Rating of oil heaters - TOP 5 best energy-saving models

Choosing the right heaters for a bedroom or children's room is not so easy. At a minimum, experience with electric heaters will be required.The heating appliance market is oversaturated with new, interesting models. The rating of oil heaters for an apartment will help you choose the best option.

Operating principle of oil heater

Electric heaters from different brands are similar to each other. If there are differences, they are more in the design and minor details. This is because the design of the circulating oil heater was invented a long time ago and has been perfected over the years.

The oil heater is designed as follows:

1. The case is a package of steel hollow sections-registers made of thin sheet steel (rarely aluminum). Regardless of the number of sections used, it forms one space filled with 80-90% mineral oil.
2. Several heating elements are installed inside. Usually these are 2 tubular heaters with a nichrome spiral, non-stick coating. Heating elements can be installed at the bottom or top of the housing. It is considered better if the “hot water bottle” is located only at the bottom.
3. The remaining space is filled with inert gas, that is, there is a slight excess pressure inside the oil heater.
4. Additionally, to improve heat removal, 1-2 blower fans can be installed.
5. The heater coils are connected to automatic or manual control via a pair of two-position keys. Automation is also responsible for maintaining the heating temperature, turning off when overheating, turning off when the oil heater tips over onto the floor of the apartment.

There is nothing else in a conventional electric heater, neither a pump that pumps the coolant, nor a storage tank. The buyer usually chooses, preferring a simple and safe device with a coil immersed in oil and sealed inside a steel case.

According to reviews from some buyers, they do not pay attention to the rating of heaters. The main thing is that its design is simple and repairable.

In modern models of oil electric heaters with a higher popularity rating, an electronic thermostat can be installed instead of a bimetallic one. Such a device operates under the control of an ambient air temperature sensor.

The most expensive and highly rated oil heaters can operate 24 hours a day. There are even models with programmable operating modes and control via WiFi from a mobile phone. But they rarely make it into the ranking of the most popular ones because of the price and problems with connecting to the network.

Why was oil chosen as a coolant?

This is a question that always baffles any electric heater sales manager. On the one hand, it’s nonsense, oil is a flammable liquid, so using a device with coolant oil for an apartment heating system is not a good idea. Any leak will immediately affect not only the rating of the electric heater, but also its safety.

In addition, the coolant oil is noticeably inferior to the same water:

• fire hazard;
• decomposes (thermal destruction) with constant heating;
• low thermal conductivity - several times lower than that of distilled water.

On the other hand, if oil is used, then this makes sense.

The coolant oil does not interact with the metal of the spiral and the heater body, practically does not oxidize, has an order of magnitude greater heat capacity than water, and most importantly, a huge coefficient of thermal expansion. This means that oil will circulate inside the heater without a pump better than if water were used.

A pumpless heating system for private houses operates on approximately the same principle. The only difference is the coolant. The more it expands when heated, the greater the difference in density between the cold and hot liquid.

This means that the flow inside the hot oil circulates inside the housing at a higher speed. Therefore, the heat transfer from the heating coil to the surface is higher than that of any other type of heater, even with the highest popularity and sales ratings.

Oil quality is one of the most important selection factors. The coolant oil gradually degrades under cyclic heating conditions, light fractions evaporate, and the liquid thickens. Therefore, in addition to the heater rating, it is necessary to pay attention to the level of purification and certification of the oil. This will determine how long the electric heater will work.

Pros and cons of oil heaters

The advantages and disadvantages are best determined during the operation of the heater. For many models released 15-20 years ago, there is already a certain pool of reviews that you can read before buying an oil heater.

Modern devices are another matter. Everyone may have flaws that managers are silent about.Sometimes the manufacturing company, for the purpose of advertising and ratings, specifically reports that, starting with a specific model, an old problem that has tormented owners of oil heaters for many years has been eliminated.

