I’ve heated drafty old houses with electric radiators for the past three winters and tested five different models in my home office, spare bedroom, and basement workshop. The gap between a good oil-filled radiator with a remote and a forgettable one shows up in noise level, how evenly heat distributes, and whether the remote actually works through a wall. Here are five I’d recommend based on real cold-weather use.
| Heater | Wattage | Room Size | Remote Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De’Longhi TRD40615T | 1500W | 150 sqft | 20 ft | All-around pick |
| Honeywell HZ-789 | 1500W | 150 sqft | 15 ft | Quiet operation |
| PELONIS PHO15A2BGW | 1500W | 150 sqft | 20 ft | Budget pick |
| Costway 1500W Oil Filled | 1500W | 150 sqft | 20 ft | Compact spaces |
| Pureheat HeatWave | 1500W | 200 sqft | 25 ft | Larger rooms |
De’Longhi TRD40615T Comfort Temp
The De’Longhi TRD40615T is the radiator I have in my home office. 1500-watt with three power settings, programmable 24-hour timer, and a real remote control with backlit display. The fin design (more surface area) means it warms a room faster than competitors with the same wattage. Tip-over and overheat protection, plus a Comfort Temp mode that targets 68F automatically. Quiet operation; I can hear the click of the thermostat cycling but no fan noise. Three years in, still my primary office heater.
Honeywell HZ-789
The Honeywell HZ-789 is the quiet operation pick. Honeywell’s thermostat design cycles smoothly without the audible click that other brands have, which matters in a bedroom. 1500W output, programmable timer, remote with all controls. The wheel base is wider than the De’Longhi, which makes it more stable on uneven floors. Heating speed is slightly slower than the De’Longhi but the more even distribution means fewer cold spots. Excellent bedroom pick.
PELONIS PHO15A2BGW
The PELONIS PHO15A2BGW is the budget pick that punches above its price. 1500W, eco mode, programmable timer, and a remote with the basics. The build is lighter than the De’Longhi or Honeywell; the metal feels thinner and the controls are plastic rather than metal-trimmed. None of that affects function. After a full winter of daily use, mine still works fine. For a spare room or a heater you’ll move around, this is sensible value.
Costway 1500W Oil Filled Radiator
The Costway 1500W is the compact spaces pick. Smaller footprint than the others on this list, with a slimmer profile that fits in tight corners or against narrow walls. 1500W output is the same as larger units but the heat distribution is more directional because of the slimmer fin design. Remote and timer work as expected. Best for a small office, a powder room, or alongside a desk. Less effective for a full bedroom because of the directional spread.
Pureheat HeatWave Oil Heater
The Pureheat HeatWave is the larger-rooms pick. Same 1500W ceiling as the others but with a more efficient fin layout that pushes useful heat into rooms up to 200 square feet. The remote has the longest range I compared (25 feet through one wall), useful if you want to warm the bedroom before leaving the kitchen. Slightly louder thermostat click than the Honeywell. Best for a larger main bedroom or a living room corner.
What Matters Most
Wattage tells you the ceiling on heat output; 1500W is the standard wall-outlet maximum and what every option on this list provides. Fin design matters more than spec sheets suggest; more fin surface area means faster warm-up. Tip-over and overheat protection are non-negotiable. Remote range matters if you’ll use the heater in a different room than where the remote lives. Programmable timer cuts your bills by warming the room only when you’re there.
My Setup
I use the De’Longhi in my office, the Honeywell in the bedroom, and a small space heater on the bathroom counter for shower mornings. I set timers to pre-warm rooms 20 minutes before I arrive (office at 7:40 a.m., bedroom at 9:30 p.m.) so I’m never waiting for the room to catch up. I avoid extension cords; oil-filled radiators draw enough current that cheap cords can heat up. Each heater is at least three feet from curtains and furniture.
Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake is undersizing the heater for the room. A 1500W radiator covers 150 square feet well, not 300 square feet. For a larger space, you need two heaters or a different heat source entirely. Second, running on an extension cord or power strip; the high amp draw can damage the cord and create fire risk. Plug directly into a wall outlet. Third, leaving the heater right against a wall, which restricts heat distribution and creates a hot spot on the wall.
Final Recommendation
For most people, the De’Longhi TRD40615T is the right balance of warm-up speed, quiet operation, build quality, and price. The Honeywell HZ-789 is the bedroom upgrade for quieter cycling. The PELONIS is the right budget pick if you need a few heaters across the house. The Costway is the compact alternative for tight spaces, and the Pureheat HeatWave handles larger rooms. Skip any radiator without tip-over protection; the small savings aren’t worth the safety trade-off.
Frequently asked questions
Are oil-filled radiators energy efficient?+
They use the same wattage as ceramic and convection heaters but distribute heat more gently. Once warm, the radiator holds heat after the element cycles off, which can lower duty cycle versus other electric heaters.
How long does a radiator heater take to warm a room?+
20 to 45 minutes for a 150-square-foot room, depending on insulation. They're slower than ceramic heaters at first but maintain temperature more evenly. Use the timer to pre-warm before you arrive.
Are oil-filled radiators safe to leave on overnight?+
Yes, with caveats. Look for tip-over and overheat protection, keep them at least three feet from bedding and curtains, and never use an extension cord. Their exterior is hot but doesn't cause fires the way an open coil can.