I Tested And Reviewed 7 Best Kerosene Heater For Indoor Use (2023)

The Dyna-Glo kerosene heater is an amazing product that offers great value for money. After reading some negative reviews, it became clear that the issues were not with the product itself, but rather with user error. This heater is incredibly user-friendly, and by simply taking the time to read the owner's manual, any potential issues can be avoided.

One of the standout features of this heater is its ease of use. It comes with a siphon for easy filling, making the process hassle-free. Additionally, by using a fuel ratio of 0.3 to 0.7, you can even cut the diesel with alternatives like k1 or klean heat to reduce fumes and lower costs.

I personally use this heater to warm my garage, and it works great. It provides ample heat and ensures a comfortable environment.

In terms of reliability, this heater truly shines. During a record-setting blizzard, I was prepared with my backup plan. With over 38 inches of snowfall and power outages, I remained unaffected. The Dyna-Glo kerosene heater kept me warm and toasty throughout the ordeal.

I was particularly impressed with the design of this heater. It has a flat and wide base, which ensures stability and minimizes the risk of it being knocked over by pets or other accidents.

In my experience, the battery that comes pre-installed in the heater was a pleasant surprise. It made priming the wick quick and easy, further adding to the convenience of using this product.

During the power outage, which lasted for two days, I never once worried about staying warm. The heat output of this heater is truly remarkable.

The Dyna-Glo Kerosene Heater is a great choice for those looking for an alternative to electrical heaters. I had a specific requirement for my attic space where I only had one power outlet rated at 15 amps. With most electrical heaters drawing around 7 amps or 750 watts, it left no room for anything else to be plugged in.

After researching various options, I found the Mr. Buddy personal gas heater to be a good alternative. However, the drawback was that it required propane gas, which needed careful storage and precautions due to the risk of leaks and fire hazards.

I decided to go with the Dyna-Glo heater because of its reputable name in the construction market. Construction workers often use similar outdoor versions that burn like jet turbines. This gave me confidence in its performance and safety.

One of the main advantages of using kerosene fuel is its stability and ease of storage. While certain safety precautions need to be followed, they are much less than with other combustible fuels used in indoor heaters.

When using the Dyna-Glo heater, I recommend watching video reviews on how to properly burn the device and how to break it in outdoors. It's also helpful to watch a video on wick replacement to understand how the machine works.

I have been using specific kerosene fuel made for heaters, which I purchased at Home Depot for a premium price of about $10 a gallon. Initially, there was some black smoke and odor when starting the heater, but this issue was resolved by opening a window beforehand and allowing the unit to run for five minutes. Switching to Klean Heat heater fuel eliminated this problem, and the heater now produces no smell when the flame is set at the correct burn level.

To turn off the heater, simply grab the knob, turn it all the way up, push and hold the extinguished button, and slowly wind the wick down. It's important to read and understand all the warning stickers on the heater, as they are there for your safety. I have uploaded pictures with the warning stickers highlighted to ensure you don't miss any.

While the heater itself is not high-tech, the battery compartment may eventually fail. However, this can be easily resolved by using a long lighter or a matchstick.

I am extremely satisfied with this compact heater. It is incredibly easy to operate and the carrying bag that comes with it is a fantastic addition. The extra accessories included in the bag, such as the gloves, wicks, and transfer hand pump, make this set even more impressive. The manufacturer clearly put a lot of thought into creating this product.

I initially purchased this heater for my small sailboat, and it has exceeded my expectations. The kerosene burner is sturdy and reliable, making me feel confident in its durability. The additional components provided, such as the gloves and carrying bag, perfectly complement the set. It is evident that the manufacturer took great care in designing this product.

One of the main reasons I chose this heater is because of its compact size. It easily fits in any space without posing a risk to combustible furniture. Furthermore, it is incredibly easy to move around, even when it is full. I have been using it in my bedroom with the door open, and it effectively warms up the entire living room as well.

In addition to providing warmth, I have also used this heater for cooking and making tea. It provides ample heat for these purposes and has become a versatile tool in my household.

The overall design and build quality of this heater are exceptional. The kit includes all the necessary accessories, such as instructions, funnels, siphon, and hand pump for fuel. The gloves and extra wicks are a thoughtful addition. However, if I had one suggestion, it would be for the manufacturer to create a smaller version of this heater for enhanced portability.

The heater is a nice size and comes in a padded case with carrying straps. It is about 20 inches tall and 14 inches across. It holds about a gallon and a half of fuel, and there is a gauge to monitor the fuel level. The opening to fill the heater is small, so you will need a smaller funnel.

To light the heater, you need to wait 10 to 15 minutes for the wick to soak up the fuel. The wick may need some adjustment using the wing nuts to ensure an even burn. Once lit, it takes about 2 to 3 minutes for the flame to propagate around the wick. During this time, it's important to put the dome back on to avoid generating smoke.

The heater burns for a good 7-8 hours and continues to generate more upward draft as it warms up. It's necessary to keep turning down the burner from the highest level to a slower and lower level to achieve a nice cherry red glow on the top with no visible flame. This ensures maximum heat with minimal smell. It can heat a 12' x 12' foot unheated room effectively.

Most of the heat goes straight up through the top, and there is a flat cover that can be removed to place something to warm on top. The heater remains slightly warm to the touch on the sides but does not get hot. It weighs around 14 to 15 pounds when full of fuel, making it relatively easy to move around.

To extinguish the flame, you slowly turn down the knob and the wick will burn itself out. The heater takes about three to four minutes to cool off completely. It can be safely moved once cooled.

