The 10 Best Kerosene Heaters of 2023

The often-overlooked kerosene heater is a viable option in many environments. These days, we tend to look towards electricity or propane as our main source of fuel for heating, but kerosene offers many benefits. 

We looked at five of the best kerosene heaters, but the one that rose the top is the versatile Sengoku HeatMate 10,000-BTU Portable Indoor/Outdoor Radiant Kerosene Heater. It produces great heat and can be used indoors or outdoors. In addition, it is lightweight and compact, making it highly portable. 

The 10 Best Kerosene Heaters:

We look at the top ten picks, help you with some important tips in our buyer’s guide, and answer a few frequently asked questions. In the end, you will be able to shop with confidence. 

1. Sengoku HeatMate Portable Indoor/Outdoor Radiant Kerosene Heater

The Sengoku HeatMate is a powerful rectangular kerosene heater that is perfect for someone in need of heating up indoor areas up to 380 square feet. Enjoy the Sengoku HeatMate anywhere, the living room, bedroom, garage, workshop, and beyond.

This reasonably priced kerosene heater is perfect for a small home in need of heat. It delivers 10,000 BTUs and can run for an estimated 14 hours thanks to its 1.2-gallon fuel tank. It features an automatic ignition, flame adjuster, and ever-important safety features such as an automatic shut-off switch and tip-over switch. It uses the radiant heating method.

If you’re not looking to break your bank, then the Sengoku HeatMate is probably one of the best options out there. It comes with a two-year warranty, so you don’t have to worry about those what if it breaks situations. 

The Sengoku HeatMate is a great unit that is ready to warm its way into your home today. There are no real complaints to be made about the HeatMate other than the idea that the wick could be better, but this is such a small complaint when stacked up against the numerous things we like about this product.

2. Dyna-Glo WK24BK Indoor Kerosene Convection Heater

If this were a popularity competition, Dyna-Glo as a brand would win. They are beloved in the heater market for their excellent products that deliver in both quality, aesthetics, and performance.

The Dyna-Glo WK24BK Indoor Kerosene Heater is obviously no exception to this judgment. This Dyna-Glo WK24BK is a small and compact but powerful kerosene heater. It has an impressive heating capacity of 23000 BTU, can cover up to 1000 square feet, and uses a convection heating method. That ought to keep you warm!

In terms of its build quality, it is far superior to other consumer-grade heater models. The only gripe here is the 1-year warranty. In addition, it is shorter than you see on most quality heater models, which is somewhat disappointing. The Dyna-Glo WKL24KB lasts for about 12 hours on a full tank and uses a 1.9-gallon fuel tank.

For any flaws it has, it makes up for them in so many other ways. This is a truly brilliant product made by a great company. Aesthetically, it looks great as well, which might seem trivial, but it is still worth mentioning.

3. Mr. Heater F270370 Forced-Air Kerosene Heater

Mr. Heater is large and in charge. This is a heavy-duty kerosene heater, and it is not here to mess around. 

Just to show you how powerful this heater is, the BTU of the Mr. Heater F270370 MH175KTRNullify is 175000, which is insane. It heats up a space of up to 4375 square feet. The Mr. Heater F270370 MH175KTRNullify uses a forced-air heating method. 

It can remain in use for roughly ten hours thanks to its 14-gallon capacity fuel tank. It also comes with an adjustable thermostat to control its temperature. With the forced-air heating method, it has a high output fan which is equipped with over-heat safety sensors as well as auto shut-off.

When it comes to build quality, this thing does the most. It’s stylish, easy to take with you anywhere, even though it weighs a fair amount. This is primarily thanks to the built-in back wheels and handle, which make it easy to cart around. Unfortunately, this is another heater with a somewhat disappointing warranty that is limited to a year only. 

4. Avenger FBD125T Portable Kerosene Multi-Fuel Heater

With a cool name like Avenger, your expectations might already be high. Rest assured, however, this is a quality product from the Avenger brand. In addition, the FBD125T is built to last thanks to its use of superior materials that give it a longer lifespan.

With a BTU of 125000, it can heat up an area of up to 3000 feet using a forced-air heating method. It lasts 11 hours with a fuel capacity of 10 gallons. Furthermore, it is super simple to start, thanks to its very own patented glow plug ignition. The Avenger FBD125T features state-of-the-art thermostat control, so the heat settings are effortlessly customizable. 

