De’Longhi vs. Pelonis Space Heaters
Last winter, I found myself shivering in my small apartment, the central heating barely making a dent against the creeping cold. I needed a space heater—something reliable, safe, and efficient enough to keep my bedroom cozy without sending my electric bill through the roof. After some digging, I narrowed it down to two brands that kept popping up: De’Longhi and Pelonis. Both have solid reputations, but they’re not the same. I tested models from each—specifically the De’Longhi Capsule Ceramic Heater and the Pelonis Oil-Filled Radiator—to see how they stack up. Here’s my take on their performance, safety, energy use, and overall vibe, so you can decide which might fit your space best.
The Contenders: De’Longhi and Pelonis at a Glance
De’Longhi and Pelonis both bring something to the table when it comes to portable heating, but they cater to different needs. De’Longhi, an Italian brand with decades of experience, leans toward sleek designs and fast-acting heaters—think ceramic models that kick out warmth in a hurry. Pelonis, on the other hand, has been around for over 25 years and often focuses on oil-filled radiators, which promise steady, long-lasting heat without the hum of a fan.
Here’s what I tested:
- De’Longhi Capsule Ceramic Heater: A compact, 1500-watt ceramic unit with two heat settings and a cool-touch handle. It’s lightweight (under 3 pounds) and stylish enough to blend into my living room.
- Pelonis Oil-Filled Radiator (PHO15A2AGW): A 1500-watt radiator with three heat settings, a digital display, and a remote. It’s heavier (around 16 pounds) but has wheels for mobility.
Both are portable heaters, but their approaches to warming a room couldn’t be more different. Let’s break it down.
Performance: Speed vs. Stamina
When I flipped on the De’Longhi Capsule, I felt the warmth almost instantly. Within 10 minutes, my 150-square-foot bedroom went from a chilly 60°F to a comfy 68°F. The ceramic element heats up fast, and the built-in fan pushes that warmth out quickly. It’s not just about speed, though—the oscillation spreads the heat evenly, so I wasn’t stuck huddling right in front of it. For a small space where I need quick relief—like when I’m working at my desk or winding down at night—this thing delivers.
The Pelonis radiator took a different tack. It’s slower to start—about 20 minutes to get that same bedroom to 68°F—but once it’s warm, the heat lingers. The oil inside holds onto the warmth, so even after I turned it off, the room stayed cozy for another half hour or so. It’s quieter, too—no fan noise, just a faint hum as it works. For larger rooms or longer heating sessions, like an all-day movie marathon in the living room, this steady approach feels more practical.
Here’s a twist I didn’t expect: the Pelonis has an “ECO” mode that toggles between high and low settings to maintain temperature. In a 200-square-foot space, it kept things consistent without feeling like it was working overtime. De’Longhi’s Capsule lacks that finesse—it’s either on or off—but its speed makes up for it in shorter bursts.
Energy Use: Cost vs. Comfort
Both heaters run at 1500 watts on high, so at $0.12 per kilowatt-hour, you’re looking at about $0.18 per hour if they’re cranking full blast. But that’s not the whole story. The De’Longhi Capsule’s fan and ceramic setup mean it heats fast and shuts off once the room’s warm, especially with its adjustable thermostat. I ran it for three hours one night, and it cycled on and off, probably averaging closer to $0.40 total—a decent deal for instant warmth.
The Pelonis radiator, with its oil-filled design, takes longer to heat up, so it might run full power for that first 20-30 minutes. After that, though, its ECO mode kicks in, cutting power draw to around 700 watts on average, according to user chatter online. For a full day of background heating—say, eight hours—it might cost $1.20 or so, cheaper than blasting central heat all day. If you’re in it for the long haul, Pelonis could edge out De’Longhi on efficiency.
Safety: Keeping the Peace
Safety’s a big deal for me—I’ve got a cat who loves knocking things over. Both heaters have solid safety features, but they shine in different ways. The De’Longhi Capsule has a tip-over switch that kills the power if it falls, plus overheat protection that shuts it down if it gets too hot. The handle stays cool, so I can move it without burning my fingers. It’s a relief knowing I can leave it running while I’m in the room without worrying.
