Oil heaters test

The onset of cold weather is inevitable, and many become chilly at the mere thought of how the central heating works, and anxious from the memory that it is cold in the “leeward” rooms, despite the insulated windows. And then this category of our fellow citizens is visited by the happy idea of buying an oil heater.

Test methodology: Sergey LIPPART

WHAT TO CHOOSE?

The question of choice is not easy. We sincerely hope that this test will help you to find “your” heater. We ordered the test in an accredited testing laboratory TESTBET.

Tested models
Brand	Model/type	Country	Place of production
Aeronik	PO-1123M	no data	China
Beko	BRZ-2009	Turkey	China
DeLonghi	TRD 0820 ER/K 082071 ER	Italy	China
Scarlett	SC-1167	no data	China
Timberk	TOR 21.2009 HA	Sweden	China
Unit	UOR-920	Austria	no data
Vitek	VT-1729 BK	no data	China

The chosen devices belong to the same class, have the same rated power -2000 W except for PO-1123 from Aeronik, 2300 W , looks similar, but behaves differently when tested. All the more interesting to get to know!

RESEARCHING THE TECHNICAL DATA

1. Heating elements

The presented models have three heating stages:

• Maximum – two heater elements included,
• Medium – 1200 W heater,
• minimum – 800 W heating element.

Aeronik has slightly more powerful elements.

2. Frost protection

Original function, meaning that the device can maintain a temperature of about 5?S. Especially in summer houses: switch the heater on and leave it there if you just leave it in an unheated house for the winter, the oil will thicken . For three models, this feature is indicated in the manual, but for the other models, you can set the minimum temperature manually.

3. Number of sections of the radiator

The number of fins is directly proportional to the power: the more power the heater has, the more fins are required to dissipate the heat. The heaters with power of 2000 W are in the greatest demand, as it is optimum capacity for city apartments, allowing to heat a room of 20 sq.m.m. Usually heaters of this power have 9 sections. The heater, presented by De’Longhi, has eight sections, but it has an external casing, which promotes convective draught. And Aeronik provided the unit with 11 sections, because it has a higher capacity.

4. Timer, clock, remote control

A nice feature of De’Longhi TRD0820ER and Vitek VT-1729 BK devices is the possibility of delayed start De’Longhi can also turn off the device due to the timer. You leave for work, set the time of your expected return and you have a comfortable temperature on arrival. De’Longhi TRD0820ER also has a remote control that allows you to adjust the temperature in the room without getting up from the couch.

MEASURING THE TECHNICAL PARAMETERS

This part of the test was conducted at 220V.

1. Power

Measurement of actual power consumption at 220V revealed a deviation from the nominal, stated by the manufacturer. The minimum difference in percentage points showed Beko BRZ-2009 and Vitek VT-1729 BK heaters 3,28% , maximum – Timberk TOR 21.2009 HA -21.2% .

2. Time needed to heat up the heater

This step measures the time it takes for the unit to heat up to operating temperature. Heating time depends on the construction of the heaters, the location of the heating elements, the brand of oil and other features of the devices.

Start temperature – room temperature 23 +/-2 ° C.

This test is conducted at the maximum power of the heaters. The fastest was Beko BRZ-2009 6 min 40 sec , the slowest was Scarlett SC-1167 15 min 30 sec . Temperature was measured as standard at the hottest spot the hottest spot is usually at the bottom of each heater, nearer to the heating element .

3. Radiant heat efficiency

This is a very “tricky” parameter. Radiation from oil-fired heaters is mainly upward due to convection, but only slightly to the side. And this part, in fact, determines how warm we will be near the device.

The heat radiation efficiency is the difference in temperature in front of the black plywood test stand one meter to the side of the heater and behind the heater. The Aeronik PO-1123M has the maximum efficiency of 3,85?C, the minimum for Timberk TOR 21.2009 HA – 2.05?S.

MEASURING FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS

This part of the test is one of the most interesting. We’ll find out how effectively the devices heat, how the temperature will change while maintaining the set point, how many kilowatts we’ll use, and we can understand how much the extra heat will cost us.

