Rating of oil heaters in 2022 for apartments and cottages: TOP 5, pros and cons, principle of operation, selection criteria

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

Working principle of oil heater

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

The oil heater is arranged as follows:

1. The case is a package of steel hollow sections-registers made of sheet steel (rarely aluminum). Regardless of the number of sections used, it forms one space filled with 80-90% mineral oil.
2. Several heaters 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 at the top of the body. It is considered better if the "hot-water bottle" is only at the bottom.
3. The remaining space is filled with an inert gas, that is, there is a slight overpressure inside the oil heater.
4. Additionally, to improve heat removal, 1-2 blowers can be installed.
5. The heater coils are connected to automatic or manual control by a pair of two-position keys. Automation is also responsible for maintaining the heating temperature, shutting down in case of overheating, turning off when the oil heater is overturned on 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 some buyers, they do not pay attention to the rating of heaters. The main thing is that its design should be simple and maintainable.

In modern models of oil-filled electric heaters with a higher popularity rating, an electronic thermostat may be installed instead of a bimetallic one. Such a device is controlled by an ambient temperature sensor.

The most expensive highly rated oil heaters can run around the clock. There are even models with a programmable mode of operation and control over WiFi from a mobile phone. But they rarely get into the rating of the most popular due to the price and problems with connecting to the network.

Why oil was chosen as the coolant

This is a question that always baffles any sales manager for electric heaters. On the one hand, it’s nonsense, because oil is a flammable liquid, so using a device with an oil coolant 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 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 it makes sense.

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

Approximately according to the same principle, the pumpless heating system of private houses works. The only difference is in the coolant. The more it expands when heated, the greater the difference in density between the cold and hot liquid.

This means that the currents inside the hot oil circulate inside the case at a higher speed. Therefore, the heat transfer from the heating coil to the surface is higher than that of heaters of any other type, even with the highest rating of popularity and sales.

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

Pros and cons of oil heaters

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

Another thing is modern devices. Everyone can have flaws that managers are silent about. Sometimes a manufacturing company, for the purpose of advertising and rating, specifically announces that, starting from specific model, an old problem that tormented the owners of oil heaters was eliminated year.

Disadvantages of an oil heater

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

1. The mass of the heater is greater than that of fan heaters, ceramic or infrared heaters.
2. The presence of a certain amount of oil inside the case (up to 2.5 liters), the leakage of which can cause damage to furniture, floors, flooring.
3. Slight overpressure inside the case. To prevent the oil from coming into contact with the oxygen in the air, high-rated models have dry nitrogen pumped in. Gas leakage leads to overheating.
4. Repair of 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 too high a temperature of the heating surface. Usually, in the operating mode, the metal of the heater body heats up to 120-140 ^aboutFROM. This is enough for 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 heats up relatively slowly, even those models that are in the top of all ratings. It takes up to 10 minutes to heat up the oil. Therefore, an oil heater is clearly not suitable for quickly warming up a summer cottage or a 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 case and heavy weight. Despite the fact that manufacturing companies are trying to simplify the process of moving, they are installed on wheel supports, heat-insulated handles are added.

Why is an oil heater good?

In fact, oil heaters for an apartment are used as a substitute for a central water heating battery. You can always put the device near the armchair or next to the sofa, even in the children's room. What can not be said about other heating devices.

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

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

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

The main advantages of "oil cans":

1. Profitability. Thanks to the built-in temperature control system, the heater body has an almost constant surface temperature.
2. Minimum energy loss. In infrared and ceramic heaters, even with a high rating, part of the heat is uselessly dissipated throughout the apartment and removed through ventilation. Convective heat exchange oil heaters form a cloud of warm air that warms a specific place in the apartment.
3. Silent operation, only clicks of a bimetallic thermostat or a barely audible rustle of a blower fan are heard.
4. Easy repair. Restoring the performance 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 in a compact package, similar to how it is done in register water heating batteries. 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. Rarely, but it can happen that a crack forms as a result of careless operation or a fall. In this case, the oil begins to sweat in drops. No splashes or splashes of hot oil coolant.

