Vevor 8KW Diesel Air Heater
Why diesel?
Convenient and easy to keep fueled, the Vevor 8KW Diesel Air Heater provides reliable dry heat with very low fuel consumption. Diesel air heaters are ideal for situations where efficient heating is required but power is in short supply or non-existent. And you don't have to hunt around to find the fuel since it takes the same diesel fuel you get at just about any gas station. This unit offers a 1.3-gallon fuel tank, which is about enough fuel to keep a space warm for about a weekend depending on temperatures and the volume of the space. Unlike some heaters, the air is dry so you won't wake up to a damp room. As you might expect, diesel air heaters need to have a way to run outdoors or you need to route the exhaust outside. These are often used to heat small campers, vans, sheds, and as a backup to keep at home when the power goes out. Diesel heaters are inexpensive to run and they are very reliable.
About Vevor
Vevor offers a wide range of its own products that are built more for substance than glitz and glamor. They have been around since 2007 and they produce a vast array of products including heating and cooling devices, power tools, solar equipment, and garden tools. You have probably seen Vevor products at big box retail stores like Home Depot and Walmart, but you can often find better deals by ordering from them directly. Vevor has a large distribution warehouse in the US, so most items get shipped from there and delivery is quick and painless.
What you get
The Vevor 8KW Diesel Air Heater is an all-in-one heater with a plastic case, a built-in tank, a small controller, and a fuel pump. It is rated at 8KW by Vevor, but it should be noted that this tends to be more of a class of heater than an exact output (we couldn't find any third party tests to back up the claim). Like many rated goods these days, there is an understanding that real output might not hit that mark exactly, but it will stack up against other heaters marketed in the same range.
Inside the box you find the heater assembly, a five-liter (1.3 gallon) fuel tank, a control panel with Bluetooth (can be connected to your phone and controlled with an app), a handheld remote, an inline pump, a clear fuel line, clamps, an intake tube, an exhaust tube with a small muffler, and a basic wiring loom. Vevor reports fuel use starts around 0.16 liters per hour (.042 gallons per hour) on low and climbs to around 0.62 (.164)on high. The heater covers between 215-270 square feet, but naturally this will vary based on temperatures, insulation, and ceiling height (which contributes to the total volume of the space). Some people use it like a space heater to warm up a work area in larger spaces like warehouses because it is inexpensive to run.
Indoor safety
The Vivor 8KW Diesel Air Heater is like a tiny sealed furnace. It is designed so that the only air that should enter your space is the clean hot stream coming out from the air hose. The combustion side is designed to always stay outside of enclosed spaces like rooms and boats. The exhaust should be routed outdoors with a drip loop and solid clamps (as directed in the instructions). Anytime combustion heaters like this one are used, it is strongly recommended to place a carbon monoxide alarm in the space for safety (and test it often). When placing the heater, be sure to give the heater clear space around the case. It should never be refueled while it is running (just like any other combustion-based generator). It should go without saying, but in the odd event that you were ever to smell exhaust inside, you should shut the unit down immediately and fix the leak before starting it back up again.
Proper fueling
This unit was designed to use clean diesel that matches the season. In mild weather, standard ultra low sulfur diesel is fine. If you're using it in really cold weather, you should use number one diesel or a winter blend that resists gelling. Many users prefer K1 kerosene since it lights fast and often smells cleaner. To use it, you just fill the tank with a funnel and keep a rag ready to wipe up any spills. After filling it with fuel, you should run the heater on high for a few minutes to clear any fumes near the intake. For a first start hold the prime function until you see fuel reach the clear line and hear the pump tone change. If the heater ran dry, prime again before you restart.
Diesel is simple to source at almost any gas station. In cold regions, many stations switch to winter blend during the winter season (which helps with gelling). If you don't want to deal with providing your own container and pumping at a gas station, K1 kerosene is sold in sealed cans at big box stores and hardware chains. Avoid dyed off-road diesel for indoor setups since the odor can linger and it can stain. The fuel should always be stored in approved cans with labels (and keep them out of living spaces).
Sound and odor
When you use the Vivor 8KW Diesel Air Heater you should expect two kinds of sounds. The fan hums like a box fan on medium, and the fuel pump ticks at a steady beat. If you want to quiet things down, you can mount the pump on soft rubber and avoid hard mounting it to metal panels. The muffler helps with exhaust tone, but you can also hear the motor running. In terms of odors, the first hour of use out of the box burns off oils on new parts (which can be noticeable). After that the heated air should smell neutral. If you ever smell exhaust inside, you have a routing or sealing issue and the unit should be stopped and the problem fixed immediately.
Operation
On high the unit throws a strong stream of hot air that will lift a frosty van in minutes. On low it holds a comfortable set point with a soft breeze. The eight kilowatt label does not map one to one with premium charts yet the felt heat is real and useful. The first minute pulls the most current as the glow plug lights, then the draw settles to a modest level. A quality battery or a capable power station makes life simple. With a five liter tank and careful use you can stretch a weekend in cool weather. Expect shorter run time in deep cold or in drafty spaces.
The LCD panel looks busy at first glance but becomes clear after a short session. You can pick a target temperature or select a power level and let it ride. The Bluetooth app mirrors the panel which is handy when you are tucked in for the night. The handheld remote is simple and reliable. The real learning curve sits with priming and with clearing a code after a dry start. Take a photo of your wiring before the first test so you have a record of each plug. Once dialed in daily use becomes a one button routine. Warm air flows and the cabin feels dry and comfortable.
Where this heater shines
The Vivor 8KW Diesel Air Heater suits vans and small RVs where a big propane furnace would be overkill. It is a favorite for ice fishing shacks and hunting blinds where dry heat is especially valuable. It turns an ice cold garage into a sweater weather workspace so you can keep your garage projects going through the winter. It is a great backup for heating during power outages. Tents can benefit if you keep the heater outside and duct the hot air in. Small boats can use it with the case on the deck (or the dock) and the outlet run below. It fits people who like simple gear that just works.
Verdict
If you want fast dry heat without a big bill, this Vevor diesel air heater makes a strong case. Like any device that uses internal combustion, it's important to follow the instructions closely and pay sclose attention to vent routing. The payoff is warm, clean air and low operating costs. Noise is present, but it is easy to tame with rubber mounts and smart placement. The controls are simple, the app is handy, and the remote is a small luxury on a cold morning. For campers and garage tinkerers, this unit belongs on the short list.
