Know the difference: Electric room heater vs Oil filled heaters

As temperatures drop across India, it is not only a tradition to pull out the woollen clothes but also to debate the best room heater. Whether it’s a biting cold in the North or mild chill in the South, it is only normal to find the task of choosing between an electric room heater and an oil-filled heater difficult.

While both deliver warmth, they differ in terms of how they work, space needed, budget, and comfort. In the electric room heater vs oil filled heater debate, here are the differences you need to know.

Electric room heater

Electric room heaters, such as fan heaters and halogen heaters, are the most widely used in Indian households. Their biggest USP is their ability to heat up instantly. They work by converting electrical energy directly into heat using coils or quartz/halogen tubes. Fan-based heaters blow this hot air across the room to warm the room quickly.

Pros:
– Instant heat: They can heat the room within seconds.
– Budget-friendly: They are available starting from around Rs 1,000.
– Lightweight and portable: They are lightweight and can be moved from one room to another.
– Compact: Their compact design means they can be used in small spaces such as study rooms, bedrooms, or office cabins.

Cons:
– Safety: The exposed heating elements can be unsafe for infants or pets, leading to burn risk.
– High power consumption: Electric room heaters, such as fan heaters, can shoot up electricity bills when used for long hours.
– Uneven heating: The heating isn’t efficient, with hot zones forming near the heater and colder areas farther away.

Oil Filled Heaters

Oil-filled heaters are gaining popularity in Indian homes as they provide gentle, uniform warmth without drying the air. They rely on diathermic oil inside their metal fins, with the heating element warming the oil, which then circulates internally to radiate heat outward.

Pros:
– Consistent heating: OFHs deliver consistent warmth that feels more comfortable and closer to natural heating.
– Energy-efficient: They retain heat even after switching off, which is great for energy efficiency.
– No dryness: Since they don’t dry out the air, it is better for kids and elderly people.
– Safe heating: They don’t have any exposed coils or glowing elements.
– Silent operation: Their silent operation makes them ideal for bedrooms and baby rooms.

Cons:
– Speed: Oil-filled heaters are slow and can take 20-30 minutes to warm up a room.
– Expensive: Compared to electric room heaters, they are expensive and top-rated models can cost north of Rs 10,000.
– Heavy: They aren’t as portable as electric heaters.

Electric room heater vs oil-filled heaters: Which one should you buy

An electric room heater is ideal for individuals or small families living in small or mid-sized apartments and seeking quick heating. An oil-filled heater, on the other hand, is ideal for families with babies, elderly members, or those with sensitivity to dry heat.

ALSO READ: Best room heaters to buy in 2025

If you need fast and affordable heating, choose an electric room heater. However, if you value comfort, safety, and warmth for long hours, an oil-filled heater would be a better option. If pricing isn’t a constraint, choose oil-filled heaters for long-term comfort and a reliable heating experience.