Top 10 Best Kerosene Heater Reviews (10,000 to 210,000 BTU)

Kerosene heaters offer an efficient and financially-friendly solution to users who need to regulate the temperature in a specified area without using very much electricity.

If you’re looking for a kerosene heater, there are a few things you will want to know; not all heaters are created equally.

Heater BTU (British thermal unit) ratings can greatly vary and understanding how to properly care for, store, and operate a kerosene heater is essential.

For that reason, we’ve combined hours of in-depth research to bring you a list of some of the absolute best kerosene heaters available.

Top 10 Kerosene Heaters

PRODUCT	TITLE	DETAILS
Most Powerful	Mr. Heater F270385	210,000-BTU Works with multiple fuel sources Easy to transport	View on Amazon
	ProTemp PT-80-OFR	80,000 BTU Ceramic & Steel construction Easy lift handle	View on Amazon
	DeWalt DXH75KT	75,000BTU Forced air projection Easy to clean and service	View on Amazon
Most quiet	Master MH-70-SSA	70,000 BTU Wide heating surface Multiple Fuel Sources	View on Amazon
	Mr. Heater Corporation MH70KFR	70,000 BTU Easy to operate Relatively quiet	View on Amazon
Our Budget Pick	Pro-Temp Air Torpedo	45,000 BTU Good value Forced air heat projection	View on Amazon
	DuraHeat DH2304S Indoor Heater	23,800 BTU Multi functional Light & Heat source Safety cage	View on Amazon
	Sengoku KeroHeat	23,500 BTU Good capacity Fuel Gauge	View on Amazon
Most portable	Sengoku HeatMate	10,000 BTU Indoor & outdoor use Very portable	View on Amazon
	Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7	10,000 BTU Economical Safety features	View on Amazon

Mr. Heater MH210KTR – One Of The Most Powerful Industrial Heaters (210,000-BTU)

If you need to heat a large space on a budget and may need to use different fuel types, the Mr. Heat MH210KTR may just be perfect for you.

These space heaters have been designed to heat very large areas quickly and efficiently for less.

The Mr. Heat F270385 heats areas of up to 4,375 sq. feet. and runs for up to 10 hrs. at a time on a full tank of fuel.

This means that you can save a good bit of money on fuel costs and not have to worry about setting up multiple heaters in large spaces.

Whether you’ll be using it on a construction site, in your airplane hanger, in a shop, in your garage, or anywhere else, this heater delivers powerful temperature regulation and extreme convenience with minimum effort.

This Kerosene forced air heater has been equipped with fully enclosed motors, high output components, and large controls that are easy to use, even if you’re wearing thick gloves.

The Mr heater contractor series model also comes with large wheels so you can move your heater from place to place as needed.

Additionally, all Mr. Heat F270385 models come equipped with multiple safety features like high limit safety switches and photo CAD cells.

This means that you’ll have more peace of mind and be able to focus on the task at hand. Knowing that this unit can shut itself off in unsafe conditions is definitely helpful.

These heaters also work with multiple fuel types.

They can be run off of kerosene, diesel, and more.

Whatever your job site requires, these heaters can deliver. That being said, if you are looking to heat less square feet in a smaller space, this may not be the best choice.

These large and powerful heaters are ideal for industrial spaces, but won’t work as well for cabins or other small areas. Also, keep in mind that this heater requires a 15 VOLT AC outlet.

ProTemp PT-80-OFR – eat Up To 2,000 Sq. Feet Quickly (80,000 BTU)

With a unique ceramic burner housing, an easy lift handle for quick transport, a fuel cap that can be replaced and removed effortlessly, and an innovative cooling fan, you’d think that this heater was designed to be used by professionals.

You’d be right. The ProTemp PT-80-OFR is perfect for construction sites, mechanical shops, warehouses, large barns, and other industrial areas.

It’s been constructed to be extremely durable and dependable. You can trust that this powerful radiating heater can warm an area of 2,000 sq. feet with ease.

