How safe really are oil filled heaters? Read stories with pictures of them exploding, ruining houses and some injured with the hot oil. How common are these instances... Surprise, surprise... I rather not be surprised. What is the safest heater?
1982549
The safest heater is the sun with you under it slathered with sunscreen. Seriously, I've used various oil-filled heaters for about 30 years with no problems such as you mentioned; none at all in fact. That doesn't mean you won't have an issue, but this is my experience.
1165455
I am no expert, but that doesn't sound good at all. For me, sparks could cause fires. Have it seen to.
1916011
Don't bother. It is not safe. There was a recall for this product and company will not stand by what it makes. it is a crappy heater. I finally threw it out. Seemed a better solution than burning my house down.
1564110
Yes, it is safe. I bought it for emergency heat but haven't used it much, thank goodness. So far so good!
26393
I would highly advise against using anything but K1 kerosene. Trying to save a couple bucks, I used the red (pink) kerosene in mine for a couple months, and there was so much soot buildup that it created what was essentially a chimney fire, or flare up. It filled the garage with heavy black smoke, set off 3 smoke detectors, and I hate to think what could have happened if I hadn't caught it in time. I now use K1 kerosene, and despite the extra expense, it's cheap when compared to burning your house down.
2236776
I read a few websites that said you can use a natural smelling oil such as lavender...a single drop or 2 directly in the kerosene. I decided not to try it, because the heater is so good at keeping me warm...I feared it would mess that up in some way. Go to Miles Stairs website and check to see what he has to say about this...you can even email him directly that info is also on his site, he has all the information you will ever need about this kerosene heater...he also sells the "wicks" I have ordered mine from him.
404651
I'd be more worried about it burning down your house! You might want to check out some of the negative reviews on this thing. I owned and used one for a little over a month and it burst into flames. Fortunately, I was standing right next to it when that happened. I yanked the plug and threw it outside into the snow. Despite my having done that in as much time as it takes to read it; it filled my apartment with a nasty stench that lingered for weeks. There are plenty of electric heaters out there. I would never plug in one of these again. Hope you find something satisfactory.
1798996
I assume the question is "Is the heater safe and does it reduce your power bill?" I will answer the question this way: I've bought a lot of oil filled electric radiators, and they always break down after a few years. I bought three of these, and they were all bad. (See my review.) I would not recommend it. Although the oil radiators have their good points, I prefer baseboard style heaters, which heat faster and also radiate heat. As for reducing your heating bill, it just depends on your use, the size of your house and many other factors. If you're able to reduce the entire house heat and just use an electric heater for one or two zones, then yes, you will probably save some on your heating bill. I assume the question is "Is the heater safe and does it reduce your power bill?" I will answer the question this way: I've bought a lot of oil filled electric radiators, and they always break down after a few years. I bought three of these, and they were all bad. (See my review.) I would not recommend it. Although the oil radiators have their good points, I prefer baseboard style heaters, which heat faster and also radiate heat. As for reducing your heating bill, it just depends on your use, the size of your house and many other factors. If you're able to reduce the entire house... » Read More I assume the question is "Is the heater safe and does it reduce your power bill?" I will answer the question this way: I've bought a lot of oil filled electric radiators, and they always break down after a few years. I bought three of these, and they were all bad. (See my review.) I would not recommend it. Although the oil radiators have their good points, I prefer baseboard style heaters, which heat faster and also radiate heat. As for reducing your heating bill, it just depends on your use, the size of your house and many other factors. If you're able to reduce the entire house heat and just use an electric heater for one or two zones, then yes, you will probably save some on your heating bill. « Show Less
771926
This heater was a good heater for several months but something went crazy with it & the heating element went crazy & cooked my tank. It spiked a very high temp & lost almost all my coral & a few fish. I had it in my sump. Don't know if it was just this heater or if they are all faulty. Sorry I couldn't have been more help.
2023443
Please read this! I bought one of those cheap stoves from Amazon and it started up with a 4 foot flame. Nearly burned myself and the forest down. Scary!! There is a difference buying a cheap stove - they aren't regulated the same way. At least when you buy a name brand, they have to stand by their product. Will never buy generic again when it comes to something where safety is involved.
