This is the second Delonghi oil heater that I purchased through Amazon & I am completely satisfied with both of them. (I also purchased the Delonghi HM25E Dragon Ultimate Oil Filled Radiator Heater purchased in 2005, twice the cost, twice the heater.)
I like the size of this smaller one a little more — it fits better into the small space where I am using it. We use it in a 10′ x 10′ main bathroom. The room is not insulated (85 year old home) and gets almost no heat from the home’s central heating system (radiated water heat).
I have used it every day this winter and found that it is more than adequate for this room, even on the coldest winter days. The temperature recently has dropped to -5 F overnight (Chicago) and I have the heater set on high to turn on 60-90 minutes before I get up. The bathroom is always nice and toasty in the AM, even though the exterior wall is cold to the touch.
I was concerned about the safety of using an electric heater in the bathroom because of electric shock and fire risk. No problem on either account. I recommend using a GFCI electric outlet to reduce the risk of electric shock; also, the oil-filled radiator does not build up an excessive amount of heat (as long as you don’t cover it – keep it open so heat can radiate away from it).
The heater has on/off switches (one for high, one for low) and a electro-mechanical timer. You set the current time with the dial, then set the timer to turn on & off as much as you wish during the day. You can be accurate to within about 15-30 minutes. The unit must stay plugged in for it to keep accurate time. Electronic LED timers (like on the Delonghi Dragon) can be set more accurately, but usually have a limited number of on/off automatic settings (Dragon has a limit of 2).
This heater also has a “thermostat” of sorts. It doesn’t give a temperature, just gives a min/max range of 1-6 (my other one goes to 11). A 6 setting for about an hour is necessary for a toasty 10×10 bathroom at 0 degrees F, while setting at 3 for an hour is sufficient at 32 degrees.
Energy consumption – my electric bill increased only about $8-10/mo from fall to winter, a small price to pay.
The heater is short (about 16-18 inches)& very stable, fits under my pedestal sink between the sink & tub – perfect spot. It gets hot to the touch, but not so that you (or a child) might burn yourself.
*****
Bought two of these last year and really like them. They are only 15″ high (21″ long) flat saucer feet for good stabliity,and no sharp metal edges for the kids to hit their heads on.
The Timing and temperature dials are easy to use. We used them last year when natural gas was so expensive. They did such a good job keeping the kids rooms at a consistant temperature at night that we plan to use them this year too. It worked out much better than using the house thermostat at night.
Product Features
- Portable oil-filled radiator heater with vertical thermal chimneys
- Variable heat settings; adjustable thermostat; anti-freeze function
- 24-hour programmable on/off timer offers 96 settings; durable metal construction
- Overheat protection with auto shut-off; GFCI plug for safe bathroom use
- Measures 7 by 18 by 15 inches; 1-year limited warranty
