Hi Friends! Want more information about Perfection Kerosene Heaters? Here's the blogpost: becomingafarmgirl.com/perfection-kerosene-heaters/. Perfection Kerosene heaters allow you to have a piece of history in your home that’s both practical and decoratively pleasing. xoxox Cassandra
WARNING these should not be used around asthmatics - if you have to use one then put a pot of water on top of the heater (keep an eye and do not let this dry out) this eliminates the fume smell of the kerosene making it safe for those who have asthma. But yes the old ways were best to keep warm that is why they got rid of many fire places(many cold counties still have fire places) - no money to be made in them.
So glad we still have farm girls. They are as essential as farm guys. Being out and away from merchants and supplies, farmers were masters at finding solutions to any problems that popped up. For light reading, check out any books by Eric Sloane. They are both beautiful and informative.
When I was a kid in the 50's all we had was kerosene. We had one like yours for rooms and the kitchen stove also used kerosene...no gas. We'd always have a open pot of water on them and we'd throw orange peels on the top for air freshener. It brings back the memories I had of a young kid wrapping rags around the handle and walking to the gas station to fill the cans. We also had a 55 gallon drum in the basement and the kerosene truck would come and fill it when we could afford it. I guess we were pretty poor, but I didn't know it. 😂
Hi Ken! I love the idea of throwing oranges into a pot placed on top! I know that placing a pan on top helps with moisture in the air. It doesn’t always take money to live a good life and the older I get I realize that the sentiment you expressed shows that a good life doesn’t take lots of money. My ear says the same thing to me all the time. He was raised in a family of 7 so there wasn’t much in the material side of life, but the memories he and my aunts and uncle share, you wouldn’t know it! Thanks for sharing!
My friend in North Carolina in the 90's had a small house they rented (small town and they were fairly poor) and the landlord refused to fix the oil boiler because it required replacing it I think (It's what burnt down the place a few years later) and they used a Kerosene heater or two to heat the whole house and they did the same thing keeping a pot of water with some orange peels and cloves on it. It helped keep the air more comfortable because the heat drives off the moisture and smelled nice.
Kerosene here near Chicago is $5.999 a GALLON! My kerosene heater will use 5 gallons of K-1 fuel in about 5 days. The powers that be know work around we try to use.
Thank you so much! My gas bill is sky high and I don't know how we will stay warm this winter... But as I came across you video I realized My mom always had this heater as part of her decoration, usually with a plant on top, just dug it out, and realized it is complete and in very good condition just need to order a new wick! Thank you soooo much!!!!
@@johnwirk I would love to have a wood stove! I was raised with one but the way my house is built ~ it’s all windows, doors and cabinets along the outside walls. I may take a guest bed down and stick one in the bedroom.
I have been using these for decades. I saw when you put the stack down that you didn't reduce the flame to get a blue flame. You want a blue flame. It''s more efficient. You also want to never run out of fuel because it will smoke and will smell bad. You want to cool the font before refueling. Fun fact: CATS LOVE kerosene heaters. Our cat loves to sleep right next to it. They also like the smell of kerosene. But we have never had any trouble with the cat messing with it or trying to knock it over. Some old perfection manuals have pictures of the units with cats near them. Now I know why.
where do you buy these kind of old fashion heaters? I see what you said about the blue flame and d the cats so I figure you probably know. I want to buy one and use it this winter
I grew up with one. It saw me through high school, standing next to my desk as I did my homework at night, and warming up the room when I got up early in the mornings during winter. I still have a similar stove in my study right now. And I still use it in winter. My house is 101 years old and draughty, but the stove raises the temperature to the point of acceptance. Thanks for a well-made video.
I'm 70. Grew up dirt poor. Outhouse. No running water. Well pump at the sink. Chamber pots. These heaters were a staple in homes back then. Also kerosene lamps. You could buy kerosene at gas stations. Great job young lady! Keep it up!
On the farm we had two of these and used them heavily during the blizzard of '77 in Colorado. We had no power for two weeks and we cooked on them and melted snow, kept warm, etc. I caught the kerosene heater bug about 15 yrs ago. I bought, restored, and resold many small/med/large heaters from the 80's era. I still have a bunch in my personal collection, and they are a great way to heat up a small space in the house.
@@steveffuksake Hard to say, I live in an arid city. If the air in your camper is already very humid, it will heat up the existing humidity I would guess....
@@steveffuksake DO NOT BUY A KEROSENE HEATER. I got an middlerange one, around 400 bucks. It nearly killed me in my caravan. They are LETHAL indoors and as soon as you get cold air in again to vent, you are back to zero, needing to heat again.
Ive been replacing the dumb modern things that are built like trash for reliable older or antique things. I saw one of these heaters at a Goodwill but didnt know anything about them & passed it up. After watching this I have the confidence & enough knowledge that Im going to be on thew lookout for one. Thank you
Great video. I recently bought an old (100+ years old) kerosene heater for emergency back-up heat. It had been neglected and the wick was seriously stuck, and the adjusting wheel wouldn't move. I used penetrating lubricant on it for several days, and finally got the wick off, and replaced it. I like it. But with modern houses that have very little air infiltration, your tip about leaving a door or window ajar is essential.
This was a beautiful tribute to the Perfection heater! I grew up with them. We used them for power outages and working out in the garage or barn. It's wonderful how simple they are to change the wick. I went through the same struggle you described trying to change the wick on a modern one. I learned something else about kerosene heaters. We used them at work for the first winter in the new shop where I worked. My boss decided to buy the cheaper kerosene with the red dye in it. It would make the wicks so crusty that they wouldn't burn right in pretty short order, which lead to taking the heaters apart... It wasn't bad with my old perfection heater, but the new ones...it was horrible. I vowed to never use anything but the clear K-1 kerosene in my heaters ever again. This is just my opinion- "The beauty of a good design is its simplicity"
@@mlb6d9 thanks! I just found his wick shop online. We live within driving distance of Lehman's hardware and always bought our replacement wicks for the Perfection heaters there. 20 years ago the wicks were getting a little scarce to find locally.
It's amazing how efficient ancient technology is compared to modern technology... I love those old kerosene heaters there's many other ways to heat your home without electricity... these ways have been lost but we are gaining the knowledge back!!!!
Thank you so much for your video. I bought a kerosene heater similar to yours, but I don't have any instructions on how to use it. 😅 I got it at an estate sale. After seeing your video, now I realize how valuable it truly is. Thanks again, Donna
Just a quick reply; I'm into off grid living, and just wanna say that you are a breath of fresh air! Really enjoyed the video! And I also learned a bit... Thank you! And keep creating
Nice! I have a wood stove and live in the country in the Midwest. The heat is magnificent. I’ve had a number of oak, ash and walnut trees die but now I have lots of free fuel. Snow, a wood stove and a lazy cat snuggling is hard to beat…and a cup of tea or coffee.
What a wonderful gentle person you are, you had me cracking up explaining about the newfangled kerosene heater wick changing procedures, You use the same terminology as I do, but I also thoroughly enjoyed rediscovering a time honored technique to heating. I honestly would rather use these then paying tons of money for an electric bill, currently I'm using propane and my little buddy heater to heat my little office which works wonderful, but I thoroughly enjoy the aesthetics of these old-style antiques that truly are beautiful to look at. I'm so very glad to have found your channel this morning, and I will be subscribing, I also do canning and making my own bread during these times of becoming self sufficient. Our world is definitely changing before our eyes, we must all pray for guidance and wisdom daily and embrace the journey we are on. Always remembering it is a journey and our final home is just over the horizon, where there is a loving father who has been waiting to embrace us, stay blessed dear sister.
Just ran across this channel. Very nice presentation of your Perfection Heater. The main reason why modern heaters are so complicated to crack open is because we live in a litigious society run by lawyers. People back in the day knew that fire is ...hold on, now ....HOT! And fire can, you know, burn! And so rules and procedures have to be made for the most ignorant people who think that hamburgers come from a hamburger tree. These people are highly likely to burn themselves. Anyone who lives in a rural environment and is around basic home equipment (like this) will be just fine. Everyone else should probably avoid appliances with open flames.