This is another product with the added benefit of having wheels and a handle which makes it very easy to transport despite its weight. However, on the more negative side, the warranty is one year which once again isn’t the greatest, and customer support on this product has been known to be a considerable downside. 

Overall, this is an excellent product with very easy to forgive downsides. The Avenger FBD125T is well built and ready to perform its task admirably. It even takes multiple types of fuel, kerosene obviously being one of them.

5. Pro-Temp PT-125T-KFA Kerosene Forced Air Heater

Finally, we arrive at the Pro-Temp PT-125T-KFA. This powerful unit is another heater that can do the job and do it very well. 

The Pro-Temp PT-125-KFA has a BTU of 125000 and uses a forced-air heating method. It can heat up an area of up to 3100 square feet. With a full tank of kerosene, it can last up to 10 hours. However, some critics have noted that the  Pro-Temp PT-125T-KFA is a tad fuel-hungry. 

As is the case with most heaters, such as the  Pro-Temp PT-125T-KFA, it has an electric ignition which means it starts almost immediately. One really nice additional feature in the Pro-Temp is the LED display, which lets you see what the temperature is, and it can even be used for diagnosing problems when/if the heater develops a fault. To top it all off, the fuel gauge addition is very welcome.

Just like many others on this list, the  Pro-Temp PT-125T-KFA is easy to get from one place to the other with its wheels and handle. While this isn’t a complaint, as much as it is a warning, be warned that this is on the higher end of the price range.

Overall this product is excellent. This list isn’t in ranked-choice, so don’t take this as the best or the worst option. All of these heaters have something to offer, and you might find something you like in each one of these products.

6. Dyna-Glo Forced Air Heater

All around, the Dyna-Glo forced air kerosene heater is one hell of a product. This kerosene heater is able to heat up large areas in a safe manner, both indoors and outdoors – up to 1200 square feet. For 14 hours, you can enjoy uninterrupted heat. In addition, the Dyna-Glo delivers 50,000 BTU of heating power, meaning this kerosene heater is ready to keep you toasty.

In terms of build, the Dyna-Glo is a sturdy product. It’s built to be tough and built to last. Designed with an aluminum exterior, industrial motor, it’s meant to be a product that lasts. Additionally, it features an external display. This display monitor shows you PSI, performance, fuel remaining, and remaining runtime.

One of the downsides to this product is more to do with the company than it is to do with the product itself. Some have complained that the customer service for Dyna-Go is less than desirable. This isn’t a significant turn-off from the product, but more something to keep in mind.

For added convenience, the Dyna-Glo is equipped with an easy-lift carrying handle so you can take it with you wherever you need to go. As a brand, Dyna-Glo has proven a reliable, if not a solid, choice regardless of which model you choose.

7. Sunnydaze 125,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater

The Sunnydaze 125,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater is another brilliant addition to this list of the best kerosene heaters of 2021. Why? Well, let’s go through this great product and find out.

When thinking of keeping the cold away, think of the Sunnydaze, which can prove to be a heavy hitter in the heat-producing department. With a BTU of 125,000, you’re going to have the ability to heat a space of 1080 square feet.

The build of this model is a red cylindrical heater, a regulator, and a ten-foot hose. The fan, which is featured on the inside, blows out the hot air, keeping the affected areas nice and warm. One minor downside is that while this is a kerosene heater, it has a recommended use of clean propane. This is optional and not a requirement.

This kerosene heater is also portable, thanks to its lightweight design and convenient handle. It also comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty, which is excellent for those in case situations.

Sunnydaze is a product that is worth taking the chance on. You’ll get a great product, the assurance of a hefty warranty, and a kerosene heater that knows how to do its job and does it well.

8. REMINGTON REM-80T-KFA-O

The Remington didn’t come here to play any games. This beast is ready to bring the heat, and it does so instantly. This is primarily due to its 80,000 BTU capacity, which helps to heat those large spaces.

The Remington is able to run on multiple fuel types. These fuel types include; kerosene, #1 and #2 diesel fuel, JP8/Jet A fuel, and #1 and #2 fuel oil. The Remington can heat up a space up to 2000 square feet with one of these fuel types! Furthermore, it can do this all for approximately 10 hours.

