To find out the best kerosene heater for indoor use, our team – who are veterans of the field – has tested 30+ top-rated models on the market over the last seven years.
We finally found our most favorite picks which are as below. Also, our experts share their experience to choose the right one for your needs, so don’t miss out!
Here are the best kerosene heaters for indoor use you can buy in 2021:
- Best For Workshop: Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7B
- Best For Uninsulated Pole Barns: Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Forced Air Kerosene Heater
- Best For Large Garages: DeWalt F340700 DXH215HD
- Best For Small Areas: Sengoku Megaheat MH-G420A(N)/SM-G420A(N)
- Fast Heating: CRAFTSMAN CMXEHAO80FAK
- Easy To Start: Kero World Indoor Kerosene Heater
| 6 Best Kerosene Heaters For Indoor Use | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Workshop | Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7B | |
Best For Uninsulated Pole Barns | Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Forced Air Kerosene Heater | |
Best For Large Garages | DeWalt F340700 DXH215HD | |
Best For Small Areas | Sengoku Megaheat MH-G420A(N)/SM-G420A(N) | |
Fast Heating | CRAFTSMAN CMXEHAO80FAK | |
Easy To Start | Kero World Indoor Kerosene Heater | |
Best For Workshop: Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7B
- Perfect for workshop – compact size & safety features
- User-friendly - one-touch shut-off button, auto igniter, removable fuel tank, and fuel gauge
- Wish the electric ignition was more quality
Though fueled by kerosene, the Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7B is safe enough for indoor use. It boasts a turn-over auto-shutoff function, safety grille, and cool-top design that meet local codes and ordinances.
Besides, it features a one-touch shut-off button, auto igniter, removable fuel tank, and fuel gauge - which is easy to use. Per full tank, it works efficiently for 13 hours and is able to heat up nicely a 500-square-foot area.
From that point, we highly recommend it for small- to the medium-size workshop.
| Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7B Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 22.32 x 11.89 x 19.29 inches |
Heat Output | 10,000 BTU's |
Coverage Area | 500 sq. ft. |
Highlight Features | compact size & safety features one-touch shut-off button, auto igniter, removable fuel tank, and fuel gauge |
After thorough testing, we all agree that the Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7B is the best pick for the workshop due to its safety and compact design.
Best For Uninsulated Pole Barns: Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Forced Air Kerosene Heater
- Ideal for uninsulated pole barn - 125,000 BTU of heat output & a powerful fan
- Easy to maneuver - two oversized pneumatic tires
- Able to last up to 15 hours
- Vague instructions
- Work noisily
Rarely do you get this much compact size with a powerful kerosene heater, making it a clear favorite in balancing heat output and space-saving?
The Mr. Heater Forced Air Kerosene Heater is measured by 35.9 x 16.95 x 20.9 inches and comes with two oversized pneumatic tires for easy transport. Despite that modest size, it produces up to 125,000 BTU constantly in 15 hours per full fuel tank.
But what surprised us the most is its powerful fan that can heat up an uninsulated medium- to large-sized pole barn within ten minutes. And, you can adjust its thermostat to your liking.
| Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Forced Air Kerosene Heater Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 35.9 x 16.95 x 20.9 inches |
Heat Output | 125,000 BTU |
Coverage Area | 3,125 square feet |
Highlight Features | 125,000 BTU of heat output & a powerful fan two oversized pneumatic tires |
If you’ve been searching for a kerosene heater for your uninsulated pole barn, Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Forced Air Kerosene Heater fits the bill.
Best For Large Garages: DeWalt F340700 DXH215HD
- 215,000 BTU of heat output & covering a 6,500-square-foot area
- Safe and reliable – CSA-certified
- Work quietly compared to similarly-powerful counterparts - fully-enclosed motors
- Heavy and cumbersome
The DeWalt F340700 DXH215HD comes very close to being the best of both worlds.
It is able to work beautifully with multiple fuels and delivers enormous heat, up to 215,000 BTU whilst still meeting all the safety standards of CSA.
Adding up to its reliability and functionality are the factory-installed thermostats, glove-friendly controls, and fully-enclosed motors.
Though it's heavy and cumbersome, the two oversized wheels help it be easy to maneuver especially in a large garage up to 6,500 square feet.
| DeWalt F340700 DXH215HD Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 42 x 18 x 22 inches |
Heat Output | 215,000 BTU |
Coverage Area | 6,500 square feet |
Highlight Features | 215,000 BTU of heat output & covering a 6,500-square-foot area CSA-certified fully-enclosed motors |
If you are looking for a powerful yet safe kerosene heater for your large garage, look no further than the DeWalt F340700 DXH215HD
Best For Small Areas: Sengoku Megaheat MH-G420A(N)/SM-G420A(N)
- Fit nicely small areas – dimensions of 12 x 12 x 24 inches
- Heat up in just 1/5 seconds
- Affordable
- No complaint
Measured only by 12 x 12 x 24 inches, the Sengoku Megaheat MH-G420A(N)/SM-G420A(N) is exactly what we prefer to use in small areas - such as an office, bedroom, or dorm room.
Despite the modest size, it is a mighty kerosene heater that can reach the max heat output in just 1/5 seconds, which decreases the time of use effectively.
Besides, it works silently to not interrupt your sleep or work. The highly competitive price is another big bonus.
| Sengoku Megaheat MH-G420A(N)/SM-G420A(N) Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 12 x 12 x 24 inches |
Heat Output | 420 Watts |
Highlight Features | dimensions of 12 x 12 x 24 inches Heat up instantaneously in just 1/5 seconds |
The Sengoku Megaheat MH-G420A(N)/SM-G420A(N) is surprisingly powerful despite its compact size, making it a wonderful pick for small areas.
