Ceramic Heaters vs. Oil-Filled Heaters: Which is Better?
Choosing the right portable heater for your space can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. One of the most common decisions shoppers face is whether to go with a ceramic heater or an oil-filled heater.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know to make a confident selection. You’ll learn:
- How each type of heater works, and why that matters for performance and efficiency
- The advantages and disadvantages of ceramic vs. oil-filled heaters
- Key questions to ask before you buy, to help you zero in on the perfect model
No matter which style you choose, adding the right portable heater is a simple way to stay warm, cozy, and comfortable all season long.
How Ceramic and Oil-Filled Heaters Work
Understanding how each type of portable heater works makes it much easier to see which one will fit your needs. The way a heater produces and distributes warmth directly influences its advantages and disadvantages.
Ceramic Heaters
Ceramic heaters use a ceramic plate that heats quickly when electricity passes through it. This plate radiates warmth into the surrounding space almost immediately, making ceramic heaters a popular choice for fast, direct heat.
Many models also include a built-in fan to create convection heat. The fan circulates warm air throughout the room, helping it spread farther and more evenly than radiant heat alone. When you see the term “fan heater,” it usually refers to this type of convection ceramic heater.
Oil-Filled Heaters
Oil-filled heaters are somewhat similar to old-fashioned steam radiators you see in places like New York City and Chicago. Each unit is permanently sealed and filled with oil that gradually heats up when the heater is turned on.
Once warmed, the oil retains heat for a long time and releases it slowly and evenly through the heater’s exterior fins. This steady radiant warmth helps maintain a comfortable temperature in the surrounding space even after the heater cycles off, making oil filled models a reliable option for long lasting heat.
Pros and Cons of Different Portable Heaters
Both ceramic and oil filled heaters can effectively warm homes, offices and workshops. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each type will help you pick the one that suits your space.
Pros and Cons of Ceramic Heaters
Ceramic heaters heat up faster than their oil-filled counterparts. They tend to be smaller, so they’re more portable and ideal for tight spaces, whether that’s under a workbench or your home office desk. Have a small bathroom that’s chilly in the morning? A ceramic heater with a convection fan is a great solution.
Most models also feature built in safety measures such as cool exterior surfaces and automatic shut offs if the unit overheats or tips over.
On the downside, ceramic heaters with fans can produce noticeable noise. The fan grilles can also collect dust over time, which may be blown back into the air. In addition, smaller ceramic heaters may struggle to heat large or drafty spaces unless you choose a high output model with multiple fan settings.
Pros and Cons of Oil-Filled Heaters
Oil filled heaters operate silently because they do not use a fan. They retain heat for a long time even after being switched off, which can help lower energy use. With no exposed fan blades, they do not stir up dust and are easy to clean once cooled, usually needing just a quick wipe down.
The trade off is that oil filled heaters take longer to warm up initially and can get very hot on the exterior surfaces, so they need to be kept clear of children, pets and flammable materials. They are also bulkier and heavier than ceramic models, which can make them harder to position in tight spaces. Larger versions with more fins are better suited for heating bigger rooms, while compact versions work well for small offices or bedrooms.
Which Heater Is Right for You?
Now that you know how ceramic and oil filled heaters work, and their key pros and cons, you can narrow down which style fits your needs. Asking yourself a few simple questions will help you make the best choice.
What size room are you trying to heat?
Both ceramic and oil filled heaters can warm small or large areas depending on the model. For bigger spaces, choose a larger oil filled heater with more fins or a high output ceramic heater with multiple settings. For smaller rooms, a compact oil filled heater or a ceramic heater on a low setting can be more efficient and easier to manage.
Do you need instant heat, or do you want slow heat over a longer period of time?
If you want warmth right away, like in the chilly bathroom scenario mentioned above, a ceramic heater is definitely your best bet. You’ll get heat within a minute or so, as soon as the ceramic plate in the heater warms up.
However, if you plan to want heat over hours, such as when you’re relaxing on a weekend day in your drafty family room, an oil-filled heater is a good solution. Many oil-filled heaters have temperature or high-low settings, so the heater can cycle on and off as needed to keep the room at a steady comfy temperature.
And the heat will remain after you shut off the heater, making this kind of heater great for your bedroom. You can get ready for sleep while the room is still warm, knowing the temperature will slowly drop after you doze off.
Do you or members of your household have dust allergies?
If anyone in your household is sensitive to dust, consider how each heater circulates air. Ceramic convection heaters use fans to push warm air through the room, which can stir up dust and aggravate allergies. Oil filled heaters, on the other hand, produce steady radiant warmth without a fan, making them a better choice for allergy prone households.
Will your heater need to be portable for different settings?
If you plan to move your heater from room to room or take it on trips, portability matters. Ceramic heaters are typically lighter and easier to carry than oil filled models. Look for a design with a sturdy handle if you need to move it frequently. Heading to a cabin for fishing, hunting or just relaxing in nature? A ceramic heater can be a convenient travel companion.
Not all ceramic heaters are meant to move, however. Some models are designed to be hard wired or mounted in place. These stationary options are perfect for areas where you want consistent heat from a fixed spot, or where floor space is limited and tipping hazards are a concern, such as in a garage workshop.
Is noise an issue for you where you plan to use the heater?
The noise from a ceramic heater is similar to electric fans you may use in summer heat. It’s not really bothersome to most folks. But if you’re on work conference calls or watching movies while the heater is running, an oil-filled model will give you the silence you crave.
Will the heater be used around kids or pets?
As mentioned earlier, oil-filled heaters get very hot on the outside. If you use one around small children or pets, they will require constant supervision to avoid accidental injury. One solution is to place the heater on the other side of a baby gate or barrier. Otherwise, a ceramic convection heater would be a safer choice, especially a mounted unit.
Shop Newair to Stay Toasty Warm This Winter
Whether you prefer a ceramic or an oil-filled radiator, Newair has models to take off the chill once temperatures drop. Shop online now before it gets cold outside, and you’ll get your heater delivered fast to your home.
Remember to register your heater as soon as it arrives to take full advantage of our one year warranty and friendly, US based customer service.
