Dreo Oil Heater Review: Powerful Heating, at a Price

Best prices today: Dreo oil radiator

$84.99

The Dreo Oil Radiator has all the best qualities of any oil radiator – and all its problems. Its operation is quiet and does not affect air quality by blowing dry, dusty air like a fan heater does. But it is heavy, bulky and expensive to operate.

In this review, we look at whether you should buy this model.

Keep in mind that you’ll either get a 1,500W seven-fin model or a 2,000W nine-fin model, depending on whether you buy from the US or the UK. Obviously, a higher wattage device may use more electricity, although its cost depends on the settings you use.

We are testing the 2000W model.

Design and build

• Digital display
• Comes with remote control
• Three heat settings and eco mode

Dreo’s oil radiator is a dark bronze gray and shaped like a traditional radiator, with seven or nine M-shaped fins to maximize heat dissipation. It sits on casters, so it’s easy to move, but it’s heavy (11.96 kg/26.36 lb), so it’s not the kind of heater you can easily move from room to room. ‘other with you, especially if the trip involves stairs. It does, however, feel solid and well-built and has a nice, traditional look.

At one end is a digital display, complete with touch controls. The target temperature is displayed in large numbers, but the rest of the screen and touch controls are harder to read, especially in low light.

Emma Rowley / Foundry

There is an indicator to show that the heater is plugged in, a heat indicator to show that it is currently consuming power and an audible indicator.

Below that are the mode, timer and temperature keys. The heater has three heat settings – low, medium and high – that you can cycle through. There is also an eco mode, in which the heater selects the optimal thermal power based on the current and set temperature. In eco mode, it will also turn off as soon as the target temperature is reached and turn back on when it goes down.

You can choose a temperature between 5°C and 35°C.

You can also set an on/off timer in one-hour increments, up to 24 hours.

It comes with a remote control, with a battery, and since there are multi-button presses to perform more advanced functions on the heater itself (like muting sounds and dimming the display), it’s convenient to keep the remote control at your fingertips.

For example, the easiest way to stop the irritating beep from the heater every time you change a setting is to turn it off using a dedicated button on the remote control. Or you can try to remember that holding the Mode button for three seconds on the heater control panel will allow you to do the same. We wish there were separate keys on the device for all functions.

There is also a child lock, even if it is not apparent. You will need to long press the timer button to turn it on or off, or use the remote control.

In terms of safety features, the heater comes with tip-over and overheating protection.

Performance and Features

• Some assembly required
• Powerful heating
• Expensive to operate

To install it, you will need to attach the wheels to the base, using the caster screws provided. It’s a simple job. Dreo suggests that the best place for the heater is in front of a window, where it can keep cold air out.

Dreo then recommends turning it on at full power for two hours in a ventilated room to burn off the factory smell. This wasn’t necessary on the model we tested, which just gave off a slight metallic smell upon first use.

It does, however, make a sharp, crackling noise when it initially heats up, especially in a cold room, but this does not last long.

Once turned on, you will really see the benefit of this model. It is extremely powerful and heats a room very quickly. I have to say that during the freezing period of testing – it’s 1°C outside at the moment – ​​I loved having the excuse to review it to turn it on whenever I wanted. This power is really why you should buy it, but it could get expensive to operate.

The UK model I’m testing is 2000W, which could cost me up to 58p per hour to run on my current tariff. To get an idea of ​​how much this could cost you, you can use an online energy calculator. You’ll just need your pricing information handy.

However, this still won’t give you an exact number. If you use it in Eco mode, for example, it won’t cost as much, but running it long enough will still increase your bill.

The best way to find out exactly what this appliance, or any other appliance, costs is to plug it into an energy monitoring smart outlet. A smart plug will also allow you to plan its use, making it easier to ensure you’re not wasting money when you don’t need it.

Pricing and availability

In the US, the 1500W model has an MSRP of $119.99, but is available for much less from online retailers including Walmart and Dreo. However, at the time of writing, Amazon has the best deal.

In the UK the 2000w model is the one available. Its RRP is £159.99, but Amazon is selling it for £129.99. There’s currently a voucher offer which will get you an extra £10. All the details are on the page.

Overall, it’s good value for such a powerful heater, but if you’re concerned about ongoing power consumption, our pick of the best heaters has energy-saving alternatives.

Should you buy the Dreo oil radiator?

If running costs aren’t your main concern, this is a durable, powerful and quiet heater that you won’t regret buying.