Heating the room

How was the measurement? In order to compare the heating ability of the heaters correctly, they were placed in a test chamber: an unheated room of 10 square meters with a floor area of about 20 m2 .m. Each device was tested separately. Both heating elements of the heater were turned on,.i.e.. it worked at the maximum heating stage. Measured time of heating the room at 10?C and the energy cost of this process.

Conditions were as close to reality as possible: in the winter in the house through the windows and through the walls are constant heat leakage. The more interesting!

Scarlett SC-1167 was the fastest 65 minutes , Beko BRZ-2009 was the slowest 2 hours 51 minutes . Why so?

Each heater thermostat is set differently: one “run-up” is a continuous operation of two heating elements, while others – with periodic switching off one or two heating elements.

Keeping the temperature

The second important task of any oil heater is to be able to maintain the temperature in the room using as little energy as possible. Once the set temperature was reached, it was then fixed by turning the thermostat gently until it audibly clicked. After this time, the devices worked, trying to maintain the set temperature.

The algorithm of work of different devices differed: some devices Aeronik PO-1123M, Scarlett SC-1167, Timberk TOR 21/2009 HA, Unit UOR-920 worked for some time in maximum mode, turning off heating for a small period of time 2 to 5 min De’Longhi TRD0820ER alternated the work in maximum and medium mode, and VitekVT-1729 BK – in maximum and minimum, Beko BRZ-2009 kept the temperature, including only the medium stage of heating.

Such on-off modes lead to some fluctuations in temperature. The smaller this range, the better. The measured fluctuations turned out to be quite insignificant. Because oil radiators are inert: After they have been turned off, the hot oil doesn’t rush to cool down. The minimum range for De’Longhi TRD0820ER and Unit UOR-920 is only half a degree, the maximum is 1,33?C, – Scarlett SC-1167. Such deviations are imperceptible without special measurements.

In addition, the temperature change was recorded while maintaining the heating setpoint – t.. deviation from the set temperature after a long period of time a few hours of operation to a steady state where the temperature no longer changes . The thing is that it is characteristic for the heaters to slightly “overheat” the room over time. All models stand up to the test with a maximum increase of +1.83?C the Scarlett SC-1167 is very small and insensible to humans.

Economy

How much energy would it take to heat a 10 sq.m. has become warmer by 10 *S? It turned out that the Vitek model spends the least energy on heating 1,75 kW , and the most wasteful are Beko BRZ-2009 2,6 kW and Aeronic PO-1123M 2,5 kW .

In addition, the electricity consumption for maintaining the temperature in the room was also measured. The most economical was the Beko BRZ-200 heater 0.88 kW*h , and the most expensive were the De’Longhi TRD0820ER 1.56 kW*h and Scarlett SC-1167 1.43 kW*h .

Usability and ergonomics

The oil cooler is seemingly simple as a concept: You plug it in and it gets warm. But this is only at first glance. There are many little things that make the work with the device pleasant and vice versa. This part of the test is meant to introduce us to the convenience of oil heaters.

Getting ready to go

The first thing you have to do after taking the device out of the box is to mount the supports. It is a rare specimen, which does not need to have feet and wheels screwed on. De’Longhi TRD0820 with its “Easy Wheel” system became such an outstanding device in our set see the exact name on the page . in the manual . Other models have roller supports fixed to the case with U-shaped holders with wing nuts.

On-switching heating stages

Heating stages are regulated mainly by the buttons. This is typical not only for the tested devices, but it reflects the situation on the market in general. In our seven heaters De’Longhi TRD0820 and Vitek VK-1729 BK have more convenient and expensive design, electronic, allowing to see on the display what is switched.

Thermostat control

How do I adjust it?? Smooth, easy to move the thumb wheel, if you have one, with a clear “click. The click sound is produced by a bimetal plate at a certain temperature level, when the heating is stopped. Close to the ideal were Aeronik PO-1123M and Scarlett SC-1167.

De’Longhi TRD0820 and Vitek VK-1729 BK were beyond competition with their electronics: both models allow you to set temperature values to within a degree. De’Longhi’s TRD0820 has remote control temperature control.

