Catalytic gas heater: varieties, recommendations for choosing + review of the best brands

Varieties of catalytic heaters

Catalytic heaters may vary depending on the type of fuel used, as well as some features of operation. Since the internal structure of the heater directly affects its performance, consider the main groups of such devices:

gas heaters are the most common, but far from the only option. It is based on the process of burning a propane-butane mixture. This option is ideal for heating country houses or garages. The most powerful devices can easily heat entire construction sites or warehouses.The maximum power of devices on sale is 4900 W

And although no harmful impurities and combustion products are released during the operation of the device, it is worth using such devices with special attention in rooms with an area of ​​\u200b\u200bless than 20 m ?;
A gasoline catalytic heater is a device in which a built-in fuel tank is provided in advance. It is connected to a catalytic cartridge where gasoline vapors are fed to be oxidized.

Such models are modest in size, which ensures the convenience of their use in hiking, fishing or hunting;

A catalytic gas heater can look very organic in the interior

heaters operating on dry fuel or industrial alcohol. These are small-sized models, which, like gasoline ones, are intended for use in the field. Their heat is only enough to cover the minimum needs - such as heating food, water, drying clothes and providing warmth inside the tent. Such models are distinguished by low weight (about 1-1.5 kg) and small size. Inside the structure there is always a special compartment in which a container with alcohol or, if necessary, a gas cylinder is installed.

In addition to the main types, there is another one - catalytic multi-fuel heaters. This type of device is able to operate on any available fuel - both liquid and gaseous. The power of such a device is usually from 500 to 1200 watts.

Portable infrared gas-fired catalytic heaters

The best wall mounted gas heaters

If heating is needed all the time, then installing on wheels in the middle of the room may not look quite aesthetically pleasing, so it is wise to purchase a wall-mounted gas heater. It looks like a modern battery, but is connected to a cylinder or a mains network. Such equipment looks good in an apartment, office or restaurant. It effectively replaces the main heating and does not require piping around the room.

Alpine Air NGS-50 - a stylish heater

The device has a beautiful body with rounded edges and black edging at the corners. At the top and bottom there are grids for heat transfer from the cast-iron heating element. This saves gas consumption, because the metal block continues to heat the air even at the minimum flame. All the necessary buttons are on the front. Access to them is provided by opening a small hatch.

The heater is started by the piezo ignition button. The thermostat monitors the set mode. The main feature of this model is its complete safety. All combustion products are discharged to the street through a flat horizontal chimney. But this requires drilling a hole in the wall with a diameter of 150 mm. The intake of fresh air to maintain the flame is also taken from outside, and not from the room.

Advantages:

• heating 60 square meters;
• cast iron heat exchanger;
• closed combustion chamber;
• Beautiful design;
• safety of use (air is consumed and thrown out into the street).

Flaws:

• high price;
• heavy (30 kg);
• requires drilling a hole for the chimney.

Frequent faults and troubleshooting

Sometimes user complaints are related to the fact that the heaters, after working for several minutes, turn off. No repairs are needed in this case.It is only necessary to make sure that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the room is not higher than the maximum permissible level. It is necessary to check the operability of ventilation, the correctness of its device. Only if everything is in order with the air exchange, it makes sense to change the problematic heater sensor.

This should be done by trained service center specialists. If the flame has acquired a yellow or orange color, then it is necessary to check whether the fuel holes are covered with dust or other contaminants. When the holes are clean, but the problem is not solved, you should immediately contact the professionals. Catalytic panels must not be blown with compressed air. This, if it eliminates pollution, is only at the cost of failure of the part.

The appearance of an unpleasant odor may be due to:

• impregnation of panels with oils;
• mechanical damage to these very panels;
• the presence of foul-smelling volatile substances in the air.

In the first and second cases, the panels are changed. If you have to heat a hairdressing salon, where the distribution of aromatic oils and solvents is likely, you will have to install an infrared heater instead of a catalytic heater. When gas is flowing, but combustion is completely or partially absent, the problem may be due to improper filling of the cylinder or poor quality fuel. In the first case, bleeding off the gas for 10-15 seconds on the street helps. In the second, you will have to change the balloon itself.

It is important to remember: checking for gas leaks is done only with soap suds, and not with open fire or otherwise. When the fuse light does not burn, you need to sequentially:

• make sure there is gas;
• test thermocouple;
• inspect the valve coil (if there is a break in it, a replacement with a branded spare part is required).

Self-inspection sometimes reveals a jammed core rod or a broken ignition knob. These are mechanical defects that can be eliminated even without the help of specialists. When the fan does not work, you must first test the power supply, and then the motor.

