Catalytic gas heater: characteristics and review of the best models

The issue of heating is relevant in our area like nowhere else - the rather harsh climate makes us think over heating systems for the home in the cold season. But when it comes to stand-alone systems that do not require large costs and complex installation, many questions arise. Consider one of the most popular options - a catalytic gas heater: advantages, disadvantages, as well as features of use.

Catalytic gas heater: how the device works

Catalytic heaters appeared in the vastness of our country relatively recently, but this did not prevent them from occupying a worthy position in the market at the moment. The principle of their operation is fundamentally different from those used in other gas appliances. In the standard scheme, the fuel entering the burner is burned, resulting in the release of thermal energy.

Among the disadvantages of this method of heat production is the fact that a large amount of combustion by-products is released in the process. This negatively affects both the efficiency of the devices and the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the room. These disadvantages are not typical for catalytic heaters, since the principle of their operation is different.

The combustion of fuel in a catalytic gas fired heater does not involve a flame. Instead, the following processes take place:

• when the device is turned on, the catalyst surface begins to warm up. Depending on the selected mode, the temperature can range from 200 to 500 ° C;
• at this time, an air-fuel mixture is prepared in a special chamber;
• liquefied gas is supplied to the heated catalyst plate, which, under the influence of all factors, burns out without forming a flame.

Typically, the plate used in catalytic heaters is made from fiberglass with platinum powder added to it. This allows the device to be not only safe but also environmentally friendly.In addition, the thermal efficiency of such a system is significantly higher than that of standard gas burners, which explains the popularity of these devices.

Varieties of catalytic heaters

Catalytic heaters may differ depending on the type of fuel used, as well as some features of operation. Since the internal structure of the heater directly affects its performance, consider the main groups of such devices:

• gas heaters are the most common, but far from the only option. It is based on the combustion process of a propane-butane mixture. This option is ideal for heating country houses or garages. The most powerful devices can easily heat entire construction sites or warehouses. The maximum power of devices on sale is 4900 W. And although during the operation of the device the release of harmful impurities and combustion products does not occur, it is worthwhile to use such devices with special attention in rooms whose area is less than 20 m²;
• A gasoline catalytic heater is a device with a pre-built fuel reservoir. It is connected to a catalytic cartridge where gasoline vapors are fed to undergo oxidation. Such models have a modest size, which makes them easy to use when hiking, fishing or hunting;

Useful advice! For added convenience, some models of portable catalytic heaters are additionally equipped with a hob. This allows you to make your outdoor cooking more comfortable.

• heaters operating on dry fuel or industrial alcohol. These are small-sized models that, like gasoline ones, are designed for use in the field. Their warmth is just enough to cover the minimum needs such as heating food, water, drying clothes and providing warmth inside the tent. Such models are lightweight (about 1-1.5 kg) and small in size. There is always a special compartment inside the structure, into which a container with alcohol or, if necessary, a gas cylinder is installed.

In addition to the basic types, there is one more - catalytic multi-fuel heaters. This type of device is capable of operating on any available fuel - both liquid and gaseous. The power of such a device is usually between 500 and 1200 W.

Infrared catalytic gas heater for summer cottages

Another parameter by which it is customary to distinguish between catalytic heaters is the presence of an infrared emitter. Models with this addition have a point effect thanks to ceramic panels and reflectors located on the inner surface. This is how heat energy is converted into infrared radiation and gets into the environment.

Such devices, as a rule, have extremely high performance and operate on gas fuel. Their use is not limited to heating homes. You can often find such heaters on the street: they can be equipped with summer platforms and verandas. Thanks to infrared radiation, the devices do not consume energy to warm up the surrounding air, but act on the surrounding objects, heating them.

It is difficult to say for sure which gas heater is better: infrared or catalytic without a diffuser. In the second case, the device heats up the air, not objects, which is absolutely inappropriate when it comes to outdoor installation. In any case, it is worthwhile to study the issue of gas catalytic heaters deeper: reviews of each model can be easily found on the network and the appropriate conclusions can be drawn.

