There are many reasons to use a kerosene heater versus a propane or electric heater on your next winter adventure. Kerosene is more economical to use than propane and, unlike electric, doesn’t require an electrical outlet. Electric, of course, has a plug that needs an external power source. Electric hook-ups may not always be available where you want to camp. Propane bottles can be cumbersome, and lugging around enough bottles for a long stay is a pain and is quite expensive. For many, kerosene is the way to go. Let’s look at a few different kerosene heater options so you can decide on the best kerosene heater for you.
The Amtinyjoy Kerosene Oil Heater
The Amtinyjoy portable kerosene heater has a 9,000 BTU/H capacity. This model is about 13 inches wide and just over 18 inches tall. If you’re researching tent camping tips, you know that a warm tent is a lifesaver. The 360-degree heating diameter is ideal for large tents, supplying radiant heat to 20 meters. It burns kerosene at 0.25L per hour and has an optional 6L fuel tank for extended stays. The design of the heater will allow you to cook on top of this heater. You probably don’t want to get carried away with that, but it is good in a pinch. The burner attachment is stainless steel and allows you to rest small pots and pans on it – a nice feature that many propane heaters don’t have. Plan on this unit weighing around 11 pounds.
Fudao Kerosene Stove/Heater
The Fudao kerosene heater is a light and portable option in kerosene heaters. It is 19 inches tall and 13 inches wide but puts out 9,000 BTU/H. Like the Amtinyjoy, it quickly heats up a room of about 20 square meters but has a fuel consumption of .02L per hour. You can use your survival skills to cook dinner on the small heating table. The rotary control knob regulates the flame to heat, warm or cook. There is a visible fuel gauge, so you don’t need to remove the fuel cap to see how much fuel is left. The fuel tank holds 4.6L of kerosene. The Fudao kerosene heater is also a convenient backup source of heat for the home.
Heat Mate Kerosene Heater
The Heat Mate is a sturdier and more robust kerosene heater than other models. Weighing in at 27 pounds, this model is heavy to carry camping. The weight is worth it when you consider it has many safety features others don’t have. It has a 3-way safety shut-off and safety guards to protect against contact burns. It does require batteries for the handy push-button ignition. At 23 inches wide and 20 inches tall, it’s really no bigger than other kerosene heaters. It has a 1.9-gallon integrated tank with a fuel gauge. This is a great backup heat option, but check your state before purchasing a kerosene heater. They are not legal for indoor use in all states.
The Dyna-Glo Indoor Kerosene Convection Heater
The Dyna-Glo is a larger kerosene heater than others, but has many features others do not have. The protective cage keeps pets and children from getting burned and the tip-over protection immediately turns off the heater. It is larger, but at 17.5 inches wide and 27 inches tall, not that much larger. The 1.9-gallon tank gives you 11 hours of heat. This unit includes a siphon pump for easy filling and batteries for easy one-touch ignition. Be prepared for serious heat with the Dyna-Glo. It produces an incredible 23,800 BTUs, enough to keep an entire 1,000-square-foot cabin warm. This unit is also easy to use – most features are one-touch. If you're headed to the cabin for the weekend and are worried the wood is running low, be sure and pack the Dyna-Glo.
The Sengoku KeroHeat Indoor/Outdoor Portable Kerosene Heater
The Sengoku KeroHeat is one of the few kerosene heaters built for both the indoors and outdoors. The push-button start makes for quick heat and heats up to a 1,000-square-foot room. If you plan to be out and about looking for wild game, you can simply move the unit outdoors to dry your warmest hunting clothes. The 1.9-gallon tank provides up to 12 hours of heat. At just over 18 inches wide and 25 inches tall, this unit is not as large as others, yet has all the features that larger units have. The protective cage keeps pets and children away from hot surfaces and the tip-over safety works immediately. It has an easy-to-read fuel gauge and EZ-flame adjuster. The flame adjuster lets you adjust the wick height, greatly reducing the chemical smell associated with kerosene heaters. Sengoku has been around for over 60 years, and they back the KeroHeat with a two-year warranty.
Choose Your Heater Wisely
It doesn’t matter if you are tent camping in a large wall tent, staying in an RV or headed to the cabin, one of these kerosene heaters can keep you warm. They also give you the added benefit of providing backup heat when the power is out at home. Before you fire up the heater, make sure you’re familiar with all the safety precautions, especially those regarding proper ventilation. Proper selection and setup can save your life.
You may find that propane heaters can be too expensive, not practical or the elevation is too high to use. In cases like this, a kerosene heater is the way to go. Sure, electric heat is convenient – until the campground electric goes out, too. One of these kerosene heaters is right for you and will keep you warm even when everyone else is out in the cold. Choose wisely and enjoy your next winter adventure.
