Best oil-filled radiators UK
Oil-filled radiators are the steadiest way to heat one room with electricity: slow to warm up, but quiet and even, and they keep radiating after the thermostat cuts out.
Quick picks
Best overall: De'Longhi Dragon 4. Best value: Russell Hobbs 2kW digital. Fastest warm-up: Dimplex oil-free ECR20. Small rooms: Dimplex Eco Chico 700W.
What they really cost to run
Every electric heater turns electricity into heat at the same efficiency, so running cost is simply wattage × hours × unit rate. At the October–December 2026 price cap of 26.3p/kWh, a 2kW radiator costs about 53p an hour on full power, a 1.5kW one about 39p and a 700W mini radiator about 18p. Once a room is warm the thermostat cycles the element on and off, so the real hourly cost is usually lower. Oil radiators don't use less electricity than fan heaters; they're just more comfortable to live with. See our oil radiator vs fan heater comparison.
De'Longhi Dragon 4 2kW oil-filled radiator
De'Longhi's long-running Dragon design: fins shaped to push warm air up and out faster than a standard radiator, with a thermostat and timer. The premium pick for a living room.
£129
Russell Hobbs 2kW digital oil-filled radiator
Nine fins, digital thermostat and a budget price. The sensible all-rounder for a medium room.
£52.99
Dimplex ECR20TIE oil-free radiator
Oil-free heating element that warms up faster and weighs less than an oil-filled unit, with a digital thermostat and 24/7 timer from a long-established British heating brand.
£98.89
Pro Breeze 11-fin oil-filled radiator
A slim 2.5kW oil radiator with three power settings and a thermostat, good for larger rooms on a budget.
£69.99£64.59–£75.99 since 11 Sep
De'Longhi Radia S oil-filled radiator
De'Longhi's eco-mode radiator with anti-frost setting and thermostat, sized for rooms up to 60m³.
£136.94
Dimplex Eco Chico 700W mini radiator
A small 700W oil-free radiator for a home office or small bedroom. At full power it costs about 18p an hour.
£47.50Prices update hourly from Amazon UK.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an oil-filled radiator cost to run?
At 26.3p/kWh (Oct–Dec 2026 price cap), about 53p an hour for a 2kW radiator on full, 39p for 1.5kW and 18p for 700W. Thermostat cycling usually brings the real figure down once the room is warm.
Are oil-filled radiators cheaper to run than fan heaters?
Not per kWh: all electric heaters are equally efficient. Oil radiators feel more even and keep radiating after they switch off, which can mean less on-time for the same comfort.
Is an oil-free radiator better?
Oil-free models like the Dimplex ECR range warm up faster and are lighter to move. Running cost per hour is the same for the same wattage.
Is it safe to leave an oil-filled radiator on overnight?
Modern units have thermostats and overheat protection, but follow the manufacturer's instructions, keep them clear of bedding and curtains, and never cover them.
What size radiator do I need?
Roughly 1kW for a small bedroom, 1.5kW for a medium room and 2–2.5kW for a living room, more if the room is poorly insulated.
More winter guides
How we choose: we don’t lab-test products. Picks are based on published specifications, wattage and running-cost maths, brand track record and UK availability. Running costs use the Ofgem price cap for October–December 2026 (26.3p/kWh, electricity VAT removed). Prices on the buttons update hourly from Amazon UK. About Winter Ready.
Related: Should I fix my energy deal?