Thermostat, regulated temperature, quick heat, good price
Disadvantages:
No timer, not suitable for small rooms
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
When we purchased our flat in May 2006, it was the middle of summer, and hence the flat, which received direct sunlight for ¾ of the day, was very warm. However as the months passed, and the summer warmth faded we found ourselves resorting to the panel heaters installed in the flat. These panel heaters weren't very reliable and produced limited heat, mainly within a 2 metre span from the heat source, not very useful when you're trying to heat a large bedroom and living room. Having browsed through the Argos catalogue for an alternative heat supply, we decided on purchasing a Delonghi Oil Filled Radiator, currently available for £44.99.
The Delonghi brand name is synonymous style, living innovation and successful products, so we were perfectly happy to choose this brand over another. The radiator we chose has the following key features:
Obviously, living in a flat we didn't want a bulky radiator that would hinder our use of the space, so were pleased to see this radiator is reasonably slim-line (Depth 16.1cm, height 68.2cm and width 47.4cm) and is supplied with wheels, which were very easy to fit, to enable easy movement and location. Please note however than when unpacking your radiator to do so carefully, if the radiator is damaged you shouldn't use it. The cord supplied is also of a reasonable length (approx 2 metres) so dependant on the location of your sockets can be moved to a variety of places within your room. The radiator also has a cord storage facility for when the radiator is not in use.
The radiators three settings give an indication of the heat produced but you will only be able to derive the most suitable setting for your home once it's in its location. We generally have the radiator set to level 3 (setting is 1-5), and on a medium output, although occasionally arriving home on a chilly day, we have maximised the radiator to it's fullest and been pleasantly surprised at the quickness of the generated heat, although be warned the radiator casing does become extremely hot at the higher temperatures so would not be safe around young children who are liable to touch out of curiosity.
Several key points to note regarding the safety and security of your Delonghi radiator are:
• Only use the heater in an upright position • The heater must be positioned at least 50cm away from furniture or other objects • Do not use if the supply cord is damaged, and arrange for a qualified person to replace/repair the cord • The heater may make crackling noises the first time it's used, or after a period of infrequent use. This is normal so don't worry! • Any repairs must only be done by the manufacturer or qualified person. • Try not to use the radiator in rooms smaller than 4m x 4m as it could cause overheating • Upon disposal of the radiator, ensure the correct legislation is followed when disposing of the oil • Never use the radiator to dry laundry
Several of the new models come with timer switches enabling you to set the radiator to come on before you awaken in the mornings, but our model doesn't have this. It does however regulate the temperature of the radiator once you chosen heat setting have been reached. The frost protection feature enables the appliance to maintain a temperature of 5 degrees preventing freezing with minimal energy consumption.
I can't comment in detail on the energy consumption of the radiator, but I haven't really noticed a difference in the electric bills, they seem standard (even lower) compared to my last property which had central heating.
Cleaning the product is very simple, and any dust can be wiped off with a soft dry cloth.
We have been using the Delonghi radiator since September, and have not had any problems with the heat output, radiator design, or location. It's flexible in its situation and can easily be moved from one room to another (thanks to its trusty wheels). It wasn't very expensive, although the newer models with their additional features and more modern designs do vary in price from store to store. I must stress again though that it is very important that when in use the radiator should always be kept in a vertical position (i.e. with the wheels at the bottom), as any other position could be extremely dangerous. The radiator provides us with sufficient heat (although we still use the panel heater in front of any drying laundry to prevent any dampness in the flat, and all we need to do now is purchase a second radiator for the bedroom.
If you want to take a look at the Delonghi range of radiators then look at www.delonghi.co.uk. On the site Delonghi claim to be the "World's Leading Brand" in portable heaters, and provide a quick guide to finding the most suitable heater for your personal requirements.