Disadvantages of an oil heater

Common disadvantages inherent in oil-fired electric heaters, regardless of rating:

1. The mass of the heating device is greater than that of fan heaters, ceramic or infrared heaters.
2. The presence of a certain amount of oil inside the housing (up to 2.5 liters), the leakage of which can cause damage to furniture, floors, and floor coverings.
3. Slight excess pressure inside the housing. To prevent oil from coming into contact with air oxygen, high-rated models have dry nitrogen pumped inside. Gas leakage leads to overheating.
4. Repairing an oil heater is somewhat more complicated than that of fan heaters and electric fireplaces.
5. Heats the air within a radius of up to a meter, the rest of the space warms up worse.

You can also find reviews about the temperature of the heating surface being too high. Typically, in operating mode, the metal of the heater body heats up to 120-140 ^OC. This is enough to cause a burn if you take a heated rib with your hand and hold it for at least a few seconds. But this rarely happens, and a short touch will not cause any harm, only an unpleasant sensation.

Oil heater It heats up relatively slowly, even those models that are at the top of all ratings. It takes up to 10 minutes to heat up the oil. Therefore, an oil heating pad is clearly not suitable for quickly warming up the premises of a summer house or country cottage.

Most of the top models that top the rating are inconvenient to carry around the apartment due to the specific shape of the body and heavy weight.Despite the fact that manufacturing companies try to simplify the moving process, they install them on wheels and add heat-insulated handles.

What is good about an oil heater?

Essentially, oil heaters for apartments are used as a substitute for a central water heating battery. You can always place the device near a chair or next to the sofa, even in a children's room. The same cannot be said about other heating devices.

If it were possible to make a rating of all electric heaters that enjoy maximum trust from owners, then the oil heater would be in the top. And if this is a modern device equipped with a security system, then perhaps it would top the rating.

The level of confidence in heating devices with an oil circuit is higher than for infrared heaters, electric blankets or fan heaters. Due to the fact that the electric coil is securely covered with metal and a layer of oil. But only if the heater is manufactured by a well-known manufacturing company using certified equipment.

Semi-industrial and homemade oil heaters can pose a threat, even if the design is copied from a highly rated model.

The main advantages of oil cans:

1. Economical. Thanks to the built-in thermal control system, the heater body has an almost constant surface temperature.
2. Minimal energy loss. With infrared and ceramic heaters, even with a high rating, some of the heat is uselessly dissipated throughout the apartment and removed through ventilation. Oil heaters with convective heat exchange form a cloud of warm air, warming a specific place in the apartment.
3. Silent operation, only the clicks of the bimetallic thermostat or the barely audible rustling of the blower fan can be heard.
4. Easy repair. Restoring the functionality of an oil heater is easier than repairing a ceramic heating element.

Another important plus is the shape and design of the heater body. The heating surface is divided into separate flat sections, 120-200 mm wide, assembled into a compact package, similar to how it is done in registered water heating radiators. The result is a compact, tall device that does not take up much space in the apartment.

The most unpleasant thing about oil heaters is the depressurization of the seams. It is rare, but it may happen that a crack forms as a result of careless use or a fall. In this case, the oil begins to ooze out in drops. No splashes or scattering of hot coolant oil.

Cracks can be easily repaired by conventional soldering (tinning). If you have the skills, you can even solder it yourself. Only a high-quality heater with thick steel walls can be repaired. There is no point in wasting time restoring a fake.

Rating of oil heaters for apartments in 2022

It is difficult to take into account all the nuances of designs, since many shortcomings are revealed during the operation of the oil heater. Especially if it is a defect or a defect caused by an incorrect layout of the heating device. But in general, the description of the manufacturer’s company is enough to choose from.

In this case, the rating is compiled only on the basis of the design features of the oil heater, without taking into account possible defects. Ratings on sites that process votes and reviews are practically useless, since problems with household appliances are not specified or analyzed, but are presented in the “I think so” format.

Timberk TOR 21/2211SLX

Sixth place in the ranking. There are many reviews about the heater, the rating in reviews is “4 stars”, mainly praised for its design, compact size, simple controls, convenient wheels and carrying handles. The weight of the device is 8.5 kg. Price – 4750-4800 rub.

Country of manufacture: China. Power – 2.2 kW.

Disadvantages of an electric heater:

1. Short electrical cord;
2. Thin body metal, low carbon steel, average quality. There may be problems in the future due to fatigue cracks.
3. Two step adjustment keys and one in the form of a rotary knob. The keys are no different, although, according to the manufacturer, there should be a standby mode of 300 W (one key), intermediate control with a slider and maximum heating (2.2 kW).

