Best Salamander Heater With No Fumes

Best Salamander Heater With No Fumes

 

What is a Salamander Heater?

A salamander heater is a portable heater that burns fuel to produce heat via the convection method. The heaters comprise either a burner of a high-wattage element, a fan, and a long tube. Cold air is forced into the heater, gets heated up above the furnace, before being forced out of the heater.

The term ‘salamander heaters’ arose from the association of these heaters with creatures called salamanders. The animals would emerge from logs of wood placed in fires. Traditional stoves used to burn wood were then called ‘Salamandra’ across Spain and Portugal.

Salamander heaters are commonly used in open spaces, including construction sites, sporting venues, and patios. They provide an instant, reliable, and useful source of heat in such areas. You do not have to go through sophisticated setup processes as is the case with other heaters such as wall-mountable space heaters.

How Do Salamander Heaters Work?

The basic principle of salamander heaters is that they burn fuel to produce heat energy used to heat the air. Here is a detailed breakdown of how this process occurs.

When the burner of a salamander heater is ignited, it provides heat inside the burner. It is this heat that is used to heat cold air currents that are taken into the burner.

The cold air heated inside the salamander heater is usually drawn from outside by the fan’s aid. The fan pushes the air over the burner and down the tube or body of the salamander heater.

The heated air is then forced outside the heater to the atmosphere. The heated air is projected to the direction in which the other end of the heater faces. The hot air is forced out in a ‘torpedo’ fashion. This mode of operation explains why salamander heaters are also called torpedo furnaces.

Heat is distributed across the entire area through convection. The hot air rises and is immediately replaced by cold air drafts. The cold air is then forced down the tube through the fan’s effect, and the cycle continues.

You can control the intensity of the heat produced by a salamander heater in two ways: regulating the fan’s speed or the rate of uptake of fuel. Salamander heaters have easy-to-use controls for this purpose.

How Hot Does a Salamander Heater Get?

The hotness of a salamander heater depends on the type of fuel used, the wattage, and the device’s voltage.

Generally, the heating range of salamander heaters is from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Some salamander heaters can get hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is rare to come across such heaters because no one needs temperatures to rise over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Salamander heaters that can get hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit are used for particular purposes or under winter conditions and in exceptionally drafty spaces.

Salamander heaters have inbuilt thermostats that one can use to adjust the temperature. The thermometers are connected to a knob that is positioned on the surface of the heater. You can either increase or reduce the temperature of your salamander heater using the knob.

Types of Salamander Heaters

Salamander heaters can be classified in many ways, including the type of fuel that they burn and their ignition systems. Here are three types of heaters based on fuel used: kerosene or diesel salamander heaters, electric salamander heaters, and propane salamander heaters.

Kerosene or diesel salamander heaters produce a lot of fumes from the combustion of the fuel. Therefore, such heaters are ideally used in open spaces of well-ventilated areas. Such heaters do not require electricity because they use the pilot ignition system.

Kerosene or diesel salamander heaters are affordable and powerful.  The prices of kerosene and diesel and much lower than that of propane. Besides, kerosene and diesel are heavier than propane and produce more heat per unit than other carbon-based fuels.

Electric salamander heaters do not use an open flame to warm air. Instead, these salamander heaters have high-wattage electric coils. The coils convert electric energy into heat energy and pass it to the cold air drafts that the fan forces into the heater’s tube.

Although electric heaters are expensive to maintain due to electricity, they are the most efficient because they do not burn fuels to produce heat. Using electric salamander heaters solves the problem of possible accumulation of toxic fumes and gases that is common when one uses heaters that burn kerosene or diesel.

Propane salamander heaters burn propane gas to produce heat. Propane is cleaner than kerosene and diesel. Thus, salamander heaters that burn propane to produce heater are cleaner than those which burn kerosene or diesel fuel. Like salamander heaters that burn kerosene and diesel, those who burn propane have a pilot ignition system.

Safety Tips When Using Salamander Heaters

Salamander heaters can pose serious dangers if used properly. Most of the accidents that arise from the poor use of salamander heaters are fires and resulting burns.

Occasionally, salamander heaters can produce a lot of carbon monoxide gas. The production of poisonous gas is common if the heaters operate in areas with little oxygen supply.

Here are a few tips to help you use salamander heaters properly.

• Keep combustible materials at least 3 feet away from the heater. Ensure that there is at least 6 feet of space above the heater. Observe these safe distances to prevent fires if the heater comes into contact with paints, plastic, and other easily flammable materials.
• If you use a salamander heater in a closed space, then ensure that there is enough ventilation. Using a salamander heater in a poorly ventilated room may result in the accumulation of highly toxic carbon monoxide gas.
• Keep your heater in a horizontal position. Do not attempt to place the heater in any other position, including vertical.
• Occasionally check your salamander heater to be sure that is working correctly. Do this after lighting the heater so that you can detect any problem immediately. Some problems with the valves and control may become apparent only if the salamander is operating.
• Take all the recommended precautions when changing the fuel tanks. Primarily, wait for the heater to cool down before you carry out the procedure. Also, remember to check the fuel lines and other connections for any leaks.