The Remington REM-80T-KFA-O is a kerosene heater that is built tough, thanks in part to its rugged steel construction. For portability, it features a handle, meaning you can take it anywhere. It comes in orange and black.

Another bonus, the bonus features. For starters, on the safety side of things, the Remington has an automatic shut-off feature that activates when temperatures get too high. Secondly, flameout protection and a circuit breaker.

This product is built to last, and if it doesn’t, take advantage of the 1-year limited warranty offered by Remington. This product is a great product with very few downsides.

9. Kero World KW-24G

If you’re looking for a more simple kerosene heater for general home use. Nothing fancy, nothing flashy. Look no further than the Kero world KW-24G.

The Kero World KW-24G features a 23,000 BTU. This pairs well with the radiant convection heating design. It goes about bringing a steady, warm air being produced and pushed into a room of up to 1000 sq. feet.

For twelve hours, the 1.9-gallon fuel tank will heat your room uninterrupted. It’s not only efficient, but it’s also reasonably cost compared to some of the other models on this list. Furthermore, the product is lightweight and is reasonably portable, so don’t worry about carting it around the home to where it is needed most.

The downside of this product might just be the look of it. It’s not something that looks as great as some of the other models on this list. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. As long as it does the job, it shouldn’t matter too much what it looks like.

Overall, the Kero Wold KW-24G is one of the best available kerosene heaters on the market for simple home use. You’ll have a room well heated, at reasonable temperatures, and at a reasonable price. Winning on every corner.

10. Pro-Temp PT-70-SS

The Pro-Temp PT-70-SS might look like a monster machine, but the Pro-Temp is simply another perfectly good option in your hunt for the best kerosene heater.

By the standards of this list, the Pro-Temp is a little flawed. It isn’t as efficient as some of the other options on this list, and this is because it runs for only 7 hours on a full tank of gas. This shouldn’t mean you completely turn away from this as an option, however.

Thanks to its compact size, carry handle, and rugged design, the Pro-Temp PT-70-SS is built to be a lasting product in your home. The forced-air fan is strong and can disperse heat around the room with a 70,000 BTU rating.

If you need to heat a room on short notice and fast, this is the kerosene heater for you! It can heat up a space of about 1,750, which makes it a great option for you and your family. The Pro-Temp may not be the best of the best on this list, but it certainly earned its place as one of the best.

What to look for when buying a kerosene heater

There are different types of heaters; not just a one size fits all model. While most heaters rely on electricity, kerosene heaters don’t and so they can be used almost anywhere. Indoors, outdoors a kerosene heater is a reliable source of heat on those cold winter nights. 

So what else do you need to consider when making a decision over which heater to purchase? Well, let’s consider it in our Buyers Guide.

Heating Capacity

This is important with any heater. What is its heating capacity? You might not really understand what you are looking for in this measure; you just know you want heat. But if you’re looking for something powerful, you want something with a high BTU (British Thermal Units) deliverance. 

Entry-level models are rated at 23000 BTU. Portable models are rated at 10000 BTU. Heavy-duty models can go up to 75000 BTU. Think of it like this, the colder the environment, the higher the BTU.

Coverage Area

You’re going to want to know if your kerosene heater is going to be able to reach you. To find out the coverage area of the kerosene heater you’re looking at purchasing, it will be told to you in square feet. 

These ratings will vary depending on the model you’re purchasing. Some are specifically made for smaller rooms, while others are made for larger rooms. 1000 square feet has been the more standard size for home usage.

Running Period

Hopefully, we all know that a kerosene heater uses kerosene as a fuel that burns and produces heat to warm you and the room. So because kerosene heaters don’t rely on electricity, they have a limited capacity for fuel. This means you need to check the efficiency/running period of your chosen kerosene heater.

These ratings are usually given in time lengths or fuel tank capacity, or both. Once again, the obvious here is that if you need a heater for extended periods of time, you’d want one with high fuel capacity; the higher, the better.

Form Factor

Seeing as there are multiple types of kerosene heaters, you’ll find many different form factors. This means some are small and compact, and others are on the larger side. Bigger units usually offer better performance. This can come in the form of heating, storage, etc. On the other hand, smaller units can be more compact for traveling, camping, etc.

Controls

Controls are definitely more heavily featured in electronic heaters, but that doesn’t mean kerosene heaters are exempt from them. 

