The 10 Best Kerosene Heaters

Choosing the best kerosene heater can be a difficult job, there are several different styles, which means we can often find ourselves stuck for choice. We have compiled a list of the 10 best kerosene heaters available right now, they range a lot and whilst you may like some, others might not be your style.

The best industrial kerosene heater is the Dyna-Glo KFA50DGD as it is affordable but is also easy to use and not hard to set up. It is also great for transporting so if your workplace needs multiple rooms heated it can do this.

The best home kerosene heater is the Sengoku KeroHeat model as it is lightweight, affordable, and can be used in various rooms in your house. If you’re wanting more of a convective style heater then there are tons to choose from too.

We have also included a buying guide so you have more information on the type of kerosene heater you should be looking for, and the things to consider before purchasing your own.

Each heater has its pros and cons which is why we must look at it from an unbiased point of view and consider the good and the bad rather than just one. With that in mind, however, certain heaters will be better or worse than other models which means they will vary in popularity and rating.

The 10 Best Kerosene Heaters:

Below we have listed and reviewed the 10 best kerosene heaters available for sale online.

1. Dyna-Glo KFA50DGD 50,000 BTU Kerosene Forced Air Heater

Whilst some people just want the basic features of a kerosene heater, for others, we just crave more. This Dyna-Glo KFA50DGD Kerosene Forced Air Heater is the perfect addition to any home that often feels the harsh cold of winter.

It has a safety auto fuel shut-off system and also has an overheat shutoff protection system so if you ever go out and forget to turn off your heater or leave it on for longer than you should it will automatically shut itself off and make your house perfectly safe.

It’s lightweight and compact and has a sleek, stylish design that would fit right in with any modern home. There are various perceptions of kerosene heaters and an old perception is that they aren’t nice to look at, but this model really does show you can have a good quality heater that looks great too.

Since it has a separate fuel cap and gauges it is easier than ever to adjust the heater and suit it to your needs as much as you like. It is very compact and easy to transport which means whenever you’re wanting to move it into another room or heat up somewhere else then you can do so without the hassle you may have with a different model of a kerosene heater.

It may be expensive but the excellent heating quality it provides is great and perfect for so many people who worry about their home never reaching a warm and comfortable temperature in the winter months.

One of the best things about this model and the reason it is number one on our list is that it uses fuel really efficiently, when full, the kerosene lamp can last months or even years depending on the number of times you use it and how regularly you use it all year round. For those of you who live in the colder parts of the country, you may be using it most days during the winter months whereas the warmer countries might only use it once or twice.

2. Sengoku KeroHeat 10,000-BTU Indoor/Outdoor Kerosene Heater

Perfect for anyone that loves to see the heat coming from the heater, this Sengoku model is one of the best quality kerosene heaters you can buy on the market right now. It is great for anyone who loves something small but powerful as it gives off a lot of heat but isn’t too big that it will take up a lot of space in the rooms of your house.

If you’re someone who needs a kerosene heater to heat up your house but doesn’t have the storage space to put it out of sight when you’re not using it in the summer, then this light and compact model is the answer.

It has an automatic igniter and a flame adjuster for those times you don’t want the heat too high, or perhaps you just want a little boost of warm before the colder nights start.

The safety features are also some of the best as it also has an automatic shutoff switch which means if you’re wanting the heat to turn off straight away you can do rather than wait for the heater to cool down as this can be a hazard if you have young children around the heater.

For those of you who do have young children in your house, or have children visit a lot of the time and need peace of mind that they’re not going to get hurt around the heater, it has a safety protection guard around it meaning no one gets hurt.

People often use models like this for their cabins or caravans when they’re away on holiday, central heating isn’t installed into many motorhomes so it’s essential that during the colder and winter months you have a heater that can make the home nice and warm without eating up your energy bills.

For a kerosene heater on the cheaper side of the market, it is great quality and is loved by many customers for its charm and safety features as well as the fact that it’s very powerful for the size.

Since it is of good quality, it doesn’t produce any unwanted odors and leaves your house feeling really warm!

3. Dura Heat DH 2304 Indoor Kerosene Heater

With a slightly older design look but a modern powerful BTU, this Dura Heat Dh3304 model can operate for up to 12 hours on one fuel tank and is great value for money. It is one of the less expensive models on the list but still very powerful and works well with many homes. Considering it is a fraction of the price of some kerosene heaters it is definitely worth finding out more about it.

It is able to project heat in a 360-degree radius which makes it even better than the average kerosene heater as they normally simply project heat from the front. This means that if you’re wanting to heat up a huge room, putting it in the middle and turning it on will heat the room up in a matter of 10 or 15 minutes, saving energy and time.

