Kerosene heaters are portable heaters that use kerosene as fuel. Kerosene heaters are often used as a supplemental heating source. However, they often provide the primary source of heat for workshops and garages.
While most modern kerosene heaters are equipped with safety features that limit the dangers of using one, human error can often cause structure fires.
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Kerosene heaters are available in two styles – convection and forced air. Convection heaters pull cool air from the floor area and it is warmed as it passed through the coil system and released into the room from the top of the heater. Because convection heaters operate with a natural movement of air, they operate quietly and work well inside the home.
Forced air heaters use a fan to move air over the heating element and blow the warmed air into the room. These are better suited for garages, workshops, and job sites because they are noisier than convection heaters.
It is vital to understand how to properly use your kerosene heater and to learn as much as you can about kerosene heater safety.
Comparing the Best Kerosene Heaters in 2019
| Name of Heater | Type of Heater | BTU | Heating Capability | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dura Heat DH2304 Indoor Kerosene Heater | Convection | 23,800 | 1000 square feet | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Sengoku CV-2230 KeroHeat Portable Kerosene Heater | Convection | 23,000 | 1000 square feet | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Kero World KW-24G Kerosene Heater | Convection | 23,000 | 1000 square feet | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Remington REM-75T-KFA-O Kerosene/Diesel Heater | Forced Air | 75,000 | 1875 square feet | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Dyno-Glo RMC-95C6B Kerosene Heater | Convection | 23,000 | 1000 square feet | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Heatstar by Enerco Kerosene Heater | Forced Air | 175,000 | 4250 square feet | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Pro-Temp Kerosene Forced Air Heater | Forced Air | 45,000 | 1100 square feet | Check Price Read Reviews |
Evaluating the 7 Best Kerosene Heaters in 2019
#1. Dura Heat DH2304
The Dura Heat DH2304 is an indoor kerosene heater that can be used to supplement your main heating system to save money or as an emergency heat source during inclement weather that causes power outages.
This 23,800 BTU kerosene heater can heat an area of up 1,000 square feet. The heat is projected in a 360-degree angle so that the entire area is evenly heated. One tank of kerosene can last from 9-12 hours.
The Dura Heat is one of the best portable heaters for home use because of the even-heating capability. However, it should only be used in a ventilated room – open a window a few inches or leave a door open to the rest of the house.
- The wick can be raised automatically, eliminating the need to reset the emergency shut off each time the wick is raised.
- This heater projects heat in a 360-degree radius, ensuring the entire room is warmed. There is no need for your family to “huddle” around the heater, which can pose fire hazards.
- The heater is designed with a steel frame which makes it sturdy and safe.
- The heater is easy to set up and use. It is equipped with an automatic starter so you can have it up and running pretty quickly.
- The handle is not secure enough (each side slides into a designated hole) and can come apart while moving the heater.
- Some customers state that the siphon pump that comes with the heater does not work as well as other siphon pumps.
#2. Sengoku CV-2230 KeroHeat
The Sengoku CC-2230 KeroHeat is one of the best-rated indoor kerosene heaters. With 23,000 BTU, this heater can warm a space of up to 1,000 square feet.
The KeroHeat is easy to assemble and easy to start with an automatic push-button ignition. This portable kerosene heater can be moved from room to room within your home and is an ideal source of supplemental and emergency heat.
- The KeroHeat has a 1.9-gallon tank that runs from 10-12 hours. Depending on your usage time, it usually does not require refilling more than twice per day.
- This kerosene heater is equipped with safety features such as safety grills and an automatic shutoff system.
- The automatic ignition allows you to start the heater with the push of a button.
- It is also equipped with an easy to read fuel gauge, so you always know how much fuel your have left. Before you refill your kerosene heater, be sure to turn it off and let it cool down.
- The handles fit loosely into the holes which makes it unstable while carrying the heater. Some customers have solved this problem by securing the handles with wire clips.
