To ask which oil radiator to buy?

[Marshmallow12345]

I work from home and it feels daft to put the heating on for the whole house when I'm only sat in one room. I want to get an oil filled radiator but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the choices... What wattage do I need? How many fins? Any recommendations please?

Mostly I work in the small box room, but sometimes I use the larger living room so I guess one that's adjustable?

Thanks for all the links and advice, particularly the comparison between oil and ceramic so helpful! Sounds like there's advantages/disadvantages to both so no completely right/wrong answer which is reassuring.

Think I'm going to get a heater and put a blanket on my Christmas list! Unfortunately I can't get away with wearing a oodie on teams calls 😅

Yes sorry could have been clearer - I meant that an oil radiator can only do the whole room heating, versus ceramic which can also do directional for bursts of powerful warming sunshine

All electric heaters are 100% efficient, as in all the energy put in is converted to heat.

The difference is the way they do that and what suits you best.

Fan heaters are cheap and small and give very instant directional heat. I have one under my desk for winter and it feels super cosy but it is a bit noisy so rubbish if you are watching TV or sleeping and not great if you want to heat your lounge with people sitting in different areas. They also create a warm draft, helpful for drying clothes, unhelpful if it blows papers around.

Oil filled radiators or panel heaters are better for heating a whole room and are silent but take time to warm up the room and you don't get that instant warmth sitting in front of one. I would avoid them in a poorly insulated space.

Convectors are part way between, quite directional and you get that warm feeling like sitting in front of a fire but quieter than a fan heater. They are good for poorly insulated spaces.

They will all cost the same if you buy the same KW rating and run them for the same time. However you may find that the type that suits you best means that you run it for less time.

I've got an old oil filled panel radiator (brought 2nd hand for £10 about 30 years ago when we were students).

When working at home I have it under my desk, a fleecy blanket draped over the back of the radiator and then onto my knees.
Radiator on for about 10 mins and creates a warm cocoon around my lower half.

Following 🥶

Pigletjohn will be along to say that anything that uses electricity is very expensive and all give out the equivalent heat for the same number of watts.

Oil heaters are safer too, especially for pets and children. I have both and haven't had any problems

He's spot on, I wouldn't use an electric heater if gas was an option