De'Longhi oil-filled radiators (1980–1988): known problems
6 sourced reports, with what to check before you buy. Each one links to the page it was reported on.
2 of these reports describe a fire, explosion or shock risk.
Costly or dangerous
De'Longhi 1980–1988 oil-filled radiator models and scale of defect (HeaterRecall.com)
This litigation-focused site provides specific model numbers covered by the recall (9306, 9308, 9608, 5108, 5108T, 4308, 5307, 4707, 3107, 3107T) and claims 3.6 million units were manufactured, with only ~250,000 replaced, and 85 lawsuits related to fires/explosions/black smoke.
What to check. If you own one of the listed models, verify the sticker code and contact De'Longhi for the free replacement. This source is a law firm site, so treat the lawsuit count and replacement figures as secondary claims, but the model list is concrete.
De'Longhi official recall list confirms 1980–1988 oil-filled radiator recall
De'Longhi's own corrective actions page lists the 08/15/1991 recall of oil-filled radiators manufactured 1980–1988, confirming the manufacturer acknowledges the recall.
What to check. This confirms the recall is recognized by the manufacturer. Follow the CPSC guidance to get the free control panel replacement.
Primary regulator recall (CPSC Release #91-108, 1991-08-15) covering De'Longhi oil-filled radiators made 1980–1988. Identified units by a silver sticker on the underside of the control box beginning with digits 80–88; a small number sold under Sears/Welbilt carry code 816F. The Commission judged electrical failures inside the control panels a potential fire hazard; De'Longhi offered free replacement control panels.
What to check. An owner of a 1980–1988 De'Longhi oil-filled radiator should check the sticker on the underside of the control box; if it begins with 80–88 (or the unit is a Sears/Welbilt with code 816F), the control panel carries a documented potential fire hazard and was subject to a free replacement program. The CPSC noted no fires or injuries were reported at the time of the recall, but the hazard is fire-classified and high severity.
De'Longhi oil-filled radiator control panel (1980–1988) — CPSC fire hazard recall
Safety risk
The CPSC issued this recall on August 15, 1991, covering De'Longhi oil-filled radiator-type electric heaters manufactured 1980–1988. The hazard is electrical failures within control panels that could cause fires. De'Longhi offered free replacement control panels.
What to check. If you own a De'Longhi oil-filled radiator from 1980–1988, check for the silver sticker on the underside of the metal control box; stickers starting with '80' through '88' identify affected units. Contact De'Longhi for the free control panel replacement. Do not continue using an unrepaired unit.
De'Longhi's own corrective-actions page lists the 1980–1988 oil-filled radiator action
The manufacturer's own corrective-actions/recalls page confirms a corrective action dated 08/15/1991 for 'De’Longhi Oil filled radiators manufactured from 1980 through 1988', matching the CPSC recall date. This corroborates the recall exists and is acknowledged by De'Longhi.
What to check. This confirms the recall is a real, manufacturer-acknowledged corrective action, not a third-party claim. A buyer or owner of a 1980–1988 De'Longhi oil-filled radiator should treat the control-panel fire hazard as documented by both the regulator and the maker.
DeLonghi oil heater fire incident (2026) — model unidentified
Safety risk
A law firm reports a January 13, 2026 incident where a DeLonghi oil-filled radiant heater sprayed oil and caught fire with 5-foot flames after ~2 weeks of continuous operation. The model could not be identified because the ID plate burned off, so it is unknown whether this is a 1980–1988 unit or a newer model.
What to check. This shows that oil-filled radiator fire incidents involving DeLonghi are not limited to the historical recall era. If you own any DeLonghi oil heater, inspect it regularly for signs of overheating, oil leakage, or hot plugs. The specific model in this incident could not be confirmed.
These reports come from the pages linked under each item: owner forums, repair guides and workshops. They are not a diagnosis of any one unit, and a careful check of the one you are buying still applies.
Text from the Kriko Electric space heaters catalog, version 0.1.1, under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 license.