The shelf-life of this model is long too, meaning you’re not just purchasing the heater and having it for a matter of weeks or months, you will be able to keep it in your life for decades – it should be seen as more of an investment rather than a one-off purchase as some people see it.

The Dura Heat model lightly easily and produces a great amount of heat that will ensure none of your guests ever get cold or feel the wintery breeze of outside.

Despite the price of this kerosene heater, the money you save on your energy bills will soon pay for it, showing how effective and good quality the heater actually is. For those of you who need a heater that heats up quickly but still provides long-term heat throughout its time switched on then this model is definitely something, you will want in your life.

However, since it is such a good price it does have limited features and qualities that don’t suit everyone. It comes with a small pump that many customers have had problems with, so we would suggest getting yourself a narrow plastic funnel to replace it if it doesn’t last long.

With this model, you must use the correct fuel because if you use a lower grade quality fuel it will start to have problems (and this is stated in the instructions!), you may find it has a strong sulfur smell whereas using the correct fuel grade will ensure you have no problems.

4. DeWalt DXH135HD Forced Air Kerosene Heater

Even though it is more expensive than other models it has a multi-fuel capacity and an automatic overheat safety shutoff feature. It looks a lot more industrial than a household heater but still does the job perfectly.

It might not be ideal for anyone looking for a heater that looks the part, but it will definitely play the part great. It also has 2 10-inch flat-free tires for longer-lasting maintenance use and is CSA certificate approved for anyone who is interested.

This model comes in 5 different BTU capacities including; 50,000, 75,000 and 135,000. All of the BTU models have an average run time of 11 hours but this can differ and reduce down to around 9.5 hours depending on the model size.

They’re all relatively heavy-duty which can cause a problem if you’re wanting to move it around and transport it to different rooms in your home. However, opting for a lower BTU output will give you a lighter weight which can, in turn, make it easier to carry around and heat up your house.

For anyone who is looking for an efficient heater that doesn’t have any smoke startup then this may be the best one to opt for. It does have problems though which is why it doesn’t make the top 3 spaces.

The gallon size for each BTU output model changes and whilst the biggest size is 14 gallons the smallest gallon size is 4, meaning that for anyone who wants a kerosene heater that is able to power more heat (such as one that is around 20 or 30 gallons) you will need to research it more than simply purchasing it online or instore.

We would suggest this heater for more industrial customers who want to heat up their workshop or store rather than one for your home as it isn’t too pleasing on the eye. Since it is constantly ignition, it is equipped to deal with temperatures between 25 and 95 Fahrenheit.

5. Dyna-Glo WK11C8 Indoor Kerosene Convection Heater

If having a sleek and modern styled kerosene heater is more important then this model could be your ideal pick, it’s perfect for indoor use and looks very modern as well as giving out a lot of heat to the room in which it is placed.

It is one of the cheapest models on the list which means if you’re not wanting to spend too much money on a kerosene heater, this Dyna-Glow model is definitely something to consider. There is no electricity required so you’ll be saving on your energy bills in no time, it runs on batteries which is great if you want to use it a lot during certain winter or colder months in the year.

Despite it not heating up the whole room, it can heat up to 525 square feet so make sure you place it in the center of any room so that it can make the most of the heat by radiating it through.

Likewise to other models it has a safety shutoff, but unlike most more expensive models you may see on the market, this is 1 touch rather than automatic therefore meaning it is very easy to switch on and off and will cool down quickly in case of young children or anyone accidentally touching it, but it will not do it automatically if you accidentally leave it on when you leave your house.

Kerosene heaters that are circular and have protective cages on are safe and perfectly suitable for your home, no matter who lives there.

Considering the low price tag attached to this model, it is very good and although people don’t tend to have high expectations, it shows many customers how well budget kerosene heaters can work if they’re made correctly.

It’s small, compact, and rather lightweight so you shouldn’t have any problems moving it about the rooms in your house or wherever you decide to place it. In terms of storage, since it is so small, it doesn’t take up a lot of room meaning if you struggle for space in your house and need something powerful but not too big, this is a great choice.

It does have occasional ignition problems since it has electronic ignition, but many customers have reported this to be faulty. This could be down to a bad quality make of the individual heater or it could be because of the cheap price, the parts of the heater don’t properly work. In a case like this, you get can have the heater replaced for free.

6. REMINGTON REM-75T-KFA-O Kerosene Forced Air Heater

Following on from the more industrial style of the kerosene heater, this Remington REM-75T-KFA-O model is not only a heater, but it also comes with a thermostat and has an output of 75,000 BTU. It is perfect for construction sites, workshops, garages or even farms and is reliable meaning you can rest assured it will heat up as much workspace as you want and need.

