10 of the best oil column heaters in Australia 2025

When it comes to keeping warm in winter, portable heaters are a top choice for many Australians because they're affordable, easy to use and great for heating individual rooms.

While reverse cycle air conditioners and ducted air con can be very efficient at heating large areas, like a whole home or a level of a house, they’re not always practical or cost-effective for targeted warmth (and cost significantly more to buy and install). Gas heaters, meanwhile, are increasingly restricted by government regulations and can only be used in living areas (not bedrooms) with gas connections.

In contrast, electric heaters like oil column heaters are flexible, portable and simple to use. Most are freestanding on castors, making it easy to move them where you need them, and many now come with handy inclusions like thermostats, timers and safety mechanisms like a tip-over switch.

If you're shopping for a column heater this winter, you’ll want to choose a trusted brand you can rely on rather than grabbing a flimsy model that might last a season or two. DeLonghi and Dimplex are two of the leaders in heaters, with models to suit everything from small rooms like home offices to large rooms like dining or living rooms.

We tend to call column heaters 'oil heaters' or 'oil column heaters' in Australia because traditionally they contain oil that gets heated up - but three of the Dimplex models in this roundup are actually oil-free. Their design allows them to heat up faster than traditional oil-filled versions, though they also cool down more quickly because they don’t have the residual warmth of heated oil that lingers after switch-off.

Column heaters generally come in two main power ratings: 1.5kW and 2.4kW. Both can eventually heat up a room to the same temperature, but a 2.4kW model will typically do it faster because of the higher power output. However, features like built-in turbo fans can make a big difference. A 1.5kW column heater with a turbo fan may heat a room more quickly than a 2.4kW model without a fan, because the fan helps circulate warm air efficiently rather than relying on natural convection.

Most heaters have an upper temperature capacity of around 30-35°C, but we recommend keeping it closer to 21-23°C! Keep in mind that higher kW models tend to be larger, so can be bulkier to store once winter’s over.

Here’s a look at five of the best 2.4kW and 1.5kW column heaters available in Australia in 2025, all of which come with an impressive 7-year manufacturer’s warranty (compared with budget-brand models, which usually have only 1-year warranties). The recommended retail prices are shown, but Appliances Online sells at lower prices when possible.

With a thermostat and simple dial controls, the standout of this oil free column heater is its fast warm up time. Rather than traditional oil, it uses a metal heating element and fins to achieve up to eight times faster heat-up, making it potentially more energy efficient than oil heaters for achieving quick heat. Without oil, it weighs just 11.8kg, making it lighter and easier to manoeuvre than most oil-filled heaters.

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This model pairs a traditional radiator with a built-in 500W fan heater, helping it circulate air faster. With a thermostat, heat settings and a 24-hour timer, it offers a solid set of functions and also has safety features including a tip-over switch and overheat protection. A good choice if you want the reliable performance of an oil column heater with an extra airflow boost.

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Known for its clever design, this fin oil column heater creates a chimney effect to push hot air upwards, boosting airflow and coverage. Like all oil heaters, the oil retains heat after the heater is switched off, offering lingering warmth that can help manage running costs if used strategically. The heat settings are controlled by manual dials.

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This digital version of the Dragon4 adds LED panel controls for the thermostat and programmable timer, as well as ECO Plus mode. ECO Plus goes beyond a standard thermostat by automatically adjusting power output as room conditions change. Instead of simply turning on or off, it smoothly lowers or raises the heat output to save energy and reduce running costs.

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This column heater includes 12 fins designed for effective heat distribution. You’ll find a digital thermostat and timer, and an ECO mode for energy saving. Built-in safety features include a tip-over switch and child lock. A good balance of performance, safety and price, it’s a smart buy for families.

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Lightweight (7.2kg) and oil free, this model adds a turbo fan for faster air circulation, a thermostat, and a timer. It’s a versatile pick if you want fast, even heating in bedrooms or living spaces, especially when you need to quickly take the chill off on cold mornings or icy evenings.

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A simple, reliable heater with three heat settings, a timer and excellent heat retention thanks to its oil core. Its quiet operation and sturdy design make it a dependable choice if you prefer traditional oil-filled heaters for bedrooms, studies, or shared living areas.

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This high-end model features the Dragon 4’s signature chimney fins and digital controls, including an ECO Plus function for optimising output. It’s a good pick if you want a premium heater with superior airflow and energy management, especially for medium to large rooms that need consistent warmth.

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With digital settings, an ECO mode, and enhanced fin design for even heat, this model offers the same great build as the standard Radia S but adds easier, more precise control. Perfect if you like the look and performance of the Radia S range but want digital convenience and better temperature fine-tuning.

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Compact and simple, this oil free column heater is lighter than oil models and offers fast heating. It’s a great pick if you rent or need something light and easy to store and move, though it lacks the turbo fan of its sibling model (see number 1, above), making it less suited to larger rooms.

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