It’s also pretty quiet considering how large it is. It is easy to operate as well.

If you want to warm up a large space but don’t want to have the noise of a forced air heater, the ProTemp PT-80-OFR is a fantastic solution.

Other impressive features include the 1-year warranty, attachable safety guard to help protect the ground from overheating, the easy to read fuel gauge, and the 6 hour burn time.

This heater even runs on various fuel types. Warm up your space without waking up the whole neighborhood with this 80,000 BTU beast. Keep in mind that there have been some complaints about the fuel pressure levels with this heater.

Additionally, in extreme temperatures, the ignition may take a few tries to catch. Other than that, this is a tough and durable heating solution for large spaces.

DeWalt DXH75KT – Forced Air Kerosene Heater For Indoor and Outdoor Use (75,000BTU)

This forced air heater by DeWalt sports a rugged two-piece split barrel design which makes both maintenance and cleaning safer and easier.

It has an easy-to-grip and ergonomic handle for transporting as well as recessed controls and a thermostat regulation center.

This helps to reduce the risk of damaged knobs and valves on a job site or outside.

The continuous electronic ignition is available as a source for fuel that hasn’t been consumed which aides in the ability for this heater to reduce pooled fuel.

The build quality of this model is of better quality than many similar kerosene heaters.

It works well immediately out of the box. It blows a lot of heat and can be aimed in the direction that you need the most warmth. It also regulates the temperature of an area quickly and effectively.

It’s the type of heater that performs on and on without stopping or slowing down. The instant start features are handy and it is also a very durable model.

You’ll be able to use the DeWalt DXH75KT every day on a job site without having annoying problems or frustrating issues.

All around a quality option for certain outdoor applications, garages, shops, non-insulated areas, and poorly sheltered job sites. As far as drawbacks go, this heater has no thermostat override option.

This can be frustrating if you’re planning on using it for drying purposes. It’s a simple and hardy heater that can be used to warm up many different spaces.

Master MH-70-SSA-A – A Super Quiet Radiant Forced Air Heater (70,000 BTU)

For users needing something that gives off a lot of heat in all directions and operates more quietly than most kerosene heaters, you’ll want to check out the Master MH-70-SSA kerosene heater.

The large front heating face of this heater means that heat is spread out farther in an efficient and effective way. It’s also about 75% quieter than many similar forced air kerosene heaters.

It burns pretty clean as well and doesn’t have too much of a smell.

It can heat up a large uninsulated garage to around 65ºF in about an hour in exterior temperatures of -10ºF or less.

This heater will not work well with any type of plug-in style thermostat, however.

After heating it must go through a cool-down cycle and using a plug-in thermostat will prevent this process and ruin your heater. It can also run on multiple fuel types which is helpful for cost saving.

Choose from kerosene, diesel, or oil fuel for this heater.

For very large workshops, two of these heaters would work well to heat the entire space.

Additionally, the hot shield feature is nice for safety and the blower remains on after you’ve turned it off so you don’t waste or lose any heat.

This is a really efficient heating solution that would work for many different types of applications. You may find that this heater needs to be turned off after only an hour or so, it tends to radiate more than enough heat for most small to medium-sized spaces.

Mr. Heater Corporation MH70KFR – Low Noise and Low Scent Large Radiating Heater (70,000 BTU)

The main selling point of this heater is its silent operation. This heater is very quiet and easy to have a conversation next to. There are no loud fans or whirring motors.

It has a simple and easy to understand design that is also very energy efficient.

Compared to a standard forced air kerosene heater, this heater is nearly silent.

It doesn’t emit a high pitched whine or constant low buzz either the way that some radiating heaters do.

In addition to this, the Mr. Heat Corporation MH70KFR has a very low scent emission. It doesn’t smell like fuel or fumes the way that some other kerosene heaters may.

It can heat a 32×32 1000 square feet room in about an hour. This heater uses less energy than many other electric heaters, and can also run off of diesel making it a versatile option.