We wouldn’t suggest that this heavy-duty model could go in your living area or anywhere in your house specifically as it is so powerful, but it does make for a good heater if you have a huge garage that needs some heat in the winter.

It has rugged steel construction and nothing about the style is modern or unique, it is simply a basic air heater that can use either kerosene or diesel. Despite it having a heavier weight than some of the other models on this list, it is easy to handle and move about as it is heavy, but the handle provided on top ensures easy transport.

This model can warm up spaces of up to 1,900 square feet for around 9 hours (the perfect working day with an hour before to get everything warmed up!). After you have filled the tank with your chosen fuel you can simply plug it into a power source and it’s ready to go. There are no health and safety issues with a Remington model like this one either as it is safe to use in the workplace as it is loaded with safety features.

If you’re not a fan of the smell of burning kerosene (which may be the reason you haven’t yet bought one), the issue of smell isn’t an issue at all with this model as it produces no odors at all (unless something is wrong and then you know you will have to fix it!). However, for the price you pay, there isn’t a lot of basic features that are displayed in many other models and this can make purchasing this kerosene heater difficult.

If you’re wanting to use it for your store, factory or workshop; you want to make sure it works appropriately and effectively rather than being faulty – this can be annoying when you spend money on a product expecting it to work well and it doesn’t. It all depends on your needs and how the heater suits these needs.

7. Pro-Temp 70,000 BTU Kerosene Forced Air Heater

In terms of more expensive industrial kerosene heaters, the ProTemp model is able to output over 7,000 BTU of heat and can heat up to 1700 square feet of space. On a 5 gallon tank of kerosene, it can last around 9 hours and has a handy built-in thermostat if you’re wanting something useful with it.

Unlike most other models of kerosene heaters, it doesn’t offer an automatic shutoff system and must be manually turned on and off, meaning that if you’re wanting to turn it on an hour before you head into the room it is in, you must go in turn it on then go out again.

Despite having some bad reviews in the past and not being loved by all who purchase it, it is very simple to use. If you’re only a beginner and you have never used an industrial kerosene heater before this is definitely a good place to start.

There have been reports of mechanical issues every now and again but if you know what you’re doing to an extent then you should be fine fixing it. However, the thermostat cuts off at a certain temperature, therefore, meaning you have to restart the device whenever the room temperature falls below the desired.

It is great at lasting for around 9 hours though which is quite long for a kerosene heater like this as many often are faulty or only last half the time they suggest they do. It is perfect for all those winter months when it is extremely cold on the farm or in your workshop as it’s ideal to keep in there.

On a more positive note, despite being a big machine, it isn’t too heavy unlike most of its industrial counterparts. There is a huge problem in the industry with heavy kerosene heaters as they’re hard to transport and change position, however, this one is very easy to handle, and many customers suggest this is one of it’s best features.

8. Mr. Heater F270270 MH75KTR Contractor 75,000-BTU Forced-Air Kerosene Heater

For all those of you who are looking for a powerful industrial kerosene heater that is made of steel and can operate for approximately 11 hours on a full tank of fuel, this Mr. Heater model may be the ideal candidate for you.

It is more ideal for workshops and heavy-duty workplaces as it is constructed of rugged durable steel and has a high output fan that can be heavy-duty if you need it too. It will also save you a lot of money as it is economical and efficient in many ways, which is a rarity for industrial heaters as they often take up a lot of energy and thus money.

As with many of its counterpart industrial heaters it has a thermostat and an on/off switch that can be changed and lit up if necessary, there is also a fuel gauge and six-function LED diagnostics.

In terms of industrial machinery, it is quite lightweight weighing just 43 pounds whilst other heaters can weigh up to around 70 and they’re still classed as lighter than some others.

However, there can be a smell of fumes sometimes when you first use it, and this can be a deal-breaker for many people. The thermostat was also faulty, for a time, on this model across the board, so this is something you must consider before purchasing it.

Other customer reviews have stated that the ignition is difficult and if you don’t follow the manual exactly it could end up that you can’t do it yourself. Wherever you use the kerosene heater it must be ventilated as the fumes can be dangerous to anyone in the vicinity of it.

Despite having flaws it can still heat up from an outside temperature of 40 degrees in under 10 minutes and is a great asset to any workshop, farm or other construction sites.

9. Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7B Indoor Kerosene Heater

Indoor heating of homes is just as important during the colder months as well as ensuring your workspace, store, or farm is warm and safe. This Dyna-Glo model comes in the color ivory as it is able to heat up to 500 square feet of areas in front of it.

