The Best 5 Kerosene Heaters and Buying Guide

Kerosene heaters are brilliant alternatives for the provision of heat whenever there are power outages or just for cost-effective ways of warming separate rooms by heating the whole building. As useful as they are, kerosene heaters run on a simple mechanism, just like in your regular kerosene lamp. If you are searching specifically for an indoor heater, here is an article about indoor kerosene heaters.

That explains why there is a round wick incorporated within the burner unit and then arranged on the kerosene reservoir or tank. Kerosene from the tank travels up the wick via capillary action and upon ignition, the fuel will be heated up and gas is produced.

The gas produced undergoes combustion and in the process, heats the air via convection and the other objects through the process of radiation. The latest variants of kerosene heaters are even so sophisticated that they make use of electricity of the fan so that heated air is directed outward. This allows for a speedier heating up of rooms and a greater level of efficiency.

Benefits of Using Kerosene Heaters

Those who are making use of kerosene heaters are not just doing so for the sake of it. They are mainly doing so because there are tangible benefits that come with the application of the kerosene heaters. Here are some of the benefits to be expected:

• Kerosene as fuel is very cost-effective. It is a lot cheaper than gas for the same volume so you can be sure that your budget will be on point. In a world where many people are trying to save as many financial resources as possible, kerosene comes in handy.
• The sheer durability of kerosene is amazing. You can store kerosene inside a plastic container for up to 12 months or even a decade if you use metal containers. Kerosene is stable.
• If you are concerned about the environment, then kerosene is a better option when compared with wood and coal. Although kerosene too does produce some gases, the quantity is relatively little and it does not damage the environment. Furthermore, if you use the kerosene heater in a well-aerated area, the gas production will not be a problem.
• You do not need any form of electricity for the kerosene heaters to work. That means that irrespective of the location you find yourself, you can always use them. Whether you are camping out or there is a sudden power outage, you can always rely on your kerosene heater for some warmth.

5 Kerosene Heaters You Should Know

1. Sengoku HeatMate OR-77

Features

• Dimensions: 23 X 15 X 15 inches
• Coverage area: 380 square feet
• Fuel tank capacity: 1.2 gallons
• BTUs: 10,000
• Combustion duration: 14 hours

Additional features

It also comes with 2D batteries and a tip-over switch

Description

For those who have limited funds but are still interested in getting the most excellent kerosene heater for use at home, the Sengoku HeatMate OR-77 is a lovely alternative. With a reasonable coverage area, heating your spaces even during winter will be stress-free.

This kerosene heater comes with a voluminous tank and you can fill as much as 1.2 gallons of the juice in it. There is a fill cap at the rear so the filling is pretty straightforward.

It is also designed to be as user-friendly as possible. There is the EZ flame adjuster which allows for the best heating pattern and push-button ignition. A temperature control dial allows for easy regulation of the heat based on the coldness of space in your room.

As for the safety features, this product comes with a tip-over switch, fuel gauge, automatic shut-off button, and a safety grill. The exterior design is also in a way that wind does not put out the flame or decreases its overall performance.

There is a wick and the same applies to the batteries you need for igniting it. This way, starting the kerosene heater immediately out of the box is possible, minimal assembly is also required.

2. Sengoku KeroHeat CTN-110 10,000-BTU

Features

• Dimensions: 19.7 X 18.5 X 12.2 inches
• Coverage area: 380 square feet
• Fuel tank capacity: 1.2 gallons
• BTUs: 10,000 BTU
• Combustion duration: 14-16  hours

Additional features

• There is an automatic shut off feature and auto-ignition setting too.

Description

Sengoku is a trusted and reliable name in this niche and here is another variant that will serve you well. It is a radiant kerosene heater with an innovative design. It is the latest in the line and it boasts of 10,000 BTUs but its safety and ease of use are most outstanding of its characteristics.