It does, however, require electricity to run so this is not the best option for camping or traveling to areas where electricity isn’t easily accessible.

Additionally, the cooldown cycle of this heater is a bit odd.

It has a 3-minute cooldown cycle that doesn’t always kick in properly. Finally, you’ll want to keep in mind that since this isn’t a forced air unit, it gets very hot.

You’ll want to be careful as you near it. Still, if you need a silent radiating kerosene heater for a cold space sub-par ventilation, this is a good option. It’s fairly efficient and can be used with multiple fuel types.

Though this heater doesn’t have a very strong odor, you will still need to be sure that the area you’re using it in has proper ventilation.

Pro-Temp Air Torpedo – Heater for Medium Spaces at a Fair Price (45,000 BTU)

This is a forced air heater that knows the meaning of efficient heat output. It’s extremely portable so you can take it with you to heat up just about any chilly space.

The electronic ignition makes starting this heater a simple process. Additionally, the variable heat settings let users get more versatility as they warm up their space.

This heater has no problem heating spaces of up to 1125 sq. feet. The state-of-the-art safety features allow you to have more peace of mind as you run this tornado heater.

This is a fantastic option for construction sites, garages, barns, warehouses, workshops, and other similar places. It can run on various fuel types other than kerosene as well including jet fuel.

To go a bit more in-depth on the features of the Pro-Temp Air Torpedo, it has a variable BTU for heating large areas and can run for over 14 hours on a single kerosene tank.

The tank of this heater is about 5 gallons. It works best for outdoor spaces or very well ventilated spaces because of its forced air torpedo design. It’s very easy to move and carry as well and has a wide base that is stable to prevent tipping of any kind.

This is a dependable and efficient option that can serve a variety of functions. On the downside, this is not a heater for inside use.

It’s pretty noisy and it does have that standard kerosene heater smell.

Additionally, this heater tends to need manual configuration and will not always turn back on when the thermostat temperature is low.

You may have to turn it up yourself when the automatic features don’t kick in. Other than that, this is a great option that also comes at a pretty decent value.

DuraHeat DH2304S Indoor Heater – Compact Indoor Lantern Style Kerosene Heater (23,800 BTU)

When you want to heat a small space efficiently, a kerosene heater such as this one may be a good idea.

If you need a powerful indoor heater, this is probably your best option.

This particular model has been built with quality components and designed with users in mind.

The durable construction and high BTU output make this heater a popular choice among many people.

It really is pretty powerful, especially considering its smaller stature. With a 23,800 BTU projection rate, your indoor space will be toasty warm in no time.

It also has a 360º radius for heating everything around it.

The DH2304S is a great tool to have on hand during power outages.

It provides both heat and light simultaneously. If you’re in an emergency, you’ll be glad you have this heater.

A newly added no-lift heat chamber design is there to minimize startup smells when you light this heater. This means that that kerosene odor is greatly reduced.

This is a simple and compact kerosene heater that can be used indoors and is an amazing option for emergency power outages or for heating a garage or workshop.

It’s very important to keep in mind that just because this heater has been designed to efficiently heat indoor spaces, carbon monoxide prevention and ventilation is still very important.

You must have adequate airflow in the space that you’re heating.

This may require you to crack a window when using this heater. Ideally, you’ll have this on hand as a supplemental heat source.

It could also work well for situations like a big old cabin in the mountains with no heater or a drafty concrete basement that’s being worked on.

Sengoku KeroHeat – Portable Convection Heater With a Straightforward Design (23,500 BTU)

This heater is an excellent option for emergency situations. It has a pretty extensive heat range. Though it claims to heat 1,000 sq. feet, we recommend expecting a little less. This is especially true if you are using this heater in an emergency. It does, however, heat efficiently and quickly. It also is very simple to operate.

