Heating · A Brennan's Electrical guide
Infrared vs Oil-Filled vs Panel Heaters
Infrared, oil-filled and panel heaters all run on electricity and are all ~100% efficient but they heat very differently, which changes where each one shines. Here's how to choose.
Panel heaters give steady, controllable background warmth and are slim and wall-mountable best for bedrooms, offices and hallways. Oil-filled radiators warm a room gently and hold heat, ideal for a room you sit in for hours. Infrared heaters warm people and objects directly rather than the air, so they feel instant and suit conservatories, spot heating and draughty spaces. All are equally efficient; choose by how and where you heat.
How each type heats
Infrared, oil-filled and panel heaters all run on electricity and are all ~100% efficient the difference is how and where the heat reaches you.
| Panel | Oil-filled | Infrared | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heats | The air (convection) | The air (radiant + convection) | People/objects directly |
| Feel | Steady, even | Gentle, retains heat | Instant, directional |
| Best room | Bedroom, office, hall | Living room, long sits | Conservatory, spot heat |
| Mounting | Wall-mounted, slim | Freestanding (portable) | Wall/ceiling or portable |
| Control | Thermostat + timer (ATC) | Thermostat | Often zoned/instant |
Why they feel so different
All electric heaters are roughly 100% efficient, so the difference is not efficiency but delivery. Panel heaters warm the air by convection, giving steady background warmth. Oil-filled radiators combine radiant and convection heat, warming a room gently and holding that heat once the room is up to temperature. Infrared heaters warm people and objects directly rather than the air, so they feel instant and suit conservatories, spot heating and draughty spaces where warming the whole volume of air would waste energy.
How to choose
- Steady background heat in a bedroom or office. A panel heater (e.g. ATC).
- A room you occupy for hours. An oil-filled radiator for gentle, lasting warmth.
- Instant, targeted heat in a conservatory or draughty space. An infrared heater.
- Quick bursts in a bathroom. A convector/fan heater.
Then size it with our wattage guide, check the running cost, and browse the electric heating range and the ATC hub.
Frequently asked
Is infrared cheaper than oil-filled?
Which is best for a bedroom?
What's best for a conservatory?
Find your right heater
Brennan's Electrical is an Arklow-based electrical and appliance retailer. We stock electric heating, cooling and large kitchen appliances — with local delivery, installation and old-appliance removal that the big chains don't match. Browse the ranges online or talk to us for advice on the right model for your room and budget.