Useful advice! If there is a need to heat a large area, it is best to consider a heater with a fan heater. This addition will quickly raise the room temperature.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Heating with a Catalytic Heater

Before buying a catalytic heater, you need to understand all the advantages and disadvantages of this heating method.

Advantages of a catalytic heater:

• a catalytic heater for a summer cottage or home does not adversely affect the indoor climate. It does not violate the natural balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide and does not emit harmful substances that are usually formed during combustion, thus maintaining a healthy microclimate;

• the device is much safer than traditional gas ones, since there is no danger of poisoning as a result of excessive emission of carbon monoxide. In addition, there is no risk of fire. Such a device can be safely used in the house, in a tent, and in an industrial workshop;
• another important advantage is the ability to adjust the power of the device. This allows you not only to maintain a comfortable temperature, but also to significantly save;
• mobility - even large and powerful devices can be easily moved, not to mention compact heaters. According to device owners in reviews, catalytic heaters often fit easily into a bag or backpack.

Despite the abundance of significant advantages, catalytic heaters are not without disadvantages:

• such devices have a rather limited operating period - about 2500 hours. The fact is that during use, the catalyst gradually burns out and after a certain time it must be changed. The amount is approximately 2/3 of the cost of exactly the same new equipment, so it is easier to throw out the old device and purchase a new one;

• the quality and life of a catalytic heater directly depend on how well the refined fuel you use. Low-quality gasoline or technical alcohol will very quickly render the device unusable.

Catalytic heater for summer cottages and homes: safety of use

If you are thinking about whether to buy a catalytic heater for a summer cottage or at home, the safety of the device will probably be the most important selection criterion.

There is a misconception that catalytic gas fired heaters can be unsafe and could put the lives and health of users at risk. In fact, this is not the case. Of course, as with any appliance, safety precautions must be followed with a catalytic heater to keep potential risks to a minimum.

As for the impact of this heater on the human body, we can say with confidence the following: carbon monoxide is not formed as a result of the oxidation process and, accordingly, does not accumulate in the room. This means there is no risk of getting poisoned. In the case of using infrared radiation, exclusively long waves are used, which are not only not harmful, but even useful.

Note! It has been repeatedly confirmed that infrared long-wave radiation has a positive effect on both the nervous and the immune system of a person, having a beneficial effect on health in general.

The most popular brands and models of catalytic gas heaters

There are not so many companies that offer really high-quality products on the heating equipment market. Therefore, when choosing a suitable option for yourself, pay attention to reputable manufacturers. Let's try to figure out the devices of which companies are the most popular, and also consider the features of some models of these manufacturers.

Bartolini gas catalytic heaters

The heating equipment of the famous Italian brand Bartolini is very popular in Russia. By releasing rather powerful devices (from 2900 to 4200 W), this company provided heat to many homes. The manufacturer made the main emphasis on the complete independence of the devices from the presence of any communications. All models run on liquefied gas.

Popular Bartolini catalytic gas heaters:

Model name	Specifications	Dimensions, weight	price, rub.
Bartolini pullover k turbo plus	power - 2900 W; available piezo ignition; approximate fuel consumption - 0.2 kg / h; volume of the envisaged cylinder - 27 l	780x430x420 mm 13.5 kg	15750
Bartolini pullover k	power - 2900 W; piezo ignition is absent; approximate fuel consumption - 0.2 kg / h; volume of the envisaged cylinder - 27 l	780x430x420 mm 13.5 kg	11480
Bartolini pullover i	power - 4200 W; has three power modes, as well as safety sensors; gas consumption 0.1 / 0.2 / 0.3 kg / h at 1400/2800/4200 W, respectively	780x430x420 mm 13.5 kg	13200
Bartolini primavera k	power - 2900 W; has 3 power modes; available piezo ignition; approximate fuel consumption - 0.2 kg / h; volume of the envisaged cylinder - 27 l	780x430x420 mm 13.5 kg	11480

 

The most popular among the presented models is the Bartolini pullover k gas catalytic heater. Reviews about him are the most positive, and the cost of this device is one of the most affordable. At the same time, if you need to heat a room that exceeds the standard 35 m² for these devices, you can purchase Bartolini pullover i. It has a large capacity and can easily heat about 50 m².

