A portable radiator can make a chilly living room or home office easier to use without changing the whole heating system. Oil-filled radiators come in very different sizes, outputs and control styles, so the best choice depends on the room and how often you will use it.
We have compared six options, from a small 650W model to a 2500W heater. If floor space is tight, see our small-room picks; our buying guide explains the features.
Our top 6 picks
Comparison at a glance
Compare the maximum wattage and controls first, then make sure the complete radiator and its clearance will fit safely in your room.
| Radiator | Best for | Maximum input | Controls and mobility |
|---|---|---|---|
| De’Longhi Radia S TRRS0920E.G | Best for digital controls | 2000W | Digital temperature, power and automatic start/stop time; Wheeled full-size model |
| VonHaus 11-fin 2500W | Best for higher output | 2500W | 1000, 1500 and 2500W settings; 24-hour timer; 11-fin wheeled model |
| Russell Hobbs RHOFR5001B | Best mid-power choice | 1500W | 600, 900 and 1500W settings; thermostat; Seven-fin wheeled model |
| Dreo 9-fin smart radiator | Best for remote controls | 2000W | Remote, digital display and 24-hour timer; Nine-fin wheeled model |
| Midea 9-fin 2000W | Best simple full-size radiator | 2000W | 800, 1200 and 2000W settings; dial thermostat; Nine-fin model with concealed castors |
| Warmlite WL43002YW 5-fin | Best compact alternative | 650W | Adjustable thermostat; Five-fin model with carry handle |
On a phone, swipe across the table. Wattage is electrical input, not a promise that any room will reach a particular temperature.
The best oil-filled radiators
Best for digital controls
1. De’Longhi Radia S TRRS0920E.G
The Radia S makes sense when you want to choose a temperature and set an automatic start or stop rather than keep turning a dial. Its 2000W maximum output offers more headroom than a compact heater, while the wheels help you move it between rooms when cool.
At a glance: 2000W maximum; digital controls; automatic start and stop; wheels.
What to check: The controls cost more complexity than a basic dial. Check its assembled footprint and the current variant before buying.
Choose it if
You want a programmable heater for a room you use at predictable times.
Skip it if
You only need a simple, occasional heat boost.
Best for higher output
2. VonHaus 11-fin 2500W
This is the higher-output choice in our shortlist. You can step down from 2500W to 1500W or 1000W when you do not need its full power, and the timer is useful for planned periods of use. It takes more floor space than the compact picks.
At a glance: 2500W maximum; 11 fins; three power settings; 24-hour timer; castors.
What to check: Higher wattage does not mean cheaper heat. Measure the usable floor space and check the circuit and socket are suitable.
Choose it if
You need a higher-output portable heater and want a timer.
Skip it if
The room is small or floor space is tight.
Best mid-power choice
3. Russell Hobbs RHOFR5001B
The black Russell Hobbs offers a useful middle ground between the mini heaters and the 2000W-plus models. Its three power choices let you use a lower setting when a gentle top-up will do, while castors make it easier to reposition after it cools.
At a glance: 1500W maximum; seven fins; thermostat; castors; carry handle.
What to check: There is no stated scheduling timer. Leave clearance around the fins even though it is relatively narrow.
Choose it if
You want a movable radiator with several power steps.
Skip it if
You need a scheduled start or a compact 500–800W unit.
Best for remote controls
4. Dreo 9-fin smart radiator
The Dreo is for someone who will actually use its extra controls: you can change the settings with a remote and set a timer. That is convenient from across the room, but the radiator still needs a safe position and a direct wall-socket connection.
At a glance: 2000W maximum; nine fins; remote control; digital display; timer.
What to check: Check the exact supplied controls and manual. A timer does not make an unattended heater safe to leave running.
Choose it if
You want remote operation and a display.
Skip it if
A straightforward manual dial will suit you just as well.
Best simple full-size radiator
5. Midea 9-fin 2000W
The Midea keeps the controls familiar: turn the dial to choose a heat setting and adjust the thermostat. It reaches the same stated maximum wattage as the digital 2000W models without a display or remote, which may be preferable for a guest room or occasional use.
At a glance: 2000W maximum; nine fins; three power settings; dial controls.
What to check: Its low and high settings describe electrical input, not a guaranteed room temperature. Check the dimensions with castors fitted.
Choose it if
You prefer simple manual controls at full-size output.
Skip it if
You need a timer or remote.
Best compact alternative
6. Warmlite WL43002YW 5-fin
This small Warmlite is a different kind of buy from the full-size heaters above. Its 650W rating suits a modest heat top-up in a small space, but it is not a substitute for a 2000W model in a larger or poorly insulated room.
At a glance: 650W maximum; five fins; thermostat; carry handle.
What to check: Check its footprint with the supplied feet fitted and keep it clear of furniture. There is no stated timer.
Choose it if
You need a low-output compact heater for a small room.
Skip it if
You need to heat a larger room quickly.
Which one should you choose?
For more control, the De’Longhi and Dreo offer digital settings; choose the Dreo if a remote matters, or the De’Longhi if scheduled start/stop is more useful. The VonHaus has the highest stated output here. The Russell Hobbs is a 1500W middle option, the Midea keeps full-size 2000W heat with simple knobs, and the Warmlite is only for a smaller heat top-up.
How we chose
We checked the exact UK variants and their current availability, product images, stated wattages, controls and mobility, then compared the practical trade-offs. These picks use manufacturer and retailer information, not hands-on testing; we have not measured heat output, noise or electricity use ourselves. Check the manual, assembled dimensions and current offer before buying, because details and stock can change.
Frequently asked questions
Are oil-filled radiators cheaper to run than other electric heaters?
Not simply because they contain oil. Compare their wattage, thermostat behaviour and hours of use. A lower-output heater uses less electricity while drawing power but may provide less heat or need to run longer.
Do I need to refill an oil-filled radiator?
No. The oil is sealed inside for normal use. If the unit leaks or is damaged, stop using it and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can I leave an oil-filled radiator on overnight?
Electrical Safety First advises against leaving portable heaters unattended or running while you sleep. Follow the exact product manual and keep the heater clear of anything combustible.
Can I dry clothes on an oil-filled radiator?
No. Do not drape laundry over the heater. Keep it clear of fabric and other combustible items.
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