DH-1050 11000BTU CONVET HEATER - WORLD MARKETING OF AMERICA INC
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of DH-1050 11000BTU CONVET HEATER - WORLD MARKETING OF AMERICA INC
Customer Review: Attempt at a "Double Clean" is OK, not great
Summary: 3 Stars
I am a long time kerosene heater user and was interested in this DynaGlo/DuraHeat 1050 model because it copies the Double Clean design invented by Toyotomi, where a convective yellow flame spreader sits on top of a radiant burn chamber. The main selling point of the Toyotomi Double Clean models was their reduction in CO (carbon monoxide) and NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) emissions, which I would guess this DynaGlo also achieves due to the design similarity (though DynaGlo does not advertise this anywhere). Unfortunately, unlike Toyotomi, DynaGlo uses metal instead of glass for the outer sleeve of the lower "radiant" chamber so you don't see an orange glow or feel any significant radiant heat from this unit. In effect, this heater just produces convective heat.
Typical of DynaGlo, the overall build quality/workmanship is not great. It is made in Korea and not as well-made as heaters from Japan. The main problem I have experienced is that it is hard to get a nicely adjusted even flame. The burner chimney seems to be cheaply manufactured and not made to very exacting standards. I called DynaGlo and they graciously sent me a new burner chimney, but it didn't totally solve the problem. Not having a well-adjusted flame probably somewhat detracts from the potential benefits of a double burn chamber, as well as causes frustration.
If you are experienced with adjusting kerosene heaters and really want a two-stage burn chamber for the benefit of lower pollutants, you may find this unit satisfactory. However, I think most people would be better off putting their money toward one of the classic Japanese-made models from the 1980s available second hand or through auction websites. Though I do have to give DynaGlo some credit for bringing a newly designed kerosene heater to the US and for having good customer support. I just wish they would focus a little more on product quality and not try to cost-cut so much.
TIP: Unbiased air quality studies show that radiant kerosene heaters emit a little CO and negligible NO2, while convective heaters emit a little NO2 and negligible CO. The two-stage Double Clean design was popular because it achieved both negligible CO and NO2 emissions. There is a product called a "Breath Easy" platinum catalytic filter (less than $10) that eliminates most CO...so if you add one of those filters to a radiant heater, you will probably do about as good as a double clean. That said, as long as you are reasonable about not using your heater in a very confined space, your health will be just fine with any properly adjusted kerosene heater.
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