Catalytic gas heater: overview and characteristics

Catalytic gas heater: characteristics and overview of the best models

The issue of heating is relevant in our region as nowhere else – a rather harsh climate makes it necessary to think over the heating systems of the dwelling in the cold season. But when it comes to autonomous 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 in a country house, stylized as a wood-burning fireplace

Catalytic gas heater: the principle of operation of the device

Catalytic heaters have appeared in the vast expanses of our country relatively recently, but this has not prevented them from occupying worthy positions 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 subjected to gorenje, resulting in the release of thermal energy.

Diagram of the device of a catalytic gas heater

Among the disadvantages of this method of heat extraction, it can be noted that a large number of gorenje by-products are 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 unusual for catalytic heaters, since the principle of their operation is different.

The process of burning fuel in a catalytic gas heater does not imply the presence of a flame. Instead, the following processes occur:

• when the device is turned on, the surface of the catalyst 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 being prepared in a special chamber;
• liquefied gas enters the heated catalyst plate, which burns under the influence of all factors without forming a flame.

As a rule, the plate used in catalytic heaters is made of fiberglass with platinum powder added to it. This allows the device to be not only safe, but also eco-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.

The principle of operation of a catalytic gas heater

Types of catalytic heaters

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

• gas heaters are the most common, but far from the only option. It is based on the process of burning propane-butane mixture. This option is ideal for heating country houses or garages. The most powerful devices are able to easily heat entire construction sites or warehouses. The maximum power of the devices on sale is 4900 watts. And although there is no release of harmful impurities and gorenje products during the operation of the device, it is worth using such devices with special attention in rooms with an area of less than 20 m2;
• a gasoline catalytic heater is a device in which a built–in fuel tank is provided in advance. It is connected to a catalytic cartridge, where gasoline vapors are fed to undergo oxidation. Such models have modest dimensions, which ensures the convenience of their use in hiking, fishing or hunting;

A catalytic gas heater can look very organically in the interior

Useful advice! For greater convenience, some models of portable catalytic heaters are additionally equipped with a hob. This allows you to make cooking in field conditions more comfortable.

• heaters running on dry fuel or industrial alcohol. These are small-sized models, which, like gasoline, are designed for use in the field. Their heat is only enough to cover the minimum needs – such as heating food, water, drying clothes and providing heat inside the tent. Such models are characterized by low weight (about 1-1.5 kg) and small size. Inside the structure there is always a special compartment in which a container with alcohol or, if necessary, a gas cylinder is installed.

In addition to the main types, there is another one – 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 usually ranges from 500 to 1200 watts.

Portable infrared catalytic heaters powered by gas fuel

Infrared catalytic gas heater for cottages

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

Such devices, as a rule, have extremely high performance and run on gas fuel. Their use is not limited to heating houses. It is not uncommon to find such heaters on the street: they can be equipped with summer playgrounds and verandas. Thanks to IR radiation, the devices do not expend energy to warm up the surrounding air, but affect the surrounding objects by 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 warms up the air, and not objects, which is absolutely not appropriate if we are talking about outdoor installation. In any case, it is worth studying the issue of gas catalytic heaters more deeply: reviews of each model can easily be found on the web and draw appropriate conclusions.

Many models of catalytic heaters are ideally adapted for travel use

Useful advice! If there is a need to heat a large area, it is best to consider the option of a heater with a fan heater. Such an addition will quickly increase the air temperature in the room.

Advantages and disadvantages of catalytic heater heating

Before you buy 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 cottage or house does not have a negative effect on the microclimate of the room. It does not disrupt the natural balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide and does not emit harmful substances that are usually formed during gorenje, thus maintaining a healthy microclimate.;

Catalytic gas heaters are environmentally friendly and safe devices

• the device is much safer than traditional gas ones, since there is no danger of poisoning as a result of excessive release of carbon monoxide. In addition, there is no risk of fire. Such a device can be used without fear 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 not only to maintain a comfortable temperature, but also to save significantly;
• mobility – even large and powerful devices move easily enough, not to mention compact heaters. According to the owners of the devices in the reviews, catalytic heaters often easily fit into a bag or backpack.

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

• such devices have a rather limited operational period – about 2500 hours. The fact is that in the process of using the catalyst gradually burns out and after a certain time it needs to be changed. The amount is approximately 2/3 of the cost of exactly the same new equipment, so it’s easier to throw out the old device and buy a new one;

With small dimensions, a portable catalytic heater can easily heat a small room or tent

• the quality and service life of the catalytic heater directly depend on how well the purified fuel you use. Low-quality gasoline or industrial alcohol will very quickly cause the device to become unusable.

Catalytic heater for cottages and homes: safety of use

If you are thinking about whether it is worth buying a catalytic heater for a country house or a house, for sure the most important criterion of choice will be the safety of operation of the device.

There is a misconception that catalytic gas heaters can be unsafe and can put the life and health of users at risk. In fact, this is not the case. Of course, as with any other device, with a catalytic heater, it is necessary to observe safety regulations that are designed to minimize potential risks.

Infrared long-wave radiation not only does not harm human health, but can also have a positive effect

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

Pay attention! It has been repeatedly confirmed that infrared long-wave radiation has a positive effect on both the nervous and immune systems 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, you should pay attention to proven manufacturers. Let’s try to figure out which companies’ devices are the most popular, and also consider the features of some models of these manufacturers.

The ability to control the power of the device allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room, as well as save money

Bartolini Gas Catalytic Heaters

The heating equipment of the famous Italian brand Bartolini is very popular in Russia. By releasing sufficiently powerful devices (from 2,900 to 4,200 watts), this company has provided heat to many homes. The main emphasis of the manufacturer was on the complete independence of the devices from the presence of any communications. All models run on liquefied gas.

Popular Bartolini catalytic gas heaters:

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

In the production of heating equipment, the Bartolini company focuses on the complete independence of devices from the presence of any communications

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

Heating equipment of the company Lampingaz

The second most popular place is confidently occupied by the company Campingaz. For more than 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 gas catalytic heater Lampingaz cr 5000 turbo.

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

When choosing catalytic gas equipment, it is important to take into account the conditions in which it will be used

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.

Table with the characteristics of the three best models of Kovea heaters:

Gas catalytic heater Argo

If you want to purchase an even more budget heater, you should pay attention to the gas catalytic heater Argo of domestic production. This device is widely used for heating verandas, garages, as well as industrial premises where there is a sufficiently high level of air circulation. It is not allowed to use this device in small or enclosed 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 products.

Portable catalytic gas heaters are popular with fishermen, as well as lovers of various types of outdoor activities

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 carbon dioxide released 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 quite a 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 be as accurate as possible: where, under what conditions and how often you plan to use the purchase. When choosing, it is important to take into account both the price of a gas catalytic heater and the reviews of real buyers about this model.

Many models of catalytic heaters are convenient to take on a hike or trip, due to their small size and light weight

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

Gas catalytic heaters from the cylinder have appeared on the market quite recently. However, the convenience of their 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 just want to heat their country house or garage qualitatively. Such devices have high efficiency, affordable cost and are excellent for operation in almost any conditions.