As the temperature drops in the Northern parts of India, families have started searching for a room heater which could fit into their rooms/houses and could be a good choice too. Two major types of heaters are dominating the market: oil-filled heaters and normal room heaters. While both of the heating machines will provide warmth, they differ a great deal when it comes to safety, style of heating, energy usage, comfort and long-term costs. Here is a complete guide to help you choose the right one for your home this winter. Let us start with the basics-
What is an oil-filled room heater?
The oil-filled heaters have the thermal oil within their metal fins, which heats up when in use. It uses an electric element inside it and thus warms the fin slowly and consistently.
These heaters do not burn oil. The same oil keeps circulating for years; hence, it is safe and secure. This heater is best fit for:
- Bedrooms
- Children’s rooms
- The elderly
- Closed spaces
- Long-duration heating (4–8 hours)
- A little higher on the price side
What is a normal room height?
By a normal heater, most people think of fan heaters, coil heaters or quartz heaters. These heaters work by direct heating – the element goes red-hot, and a fan or reflector pushes hot air forward. These heaters are best for:
- Quick and instant heating
- Suitable for a small room size
- Short-term heating is provided instantly
- This comes at a cost-friendly price.
Oil heater versus normal heater: Key differences
1. Heating comfort
An oil heater provides natural, uniform warmth like sunlight. No dryness, no smell of burning.
A normal heater provides sharp, direct heat, which could feel harsh and uncomfortable after a while or after long usage.
Which one is better: Oil heater
2. Safety
Oil heaters are much safer, with no exposed coils, no burning smell, and no risk of fire. It is kid- and pet-friendly.
A normal heater has an exposed coil, which has to be taken care of, or else it might cause burns, short circuits or fire hazards indoors if used for a longer run.
Which one is better: Oil heater
3. Air Quality: Very important for winters
Oil heaters usually do not burn oxygen; hence, they keep the moisture intact.
A normal heater burns oxygen, creates dryness and may cause coughing or a sore throat.
Winner: Oil heater
4. Electricity consumption
- An oil heater consumes more electricity but is efficient for a longer duration – it keeps the room heated.
- Normal heaters are designed to operate for a short period. But when it warms up the space, it could be switched off and could save electricity. And it could be switched on again if you need heating.
The winner for short-term use is normal and commonly used heaters, and the winner for long-term usage is oil-based heaters.
5. Heating speed
Oil heaters are slower to heat, and they take up to 10–15 minutes.
Normal heaters give us instant heating within seconds.
Winner: Normal heater
6. Price
- Oil heaters usually cost around Rs 6,000 to Rs 12,000
- Normal heater cost from Rs 800 to Rs 3,000
The winner is a normal heater.
Which one should you be buying?
Buy an oil-filled heater if you want:
- Safe heating for kids or the elderly
- No dryness or allergies
- All-night heating
- Better comfort and long-term value
Buy a normal heater if you want to:
- Fast heating
- Low budget option
- Short-time usage, Portable, lightweight device
Hence, if you need safe, healthy and long-duration heating, the Oil-filled heater is the better choice. If you want instant heat on a small budget, a normal heater works well.
