Thermofan, convector or oil radiator: differences that matter.

Thermofan, convector or oil radiator: differences that matter.

In Portugal, most people buy a heater without considering the intended use. The result: either it heats up quickly but is uncomfortable, or it's comfortable but feels weak. DECO compares various types and recommends choosing based on the intended use (occasional vs. prolonged) and desired comfort .

1) Quick selection by scenario (the shortcut that works)

✅ Want to warm up quickly (10–30 min)?
A fan heater is the most "instant" option, ideal for use in the bathroom in the morning or for heating a specific area.

✅ Want to heat for 1–3 hours with even heat?
A convector unit is usually simple and comfortable for a living room/bedroom (with a thermostat).

✅ Do you want gentle warmth for several hours (and less "blowing")?
Oil radiators heat up more slowly, but are comfortable for extended use, especially in bedrooms/offices.

2) Pros and cons (without marketing)

A) Fan heater

Advantages: heats up quickly; good for occasional use; generally compact.
Warning: it may be noisier (fan) and may not be the most comfortable for extended periods of use.

Ceramic vs. conventional (important point): in tests, DECO indicates that conventional tiles were more effective at transferring heat than ceramic tiles, which may take longer to heat up and be more expensive due to their prolonged use.

B) Convector

Advantages: “stable” comfort; typically less noise (without a strong fan); good for maintaining the room.
Warning: In cold and poorly insulated homes, it may seem slow (it's best to use a closed door and adequate power).

C) Oil radiator

Advantages: gentle warmth; good for extended periods; comfortable feel in the bedroom.
Note: it takes longer to "get there" — it's better for routine use (e.g., calling 30–60 minutes beforehand).

3) Recommended power (W) per area — rule of thumb

Buying guides in Portugal provide useful references per square meter, for example:

  • Up to 15 m² : ~ 600–1500 W

  • > 20 m² : 1500–2000 W (indicative)
    There's also the rule of thumb that 1000 W can heat approximately up to 15 m² (depending on the insulation).

4) Security (well worth reading)

DECO has reported that fan heaters failed tests due to electrical safety flaws — ideally, you should buy reliable brands/lines and use them carefully (outlets, extension cords, distance from fabrics).