Kerosene Heaters? Kerosene in Metro Denver?

[Jim B]

From my research, a lot of people say the Kerosun (search 'Kerosun' and 'Kero Sun') made in Japan by Toyotomi in the '80s are still one of the better kerosene heaters. I just did a quick search and there are several on CL for $100 or less. If you're buying used, make sure to be picky and find one in good/very good condition. Despite being manufactured/purchased almost 40 years ago, I've seen several over the years that are in like-new condition. There's a battery compartment (the igniter is battery powered) so make sure there's no corrosion on the battery terminals. As of a few years ago, I found parts (wicks, etc.) to be readily available. (Check eBay.)

I've bought kerosene here in COS at Chief Petroleum. Check your area for 'petroleum retailers' or the like.

Now for the important part: My experience with the kerosene heater I had wasn't great. It can throw off a lot of heat for a reasonable price. (Not at $14 a gallon.) That said, for me, there was no getting around the fact you're burning a fair amount of a petroleum product in an enclosed area. The one I had burned clean (at least after it warmed up. Keep it outside for several minutes until it's up to operating temperature and burning efficiently.) but I still tended to get headaches if I was in the garage for a while the the kerosene heater burning. I guess some people like them, but for me, the carbon monoxide risk isn't worth it.