Ceramic Heaters to Get You Through the Cold Winter
For those who feel that wood-burning stoves, or oil/kerosene stoves are a bit too challenging for cold winter camping, we recommend ceramic heaters.
Let's look at the precautions for use, electricity consumption, and the pros and cons compared to other types of stoves.
Handling While Sleeping
When sleeping, it's important to be careful about turning over or knocking things over as a result.
Ceramic heaters don't have a visible flame, so they may seem safer and more hygienic than oil/kerosene stoves or wood-burning stoves. However, there is still a risk of fire if the heating element of a ceramic heater comes into contact with something for a long period.
If bedding or flammable materials accidentally come into contact with the heater while you're sleeping, it can lead to a fire. Therefore, when sleeping, place the heater away from flammable materials or turn it off before going to bed.
There are three elements required for something to burn, and when these are present, "ignition" occurs.
- Combustible material: This is the material that burns.
- Oxygen: This is the oxygen found in the air.
- Heat: This is the key! It doesn't necessarily have to be a flame; it can be anything that "becomes hot."
Ignition temperature: This is the temperature at which something spontaneously ignites without an external flame source. The ignition temperature is 260-416°C [Reference] Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Fire College, Fire Research Center
Even if the temperature of the heating element doesn't reach the ignition temperature, prolonged contact can cause it to reach that temperature.
Required Electricity
The electricity cost of a ceramic heater can be calculated with the formula: "Power Consumption (W) ÷ 1000 × Usage Time (h) × Cost per 1kWh"
Most models have a strong mode and a weak mode, with the strong mode around 1200W and the weak mode around 650W.
Switch modes according to the temperature and usage conditions for appropriate use.
Many campsites' AC power supplies are between 700W and 1000W, so the strong mode often cannot be used.
Assume that using the weak mode is the basic operation.
Pros and Cons Compared to Oil/Kerosene Stoves
Advantages of Ceramic Heaters Over Oil/Kerosene Stoves
Advantages
- Fuel transport: Oil/kerosene stoves require transporting kerosene in a jerry can, but ceramic heaters can be used anywhere as long as there's a power source.
- Safety: Ceramic heaters, which don't require an open flame, eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Although they must be turned off when sleeping due to the risk of fire from heat, they can be used safely inside a tent.
Disadvantages of Ceramic Heaters Compared to Oil/Kerosene Stoves
Disadvantages
- Warmth: While excellent at spot heating, it takes time to warm an entire tent. There are larger models, but they are difficult to transport.
- Use at non-powered sites: Since they generate heat using electricity, they are practically unusable at non-powered sites. Also, portable power supplies often have a maximum output of 700W, and popular models typically have 400W, so they cannot be used. Additionally, it's important to remember that portable power supplies may not be able to supply sufficient power in low-temperature environments.
Pros and cons compared to wood-burning stoves
Pros and Cons Compared to Wood-Burning Stoves
Advantages of Ceramic Heaters Over Wood-Burning Stoves
Advantages
- Easy ignition and extinguishing: You can ignite and extinguish with just one switch. No need to create kindling, blow air, or wait for the embers to die out.
- Easy setup: Simply transport it from your car and plug it in.
Disadvantages of Ceramic Heaters Compared to Wood-Burning Stoves
Disadvantages
- Often cannot be used at maximum output: Campsite power supplies are typically around 700W to 1000W, while the strong mode of ceramic heaters is often around 1200W. Therefore, in practice, only the weak mode (around 650W) can be used.
- Lacks ambiance: Unfortunately, there's no ambiance. For better or worse, there's no sound or smell, and it undeniably feels like bringing a home appliance with you.
Thorough Comparison of Ceramic Heaters
| Size W×D×H cm | Power Consumption | Body Weight (kg) | Price | Features | |
| 27.6×14×41.7 | (50/60Hz):800/700W | 2.5 | ￥8,100 | Operates efficiently with human and room temperature sensors. Max output 800W, safe for use at powered sites. | |
| IRIS OHYAMA PCH-125D-W | 24×11.1×34.1 | 50Hz:1200W/60Hz:1100W | 2.1 | ￥4,532 | Stated output is 1000W or more, but can be used in 2 stages including 600W. Dial operation is intuitive. |
| YAMAZEN Fireplace Heater YDH-M10 | 42.5×24×49 | 1000W | 6.7kg | ￥7,980 | Safe to use in weak mode at 500W. Although heavy, the fireplace gimmick creates ambiance. |
YAMAZEN Ceramic Heater with Human Motion Sensor
Size: 27.6cm W × 14cm D × 41.7cm H
Power Consumption (50/60Hz): 800/700W
Body Weight (kg): 2.5
Quick-heating type that emits warm air as soon as it's switched ON.
Built-in sensor detects room temperature and automatically controls heating/stopping. Adjusts temperature to a comfortable level.
Set temperature can be switched between 4 levels (approximate: 16℃, 20℃, 24℃, 28℃)
IRIS OHYAMA Ceramic Fan Heater with Human Motion Sensor (1200W/600W 2-stage switching) White PCH-125D-W
Size: approx. 24 cm W × 11.1 cm D × 34.1 cm H
50Hz: 1200W/60Hz: 1100W
Body weight (kg): 2.1
Although the strong mode is 1200W, the weak mode is 600W, making it suitable for use at powered sites.
You can switch between automatic and continuous operation depending on usage. The selection is made via a dial, allowing for intuitive operation.
YAMAZEN Fireplace Heater (500/1000W) YDH-M10(B)
Dimensions: 42.5 cm W × 24 cm D × 49 cm H
Power consumption: 1000W (50Hz/60Hz)
Weight: 6.7kg
Operating modes: 500/1000W
The maximum output is 1000W, making it just barely usable at powered sites, but you can use it without worry in the weak mode.
While it has some weight, the fireplace-designed aesthetic is full of ambiance, and the log-like structure is realistically enhanced by lights that simulate flickering flames.
It provides an atmosphere as if you're actually using a fireplace, reducing the feeling of it being just an appliance. The fact that you can enjoy it even without using the heater function is also a plus.
