Choosing An Indoor Kerosene Heater

When shopping for an indoor kerosene heater, you need to know that there are two distinct types.  The first – a convective unit – is normally round.  You’ll find the wick and combustion chamber sitting just above the unit’s fuel tank.  Some may feel this is a bit odd, but, with a convective kerosene heater, the wick absorbs the fuel and delivers it to the combustion chamber.

A convection type of indoor kerosene heater circulates heated air upward and outward in all directions from the heater.  Most indoor kerosene heaters are designed to heat larger areas, or multiple rooms.  It’s important to realize that these type of heaters are not designed to head small or closed areas such as a bedroom.  Depending on the model you purchase, you should be able to expect to heat an entire small home with a single unit when the outdoor temperature is above 32 degrees.

When you refuel a convection style indoor kerosene heater, you’ve got to take the entire unit outdoors because these type of heaters do not have a fuel tank that you can remove.  Filling inside is not only a very smelly proposition, it is extremely dangerous as the unit will still be hot can could easily catch on fire if fuel is spilled.  When purchasing a convection style heater, be sure it has a fuel gauge on the tank.

The second type of indoor kerosene heater is the radiant style.  These units are normally rectangular in shape and are designed for your smaller areas.  Unlike the convection models, you can use the radiant style in smaller areas.  This type of heater also features a wick and combustion chamber, but they also have a reflector that directs heat at people or objects.  Some of these units come with electric fans in order to increase the flow of heated air.

Unlike their convection cousin, most radiant kerosene heaters have a fuel tank that you can disconnect from the heater.  This is helpful because you’ll be able to leave the heater in place inside your home.  You only need to pull the fuel tank off and carried to where you store your fuel.  No chance of a fire or explosion here because the fuel tank doesn’t heat up.  But – keep in mind that if the fuel tank doesn’t disconnect, you’ve got to take the entire unit outside to refuel.

Regardless of which type of unit you decide to purchase, be sure that it has a recognized seal of approval – such as a UL label.  The UL label signifies that the heater has tested out and meets acceptable fire safety standards.  You’ll also want be sure that your heater has an automated / battery operated ignition device as it’ll eliminate the need for matches.  One final thing when looking for an indoor kerosene heater – regardless of which type you purchase – be absolutely certain that it has a safety shutoff device which will extinguish the flame if the heater is bumped into or tipped over.