Sengoku CV-2230 KeroHeat Convection Portable Kerosene Heater Review

I live in a really remote area and the electricity isn’t as reliable as I’d like it to be.  This can get a little tricky in the winter, so I decided to buy the Sengoku CV-2230 KeroHeat Convection 23,000 BTU Portable Kerosene Heater to use in emergencies.  I’ve used it a few times this past winter and man, can this thing put out heat!  It keeps my kitchen and living room nice and toasty no matter how bitter it is outside.  The tank holds 1.9 gallons of kerosene, which is enough to keep it running from ten to twelve hours.  There’s an automatic push-button ignition that makes starting it up a cinch. The base is stable, which is a blessing if you have curious animals like I do.  An automatic safety shut off is an included safety feature that makes me comfortable using it in the home. All in all it’s a safe and economical machine that’s gotten me out of several chilly, electricity free nights.

Pros:

  • Lots of Heat: This heater is advertised as putting out 23,000 BTUs, and I completely believe it.  It’ll cover a large area (up to 1,000 square feet), and it’s really nice and cozy if you’re close to it.  My dogs love basking next to it and heating up their fur.  It’s a great way to supplement an existing scheme as well as a sound emergency choice.
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  • No Electricity: The availability of electricity is not an issue for this machine.  Like I’ve said, this makes it great for emergencies, but I’d imagine it’d also work well on a deck or in a cabin. Batteries for the ignition are included when you buy it.
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  • Stable Base: One of my bigger concerns about introducing a kerosene heater to the house was the danger of it tipping over.  I shouldn’t have worried, though, because the base on this machine is extremely stable.  I’ve never had a problem with tipping or falling.
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  • Automatic Shut-Off: Oxygen levels were my other major concern when I was considering buying this machine.  Ventilation is a must when it comes to kerosene heaters, so I was a little worried about introducing one to my house.  The CV-2230 has that area covered, though, with an automatic shut-off that kicks in if the oxygen levels in the area get dangerously low.

Cons:

  • Flimsy Handle: The heater comes with a built-in handle to make moving it around a bit easier, but I’m not impressed with how sturdy it is.  I’m not confident that it would hold up if I used it to move the heater with a full tank.  It’s totally possible to move it in ways that don’t necessitate the handle, though, so overall it’s not that big a problem.
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  • Smell: There is a small but noticeable odor present sometimes when I use this machine.  It was much more of an issue when we first got it (although I did run it outside for a while before bringing it into the house).  After a while we stopped noticing it, and now it’s not a problem at all.

Having a heater like the Sengoku CV 2230 on hand for emergencies is really nice.  It heats up the house really well, is safe to use inside, and I don’t have any worries about it tipping over.  I’m thinking of using it a bit more next year to supplement my furnace (I might even save a buck or two that way).  If you’re looking for emergency heat, or even just something to give your house an extra burst of warmth, I’d definitely recommend this machine.

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