10 of the best oil column heaters in Australia 2026

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 grab a flimsy model that might last a season or two. DeLonghi is a leading name in heaters, with models to suit everywhere from small rooms like home offices to large rooms like dining or living rooms.

Engineered for medium-to-large rooms, this column heater features 12 specially shaped fins that boost radiant surface area for faster, more even heat distribution. Precise digital controls, a 24-hour timer, ECO function and child lock make it a smart, safe and stylish choice for everyday comfort.

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.

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.

Delivering powerful warmth for larger spaces, this heater maintains temperature within 0.5°C of your chosen setting across 12 adjustable levels. A 35% greater radiating surface warms rooms faster, while three comfort zone modes - including Sleep - let you tailor its performance to your daily routine. Its advanced control system can achieve energy savings of up to 25% compared to mechanical models.

The Ausclimate SmartEnclosure Large+ oil column heater pairs strong heating power with smart control. With 11 fins and a 2400W output, it’s suitable for rooms up to 35m², while three heat settings and an electronic thermostat allow fine-tuned comfort. Wi-Fi connectivity enables app scheduling and voice control, supported by safety features including tip-over protection and overheat shut-off.

Ideal for rooms up to 45m², this compact 1500W oil column heater delivers quiet, consistent warmth with Easytronic precision controls that maintain your preferred temperature within 0.5°C. Three comfort zone modes adapt heating to your daily schedule, while a 35% greater radiating surface and up to 25% energy savings compared to mechanical models keep running costs in check.

The lowest power model on this list, this heater has six power levels, a thermostat dial and a 24-hour programmable timer for flexible, scheduled warmth. Enlarged fins increase radiant surface area for efficient heat output, while a tip-over safety switch, overheat protection and handy cord storage round out a practical everyday package.

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.

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.

Compact and energy-conscious, this 1500W oil column heater suits smaller rooms up to 45m², offering quiet radiant warmth with Easytronic digital precision across 12 temperature settings. Three comfort zone presets - Extra Care, Comfort Temp and Sleep - allow you to personalise your heating routine, while a 35% greater radiating surface assists in warming the room more quickly.