Winter is right around the corner, and nothing can beat the comfort provided by a good-quality heater. It is time to burst out those kerosene heaters, which can be perfect for indoor use or as a backup for providing heat if there is a power outage.
However, people often find it difficult to find a quality kerosene heater, which can be a nightmare. Thus, to help with that, we have a complete review of the best kerosene heaters for indoor use so you can be comfortable and cozy, even in the winters.
If you want to know more about them, keep on reading!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Kerosene Heaters For Indoor Use
- OUR TOP PICK: Dyna-Glo Forced Air Heater
Comparison of the Best Kerosene Heaters For Indoor Use
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How to Choose a Kerosene Heater
What makes a kerosene heater worth the investment? People often wonder how to choose a good-quality kerosene heater from the numerous options available in the market. Well, certain features need to be looked over for that. Some of them include:
Efficiency and Heat Output
People often have the misconception that opting for the maximum heat output is the way to go. But that’s not the case. In fact, if you opt for a unit with an unnecessarily high heat output, you’ll end up wasting fuel. Heaters have the maximum efficiency at the maximum output, and if you run a unit at lower heat output, it’ll end up wasting fuel.
Construction and Durability
Look for a unit that has an aluminum casing protecting the motor. Furthermore, the unit overall should be built with the best quality materials to ensure durability and reliability. This will make your investment long-lasting.
Convenience
A kerosene heater should be easy to move from room to room if necessary. Thus, it’s important to look for a unit that offers portability. A great way to achieve that is by easy-lift handles, which can be very helpful.
Furthermore, it’s great to have easily accessible diagnostic, maintenance, and technical support. Thus, a unit with built-in diagnostic features can be very convenient.
Review of the Best Kerosene Heaters For Indoor Use
There are several products in the market, but not all of them are worthy of investment. It can be pretty disappointing to end up with a poor-quality product. Thus, to save you from a similar situation, we have reviewed some of the best kerosene heaters out there for indoor use. Let’s take a look at them:
Best Overall
Dyna-Glo Forced Air Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 1200
Power (watts): N/A
Dimensions: 11.69 x 32.01 x 16.69
Weight: 26.9 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
This unit seems to have completely swept buyers off their feet with its immaculate design. It comes equipped with multiple innovative features and durable construction. While it is a bit noisy, users are willing to overlook it for the performance it promises.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Be it optimal performance or intuitive user experience, this wonderful product offers both. It has a durable aluminum-encased industrial motor that is incredibly well-engineered. It features dual heat technology that allows it to provide 140,000 or 180,000 BTUs heat output. It can easily heat up to a 4200 sq ft area.
You can access maintenance schedules, technical information, and diagnostics at your fingertips. The runtime fuel gauge is also easy to read and allows you to quickly display the amount of fuel left. The unit is easy to travel with, given its easy-lift handle and built-in cord.
Bottom Line
This unit is so well-constructed and well-designed that it surely deserves a spot on our list. It has a highly innovative design that takes into consideration smooth performance as well as consumer safety. Thus, it proves to be a great investment.
Pros
Equipped with dual heat technology
Comes with built-in digital diagnostics
Features an easy-to-read run-time fuel gauge
Includes an easy lift handle and built-in cord for easy lift and transport
Provides optimal performance and durability due to the aluminum-encased industrial motor
Cons
Tends to leave a bit of odor
Some buyers find that it’s pretty noisy
Sengoku KeroHeat CTN-110
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 2984
Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 19
Weight: 20 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are very happy with this unit. They find that it heats up their spaces wonderfully well. It is easy to operate and highly reliable in its performance. Even though some consumers stated that it required minor adjustments from time to time, the overall unit is truly a favorite.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It caught our attention with its highly impactful and good-quality design. It is equipped with multiple security features that ensure secure operation. These include an automatic shut-off and tip-over switch that turns the product off in case it tips over accidentally. There’s also a safety protected guard.
You can easily check the heater’s kerosene levels as it is equipped with an easy-to-read gauge, which makes the unit pretty convenient. It has an automatic igniter that makes turning it on easy, plus it also has a flame adjuster.
Bottom Line
There aren’t many products as well-constructed as this one. It features a highly reliable and durable design, which allows it to work incredibly smoothly and safely. It comes with batteries included and surely proves to be a great investment.
Pros
Features automatic igniter and flame adjuster
Comes with siphon pump and four C batteries included
Has an easy-to-read gauge that displays the kerosene levels
Equipped with multiple safety features such as automatic shutoff
Can work for up to 14 hours in one go and has a 1.2-gallon fuel capacity
Cons
Some buyers find that the wick isn’t of the best quality
Consumers find that the product often requires minor adjustments
Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 500
Power (watts): N/A
Dimensions: 22.32 x 11.89 x 19.29
Weight: 20.9 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers seem to be praising this unit quite a lot for its simplistic and easy-to-use design. It has a fairly straightforward construction that is durable and highly reliable. Some buyers state that it leaves a slight smell when operating, but that isn’t a deal-breaker at all.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What’s not to appreciate about this product? There are several reasons why it spoke to us. Firstly, it is incredibly convenient and easy to transport due to the easy-lift handles. Furthermore, it has a 99.9% efficiency rate and operates for 13 hours on one full gallon of fuel.
