Can I use diesel instead of kerosene?

Yes. It is designed for kerosene or diesel. Kerosene burns cleaner and smells less; diesel is cheaper but produces more odor and soot, so clean the wick more often.

Only in a well-ventilated space such as a garage with a cracked door or window. It is an open-flame combustion heater that produces carbon monoxide, so never use it in a sealed bedroom or living area, and install a CO alarm.

How large a space will 80,000 BTU heat?

Roughly 2,000 square feet in a well-insulated space, less in a drafty or uninsulated building. Radiant heat works best on people and objects in its line of sight rather than the whole room.

Does it need electricity?

The thermostat and ignition on this type of heater usually need a power source, so check whether yours runs on a battery or a cord. The burner itself needs no electricity once lit.

What maintenance does it need?

Replace or clean the wick each season, use fresh fuel, and drain the tank before long storage. Dirty wicks and stale fuel are the main causes of soot and hard starting.

How is it different from a propane torpedo heater?

Propane torpedo heaters need no wick and start instantly, but they burn through cylinders fast and produce heavy moisture. Kerosene gives drier heat and refuels from a can, at the cost of smell and wick upkeep.

AMERLIFE 80,000 BTU Kerosene/Diesel Radiant Heater

Best price now

$399.99at TargetChecked 20 h ago

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Target

AMERLIFE 80,000 BTU Kerosene/Diesel Radiant Heater

Best price now

$399.99at TargetChecked 20 h ago

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Target

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $399.99 at Target on Nov 10.

Our take on the AMERLIFE 80,000 BTU Kerosene/Diesel Radiant Heater

The AMERLIFE is a portable radiant kerosene/diesel heater rated at 80,000 BTU, built for job sites, garages and large unheated spaces. It burns fuel in a combustion chamber and throws heat forward like a stove, so it warms people and objects in front of it fast rather than heating the whole room evenly. A thermostat lets it cycle on and off instead of running flat out. Compared with smaller 35,000 to 55,000 BTU torpedo heaters it covers much more space, but it is louder, thirstier and needs venting, so it is a work tool rather than a household appliance.

Best forHeating a garage, workshop or job siteConstruction and remodeling crewsLarge, drafty outbuildings and barnsBackup heat during a power outage

Pros

High 80,000 BTU output for big, open spaces
Runs on kerosene or diesel, widely available fuels
Thermostat cycles the burner to hold a set temperature
Radiant heat warms people and surfaces directly
Simple, rugged construction with few electronics to fail

Cons

Open flame combustion needs ventilation and a CO alarm
Loud burner roar compared with electric or propane shop heaters
Kerosene smell and soot if the fuel or wick is not kept clean
Uses a lot of fuel at full output
Hot surfaces and a fuel tank make it unsafe around children and pets

AMERLIFE 80,000 BTU Kerosene/Diesel Radiant Heater prices at every store

TargetNew
Availability unknown
$399.99Checked 20 h ago
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AMERLIFE 80,000 BTU Kerosene/Diesel Radiant Heater price history

Lowest price we've seen: $399.99 on Nov 10 at Target. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 10.

What reviewers say

Owners of this class of kerosene radiant heater report strong, immediate heat in cold garages and job sites and like the thermostat control. Complaints center on noise, fuel smell and the need to keep the wick and fuel clean.

What people mention

Heat outputPraisedOwners say it warms a large garage or job site within minutes of lighting.
NoiseCriticisedThe burner is loud, and several owners compare it to a small jet engine.
Fuel smellCriticisedKerosene odor is noticeable during running and lingers after shutdown.
ThermostatPraisedThe thermostat is seen as a real convenience, cycling the burner instead of constant full blast.
MaintenanceMixedOwners say it runs clean only if the wick and fuel are kept fresh; neglect brings soot and hard starts.
Fuel useCriticisedRunning at full output drains the tank quickly in very cold weather.

Specifications

Fuel Type: Kerosene
With Thermostat: Yes
Heat Source: Combustion
Heating Capacity: 80,000 BTU

Questions and answers

Can I use diesel instead of kerosene?: Yes. It is designed for kerosene or diesel. Kerosene burns cleaner and smells less; diesel is cheaper but produces more odor and soot, so clean the wick more often.
Is it safe indoors?: Only in a well-ventilated space such as a garage with a cracked door or window. It is an open-flame combustion heater that produces carbon monoxide, so never use it in a sealed bedroom or living area, and install a CO alarm.
How large a space will 80,000 BTU heat?: Roughly 2,000 square feet in a well-insulated space, less in a drafty or uninsulated building. Radiant heat works best on people and objects in its line of sight rather than the whole room.
Does it need electricity?: The thermostat and ignition on this type of heater usually need a power source, so check whether yours runs on a battery or a cord. The burner itself needs no electricity once lit.
What maintenance does it need?: Replace or clean the wick each season, use fresh fuel, and drain the tank before long storage. Dirty wicks and stale fuel are the main causes of soot and hard starting.
How is it different from a propane torpedo heater?: Propane torpedo heaters need no wick and start instantly, but they burn through cylinders fast and produce heavy moisture. Kerosene gives drier heat and refuels from a can, at the cost of smell and wick upkeep.
Where is the AMERLIFE 80,000 BTU Kerosene/Diesel Radiant Heater cheapest?: At Target, for $399.99, as of our latest check.