Which heater is better – oil or convector?

During the cold months, selecting the right heater can make all the difference in keeping your home warm and comfortable. Convector heaters and oil heaters are two common choices. The choice between each type depends on your unique needs and preferences, as each has a unique set of benefits and drawbacks.

Oil heaters, sometimes referred to as oil-filled radiators, generate heat by heating oil inside the device and then radiating that heat out into the space. These heaters have a reputation for being effective and stable temperature maintainers. Because of the heat that the oil retains, they are silent and still produce heat after being turned off. They are therefore an excellent choice for living rooms or bedrooms where a steady, silent heat source is desired.

Convector heaters, on the other hand, work by heating the air and moving it around the space. These heaters have a rapid heat-up time and can quickly warm an area. They are easy to move between rooms because they are typically lighter and more portable than oil heaters. But as soon as you turn them off, they have a tendency to cool down, so that might not be the best option if you need long-lasting warmth.

It’s important to weigh energy efficiency, noise level, portability, and how quickly you need the space heated when choosing between an oil heater and a convector heater. By being aware of these variations, you can select the ideal heater for your house and make sure you have a warm and cozy winter.

Criteria	Oil Heater	Convector Heater
Heating Speed	Slower, but retains heat longer	Faster, but loses heat quickly
Energy Efficiency	Moderate, uses oil to retain heat	High, converts electricity directly
Noise Level	Quiet	Mostly quiet, but can have slight fan noise
Safety	Can be hot to touch, risk of oil leaks	Cooler to touch, usually safer
Best Use	Long-term heating	Quick heat in short bursts

Structure and principle of operation

There are key distinctions between an oil heater, also known as an electric convector, and an oil heater (also known as an "oil heater") in terms of their structural makeup and how heat is transferred to the surrounding area.

Convector

Convectors can be electric, gas, or water based. Both their operating principle and structure are unique. We will only look at electrical appliances because gas and water heating systems are not as common.

Organization. It is evident from the device’s name alone—"convector"—that its purpose is to move heat from the heating element to cold air masses, which circulate to warm the space.

The flat shape of the case with the grilles in the lower part for the flow of cold air and the cracks at the top for the heated air’s output best fits this principle of heat transfer. This creates what is known as a "aerodynamic pipe," which creates strong air flows without the need for a fan. Blinds regulate the direction in which heated air moves in certain models. The front side, the upper edge of the body, or both there and there are possible locations for exit slots.

A thermostat, control unit, ambient temperature sensor, emergency shutdown sensor (which activates when the case overheats), heating element, and thermostat are all located inside the case. Below is a schematic diagram of the structure.

Circuit convector. 1. a plastic or metal case; two ventilation grilles for the intake of cold air; three exhaust slots for heated air; and four heating elements; 5 — the control module; 6 — thermostat; 7- a temperature sensor that regulates the room’s heating; Temperature sensor in the case for an emergency shutdown in the event of an overheat.

The heating element is located in the case’s lower section. There is only one subspecies and three types possible:

• “Stitch” or needle heating element;
• tubular;
• monolithic, which in turn can be solid or with slots.

The type of heating element determines the device’s service life, resistance to moisture, quiet operation, and heating rate. As a result, we will focus a bit more on the heating components.

Heating element for needles. The unusual configuration of the nickel-chromium alloy filament, which stitches through the dielectric plate numerous times and leaves numerous "loops" (corners) on both sides of the base, gave rise to the heating element’s name "Stitch" (which means "to sew," "quilt" in English). In fact, the arrangement closely resembles sewing.

These components have benefits and drawbacks.

• instant heating up to +250 o C;
• cools down in a few seconds;
• silent operation.

• quickly burn out due to contact with oxygen;
• They are afraid of direct contact with water – putting in the bathroom is not recommended;
• there is a risk of dust ignition;
• If foreign objects get inside the housing, a short circuit may occur.

Cylindrical. given a high-strength steel flask that is filled with ceramic or quartz sand with fine grains. Heat is transferred to the mineral filler by passing a nichrome wire through the backfill. An aluminum ribbed strip with a high heat conductivity is fastened to the flask to improve heat transfer. Even though the heat exchanger’s shape may vary, this has no bearing on how well the device works.

It has several benefits and drawbacks when compared to needle heating elements.