- Some customers have also expressed concerns about the top safety grill not staying on securely.
#3. Kero World KW-24G
The Kero World KW-24G is an indoor, portable convection heater. A convection heater works by drawing cold air from the bottom. This cold air moves through the coils and is heated, then released into the air at the top.
Convection heaters make great emergency heaters because they can heat a room in a small amount of time. As soon as the heater is lit, it immediately begins to emit warm air. Convection heaters are considered one of the best indoor kerosene heaters.
- The Kero World portable heater is lightweight and easy to move from room to room.
- It is equipped with an automatic starter that is battery operated, eliminating the need for electricity or matches to start the heater.
- The 1.9-gallon tank gives you up to 12 hours of heat.
- Safety grill encircles the entire heater for your protection.
- This heater can be used in your home as well as your garage or shop to heat up to 1,000 square feet.
- Some customers have stated that the heater emits a smell that is unlike other kerosene heaters they have used.
#4. Remington REM-75T-KFA-O Kerosene/Diesel Heater
The Remington Kerosene/Diesel Heater is one of the best-rated forced-air kerosene heaters. It’s 75,000 BTU can heat an area up to 1,875 square feet. It also can be operated with several types of fuel. This is especially useful if K-1 kerosene is difficult to find.
Not the best kerosene heater for home, this one is one of the best kerosene heaters for your garage or workshop. Keep your mechanics and customers warm and toasty in the winter months.
- This Remington kerosene heater features a five-point safety system., including heavy duty safety guards, circuit breaker, Thermosense safety indicator, flameout protection, and a shutoff system that shuts the heater down if it reaches a certain temperature.
- Steel handles that make moving the heater a breeze.
- It is equipped with a thermostat control knob and a built-in thermostat that allows you to read and control the temperature.
- You can use several types of fuel, including K-1 kerosene, JP8/Jet A fuel, #1 and 2 diesel fuels, as well as #1 and 2 fuel oil. This gives you many options for emergency when kerosene may be difficult to find.
- This heater is also equipped with an air pressure gauge and fuel gauge so that you are always aware that your heater is functioning properly.
- The Remington is not a safe option for inside the home.
#5. Dyna-Glo RMC-95C6B Indoor Kerosene Heater
If you are searching for one the best kerosene heaters for your home, the Dyna-Glo should be in your list of prospective products.
You can use this 23,000 BTU heater as a supplemental heat source to lower your heating bills. It can be used inside your home, in your garage or basement, and can be used to heat your enclosed porch. It is easy to set-up and easy to use.
- The Dyna-Glo features a built-in safety switch that shuts the power off if the heater is knocked over.
- It generates 360-degree of heat to keep the entire area at the same temperature.
- A full tank can last from 8 to 12 hours.
- This heater has a one-touch ignition and shut-off system
- The amount of time you get from a tank depends on the grade of kerosene you use as well as the condition of the wick.
- Some customers have stated it puts off more odor than expected.
#6. Heatstar by Enerco
The Heatstar is a forced air kerosene heater, though it is capable of being operated with several other types of fuel. This 175,000 BTU heater is capable of heating approximately 4,250 square feet of space.
With the high output of the Heatstar, it is suitable for all your outdoor needs. It would work well on a farm, a construction or other job site, and in your workshop or other difficult to heat space. With a full tank of fuel, it should work continuously throughout your work day.
- The Heatstar comes outfitted with a built-in thermostat and fuel gauge.
- It has a high-temp limit safety switch and overheat safety shutdown to turn the heater off should it begin to overheat.
- It quickly heats a very large space – 4,250 square feet. This is an efficient heater for any jobsite or outdoor event.
- The controls are large so that they can be easily manipulated with gloved hands.
- The Heatstar can operate up to 10 hours on a full tank.
- A few customers feel the heater does not run as well as it should when using diesel.