It features automatic ignition, which makes it easy to start. It has multiple safety features such as a one-touch extinguish system, tip-over shutoff design, etc. for user safety. Plus, it also has an easy-to-read fuel gauge.
Bottom Line
All in all, this unit is truly a gem. It features a simple yet durable design. The product is safe and secure to use and works like a charm. Furthermore, handling it is pretty easy due to the convenient and ergonomic design. Overall, it’s a great investment.
Pros
Easy to lift handles for easy transport
Features one-touch extinguish system
Offers automatic ignition for easy start-up
Heat output of 10,000 BTUs can heat up about 500 sq ft
Operates 13 hours on one full gallon with 99.9% efficiency
Cons
Consumers find that it tends to operate with a bad odor
Some buyers find that the wicks aren’t of the best quality
Kero World KW-24G
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 900
Power (watts): N/A
Dimensions: 18.03 x 18.03 x 22.24
Weight: 20 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
This product has been able to gather plenty of praise from consumers due to various reasons. Firstly, it has a remarkable design that is backed by a wonderful warranty. Even though it requires a bit more maintenance, this unit is worthy of the investment.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Be it the incredible 23,000 BTU heat output for a 1000sq ft area that it offers or the highly secure and functional design it has; this unit is truly exceptional. It has a highly durable construction, which is backed by a limited two-year warranty.
Another great part of this heater is how portable it is, making it easier to take it from one place to another. It features a 360-degree protective grille and a tip-over shutoff design to protect the consumer in case of accidents.
Bottom Line
Last but certainly not least, this unit is a great kerosene heater for indoor use. It has a high-quality design that is highly functional. The overall construction is remarkable and makes the heater long-lasting. It is a highly worthy purchase to make.
Pros
Comes with a limited two-year warranty
23,000 BTUs heat output for up to a 1000 sq ft area
Delivers efficient heating and features a portable design
Features a built-in 1.9-gallon fuel tank for up to 12 hours of heat
Equipped with multiple safety features such as 360-degree protective grill
Cons
Requires a lot of maintenance
Some buyers found that the handle wasn’t as convenient as they’d like
What Makes a Kerosene Heater Great for Indoor Use?
Kerosene heaters are a popular choice for consumers, especially for indoor use. There are quite a few reasons why they make a great investment. These include:
Portability
Kerosene heaters, by default, usually are created to be portable. They are made with the idea of heating one room and being easy to travel with, so they can be moved to another space. They have wheels attached to them to aid with the process or, at times, they have easy lift handles as well.
Affordability
One of the biggest reasons why kerosene heaters are wildly popular is how affordable they are to operate. Fighting the cold is a necessity, yet not everyone can pay expensive electricity costs for an electric heater. Kerosene heaters run on cheaper fuel and thus, in the long run, are more affordable.
Easy to Operate
They are equipped with multiple features that make them incredibly convenient and easy to operate. They have electronic ignition, and most units come with batteries, so you don’t need electricity to operate or turn them on. They also have an easy-to-read fuel gauge and air pressure gauge, plus they carry diagnostic tools for easy maintenance of your heater.
Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind
Some factors must be considered when it comes to buying a kerosene heater. These will ensure a smooth and safe operation and overall good user experience. These include:
Security Features
Security features should be of utmost importance to you when looking for a kerosene heater. The unit you invest in should have features like tip-over shut-off, protective shield, etc. They can really come in handy in case of an accident. Also, make sure not to keep your heater unattended for too long or in the path of constant foot movement as that can be dangerous.
Compatibility
Don’t just go out and buy any unit with the highest heat output as that is truly a waste of time and money. Look into the space you need to heat, and calculate the BTU output. Make sure the product you invest in is compatible and capable of heating that designated area.
Warranty
It’s always nice to have a heater that is backed up with a good warranty. This allows it to be a long-term investment as it reinstates how reliable or durable the product actually is, so it can last longer.
How Safe is a Kerosene Heater Indoors?
Yes, kerosene is pretty safe to be used indoors as long as all the safety measures are taken into consideration. Like any combustible fuel, kerosene releases carbon monoxide, which is why it’s important to have ventilation in the area. It’s also crucial to keep any and all flammable objects away from the heater to avoid ugly consequences.
Kerosene Heater vs. Propane – Comparison Overview
Kerosene and propane heaters are often put up against each other in comparison. Many people find themselves in a position where they need to pick between the two. Keeping this in mind, let’s take a look at how different or similar they are, so you can make the right decision for yourself:
Similarities
Kerosene and propane have little to no differences in their price points. Both of them are considered to be cheap alternatives to electricity.
Differences
Most people complain of not being able to get their hands on kerosene, whereas propane is much readily available to utilize. Thus, the latter is easier to work with or buy in bulk.
However, it’s easier to store kerosene in the long term as it’s less explosive than propane. Storing flammable liquids is always a matter of safety concern. Thus, out of the two, kerosene is safer and more convenient to store.