• lasts 1.5-2 times longer due to lack of contact with oxygen, dust and water;
• can be used in wet rooms – has a protection class of IP24.

• takes longer to warm up – it takes a few minutes;
• crackles during thermal expansion.

Unchanging. It is an entire aluminum corps with X-shaped ribs that carry out the heat exchanger’s functions. A silicon sausage with a nickel-chromium spiral that is packed with quartz is inserted into the corps.

The disadvantages of needle and tubular heating elements are eliminated by this structure.

The working principle. A basic physical law that is taught in grades 7-8 underpins the operation of converter heaters: warm air rises and makes way for cold air masses. The heating element heats up to a temperature of +200–+400 o C after the device is turned on.

When the adjacent air comes into contact with the heat exchangers, some of the heat is removed and the air heats up. It starts to rise upward inside the body based on the laws of physics. The ventilation grille allows cold air to enter in its place from below (see diagram below).

It emerges from the body’s fractures in the upper region and rises to the ceiling, pushing aside cooler masses in its path. Consequently, strong air currents start to circle after a few minutes.

Kinds. Convectors can be, based on where they are:

• floor – one of the best placement options;

• wall-mounted – they take up little space, but the operating efficiency is low: the ceiling space is heated, and at floor level the temperature is lower by about 10 ° C (the flow does not capture cold air at all or is not intense enough at the bottom of the apartment);

• hidden in the floor – the most effective: do not take up space, warm up the lower part of the apartment as much as possible. Popular in the USA. In Russia they are classified as exotic species. Can be electric or water. Less often – gas.

Oil cooler

Older people have grown up knowing a lot about oil radiators. There were simple, flat heaters in almost every apartment that could catch fire. They used a plug in the socket to turn on in a prehistoric manner. Placed and it functions. Removed it and ceased. These days, these are intricate electrical gadgets that are loaded with electronics.

Organization. The same design is used in the production of "oil tanks" nowadays. The steel body, which is put together from multiple sections, has two collectors: an upper one for oil flow (the heated liquid rises to make room for colder liquid) and a lower one for the heating element.

The device is mounted on a 4-wheel trolley for easy mobility. Moreover, it has a handle at the top for portability from room to room. A power cord, an operating mode switch, a thermostat, and an LED or regular indicator light are located on the side of the case. The diagram below shows an approximate layout.

Oil tank schematic diagram. 1. a multi-section metal case; 2. a lower manifold equipped with a heating element; 3. a cart, which isn’t available for every model; 4-a carrying handle that is accessible from either side; 5- a power cable with a plug to link to a network; 8: Thermostat; 7: Operating Mode Switch; 8: Control Light.

The most recent models have a control unit with a display in place of positions 7 and 8.

Transformer oil serves as the coolant’s performer. There are several reasons behind his decision.

• A higher boiling point, or more precisely, a flash point (130-150°C), compared to the same water, eliminates the possibility of spontaneous combustion, i.e.To. the device is not able to heat up more than 120 o C. Consequently, explosion of sections due to excess pressure inside the housing is excluded.
• Oil accumulates heat better and releases heat longer, which is important when the device is turned off.
• The development of any types of corrosion processes inside the sections is excluded.
• In severe frost, the oil does not turn into a solid phase, but simply thickens – there is no risk of rupture of the housing by ice.

Because the heating element is tubular and has a cone-shaped thread, it can be screwed in without a gasket, which would be the device’s weak point.

The working principle. "Maslyanik" uses both convection heating and infrared radiation simultaneously, operating on the same principle as a quartz heating panel. The following algorithm roughly determines the room’s temperature:

• after switching on, the heating element warms up;
• the oil in the lower manifold is heated together with the heating element;
• heated oil rises upward, heating the body from bottom to top;

• the body transfers its heat to the air, which, when heated, rises to the ceiling, launching convection currents;

• having warmed up to a high temperature, sections of the body begin to emit thermal waves, which give up their energy (heat) to any obstacle in the path of propagation;
• furniture and objects, heated by infrared rays, in turn heat everything around them.

Kinds: There are three variations of oil radiators available:

• floor – the most common option;

• wall-mounted – buy when there is not enough floor space. This option has the same disadvantages as a wall-mounted convector;

• tabletop – compact heating devices. Difficult to find on sale.

Advantages and disadvantages

Both the electric convector and the oil radiator have advantages and disadvantages.