The Timberk TOR 21 heater.2009, unfortunately, when adjusting the knob, it makes contact with the case.

Operation indication

The indicator should be bright! Like the De’Longhi TRD0820 and Vitek VK-1729 BK. These heaters got the maximum score, the rest scored “good”.

Labeled

What’s required of the marking? Visibility, durability, contrast. Overall, the units performed well during testing, but no one earned maximum marks.

Moving the heater

The carrier of home heat we have, fortunately, not a stationary. And if so, it should be easy to move around the room on its castors. The handle by which you will carry it, should be convenient. The Timberk TOR 21 has the best rollers and handle.2009 -heater got the highest score.

Storage of the power cord

A special reel on the end is usually provided for winding the cord. How the cord should be stored? Like the Unit, for example, where it is on a wide handy device, and the plug is clearly attached to the top.

Cleaning and care

The issue of hygiene for the heating device is very and very relevant. Four of the seven heaters feature a sleek design and a minimum of nooks and crannies where dirt and dust can hide. The De’Longhi TRD0820 protective cover, which added points to the model in other phases of testing, let it down here. Plenty of hard-to-reach places to clean!

Instructions

Reading the instructions is fun and rewarding. Thanks to it, you can get acquainted with the acquired miracle of technology, learn what is necessary to ensure that it serves faithfully. Well, or at least how to assemble this miracle. The description should be well illustrated, detailed, understandable and logical, like the De’Longhi TRD0820 and Aeronic PO-1123M. If the font, like the Beko BRZ-2009, is small, familiarity with the device is difficult. What to say about the manual Vitek VK-1729 BK, in which the font is pale blue and vanishingly small, and the paper is high quality, glossy… and glare?

OVERALL TOTALS

The total evaluation consisted of three indicators: functional tests 50% , evaluation of technical parameters 30% and assessment of ergonomics and usability 20% .

It’s nice that all models received “good” ratings.

De’Longhi TRD0820ER heater was the best in terms of ergonomics, leader in technical parameters -Aeronik PO-1123M, and the heater Vitek VT-1729 BK was the winner in functional tests.

We would also like to mention the most economical in temperature maintenance mode oil heater among the tested models – Beko BRZ-2009.

The safety test: no fire!

Fire is a terrible thing, and that is why it is so important that a device such as a heater is truly reliable and gives good heat without turning it into an evil fire. The safety of heaters, like any electrical appliance, has two sides:

Compliance of the appliance with all existing codes and safety standards.

Correct operation of the device, strict compliance with all the points in the manual.

Labeling and instructions

Tested in accordance with Section 7 of GOST R MEK 60335-2-30-99.

American safety standards and regulations are very strict, for example, they require that the heater is marked with a reminder “do not cover” specifically for those who like to use the heater to dry things.

This inscription in American on three heaters – Beko BRZ-2009, Timberk TOR 21/2009 HA and Unit UOR-920.

The instruction manual must contain sufficient information for safe use of the appliance. From it you should know:

the device should not be placed near the outlet at high temperatures, with insufficient heat dissipation can melt the plastic socket or smoke the wallpaper ,

On the procedure of repair, which requires opening the oil container,

The need to follow the instructions on the disposal of the oil of a decommissioned heater.

The Beko BRZ-2009 and De’Longhi TRD0820ER heaters correspond to all these requirements.

Protection against contact with live parts

Checked by Section 8 of GOST R IEC 600335-2-30-99.

The designs of all the oil-fired heaters available for testing have been designed to ensure adequate protection against accidental contact with live parts. Gladly!

Power Consumption and Current

Tested according to Section 10 of GOST R IEC 60335-2-30-99.

Not all modern appliances are designed to operate at 220V. There are both 230 V and 220-240 V outlets. Therefore, in this test heater power was tested strictly at the voltage that the manufacturer indicated in the instructions. The power deviation should not be more than +5%/-10%.

All heaters passed the test, except for Timberk TOR 21.2009 HA. In this case, the consumer is deceived: he was buying a heater 2000W and he was given 1500W.

Testing of exterior parts of heaters

Checked according to Section 11 of GOST R MEK 60335-2-30-99.