Fast Heating: CRAFTSMAN CMXEHAO80FAK
- Offering 80,000 BTU instantaneously
- Easy to use – multi-fuel capabilities & no conversion required
- Able to automatically shut off in unsafe conditions - photo cad cell flame sensor
- No tip-over auto-shutoff feature
If you're in need of a more powerful kerosene heater with instant heating, then the CRAFTSMAN CMXEHAO80FAK is your best bet. It offers 80,000 BTU to heat up a medium-sized indoor area almost instantly.
Rest assured, it is equipped with all required safety features, composed of a photo cad cell flame sensor, overheating shut-off switch, and precise thermostat control.
A big plus is that you don't need to convert it when fueling and this model can run well on either JP-8, diesel, or kerosene - which can't be more convenient.
| CRAFTSMAN CMXEHAO80FAK Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 28.5 x 17.5 x 16.5 inches |
Heat Output | 80,000 BTU |
Coverage Area | 2,000 sq ft |
Highlight Features | Offering 80,000 BTU instantaneously multi-fuel capabilities & no conversion required photo cad cell flame sensor |
After testing the CRAFTSMAN CMXEHAO80FAK, there are two things that our team unanimously agrees upon: this is one of the most compact options on the market and we think any people who want a fast-heating kerosene heater will surely love it.
Easy To Start: Kero World Indoor Kerosene Heater
- Easy to start – the electric igniter & two D batteries
- No risks of cutting your skin accidentally - rounded corners
- The instructions are slightly complicated
The Kero World Indoor generates 10,000 BTU constantly in 12 hours per fuel tank that can provide comfortable warmth for a 400-square-foot area.
This product would be a perfect choice if you use it for two purposes: to have an extra source of heat during power shortage and to lower your monthly energy bills.
But making it outstanding is the electric starter, which works as advertised and lasts long, all thanks to the two D batteries included in the package.
We're also glad that it features rounded corners, which takes no risks of cutting your skin accidentally.
| Kero World Indoor Kerosene Heater Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 20 x 24 x 12.5 inches |
Heat Output | 10,000 BTU |
Coverage Area | 400 square feet |
Highlight Features | the electric igniter & two D batteries rounded corners |
The Kero World Indoor just might be your find of the year if you are in search of an easy-to-start and powerful kerosene heater for indoor use.
How To Choose The Best Kerosene Heater For Indoor Use?
Safety Features
When it comes to choosing the best kerosene heater for indoor use, safety is the top priority. Here are the safety features that you should consider:
- Tip-over auto-shutoff function (or, anti-tip switch) – the heater will automatically go off right after detecting that it is tipped over
- Heat sensor – the heater will automatically turn off once detecting the heat is too much
- Fuel indicator – which lets you know when the heater requires refueling. If possible, pick a model with an auto-shutoff function or alarm once it detects the fuel runs below a limited level.
Besides, having a CO2 detector in the room where you run the kerosene heater is highly recommended.
Types
There are two types of kerosene heaters for indoor use: the convective heater and the radiant heater.
The former type can distribute heat to all directions of a room while the other focuses on dispersing heat to a certain direction.
Therefore, convective heaters need to be placed in the center of a room, and they are perfect for medium- to large-sized rooms. Radiant heaters are more for heating a certain object or more, such as for a bedroom, which is ideal for enclosed areas.
Fuel Tank
While considering the fuel tank, not just pay attention to its capacity but you should also find a model with a detachable tank so that it’s easier to refuel, clean, or store the tank without having to move the entire heater.
Which Brands Make The Best Kerosene Heater For Indoor Use?
Dyna-Glo
Speaking of Dyna-Glo, many people would think of their decently quality grilling and smoking products. But the brand is also well-liked for its practical and versatile kerosene heater lines – which stand out for their top-notch safety, durability, and functionality.
Mr. Heater
Mr. Heater belongs to Enerco – the forefront of infrared combustion technology (since 1957). They are the leading in this industry thanks to their rich history and expertise in consumer heating products. They also own a lot of patented technologies, such as the Quiet Burner Technology.
DeWalt
Founded in 1922, DeWalt is another reliable brand for quality indoor kerosene heaters. Their products are not created to meet the general standard, but to set out the new one – which is better to help solve the challenges in your daily life.
Sengoku
Established in 1953, Sengoku has now been one of the most renowned brands for alternative heating products. They focus on operation cost and time savings – the things that customers consider the most - during the manufacturing process, hence, they become an outstanding name in this competitive market.
FAQs
Are kerosene heaters safe to use indoors?
Though kerosene heaters emit CO2, they are still safe indoors if used properly. Make sure the space where it is in is well-vented.
Do indoor kerosene heaters smell?
It depends on the model that you choose. A well-designed indoor kerosene heater doesn’t smell while operating.
Do you need ventilation when using a kerosene heater?
Yes, you do. For safety, it is a must to keep the room (where your kerosene heater is placed) adequate ventilation.
What are the safety precautions for using a kerosene heater indoors?
When using a kerosene heater indoors, you must place it at least 3’ away from combustibles, and keep the room well-vented.
How long can you run a kerosene heater indoors?
It depends on the fuel tank capacity of the heater and the setting that you choose to run it. For example, a kerosene heater with a 2-gallon tank can last up to 5 hours if run at the highest setting.
Conclusion
Kerosene heaters have been around for many years and the market is flush with options. We understand that it’s never easy for beginners or non-experienced buyers to pick the best kerosene heater for indoor use from the first buy.
That’s why we hope this article helped you. Thanks for reading!