The Pelonis radiator feels sturdier—it’s heavier and wider, so my cat would have to try pretty hard to tip it. It also has overheat protection and a power light to show it’s on, but no tip-over switch. The surface gets warm, not scalding, which is nice for pet owners or parents. Its wheels and 70-inch cord make it easy to roll into place, though that weight (16 pounds) means it’s not as grab-and-go as the De’Longhi.
One surprise: the Pelonis remote. I didn’t think I’d care, but adjusting settings from my couch without getting up? That’s a small luxury that adds to the peace of mind.
User Experience: Living With Them
The De’Longhi Capsule is a breeze to use. Plug it in, twist the dial, and you’re warm—it’s that simple. At 7.5 x 4 x 11 inches, it tucks under my desk or sits on a shelf without hogging space. It’s not whisper-quiet—the fan hums like a soft breeze—but it’s not loud enough to drown out my music. The downside? No remote, so I have to reach over to tweak it.
The Pelonis radiator feels more high-tech with its digital display and remote. I set it to 70°F, and it held steady, no fiddling required. It’s silent—no fan, just a faint click when it adjusts—which makes it perfect for sleeping. Moving it around is easy thanks to the wheels, but at 16 pounds, it’s not something I’d lug upstairs daily. Some users mention a slight oil smell at first, but I didn’t notice it after the initial run.
Comparing the Two: Head-to-Head
Against each other, De’Longhi wins on speed and portability. If I need heat now—like when I step out of the shower or sit down to work—it’s my go-to. Pelonis, though, takes the crown for stamina and quiet comfort. It’s better for bigger spaces or all-day use, like keeping the living room warm while I binge-watch.
Compared to other brands, De’Longhi’s ceramic tech is snappier than, say, a Vornado VH200 (another fast heater), but it lacks advanced features like a digital display. Pelonis’ oil-filled design beats out cheaper radiators—like some no-name Walmart models—for build quality and that ECO mode, though it’s not as powerful as a De’Longhi TRD40615T for massive rooms.
Pros and Cons
De’Longhi Capsule Ceramic Heater:
- Pros:
- Heats up fast (10°F in 10 minutes for 150 sq ft)
- Lightweight and portable (under 3 lbs)
- Stylish, compact design
- Great safety features (tip-over switch, cool handle)
- Cons:
- Fan noise might bug light sleepers
- No remote or ECO mode
Pelonis Oil-Filled Radiator:
- Pros:
- Steady, long-lasting heat
- Silent operation—ideal for bedrooms
- ECO mode saves energy
- Remote control is a nice touch
- Cons:
- Slower to warm up (20 minutes for 150 sq ft)
- Heavier and less portable (16 lbs)
Which One’s Right for You?
After living with both, here’s my take: the De’Longhi Capsule is perfect if you want quick, targeted heat in a small space—think bedroom, office, or bathroom. It’s affordable (around $50), safe, and doesn’t clutter up your room. I’d give it 4.5 out of 5 stars for its simplicity and speed.
The Pelonis radiator is your pick if you need quiet, consistent warmth for a larger area or longer stretches—like a living room or all-night use. It’s pricier (around $70-$80), but the energy savings and silence make it worth it. I’d rate it 4.5 out of 5 too, for its reliability and comfort.
For me, the De’Longhi edges out slightly because I value speed and portability in my small apartment. But if I had a bigger space or wanted background heat all day, I’d grab the Pelonis. Test them out in your own space—your cold toes will thank you!
Quick Reference: Key Specs
| Model | Wattage | Heat Settings | Weight | Safety Features | Best For |
| De’Longhi Capsule | 1500W | 2, thermostat | 2.9 lbs | Tip-over, overheat, cool-touch | Small spaces |
| Pelonis Radiator | 1500W | 3, ECO mode | 16 lbs | Overheat, sturdy build | Larger rooms |
Check them out online: De’Longhi Capsule on Amazon and Pelonis Radiator on Amazon.
Still undecided? The Vornado Whole Room Heater is another option. We just reviewed it too.
Stay warm!
