DeWalt 135,000 BTU Forced Air Kerosene Heater

A big blast of clean, controllable heat

I put the DeWalt forced‑air heater to work through a few frigid weeks in a drafty, 1,600‑square‑foot pole barn and on an open jobsite. It’s a 135,000 BTU torpedo‑style unit with a built‑in thermostat and a 14‑gallon tank, and it behaves exactly like a jobsite heater should: fast to fire, simple to wheel into place, and powerful enough to make a cold space workable in minutes.

Setup, build, and mobility

Out of the box, the wheel kit and handles transform a heavy machine into something you can actually live with day to day. The heater itself is about 74 pounds empty; fill the 14‑gallon tank and you’re pushing north of 160 pounds. The 10‑inch flat‑free tires and roll‑cage handles matter here. I rolled it across gravel and slab without drama, and the protective frame gives you solid grab points without feeling flimsy.

The controls are recessed, which seems like a small thing until you load tools or lumber around it. Nothing sticks out to get sheared off. There’s also a front barrel support that doubles as a small storage spot—I kept gloves and a spare nozzle wrench there, and it’s exactly where you want those items when your hands are cold.

Power is standard 120V for the ignition, fan, and electronics. If you’re running a long extension cord, use a heavy gauge to avoid voltage drop; a 12‑gauge cord is a good baseline for 50‑100 feet.

Heat output and real‑world performance

On output, this heater delivers. In my barn (uninsulated door seams, partial insulation), I could take the edge off 25°F air quickly. Within 10–15 minutes, you feel the temperature rise; within 30–40 minutes, I was comfortable working in a sweatshirt. Forced air moves a lot of volume, so the whole space warms more evenly than with a radiant-only solution. On an open renovation with partial exterior sheathing, it kept the crew’s hands warm and drywall mud cooperative despite a biting wind.

The manufacturer pegs coverage around 3,375 square feet. That feels realistic for moderately sealed spaces. If your building leaks like a sieve, you’ll still be far better than ambient, but don’t expect miracles against wind.

The thermostat (25°F to 95°F range) is the killer feature. Set a target, and the unit cycles cleanly without fussing over it. I appreciated the consistent re‑light: the continuous electronic ignition is reliable, and I didn’t experience flameouts during cycling. Overshoot was modest—maybe a couple of degrees—which is fine for a work environment.

Fuel flexibility and run time

The multi‑fuel capability is genuinely useful. I ran primarily on 1‑K kerosene for cleaner burn and less odor, then switched to on‑road diesel on a weekend when kerosene wasn’t handy. Both worked; diesel produces a more noticeable exhaust smell, so ventilation becomes even more important. If you operate on extremely cold days, winter‑blend diesel helps with gelling. The fact that it will run on fuel oil or JP‑8 broadens its utility for farms and facilities with existing fuel stores.

Fuel consumption lined up with expectations. At full tilt, you’re roughly in the 1 gallon per hour ballpark, which tracks with the 14‑hour claim on a full tank. With the thermostat cycling in my barn, I comfortably got a full workday plus cleanup on one fill. If you’re heating outdoors or doors are wide open, plan on higher consumption.

Controls, ignition, and reliability

Start‑up is as simple as plug in, set the thermostat, and switch on. The fan spools up, the ignition clicks in, and you get a consistent blue‑white flame. The photo cell flame sensor behaved as it should—no false trips. I like the way the controls are laid out: uncomplicated, gloved‑hand friendly, and protected from impacts. In colder mornings, the unit lit without hesitation; voltage stability from a solid cord helps.

Noise and comfort

Forced‑air heaters move a lot of air, and this one is no library. Expect a consistent jet‑engine style whoosh, similar to other torpedo heaters in this class. You can hold a conversation by raising your voice, but ear protection is smart if you’re standing nearby for long periods. The benefit is quick heat across the space instead of a single hot spot.

Safety and ventilation

This is a jobsite/outdoor unit, not something you run in a sealed basement or a small room. Combustion uses oxygen and produces exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide. You need substantial ventilation—cracked doors, open windows, or a partially open building. A CO detector in the workspace is inexpensive insurance. Keep clearances around the front barrel and don’t aim the hot airstream at flammables. The high‑temperature shut‑off and flame sensing provide a safety net, but they don’t replace common sense.

Tip: Place the heater upwind if you’re working in an open structure so the airstream flows across the work area and out, rather than pulling exhaust back toward you.

Maintenance and care

Like all multi‑fuel torpedo heaters, this one rewards basic maintenance:
- Keep fuel clean. Use a funnel with a screen and cap containers to minimize contamination.
- Periodically wipe the photo cell lens and check air inlets for dust buildup.
- If you run diesel, expect a bit more residue; kerosene burns cleaner.
- Before storing for the season, drain the tank or run it near empty and add a splash of stabilizer to whatever remains.

These steps take minutes and prevent the majority of “won’t stay lit” problems that plague neglected heaters.

Portability and everyday usability

The wheel kit makes a real difference here. Even when full, I could tilt and roll it solo on jobsite terrain. The flat‑free tires shrug off screws and gravel, and the frame acts like a bumper when you’re loading it in a trailer. The recessed controls are harder to vandalize by accident—good news for shared jobsites and busy shops.

I also like the small glove/parts compartment at the front. It seems trivial, but not hunting for a lighter, matches, or adjusters (even though you don’t need a lighter with electronic ignition) is a sign that the designers have spent time on real sites.

Limitations and trade‑offs

• It needs electricity. If you work where power is unreliable, you’ll need a generator.
• It’s loud, as expected for its class. If noise is a deal‑breaker, consider radiant propane instead (but you’ll trade away the fast whole‑space warm‑up).
• A full tank makes it heavy. Plan your refueling so you’re not muscling it up a ramp right after filling.
• Warranty is one year. I’d like to see longer coverage for a jobsite‑oriented tool, though DeWalt’s parts and service network is decent.

None of these are surprises, but they’re worth weighing for your use case.

Who it’s for

If you’re a contractor, mechanic, farmer, or event crew who needs to turn a cold, large space into a workable environment quickly, this heater fits. It’s also a great option for well‑ventilated garages and barns when you want to work through winter without waiting an hour for comfort. If you need silent or indoor‑residential safe heat, look elsewhere.

The bottom line

The DeWalt forced‑air heater hits the marks that matter: big, honest heat; predictable thermostat control; multi‑fuel flexibility; and jobsite‑friendly build quality with real mobility. It starts reliably, runs steadily, and shrugs off the bumps and dings of daily use. You’ll need to give it ventilation, accept the noise, and keep its fuel clean—but those are standard trade‑offs for the category.

Recommendation: I recommend this heater for anyone who needs high output in large, well‑ventilated spaces and values thermostat control and rugged portability. It’s a straightforward, dependable way to keep work moving in the cold, and the multi‑fuel capability makes it easy to keep running with whatever clean fuel you can source on a given day.