It is an excellent source of heating and ideally suited for emergencies too like when there is an unexpected power failure. This kerosene heater needs no electricity and it is more than capable to handle any condition for you. It is good for creating very efficient areas for heating as much as 380 square feet.

It is more compact when compared with the other variants in the same series. It also has a bigger tank (the capacity is 1.2 gallons) and that allows it to run for 14 hours without any interruptions.

The automatic safety shut-off option allows for flawless use while the push-button start feature means that is no need for electricity or even matches to start it. For your protection, there is the safety grill and the entire unit is supported by a limited manufacturer’s warranty that is valid for two years.

It is ideal for use at home, in spaces like garages or even houses with low-quality insulation where heating is ordinarily difficult. This kerosene heater is perfect for such areas.

It comes with other features like the fuel gauge, batteries, siphon pump, and an EZ flame adjuster. It is apparent from the design of this kerosene heater that it is made to be as user friendly as possible. It is a good investment and that explains why it is recommended greatly.

It comes with a full kit of accessories like a wing nut, wick, top plate, body, door, front panel, wick guide packing, battery case holder, grille, chimney assembly, wind cover, wick holder assembly, and ignition knob. Others include wall guard, insulator top, siphon pump, and cartridge tank assembly.

3. Dura Heat DH2304S 23,800 BTU Indoor Kerosene Heater

Features

• Dimensions: 26.75 X 17.5 X 17.5 inches
• Coverage area: 900 to 1,000 square feet
• Fuel tank capacity: 2 gallons
• BTUs: 23,800
• Combustion duration: 8-12 hours
• Type: Convective

Additional features

It can distribute heat in all directions and equally too.

Description

It is a compact kerosene heater that can dramatically decrease your energy costs while allowing you to get all the warmth you need in your home spaces, for areas as much as 1,000 square feet.

It has a 360-degree cage that allows it to be put at any location you want in your room. Because of the unique design, you do not even need to be concerned about the distribution of heat because it is constructed to make everywhere warm adequately.

Even though it is compact, you should not underestimate its strength. It is the ideal blend of compactness and power. This implies that you can easily transport it around even when the tank is full of fuel.

A full tank can take two gallons of kerosene. This ensures that it is a cost-saving feature for the user and you can enjoy its maximum run time of 12 hours. Safety is incorporated into this kerosene heater as it comes with a round grill that offers protection but that is not even all. There is also a drip tray below to handle fuel leaks so your floor is not messed up. There is also an automatic shutoff setting so that means that if it is becoming too hot for comfort or if the fuel reserve as plunged or when it stumbles, it can turn off on its own.

When it comes to safety, there is a protective grill that covers the entire surface and that ensures that you do not brush against it when it is hot. If there is a mistake and you make a contact with it, you are not going to be burnt.

The controls are designed to be user-friendly too. The good thing about the controls is that even an amateur can get a grip on the controls. The kerosene heater comes with a dial that can be used for the adjustment of the level of heat, an ignition switch, and even a manual shutdown feature that allows you to switch it off when you are not using it.

Even though there is a little bit of odor, it happens only when it is lit but overall, the kerosene heater is odorless. This is because there is a no-lift chamber structure that makes sure that odor is minimized.

Even if there is some odor when you turn it off, it swiftly dissipates so it does not constitute anything unpleasant for you. It is a kerosene heater that can heat up 900 to 1,000 square feet in no time. This means that you do not have to freeze during winter while waiting for it to warm you up!

4. Heater Corporation MH70KFR 70K BTU Kerosene Radiant Heater

Features

• Dimensions: 22 ¼ X 13 ¼ X 23 13/16
• Coverage area: 1,750 square feet
• Fuel tank capacity: 0.52 gallons
• BTUs: 70,000
• Combustion duration: 5 hours
• Weight: 44 lbs

Additional features

• There is a fuel level indicator and an external fuel filter that can be replaced.

