Kerosene Convection Heaters - Dependable?

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I am, as I write, testing our new Sengoku 'KeroHeat' Model CV-2230 (22,300 BTU) convection kerosene heater on the back sidewalk. Anyone own one of these, or a similar model? Are they fairly reliable? This is UL rated, and appears to be simple to operate. I'm considering a second one as a backup, but am wondering if that might be wasteful and redundant. Has anyone used one of these for any length of time or seasons? The wick replacement procedure, should it come to that, reads like a possible user's manual nightmare. Thank you for any counsel. -Jim Young

-- Jim Young (jyoung@famvid.com), November 11, 1999

Answers

You might want to try the TimeBomb2000 boards. Much more traffic and you're more likely to get a response.

-- anonymous (anonymous@anonymous.com), November 12, 1999.

Jim: Go here ----> Preparation Forum

-- Dancr (addy.available@my.webpage), November 13, 1999.

Jim;

I have 2 kero heaters, one is 17 years old. From waht I can tell, they will last forever. The wicks are not that hard to change after you have done it the first time. I would take it apart now and pretend to change the wick. That way if you have a problem, help can be had quickly. Two hints, 1. When the heater runs out of fuel, take it outside and let it burn out. This cleans the wick and makes them last longer. 2. Change the wick EVERY year. They collect residue on them which cause's them to smoke more on lite-up. The more they smoke, the more they stink. If you are stuck with an old wick, lite the heater outside then carefully bring it in. They don't stink once they are hot.

-- FLAME AWAY (BLehman202@aol.com), November 13, 1999.


Please remember that if you burn kerosene, you are producing by-products of that combustion. Purchase a carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms. Also, if you have a family member with any type of pulmonary compromise (emphysema, asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, etc.) they are more likely to develop problems in getting enough oxygen with this type of heater. Even a wood stove (air-tight) is going to be safer, as it will not be venting into room air.

-- Ann M. (hismckids@aol.com), November 13, 1999.

Thanks, all, for your comments! I did go into the Preparation Forum, and read what is there. Pretty much what I am familiar with, although I did put a post in there about the 'red dye kero' issue. I'll check back there later. Thanks, again! - Jim Y.

-- Jim Young (jyoung@famvid.com), November 14, 1999.


The best kerosene heater on the market today is the Toyotomi DC100 ("Double Clean"). It has 1/25th the emissions of a regular kerosene heater. It usually sells for $330-340. You can burn kerosene in it without a kerosene odor or much CO2 as it has a catalitic convertor. You can also burn a new product called Exxon Clear Lite in a regular kerosene heater with very little odor. Exxon Clear Lite is safe to store (flash point is 150 degrees v's kerosene which is about 105. It doesnt clog the wick as quickly as kerosene does as it burns cleaner. It is 4x the cost of kerosene,sot that is the bad news. When you run out of kerosene, or if it is unsafe to store kerosene, you can switch to Exxon without cleaning out the heater first as the fuels do not react with one another. If you take care of the wick, it will last for 6-18 months or longer. Good luck.

-- Jackie Clark (clark@charm.net), November 15, 1999.

Thanks, Jackie! I've read that the Double Clean is an excellent unit. We have a KeroHeat from Sengoku, 22,300 BTU convection type.

Good luck to you, too!

-Jim

-- Jim Young (jyoung@famvid.com), November 15, 1999.


Hi Jim, Now that that you have the Sengoku kerosene heater for more than two years, I wonder what are your findings, since I'm considering purchasing heaters from the same manufacturer. Thanks, Shuki

-- Shuki Leibovich (leibi22@bezeqint.net), June 04, 2002.

Hi Jim

I just got one heater ,same as yours and I thik is a good choice. Outside this time of the year is fairly cold, 8 degrees and I am sitting inside with my new 2230 Sengoku keroheat on and I am wearing shorts.

I just want to know if I treat the wick as I should ,Like leaving to burn out clean and changing it as long as possible AM I going to have it as long as you? Am sure you have the experence to let us know whether we made the right to choice or not. And I would like to know what advise you give to any potential byers.

Regards

Kyriakos Kyriakou

-- Kyriakos K. (kyrkonia@cytanet.com.cy), December 13, 2002.


Jim - I have the same CV-2230. I've had it for year and very pleased. However, it began to smoke badly and I know I need to change the wick.....but I can't find my owner manual. Do you know where I can get instructions on replacing the wick? Thanks.

Rick Bedwell

-- Rick Bedwell (rbedwell1@aol.com), January 10, 2003.



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