Compared to a larger heater, this one does not get as hot and can be placed closer to objects with caution. With about 8 to 10 inches of clearance on the sides, it should be safe. However, it's important to attend to the heater and check on it regularly.

This heater is a great emergency heat source and can also be used as a supplement in a workshop. It does not have fans, which is beneficial as it allows for a slow and clean burn. The initial lighting process requires attention for the first 5 minutes, gradually turning down the flame until it reaches a cherry red glow.

I have been using the Kero World kerosene heater and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. The design of this heater is reminiscent of the KeroSun heater from the 80's, which I loved. It is easy to assemble and operate, making it a convenient option for heating my Tumbleweed trailer while we build our permanent house. Despite its compact size, it is able to heat the entire 8 x 24 ft trailer with a sleeping loft.

One of the standout features of this heater is its high heat output. Even during chilly winter days, it keeps my family toasty warm. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it heated up my house, even better than using propane. The key to achieving optimal performance is using the right fuel, which in this case is odorless K1 kerosene. The heater comes with clear instructions on which fuel to use, so there is no confusion.

In terms of portability, this heater is a winner. It is easy to move around, making it a practical heat source for my workshop. I can simply relocate it to whichever specific work area I am using at the time. This versatility adds to its overall appeal.

While I am highly satisfied with the quality construction and ease of use of this kerosene heater, there is one drawback that I must mention. The price of kerosene is quite high, which is why we are considering installing a wood-burning stove as the main heat source in our permanent house. However, this does not mean that we will discontinue using the kerosene heater. It will still serve as a reliable backup option.

I would recommend the Kero World kerosene heater to anyone in need of a high-quality, easy-to-use, and portable heat source. It delivers on its promises and provides ample warmth. However, if you have a larger house, it might be advisable to get one heater for each floor, depending on how the heat rises and spreads out. Overall, this purchase has been a great investment and I am very happy with my decision.

On a final note, I would like to commend the seller for their excellent service. The heater arrived on time, well-packaged, and undamaged. The unit itself is well-constructed with quality materials and a beautiful finish. The assembly instructions were clear and easy to follow. However, I did encounter an issue regarding the suitability of the heater for my older sister, who has limited mobility and lives alone in an all-electric house. The weight of the heater, especially when fueled, was too much for her to handle safely. I reached out to the seller and they promptly accepted my return request without any questions. This level of customer service deserves high praise.

I recently purchased this heater for my off-grid cabin and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. Living in a cold climate, I needed a heater that could quickly heat up my cabin without relying on electricity. This heater was the perfect solution.

One of the things I love about this heater is how easy it is to fill with kerosene. I use a battery-operated syphon and it makes the process a breeze. Once filled, the heater puts out a ton of heat. I was pleasantly surprised by how effective it is at warming up my cabin.

I was initially concerned about the smell of kerosene, but it turned out to be a non-issue. The smell is only noticeable when the unit is turned off, and even then, it's not as bad as I expected. Plus, the heat projects upward, so I use my ceiling fan to circulate the heat effectively throughout the room.

The convenience factor of this heater is a game-changer for me. I now turn it on early in the morning to take the chill off, rather than relying solely on my wood stove. It saves me time and effort, especially on cold winter nights when I arrive at the cabin.

While the cost of kerosene is higher compared to wood, it is still cheaper for me than using small propane cannister heaters. I use K1 kerosene, which costs me about $25 per 5-gallon jug. It's a worthwhile investment considering the comfort and convenience this heater provides.

The only downside to this heater is the handle, which I find to be a bit flimsy. I have to be careful when lifting the unit, especially when it's full of kerosene. However, this minor inconvenience doesn't detract from the overall performance of the heater.

In fact, I am so impressed with this heater that I am considering purchasing another one for another part of my cabin. It has truly become my winter savior, providing fast and efficient heat when I need it most. I highly recommend this heater for anyone in need of a reliable off-grid heating solution.

UPDATE Feb 2015:

I want to provide an update on my experience with this heater. I made the mistake of letting it run out of kerosene one morning, and it resulted in a major cleaning job. The soot from the heater covered my walls and ceiling throughout my cabin, which was quite a hassle to clean. So, I highly advise against running the heater when it is almost out of fuel.

Despite this incident, I still stand by my previous positive review of this heater. It continues to be a valuable addition to my cabin, providing quick and efficient heat. Just make sure to always keep it fueled properly to avoid any issues.

The Sengoku kerosene heater is a reliable and efficient heating option for those looking for a modern floor model stove. With its easy-to-use igniting method and adjustable flame settings, this heater provides ample heat output.

One of the standout features of this heater is its durability. Many users have reported using their Sengoku heaters for several years without any issues. This speaks to the quality and longevity of the product.

The lack of an internal blower may be seen as a drawback for some users who are accustomed to kerosene heaters with built-in blowers or the option to attach an external blower. However, it is important to note that the manufacturer does not advertise or claim to have an internal blower. This is more of a personal expectation rather than a fault of the product itself.

In terms of safety, the Sengoku heater performs well. The backside of the heater remains cool to the touch, and the sides are only slightly warm. However, it is recommended to leave some room on the sides and not place the heater in a tight space to ensure proper ventilation.

The manufacturer provides a warranty for the product, and replacement parts, such as the wick, are readily available through retailers like Ace. The manual also offers detailed information on wick maintenance, which is essential for optimal performance and longevity of the heater.

It is worth noting that regular wick maintenance is necessary to prevent jamming and carbon buildup. Burning off carbon buildup a few times a season is recommended, and it is advised to run the tank completely dry in a well-ventilated area. This maintenance routine will help keep the wick functioning smoothly.