Common controls include things such as a thermostat. This means changing the temperature of the heater, and therefore your surroundings. In addition, it controls the amount of kerosene being burnt at a time to achieve your desired output.

Durability and Reliability

Nobody wants to buy a product that is going to stop working in a year. You want it to last a long time. So when looking for a kerosene heater, look for a durable model.

This also means making sure they have a warranty, and if possible, an extended warranty. Most options have generous warranties, and it would be difficult to find models that don’t offer this. Metal construction does offer the most sturdy and durable results, so keep this in mind.

FAQs

We get it, you have some questions, and we have some answers. We found some of the most frequently asked questions online regarding kerosene heaters and now we’re going to break them down.

What types of kerosene heaters are there to choose from?

The different types of kerosene heaters may not appear aesthetically, but they are very real. Let’s explain;

• Convection

Convection kerosene heaters pull air in and heat it up with the combustion of the kerosene. It then pushes that heated air out to heat the room.

• Forced Air

A forced air kerosene heater heats up and pushes hot air out. Due to a tube-like design with a fan on the back, it’s able to achieve this. While the bottom heats up, the fan pushes out the air through the radiator, which is tube-like.

• Radiant

A radiant kerosene heater is almost the love child of convection and a forced air kerosene heater. These heaters are rectangular. The shape helps pump heat in the direction of a more target location.As a result, they are not heating up in every direction and instead focus on wide single-direction places.

Are kerosene heaters safe?

Yes, however, you need to ensure you follow safety precautions. No product is 100% safe. There are always risks that you need to be made aware of when purchasing and using something. 

Kerosene heaters can produce high amounts of soot and carbon monoxide. All models come with instructions on how to avoid build-up of this to ensure no fatal quantity of either is being inhaled, leading to asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning. 

For added protection, invest in a  Carbon Monoxide detector (perhaps a topic for another review). Although the heaters are safe, this gives you an added layer of protection. 

Kerosene needs to be stored in a safe environment away from children. If ingested, it is harmful. The fumes can also be harmful so be sure not to leave kerosene out. It can also cause skin or eye irritation when contact is made. Always store it in a safe and secure area. 

Ensure you know that your model is meant for indoor usage as some are specifically designed for outdoor use, and this can be a problem if ignored.

Can I use a kerosene heater while I sleep?

Yes, you can, but we don’t think you should. This is for multiple reasons, for starters, the potential for fire. That warranty won’t mean much if you don’t have a home. Secondly, carbon monoxide produced from burning kerosene all night in an enclosed space is not a great idea.

How do I store my kerosene heater when not in use?

In most environments, you will not use your kerosene heater all the time. It’s safe to assume that a heater is not something you will need every day of the year. There are periods when the sun is out and heat is present, no need to make it hotter. So how do you store your kerosene as well as the kerosene heater you’ve purchased?

Therefore, how you store it when not in use is important. Many other heaters can simply be put in the garage and stored, but a bit more effort is needed to safely and correctly store a kerosene heater. 

For starters, always consider common sense. This is important. Secondly, keep the fuel away from your home. Store kerosene in a garage, shed, workshop, or anywhere that isn’t directly in your house. Don’t store for longer than three months as kerosene tends to break down and absorb water, and form mold.

Don’t leave your kerosene heater lying around when it isn’t required to be used. Put it away, decrease the risk of accidental fires from unused fuel left in the tank. Try to use that fuel up before putting it away if possible, then place the heater in your garage.

Correct storage will ensure safety and prolong the lifespan of the heater. The first thing you want to do is to make sure that all the fuel (kerosene) has been depleted or drained away. Old fuel can be dangerous and might also cause damage to the heater. 

Is Kerosene expensive?

This depends on your definition of expensive and where you are. The price fluctuates from state to state, but also in terms of brand and quality. We don’t recommend a specific brand, but we recommend purchasing something of a higher quality. Quality oil does burn more efficiently and, therefore, can save you money in the long run.

In Conclusion

As winters get longer and colder, having a heater is something that isn’t negotiable anymore. So go out, find a heater that works for you, checks all those boxes, and heats you up. You will never regret being warm on a snowy evening, thanks to your kerosene heater. So what are you waiting for? 

We have given you some amazing options that are popular and highly rated. You can’t go wrong with any of these.