I'm a Canadian prepper, and I have acquired 2 Perfection Heaters the past couple years. This morning I awoke to 66F in my old attic apartment. So I fired up a couple hurricane lamps to warm up the area near my recliner...then I thought I had better replace the wick on my Perfection. It was great that YT had this on my feed this morning!! I replaced the wick and got it running and I appreciated going over the steps and trimming the wick, as I had forgotten about that part as black smoke was coming off, haha
I live in The Netherlands now, before I've lived in many places without electricity and gas, some even without water. A few of those years I had the most efficient Zibro Kamin Laser kerosene heater there is, and I loved it. Had to sell it though, years later I bought a Valor 525T wich is very simular to the heater you have in this video. I still have that treasure, ordered a new wick the other day and in the workplace I'm making a fan for it cause disadvantige is the heat goes straight up. What the Valor has that yours is missing: it is flat on top with a controlable heat-outlet so perfect for cooking and even baking!! Dutch oven on top and here you have a delicious bread or stew. Wonderful! My cat loves the heater just as much, he sits next to it for hours. By the way, I have a carbonmonoxide alarm wich always gives zero even when the windows are closed (do open them regularly) Greetz and all the best in your journey!
Thank you so much for giving hope on how to keep warm in Winter without electricity. The Perfection Kerosene Heater looks like a real answer to prayer. I care for a disabled adult son and pay for electricity in his home, so I cannot afford electricity in my home. Daytime's are non-productive, because without heat, I layer-up on clothing and have to sit in the car with the sunshine to come through the windows to heat it up. My home averages 40 - 45 degrees F inside during the Winter. Nighttimes, I sleep in the car, because it has a heater to turn on when it gets too cold. One Winter, when I had a vehicle with no heater, my toes got frostnip from the 22 degree F cold one particular night. Frost nip is not as bad as frostbite, but I still have no feeling in the tips of my toes. At 68 years old now, I sincerely thank you for giving hope that there is a better way to survive the cold during Winter. Thank You So Much 💖.
Hi Kathryn! I just love being able to control my heating budget and have heat where and when I need it using an appliance I can confidently maintain. I’ve found mine On Facebook market place. They are also common at yard sales. Hope you find one!
@protectfamilyrights, bless your heart! Listen, I have a down comforter on my bed. It is divine. I never heat my bedroom, N GA Appalachia, not like New England winter, but it’s nippy! Also, must use pure wool socks. Wool, not polyester. I lived in MN in the 80s, it got down to -40F with wind chill. We couldn’t heat our old house, we tried! Ice inside the window panes, the secret to surviving is a cotton turtleneck, wool sweater and wool hat, and take care of your feet!
I have two of these heaters both are blue. One was my great grandmother's the other I found at work in a junk pile. Both work great and put out lots of heat for their size. The glow at night is awesome from the top or the window on the side. My new heater put out lots of heat but drinks the kerosene. Old school is best.
Hi, I just kind of stumbled across your sweet video. My second and third years of college, I lived in the office building of an overgrown apple orchard, (the rent was insanely cheap). Anyway, two of these and a small wood fueled cookstove were my only source of heat. It was a beautiful existence. Take one in the bathroom while you're taking a shower, so very warm and cozy. My biggest problem was finding a woman who didn't think I was crazy for living there. Thank you for your time and the trip down memory lane. Best regards from Indiana.
My Aunt and Uncle’s home was ran, heated and lights with wood or water! The old saw mill was worked with horses! So cool for nature! Great video. Thank you!
You did a great job with this video! Thank you so much! I have these heaters and I have found that about 2 tablespoons of 90% isopropyl alcohol inside the fuel tank of these heaters will get rid of any strong kerosene smell. I use them regularly. Keep up the great work!
Coming from the UK I have one in cream. It’s a Valor paraffin (kerosene over there) heater. Picked it up at an antique shop a few years ago. Lovely heat and a pretty ornament too! 😊
@@steveffuksake Not in my experience. It’s just that the water content in the paraffin would eventually rust out the container, if left continuously I suspect. Of course that would be over a long period of time, but it’s still best to empty it out back in the container at the end of the season.
I love this idea of this heater especially going through a few ice storms in my city. You really do give us aspects of the country living in a urban setting. Great video!
Hello Garden Highlights & Worms! You’ll likely find these heaters at yard, estate and antique sales or Facebook market place-snag one if you can! I love my heaters. They’d be perfect to have in an ice storm to hedge against a power outage. Aww, thanks so much-lots of little joys can be experienced in a small homestead! Thanks for the kind words!
I have my grandmother's blue and silver kerosene heater - the same one that you have. I have never used it except for decoration. Like you, I have always put a plant on top. But I'm going to open it and see if its innards are still workable. I just found your channel and love it. Thanks!
This is why you are one of my favorite people to watch on UA-cam! Your videos are always informative and fun! I grew up with kerosene heaters but they were the modern kind. I'll keep an eye out for this type now!
Those heaters are great. I still have 3 my great grandfather used decades ago. We kept one in the house and two in the shop. Most of the time in the shop we burned diesel.
Thank you SO MUCH for this video!! I own one of these abs wanted to give it away because I couldn’t replace the wick!! I can’t believe you can still get them!! Thank you, mine has been in the family all this time as a cool plant stand. ☺️
When I was a kid in the ‘80s we lived on a houseboat next to the houseboat my grandparents lived on. My Grandfather who was born in 1912 had a kerosene heater just like those to keep their houseboat warm. The last couple of years have had me looking more and more into emergency preparedness, and I’ve been looking at getting a couple of kerosene heaters. While I’m not opposed to the newer ones, I’m definitely more interested in the older design because of how simple they are.
Growing up on a farm, I always thought the Perfection oil heaters were just simple heaters. After I grew up and left the farm for the Navy, I found modern kerosene heaters hard to keep the smell down. This vlog of yours just reminded me how my parents had it right back then. I am in awe of the amount of information you gave here. I will be watching a lot of your videos from the past and future. In closing, I always had a Amish oil lamp, the kind that lights up like the sun it's that bright, just in case of power outages. I now have my late parents model they had and now there is no fear of a power outage in our home. Thanks for reminding me of my past childhood.
Oh my, I have been trying to figure out something else for heat. This is perfect. I was out in the country and came across this old little antique shop and found a pot belly stove. That's going in my kitchen. I'm going to get this for upstairs prefect. Thank you for this video.
Coincidently, I just bought one of these yesterday. It's in mint condition. And, of course, I intend to use it in our drafty, old, well-loved farmhouse. I loved your content and, so, subscribed. I'm looking forward to seeing more. 💕
I bought one of those perfection heaters at an antique shop about 10 years ago just becuase it looked so cool. But then one day about 5 years ago, we had a ice storm come through and knocked out our power. I used the heater for the first time out of nessessity. I was amazed at how quickly the heater heated the house. I was in shorts and a tshirt after about 3 hours.
We heated our home with an open fire and two paraffin heaters (I think that’s U.K. for kerosene?). The condensation on our single glazed windows was awesome, and we had regularly through the day to wipe up puddles on the sills. And the smell is distinctive, but they were certainly warm.
We have one in living room waiting for loss of natural gas , it was my granny’s and I’ve kept it in shape but it’s a great heater and I remember setting talking with my lovely granny 😊❤
Living with no electricity, we used paraffin lamps and heaters, my favorite heater also held pots and cooked but you could cook on any of them with a touch of ingenuity. In addition to leaving windows open to allow for necessary ventilation, specifically, the escape of toxic gases and the bringing in of fresh air, its worth remembering that as you're burning a liquid fuel, water vapour is produced, which can cause damp, condensation or at worst, mould! Ventilation is key to safety and best operating of these heaters...
I just found this video and your channel. Your videos hadn’t finished and I searched and inquired about to purchase my first Perfection heater. Can’t wait to pick mine up today! Thanks you!!
Im so excited to hear this! I hope you come to love it as much as we do! Check to make sure the legs are sturdy and that the font, flame spreader (innate parts) are there. You’ll find the wicks on Amazon if your locale hardware store doesn’t carry them.