Description

This kerosene heater comes with a Quiet Burner Technology and it delivers a lot of heat but with almost no noise. This allows it to be ideal for construction sites, projects, and events in outdoor spaces. It is a good onboard thermostat alongside an LED readout that allows for the setting of temperature and the room temperature.

Of all the brands in this niche, Mr. Heater is one of the most reliable. If you are looking for a heavy-duty and industrial-sized kerosene heater that offers excellent performance at the most cost-effective price, this is the ideal one for you.

The noise is very low and even when it is functioning maximally, the noise remains extremely low. There is a massive grill in front which protects you from being within the proximity of the very hot surface. But because the huge heat output is 75,000 BTU, you are going to feel the full blast of the heat and it will be like you are standing close to it. The area that it can cover is as much as 1,750 square feet and that is good by any standard.

5. Heater Corporation 45,000 BTU 540 Degree Heater

Features

• Dimensions: 11.6 X 22.6 X 16.8
• Coverage area: 2000 square feet
• Fuel tank capacity: 2 gallons
• BTUs: 30,000 – 45,000 BTU per hour
• Combustion duration: 9.6 hours

Additional features

• It can be mounted on a 20-lb tank and safety is ensured with the shut-off tip-over switch.

Description

Here is a kerosene heater that has been described as the best for several outdoor heating applications. It has a modifiable 360-degree burner head that can swivel as much as 180 degrees. This ensures the distribution of radiant heat in all directions.

Starting this heater is very easy as it comes with a push-button TE valve. Durability is ensured with the use of stainless steel parts and there is also a conventional tip-over safety shut-off switch which ensures that you have nothing to worry about when it comes to operating it.

Here is another of the series from Mr. Heater and it is known for producing cost-effective heat that can be applied to several applications. Whether you are going for ice fishing or you want to make use of it during your camping activities, this is the real deal for you.

Buying Guide for Kerosene Heaters

There are so many kinds of kerosene heaters today for anyone interested in shopping for them. It is not always an easy decision to select one as the choices can be so overwhelming. This is why you need to have some parameters in mind when going for a purchase. You need to ask yourself if you will be utilizing the kerosene heater in your residence, job site with proper aeration, or even inside an enclosure like a garage.

You even need to ask yourself if you are going to be operating it for a few hours or extended periods. The answers that you have to these questions will determine the features and settings that you watch out for. The answers will also let you have a very clear picture of the kerosene heater that is the best for you.

Before you proceed and make a purchase of that kerosene heater that you have always desired, there are some parameters that you must consider first. The following sections will focus on these factors that must be priorities when it comes to acquiring a kerosene heater.

Maximum Run Time

You need to know how long the kerosene heater can function. Every variant has its factors that determine this longevity of function but one of the most vital of such is the size of the tank. The larger the tank, the more fuel than it can contain at a time, which means that longer it can function

. For those who go for the variants that have thermostats that can modify the temperature, that can also influence the max run time. To illustrate, if you are operating it at a lower temperature, it is going to function for a longer period than when you are operating it at a higher level of temperature.

Tank Capacity and Storage of Fuel

It is very important that whenever you are keeping your kerosene heater, all the fuel must be drained from it. It is also instructive that you have spaces to keep not just the kerosene heater and also the containers of the kerosene.

The capacity of the tank is crucial and what many customers do is to buy a big one so the runtime can be as long as possible. If you making use of the kerosene heater every day or regularly then this is a good move as you will not have to be filling it up all the time.

The Complexity of Refueling and Fuel Gauge

When working with an excellent kerosene heater, it will not be difficult to do the refueling. It is good to do the refueling in outdoor spaces in case of spills. If your variant has a tray for the excess kerosene, then you can refuel indoor. Whatever the case, just make sure that it is not too heavy when full so you can haul it back and forth. The fuel gauge tells you how much fuel has been put inside the tank and how much of the runtime is available.

