De'Longhi Dragon 4 TRD40820T review: running cost and verdict
The classic premium oil filled radiator: 2 kW, three heat settings, thermostat, anti-frost and a 24-hour timer, with a 10-year warranty. Silent and keeps warming after it switches off.
Delivery and returns handled by Amazon
The good
- Three heat settings, thermostat and anti-frost
- 24-hour mechanical timer
- Silent: no fan
- 10-year product warranty (per listing)
The not so good
- Takes a while to warm up
- Heavy, although it has castors
How much does it cost to run?
One hour at full power (2,000 W)
Low setting: 23.7p an hour
A month of typical use
5 hours a day on thermostat
Ofgem price cap, Direct Debit, national average (1 October to 31 December 2026). Watt for watt, every electric heater costs the same to run. What makes the De'Longhi Dragon 4 TRD40820T cheaper or dearer is its size and its controls: dial thermostat, timer. More in which electric heater is cheapest to run.
Specifications
| Type | Oil filled radiator |
|---|---|
| Power | 2,000 W (low setting 900 W) |
| Room size | about 20 m² (215 sq ft) |
| Controls | Dial thermostat, timer |
| Oscillation | No |
| Tip-over protection | Not stated |
| Splash protection | No |
| Noise | Silent (no fan) |
| Amazon ASIN | B00CA1T07G |
| Source of specs | Amazon.co.uk listing and delonghi.com/en-gb (900–2000 W, 3 settings, 8 fins) |
Frequently asked questions
How much does the De'Longhi Dragon 4 TRD40820T cost to run?
At full power it uses 2.00 kWh an hour: about 52.6p at the Ofgem price cap (26.32p/kWh). Typical use (5 hours a day on thermostat) comes to around £47.38 a month.
What size room will the De'Longhi Dragon 4 TRD40820T heat?
About 20 m² (215 sq ft) in a reasonably insulated home. For a draughty room or an old house, go one size up.
Can I leave the De'Longhi Dragon 4 TRD40820T on overnight?
It is designed for long periods: use the thermostat on a low setting, keep it away from curtains and bedding, and plug it straight into the wall.
Can I use the De'Longhi Dragon 4 TRD40820T in a bathroom?
No: it has no splash protection. In a bathroom use only heaters rated IP24 or higher, fitted outside the wet zones.
Alternatives
De'Longhi Radia S TRRS0920E.G 2000W
- Oil filled radiator · 2,000 W
- 2 kW oil filled radiator with LED display, timer, safety thermostat and an Eco Plus mode that adjusts output to the room temperature.
- Costs 52.6p an hour at full power.
De'Longhi Dragon 4 TRD41025T 2.5kW
- Oil filled radiator · 2,500 W
- De'Longhi's 2.5 kW Dragon 4: three heat settings, thermostat and timer, rated for rooms up to 75 m³ (about 30 m²). Silent, steady heat that keeps going after it switches off.
- Costs 65.8p an hour at full power.
Dimplex ECR20 Oil Free Radiator 2kW
- Oil-free radiator · 2,000 W
- Oil-free 2 kW column radiator: lighter than an oil filled one and quicker to warm up, with three heat settings, thermostat, castors and a tilt switch.
- Costs 52.6p an hour at full power.
If you buy through our links, Amazon pays us a small commission. The price is the same for you.