Room Heater Buying Guide: Oil Filled vs Halogen vs Fan Heaters
Indian winters demand reliable heating solutions. Choosing between oil-filled radiators, halogen heaters, and fan heaters affects your comfort, electricity bills, and family safety. Each type works differently, and understanding these differences helps you pick the right room heater for your home.
What are Oil-Filled Radiators?
Oil-filled radiators contain oil inside metal columns. When you switch on the heater, the oil heats up and warms the surrounding air. The warm air spreads across the room naturally. Once your room reaches the desired temperature, the heater turns off automatically and restarts when needed.
Key features:
- 3 heat settings with special wave fins for better heat distribution
- 400W PTC fan for faster heating and warm air distribution
- Digital display with remote control (in select models)
- Programmable thermostat with 24-hour timer
- Safety shutoff if tipped, overheating protection
- Castor wheels and a handle for convenient movement
- Environmental protection oil with no oxygen burning
- Available in 9, 11, and 13 fin options
- ISI certified with 2 year warranty
Who is it for: Families needing silent, long-lasting warmth in bedrooms and living rooms. 9-fin suits small to medium rooms. 11 or 13-fin works better for larger spaces or prolonged heating needs.
Price range: ₹8,697 - ₹11,547
What are Halogen Heaters?
Halogen heaters use halogen lamps to emit infrared heat that warms people and objects directly, similar to sunlight. They provide instant warmth the moment you switch them on.
Key features:
- 1200W powerful halogen heating
- 3 heat settings (400W / 800W / 1200W)
- Tip-over protection for safety
- Front grill safety
- High gloss reflector for efficient heat distribution
- Wide-angle oscillation for better area coverage
- Rapid heating
- Large handle for easy movement
- ISI certified
Who is it for: Individuals needing instant, personal heating in study rooms or small bedrooms. Ideal for quick warm-ups when you need immediate comfort without waiting.
Price range: ₹2,291 - ₹2,966
Note: Tubes are not covered under warranty.
What are Fan Heaters?
Fan heaters combine electric heating coils with fans that push heated air into the room. They provide instant warmth within minutes of switching on.
Key features:
- Twin turbo design for efficient air circulation
- 2 heat settings (1000W / 2000W)
- Adjustable thermostat temperature control
- Safety thermal cut-out
- Front grill safety
- Easy carry handle for portability
- Energy-efficient instant heating
- Available in grey and black
- ISI certified
Who is it for: Budget-conscious buyers needing quick heating for bathrooms, guest rooms, or small spaces. Perfect for occasional use where instant warmth matters more than silent operation.
Price range: ₹1,677 - ₹1,687
For a detailed breakdown, read about different types of room heaters and how to choose.
What are Carbon and Quartz Heaters?
Glen also offers carbon and quartz heaters as alternatives to halogen models.
Carbon Heater:
- 3 heat settings (400W / 800W / 1200W)
- Carbon element for efficient heating
- Tip-over protection, front grill safety
- Wide-angle oscillation
- ISI certified
- Price: ₹2,792
Quartz Heater:
- 2 heat settings (400W / 800W)
- Quartz element for rapid heating
- Tip-over switch, front mesh safety
- Compact and portable
- ISI certified
- Price: ₹1,362
Who is it for: Those wanting affordable, instant heating with lower wattage options for personal spaces.
Note: Tubes are not covered under warranty.
Choosing the Right Wattage for Your Room
Room size determines the wattage needed for effective heating.
|
Room Size |
Recommended Wattage |
|
Up to 100 sq ft |
800W to 1000W |
|
100 to 150 sq ft |
1200W to 1500W |
|
150 to 200 sq ft |
1800W to 2000W |
|
Larger rooms |
2000W or higher |
Learn more about factors to consider when choosing room heaters.
Safety Features Across All Room Heaters
All Glen room heaters include essential safety features:
- Tip-over protection cuts power if the heater falls
- Overheat protection prevents fire hazards
- Thermal cut-out for automatic safety shutoff
- Front grill/mesh safety prevents accidental contact
- ISI certification ensures electrical safety standards
Oil-filled radiators rank highest for child safety due to lower surface temperatures and enclosed heating elements.
Quick Comparison: Oil vs Halogen vs Fan
|
Feature |
Oil Filled |
Halogen |
Fan Heater |
|
Heating Speed |
10-20 minutes |
Instant |
1-5 minutes |
|
Noise Level |
Silent |
Silent |
Moderate |
|
Heat Settings |
3 settings |
3 settings (400/800/1200W) |
2 settings (1000/2000W) |
|
Heat Retention |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Child Safety |
Excellent |
Fair |
Good |
|
Price Range |
₹8,697 - ₹11,547 |
₹2,291 - ₹2,966 |
₹1,677 - ₹1,687 |
Making Your Decision
Choose an oil-filled radiator if: You need silent operation for bedrooms, want heat that lasts after switching off, have children at home, or plan extended heating sessions.
Choose a halogen heater if: You need instant radiant heat, prefer personal or spot heating, want a mid-range budget option, or need portability with oscillation.
Choose a fan heater if: You need instant warmth at the lowest cost, have small rooms or bathrooms, want adjustable thermostat control, or need a compact portable unit.
For more guidance, read how to select a room heater and check out best selling room heaters this season.
See the completeRoom heater collection to find the right fit for your home.
FAQs
Which room heater is best for health?
Oil-filled radiators are healthiest because they do not burn oxygen or cause dryness. Glen oil radiators use environmentally friendly oil for safe operation.
Can I leave an oil-filled heater on overnight?
Yes. Oil-filled radiators with programmable thermostats, 24-hour timers, and overheat protection can safely run overnight with automatic cycling.
Which heater type is most energy efficient?
For extended use, oil-filled radiators prove most efficient due to heat retention. For brief heating, halogen or quartz heaters at 400W-800W consume less power.
Are Glen room heaters portable?
Yes. Oil radiators have castor wheels and handles. Fan and halogen heaters have easy carry handles for convenient movement between rooms.
How long do Glen room heaters last?
Glen oil-filled radiators come with 2 year warranty and last 8 to 15 years with proper care. Tubes in halogen, carbon, and quartz heaters are not covered under warranty.
Which room heater works best for large rooms?
Oil-filled radiators with 11 or 13 fins and 400W PTC turbo fan work best for large rooms. They provide consistent warmth across bigger spaces.

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