Kerosene Heaters Types and Styles

There are mainly three kinds of kerosene heaters and these include convection, radiant, and a forced air kerosene heater. Before you can know which one is the most appropriate for you, it will be nice to analyze each one and that will guide your decision.

Convection Kerosene Heaters

These are generally bigger in weight and size and have the capacity for larger areas and distribute heat equally in all directions. They are best for shops, malls, garages, and other spacious places. The heat they produce spreads in all directions. They are really powerful but you may have to live with the noise.

Radiant Kerosene Heaters

Usually, a radiant kerosene heater is much smaller and more compact than convection heaters and even forced air heaters. They are made for working on a particular section or area of a room or even objects within proximity. As a result, they cannot cover as much space as the other two. It has a detachable fuel tank and it is easy to refill and move as you like.

Air Forced Kerosene Heaters

These are dependent on electricity so if the power supply is not good in your area, this is not the most ideal for you. But apart from that, they come with high BTUs and expansive coverage. Hence, they are excellent for construction sites, spacious garages, warehouses, and others.

Now that you are more familiar with the three kinds of kerosene heaters, you can make a more information-driven decision on which one to select. If you are going to be using electricity or you have a garage to heat up, you now know which one is the best for you.

Using Kerosene Heaters Safely

Kerosene heaters are very productive and useful as they give you the comfort you need and they can even work as lifesavers. But if you do not operate it based on the manufacturer’s instructions, then the kerosene heater is as good as useless. We are going to focus on steps that you can take to make sure you do not have safety issues when operating a kerosene heater.

Monitors

It is important that you fix not only a smoke alarm in your residential spaces but also make sure that you do an installation of a carbon monoxide alarm. This is going to immediately alert you if there is an excessive level of this dangerous gas in your house.

Lighting

Make sure that the kerosene heater is kept far from all combustibles as the initial step and sit it on a heavy pile of newspapers. It is also better that you take this step in the outdoor space or you do so in a place with proper ventilation. Take off the fuel tank lid, put the funnel in place, and carefully pour the kerosene inside. Immediately it is full (make sure it is not overfilled), put back the tank cap, and clean any extra kerosene. If there are newspapers that have kerosene on them, you have to dispose of them.

Switch the control knob in the right direction and open the access door. Raise the front of the wick, shifting it sideways so the fuel covers the wick. Turn on the ignition if it is electric and you will see a flame emerge right below the wick.

In a case where your heater does not have electric ignition, raise the ring upwards and use an elongated match beneath the wick or the end of regular butane light. Immediately you notice the flame, shut the access down, and watch as the flame engulfs the wick. Then modify the controls until you get to a level of heat that you are fine with.

Storage of Kerosene Heaters at Home

While keeping the fuel at home, you need to have some precautions in mind. One is that you must make sure that the heater itself is not kept close to anything that can catch fire. Experts will give a recommendation of a minimum of three feet from your heater and any combustible item like fabric, drapes, furniture, blankets, paper bales, and many others.

You also need to ensure that the area is properly ventilated, ensure the door or windows are left open so aeration is ensured. It is also crucial that the heater is not stored in areas that are frequented by everyone, this will reduce the risk of people bumping into it and knocking it over.

Children must also be kept from kerosene heaters as it poses a significant threat to them. The temperature on the surfaces of kerosene heaters can be as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Hence, it has to be kept away from kids who will play with practically anything.

The kerosene heater must also be stored in such a way that it is always on a level surface – this way it is not going to fall over, slant or wobble in any way. You should also make sure the kerosene heater is not stored in a moist area as that can impede proper burning.

General Problems with Kerosene Heaters

Kerosene heaters are excellent for the production of heat and they also come with their benefits. However, it is also good if you know some of the issues to be expected with making use of them.

Issues Turning off Heater

You may have some problems with turning it off or the wick will just be fixed and refuse to move lower. If this happens, you will need to figure out another way to safely get the flame out. This can be done by just blowing the flame out or you can use a damp fabric to put it out.