Thank you!! ❤️ This post reminded me of my sweet Daddy. It's because of him that I know how to use old kerosene lanterns. I had not heard of these particular ones, but glad you taught me a new budget friendly way of staying cozy. Wish you all the best. ❤️
Your video prompted me to try one of these newer models for the next time we have a power outage here in Texas. I studied up and determined it would work well during the day and double as a slow cooker on top for a simple stew. At night we have used a Mr Buddy for heat in our bedroom. During the day the 40 degree temps in the house were not very comfortable unless we were moving around a lot. We were using a little butane stove to heat meals and staying in our bedroom to keep warm. I think this heater will make things more comfortable in our big room. Thank you so much for sharing this video!
Excellent video on the Perfection Heater. I've used and restored many of the 80's era kerosene heaters which work well too BUT your description of the ease of maintaining it vs the Japanese versions is spot on. I really appreciate that you've shared this knowledge in this space as not much existed when I got hooked on kerosene heaters.
We always had kerosene heaters when I was growing up, then they were just not seen anymore, I started a wood working shop in my garage and looked for ways to hear it. I bought a couple of new kerosene heaters and have not been happy with them, then last week I bought two antique kerosene heaters, one is a Montgomery Wards brand and the other was a Nesco. I got them home cleaned them up, touched up the paint with High Heat Enamel. Then came to the fonts and realized both fonts are Perfection. These two beautiful pieces of history heat up a 4 car garage and keep it a toasty 72⁰. Added bonus they use a fourth of the kerosene than the new heaters.
That's a neat heater. I can see it being useful for sure. I grew up with a wood stove as our main source of heat. (Our house was built in 1885) I'm about to go back to that. Good info here though!
I bought one after watching this video. Just lit it tonight. The smell took me back to my childhood days. Definitely puts out some good heat. Here in North Texas we don’t see extended periods of cold. I bought it mainly incase power goes out. Nice video.
I’m waiting for our natural gas to quit, if it does because Atmos is replacing all the gas pipes in town I’m ready with granny heater and 5 gallons of kerosene On i20 west of Abilene 😊 Stay warm ❤
@@philliphall5198 hey hand I bought one of those My Buddy 18,000 BTU portable LP heaters and holy crap that thing will put some heat out. I’ve run it on medium heat and got about 30+ hours out of it on a 5lb bottle. Stay warm.
I have one I really like it everyone should have one. They used it where I used to work and I was concerned that the fumes on the inside weren't good but they said that the new kerosene that they make nowadays you can use inside but I always keep some windows cracked. It heats up the whole house really good and also in extreme cases you can heat food on the top of it. Another real good advantage is that kerosene doesn't get old like gas does so you can just store kerosene for years and pull it out and it'll work
Oh my God this brings back such memories for me! We had a coal furnace with a great big great over in the living room. The warning was never to touch that great because we went to Beaver it was at least 3 ft by 3 ft. In addition there was the kerosene heater the tall Gadget you see in this film. I can almost smell the kerosene and coal burning❤😊
I love this Perfection Kerosene heater. We keep our thermostat set at 72°. I’m all for saving money all while keeping warm and cozy. Good to see you! 🤗 Thanks for sharing!
Hey lady! I hear you! Especially with all the snow we got this week, right? Our main temperature is 70 but when I know I’ll be home for a while I’ll cut it back and use the heaters. They are common little yard and thrift sale finds I overlooked for years. Now I see them everywhere! Stay warm!
Nice to see people still using the old technology I am all for it my wife and I are all for it. Not that I ever new about these. I grew up with wood stove both are awesome way to stay warm. When my wife and I get a house we are only heating with wood. Forget that high robbery oil heat. Kyle
I'm 65 now and as a child everyone had one of these, we used the large coffee can to add water to help get rid of the nose bleeds by putting moisture into the air, steamed up the windows at times... but helped sleeping at night time. I'd look up at the flickering lights on the ceiling when I went to bed... you don't forget the smell... I sorta miss them now.
I cant believe i just found your channel. Everything you said about new kero heaters is spot on. You WILL need to keep the manual handy and even then they tend to be written unclear. So many parts, nuts etc... and still, it burns differently ea time i use it. Some days no matter what i do i cant get it to burn clean, no matter the minute adjusments. It never seems to operate the same 2 tiimes in a row. You absolutely need fresh air supply coming in! So true. Thank you, great vid, enjoyed. Aunt Barbara adores you!
Thank you for sharing this! I am looking at ways to help my family stay warm this winter without the electric bill rising. Looks like this is a great option.
Thanks for this video. I moved into my grandparent's old farmhouse about 6 years ago....and I saw one of these heaters in the loft in the old packing house. My intention was to clean it up and use it for decor after I remodel.....which is taking FOREVER!! I want to decorate using what is already here...so that heater was a pot of gold in my eyes. Now that I have watched your video...I just might end up really using it for both heat AND decor. I have gas, wood, electric AND a new kero heater...so I have options for this huge house...but would LOVE to go old school and use the old heater I found also. Don't you just LOVE old stuff?!!!
My grandparents used those heaters when I was young. They really bring back memories, I can smell them just looking at them. I really don't remember it being cold at their house, and yes, we do get cold in Florida - lol.
I would suggest you try and find a Kero Sun heater from the early 80's. They're more efficient and a lot safer. The Kero Sun heaters were the best ever built. Thanks for sharing!
One of those helped my family get by whenever the super snow storm of 1977. They work very well. By the way they now have propane heater’s that will put out 30,000 BTUS. Had one of those when I lived off grid in 2017. There is one problem with the new propane heaters. They get finicky at altitudes above 4000 feet elevation
Great, informative video! I just ordered one as a Christmas gift for my boyfriend. He lives in the city and just bought a house so that he and his sibling could escape their rent that had been raised twice to an exorbitant rate. He was hoping for a fireplace in the new house, but it didn't work out, so he has no alternative heat source. I want to know that if there is a power outage, or perhaps rolling blackouts that they'll have something to fall back on. I had been looking at getting a brand new modern kerosene heater but was putting it off due to indecision. Then tonight your video popped up in my recommendations! Ease of use and maintenance, quality and durability, the option to cook or heat water over it if necessary, and of course, the old fashioned charm and attractive design all sold me. I like the idea of using it as a plant stand in summer time. The one I ordered has been restored, although not recently, and a new wick has already been installed, plus there is a lamp kit included so that you can convert it in the summer time to have the glowing ambiance without the heat. I'm working over Christmas, but can't wait to see it and try it out when I get back for another visit in January!
We used them when I was growing up! We even warmed food on them heated water for washing dishes etc. I’m going to look for some to use again! Thank you so much George South Carolina
Hi John! That’s an incredible price and you’ve got yourself a true find! Yes, I’m hoping you have all the parts, and if you don’t you’re likely to find them eventually because these heaters aren’t too difficult to find. I love my perfection and hope you will too! Take good care!
we keep two of those on hand.... just in case. We also have several different types of Kerosene lamps (Aladdin and other oil lamps) as well as Kerosene cook top. Great idea.
I now have a solid idea on how to change out my kerosene heaters wick ! New to me . But I am getting some good use out of my heaters existing wick ! thanks for your video !
Unfortunately I sold one of these on eBay several years ago. It was my first online sale. I am thankful for the learning experience but have regretted letting it go every winter since…. Their simplicity makes them super reliable …..thanks for the share…..
Your video introduced me to the perfection kerosene heater, I bought it in August of 2022, I love it, got lucky it was in great shape, just needed clean up the tank, believe it or not it still had kerosene in it, dark brown, and original wick, as of September 2022 in ky it 45 outside 69 degrees inside, I grew up with the same box kerosene heater, and to replace the wick took a whole day, not the Perfection, took me 20 minutes, first one I ever put in, watched your video carefully
Thanks for showing the steps to changing the wick. I have one of these heaters but I've never used it. I bought it a garage sale years and years ago just for its looks. I always thought about using it but wondered if it was safe since it is so old. I may try it out now
What a fantastic video thank you. I have just bought an old Blue Flame paraffin heater which will be my only heating this winter ... I am in the UK. I am a little nervous, hence I found and watched you doing it. I am looking forward to spending the next year completely at the mercy of the weather. And no electricity!
Those heaters are perfectly fine to use if maintained safely. I used to use the same type growing up on the farm, but over the years I've changed them out in favor of the Japanese kerosine heaters. They do a great job. As with any type of flame heaters, make sure you've got some kind of fresh air ventilation. You have a nice channel and I'm you're newest subscriber!