Whilst that may not sound a lot when comparing it to the industrial heaters, it is still a good amount of heat that could warm up any room in your house in no time. It is dependable and can be used during emergencies or daily use, depending on the uses you have for it, it is also economical so it can cut down your heating bills but still ensure you have a nice, welcoming home that is heated to the perfect temperature.

Despite not having an automatic shutoff system, it does have a built-in safety feature which ensures the power is shut off when the unit falls or is knocked over. Therefore, ensuring peace of mind for all those who purchase it and use it within their homes.

Since it is an older model and is on the less expensive side it does lack a lot of features it’s more expensive counterparts has such as the wick within the heater sometimes not lighting properly and the fact that it doesn’t have a high BTU output count.

The shelf-life of this model is also limited to a maximum time of 1 year as it doesn’t tend to live any longer due to it’s older model nature and the way it is built.

There are issues with the wick and it falling down the sides of the heater which can lead to the heater emitting harmful gases if you’re not careful, since the model is older anyway it does also allow us to question how effective the safety features are on this model and whether they would need updating before any further purchases are made.

10. Pro-Temp Kerosene Radiant ‘Sun Stream’ Heater Kerosene Heater

This ProTemp model is known for its noiseless operation that allows your workstation to stay at peace and not cause bother to anyone who is working near it. It is another industrial style heater that radiates heat using kerosene fuel and can last around 7 hours for around 4 gallons of fuel. It is the perfect choice for all warehouses, garages or even farms which means if you’re looking to warm up your statins then you can use this to help you out.

It uses radiant heat technology to produce the heat and only weighs a small 33 pounds. This model is also quite small and compact compared to other industrial models which makes it ideal for smaller workplaces that don’t have much room or storage to place their heaters.

Despite all these good quality features that allow people to think greatly of this model, it does have its downfalls. The BTU output of this model is 70,000 which can seem high but for an industrial style, the heater is very low and may, therefore, struggle to heat up larger work areas.

It is also quite pricey considering the size and fixtures of this model, for something this expensive you would expect more value for money and fewer expectations that aren’t met.

It works on a fan-forced system, but this often fails in the newer versions of the model which leaves customers very unhappy and wondering what to do next. We would suggest looking at other heaters as, despite the fact that it has some positive features, the cons definitely outweigh the pros in this situation.

What to look for when buying a kerosene heater

Whilst researching everything about kerosene heaters whether it’s for your workplace or even your home, you will have to consider many things.

Purchasing a kerosene heater isn’t too much of a commitment but there are a certain few aspects that are important to look at before getting your own one. We’ve created this buyer guide to make it easier for you to understand more about what you may want to think about before purchasing a kerosene heater.

What is a kerosene heater?

We thought it would only be fair and appropriate to explain a little more about what a kerosene heater is. You may be considering getting one but aren’t quite sure if it’s for you or perhaps you haven’t ever considered buying one at all before.

In western countries like America and the UK they’re normally used as a supplementary heat source and will only really come out during the wintertime when it is extra cold, and the house radiators aren’t enough. However, in more eastern countries they’re a primary source of heat as typically during even the winter months, eastern countries need very little in terms of heating as it is still relatively warm.

Since their invention, there have been many technological advances with kerosene heaters and they’re now safer than ever and use electric power rather than gas (like the older models). However, gas and battery power are still the most popular as they’re seen to heat up rooms a lot faster and don’t raise your electricity bill to sky heights.

The heater uses a large kerosene lamp to operate it and once it’s lit the wick heats the kerosene which turns into a gas and is burnt, thus turning into heat. There are some hazards concerned with the older models of kerosene heaters, so you must be wary of what odors come from the heater when it is lit or after it has been lighted, anything that doesn’t smell normal or isn’t typically a kerosene smell then you may need to become concerned.

Other than this, generally, kerosene heaters are safe and aren’t a cause for concern when it comes to fire hazards with very little being dangerous about them which is why they’re so popular when it comes to heating your home.

Convective vs radiant kerosene heaters

The different types of models are important too, these include convective and radiant kerosene heaters. Convective heaters are normally round in shape which allows the heat to be dispersed through 360 degrees and allows for the entire room to be heated whereas radiant heaters are generally rectangular in shape and are better for smaller spaces such as bedrooms and small rooms in your house.

Important features in a kerosene heater

Certain features stand out when looking and researching the different types of kerosene heaters, there are some with very distinct and unique features that are individual to that heater whereas others have a general basis for their features, before deciding upon your perfect new kerosene heater you may want to look out for a few different things.

