So I've had the large version of a DeLonghi electric oil filled space heater for about 6 years now, and today it decided to explode oil on my bed, walls and carpet! >_<
Regardless of how old the thing is, this kind of thing SHOULD NOT happen, but it did. I always assumed it was filled with mineral oil or something, but what came out of it is yellow and has the smell of gassy oil you smell in an auto shop or something.
Anyway, after spending an hour cleaning it up, I don't think I'll ever get the smell out of the carpet, and the bed is a $900 bed and my gf is going to be soooo pissed, especially if the smell doesn't come out and if it's permanently stained by it!
Also got a nice comforter and sheets for xmas from my parents and they'll probably be ruined now too...
 
Sucks so bad, I'm going to call DeLonghi and see what they can tell me, and if they'll pay to replace the carpet and bed, etc. I really hope so!
 
I'm a bit worried to tell our landlord about it because I don't think we're supposed to have space heaters since it's all inclusive and they control the heat with a boiler...
 
Any advice you guys have would be helpful, like if I rent a carpet cleaner will it get it out of the carpet, if you know just what kind of oil they put in these things, etc. Thanks

I have heard of this happening before on really cheap units hence the reason why I spend alot on an oil based heater because im affraid of this happening. Was it an expensive unit Delongi is usually an ok brand but recently they have had some really cheap dodgy units on the market.

Took pics ASAP after I got fans in the windows to clear out the smoke (the f'ing thing didn't even shut off). It was expensive, like $120 or something before tax when I bought it.
 




 
Doesn't look too bad but oil is a major PITA and the stuff reeks horribly...

damn i have one of those its a good brand too

That really sucks man, hope it gets cleaned out easily.

i have that exact heater sitting behind me.  thanks for making me paranoid.

Well I WAS thinking about getting one of these for my office. But uh, yeah not now.

We use one of those exact heaters in the basment...
 
I'm surprised that there isnt a pressure release of some sort on the heater.
If the company still makes them I would definitely check online for similar instances.
If there are, contact the company, but DO NOT GIVE them the unit until they reimburse you for damages ,If they wont reimburse, lawyer up for the damage..
That could have seriously injured someone with hot oil spray !!!

Ohh yes, dont tell the landlord.
 
He may try to backcharge you for electricity if he's paying for it.
 
 
 
Can you post a picture of where the oil came out from.
 
Id like to inspect mine in the same area, for issues.

Considering you could have been injured due to what may have been a faulty design, I'm sure you could probably get them to pay for your losses. That really sucks though and I don't think I've seen those space heaters ever explode before, very strange. But yeah if you can afford a nice folding rig it can heat a room up with ease, haha. GL getting everything straightened out.

I can't pinpoint where it sprayed out of, though IIRC it seemed like the LED's were dimmer than normal, so I'm thinking it either overloaded or the thermostat failed and it overheated, or both :/
Definitely lacking in protection though, that's one thing that really pisses me off.
When it exploded it sounded like dishes crashing to the floor in the other room.
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/751291

We bought a Delonghi oil column heater for the baby room and it is a very reliable unit.

On 3AW today a woman was on who brought one for her Babys room.
It however exploded and sprayed hot oil over heself giving her burns to 35% of her body (baby was not injured)

Delonghi have paid her $12,500 for damages, admitted there was a fault etc however they are not doing a recall.

However based on the radio programme this morning (neil Mitchell) he is following it up further tomorrow.

Whatch this space.

 
http://www.bobistheoilguy...mber=799728&page=1
 
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1064913
 
They're all old enough to be pretty much the same model as mine...
 
Here's worst case scenario...
 
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/551553

I'm just glad no one was injured. Reading those links you posted , I read a brazed joint gave way. Good luck dealing with the company.

Lawyers generally give a free consultation. With this info in hand and pictures, he/she would generally tell you if it would be worth the legal fees and time spent on pursuing compensation with their services if the manufacturer did not want to co operate. Just an idea.

get detaied pics of the unit and damage before you ship it to them and also have witnesses sign a statement about damage and get it notarized.

Do you have another pic of that heater? From the front?