@@mlb6d9 Aladdin always made good stuff. I have one of them (it's actually a big lantern) on my boat and I sometimes use it as a heater to take the 'crisp' off of chilly nights. It burns bright enough to use it as a reading lamp.
I grew up with these type of kerosene heaters. Watching the light pattern on the celling was a drowsy pastime back then. My grandfather kept a Graniteware coffee pot atop one in his garage workshop, it didn't sit very soundly, but I never known it to get knocked or topple off. I have a Perfection No 525 and a Valor Junior No 56r (Made in England 1928) that I use to keep the chill off while trying to minimize the cost of utilities. Though, I just spent a good deal recently to have new wicks (with carriers) imported from the UK for the Valor heater.
I have no idea how I stumbled upon your video. But I am so glad. Because I actually have one of these heaters downstairs in my garage. I live in Vermont and during the winters it is absolutely frigid here. And When Storms hit I always worry about losing power which means Heat. And unfortunately I do not own my own home I rent so I cannot install a soapstone stove or a pellet stove or even a fireplace. Of course my little heater does not look as pretty and as well put together as yours does. It's pretty old and a few of the pieces inside have rusted. But it is still in one piece and I'm wondering if I can refurbish it and get it working again. Thank you!! God bless you!😊🙏
I watched this video yesterday. Went on fb market place and found one. Going to pick it up this morning an hour drive. I'll try anything to keep my family warm this winter.
Hi Charlene! I so happy you found one! Check to make sure it has all the parts I showed in the video. You can order the wicks on Amazon. I can’t tell you how much peace of mind these give me in the event that the power goes out, and as I mentioned on cold days where I’m in the house all day the increíble heat they put out can’t be beat. Use the safety practices I mentioned and keep me posted!
I've used kerosene heaters before and they do put out a god amount of heat. They are not toddler friendly but they usually won't touch it again after their first experience. Eventually you will also find that your ceilings are no longer white. I don't care how you adjust it you will always get a fine layer of soot over time. You get nose blind to it but there is also a distinctive smell to a place that has used these for a while. It's not terrible but it always brought back memories of my grandparents house. They never had electric or propane heat and used kerosene for many years.
just discovered your channel and subscribed. I have exactly the same heater but in black. I thought it was just a decorative piece. I brought it to my camp and used it in the decor. I'll try to see if i can now use it as intended. Great video!
Wow, just found your channel. I've been watching alternative ways to heat my apt...and you have the best information I've seen. Clear and concise. You have another subscriber!❤
I was looking them up and one man put an amish wood stove fan that works on the heat that come up ,and it worked on the perfection heater!! That could be a big help to spread that heat!!
I moved my family to Tennessee from Baltimore back in 1990. Our big farm had a large house 2 story built onto the original log cabin over 100 years old. We would close off the 2nd floor and live downstairs in winter. We had 4 wood heating stoves in each main rooms up and down. The log cabin was kitchen/ bathroom and pantry. Our kitchen wood cook stove had water reservoir,6burners, griddle and warming oven on top. That was the only stove, used year round. We used 2 perfection heaters and oil lamps for light in the rest of the house in winter.
First, you need more subscribers. You are a fantastic presenter with helpful tips and related background info. I've seen "professional" presenters who have nothing on you. Plus, awesome video editing. Second, and not related to the first, have you ever thought of substituting the cloth wick with carbon fiber. They wick better than cloth and never wear out. You've gained a new subscriber from this video. Just great.
I just ran across this video and I'm very impressed. I purchased a Perfection heater years ago and it was a yard art thing. Well I need to clean it up and get it fired up... Thanks for sharing your cool video.
I could have purchased 2 of these for 20 dollars on Facebook marketplace but didn't know anything about them untill your video. Went back to marketplace and there gone. Thanks for the video will be looking for them again.
I'm not generally so forward but I found that your physical beauty struck me quite immediately as well as your intelligence knowledge. Thanks for informing me about kerosene fueled wick heaters. Blessed be
You're amazing! I remember growing up with a kerosene heater that you had to hold a button down before lighting up. It brings back a lot a great memories! Where do you buy kerosene and how much does it cost these days? How much kerosene and how many wicks do you use?
Kerosene is very expensive expect to spend anywhere from four to five dollars a gallon you can be lucky to find it at a gas station more likely an old gas station the wix will probably be at a hardware store
Thank You Very Much! This makes me feel very old, I grew up using one of these as a kid, I am in the UK and they are called paraffin heaters and ours was in a cream colour.
Ooohhh I know just what you're reading first thing in morning😊😊😊. Same thing here, the only way to begin the day! Been learning about traditional kerosene methods and picked up great tips here. Subbed! God bless and blessings from Australia, sister.
Wow! What a delightful video. Very informative. I just discovered 2 of these heaters in our old barn. I plan to restore and use them both. Thank you so very much! God bless, from Missouri!
Kerosene produces a pint of water for every gallon burned. Can cause mold growth. It also can produce a low level of soot which eventually settles everywhere except the corners of the walls. You can see this in very old homes with very old wallpaper on the walls. Can also cause or exacerbate respiration issues. Great for heating sheds and garages.
So do natural gas devices that aren't externally vented...and those that are....cut the water vapor only in half. So do candles BTW. Most candles are paraffin...which is kerosene solidified and perfumed.
@@markjohnson8824 yes it does. Nat Gas is a mixture of waste gas from oil wells and specific wells. Propane, Ethane, Heptane and Butane mostly. Propane is the most common volume and burning delivered bottle gas or pipe gas produces H20 as a reaction on the right side if the formula. I worked for a large Nat Gas company for over a decade. We had to monitor moisture in the gas and the service team monitored combustion moisture from hundreds of test taps over the distribution line. Gas prices are set in therms instead of CCs or cuFt in most areas because moisture content varying line to line must be factored in. For many climates moisture addition is a benefit or hardly noticeable. For the Gulf Coast (first major user of Nat Gas) it is much more noticeable.
Hi Friends! Want more information about Perfection Kerosene Heaters? Here's the blogpost: becomingafarmgirl.com/perfection-kerosene-heaters/. Perfection Kerosene heaters allow you to have a piece of history in your home that’s both practical and decoratively pleasing. xoxox Cassandra
WARNING these should not be used around asthmatics - if you have to use one then put a pot of water on top of the heater (keep an eye and do not let this dry out) this eliminates the fume smell of the kerosene making it safe for those who have asthma. But yes the old ways were best to keep warm that is why they got rid of many fire places(many cold counties still have fire places) - no money to be made in them.
Make sure you use Class 1 Parrafin ( Kerosene ) a lot safer/healthier fume wise
So glad we still have farm girls. They are as essential as farm guys.
Being out and away from merchants and supplies, farmers were masters at finding solutions to any problems that popped up.
For light reading, check out any books by Eric Sloane. They are both beautiful and informative.
Great information. Well explained. Thank you. Very pretty lady.
Great voice appiriens, extremely great language. , perfect Inglish ,greetings from Poland former UofC employee. Thanks.
When I was a kid in the 50's all we had was kerosene. We had one like yours for rooms and the kitchen stove also used kerosene...no gas. We'd always have a open pot of water on them and we'd throw orange peels on the top for air freshener. It brings back the memories I had of a young kid wrapping rags around the handle and walking to the gas station to fill the cans. We also had a 55 gallon drum in the basement and the kerosene truck would come and fill it when we could afford it. I guess we were pretty poor, but I didn't know it. 😂
Hi Ken! I love the idea of throwing oranges into a pot placed on top! I know that placing a pan on top helps with moisture in the air. It doesn’t always take money to live a good life and the older I get I realize that the sentiment you expressed shows that a good life doesn’t take lots of money. My ear says the same thing to me all the time. He was raised in a family of 7 so there wasn’t much in the material side of life, but the memories he and my aunts and uncle share, you wouldn’t know it! Thanks for sharing!
Sounds rich to me! ☺
some memories you can buy
My friend in North Carolina in the 90's had a small house they rented (small town and they were fairly poor) and the landlord refused to fix the oil boiler because it required replacing it I think (It's what burnt down the place a few years later) and they used a Kerosene heater or two to heat the whole house and they did the same thing keeping a pot of water with some orange peels and cloves on it. It helped keep the air more comfortable because the heat drives off the moisture and smelled nice.