Safety features

Safety features are beyond extremely important when considering the different types of kerosene heaters since the heater will either be very hot or even have fire coming from it, it can be a real safety risk and fire hazard. Ensure that all the necessary safety features a kerosene heater should have are applicable to the one you’re buying.

Storage

This is an issue that many people don’t consider but really should, during the warmer months, you won’t be using the heater for a while so it’s essential you have somewhere safe to store it.

Refueling

Fuel and fuelling up the heater can be the make or break of the relationship with your kerosene heater. If it is easy to fuel up then you will find you use it a lot more than if it’s hard to open or get the fuel into.

Why should you buy a kerosene heater?

There are many reasons you should buy a kerosene heater, despite being very good quality and able to fill a room in a matter of 10 or so minutes, they have an unlimited amount of benefits you might not have even known about. Buying a new heater is perfect if you’re moving into a new home too, perhaps you could find out more about heaters and the different options you can explore in your new home here.

It works when the power is off

They’re a power cut miracle as many of the smaller home ones run on either batteries or gas which means when you have a power cut in the wintertime, you don’t have to worry about being cold. A kerosene heater can keep you warm for many hours during a power cut and this is just one simple reason you should buy one for your family home.

It’s energy efficient

A kerosene heater is energy-efficient, you can save so much money on your energy bills by using a kerosene heater instead of normal central heating or radiators. Although you may have the initial bill of the kerosene or gas in the heater itself, it will save you a lot of money off your bills in the long term.

It can heat large rooms

A kerosene heater is capable of heating large rooms which is especially good if you’re having a party or your radiator heat can’t reach the higher places of your larger rooms. There is a huge issue of heating large rooms with high ceilings and how cold they can get during the winter.

Great for different situations

Some are perfect for workplaces and many people forget that big industrial kerosene heaters exist but if you own a business or you have a workplace that suffers a lot of heat deprivation during the winter months then investing in a kerosene heater may make your working days even better.

This is especially true for people working in the farming, workshop and construction industry that are often pushed outside to do their work or placed in huge warehouses with no heating.

Kerosene heater safety tips

With the historical myth still in circulation, there are many people who believe that kerosene heaters are dangerous. Despite the fact that they’re a lot safer now than they ever have been, there are some tips you need to think about and consider whenever you’re using your kerosene heater to ensure that danger doesn’t come to anything or anywhere. They can be very safe machines but you’re still playing with fire and you definitely don’t want to get burnt.

• Never use gasoline to fill up your kerosene heater as this can cause a fire or even an explosion in small amounts, the best fuel to use is a grade 1 kerosene fuel that is crystal clear, this will work great with the kerosene heater and allow it to heat up fast and safely.
• Store the kerosene fuel in the correct container and stay well away from gas containers or anything that has ever contained gasoline as this ensures you don’t contaminate the fuel.
• Ensure your pump is for kerosene and not gasoline, it’s all about cross-contamination and ensuring you keep your kerosene liquid as pure as possible to make sure your kerosene heater is safe. Despite kerosene heaters being one of the safest methods of heat and heat radiation we have today they still pose some sort of risk if they’re not handled with care.
• Make sure it is stored safely, if it gets too hot or cold during the time it is stored then you could end up having to buy another one next season. Your best bet is to store the kerosene heater in a garage or basement if you’re having it for home use or perhaps even a cupboard in your home that is free from any other gasoline liquids or electricals. Before storing your heater for the summer or for a long period of time, make sure it is fully cooled down and the kerosene liquid canister isn’t leaking.
• Keep it out of walkways, whilst this may seem common sense to some people, you want to ensure as little injuries as possible when you have your heater out. Place it somewhere where people can see it, but they don’t trip over it. Placing it in an obstructive way or in the place of walkways may cause problems if you have visitors over. This is especially true for anyone with children as this is a common problem with kerosene heaters, protection is always key to the safety of everyone when it comes to kerosene heaters.

Conclusion

We hope that this list of the best 10 kerosene heaters has helped you along your journey in purchasing one and has contributed to your new-found knowledge of heaters. Choosing the perfect heater to suit all of your needs is difficult and this is sometimes hard to understand but if you know what model or style is right for what you want then you shouldn’t have any problems.

Be sure to read more information about the safety tips and considerations to think about before purchasing your kerosene heater as we understand it is a huge decision can be a deal-breaker for many people. Regardless, looking at customer reviews and top lists (such as this one!) is sure to help you get more of an understanding of what you may be looking for on your kerosene heater adventure.

We wish you good luck and happy shopping as you carry on your search for the best kerosene heater!