How to choose and buy a catalytic gas heater

The purchase of any appliance, including a catalytic heater, requires attention. You need to be as accurate as possible: where, in what conditions and how often you plan to use the acquisition

When choosing, it is important to take into account both the price of a gas catalytic heater and the reviews of real buyers about this model.

Many models of catalytic heaters are convenient to take on a hike or trip due to their small size and light weight.

The parameters specified by the manufacturer will help determine the required power of the device. The packaging usually indicates information about the maximum area the heater can cover.

Tiles

Small space heaters are ideal for heating small spaces. They can be installed in warehouses, repair and industrial facilities. Many appliances are used for tents. The best manufacturers offer reliable options.

Siberian GII-5,8

The burner is used for rooms with natural ventilation: communal, industrial facilities. It is also needed in agriculture. The heater can be installed in the garage. The mobile device is ideal for construction or repair of various objects.

Siberian GII-5,8
Advantages:

high-quality heating of the room.

Flaws:

When used for a long time, the body heats up.

Siberian MB-GH-I03

Nominal level LPG pressure equal to 2940 Pa. Thermal power is 3.65 kW. The fixture is made of ceramic and steel.

Siberian MB-GH-I03
Advantages:

• low price;
• compact dimensions;
• maintainability.

Flaws:

the heating.

Ballu BIGH-4

The IR heater has the function of directing the heat flow. The device is considered autonomous. It is ideal for heating outdoors. The device works almost without noise, does not mix dust and air.

The gas valve protects against gas leakage during flame extinguishing. On the case there is a heat-resistant enamel that protects the equipment from corrosion. With the help of a removable leg, the device can be easily folded into a small package.

Ballu BIGH-4
Advantages:

• compactness;
• profitability;
• increased heat dissipation.

Flaws:

• ceramic panel;
• Has an auto-shut off feature when dropped.

Pathfinder Hearth

The device is suitable for the street, so it is taken for nature, hunting, fishing. It is also chosen for camping. The equipment is considered wind-resistant, it has a power regulator and piezo ignition. There is also a convenient carrying handle.

Pathfinder Hearth
Advantages:

• good heating;
• small parameters;
• easy control.

Flaws:

freezing of the cylinder at low temperature.

Bullu BIGH-3

Tiles can be chosen in rooms with high humidity and dampness. This technique heats water and allows you to cook food. With its help, work areas are heated in open areas, even if special heating systems are inefficient.

Bullu BIGH-3
Advantages:

high build quality.

Flaws:

• small hose;
• the presence of an odor.

Referring to a separate species outdoor heaters and gas fireplaces. The former can be used on the territory of the verandas of cafes and restaurants, in country gazebos.

Here are the best heaters. When choosing a device, you should read the characteristics, reviews. The presence of such equipment will help out perfectly in cold times.

Peculiarities

A gas heater for a summer residence is one of the many types of heating devices that can work both indoors and, with certain reservations, on the street. Not all consumers immediately prefer gas models, doubting for a long time and choosing between them and their electric and kerosene competitors, and rightly so - first you need to understand what kind of technology it is, and what are its positive and negative sides.

Such comparisons usually start with good qualities, so let's consider why a gas appliance is the best solution for summer cottages. To begin with, it should be noted that gas in our country is relatively inexpensive, and for the consumer this is a huge plus - heating rooms or verandas will be very cheap. In addition, gas heaters, depending on the model, can be connected directly to the pipe, that is, they can be stationary, or operate from a cylinder, which makes the unit portable. Of course, the advantages do not end there, and here are the characteristics that stand out among other features:

• the mechanism of the gas heater is extremely simple - there is not a single complex unit here, and therefore there is practically nothing to wear out and break, and this is a big plus for the durability of the product;
• in terms of efficiency, gas models of heaters are definitely among the leaders - you will pay a penny for their work, but the result will not be as modest as it might seem;
• the typical gas-powered design is small and, if it is a balloon model, can be easily moved to where you need it - figuratively speaking, you can even take it with you on night fishing;
• despite the fact that harmful substances are still released during the combustion of gas, this is the most environmentally friendly of all known types of fuel - only solar energy is cleaner;
• the operation of the unit is extremely simple - although it is undesirable for children to use gas appliances, even a child could master the controls.