Convector

The benefits and drawbacks of a convector may affect the decision to use it.

• quick heating of the room, which is important for a summer house in winter;
• complete fire safety – the spirals are securely hidden in the housings of the heating elements or cool instantly (needle-shaped);
• safe during operation – the body heats up to a maximum of +60 o C. It"s impossible to get burned. Therefore, it can be installed in children’s rooms if there are preschool children;
• the ability to create a modular heating system;
• economical operating mode due to the fact that temperature control sensors do not fall into the heating zone;
• are not afraid of direct contact with water and high humidity – can be installed in bathrooms (except for needle type);
• compactness – takes up little space, especially when hanging on the wall;
• fits better into the interior design.

• a heater with a ceiling height of more than 3 m is practically useless due to the formation of a stagnant zone with a high temperature in the ceiling space, t.e. The ceiling is actively heated, not the room. The reason is simple: convection currents do not have enough kinetic energy to involve all air masses in circulation. The same applies to large premises;
• dries the air;
• actively raises dust – you will have to spend a little more time cleaning;
• creates unpleasant drafts at floor level;
• rapid temperature drop when switched off;
• when mounted on a wall, there is a large temperature difference between the floor and ceiling – up to 10 o C, which contradicts the recommendations to keep your head cold and your feet warm.

Oil heater

The benefits of this kind of gadget account for its widespread use.

• simple design;
• large heat transfer surface area due to the ribbed housing;
• affordable price (if there are no bells and whistles, some of which are needed just because) – you can always choose a device that suits your financial capabilities;
• long period of operation;
• silent operation, unless there is a built-in fan – the case does not crackle when heating and cooling;
• the housing and oil accumulate a large amount of heat, which allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room for a long time after turning off the device;
• mobility – despite the weight, it is quite easy to move from room to room (many devices are equipped with wheels);
• easy to connect;
• you can choose models with many additional functions, including an air humidifier;
• There are designs that can be installed on the floor and wall;
• The combined heating principle avoids strong air currents caused by convection heat transfer method. No drafts – little dust in the air;
• there are no odors when turning on and working;
• high level of reliability – the device can work continuously for days.

• higher level of electricity consumption per hour compared to other heating devices (due to high power);
• It takes a long time to warm up itself, and, therefore, heats the room. But this is the other side of the coin: then it gives off heat for a long time, and this is a definite plus;
• dries the air – some manufacturers solved the problem by using a humidifier built into the heater;
• The temperature sensor built into the body does not work quite correctly – the readings are affected by the heater itself. But this does not affect the efficiency of the device. It’s just that during the first hours of operation of the “oiler” it will turn off a little earlier than necessary. “Tricky” programming of the climate control will help. First, the temperature is set higher than necessary, and then lowered by a couple of degrees;
• the significant dimensions of the “butter pan” eat up the usable area of ​​the room;
• despite the varied design, the devices hardly fit into the interior;
• overheating of the housing can cause a fire, which has already been observed several times – the oil that broke out ignited;
• the scourge of the device is microcracks in welding. Cannot be repaired. The device is quickly taken out of service. Causes fire. Can form in any model, regardless of brand. True, for some manufacturers they appear extremely rarely, for others a little more often. It’s impossible to talk about the widespread nature of the problem, but sometimes you should look to see if streaks have appeared. The smell of evaporating oil also indicates a malfunction.

We disagree with several of the negative traits.

• Low efficiency due to the fact that part of the heat is spent on heating the housing and oil. This does not take into account the fact that the heat does not go outside the room, but remains in it – after turning off, the heater cools down and heats the environment for a long time. There are no losses, which means it is incorrect to talk about low efficiency.
• High (25%) energy consumption compared to other types and types of heaters. Again, the fact that the efficiency of using electricity for all heating elements is the same is not taken into account – 97-98%. Here we can only say that due to high power, losses in indoor wiring increase. But they can"t be as big as they say. Maximum – 3-4%.
• Uneven heating. Firstly, this disadvantage is inherent in all convection and combined appliances. Secondly, infrared radiation is not taken into account, which makes it possible to heat the room more evenly compared to a central heating battery. Thirdly, nothing prevents you from installing the device in the middle of the room during operation, guaranteeing the same temperature around the perimeter of the room.

