Dimplex vs De'Longhi Heater Australia 2026
Updated 2026-07-05
Dimplex and De'Longhi dominate the Australian portable heater market, particularly in the oil column heater category that's ideal for Australian homes without ducted heating. Both brands are widely available at The Good Guys, Harvey Norman, and Amazon Australia. Oil column heaters are preferred in Australian bedrooms because they operate silently, retain heat after switching off, and don't dry the air like fan heaters. We compare their flagship 2400W oil column heaters — the most popular size for Australian living rooms and bedrooms — to help buyers choose between these two established brands.
What to Look For
- 1Match wattage to room size — 1000W suits small bedrooms (10–15 m²), 1500W suits standard rooms (15–20 m²), and 2400W suits large living areas (20–28 m²).
- 2Check The Good Guys and Harvey Norman sale prices — both brands discount 20–30% during EOFY sales and mid-winter promotions in Australia.
- 3Consider the number of fins — more fins means more surface area and better heat distribution. 11–12 fins is standard for 2400W models.
- 4If you'll move the heater between rooms, choose Dimplex (lighter at 11.5 kg vs De'Longhi's 13.2 kg) — the weight difference matters when lifting over thresholds.
Dimplex
Dimplex 2400W Oil Column Heater with Timer
See price on Amazon
De'Longhi
De'Longhi Dragon 4 2400W Oil Column Heater
See price on Amazon
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Dimplex 2400W Oil Column Heater with Timer | De'Longhi Dragon 4 2400W Oil Column Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 2400W (3 heat settings: 1000/1400/2400W) | 2400W (3 heat settings: 1000/1500/2400W) |
| Fins | 11 column fins | 12 vertical fins with thermal chimney slots |
| Timer | 24-hour mechanical timer | Digital 24-hour programmable timer |
| Thermostat | Adjustable with eco mode | Digital with comfort temp display |
| Safety | Tip-over switch, overheat protection | Anti-freeze, tip-over, overheat protection |
| Weight | 11.5 kg | 13.2 kg |
| Room Size | Up to 25 m² | Up to 28 m² |
Pros & Cons
Dimplex 2400W Oil Column Heater with Timer
Pros
- 24-hour timer allows pre-heating before you arrive home
- 3 heat settings provide granular control for Australian winter temperatures
- Eco mode reduces energy consumption by cycling on/off
- Dimplex has dedicated Australian customer service and 3-year warranty
Cons
- Mechanical timer less precise than digital alternatives
- 11 fins slightly fewer than De'Longhi's 12-fin equivalent
De'Longhi Dragon 4 2400W Oil Column Heater
Pros
- Thermal chimney slot design heats rooms 25% faster than traditional columns
- Digital timer with programmable daily schedules
- Anti-freeze function protects pipes in unoccupied holiday homes
- 12 fins with wider surface area for more radiant heat output
Cons
- AU$40–AU$60 price premium over Dimplex equivalent
- Heavier at 13.2 kg — less portable between rooms
Our Verdict
De'Longhi wins on features — faster heating via thermal chimney design, superior digital timer, and anti-freeze function for holiday homes. Dimplex wins on value — delivering 95% of the performance at AU$40–AU$60 less. For most Australian homes, Dimplex is the smarter buy unless you specifically need programmable scheduling or the anti-freeze function. Both brands are reliable and widely serviced in Australia.
Best for Budget
Dimplex 2400W Oil Column Heater with Timer
Best for Features
De'Longhi Dragon 4 2400W Oil Column Heater
Editor's Note
Oil column heaters are the most cost-effective portable heating option for most Australian homes — they operate at roughly AU$0.72/hour at full power (2400W × AU$0.30/kWh) but cycle on/off once the thermostat reaches target temperature, reducing actual costs to AU$0.30–AU$0.50/hour in practice. De'Longhi's thermal chimney technology does heat rooms faster in testing, but once at temperature both brands maintain warmth equally well. For Melbourne and Canberra winters where heaters run 8+ hours daily, the thermostat quality matters more than peak wattage — both brands hold temperature well. Australian energy rebates in Victoria and NSW sometimes apply to energy-efficient heaters — check your state government website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dimplex or De'Longhi better quality in Australia?
Both are high-quality brands with strong Australian distribution and warranty support. De'Longhi has a slight edge in build quality (heavier construction, more features) while Dimplex offers better value for money. Both brands have 3-year warranties in Australia and are serviced through The Good Guys and Harvey Norman.
How much does it cost to run an oil heater in Australia?
A 2400W oil column heater costs approximately AU$0.72/hour at full power based on average Australian electricity rates of AU$0.30/kWh. However, once the room reaches temperature, the thermostat cycles the heater on/off — reducing actual running costs to AU$0.30–AU$0.50/hour in a well-insulated room.
Are oil heaters safe to leave on overnight in Australia?
Oil column heaters are considered the safest portable heater type for overnight use — they have no exposed heating elements, operate with sealed oil, and include tip-over and overheat protection. Both Dimplex and De'Longhi models comply with Australian electrical safety standards (AS/NZS 60335). Keep 1 metre clearance from curtains and furniture.
Which heater is best for Australian bedrooms?
Oil column heaters from either brand are ideal for Australian bedrooms — they're completely silent (no fan noise), don't dry the air (important for sleep quality), and retain heat for 30–60 minutes after switching off. A 2400W model handles rooms up to 25–28 m². Use the timer to pre-heat before bedtime and auto-off at midnight.
Further Reading
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