I have had a couple of those oil-filled radiator-type heaters.  They didn't last.  I know at least one would leak oil onto the floor.  I finally bought a Duraflame heater.  It is a little more expensive, but it can throw the heat. It has a timer on it, but I've never used the timer.  You can set the temperature, and it will cycle on and off based on the temperature. So far, it has worked well for me.