Kerosene here near Chicago is $5.999 a GALLON! My kerosene heater will use 5 gallons of K-1 fuel in about 5 days.
The powers that be know work around we try to use.
Thank you so much! My gas bill is sky high and I don't know how we will stay warm this winter... But as I came across you video I realized My mom always had this heater as part of her decoration, usually with a plant on top, just dug it out, and realized it is complete and in very good condition just need to order a new wick!
Thank you soooo much!!!!
Did you get your kero heater working?
Have you checked the price of kerosine now?
@@jeffreyoneill6439 that’s what turned me off of getting one! Ridiculous how high it is now.
@@Southern195 come on over to the dark, sooty side of wood burning....you may smell like a camp fire but you'll be warm and for cheap
@@johnwirk I would love to have a wood stove! I was raised with one but the way my house is built ~ it’s all windows, doors and cabinets along the outside walls. I may take a guest bed down and stick one in the bedroom.
I have been using these for decades. I saw when you put the stack down that you didn't reduce the flame to get a blue flame. You want a blue flame. It''s more efficient. You also want to never run out of fuel because it will smoke and will smell bad. You want to cool the font before refueling. Fun fact: CATS LOVE kerosene heaters. Our cat loves to sleep right next to it. They also like the smell of kerosene. But we have never had any trouble with the cat messing with it or trying to knock it over. Some old perfection manuals have pictures of the units with cats near them. Now I know why.
Where do you buy them?
where do you buy these kind of old fashion heaters? I see what you said about the blue flame and d the cats so I figure you probably know. I want to buy one and use it this winter
@@shannonrichter8134 I bought all of mine off ebay. Search for Perfection Heaters
Also Ebay has the wicks and there is a company in Cocquille, OR that sold me a lifetime supply of wicks. Don't remember the name.
Miles Stair's Wick Shoppe...he has a webpage.
I grew up with one. It saw me through high school, standing next to my desk as I did my homework at night, and warming up the room when I got up early in the mornings during winter. I still have a similar stove in my study right now. And I still use it in winter. My house is 101 years old and draughty, but the stove raises the temperature to the point of acceptance. Thanks for a well-made video.
I'm 70. Grew up dirt poor. Outhouse. No running water. Well pump at the sink. Chamber pots. These heaters were a staple in homes back then. Also kerosene lamps. You could buy kerosene at gas stations. Great job young lady! Keep it up!
On the farm we had two of these and used them heavily during the blizzard of '77 in Colorado. We had no power for two weeks and we cooked on them and melted snow, kept warm, etc. I caught the kerosene heater bug about 15 yrs ago. I bought, restored, and resold many small/med/large heaters from the 80's era. I still have a bunch in my personal collection, and they are a great way to heat up a small space in the house.
Are you selling them? Do you have a link?
@@Nice-qi5cf I don't have the Perfection style, but a bunch of Aladdin Blue Flames
I suffer with damp more than cold in my camper van, do these make it even damper.
@@steveffuksake Hard to say, I live in an arid city. If the air in your camper is already very humid, it will heat up the existing humidity I would guess....
@@steveffuksake DO NOT BUY A KEROSENE HEATER. I got an middlerange one, around 400 bucks. It nearly killed me in my caravan. They are LETHAL indoors and as soon as you get cold air in again to vent, you are back to zero, needing to heat again.
Ive been replacing the dumb modern things that are built like trash for reliable older or antique things. I saw one of these heaters at a Goodwill but didnt know anything about them & passed it up. After watching this I have the confidence & enough knowledge that Im going to be on thew lookout for one. Thank you
Great video. I recently bought an old (100+ years old) kerosene heater for emergency back-up heat. It had been neglected and the wick was seriously stuck, and the adjusting wheel wouldn't move. I used penetrating lubricant on it for several days, and finally got the wick off, and replaced it. I like it. But with modern houses that have very little air infiltration, your tip about leaving a door or window ajar is essential.
This was a beautiful tribute to the Perfection heater! I grew up with them. We used them for power outages and working out in the garage or barn. It's wonderful how simple they are to change the wick. I went through the same struggle you described trying to change the wick on a modern one. I learned something else about kerosene heaters. We used them at work for the first winter in the new shop where I worked. My boss decided to buy the cheaper kerosene with the red dye in it. It would make the wicks so crusty that they wouldn't burn right in pretty short order, which lead to taking the heaters apart... It wasn't bad with my old perfection heater, but the new ones...it was horrible. I vowed to never use anything but the clear K-1 kerosene in my heaters ever again. This is just my opinion- "The beauty of a good design is its simplicity"
You're not wrong - that red dye additive ruins wicks! Check out Miles Stair - he is the guru of all things kerosne
@@mlb6d9 thanks! I just found his wick shop online. We live within driving distance of Lehman's hardware and always bought our replacement wicks for the Perfection heaters there. 20 years ago the wicks were getting a little scarce to find locally.
It's amazing how efficient ancient technology is compared to modern technology... I love those old kerosene heaters there's many other ways to heat your home without electricity... these ways have been lost but we are gaining the knowledge back!!!!
You’ve said it exactly my friend!
Where can I purchase one?
Modern tech is built to fail as its all about money
Thank you so much for your video. I bought a kerosene heater similar to yours, but I don't have any instructions on how to use it. 😅 I got it at an estate sale. After seeing your video, now I realize how valuable it truly is. Thanks again, Donna
Just a quick reply; I'm into off grid living, and just wanna say that you are a breath of fresh air! Really enjoyed the video! And I also learned a bit... Thank you! And keep creating
Nice! I have a wood stove and live in the country in the Midwest. The heat is magnificent. I’ve had a number of oak, ash and walnut trees die but now I have lots of free fuel. Snow, a wood stove and a lazy cat snuggling is hard to beat…and a cup of tea or coffee.
What a wonderful gentle person you are, you had me cracking up explaining about the newfangled kerosene heater wick changing procedures, You use the same terminology as I do, but I also thoroughly enjoyed rediscovering a time honored technique to heating.
I honestly would rather use these then paying tons of money for an electric bill, currently I'm using propane and my little buddy heater to heat my little office which works wonderful, but I thoroughly enjoy the aesthetics of these old-style antiques that truly are beautiful to look at.
I'm so very glad to have found your channel this morning, and I will be subscribing, I also do canning and making my own bread during these times of becoming self sufficient. Our world is definitely changing before our eyes, we must all pray for guidance and wisdom daily and embrace the journey we are on. Always remembering it is a journey and our final home is just over the horizon, where there is a loving father who has been waiting to embrace us, stay blessed dear sister.
Just ran across this channel. Very nice presentation of your Perfection Heater. The main reason why modern heaters are so complicated to crack open is because we live in a litigious society run by lawyers. People back in the day knew that fire is ...hold on, now ....HOT! And fire can, you know, burn! And so rules and procedures have to be made for the most ignorant people who think that hamburgers come from a hamburger tree. These people are highly likely to burn themselves. Anyone who lives in a rural environment and is around basic home equipment (like this) will be just fine. Everyone else should probably avoid appliances with open flames.
I'm a Canadian prepper, and I have acquired 2 Perfection Heaters the past couple years. This morning I awoke to 66F in my old attic apartment. So I fired up a couple hurricane lamps to warm up the area near my recliner...then I thought I had better replace the wick on my Perfection. It was great that YT had this on my feed this morning!! I replaced the wick and got it running and I appreciated going over the steps and trimming the wick, as I had forgotten about that part as black smoke was coming off, haha
I live in The Netherlands now, before I've lived in many places without electricity and gas, some even without water. A few of those years I had the most efficient Zibro Kamin Laser kerosene heater there is, and I loved it. Had to sell it though, years later I bought a Valor 525T wich is very simular to the heater you have in this video. I still have that treasure, ordered a new wick the other day and in the workplace I'm making a fan for it cause disadvantige is the heat goes straight up. What the Valor has that yours is missing: it is flat on top with a controlable heat-outlet so perfect for cooking and even baking!! Dutch oven on top and here you have a delicious bread or stew. Wonderful! My cat loves the heater just as much, he sits next to it for hours. By the way, I have a carbonmonoxide alarm wich always gives zero even when the windows are closed (do open them regularly) Greetz and all the best in your journey!