Some of the best applications for the sengoku keroheat are indoor heating for well-ventilated spaces, as an emergency heat source, as a temporary heat solution for places with no electricity, in machine shops, sheds, garages, or other well-ventilated areas with no heat, and for some kinds of camping.

This heater also has a siphon pump that can be operated manually for quick and safe kerosene transfer. The fuel gauge allows you to easily read the kerosene levels with this heater and it also includes four D batteries.

The Sengoku company has been manufacturing alternative heat solutions for over 60 years so their products tend to have a simple and straightforward design that’s easy to understand and hassle-free.

All in all, this is a quality kerosene heater that has been well thought out.

Sengoku HeatMate – The Most Portable For Indoor/Outdoor Use (10,000 BTU)

Another impressive Sengoku product, this little heater is very easy to move from space to space.

It’s also simple to operate and a breeze to store. This is an ideal heating solution for emergency heating in rooms of up to 380 sq. feet.

It features a large capacity 1.2-gallon fuel tank that can keep a big room warm for up to 14 hours on only one fill. It also has an automatic safety shut off.

You won’t need matches, electricity, or a lighter to start this heater. It also has an EZ flame adjuster, a tip over switch, and protective safety grills for added convenience and peace of mind.

The Sengoku HeatMate has a wide range of potential applications. You could set it outside on your deck, gazebo, or patio for heat on-the-go.

The new burner design protects this heater from susceptibility to wind or breezes, so it won’t go out accidentally when you’re spending time outdoors.

You could also easily take this heater on a camping trip or bring it along for other leisure activities. When you’re done, you’ll have it as a backup in case of a power outage in the winter.

The intuitive design of this heater is a staple of Sengoku, an industry leader in alternative heating for over 50 years.

The Sengoku HeatMate is simply a great option for a wide variety of everyday supplemental heating and emergency situations.

Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7 – Indoor Heater That’s Economical and Convenient (10,000 BTU)

This Dyna-Glo heater has been designed to prioritize the economy, efficiency, utility, and convenience. The efficient use of kerosene fuel makes this a real money saver.

It can easily heat a 500 sq. foot area within an hour or so.

It doesn’t require an ounce of electricity to run, either. You can use this heater to warm a space in an emergency or as an alternate heat source.

All around, for the price, you can’t go wrong. It’s a great option for safe supplemental indoor heating. On the downside, this heater isn’t very portable.

You wouldn’t want to use it outside either, as its burner is susceptible to blowing out with strong wind gusts. Keep in mind that this heater won’t run off of diesel fuel.

Still, this heater manages to burn with 99.9% efficiency, making it one of the most economical indoor heaters out there. Also, it comes with the siphon pump and batteries so it is ready to use right out of the box.

It can also run for 14 hours off of one tank of kerosene. This is a great option for RV’s. cottages, workshops, cabins, and more.

Best Kerosene Heater Buyer’s Guide

Kerosene heaters are a fantastic option for a variety of situations. Understanding how to use, care for, and store them properly is a must.

Below, we have taken the time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these heaters’ Let’s take a look!

What is the best kerosene heater for indoor use?

The answer to this question depends on what kind of indoor space you have.

How large of a space are we talking? If you need to warm up a camper, for instance, the Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7 is a great option. If you have a larger indoor space, you’ll want a powerful heater like the Dura Heat DH2304S.

There are many indoor convection kerosene heaters that work quite well. Keep in mind though, even inside, a kerosene heater must have proper ventilation for safety (avoid carbon monoxide production).

How to store a kerosene heater safely?

Storing a kerosene heater isn’t difficult. Common sense and proper safety procedures must be followed, however.

It really is the preparation for storage that will be most important. When you are getting ready to store your heater, you’ll follow a process of removing the fuel from the tank, cleaning the wick, cleaning the heater, and finding a proper storage place.

For more on how to store a kerosene heater, check out this article. Additionally, this video walks you through the entire storage and cleaning procedure from start to finish.

Keep in mind that the kind of heater you have must be considered. Some heaters will have different preparation and storage procedures.