1. Fostoria FES-10241-CA FES Series Heat Wave Portable Electric Salamander Heater

The Fostoria FES-10241 is a versatile, mobile, and highly effective salamander heater suitable for use indoors.

With an adjustable temperature range of 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and a control knob that allows users to toggle between the standard and fan-only modes, this heater can be the ideal solution to your heating problems in large indoor spaces.

It is packed with all the safety features you would expect to find in a high-quality salamander heater. It has a cutout switch that prevents it from overheating and OSHA-approved guards on both sides of the tube.

You will enjoy the convenience that comes with using this heater. The thick wheels and handle make it very easy to move the heater around the home.

The only notable drawback of the Fostoria FES-10241 relates to maintenance. You will have to cope with the need to carry out heavy routine maintenance procedures to keep it in excellent shape.

Pros

• Great convenience of operating the heater on the fan-only and conventional modes
• Suitable for heating large areas that measure as much as 1,000 square feet with a standard ceiling height
• Enhanced safety with screens on the air intake and output openings

Cons

• The heater requires detailed maintenance procedures

2. Dr Heater Dr. Infrared, DR-PS11524 Salamander Electric Heater

The DR-PS11524 has been built for industrial use. Its various features enable it to not only provide adequate heating in large outdoor spaces but also withstand the harsh conditions of such places. The heater can be ideally used to warm up construction sites and other areas.

The heavy-duty steel frame and guards protect the inner components of the heater perfectly. The guards are appropriately positioned on both ends of the heater for maximum safety.

You choose the right heating temperature from a broad range of 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The programmable thermostat is accurate enough to read the ambient temperature. You can use it to tailor the performance of the heater to your requirements.

It is expensive to operate and maintain an electric salamander heater because of the cost of power. The DR-PS11524 is not an exception.

With its 1,000W and 240V power requirements, it will contribute to a considerable increase in your power bills. Nevertheless, its ability to provide instant and reliable warmth in large construction sites may be worth the cost of operating it.

Pros

• You can personalize its performance using the adjustable thermostat
• Highly portable because of the tough wheels and the handle
• Inbuilt safety features to prevent overheating

Cons

• High operational costs

3. TPI YES-3048-3A Heat Wave YES Series Portable Wall/Ceiling Mount Electric Salamander

If you need to heat a small outdoor or indoor space such a garage with a salamander heater, then the TPI YES-3048-3A may be the right choice. This compact wall or ceiling mounted heater provides enough heat to warm small to medium-sized spaces effectively.

Besides, you can adjust its heating temperature using the thermostat according to your preferences. When properly used, the adjustable thermostat and mounting brackets complement each other to provide zonal heating.

You may need to get a certified technician’s services to get this heater up and running correctly. Such a technician can help you complete the heater’s hard-wired installation processes and ensure that the mounting is configured to your needs.

Pros

• Convenient because it can be mounted either on the wall or ceiling
• The mounting bracket can be configured for personalized heating
• It has an adjustable thermostat

Cons

• The installation process is sophisticated

4. Global Industrial Portable Electric Salamander Heater

This electric heater can be a great solution to your heating problem if all you need is a compact and highly effective salamander heater. Its sturdy design, 10-inch wheels, and long handle make it one of the best heating devices for commercial use. It is ideal for use in shops, garages, and other spaces, including warehouses.

The heater has all the safety features needed to prevent the occurrence of fires and other accidents. The thermal cutout unit helps to protect the heater’s internal components and the people using it from fire accidents in case the device overheats.

Although using an electric salamander heater solves the production of toxic gases, it creates a new one. You will have to spend a lot of money keeping the heater running for as long as you need it. Doing this always translates into high energy costs.

Pros

• Safe for use indoors and outdoors
• Very portable because of the 10-inch wheels and a handle
• It has a thermal cutout unit for extra safety

Cons

• High operational costs

5. Fostoria 10000W Electric Salamander Heater

One of the defining features of the Fostoria 10000W Electric Salamander Heater is its ergonomic design. The control knob is perfectly positioned on the body of the heater. You can easily reach it to change the performance of the heater according to your preferences.

The adjustable thermostat provides a reliable method of tailoring the heater to the heating requirements of your space. You can choose a suitable temperature from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

To keep the 10000W Electric Salamander Heater in excellent shape, you will have to carry out routine maintenance procedures often. However, following the manufacturer’s manual instructions can help keep the heater in good working condition.

Pros

• Easy to operate because the control knob is positioned correctly
• Personalized heating, thanks to an adjustable thermostat and a broad heating range

Cons

• The heater requires constant maintenance procedures

6. Heat Wagon Electric Salamander Heater

The rugged steel housing keeps the heater safe from adverse weather conditions. Also, the tube’s heavy casing protects the internal components from possible damage when the heater is used in extreme outdoor environments, including construction sites.

The heater has various safety features, including overheat protection. This feature helps prevent accidents if the temperature of the heater rises beyond normal levels.

The hanging bracket does not allow for various configurations, as you would expect. However, this is a small issue if you consider the massive heating capacity of this heater.

Pros

• The steel housing makes the heater quite durable
• It has various built-in features, including overheat protection and a thermostat

Cons

• The hanging bracket of the heater does not allow various configurations when the heater is mounted on the roof