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Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater vs De'Longhi Dragon Digital Full Room Radiant Oil-Filled Radiator
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on heating power, safety features. De'Longhi Dragon Digital Full Room Radiant Oil-Filled Radiator wins on even, steady heat, quietness, durability.
The biggest complaint about the Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater is units failing over time; for the De'Longhi Dragon Digital Full Room Radiant Oil-Filled Radiator it's very slow to warm up. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater | De'Longhi Dragon Digital Full Room Radiant Oil-Filled Radiator | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in space heaters | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Infrared | Oil-filled |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 6% | 11% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| Heating power | 4.0 | 2.5 |
| Even, steady heat | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Quietness | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Safety features | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Controls & thermostat | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Durability | 3.0 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $60 · $$ $60–150 · $$$ over $150. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater
- Units failing over time
Reliability is a mixed aspect on Amazon, with 654 of 1,116 mentions negative; the summary says some owners report units failing after three years.
- Heavy, dated cabinet
HGTV lists 'heavy' (19 lb) and 'dated design' as its cons, though integrated casters let you roll it.
Source: HGTV - Always-on standby light
Bob Vila's only listed con is a standby light that 'feels unnecessary'.
Source: Bob Vila
De'Longhi Dragon Digital Full Room Radiant Oil-Filled Radiator
- Very slow to warm up
Wirecutter says it can take a half-hour or more before you feel any warmth, and even after an hour it might raise the room by only a few degrees.
Source: Wirecutter - Burning or chemical smell
Odor is a mixed aspect on Amazon, with some owners reporting a burning chemical smell. Wirecutter says new oil-filled radiators can give off a stench from leftover manufacturing oil that should fade.
- Hot surfaces, bulky, some early failures
Wirecutter measured the case at 180°F after four hours, hot enough to burn skin, and notes it weighs 25 lb, is suitcase-sized and can be top-heavy. Reliability is mixed on Amazon, with some owners saying it stopped working after two weeks. The warranty is just one year (Wirecutter).
Who should pick which
Pick the Dr Infrared Heater DR-968 Portable Space Heater if
Large rooms and basements
Quiet, even heat
People who want a remote and a long warranty
Skip it if: You need to carry a heater up and down stairs; You care about looks; You want the most reliable unit long-term
Pick the De'Longhi Dragon Digital Full Room Radiant Oil-Filled Radiator if
Long, steady background heat
Silent operation in bedrooms or studios
People who dislike forced-air heat
Skip it if: You want fast, instant warmth; You have small kids or pets who might touch it; You're sensitive to smells
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