The 11-section body should dissipate heat well, and many users note that the electric heater heats up faster than higher-rated competitors. But in general, the design turned out to be “soft”, so it is advisable to prevent it from tipping over to the floor (there is no emergency shutdown system).

Among the advantages, we can note the nice design of the heater, a simple and intuitive control system, which you can understand without instructions. Despite the low rating, in general the model deserves attention as a temporary heater that can be used in an apartment for some time in severe frosts or when the central heating system is not working well.

Budget option Resanta OMPT-5N

Fifth place in the ranking. One of the most affordable models. Price – 2290 rub. The relative cheapness is explained by the location of assembly points in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The appearance and design of the oil heater largely corresponds to the trends of 2021-2022. In general, the layout and design are clearly borrowed from Italian models.

Main characteristics:

1. Electrical power – 1000 W.
2. Weight – 4.3 kg.
3. Dimensions – 30x65x13 cm.
4. Number of sections – 5 pieces.

Total heating surface – 0.846 m². This is approximately the level of a wall-mounted electric convector. Specific heat transfer – 1180 W/m². The air heating range will be 30-40% greater than most models in the rating of the best oil heaters.

Advantages:

1. Low price.
2. Light weight and dimensions (can be taken to the dacha).
3. There is built-in thermal protection against overheating.

The assembly is carried out by a highly rated company specializing in the industrial production of electrical equipment, welding machines and transformers. Therefore, there is hope that the build quality will be better than that of Chinese competitors.

Flaws:

1. Poor height to width ratio. The case turned out to be unstable and could easily topple if accidentally pushed.
2. No rollover shutdown.
3. The warranty is only 12 months.
4. The heating surface temperature is too high.

You need to pay special attention to the last point, since a hot oil radiator cannot be placed in a children's room, next to furniture. In addition, strong heating leads to increased stress on welds and causes premature degradation of the oil.

Resanta OM-12NV

Fourth place in the ranking. Another heater from the RESANTA company, this time very powerful. According to the passport, the consumed electrical power is 2900 W. Perfect for any apartment. Price 4900 rub.

Characteristics:

1. Power 2.9 kW, ability to operate in two modes.
2. Number of registers – 12.
3. Dimensions 54x65x15 cm.
4. Weight – 10.32 kg.
5. There is built-in protection against overheating and shutdown when tipping over.

To improve heat removal there is a built-in fan. The model differs from the low-power Resanta OMPT-5N for the better. There is protection against overheating. The air heating speed is higher due to the presence of a built-in fan. The proportions of the oil heater body provide the required level of stability.

Flaws:

1. Heavy weight.
2. The electrical power consumption is too high for apartment wiring. The current load will be more than 10 A.
3. Too hot.

Total surface area of ​​all 12 sections 2.34 m², specific heat transfer – 1240 W/m². The body, like all Resanta brand heaters, remains hot. Therefore, the heater should be placed away from children, plastic, furniture, carpet, and parquet.

Zanussi ZOH/ES-09WN

Third place in the ranking. Electric oil-filled heater of the Zanussi (Electrolux) brand. Thanks to its design, the heater probably deserves a higher ranking. The device is manufactured in China. Price – 4700 rub.

Specifications:

1. Thermal power 2 kW.
2. 9 sections, total weight 8.1 kg.
3. Dimensions 405x580x24 cm.
4. The mechanical rotary slider control system allows you to set the heating to 800 W, 1200 W, 2000 W.

Heating surface area of ​​one section S=58x24x2=2784 cm², in a package of 9 pieces – 25056 cm² or 2.5 m². This is more than convectors or wall-mounted flat radiators. Specific heat transfer at maximum heating mode is 800 W/m². The heat should be felt at a distance of at least 1.2 N or 70 cm.

There is protection against electric shock according to class I, and a shutdown system is provided when the thermostat overheats. All controls are located on the front panel. There are no additional features.

Disadvantages include a short cord and limited functionality. If there was a built-in shutdown in case of a fall, then the model could be moved to the top three of the rating. Slider controls often spark after 3-4 years of operation.