2023714
All safety instructions say to not use it indoors. I have lived off the grid for many years and have used several types of catalytic type heaters to heat the inside of my cabins or boats. They are safe as long as you have enough incoming air. Most of the newer units have a CO sensor that will shut it down if the monoxide level gets dangerous. That said, I would NEVER go to bed with one of these or any other LP heater or cooking unit going in an enclosed space. Safe enough to use responsibly in a trailer, ice fishing tent, shop or garage as long as it is not left unattended for a multitude or potential safety reasons. All said I love this heater. All safety instructions say to not use it indoors. I have lived off the grid for many years and have used several types of catalytic type heaters to heat the inside of my cabins or boats. They are safe as long as you have enough incoming air. Most of the newer units have a CO sensor that will shut it down if the monoxide level gets dangerous. That said, I would NEVER go to bed with one of these or any other LP heater or cooking unit going in an enclosed space. Safe enough to use responsibly in a trailer, ice fishing tent, shop or garage as long as it is not left unattended for a multitude... » Read More All safety instructions say to not use it indoors. I have lived off the grid for many years and have used several types of catalytic type heaters to heat the inside of my cabins or boats. They are safe as long as you have enough incoming air. Most of the newer units have a CO sensor that will shut it down if the monoxide level gets dangerous. That said, I would NEVER go to bed with one of these or any other LP heater or cooking unit going in an enclosed space. Safe enough to use responsibly in a trailer, ice fishing tent, shop or garage as long as it is not left unattended for a multitude or potential safety reasons. All said I love this heater. « Show Less
1465089
I use my heater inside my home. I don't operate it at night or around my small grandchildren but as long as you monitor it, I believe it is a safe unit to operate. I usually operate it in the evenings until bedtime and on weekends. It uses about 2 20# tanks of propane a week. Since it is equipped with an OPD sensor, it seems to be OK for indoor use.
91943
Well i sure understand what you are saying RePete and i'm so glad someone else noticed! Even though this LISTING is for an Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Gen III Electric Fryer Cooker, there are 3 purchasing options on the page that include something that steams indoors and an additional indoor fryer that DOES TAKE OIL and an OIL FREE FRYER. The oilfree product is really an OUTDOOR ROASTER that uses an infrared heating element to roast the turkey so the term fryer is misleading in many of the reviews for the oil free version. I came to this page after I recently received the oil free fryer as a gift at christmas to read the reviews and it was very confusing. Several people were raving about how they fried turkeys, wings, potatoes...anything in oil and that it turns out so crispy and perfect. Or that they boiled/steamed things with this lol....i thought they were idiots for attempting to put oil in an OIL FREE FRYER. lol However, they bought the indoor fryer that does take oil. Amazon should have split this listing into 3 product listings, giving each option it's own page and review options. Hopefully people use their common sense and NEVER attempt to use the outdoor version indoors (carbon monoxide warnings all over the instructions) or put oil in it. Side note, i'm looking forward to trying out a turkey tomorrow, based on the reviews for the version we do have. good luck!
1020355
Many have answered. I jsut want to add that these things get incredibly hot. I cant imagine what would happen without oil. That is why the heatsink and fins on the pump part. They get hot. No oil? Probably melt if it didn't just disintegrate.
1142174
Suprised it was damaged!! Mine was packed like a very well! As for the temp? I had that problem yesterday. Smoked a pork roast. Fired up just fine and was running too hot 250! Had both burners on low and both dampers open all the way. So, I turned the valve back on the propane tank. Next think I know the temp is at 150 and when I turn it up the temp will not increase. I shut everything down. Opened the valve on the propane tank all the way and restarted it. Worked fine after that. The propane regulators are very cheap now days and seem to have some issues. I have only used it 3 times and here are some suggestions. Keep what you are smoking if it is a small amount at the same level as the temp gauge. Only use 1 burner at a time. Why? When the 1st one burns out of wood chips you start the other. Then you can change out the chips and it is not hot. Wrap the pans in tin foil! They stay nice and it is an easy clean up when you are done. I am also looking into getting a very thin fire proof seal for the door. It is metal against metal and leaks some smoke. May not be worth the cost but a thought. Also..Make sure you burn it off!! Do it slow and work the vents and the doors as it heats up! They will stick! Hope this helps! Going to do a big turkey this weekend?! Yikes!!!
2124004
No, unfortunately, there isn't. I think it is the only down side of this heater. Otherwise, it seems very safe. Good luck.
378075
I hope you didn't have this device installed inside or near anything flammable. This unit isn't built inside a heavy metal box like many of their competitor's units. Power surges happen under a number of conditions. Maybe the unit malfunctioned, or maybe there as a surge from nearby heavy duty motor or some other device using a lot of power. If I had to guess, since it was raining, static built up like it does before a lightning strike, but was dissipated through power lines serving your house before it built large enough for a full blown lightning strike.