#7. Pro-Temp 45,000 BTU Kerosene Forced Air Heater
The Pro-Temp Forced Air Kerosene Heater has an output of 45,000 BTU and can heat a 1,100 square foot area for up to 14 hours on a tank of kerosene.
Not intended for the home, this forced-air heater works well in garages, workshops, barns, and job sites. It is a great tool to have in your barn to keep your animals warm and toasty during harsh, winter storms.
- The Pro-Temp Forced Air Heater can be operated using several types of fuel, including kerosene and diesel. This works well if you use it at a construction site where diesel may be more readily available than kerosene.
- Safety features include flame-out fuel cut and high-temperature limit shut-off.
- This heater is equipped with built-in thermostat, fuel gauge, and air pressure gauge.
- The tank is permanently attached to the heat, making it easier to move and transport from site-to-site.
- Some people say the heater is extremely noisy.
Safety Guidelines for Using Kerosene Heaters
Since kerosene heaters use a combustible fuel source, it is extremely important to understand safety guidelines for using your kerosene heater.
Guidelines for Convection Heater
- Use the instructions from the manufacturer when assembling and operating your heater.
- Be certain the room is properly ventilated by leaving the door to the room open to the rest of the house or raising a window a couple of inches. This minimizes your exposure to harmful pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
- Do not refuel inside the home. Be sure to turn the heater off and let it cool, then take it outside to refill it.
- Do not fill above the full mark. This is the space that allows fuel to expand without leaking while in use.
- Use only kerosene to operate the heater – and always store your kerosene in a container intended for kerosene rather than gasoline.
- If you do not have them, install smoke detectors in your home, especially if you will not always be in the same room as the heater.
Guidelines for Forced Air Kerosene Heaters
- Do not use gasoline to operate the heater. Use only the fuels recommended by the manufacturer.
- Do not refill the heater while it is running. Allow the heater to cool down before attempting to refill.
- Be sure to use the heater in a well-ventilated building to reduce risk from breathing pollutants released into the air.
- Be sure to assemble and operate the heater according to the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer.
Final Thoughts
The most crucial factor in choosing a kerosene heater is where you will use it. Do you need one to use inside your home to help lower your heating costs or to use during emergency power outages? Do you need one for your garage, workshop, farm, or work site?
Because you need a different heater for each of the above situations, I have chosen my favorite convection heater and forced air heater.
Best Kerosene Heater for Home Use
The best kerosene heater for your home is the Dyna-Glo RMC-95C6B Indoor Kerosene Convection Heater. This heater generates 360-degree heat to provide warmth for the entire room. I also like the one-touch ignition and shut-off system that makes it easy to start and easy to stop.
Safety features are also a key factor for choosing a heater. The Dyna-Glo is equipped with a safety feature that shuts of the flow of fuel if the heater gets knocked over. Be sure to follow all the safety guidelines recommended by the manufacturer when operating your Dyna-Glo Convection Kerosene Heater.
Best Forced Air Kerosene Heater
My favorite forced air heater is the Heatstar by Enerco. I like the fact that several types of fuel can be used efficiently and that it can operate up to 10 hours on a full tank. The safety shutdown features also make this a smart choice to use at a job site or mechanic’s shop.
The main feature that sets this heater apart is that it can heat an area up to 4,250 square feet. The fact that it is a forced air heater means that it can heat the area quickly. Job sites and workshops often need a much larger space heated than you would need to heat in your home. The Heatstar does the job for you.
Always keep in mind that any kerosene heater can pose a fire risk because it operates using combustible fuel. Read the instruction manual thoroughly and use only the fuel recommended for your heater.
Whether you are looking for a cheap kerosene heater to supplement your heat source and lower the cost of heating your home or a commercial kerosene heater to use in a garage or worksite, the most important thing to remember is to choose the heater that is most appropriate for the site it will be used.
Learning as much as you can about your heater will allow you to operate it more efficiently and safely. This creates an environment that will be beneficial to your family during emergency power outages or your employees working on a job site or house remodel. Stay warm and stay safe.
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