DIYbanter - View Single Post - Any kerosene heaters that burn dirty I should avoid buying?

(misterfact) wrote in message . com...
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Nearly all kerosene heater are built quite similar. As a result, I
have never had a kerosene heater that when adjusted and working
properly burns dirty even with what people call a bad batch of kero.
There is a simple checklist to make sure your heater burns properly,
and every person I have run into with a dirty burning heater
apparently lacks the ability to read and comprehend operating and
maintenance instructions. Most people are negative about kerosene
heaters, because they dont know how to use them properly.

1. Make sure the wick is level (most newer units have pins to assure
this, but not always)

2. Make sure the wick is in good shape (it should be burned dry
periodically to burn off the carbon deposits on the glass fibers)

3. Make sure you adjust the flame to the appropriate level. Most
heaters have negigable heat adjustment, however, most people feel
obligated to try produce more or less heat by adjusting the wick. Too
low a flame or too high a flame and you will get plenty of odor. Once
you fire the unit up, you need to check on it after 10 - 15 minutes of
running to adjust the flame height and then it is good to go.

My family has been burning these things for over 20 years and never
has someone said, whoa what is that smell. Better yet, I have not had
the multiple CO detectors in my house ever register a blip using both
my heaters simultaneously (Kerosun Omni 85 and Kerosun Omni 105). In
regards to brands, the Toyostove/Kerosun units are typically regarded
as the best in the business and usually sell between 100 - 200
dollars. If you are still worried about fumes/toxic byproducts you
might consider the Toyostove DC 100. This is the double burner design
and is probably the cleanest burning heater available. Further the
double burn allows you to adjust the heat output. It is a nice heater
but will cost you up to 300 bucks. As another note, if you use the
kerosene heater very sparingly you might consider the kerosene
substitutes that sell at Home Depot and other stores. These burn
cleaner, hotter, and have no odor, but you will pay up to 8 bucks a
gallon.