DeWalt Forced Air Kerosene Construction Heater

Stepping into the colder months, having a reliable heater on the job site or in the workshop is essential. I recently had the chance to work with DeWalt's Forced Air Kerosene Construction Heater, model DXH215HD, and I’ve got some insights to share about its performance and overall usability.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

First off, the heater is robust and built to withstand the rigors of a construction site. The build quality is evident right out of the box. With its roll cage design, 10" flat-free tires, and ergonomic handle, it’s clear that DeWalt put a lot of thought into making this heater durable and portable. Assembling the heater was straightforward, and I appreciated the recessed controls that protect the settings from accidental bumps or damage.

Performance and Heating Capacity

Boasting an output of 215,000 BTU per hour, this heater is a powerhouse. It’s designed to heat large areas up to 6,500 square feet, which is impressive. In my tests, it lived up to these claims, warming up a sizable workshop and a few job sites with ease. The continuous electronic ignition is a nice touch, ensuring smooth operation and preventing fuel pooling, which can be a common issue with other heaters.

Fuel consumption is reasonable at 1.6 gallons per hour, and with a 14-gallon tank, it offers around 8 hours of continuous run time. This is perfect for a full workday without needing to refuel constantly. The heater can run on kerosene, diesel, JP-8, and fuel oil, adding to its versatility, which is a significant plus if you work in different environments or have varying fuel availability.

Real-World Usage

The heater’s performance in real-world conditions was generally satisfactory. During moderate to severely cold days, it provided consistent and efficient heat. In a 5,000 square foot, poorly insulated garage, the temperature rose from 36 degrees to a comfortable 84 degrees within minutes. The heater also performed well in a 2,050 square foot shop with high ceilings, taking the temperature from 30 to 60 degrees in about 35 minutes.

However, I did notice some issues that could be potential deal-breakers for certain users. The heater can sometimes spit fuel and smoke, especially when the cover is on. This was troubling, as it created a hazardous environment with fumes and potential slip hazards. Adjusting the fuel pressure and ensuring proper airflow helped somewhat, but these adjustments shouldn’t be necessary with a brand-new unit.

Reliability and Maintenance

Over time, reliability became a significant concern. Some units failed to ignite after a few uses, and others required manual adjustments to keep running. These issues are frustrating, particularly when you’re relying on the heater in freezing conditions. Moreover, finding replacement parts proved to be a challenge, which is a major downside if you plan to use this heater long-term.

On the flip side, the two-piece split barrel design makes maintenance and cleaning easier, which is a thoughtful feature. The overall design is rugged and meant to endure tough conditions, but the internal components didn’t always live up to the DeWalt name.

Ergonomics and Portability

The heater’s design includes ergonomic handles and sturdy wheels, making it relatively easy to move around the job site or workshop. Despite its weight when full (120 lbs), the flat-free tires ensure you don’t have to worry about punctures or flats, which is a convenience when working on uneven or debris-laden surfaces.

Final Thoughts

In summary, DeWalt’s Forced Air Kerosene Construction Heater, model DXH215HD, has a lot going for it in terms of build quality, heating capacity, and design. It’s capable of delivering substantial heat over large areas, and its versatility with various fuel types is commendable. The heater is also easy to transport and maintain, which is crucial for construction environments.

However, the reliability issues and the difficulty in finding replacement parts are significant downsides. The need for constant adjustments to keep the unit running smoothly can be a deal-breaker, especially if you’re looking for a no-fuss, reliable heating solution.

Recommendation

Would I recommend this heater? It depends. If you’re in need of a powerful, high-capacity heater for large spaces and are willing to tinker with it occasionally, the DeWalt DXH215HD could be a good fit. It certainly has the potential to keep your workspace warm and comfortable. However, if reliability and ease of maintenance are your primary concerns, you might want to explore other options. The frequent need for adjustments and the challenge of finding replacement parts could make this heater more trouble than it’s worth in the long run.