Kerosene is one of the most common and popular fuels around the world, and is regularly used in heaters, cooking appliances and more. Although it’s no longer quite as popular in North America as it used to be, it is still a reliable standby for various types of portable heaters.
Every prepper, naturally, will want to keep a sizable stash of kerosene on hand to keep their heaters working, but what happens if you run out of kerosene?
Some folks say that it is possible to use diesel fuel as an alternate to kerosene in normal kerosene heaters. Is it true? Is it possible? Can diesel really be used in a kerosene heater?
Yes, diesel fuel can be used safely in a kerosene heater with just a little bit of isopropyl alcohol as an additive.
This is definitely great information to know since it provides you with more flexibility using the same appliance, whatever it is.
As it turns out, kerosene is really just a form of diesel fuel itself and that easily explains why common diesel fuel, also known as No.2 diesel, will still work in a kerosene heater.
Of course, there is plenty more you should know before you try this yourself, so keep reading and I’ll tell you all about it…
Why Burn Diesel in a Kerosene Heater at All?
The simplest answer is that you are simply out of kerosene fuel. Having alternate liquid fuel types for any sort of vehicle, tool or appliance is only a good thing when it comes to preparedness.
Just like how some generators can accept both gasoline and propane, or even additional fuels besides, it’s good to know you can rely on a diesel as a backup to your usual supply of kerosene.
Now, from a performance perspective, there’s no great reason to use diesel instead of kerosene.
Diesel does not put out quite as much heat as kerosene, although they are very close, and it tends to produce a little more odor and also burn up wicks quicker than kerosene.
But make no mistake, your heater will work normally and safely, and you’ll definitely stay warm!
Is it Safe to Use Diesel in an Indoor Kerosene Heater?
Yes, it is safe to use diesel in an indoor kerosene heater if the heater is otherwise used in a safe manner.
Diesel doesn’t make any given heater in any given environment more or less safe. Said another way, as long as you have taken all reasonable precautions to provide ventilation and prevent accidental fires, you can safely use diesel in your indoor kerosene heater.
But the reverse is also true. If you’re using your kerosene heater in an unsafe way, or operating it in an unsafe location or during times of heightened fire risk or with poor circulation, using diesel isn’t going to make it any safer…
Which Kind of Diesel Can Be Used to Replace Kerosene?
You can use common, garden variety…