How to Change a Wick in a Kerosene Heater
Changing a wick in a kerosene heater isn’t as hard as it seems, especially if you follow the right instructions. So, here’s what you basically need to do:
- First, remove all the screws to remove the top protective grill.
- Then, take the compression handle off, which will lead to unlocking the housing’s top lid.
- Next, lift off the whole housing along with the flame spreader. Use the wick adjustment knob to pull the wick.
- Then, take the knob and lower housing off as well.
- Once you have the housing off, remove the backfire preventer to further expose the wick housing. Use a pair of pliers to loosen the wing nuts.
- Next up, remove the old wick by taking the lower and upper portion of the wick.
- Now, put the new wick in by taking note of the black line, which will be a reference point to how far up the wick goes. Don’t go past the black line.
- You need to look closely and notice the sharp teeth on the wick housing to which the new wick needs to be snagged.
- Reinstall the lower wick compression and go ahead and put it back over the igniter housing once again.
- Make sure your wick is at the right height by adjusting it.
- Now reinstall the wingnuts and the rest of the components taken apart initially. The installation is complete.
If there is something about the description that still confuses you, then go right ahead and check the video below, which talks about the process a bit more in detail.
How Do You Adjust the Wick on a Kerosene Heater?
The wick is adjusted using the wick adjustment knob located on the wick housing on the heater.
How to Start a Kerosene Heater
People often find stating a kerosene heater to be pretty tricky. However, that is far from the truth. If you have the right instructions, you can get through with it easily. Thus, we have broken down the process into a step-by-step guide for you to follow.
- Firstly, turn the big white knob of the heat output located in the front to full.
- Next, open the door and push down on the igniter.
- You’ll be able to see it light up and then let the grill down.
- You might need to turn the burner around a bit to get the fire right.
- Don’t get the flame too high, or the heater will produce high quantities of soot or too low as it will produce too much vapor.
- You want the flame to reach about half-inch above the burner. This might take a few minutes and require adjustment. That’s all there is to it!
If there is anything about this guide that seems ambiguous, feel free to click on the video below. It goes over the process in a bit more detail; thus, it will help clear any confusion you may have:
How to Clean a Kerosene Heater
One of the most important parts about owning a kerosene heater is its proper maintenance. People often find it intimidating to clean a kerosene heater. However, that’s not how it is. In order to keep the hater working properly, regular cleaning is crucial. Here are a few tips and tricks which will aid you in the process and make it simpler for you:
- In order to clean the external area of the kerosene heater, you can use a mixture of ammonia and water or any other preferred non-flammable cleaners.
- Now, as far as the glass mantel and panel portion are concerned, they should be cleaned using just soapy water after being removed.
- The important thing to remember is not to use cleaning agents or water on the inside of the heater as it will contaminate the heater. The insides of the heater only need to be cleaned using 1-K kerosene. Then, the contaminated kerosene will be siphoned away and returned to a service station for proper disposal.
Conclusion
Kerosene heaters are immensely popular and highly useful for consumers. They are a great choice for indoor heating and are also kept as backup heaters in case the power goes out. Thus, the right product might just turn out to be a savior on a cold winter’s night.
However, people often find looking for a kerosene heater to be daunting as there are so many options out there. Thus, the idea behind this post was to provide you all the information necessary to make a good choice. It included some incredible product recommendations, a guide on how to use the product, and how to choose a kerosene heater, etc.
Hopefully, choosing a kerosene heater will have become much easier for you.
People Also Ask
When it comes to buying a heater, people tend to have many questions. Thus, we took your most frequently asked ones and answered them, so any confusion you may have about kerosene heaters is clarified.
It’s not safe to leave your kerosene heater on all night, unattended. The reason behind this simply is that it uses organic fuel to operate and can, at times, produce high concentrations of carbon monoxide and soot. If safety precautions aren’t followed, such an oversight could result in carbon monoxide poisoning and asphyxiation.
Kerosene heaters can heat up to 4000 sq ft of area, which is fairly wide. The reason why they are capable of achieving that is their fan that allows them to heat such large areas.
Kerosene heaters initially can cost much more than electric heaters. However, in the long run, they are cheaper to use. They use kerosene as a fuel, whereas electric heaters use electricity which is much more expensive. If one can overlook the initial investment, then yes, kerosene heaters can be cheaper to use than electric heaters.
Multiple features contribute to the final price of a heater, and the price will differ from product to product. However, you can get a pretty decent kerosene heater for $150 to $300.
Consumers often notice a bad odor while using a kerosene heater, which actually can come from low-quality fuel. A small trick that can help with the smell is putting a utensil with water in it on top of the heater. You’ll notice the bad smell disappearing soon enough.
This depends upon the fuel tank size of each individual product. For some heaters, the fuel capacity is 1.2 gallons, whereas, for others, it’s 2.0 gallons. Generally, depending upon the fuel capacity and tank size, heaters can work and burn fuel for over eight hours.
You can, but there will be some repercussions to that. Diesel is intended to be used for vehicles and therefore has a slightly different composition with added Sulphur. This may cause the production of soot or creosote within your heater and eventually lead to poor air quality and might even clog the wick of your heater.