How to stop my kerosene heater from smoking or smelling?

If your portable kerosene heater is smoking or smells bad, there could be a number of factors at play.

Older heaters were once very sooty and stinky, but modern heaters burn cleaner and tend to be much more efficient. For one, the fuel type you have must be considered.

Some kinds of fuel burn cleaner than other types of fuel.

Also, the wick and heater design must be considered. Many heaters these days have been designed to almost totally eliminate smoke or fumes.

Finally, you must be sure you’re using your heater correctly.

Different kerosene heaters will require different operating procedures. Read your owner’s manual to be sure you’re doing everything right.

What does “forced air” mean?

Forced air is air that is pushed out of your kerosene heater in a direction. There are two main types of kerosene heaters: forced air heaters and radiant heaters.

Some heaters are both radiating and have forced air. Generally, radiating heaters fill a space with warmth by radiating heat in a 360º way.

Forced air heaters will blow hot or warm air directly in one channel. They can be aimed to maximize heating effects on a certain area.

The kind of heater you get will depend on your preferences and specific needs. Additionally, forced air heaters are better for large and well-ventilated areas.

You can usually expect to see forced air heaters in large areas like construction sites or very big workshops.

When to replace the wick?

The wick of your heater will need to be replaced when the manual says that it will need to be replaced. This can vary greatly depending on the wick material, heater type, wick thickness, and other factors.

Generally, the wick should be replaced yearly. This will help make your heater safer, reduce fumes and smoke, and extend the life of your heater. For more on wick safety. check out this helpful article.

Kerosene vs propane heaters, what are the pros and cons?

There are many benefits and drawbacks to both kerosene and propane heaters. While these are both fuel fed heat sources, they have some pretty big differences. Below, we will take a look, at how they compare.

Propane Heaters

Propane heaters are great for shops and garages. Like kerosene heaters, they come in many different designs, sizes, and specifications.

They can be both fixed and portable. Unlike kerosene heaters, propane heaters can be fixed into place and hooked up to existing propane on your property or to a propane supply.

They come in many styles, the main ones being radiant, forced air, convection, and mounted.

Propane Heater Pros
• They heat quickly
• Propane heaters are cost-effective
• They burn clean and efficiently
• Ideal for permanent dwellings

Propane Heater Cons
• Propane heaters may not work in high elevations
• Can be expensive
• Usually, require electricity
• Less portable than kerosene heaters

Kerosene Heaters

Kerosene heaters are great for use inside and outside. They are also very portable and versatile. These heaters also offer an alternative heat source that doesn’t require electricity. This makes small portable kerosene heaters ideal for emergency heating situations. Kerosene heaters are often seen on construction sites or in other industrial areas.

Kerosene Heater Pros
• Easy to use
• Portable
• Inexpensive
• Great for emergency situations

Kerosene Heater Cons
• Can be a fire hazard
• Must have ventilation

What are the ventilation requirements for safe use?

Kerosene heaters use oxygen as they burn. They can reduce oxygen levels dangerously in small areas that aren’t properly ventilated. Differently sized heaters will have different ventilation requirements.

Each heater will have safety guidelines that come in the owner’s manual. Read these guidelines thoroughly to find out what the ventilation requirements for your specific heater are. In general, the size of your kerosene heater and BTU rating will determine how much ventilation is needed.

If a heater has an output of 10,000 BTU or less, you can usually use it inside with a cracked window or in a drafty space.

Any BTU rating above this number will require much more ventilation.

Remember, proper ventilation is paramount to the safe use of kerosene heaters. If you don’t have proper ventilation, your health could be seriously threatened. For more on safety, click here.

Final Words

These have been some of the best kerosene heater options available. We hope that at least one of these impressive heaters looks like a good fit for you!

We want to know what you think. Did we leave any important options off of our list? Are there any questions that our FAQ doesn’t answer? Please feel free to leave us your feedback and let us know what you think.

Thanks for reading, and happy heating!

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