The test was carried out as follows – the heater has worked for several hours in a mode of maximum heating. Then using a 75 mm diameter test rod, the temperature of the external parts of the enclosure was measured.

This test sort of simulates the accidental touching of the heater with the knee. According to State Standard the temperature of the case must not exceed the ambient temperature of 23 +/-2 ° C for more than 85 ° C. The coldest” heaters were Beko BRZ-2009 – the temperature of the outer surfaces did not exceed +71 ° C, De’Longhi TRD0820ER – +79 ° C, Unit UOR-920 – +80 ° C.

It is not recommended to touch the other heaters with bare knees and other parts of the body.

Tests in abnormal operation mode

Tested in accordance with Section 19 of GOST R IEC 60335-2-30-99.

By “abnormal” we mean operating in abnormal conditions.

You decide to dry your outer clothing on the radiator during the test, clothes were replaced by a special thick felt .

In this case, the device should be smarter than its owners and save them from fire. The temperature of the casing of the appliance must not exceed +150 ºC.

The heaters Aeronik PO-1123M, Beko BRZ-2009, De’Longhi TRD0820ER, Unit UOR-920, Vitek VT-1729 BK have successfully passed the test.

A situation was simulated in which a continuously operating heater toppled over on the floor.

What is the sense of tipping test? You don’t fill the cavity with oil. Respectively, when the heater lies on the floor, it overflows into the cavities, exposing heating elements. If there is enough oil, nothing will happen, because it will take the heat away from the heating elements, if not – the elements will heat up, the temperature and pressure in the case will increase, the oil will boil and fly out, tearing the case shell. A third option is possible: a tilt sensor installed in the heater simply shuts down the unit if it falls. The Vitek VT-1729 BK has such a gauge.

The Beko BRZ-2009, De’Longhi TRD0820ER, Scarlett SC-1167, Unit UOR-920 heaters also passed the test successfully.

And Aeronik PO-1123M and Timberk TOR 21.2009 HA the temperature exceeded the admissible value and continued to rise by inertia after the devices had been switched off.

Stability and mechanical hazard

Inspected by Section 20 of GOST R MEK 60335-2-30-99.

Do the appliances tip over so easily? To verify this, a simple test was performed: first, the heaters were placed on an inclined surface with a 15º slope . Then a perpendicular shock with 5 N force was applied, simulating an accidental catch of the device.

All models shown were successfully tested.

Connection to power supply and external flexible cords

Checked according to section 25 of GOST R IEC 60335-2-30-99.

Heater power cords are made of PVC and rubberized.

Among the tested models, rubberized cords – at Beko BRZ-2009, Unit UOR-920, Vitek VT-1729 BK, PVC cords – at Aeronik PO-1123M, De’Longhi TRD0820ER, Scarlett SC-1167, Timberk TOR 21.2009 HA. Because PVC cord melts at relatively low temperatures, according to GOST, in normal operation, the possibility of contact with external metal parts of the heater, which temperature exceeds 75 º C, should be unlikely. Of the 4 heaters with PVC cords, only the De’Longhi TRD0820ER corresponds to this standard, I.e.to. it is clad in a casing.

Conclusions

Only one heater, the Beko BRZ-2009, passed all the safety tests with flying colors.

The De’Longhi TRD0820ER got one marking note.

The Unit UOR-920 manual is missing one warning.

Otherwise, these models fully meet all the requirements of GOST.

The heater Vitek VT-1729 BK – three observations: the label, the instructions and exceeding the temperature of the external surfaces “heating” .

Aeronik PO-1123M heater – comments on labeling, instructions, exceeding the temperature of external surfaces, failed the rollover test, there are problems with the power cord.

Scarlett SC-1167 received comments on the labeling, instructions, exceeding the temperature of the external surfaces, did not cope with the “abnormal operation” clothes drying , there are problems with the power cord.

The largest number of non-compliances with GOST for the heater Timberk TOR 21.2009 NA – besides comments on labeling, instructions, problems with heating external surfaces, power cord, clothes drying and tipping “abnormal operation” there are also problems with power.