I was actually able to get myself 2 perfections and my daughter also, so glad you did this video ,thank you, ready for next winter now
Thank you so much for giving hope on how to keep warm in Winter without electricity. The Perfection Kerosene Heater looks like a real answer to prayer.
I care for a disabled adult son and pay for electricity in his home, so I cannot afford electricity in my home. Daytime's are non-productive, because without heat, I layer-up on clothing and have to sit in the car with the sunshine to come through the windows to heat it up. My home averages 40 - 45 degrees F inside during the Winter. Nighttimes, I sleep in the car, because it has a heater to turn on when it gets too cold. One Winter, when I had a vehicle with no heater, my toes got frostnip from the 22 degree F cold one particular night. Frost nip is not as bad as frostbite, but I still have no feeling in the tips of my toes.
At 68 years old now, I sincerely thank you for giving hope that there is a better way to survive the cold during Winter. Thank You So Much 💖.
Hi Kathryn! I just love being able to control my heating budget and have heat where and when I need it using an appliance I can confidently maintain. I’ve found mine On Facebook market place. They are also common at yard sales. Hope you find one!
There is a better way.... Stay at your son's in the winter. Why on earth would you put yourself through all that??
@protectfamilyrights, bless your heart! Listen, I have a down comforter on my bed. It is divine. I never heat my bedroom, N GA Appalachia, not like New England winter, but it’s nippy! Also, must use pure wool socks. Wool, not polyester. I lived in MN in the 80s, it got down to -40F with wind chill. We couldn’t heat our old house, we tried! Ice inside the window panes, the secret to surviving is a cotton turtleneck, wool sweater and wool hat, and take care of your feet!
I have two of these heaters both are blue. One was my great grandmother's the other I found at work in a junk pile. Both work great and put out lots of heat for their size. The glow at night is awesome from the top or the window on the side. My new heater put out lots of heat but drinks the kerosene. Old school is best.
Hi, I just kind of stumbled across your sweet video. My second and third years of college, I lived in the office building of an overgrown apple orchard, (the rent was insanely cheap). Anyway, two of these and a small wood fueled cookstove were my only source of heat. It was a beautiful existence. Take one in the bathroom while you're taking a shower, so very warm and cozy. My biggest problem was finding a woman who didn't think I was crazy for living there. Thank you for your time and the trip down memory lane.
Best regards from Indiana.
My Aunt and Uncle’s home was ran, heated and lights with wood or water! The old saw mill was worked with horses! So cool for nature! Great video. Thank you!
You did a great job with this video! Thank you so much! I have these heaters and I have found that about 2 tablespoons of 90% isopropyl alcohol inside the fuel tank of these heaters will get rid of any strong kerosene smell. I use them regularly. Keep up the great work!
You do it one time only?
You mix it with kerosene?
I'd like to know, too!
@@cirosochyesposito9443 every time you refill the fuel tank
Coming from the UK I have one in cream. It’s a Valor paraffin (kerosene over there) heater. Picked it up at an antique shop a few years ago. Lovely heat and a pretty ornament too! 😊
Does it make things damp.
@@steveffuksake Not in my experience. It’s just that the water content in the paraffin would eventually rust out the container, if left continuously I suspect. Of course that would be over a long period of time, but it’s still best to empty it out back in the container at the end of the season.
Little white momma here, you are absolutely adorable and brilliant! Blessings Thank you both for your service.
Thank you Joy! Blessings to you and yours in the new year!
I love this idea of this heater especially going through a few ice storms in my city. You really do give us aspects of the country living in a urban setting. Great video!
Hello Garden Highlights & Worms! You’ll likely find these heaters at yard, estate and antique sales or Facebook market place-snag one if you can! I love my heaters. They’d be perfect to have in an ice storm to hedge against a power outage. Aww, thanks so much-lots of little joys can be experienced in a small homestead! Thanks for the kind words!
@@BecomingaFarmGirl Thanks for the information
I have my grandmother's blue and silver kerosene heater - the same one that you have. I have never used it except for decoration. Like you, I have always put a plant on top. But I'm going to open it and see if its innards are still workable. I just found your channel and love it. Thanks!
We used these when I was a kid in the 60's here in Australia. Almost everyone I knew had one. Great video !
I remember people who had them back in the 1970’s and they would stink up the whole house 🏠
This is why you are one of my favorite people to watch on UA-cam! Your videos are always informative and fun! I grew up with kerosene heaters but they were the modern kind. I'll keep an eye out for this type now!
Those heaters are great. I still have 3 my great grandfather used decades ago. We kept one in the house and two in the shop. Most of the time in the shop we burned diesel.
Thank you SO MUCH for this video!!
I own one of these abs wanted to give it away because I couldn’t replace the wick!! I can’t believe you can still get them!! Thank you, mine has been in the family all this time as a cool plant stand. ☺️
When I was a kid in the ‘80s we lived on a houseboat next to the houseboat my grandparents lived on. My Grandfather who was born in 1912 had a kerosene heater just like those to keep their houseboat warm. The last couple of years have had me looking more and more into emergency preparedness, and I’ve been looking at getting a couple of kerosene heaters. While I’m not opposed to the newer ones, I’m definitely more interested in the older design because of how simple they are.
Trim the wicks and maintain a blue flame.
Growing up on a farm, I always thought the Perfection oil heaters were just simple heaters. After I grew up and left the farm for the Navy, I found modern kerosene heaters hard to keep the smell down. This vlog of yours just reminded me how my parents had it right back then. I am in awe of the amount of information you gave here. I will be watching a lot of your videos from the past and future. In closing, I always had a Amish oil lamp, the kind that lights up like the sun it's that bright, just in case of power outages. I now have my late parents model they had and now there is no fear of a power outage in our home. Thanks for reminding me of my past childhood.
Oh my, I have been trying to figure out something else for heat. This is perfect. I was out in the country and came across this old little antique shop and found a pot belly stove. That's going in my kitchen. I'm going to get this for upstairs prefect. Thank you for this video.
Coincidently, I just bought one of these yesterday. It's in mint condition. And, of course, I intend to use it in our drafty, old, well-loved farmhouse. I loved your content and, so, subscribed. I'm looking forward to seeing more. 💕
I bought one of those perfection heaters at an antique shop about 10 years ago just becuase it looked so cool. But then one day about 5 years ago, we had a ice storm come through and knocked out our power. I used the heater for the first time out of nessessity. I was amazed at how quickly the heater heated the house. I was in shorts and a tshirt after about 3 hours.
You are a great storyteller. I had no idea that old heaters could be so interesting!
Thank you!
We heated our home with an open fire and two paraffin heaters (I think that’s U.K. for kerosene?). The condensation on our single glazed windows was awesome, and we had regularly through the day to wipe up puddles on the sills. And the smell is distinctive, but they were certainly warm.
We have one in living room waiting for loss of natural gas , it was my granny’s and I’ve kept it in shape but it’s a great heater and I remember setting talking with my lovely granny 😊❤
Living with no electricity, we used paraffin lamps and heaters, my favorite heater also held pots and cooked but you could cook on any of them with a touch of ingenuity.
In addition to leaving windows open to allow for necessary ventilation, specifically, the escape of toxic gases and the bringing in of fresh air, its worth remembering that as you're burning a liquid fuel, water vapour is produced, which can cause damp, condensation or at worst, mould!
Ventilation is key to safety and best operating of these heaters...
Would this work for a greenhouse? Would you still need to vent
I just found this video and your channel. Your videos hadn’t finished and I searched and inquired about to purchase my first Perfection heater. Can’t wait to pick mine up today! Thanks you!!
Im so excited to hear this! I hope you come to love it as much as we do! Check to make sure the legs are sturdy and that the font, flame spreader (innate parts) are there. You’ll find the wicks on Amazon if your locale hardware store doesn’t carry them.
Thank you!! ❤️ This post reminded me of my sweet Daddy. It's because of him that I know how to use old kerosene lanterns. I had not heard of these particular ones, but glad you taught me a new budget friendly way of staying cozy. Wish you all the best. ❤️
Your video prompted me to try one of these newer models for the next time we have a power outage here in Texas. I studied up and determined it would work well during the day and double as a slow cooker on top for a simple stew. At night we have used a Mr Buddy for heat in our bedroom. During the day the 40 degree temps in the house were not very comfortable unless we were moving around a lot. We were using a little butane stove to heat meals and staying in our bedroom to keep warm. I think this heater will make things more comfortable in our big room. Thank you so much for sharing this video!