In terms of heating rate, gas models are somewhat inferior to electric counterparts, but in an enclosed space, and even with regular heating, you will not see a fundamental difference, except for reduced operating costs. As it should be in climate technology, each device has a built-in mechanism for adjusting the heating mode. Manufacturers do not forget to take care of fire safety, so most products, except for the cheapest ones, have built-in mechanisms for blocking the gas supply if the fire goes out, as well as a tilt sensor. Given the simplicity of the design and the minimum number of parts in it, we can expect that the device will serve the owner for at least ten years.

From the foregoing, a picture of some ideal heater is formed, but it is not worth considering a gas appliance as such, otherwise it would have no alternatives and competitors.At a minimum, gas is a very flammable and explosive substance, and no manufacturer can give an absolute guarantee that there will be no leakage under any circumstances. The "escaped" gas instantly ignites from the slightest spark, and with a large amount of it in a closed room, its sharp expansion provokes a powerful explosion. Of course, most consumers still avoid such a development of events - for this it is worth observing elementary security measures, not leaving the unit turned on when the adult owners are not at home. But even here, the potential disadvantages do not end there - some other factors should be considered:

• a leak is dangerous not only with a potential explosion, but also in itself - unburned gas displaces oxygen from the atmosphere, and if for some reason you don’t smell, you won’t even understand what is the reason for your sharply worsened state of health;
• even if the gas burns normally and there are no leaks, the combustion process itself intensively burns out the oxygen in the room, instead forming carbon dioxide - without productive ventilation, a person will at best feel a noticeable malaise.

How to choose?

Fuel consumption is an important consideration when choosing gas heaters for your home. Almost all models are designed only for the use of cylinders. And therefore, the less gas is consumed, the longer the attached cylinder will last. However, the downside of such "savings" is the low performance of devices. It is unlikely that it will be possible to heat a large area.

Some modern heaters are equipped with thermostats and timers. Without them, only the simplest equipment, designed for unpretentious consumers, can do.

Choosing a heater, you should not concentrate only on the offers of leading companies. A promoted brand often only means overpaying for reputation, and not real quality or special functionality. For the street, as well as for the gazebo, it is better to choose portable models.

The range of propagation of infrared rays can reach 6 m. At the same time, the devices emitting them are compact and lightweight. Combined with increased autonomy, these properties make IRheaters are the best choice for dachas and for private houses outside the city.

But indoors, catalytic devices will come first - thanks to the unique method of generating heat, they do not create toxic gases. In addition, catalytic heating does not consume much fuel, and the heating intensity is even higher than that of infrared analogues. But it must be borne in mind that catalytic heaters cannot be placed where there is no stable ventilation and, in addition to it, the ability to ventilate the room. Therefore, for rooms without windows, it is better to purchase other appliances. For example, devices with ceramic heating plates.

Gas heater for garage

Recently, such devices have become very common and are very popular. They are used to heat houses, on construction sites, in garages. In garden plots, they are suitable for heating greenhouses.

To heat a summer house or other premises with a small area, it is best to purchase a gas heater. This device is able to raise the temperature to a comfortable level in a short time and even provide heat to any place in the open air (terrace, tent, gazebo). All models can work autonomously, without connection to the central highway.

According to the principle of operation and device, gas heaters for home and summer cottages are divided into 3 types:

• infrared ceramic;
• convector;
• catalytic.

To heat a certain size area, such as a terrace or some part of a huge warehouse, an infrared ceramic heater should be chosen. Since it, due to its characteristics, is better than others for open spaces. The principle of operation of a gas infrared heater is as follows: the gas is mixed with the supply air, then it enters the ceramic tile, where it subsequently burns out, thereby increasing the temperature of the heating element. By spreading thermal radiation, it heats the objects around it, and the atmosphere warms up from them. The temperature of the heating element can reach 800°C or more, and it does not need to be connected to the electrical network for operation.

The power of a gas ceramic heater for a summer residence varies from 1.2 to 4.2 kW, and the efficiency is more than 80%. It works from gas cylinders or the central line, has a small weight, as a result, it is easy to move. Another positive characteristic is that it does not dry out the air. Also, it can be installed not only on the floor, but also on walls and ceilings. Before choosing an IR heater for giving, it should be remembered that it does not heat the entire room, but only a certain area, so if you need to cover a large space, you should buy a device with high power and the ability to control it.

Convectors operate on the principle of convection, that is, cold air is supplied from a room or street into an isolated combustion chamber, where it heats up to the required temperature, and then goes into the house.All combustion products are brought out through the tube. This is the main drawback of a convector gas household heater - it necessarily requires a ventilation system. The convector is usually installed under the window, it works both from gas from cylinders and from the main, and to change the type of fuel, it is enough to change the position of the switch. Power limits - 3-12 kW, well suited for cottages, offices, shopping pavilions and so on. Its main advantage is efficiency, which can reach 90%.

