Ceramic heater to get you through the cold winter
For those who find wood-burning stoves or kerosene/oil stoves a bit too much of a hassle for winter camping, we recommend ceramic heaters.
Let's look at the precautions for use, electricity consumption, and other advantages and disadvantages compared to other stoves.
How to handle things when going to bed
When sleeping, be careful of tossing and turning and the resulting objects falling over.
Ceramic heaters are generally considered safer and more hygienic than oil/kerosene stoves or wood-burning stoves because the flame is not directly visible. However, even with ceramic heaters, there is a risk of fire if the heating element is in contact with the heating element for an extended period.
If bedding or flammable materials accidentally come into contact with the device while you are sleeping, it could lead to a fire. Therefore, when you go to sleep, keep the device away from flammable materials or extinguish the fire before going to bed.
There are three elements that cause something to burn, and when these are all present, it "ignites."
- Combustible materials are, in other words, things that burn.
- Oxygen is the oxygen contained in the air.
- Heat - This is the key point! It doesn't necessarily have to be a flame, but anything that gets "high temperature."
Ignition temperature: This is the temperature at which a substance will spontaneously ignite without any external ignition source. The ignition temperature ranges from 260 to 416°C. [Reference]Fire and Disaster Management Agency Fire Academy Fire Research Center
Even if the temperature of the heating element has not reached the ignition temperature, prolonged contact can cause it to reach the ignition temperature.
Required amount of electricity
The electricity cost of a ceramic heater can be calculated using the formula: "Power consumption (W) ÷ 1000 × Usage time (h) × Price per kWh".
Most models have a high mode and a low mode, with high mode producing around 1200W and low mode producing around 650W.
Switch between settings according to the temperature and usage conditions for appropriate use.
Many campsites have AC power outlets with a power output of 700W to 1000W, so it's often not possible to use them in high power mode.
Let's assume that using it in low mode is the default setting.
Advantages and disadvantages compared to oil/kerosene stoves
Advantages of ceramic heaters over oil/kerosene stoves
merit
- Fuel Transportation: While oil and kerosene stoves require transporting kerosene in plastic containers, ceramic heaters can be used anywhere as long as there is a power source.
- Safety: Ceramic heaters do not require the power of flames, so there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Although you should turn them off when sleeping to prevent fires caused by heat, they can be used safely inside tents.
Points where ceramic heaters are inferior to oil/kerosene stoves
Disadvantages
- Because it excels at providing localized warmth, it takes a long time to heat the entire tent. Larger sizes are available, but they are difficult to carry.
- Use at non-powered campsites: Because it generates heat using electricity, it is practically unusable at campsites without power. Also, portable power supplies have a usable power capacity of only 700W at high output and 400W for popular models, so they cannot be used. In addition, remember that portable power supplies may not be able to supply sufficient power in low temperature environments.
Advantages and disadvantages compared to wood-burning stoves
Advantages and disadvantages compared to wood-burning stoves
Advantages of ceramic heaters over wood-burning stoves
merit
- Easy ignition and extinguishing. Ignition and extinguishing can be done with a single switch. Simply create a pilot flame and blow air on it. There's no need to wait for the ember to die out.
- It's easy to set up; just take it out of your car and plug it into an outlet.
Points where ceramic heaters are inferior to wood-burning stoves
Disadvantages
- It's often not possible to use it at maximum output. Campground power outlets are typically around 700W to 1000W, while the high mode of ceramic heaters is often 1200W or higher, meaning that in practice, you can only use the low mode, around 650W.
- Unfortunately, there's no atmosphere to enjoy. For better or worse, there's no sound or smell, and it undeniably feels like someone has brought in electrical appliances.
A thorough comparison of ceramic heaters
| Dimensions: Width x Depth x Height (cm) | Power consumption | Body weight (kg) | price | Features | |
| <Yamazen> DSF-VL084(W) with human body detection sensor | 27.6 × 14 × 41.7 | (50/60Hz): 800/700W | 2.5 | ¥8,100 | Human and room temperature sensors ensure efficient operation. With a maximum output of 800W, it's safe to use even at powered campsites. |
| Iris Ohyama PCH-125D-W | 24 × 11.1 × 34.1 | 50Hz: 1200W/60Hz: 1100W | 2.1 | ¥4,532 | Although it's labeled as having an output of over 1000W, it can be used in two stages: 1000W and 600W. Operation is intuitive with a dial. |
| Yamazen Fireplace-Type Heater YDH-M10 | 42.5×24×49 | 1000W | 6.7kg | ¥7,980 | It's safe to use as it's 500W on low mode. It's a bit heavy, but the fireplace mechanism creates a nice atmosphere. |
Yamazen Ceramic Heater with Human Body Detection Sensor
Dimensions: Width 27.6 x Depth 14 x Height 41.7 cm
Power consumption (50/60Hz): 800/700W
Body weight (kg): 2.5
This is a fast-heating type that emits warm air immediately after being switched on.
Built-in sensors detect the room temperature and automatically control heating/stopping, adjusting the temperature for optimal comfort.
The temperature can be switched between four levels (approximate: 16°C, 20°C, 24°C, 28°C).
Iris Ohyama Ceramic Fan Heater with Motion Sensor (1200W/600W 2-stage switching) White PCH-125D-W
Size: Approximately 24 cm (width) x 11.1 cm (depth) x 34.1 cm (height)
50Hz: 1200W/60Hz: 1100W
Body weight (kg): 2.1
The high mode is 1200W, but the low mode is 600W, so it has two power settings and can be used even at powered sites.
You can switch between automatic and continuous operation depending on your usage. The switching is done via a dial, making it intuitive to use.
YAMAZEN Fireplace-style Heater (500/1000W) YDH-M10(B)
Dimensions: Width 42.5 x Depth 24 x Height 49 cm
Power consumption: 1000W (50Hz/60Hz)
Weight 6.7kg
Power output switching: 500/1000W
With a maximum output of 1000W, it's just barely usable at power-supplied campsites, and you can use it without worry in low mode.
Although it's heavy, the fireplace-inspired design creates a fantastic atmosphere, and the flickering flames of the logs are realistically rendered by the lighting.
It creates an atmosphere that feels like you're actually using a fireplace, and it doesn't feel like a typical household appliance. Another plus is that you can enjoy it even without using the heater.