Which gas catalytic heater to choose: Bartolini pullover k, Bartolini pullover i or any other of the proposed options, it is worth deciding based on personal preferences and the operating conditions of the room that is supposed to be heated. In any case, there is no doubt about the quality and reliability of devices from this manufacturer.

Campingaz heating equipment

The second most popular place is confidently taken by Campingaz. For over 60 years, this French company has been producing all kinds of equipment, mainly gas. The company focuses on ensuring the most comfortable stay in nature at any time of the year. And a great example of this is the Campingaz cr 5000 turbo gas catalytic heater.

The maximum power of this heater is 3000 W, while the device is equipped with its regulator and piezo ignition. The device is quite economical - when used at maximum power, the fuel consumption is no more than 0.2 kg / h.

Kovea gas catalytic heaters

The Korean company Kovea closes the top three among foreign manufacturers, whose gas heaters are popular today. This company is ready to offer its customers a wide variety of models, as well as, as an addition to them, special purified fuel.

A table with the characteristics of the three best models of Kovea heaters:

Model name	Specifications	Dimensions, weight	price, rub.
Kovea KH-2006	a small outdoor heater with a power of 1040 W; consumes 0.75 kg / h	25x24x23 cm packed 1.4 kg	6460
Kovea KH-0203	power - 1670 W; fuel consumption - 0.12 kg / h	34x28x19 cm packed; 2.1 kg	10130
H-0710 Fire Ball	intended for use on hikes; power - 900W; piezoelectric element available	190x180x190 mm 565 g	6233

 

Argo gas catalytic heater

If you want to purchase an even more budgetary heater, you should pay attention to the domestic-made Argo gas catalytic heater. This device is widely used for heating verandas, garages, as well as industrial premises where there is a sufficiently high level of air circulation. This device cannot be used in small or confined spaces.

Most often, the Argo heater is used when it is necessary to maintain a high temperature in a greenhouse or shed where animals are located. Many farmers use it to grow their produce.

The device also runs on liquefied gas, which enters it from a cylinder through a special hose. The volume of the connected cylinder can be from 5 to 15 liters. With a power of 2900 W, the device consumes only 0.25 kg / h of gas, burning it on a panel heated to 800-900 ° C. At the same time, the percentage of emitted carbon dioxide does not exceed 0.01%. Nevertheless, as mentioned above, it is not recommended to use this heater in poorly ventilated rooms.

The device is small in size, but significant in weight. With dimensions of 420x330x210 mm, its weight is 6.7 kg, which makes it difficult to move over serious distances. However, for stationary use, the Argo heater is a perfectly suitable option. Moreover, you can buy such a model for only 2100 rubles.

How to choose and buy a catalytic gas heater

Buying any device, including a catalytic heater, requires attention. You need to imagine as accurately as possible: where, in what conditions and how often you plan to use the acquisition. When choosing, it is important to take into account both the price of a gas catalytic heater and reviews of real buyers about this model.

The parameters specified by the manufacturer will help to determine the required power of the device. The packaging usually contains information about the maximum area the heater can cover.

Gas catalytic cylinder heaters have recently appeared on the market. However, their ease of use, as well as a high level of safety and environmental friendliness, quickly made them popular not only among outdoor enthusiasts, but also among those who simply want to heat their country house or garage with high quality. Such devices are highly efficient, affordable and are excellent for use in almost any environment.