Pros: 24 month warranty. Good build quality of the case.

Hyundai H-HO8-07-UI843

Second place in the ranking. The heater of the South Korean brand “Hyundai” was included in the list due to the optimal power of the heating element. Heating at 1900 W is quite enough to heat one room in an apartment with an area of ​​up to 20 m2². Price 4700 rub.

The heater has a high rating due to its good build quality, use of high-grade steel for the body and design.

Oil heater characteristics:

1. Power 1900 W, one operating mode. There is no step adjustment, there is a thermostat and 2 rotary heating temperature controls.
2. Fan blowing of the first sections.
3. Dimensions 33x64x24cm
4. Number of sections – 7.
5. Weight – 7.1 kg.

Heating surface area S=2.15 m², specific heat transfer 904 W/m². The heating level is medium, and if the fan is turned on, the surface temperature will easily drop to a safe level of 60 ^OWITH.

The disadvantages include the heavy weight and high price of the oil heater. Among the positive qualities are the optimal power of the heating element, the relatively “cold” heating surface of the housing and high build quality.

Hyundai H-HO9-07-UI847

First place in the ranking. One of the representatives of a series of low-power oil heaters.This is the case when a manufacturing company, caring about its rating, pays special attention to small details.

The oil heater is positioned as made in China, although in fact the device was produced in cooperation between Chinese and South Korean enterprises. From South Korea - metal for the case, heaters and control board, from China - everything else.

Price 2600 rub.

Characteristics:

1. Electric power 1.5 kW, three operating modes - from standby (400 W), medium (900 W) and maximum (1500 W).
2. Heating surface area 2.01 m², specific heat transfer – 750 W/m².
3. Number of sections – 7 pieces.
4. Dust and moisture protection class IP20 (minimum).
5. Protection against electric shock – class 1.
6. Weight – 5.3 kg.
7. Dimensions 32x62x24 cm.

There is a bimetallic thermostat; heating levels are adjusted manually. No electronics, monitors or programmable timers. There is only overheating protection. There is an “anti-freeze” mode if the oil heater had to be stored not in an apartment, but in an unheated room.

Benefits that earned the most points for the heater rating:

1. Optimal selection of power levels. There is a duty (night) option, it is enough for a bedroom or children's room. Medium, the most economical mode and maximum - providing rapid heating of the air in the room.
2. Successful body proportions ensure maximum stability of the device even on soft carpeting.
3. High quality mechanical temperature controller, according to reviews, not a single comment.
4. Rubberized wheels do not scratch parquet, laminate or painted floors.
5. The lower location of the heating element ensures the best heat distribution over the heating surface.

According to the specific heat transfer Hyundai H-HO9-07-UI847 (750W/m²) – one of the coldest and most economical in the ranking. Minimally dries the air, it can be placed in children's rooms and even in the bedroom.

One of the disadvantages is the traditionally short cord. Based on the combination of thoughtful design, reliability, high quality metal, original design and relatively low price, Hyundai H-HO9-07-UI847 clearly takes first place in the rating of oil heaters.

Criteria for selecting heaters

To compile the list, we use 3 criteria: build quality, price, and level of comfort in use. Exactly in this sequence. Since the quality of materials, assembly and controls is the determining factor.

The second position is price. Nobody wants to overpay for unnecessary parts and functions.

The third criterion is the comfort level of controlling the electric heater. The presence of a convenient control system thought out in detail and details means that the manufacturing company spent a lot of effort and money on developing the oil heater, and not only tried to increase the rating through copying and advertising.

Most information about the ratings of certain models is most often obtained from advertising brochures of manufacturing companies and descriptions made by an online heating equipment dealership.

When choosing a device, it is advisable to pay attention not to the rating compiled by the store, but to the specific design features of the oil heater:

1. Heating element power. A heater of 1900-2000 W is considered optimal for an apartment. This is enough for any room. Hall at 25-27 m² or a large studio apartment cannot be heated with one powerful heater. As an option, it is better to install two or three low-power devices.
2. The best option would be a model with a minimum set of additional functions, control and monitoring systems. The rating of such models is lower, but from practice it is known that the more electronics and automation, the more often the oil heater breaks down. If you need a timer or a fan, it is best to install an additional external device.
3. Case design and proportions. An oil heater must be stable, so the lower the device, the better. According to statistics, more than half of the heaters fail due to falling or tipping over (someone at home accidentally caught the cord with their foot).

