My home is heated by an antiquated steam system that, no matter how I place and adjust my steam valves, rooms are continuously unevenly heated. Having one thermostat, near the front door that changes the air temperature each time it is opened and closed, in a home with upstairs six bedrooms, doesn't help either.
Over the years we strategically had electric heat wired into some rooms when we extended the house out and up. There are still times however, in a couple of rooms, that we need an extra boost of heat in extremely cold weather. We don't use these rooms every night. One is a sort of pest room. My mother-in-law stays from time to time and my daughter who is away at college comes home a couple of times during the winter uses one in her room. After reading and checking safety we decided on an oil filled heater.
Why I Like It
I happened to purchase this Lakewood Oil filled radiator. Its good in some ways and not in others. I like the temperature settings, that is the amount of heat to through into a room. This one pushed 600, 900, or 1500 watts. this is regulated by two switches. If you want just 600, flick that rocker switch. The light goes on. If you would like to boost to 900 watts, shut off the 600 watt switch and turn on the 900 watts rocker. That light will go on and a bit more heat goes to the room. For the ultimate 1500 watts simply have both switches in the "ON" position. Look at that 600W + 900W = 1500W! Easy math.
The cord seems lightweight but doesn't seem to get too hot. It's just six foot long so you must be fairly close to an outlet. They do not recommend extension cords and you should be sure that this heater, even if it doesn't have exposed elements, isn't too close to objects. They give a full list od does and don'ts with the instructions for use.
A thermostat will help turn on the heat at your setting. I have found this to be hit and miss. After a few nights in a bedroom I was able to figure the proper setting. Once set, the heater turns on and off automatically as the air in the room changes.
Seems Pretty Safe
I have never had a problem with this heater. I like that it will shut down if it tips over. I have to say it is pretty stable and the wheels make it easy to move. It has a recessed handle on one side that makes the rolling easier still. I don't know exactly how it works but this heater also has a Safety thermal cut-off.
These heaters are permanently sealed so no filling or such is required.
What I don't like about this kind of heater is that it is slow to heat a room. Because we don't keep the thermostat on all day when not in the room we need to turn it on a couple of hours before guests use the room. Yes, I even turned it on ahead of time for my mother-in-law who stayed with us last weekend.
All in all this heater is right for our household. I believe it is relatively safe. I don't like the heaters with open elements that's why I like the oil filled. These clean of fingerprints easily and the surface areas are broad enough where there aren't many hard to reach dusting areas. Perhaps a little more attention must be given near the bottom.
I like the temperature range though once a room is heated I find the 600W setting more than adequate. The heater simply cycles on and off through the night with little noise, and no odors.
I am happy with it and unfortunately my mother-in-law is too. Nah I don't really mean that last part, do I?
Ceramic Heater
Master 115,000BTU Fan Forced Air Heater with Thermostat Not for home use.