The aforementioned benefits and drawbacks enable us to make the initial determination of which is preferable: an oil radiator or a convector. Such knowledge, though, is insufficient to make a well-informed decision. Consequently, we are going to perform a comparative analysis.

Comparison of characteristics

You should evaluate the heater’s functional and technical aspects in comparison to other products before making a purchase. In this instance, the following standards will be used to compare the oil tank and the convector:

• cost is the most important indicator. The incomes of most Russians are such that they first of all pay attention to the difference in price;
• durability is an important indicator, but often ignored due to the low cost of the device you like. After all, a heater is needed here and now, and there is no money for an expensive but durable purchase;
• coefficient of performance (efficiency) – according to an established tradition, consumers are always looking for information on how efficiently heating devices use electricity. Nobody wants to overpay for its consumption. Manufacturers also support this interest, describing how economically their product works;
• room heating rate. The criterion for a residential building and apartment is of little significance: it has basic heating. But for a dacha or garage – the most important;
• ease of use. When buying any electrical appliance, you always want one thing: plug it in and forget about its existence;
• design – there is only one desire: for the newly acquired item to fit well into the interior. Therefore, consumers sometimes spend a long time selecting a heater based on design, ignoring other characteristics or relegating them to the background;
• safety. No less important indicator. Particular attention should be paid to it with small children in the family;
• availability of additional functions. Little attention is paid to this criterion, but in vain.

Which is cheaper?

The oil pan and convector have a very wide price range. An oil radiator with a 0.5 kW power output, for instance, costs 1,699 rubles. Adjacent to it is a three-fold increase in power at nearly the same cost of 1990 rubles. Convectors are subject to the same circumstances. However, oil pans are typically between thirty and forty percent less expensive.

In conclusion, a convector will cost a lot of money.

What will last longer

The warranty period is the best indicator of actual service life. They are, after all, usually two to three times shorter than the real operating time. Let’s contrast:

• oil battery – warranty period 1-2 years, actual service life from 5 to 7 years. True, there are also long-livers: with several replacements, the heating element lasts more than 15 years and does not go to landfill;
• convector – warranty period 5-10 years, actual service life 15-20 years.

In summary, the convector outperforms all other appliances in terms of durability because there is nothing to break and a burned-out heating element can be easily replaced.

What is more effective

Sellers and experts have a misconception that the convector is cost-effective. The amount of electricity it uses is about 25% less. If you study physics textbooks carefully in school, you will discover—as scientific publications have confirmed—that the electricity consumption efficiency for all heating elements is between 98 and 99% (losses are attributed to the resistance of intra-apartment wiring). This also applies to our gadgets.

To be fair, we should point out that the myth did not appear out of thin air: extended heating of the oil and housing was regarded as an electrical loss. However, they neglected to consider the fact that, in contrast to the convector, which cools down nearly instantly, the accumulated heat is released after a long period of inactivity.

However, some factors are completely ignored when evaluating effectiveness. One of them has to do with where the heater is installed; the higher it is, the lower the output; the ceiling gets heated. And since the majority of convector models are wall-mounted, this also directly relates to them. The second has to do with the room’s height. If the ceiling is higher than 3 meters, the oil pan will heat in standard mode; the convector provides almost no benefit because convection currents cannot capture the well-heated "dead zone" that forms at the top.

In conclusion, oil heaters continue to be more effective.

Which heats up faster?

The moment the convector is turned on, it starts to release heat into the room’s air masses. As a result, the room warms up quicker. The integrated fan heater and oil cooler are ineffective. Due to prolonged heating, the warming up process accelerates significantly but still lags behind its competitor in terms of time.

In conclusion, the convector is the best based on the analysis of the indicator.

Which is more convenient to use?

Connect the oiler to the power source, set it up, and enjoy if you have electronics. There is a small convector error. Two issues are present:

• The rise of a huge amount of dust into the air, which loves to settle in hard -to -reach places – you have to wipe the shelves, chandeliers, lamps, etc.D.;
• Cracking the tubular heating element. This quickly gets used to it, but still unpleasant.

Due to insufficient airflow, the oil device does not experience any dust issues.

In conclusion, there are no issues in the process caused by the oil battery. She is in a better position.

Design

"There is no comrade to the taste and color of the comrade," as is accurately noted. As a result, since everyone has different tastes and preferences, we won’t assess the designs of the compared devices. Go back and read the customer reviews posted in various forums, where an intriguing scenario has emerged.