An oil heater must have protection against electric shock (class 1), overheating, and an automatic power switch when tipped over while in operation.

Top 5 energy-saving heaters

What is not found in the rating of oil heaters is an assessment of the energy efficiency of the device. It is difficult to assess the energy saving factor; there is no method for calculating it. Moreover, the rating, as a rule, is not directly related to the energy saving indicator.

Most experts recommend using an indicator such as reduced or specific heat transfer. It is equal to the maximum heating power relative to the total area of ​​the heating surface. The lower the indicator, the higher the energy saving factor. Moreover, it does not depend either on the manufacturer or on the rating in the general list.

The explanation is simple - for hot models (more than 1100 W/m²) the air becomes overheated, and most of the heat “escaps” under the ceiling of the room. Warm, but not overheated air has time to mix with the surrounding cold air masses, so heat is consumed more efficiently.

The hottest models, even those with a high popularity rating, can often experience a heat lock effect at maximum power (2.5-2.9 kW). The heater consumes energy, but the apartment is still cold.

HB OFR2003

One of the simplest models, therefore 5th place. Automatic features include protection against freezing, overheating and tipping over. There is a mechanical thermostat, quite accurate, with smooth temperature control, with a bimetallic element (like on an iron).

It was included in the HB OFR2003 rating due to the fact that it maintains a stable temperature. Dimensions 455x620x135 mm, heating surface area 1.5 m², power at maximum 2000 W, in economy mode - 1200 W, in standby mode - 700 W. Specific heat output – 1333 W/m².

The efficiency of the oil cooler is ensured by a large oil reserve, approximately 15% more than that of competitors. Weight – 8.9 kg.

N'OVEEN OH13

The fourth place in the ranking of energy-efficient oil heaters is occupied by the Polish heating device N’OVEEN OH13. In turbo mode, it is capable of delivering a record 3000 W of heating, but for constant heating in economy mode, 2500/1800/1200 W steps are used. The heating surface area is 2.18 m², specific heat output – 1140 W/m².

The design uses a thermostat that blocks overheating of the surface when exiting the economy mode (except for turbo mode). The oil heater has passed EU energy efficiency certification, which all electrical appliances manufactured in the European Union are subject to.

Grunhelm GR-0708

Third place in the ranking remains with the Chinese-made mini-heater Grunhelm GR-0708. Power is only 800 W, heating surface area is 0.78 m², specific heat output 1025 W/m².

At the same time, the shape and small height of the oil heater sections contribute to the mixing of hot flows with the surrounding air.

Hyundai H-HO9-07-UI847

Second place in the ranking of economical oil heaters is occupied by the Hyundai H-HO9-07-UI847 model. Energy efficiency is ensured by the low specific heat output of the heater (750 W/m²).

In addition, at a power of 1500 W, the developer company has provided 2 modes at a reduced heating level.

WetAir WOH-9VW

The first place in the ranking of economical models is occupied by a new product for the 2022 season - the WetAir WOH-9VW oil heater.

Heating power 2000 W. Three-stage regulation is used, so the heater can operate at reduced modes of 800 W and 1200 W. Heating surface area 1.87m², specific heat output at maximum is 1069 W/m².

This is slightly worse than the previous model, but the WetAir WOH-9VW performs as expected in the economy rating thanks to its built-in electronic heat control system.

The manufacturing company recommends operating the heater at a power of 1600-1800 W; a mode of 2000 W is considered turbo heating, and in this situation the electronics do not control efficiency (except for the overheating system).

The rating of oil heaters changes with the advent of new models. The demand for heaters with circulating coolant is only growing, since the convection heating principle is more comfortable than direct radiation or blowing with a hot air stream.

Share your handling of oil heaters - what problems arose, and how economical can such devices be? Save the rating to your bookmarks, perhaps you will need it later.