filled radiator UK.

Why Choose Oil Filled Radiators?

Before we look at the best oil filled radiator UK, it is important to understand what these appliances are and how they work. This will allow you to find the ideal model for your home. Traditional oil filled radiators were not as efficient as their modern electric oil heater counterparts.

These new and improved heaters provide economical heat output, so you don’t have to worry about energy costs this winter season. Modern oil filled electric heaters also come with several innovative features that give you full control over your heating system.

Oil filled radiators are designed similarly to convection heaters which are commonly used in domestic properties. These innovative heating units use a unique heating element to warm your space. The heating element in this heater is called thermic oil, which quickly heats so you can enjoy high-quality heating.

As mentioned before, these radiators come with several energy saving features, including better thermostats with precision control, a wider range of controllability with wifi app-enabled connection, and much more.

Oil filled radiators are far more energy efficient than other modern smart radiators, but they provide just as much efficiency and comfort as other modern radiators. With this low-cost radiator, you don't have to worry about running your heating on throughout the day.

To make the most of this heater, you can wall mount your radiator unit. Every oil filled radiator can be wall mounted. Therefore, you can permanently fit these radiators in rooms that regularly use heating systems, such as your living room.

Wall mounting also ensures that your radiator unit does not take up too much space. Despite the fixed position, oil filled radiators are manufactured to distribute heating throughout your home evenly. Whether you wall mount them or leave them in a free-standing position, oil filled radiators are designed to distribute heat evenly throughout any space.

Oil filled radiators also come in various styles to fit every consumer’s needs. If you want portable heater systems, consider small oil filled radiators. These heaters can be easily carried from one room to another, and they do not require a fixed installation.

How Do Oil Filled Radiators Work?

Oil filled radiators are one of the most efficient heaters out there, so you might wonder how these appliances work and what makes them so efficient.

One of the most important components in this radiator is the reservoir of thermal oil. This thermal oil is important as it gives the heater its energy efficient quality. Oil filled heaters operate by using a heating element to warm up the reservoir of thermal oil inside the unit.

The heating element is fully submerged in the oil to make sure that all of the warmth created is transferred to the surrounding oil.

Due to this process, there are some similarities between an oil filled radiator and a central heating system. However, the main distinction is that oil filled radiators use their own internal electrical element to warm up the thermal oil.

On the other hand, central heating systems use an external boiler and interconnected piping system to provide you with warmth. In general, a central heating system is an empty unit until the hot water runs through it; however, an oil filled radiator is a standalone versatile unit that can be placed anywhere.

To understand how the heating element works, it is important to take a closer look at the component. The heating element in an oil filled electric radiator looks like a coil of metal protected wire, and this component is inserted into the base of the radiator model.

When the radiator is supplied with an electrical current, the electrons join together and move through the narrow length of the wire element. This process creates friction and heat as the electrons move along the wire.

When the wire heats the oil, the heat emission is transferred to the radiator section, which then heats up a room through an air convection method. Some oil filled radiators may work differently depending on the manufacturing design; however, the key components, such as the heating liquid and the heating elements, will always remain the same.

The Convection Process

Apart from the electrical heating element, there is another important process that helps your oil filled radiator work efficiently. When the heating element is operating, convection takes place inside the radiator unit.

Convection is a form of heat transfer process that occurs in liquids and gases. This process allows atoms to travel freely from one place to another. In an oil filled radiator, the convection process works with the thermal oil.

As the oil inside the radiator unit is heated, the molecules start to travel in a convection cycle. In this cycle, the now warm oil rises to the top of the radiator unit as it expands. This process pushes cold liquid down towards the electric element, ready to be heated again.

This section of the heater is often cool to the touch as the warm liquid is at the top of the radiator unit. As the warm liquid flows through this continuous cycle, heat energy is conducted to the radiator’s body. Another convection process begins outside the radiator’s unit.

Once this process occurs, the heat emission leaves the walls via thermal conduction and finally into the surrounding through air convection and thermal radiation.

Like other radiators, oil filled units also give out two thirds of their heat energy through convection. This process is how oil filled radiators generate comfortable warmth throughout your home.

To make sure this appliance works as effectively as possible, many radiators have fins to maximise contact with the surrounding air. You can also find a similar design in small oil filled radiators to increase the surface area of the unit.

Larger surface areas allow the heat energy to make contact with the air much quicker, so you can enjoy comfortable warmth in no time.

Misconceptions Regarding Oil Filled Radiators

Due to the use of thermal oil, many consumers have raised concerns over the safety of oil radiators. However, there are several misconceptions about how your radiator uses the reservoir of thermal oil. One of the biggest concerns regarding these heaters is the access to the thermal liquid. Many consumers mistakenly believe that the oil needs to be refilled regularly in order to use the heater; however, this is not true.