Separate oil heaters are generally thought to have a visual advantage over convectors. But the handsome guy is a foreign body, so it’s hard or impossible to fit him into the room’s design.

In summary, it is challenging to determine which type of radiator—an oil radiator or a convection heater—has a superior design. Even so, the flat convector has a small advantage because, in the apartment, especially when mounted on the wall, it has a more unified appearance.

Safety

Nearly the same amount of security features are "stuffed" into each device. This is a tenuous but equal situation. But there are a couple of buts.

1. When oil reaches a certain temperature, it does not boil, but ignites, even in hermetically sealed containers. The result is an explosion and fire. Therefore, it is extremely important not to dry any items directly on the oil device, preventing overheating of the sections. For such purposes, there are various shelves that are hung on the battery case.
2. The convector body temperature does not exceed +60 o C. The situation is approximately the same with competitor models with a protective casing. If it is not there, then the risk of getting burned tends to 100% – the body sometimes heats up to +100 o C;
3. Convectors with tubular and solid heating elements can be installed in the bathroom without fear. No oil instruments. The reason is the risk of microcracks forming on the body when water gets in. The welding seam is especially dangerous.
4. A working oil pan should not be left unattended for long periods of time. The leaking oil from the formed microcracks burns beautifully, as more than a dozen families have been convinced of.

Conclusion: The convector has a sizable advantage despite having nearly identical safety systems.

Additional functions

There are extra features available in both heaters:

• electronic control;
• different operating modes;
• built-in ionizer;
• humidifier.

Everything is well. However, the "oiler" has a feature that the convector does not: it allows clothing and shoes to dry quickly. Similar attachments are also found on the convector, but because of the lower body temperature, it dries much more slowly.

In conclusion, an oil radiator is the best option when you need to dry things quickly.

Summary comparison table

The analysis presented above is condensed into a table for clarity.

Table 1 lists the numerical differences between an oil radiator and a converter heater.

Characteristics	Convector	Oil heater
Price	4	5
Life time	5	3
Efficiency	4.5	5
Room heating speed	5	4
Ease of use	4.5	5
Design	4.5	3.5
Safety	5	4
Additional functions	4.5	5
average rating	4.63	4.31

While it’s not entirely objective, the provided table helps you provide a hint when answering the question of whether it’s better to choose an oil heater or a convector heater. Of course, everyone has different tastes. However, there are instances where the decision is clear-cut.

Depending on your unique requirements and preferences, you can choose between an oil heater and a convector heater. Oil heaters are perfect for extended use in colder climates because of their efficiency and capacity to continue producing consistent, long-lasting heat even after being turned off. Conversely, convector heaters provide a quicker but less consistent heating solution by forcing air through their heating elements to swiftly warm a space. To determine which option best meets your home heating needs, take into account factors such as energy efficiency, heat retention, heating speed, and your typical usage patterns.

What is better to choose and in what case

While an oil pan is more appropriate for an office, a convector has clear advantages. If you require uniform heating or have a tight budget, you also buy it. Extra dust is not welcome in the garage, so you also can’t live without it there. If extra heating is required while the main heating is running nonstop, the device also works well with the heating system of a home or apartment.

In other situations, a convector is better, particularly in a country home where the room needs to warm up quickly. Advice is not always the final word; ultimately, it is up to the consumer to make their own decisions.

Your unique requirements and preferences will ultimately determine which oil heater or convector heater is best for you. Every kind of heater has pros and cons of their own, making them appropriate in various contexts.

Efficiency and extended heat retention are two of the best qualities of oil heaters, even when they are turned off. They are perfect for bedrooms and living rooms where you spend a lot of time because they are usually quieter and provide a more constant, even warmth. But because they are typically bulkier and take longer to heat up, they take up more room.

Conversely, convector heaters heat up more quickly and are frequently more portable and lightweight. They work well for short bursts of rapid warmth in confined spaces. More control over the heating process is provided by the many extra features that convector heaters have, such as thermostats and timers. The drawback is that they need to be run constantly to keep warm because they can cool down just as quickly as they heat up.

In summary, an oil heater might be a better choice if you require consistent, long-lasting heat and have the room for a larger unit. A convector heater might be more appropriate if you value portability, quick heating, and adjustable temperature. When choosing, take into account your personal preferences, usage patterns, and room size.

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