Cracks are easily repaired by conventional soldering (tinning). If you have the skills, you can even solder yourself. Only a high-quality heater with thick steel walls can be repaired. It makes no sense to waste time on restoring a fake.

Rating of oil heaters for an apartment in 2022

It is difficult to take into account all the nuances of the structures, since many shortcomings are revealed during the operation of the oil heater. Especially if it is a marriage or a defect caused by improper layout of the heating device. But in general, the description of the manufacturer's company is enough for a choice.

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, because problems with household appliances are not specified and analyzed, but are presented in the format “I I think."

Timberk TOR 21/2211SLX

Sixth place ranking. Many reviews of the heater, rating in the reviews at the level of "4 stars", mainly praised for the design, compact size, easy operation, convenient wheels and carrying handles. The weight of the device is 8.5 kg. Price - 4750-4800 rubles.

Country of manufacture - China. Power - 2.2 kW.

Disadvantages of an electric heater:

1. Short electric cord;
2. Thin body metal, mild steel, average quality. In the future, problems due to the appearance of fatigue cracks are possible.
3. Two keys of stepped adjustment and one in the form of a rotary knob. The keys are no different, although, according to the manufacturer's plan, there should be a standby mode of 300 W (one key), intermediate regulation with a slider and maximum heating (2.2 kW).

The 11-section case should dissipate heat quite 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 tipping over to the floor (there is no emergency shutdown system).

Of the advantages, one can note the attractive design of the heater, a simple and understandable control system, which can be dealt with without instructions. Despite the low rating, in general, the model deserves attention as a temporary heater, which can be used in the apartment for some time in severe frosts or with a poorly functioning central heating.

Budget option Resanta OMPT-5N

Fifth place ranking. One of the most affordable models. Price - 2290 rubles. 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 is largely in line with the trends of 2021-2022. In general, the layout and design are clearly borrowed from Italian models.

Main characteristics:

1. Electric 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% longer than most models in the ranking of the best oil heaters.

Advantages:

1. Low price.
2. Light weight and dimensions (can be taken to the country).
3. There is a 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 body turned out to be unstable and can easily topple over with an accidental push.
2. No shutdown on rollover.
3. Only 12 months warranty.
4. Heating surface temperature too high.

Particular attention should be paid to the last point, since a hot oil radiator cannot be placed in a children's room, next to furniture. In addition, high heat leads to increased stress on the welds and causes premature oil degradation.

Resanta OM-12NV

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

Characteristics:

1. Power 2.9 kW, the ability to work in two modes.
2. The number of registers is 12.
3. Dimensions 54x65x15 cm.
4. Weight - 10.32 kg.
5. There is a built-in protection against overheating and shutdown when capsizing.

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 rate 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. Big weight.
2. The electrical power consumption is too high for the wiring of the apartment. 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 case, like all heaters of the Resanta brand, remains hot. Therefore, the heater should be placed away from children, plastic, furniture, carpet, parquet.

Zanussi ZOH/ES-09WN

Third place in the ranking. Electric oil-filled heater brand Zanussi (Electrolux). The design of the heater probably deserves a higher place in the ranking. The device is made in China. Price - 4700 rubles.

Specifications:

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

Heating surface area of ​​one section S=58x24x2=2784 cm², in a bag of 9 pieces - 25056 cm² or 2.5 m². This is more than convectors or wall-mounted flat radiators. Specific heat transfer at the maximum heating mode is 800 W / m². Warmth 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, a shutdown system is provided in case of thermostat overheating. All controls are displayed on the front panel. There are no additional features.

Among the shortcomings can be noted a short cord, limited functionality. If there was a built-in shutdown when falling, then the model could be moved to the top three in the rating. Slider regulators often spark at 3-4 years of operation.