Once you can put the flames out and the heater has become cool, remove the burner unit alongside the wick using pliers. In a case where the wick does not come down properly, it may just be because there is too much dirt on it. You can burn it until it is dry, remove from the heater and then reinstall it again. If all these methods do not work, then maybe it is time for you to get an entirely new unit.

Unbalanced Flame

The most frequently observed issue with kerosene heaters is that of uneven flame and it is typically caused by an accumulation of tar on the wick. To sort this, you have to clean out the resin and tar deposits. Do not do this indoor because it will emit a lot of noxious-smelling gases which are not even good for health.

To clean out the tar, switch on the wick to the maximum height just before it goes off. It can be that the wick is too worn out from use and if that is the case, then you will need to get a new one.

Lighting Issues

It can also happen that the kerosene heater is giving you some headache when it is time to turn it on or ignite. This can be because the igniter itself is faulty or the batteries are weak. It may even be that the wick is dirty. You have to find out the exact cause and sort it for the ignition to work.

FAQ about kerosene heaters

Q: Are kerosene heaters good for the environment?

A: The simple here is yes. They are very good for the environment as they do not release toxic fumes. They are even more beneficial to the environment than wood or coal.

Q: What is the energy efficiency of kerosene heaters like?

A: It is very efficient and the estimated level of efficiency is 90% as against 31% for electricity and 77% for gas-driven ones.

Q: Does it take longer to heat a room?

A: The precise time that it takes for a kerosene heater to warm up an entire room will be influenced by the exact variant and kind of kerosene heater you are using. There are forced-air variants that can heat the space in just one or two minutes while some others may spend almost half an hour before you feel any warmth.

Q: Is it advisable that you turn them on overnight or when you are out?

A: No, this is not advisable at all. Whenever you are making use of a kerosene heater, make sure that you do not leave it unattended at any point in time.

Q: How safe is it to sleep with a functioning kerosene heater?

A: Even though this can be done as long as adequate safety measures are in place alongside good aeration and the inclusion of a carbon monoxide detector, it is not a recommended thing to do at all because of the inherent risks.

Q: If there is extra kerosene, how do I store it or even the kerosene heater?

A: This does not come with issues at all. During summer, you can keep your kerosene heater inside the basement, shed, or garage. This is the way to go because kerosene is a flammable liquid, it is also better to make use of a concrete surface.

Before storing the kerosene heater away, make sure that you drain it of all kerosene. You must never store your kerosene heater with kerosene still inside it. The fuel should be stored in a separate container but that should not last more than six months before it starts to collect water.

Q: Which one is safer between a natural gas or kerosene heater?

A: The one running on kerosene is the safer alternative here for you. It will also get you more heat even though natural gas offers cleaner burn and you may find it less stressful to locate and procure natural gas.

Q: Where is the best source to purchase kerosene heaters?

A: Amazon is outstanding as a good alternative where you can get excellent prices and delivery is also guaranteed. Home Depot is another fantastic option for you and their customer service is another added plus. Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Wal-Mart are also feasible options for you but some others decide to buy directly from the online stores or websites of the kerosene heater manufacturers.

Conclusion

Even though there is a vast array of amazing kerosene heaters that you can choose from, there is just one variant that will perfectly meet your needs. That is the essence of this guide. It contains in detail all you need to know about how to get that kerosene heater that gives you superior performance while warming up your space nicely and evenly.

An ideal kerosene heater is user-friendly and even an amateur can easily make use of it. All the kerosene heaters that have been listed in this review are excellent and you are free to choose the one that best suits your needs.

The main aim of this piece is to assist you in deciding on the finest kerosene heater for your use. The guide is one that has been compiled after in-depth research and that was how the best five kerosene heaters were arrived at. From manufacturer information to analyze the features of the products to the feedback left by other customers, the details have been distilled into a single piece – now, you can perfectly select the ideal kerosene heater,