Excellent video on the Perfection Heater. I've used and restored many of the 80's era kerosene heaters which work well too BUT your description of the ease of maintaining it vs the Japanese versions is spot on. I really appreciate that you've shared this knowledge in this space as not much existed when I got hooked on kerosene heaters.
We always had kerosene heaters when I was growing up, then they were just not seen anymore, I started a wood working shop in my garage and looked for ways to hear it. I bought a couple of new kerosene heaters and have not been happy with them, then last week I bought two antique kerosene heaters, one is a Montgomery Wards brand and the other was a Nesco. I got them home cleaned them up, touched up the paint with High Heat Enamel. Then came to the fonts and realized both fonts are Perfection. These two beautiful pieces of history heat up a 4 car garage and keep it a toasty 72⁰. Added bonus they use a fourth of the kerosene than the new heaters.
That's a neat heater. I can see it being useful for sure. I grew up with a wood stove as our main source of heat. (Our house was built in 1885) I'm about to go back to that.
Good info here though!
Have you tried putting a wood stove fan on your heater? I have done this, and it spreads heat around the room much better than convection alone.
I bought one after watching this video. Just lit it tonight. The smell took me back to my childhood days. Definitely puts out some good heat. Here in North Texas we don’t see extended periods of cold. I bought it mainly incase power goes out. Nice video.
I’m waiting for our natural gas to quit, if it does because Atmos is replacing all the gas pipes in town I’m ready with granny heater and 5 gallons of kerosene
On i20 west of Abilene 😊
Stay warm ❤
@@philliphall5198 hey hand I bought one of those My Buddy 18,000 BTU portable LP heaters and holy crap that thing will put some heat out. I’ve run it on medium heat and got about 30+ hours out of it on a 5lb bottle. Stay warm.
I have one I really like it everyone should have one. They used it where I used to work and I was concerned that the fumes on the inside weren't good but they said that the new kerosene that they make nowadays you can use inside but I always keep some windows cracked. It heats up the whole house really good and also in extreme cases you can heat food on the top of it. Another real good advantage is that kerosene doesn't get old like gas does so you can just store kerosene for years and pull it out and it'll work
Oh my God this brings back such memories for me! We had a coal furnace with a great big great over in the living room. The warning was never to touch that great because we went to Beaver it was at least 3 ft by 3 ft. In addition there was the kerosene heater the tall Gadget you see in this film. I can almost smell the kerosene and coal burning❤😊
I love this Perfection Kerosene heater.
We keep our thermostat set at 72°. I’m all for saving money all while keeping warm and cozy.
Good to see you! 🤗
Thanks for sharing!
Hey lady! I hear you! Especially with all the snow we got this week, right? Our main temperature is 70 but when I know I’ll be home for a while I’ll cut it back and use the heaters. They are common little yard and thrift sale finds I overlooked for years. Now I see them everywhere! Stay warm!
I have that exact model! It was my grandma's. I use it every winter to heat my home and to cook on.
Nice to see people still using the old technology I am all for it my wife and I are all for it. Not that I ever new about these. I grew up with wood stove both are awesome way to stay warm. When my wife and I get a house we are only heating with wood. Forget that high robbery oil heat. Kyle
I'm 65 now and as a child everyone had one of these, we used the large coffee can to add water to help get rid of the nose bleeds by putting moisture into the air, steamed up the windows at times... but helped sleeping at night time. I'd look up at the flickering lights on the ceiling when I went to bed... you don't forget the smell... I sorta miss them now.
I cant believe i just found your channel. Everything you said about new kero heaters is spot on. You WILL need to keep the manual handy and even then they tend to be written unclear. So many parts, nuts etc... and still, it burns differently ea time i use it. Some days no matter what i do i cant get it to burn clean, no matter the minute adjusments. It never seems to operate the same 2 tiimes in a row.
You absolutely need fresh air supply coming in! So true. Thank you, great vid, enjoyed.
Aunt Barbara adores you!
Thank you for sharing this! I am looking at ways to help my family stay warm this winter without the electric bill rising. Looks like this is a great option.
Thanks for this video. I moved into my grandparent's old farmhouse about 6 years ago....and I saw one of these heaters in the loft in the old packing house. My intention was to clean it up and use it for decor after I remodel.....which is taking FOREVER!! I want to decorate using what is already here...so that heater was a pot of gold in my eyes. Now that I have watched your video...I just might end up really using it for both heat AND decor. I have gas, wood, electric AND a new kero heater...so I have options for this huge house...but would LOVE to go old school and use the old heater I found also. Don't you just LOVE old stuff?!!!
My grandparents used those heaters when I was young. They really bring back memories, I can smell them just looking at them. I really don't remember it being cold at their house, and yes, we do get cold in Florida - lol.
I would suggest you try and find a Kero Sun heater from the early 80's. They're more efficient and a lot safer. The Kero Sun heaters were the best ever built.
Thanks for sharing!
Have one of those kerosuns, but no manual/user directions. Any suggestions were to get info or how to find model numbers, etc.
One of those helped my family get by whenever the super snow storm of 1977. They work very well. By the way they now have propane heater’s that will put out 30,000 BTUS. Had one of those when I lived off grid in 2017.
There is one problem with the new propane heaters. They get finicky at altitudes above 4000 feet elevation
They also produce a decent amount of moisture, Kerosene is a much drier heat.
I really enjoyed your video. I have one of these heaters but didn't know how it worked. Now I can't wait to try it out. Thanks!
Great, informative video! I just ordered one as a Christmas gift for my boyfriend. He lives in the city and just bought a house so that he and his sibling could escape their rent that had been raised twice to an exorbitant rate. He was hoping for a fireplace in the new house, but it didn't work out, so he has no alternative heat source. I want to know that if there is a power outage, or perhaps rolling blackouts that they'll have something to fall back on. I had been looking at getting a brand new modern kerosene heater but was putting it off due to indecision. Then tonight your video popped up in my recommendations! Ease of use and maintenance, quality and durability, the option to cook or heat water over it if necessary, and of course, the old fashioned charm and attractive design all sold me. I like the idea of using it as a plant stand in summer time. The one I ordered has been restored, although not recently, and a new wick has already been installed, plus there is a lamp kit included so that you can convert it in the summer time to have the glowing ambiance without the heat. I'm working over Christmas, but can't wait to see it and try it out when I get back for another visit in January!
We used them when I was growing up! We even warmed food on them heated water for washing dishes etc.
I’m going to look for some to use again! Thank you so much
George South Carolina
I bought 1 at an auction this past summer. I'm anxious to see if I have all the parts. I'm glad now I bought it for $10.
Hi John! That’s an incredible price and you’ve got yourself a true find! Yes, I’m hoping you have all the parts, and if you don’t you’re likely to find them eventually because these heaters aren’t too difficult to find. I love my perfection and hope you will too! Take good care!
we keep two of those on hand.... just in case. We also have several different types of Kerosene lamps (Aladdin and other oil lamps) as well as Kerosene cook top. Great idea.
I now have a solid idea on how to change out my kerosene heaters wick ! New to me . But I am getting some good use out of my heaters existing wick ! thanks for your video !
Pretty lady and smart lady. Thanks for the great video!
Unfortunately I sold one of these on eBay several years ago. It was my first online sale. I am thankful for the learning experience but have regretted letting it go every winter since…. Their simplicity makes them super reliable …..thanks for the share…..
Your video introduced me to the perfection kerosene heater, I bought it in August of 2022, I love it, got lucky it was in great shape, just needed clean up the tank, believe it or not it still had kerosene in it, dark brown, and original wick, as of September 2022 in ky it 45 outside 69 degrees inside, I grew up with the same box kerosene heater, and to replace the wick took a whole day, not the Perfection, took me 20 minutes, first one I ever put in, watched your video carefully
Thanks for showing the steps to changing the wick. I have one of these heaters but I've never used it. I bought it a garage sale years and years ago just for its looks. I always thought about using it but wondered if it was safe since it is so old. I may try it out now
Love the aroma of the stove and the design the flame would put out.