Gas catalytic heaters operate completely without flame and noise, which is why they are considered the safest. The average power is 2.9 kW, heating occurs due to the reaction of gas with a catalyst, as a result of which thermal energy is released, while hazardous substances do not appear. The heating element is able to heat up to 500 ° C, but, judging by the reviews of experts, it is still recommended to use it on areas of no more than 20 m2.

2 Kovea Power Sense (KH-2006)

In a tourist tent, every centimeter of space counts, and the miniature dimensions of the Koveevsky heater come in handy. Unlike most analogues, its body is made entirely of metal (only the control lever is plastic), which eliminates the melting of elements. The device is equipped with an overpressure valve and a gas cylinder heating plate, which ensures continuous operation of the mini-stove even in severe frost. You can’t warm up a large space with them, but in a 4-person tent after using 1 cylinder for at least 2 hours it will be very comfortable.

Advantages:

• built-in piezo ignition;
• stable base and easy-to-carry handle;
• declared low fuel consumption - 1 cylinder should be enough for the whole night;
• excellent build quality, simplicity and reliability of the design.

Flaws:

• the heater cannot be called inexpensive - there are more affordable units.
• work only from a collet cylinder with a volume of 220 ml;
• there is no shipping box, which makes storage and transportation of the device problematic;
• very limited volume of heating - max 10 cu. m.

Safety in the operation of heaters

Using portable gas heaters you need to take care of high-quality ventilation of the tent, shelter, temporary hut or other premises. Combustion products must be vented to the atmosphere. If this is not done, there is a great chance of getting burned or gassed.

You should not save on the purchase of quality gas cylinders

It is important to check the availability of documents confirming the quality of the gas cylinder before purchasing. It is not recommended to leave tiles unattended in the wind for a long time.

Strong gusts can topple the appliance. Falling to the ground will break the seal of the cylinder and cause gas leakage. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rules for using gas cylinders in everyday life.

It is not recommended to leave tiles unattended in the wind for a long time. Strong gusts can topple the appliance. Falling to the ground will break the seal of the cylinder and cause gas leakage. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rules for using gas cylinders in everyday life.

It is also advisable to buy gas containers from well-known manufacturers. Fuel in cylinders of an unknown brand will not provide the proper level of heat and may cause an explosion or equipment failure.

Catalytic heater for summer cottages and at home: safety of use

If you are thinking about whether to buy a catalytic heater for a summer residence or at home, the safety of operation of the device will surely become the most important selection criterion.

There is a misconception that catalytic gas heaters can be unsafe and can put the life and health of users at risk. Actually, it is not. Of course, as with any other appliance, a catalytic heater must follow safety rules that are designed to minimize potential risks.

Infrared long-wave radiation not only does not harm human health, but can also have a positive effect

As for the impact of this heater on the human body, the following can be said with certainty: carbon monoxide is not formed as a result of the oxidation process and, accordingly, does not accumulate in the room. So, there is no risk of getting poisoned. In the case of using infrared radiation, only long wavelengths are used, which are not only not harmful, but even useful.

Overview of the best manufacturers

Although the choice of catalytic models is currently quite large, in order not to be mistaken, it is better to choose devices from the best manufacturers.

Bartolini

The company produces some of the most reliable and high-quality devices. They run on liquefied gas and boast high power - for some models it reaches 4200 watts. Also, one of the main advantages of Bartolini devices is their independence from the presence of communications.

Most models are equipped with a gas cylinder built into the body.The devices have several power levels that can be adjusted independently. Depending on the model and configuration option, Italian heaters can cost from 11 to 18 thousand rubles. In addition, Bartolini heaters have a high degree of safety. Most of them are equipped with a carbon dioxide monitoring sensor and an automatic rollover shutdown system. The most popular model is the Bartolini pullover k.

campingaz

The French company is known for its economical and compact heaters. It produces equipment for use in residential, industrial and warehouse premises, as well as portable models. The devices are distinguished by economical fuel consumption and cost within 10,000 rubles. The most popular model is Campingaz cr 5000 turbo.

Kovea

The Korean firm is known for its portable models with infrared radiation. The safety of the equipment is achieved by the almost complete rejection of the use of plastic parts. On average, Kovea heaters cost 5-11 thousand rubles.

Argo

The heaters of the Russian manufacturer are represented mainly by budget devices. They are used for heating garages, warehouses, greenhouses. Such devices cost around 2000 rubles.