Additionally, the radiator is designed as a sealed unit, and the oil reservoir is used solely for the heating element rather than as a fuel alternative. Due to this design, there is very little chance of the thermal oil leaking from the unit. If, on a rare occasion, you need to refill your oil filled radiator, it is crucial that you consult a qualified professional, as there can be serious hazards if the task is done improperly. The reason for this caution is that oil filled radiators need to be filled to a certain level and allows safe operation of the unit. It is important to maintain an air gap at the top of the heater to allow the oil room to expand safely. Therefore it is important to consult a professional who will be aware of these requirements.

Another reason you should never try to refill an oil filled radiator by yourself is that not all manufacturers use the same oil in their radiator unit. Some companies might use a mineral-based oil solution, while others might engineer their own thermal oil; therefore, you must carefully select the type of oil in your radiator unit. However, it is important to remember that an oil filled radiator can keep running efficiently for years, so you don't have to give too much importance to this issue.
As long as you regularly maintain your unit, you won’t experience any problems. However, if such a problem does arise, make sure to consult a professional instead of taking a DIY approach.

How Much Does It Cost To Run An Oil Filled Radiator?

With winter fast approaching and many people working remotely, energy prices are at the forefront of most people’s minds. You're probably wondering about the estimate oil filled radiator running costs.

If you spend most of your time at home, you can expect a high energy bill. However, there are many energy efficient appliances on the market, including oil filled radiators, that can help you save on energy costs.

The actual oil filled radiator running cost depends on the size and type of the unit. Small oil filled radiators tend to use 500W or less power, and larger oil filled radiators can consume as much as 1800W of power.

This is another important factor to consider when purchasing your radiator based on energy efficiency. You must also look at the current energy prices in the UK to understand how much your radiator will cost you.

According to current energy prices, you should expect to spend 34p per kiloWatt on your heating appliance. However, the energy price is set to rise in the upcoming months. With these prices in mind, you can find the potential oil filled running costs.

Simply convert the unit's wattage in kilowatts and multiply this figure by the electricity cost per kWh. To calculate this number, divide the wattage by 1,000 and then multiply the number by the current electricity cost.

Once you have this potential figure, you can plan your energy consumption accordingly. The cost of running an oil filled radiator also depends on several other factors. Some things that affect the running cost include:

The size of the room where the radiator will be used
The type of home and the level of insulation you have
Your electricity provider
How long you use your oil filled radiator

Why Are Oil Filled Radiators More Economical?

Oil filled radiators are an economical option for many households because the thermal oil is great at retaining heat for a long time. This quality makes oil filled radiators far more efficient than any other heating solution on the market. In addition, oil filled radiators also offer several programmable functions that give your better control over your heating. With these features, you can create scheduled heating to avoid wasting any energy.

Programming also allows you to turn off the heating in unused spaces. Furthermore, many oil filled radiators are also portable, which means you only heat up the room you are using. This quality can help you further decrease your energy costs.

How To Choose The Best Oil Filled Radiator UK?

When it comes to choosing the best heater, there are several great options to choose from. However, it can be difficult to determine which option is the most reliable. Before you purchase an oil filled radiator, it is important to consider certain factors, as these will help you narrow down the choice.

Here are some important factors to consider when purchasing an oil filled radiator.

The Size

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing an oil filled radiator is its size. The size and wattage of a radiator depend on the room it will be installed. Other factors that affect the size include the location of the property and the quality of your insulation.

The size of electric radiators is determined by their wattage, which also indicates the maximum power output. If your required wattage is 1000W, you can heat your room using two 500W radiators. However, if you have to choose between a higher or lower wattage, it is best to go higher.

Lower wattage radiators might not work as efficiently if you want to heat up a larger area. Oil filled radiators with a higher wattage might seem like they consume more energy. However, these radiators will actually help you save money in the long run.
Such radiators will quickly provide you with comfortable warmth allowing you to cut back on the operational time. Apart from the wattage, you must also consider the physical size of the electric radiator.

For example, you might require a 1500W radiator for your living; however, it might be better to go with two 750W models to make better use of the space. This will allow the heat to spread more evenly in a larger space.

Also, consider the depth of the radiator. Some rooms might require a slimmer model to about any intrusions, while others might work well with a bulkier option. However, it is important to note that almost all oil filled radiators are designed with a clean, modern look, so even larger models will seamlessly fit in with any property.

The Ceiling Height

Another important factor to consider when choosing an oil filled radiator is your ceiling height. Oil filled radiators heat up a room through conducted and radiated heat. The convection process provides heat by circulating warm air.

This warm air rises up in a room and provides heating from the ceiling downwards. This process highlights that a room with a higher ceiling will take longer to benefit from comfortable warmth through convection. Therefore, you will need more powerful radiators to achieve a comfortable temperature level.