I have a kerosene heater, I haven’t used it in years! Thank you!
What a fantastic video thank you. I have just bought an old Blue Flame paraffin heater which will be my only heating this winter ... I am in the UK. I am a little nervous, hence I found and watched you doing it. I am looking forward to spending the next year completely at the mercy of the weather. And no electricity!
Those heaters are perfectly fine to use if maintained safely. I used to use the same type growing up on the farm, but over the years I've changed them out in favor of the Japanese kerosine heaters. They do a great job. As with any type of flame heaters, make sure you've got some kind of fresh air ventilation. You have a nice channel and I'm you're newest subscriber!
Get yourself an Aladdin Blue Flame - finest heater ever made!
@@mlb6d9 Aladdin always made good stuff. I have one of them (it's actually a big lantern) on my boat and I sometimes use it as a heater to take the 'crisp' off of chilly nights. It burns bright enough to use it as a reading lamp.
@@mlb6d9 where do you purchase yours ?
Excellent video. I have a Perfection heater that has a glass globe so it puts out light as well.
@@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123 I've collected mine over the years mostly from Craigslist
I grew up with these type of kerosene heaters. Watching the light pattern on the celling was a drowsy pastime back then. My grandfather kept a Graniteware coffee pot atop one in his garage workshop, it didn't sit very soundly, but I never known it to get knocked or topple off.
I have a Perfection No 525 and a Valor Junior No 56r (Made in England 1928) that I use to keep the chill off while trying to minimize the cost of utilities. Though, I just spent a good deal recently to have new wicks (with carriers) imported from the UK for the Valor heater.
I have no idea how I stumbled upon your video. But I am so glad. Because I actually have one of these heaters downstairs in my garage.
I live in Vermont and during the winters it is absolutely frigid here. And When Storms hit I always worry about losing power which means Heat. And unfortunately I do not own my own home I rent so I cannot install a soapstone stove or a pellet stove or even a fireplace.
Of course my little heater does not look as pretty and as well put together as yours does. It's pretty old and a few of the pieces inside have rusted. But it is still in one piece and I'm wondering if I can refurbish it and get it working again.
Thank you!!
God bless you!😊🙏
I watched this video yesterday. Went on fb market place and found one. Going to pick it up this morning an hour drive. I'll try anything to keep my family warm this winter.
Hi Charlene! I so happy you found one! Check to make sure it has all the parts I showed in the video. You can order the wicks on Amazon. I can’t tell you how much peace of mind these give me in the event that the power goes out, and as I mentioned on cold days where I’m in the house all day the increíble heat they put out can’t be beat. Use the safety practices I mentioned and keep me posted!
I've used kerosene heaters before and they do put out a god amount of heat. They are not toddler friendly but they usually won't touch it again after their first experience. Eventually you will also find that your ceilings are no longer white. I don't care how you adjust it you will always get a fine layer of soot over time. You get nose blind to it but there is also a distinctive smell to a place that has used these for a while. It's not terrible but it always brought back memories of my grandparents house. They never had electric or propane heat and used kerosene for many years.
just discovered your channel and subscribed. I have exactly the same heater but in black. I thought it was just a decorative piece. I brought it to my camp and used it in the decor. I'll try to see if i can now use it as intended. Great video!
I use mine every winter 🥰 I’ve had it for 15+ years ❤
Wow, just found your channel. I've been watching alternative ways to heat my apt...and you have the best information I've seen. Clear and concise. You have another subscriber!❤
I must admit you’ve done a wonderful job ! Congrats on such a great video!
I was looking them up and one man put an amish wood stove fan that works on the heat that come up ,and it worked on the perfection heater!! That could be a big help to spread that heat!!
I moved my family to Tennessee from Baltimore back in 1990. Our big farm had a large house 2 story built onto the original log cabin over 100 years old. We would close off the 2nd floor and live downstairs in winter. We had 4 wood heating stoves in each main rooms up and down. The log cabin was kitchen/ bathroom and pantry. Our kitchen wood cook stove had water reservoir,6burners, griddle and warming oven on top. That was the only stove, used year round. We used 2 perfection heaters and oil lamps for light in the rest of the house in winter.
First, you need more subscribers. You are a fantastic presenter with helpful tips and related background info. I've seen "professional" presenters who have nothing on you. Plus, awesome video editing.
Second, and not related to the first, have you ever thought of substituting the cloth wick with carbon fiber. They wick better than cloth and never wear out.
You've gained a new subscriber from this video. Just great.
I agree!! I could listen to her all day
I just ran across this video and I'm very impressed. I purchased a Perfection heater years ago and it was a yard art thing. Well I need to clean it up and get it fired up... Thanks for sharing your cool video.
Good to see those ol' heaters being kept alive. Good job👍
This tutorial is fantastic (you might say "perfection" ; ))! Thank you!
I could have purchased 2 of these for 20 dollars on Facebook marketplace but didn't know anything about them untill your video. Went back to marketplace and there gone. Thanks for the video will be looking for them again.
I'm not generally so forward but I found that your physical beauty struck me quite immediately as well as your intelligence knowledge. Thanks for informing me about kerosene fueled wick heaters. Blessed be
Hello! The quality of Perfection Kerosene heaters doesn't come close to the junk we have out on the market today. I am so glad you're a fan too.
You're amazing! I remember growing up with a kerosene heater that you had to hold a button down before lighting up. It brings back a lot a great memories! Where do you buy kerosene and how much does it cost these days? How much kerosene and how many wicks do you use?
Kerosene is very expensive now
Kerosene is very expensive expect to spend anywhere from four to five dollars a gallon you can be lucky to find it at a gas station more likely an old gas station the wix will probably be at a hardware store
Can be purchased at gas stations in rural areas. $7 a gallon in NC
I bought one of these at an estate sale. I thought it was wood burning lol. No doubt The Lord sent me to this video. Thank you for the information.
Thank you, you are awesome. I love old fashioned. I just bought an antique oil lamp and will get it going for a perfect winter glow.
Thank You Very Much! This makes me feel very old, I grew up using one of these as a kid, I am in the UK and they are called paraffin heaters and ours was in a cream colour.
What a beautiful person. What a beautiful life. Praise Yah.
Ooohhh I know just what you're reading first thing in morning😊😊😊. Same thing here, the only way to begin the day! Been learning about traditional kerosene methods and picked up great tips here. Subbed! God bless and blessings from Australia, sister.
Wow! What a delightful video. Very informative. I just discovered 2 of these heaters in our old barn. I plan to restore and use them both. Thank you so very much! God bless, from Missouri!
Well it went from 1 to 3, I’m still with one. Thanks for the info on them.
Hi Sharen!!! Yes! These have been lovely little finds. This week we got over 7 inches of snow and my “room toaster” came in handy! Have a great week!
Kerosene produces a pint of water for every gallon burned. Can cause mold growth. It also can produce a low level of soot which eventually settles everywhere except the corners of the walls. You can see this in very old homes with very old wallpaper on the walls. Can also cause or exacerbate respiration issues. Great for heating sheds and garages.
So do natural gas devices that aren't externally vented...and those that are....cut the water vapor only in half.
So do candles BTW. Most candles are paraffin...which is kerosene solidified and perfumed.
@@STho205 No it doesn't
@@markjohnson8824 yes it does. Nat Gas is a mixture of waste gas from oil wells and specific wells. Propane, Ethane, Heptane and Butane mostly. Propane is the most common volume and burning delivered bottle gas or pipe gas produces H20 as a reaction on the right side if the formula.
I worked for a large Nat Gas company for over a decade. We had to monitor moisture in the gas and the service team monitored combustion moisture from hundreds of test taps over the distribution line. Gas prices are set in therms instead of CCs or cuFt in most areas because moisture content varying line to line must be factored in.
For many climates moisture addition is a benefit or hardly noticeable. For the Gulf Coast (first major user of Nat Gas) it is much more noticeable.
@@STho205 I've used natural gas for decades and my walls have no soot at all. You're burning dirty gas.
@@markjohnson8824 C3H8+5O2→3CO2+ *4 H2O*
that's a completely efficient burn. A flawed or inefficient burn will produce:
2C3H8 + 9O2 → 4CO2 + *2 CO* + *8 H2O*