Pros: 24 month warranty. Good build quality.

Hyundai H-HO8-07-UI843

Second place in the ranking. The heater of the South Korean brand "Hyundai" made it to the list due to the optimal power of the heating element. Heating at the level of 1900 W is enough to heat one room of an apartment up to 20 m². Price 4700 rub.

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

Oil heater features:

1. Power 1900 W, one mode of operation. 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 output 904 W/m². Medium heating level, and if the fan is turned on, the surface temperature will easily drop to a safe level of 60 ^aboutFROM.

Among the shortcomings, the heavy weight and high price of the oil heater can be noted. Of the positive qualities - the optimal power of the heater, a relatively "cold" heating surface of the case 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 manufacturer, taking care of 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 with Chinese and South Korean enterprises. From South Korea - metal for the case, heaters and control board, from China - everything else.

Price 2600 rubles.

Characteristics:

1. Electric power 1.5 kW, three modes of operation - 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. Ingress protection class IP20 (minimum).
5. Protection against electric shock - 1st class.
6. Weight - 5.3 kg.
7. Dimensions 32x62x24 cm.

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

Benefits that brought 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 a children's room. Medium, the most economical mode and maximum - providing fast heating of the air in the room.
2. Well-proportioned case, providing maximum stability of the device even on soft carpet.
3. High quality mechanical temperature controller, according to reviews, not a single comment.
4. Rubberized casters do not scratch parquet, laminate or painted floors.
5. The lower location of the heating element provides the best distribution of heat over the heating surface.

By specific heat transfer Hyundai H-HO9-07-UI847 (750W/m²) is 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.

Among the shortcomings can be noted the traditionally short cord. By the combination of thoughtful design, reliability, high quality metal, original design and relatively low price Hyundai H-HO9-07-UI847 definitely takes first place in the ranking of oil heaters.

Criteria for choosing heaters

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

The second position is the price. No one wants to overpay for unnecessary parts and functions.

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

Most information about the ratings of certain models is most often obtained from advertising booklets of manufacturing companies and a description made by an online heating equipment salon.

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

1. TENA 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 can not be heated with one powerful heater. Alternatively, it is better to put 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 for 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. Body design and proportions. An oil heater must be stable, so the lower the appliance, the better. According to statistics, more than half of the heaters fail due to falling or tipping over (someone at home accidentally hooked the cord with their foot).

The oil heater must be equipped with protection against electric shock (Class 1), overheating, and a tip-over power switch when running.

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 methodology for its calculation. 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 to the total area of ​​the heating surface. The lower the indicator, the higher the energy saving factor. Moreover, it does not depend 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 is superheated, and most of the heat "runs away" under the ceiling of the room. Warm, but not superheated air has time to mix with the surrounding cold air masses, so heat is spent more efficiently.

The hottest models, even those with a high popularity rating, can often have the effect of having a thermal 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. From automation there is 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 got into the HB OFR2003 rating due to the fact that it keeps the temperature stable. Dimensions 455x620x135 mm, heating surface area 1.5 m², power at a maximum of 2000 W, in economy mode - 1200 W, in standby mode - 700 W. Specific heat output – 1333 W/m².

The economy 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 watts of heating, but for constant heating in economy mode, steps of 2500/1800/1200 watts are used. The area of ​​the heating surface 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 turbo mode). The oil heater has passed the EU Energy Efficiency Certification, which applies to all electrical appliances manufactured in the European Union.

Grunhelm GR-0708

The third place in the ranking belongs to the Chinese-made mini-heater Grunhelm GR-0708. Power only 800 W, heating surface area 0.78 m², specific heat output 1025 W/m².

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

Hyundai H-HO9-07-UI847

The 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 the novelty of the 2022 season - the WetAir WOH-9VW oil heater.

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

This is slightly worse than the previous model, but the WetAir WOH-9VW delivers the expected results in the economy rating thanks to the 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 the economy (except for the overheating).

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 hot air blowing.

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