Safety Features

A good oil filled radiator must have several safety features to ensure safe handling and operation. Safety features are also important as they reduce the need for maintenance. Some important safety functions to consider include the following:

Surface Temperature Control

All oil filled radiators must be fitted with a limited surface temperature to prevent burns. This component should also cut off the power to the electric radiator when its surface temperature exceeds a certain limit. The temperature control feature is important as it prevents your radiator unit from overheating. This is an important safety feature to consider if you have young children at home.

Enclosed Elements

Warranty

Always purchase an oil filled radiator with a warranty. In case there is a problem with your oil filled radiator, a warranty acts as a guarantee that the heating unit will be replaced or fixed. The length of the warranty is a good indicator of its quality.

Another thing to note is that many oil filled radiators come with two separate warranties - one for the electronic and one for the body of the unit. Many manufacturers provide separate warranties because the body of the radiator unit tends to last longer than its electrical components. Additionally, separate warranties are convenient for manufacturers to ensure long-lasting customer support.

Safety Compliance

Ensuring that your oil filled radiator operates safely is another important safety factor to consider. Any time you purchase an electrical appliance, it is crucial that you purchase one validated by an appropriate safety accreditation.

You should apply this rule to oil filled radiators as well. Always make sure that any electric radiator you wish to purchase comes with a certification that meets safety codes.

What is The Best Oil Filled Radiator UK?

So, which oil filled radiator is best? When it comes to choosing the best oil filled radiator UK, there are several options to choose from. However, this sheer volume of choices can be overwhelming. If you are looking for high-quality oil filled radiators that ensure energy efficiency, visit Meteor Electrical.

Meteor carries the ATC electrical range of highly efficient oil filled radiators that provide comfort and convenience. ATC oil filled radiators are also designed with customer support, so you can be sure you will have a reliable heating unit.

Here are some of the best oil-filled radiator options Meteor has to offer.

ATC's iLifestyle Heaters are a range of excellent heater options. These are wall mounted oil filled radiators with Wi-Fi. Read more about these types of radiators here.

iLifestyle 500W Oil Filled Radiator

If you are new to oil filled radiators, this 500W iLifestyle unit is a great option. With a low wattage oil filled radiator, you can enjoy comfortable warmth and energy savings. This heating appliance is part of the Lifestyle collection for ATC, which ensures high-quality products that are reliable and efficient.

The 500W radiator's sleek modern design makes it perfect for multiple applications, including households, office spaces, etc. This radiator comes with a high-quality thermic oil with a quick heat up and several features which improve energy efficiency.

iLifestyle 750W Oil Filled Radiator

This 750W oil filled radiator is slightly bigger than the 500W radiator and is perfect in pairs or as a standalone heating unit. The 750W radiator unit has an easy-to-read LCD display that makes setting programs for your heating easy.

With the thermostats, you can clearly see all the settings for better efficiency. This radiator comes with a 3-year warranty, which is CE-approved, which means that the ATC radiator is safe for operation.

iLifestyle 1000W Oil Filled Radiator

If you are looking for a mid-sized oil filled radiator with a high heat output, you should opt for the 1000W oil filled radiator. This radiator comes with all the benefits of the smaller oil filled options but with a much higher heat capacity.

You can install this appliance in large open spaces to distribute heat evenly without creating any cold spots. This heating unit has wifi connectivity for even more control over your radiator.

Another important feature of this appliance is the open window/door technology that automatically shuts off the heating when a window/door is opened. This feature makes it easy to preserve heat energy and, ultimately, energy costs.

iLifestyle 1500W Oil Filled Radiator

For a large oil filled radiator with a high heat capacity, consider this 1500W oil filled radiator. Despite the large wattage, this heating unit helps you save on energy costs through multiple.

Fitted with high-quality thermic oil, you don’t have to waste energy and time trying to heat up your space. The fasting acting oil provides instant warmth, so better comfort and convenience.

This radiator is also fitted with an excellent thermostat that is accurate to 0.2 degrees, so you get the exact level of warmth every time.

iLifestyle 1800W Oil Filled Radiator

The 1800W iLifestyle oil filled radiator is another great choice for large spaces. This radiator has a large energy capacity making it more suited for large spaces. However, even though this radiator takes up more energy, you can still enjoy several energy saving benefits.

As with other iLifestyle radiators, this electric radiator also comes with wifi connectivity, allowing you to access several energy saving features, including open windows and adaptive start functions.

This radiator is also equipped with a large LCD which is easy to read, making programming and managing much quicker. For added benefits, this radiator also comes with a thermic thermostat that is accurate to 0.2 degrees and is silent.

Final Takeaway

If you are looking for a heating system that is reliable and highly efficient, opt for oil filled radiators. These appliances provide excellent heat energy without driving up electricity costs. Browse through the ATC range on Meteor to find the best oil filled radiator UK.