Heat in the Winter
The Magic of a Chinese Box Heater
Published 7/13/2023
The Chinese Diesel/Gasoline Box Heater
These heaters often go for $150-$350. The diesel box heater typically consists of a sturdy metal casing, often made of steel, that encloses the combustion chamber and heat exchanger components. It is designed to be compact and portable, allowing for easy transportation and use in various environments.
At the base of the heater, there is an air pipe, exhaust pipe, and a fuel nipple. The heater is equipped with a fuel pump and an atomizing nozzle that delivers the diesel fuel into the combustion chamber. An ignition system, such as a glow plug or an electric spark, is used to ignite the fuel and initiate the combustion process.
Once the fuel is ignited, a controlled flame is produced within the combustion chamber. The heat generated by the burning diesel fuel is then transferred to a heat exchanger, which consists of a series of metal plates or tubes. These plates or tubes efficiently absorb the heat and radiate it outward into the surrounding area.
The heater is equipped with a fan or blower that helps to distribute the heated air, ensuring even heat distribution throughout the space. Some models may also have adjustable vents or dampers that allow users to control the direction and intensity of the airflow.
Chinese diesel box heaters are known for their high heat output and fuel efficiency. They can provide a significant amount of heat, making them suitable for larger spaces such as warehouses, workshops, garages, or even temporary construction sites. Additionally, these heaters are often equipped with safety features such as flame sensors, overheating protection, and automatic shut-off mechanisms to ensure safe operation.
While the use of diesel fuel as a heat source may raise concerns about air quality and emissions, modern Chinese diesel box heaters are designed to meet strict environmental standards. They often incorporate advanced combustion technology and built-in filters that minimize emissions and ensure cleaner burning.
The Chinese diesel box heater offers a reliable and versatile heating solution, particularly in areas where electricity or other fuel sources may not be readily available
The name brand Wabasto/Espar heaters
There are options for name brand heaters like Wabango and Espar. They usually run for around $1000-$1400. These name brand heaters do the same thing with a nicer control module that often connect to your phone. They also come with automatic altitude adjustment. This is something that you need in order to prevent the fuel/air ratio from becoming so extreme that you either get smoke or a failure to ignite. This setting is offered on Chinese box heaters as well but it's not automatic.
In all honesty they aren't worth the extra 700 in my humble opinion. The Chinese box heaters are dialed in on quality of performance and durability due to how long companies have been producing them. The finish might be a little rough but they're likely not going to be seen anyways.