After the successful operation of my Candle-lamp design, I decided to research oil burning lamps.
The benefits of using oil as fuel for a ceramic heater inspired me to create my newest design, this Radiant Heat Oil Lamp. The metal and ceramic radiator assembly is almost identical to the one used in th Candle-lamp, however the higher calorific value of the paraffin lamp oil means that this device puts out more heat.
The oil burns more steadily than a wax candle fuel source, and the flame remains at a constant distance from the radiator assembly.
It is important to keep the wick trimmed very close to the top of the glass wick holder in order to keep the flame at an optimum size. I’ve noticed if the flame height exceeds an inch or so, some of the hydrocarbons do not completely burn and instead ride the heat up into the ceramic and create soot problems.
I am amazed at how long the burning oil lasts when compared to the wax candles. This lamp burns all of my waking hours and the level of the oil in the reservoir drops no more than two or three centimeters.
And lamp oil is cheap! I was able to buy 64 fluid ounces for 5 dollars. This should last my one lamp 2 months or so burning 14-16 hours per day. A variety of fuels will all work in this lamp as well. One I would like to try is olive oil. I’ve read it burns cleanly, slowly, and emits a pleasant odor.
The fiberglass wick I use also does not burn down as long as there is a fuel source wicking up from below, and there is no mess from dripping wax or charred wick.
Lastly I would like to comment on this lamps many decorative options. Of course the ceramic radiator assembly can be painted, as done with my Candle-lamp design. Another great option is to fill the base with aromatic, or visually interesting objects, such as potpourri, sea shells, or pine bows. This will not only look interesting, but the oil will slowly become infused with the scent of the items it envelopes. I am also in the process of developing a lighted LED base, that will illuminate the oil reservoir with colored light!
The simplicity, efficiency, and cleanliness of an oil lamp in this application is, in my experience, the best choice.
Update: In response to the many inquiring about the lamp heater construction, I made a short video detailing the basics. Enjoy!
Update 2:
I also created a simple miniature stone fireplace that functions on the same principles as the candle heater designs. It is a less complex arrangement that can be set up easily. I like to burn Woodwick candles in the mini fireplace, and I now use this instead of the candle heater. I prefer the ambiance of the candles and look of the stone. I’ve posted a short video below so you can see this design as well.
[…] « Staying warm CHEAP! Radiant Heat Oil Lamp […]
Great design, perhaps use a tuna or other small flat can to go over anther can or container for the oil. The wick could be placed directly through the can using a hole in the center. If you by chance could find an old style erector set from the 60’s the metal pieces in it would make the holder easy.
I buy antique oil lamps in used stores and i tryed heating extra material a metal can instead of the pot and noticed it doesnt throw any more heat than just the lamp so eaven though you built something cool looking like i was trying to do to use for heat in my greenhouse i realized that just burning the oil lamp was easier with the same results .
I read the post several time and opened all of the links. Do you have a step by step process for making the oil lamp/heater as well as a list of the materials you used?
What is holding the wick please
Great idea but I wish you would have given instructions on how to make it.
This is a great post but would be better if you could please include instructions and a supply list. Could you please post them now. Great revision! Looking forward to making one!
What are the metal pieces that you are using to support your ceramic pots? They look to be perfect for this heater and I would like to get some for mine.
Thank you for this post! Would you please explain exactly what hardware you used to create this? Also, what type of container did you use? I’m definitely interested in recreating this. I was looking for alternative heat not only for a house but also a greenhouse.
Reblogged this on denneyknives.
Very nice very creative
This is brilliant. I’ve made a candle heater and it worked well. I used it to hear my van in sub zero temperatures. It made the difference between being cool rather than bloody cold! I have a butane heater but the fumes are way too dangerous. What we need to do is develop the ceramic heater to be clean burning. I’m concerned that an oil heater will also create high levels of CO2. I’d like to see some research on this. I wonder if this can be adapted to run off metho as a fuel source. A biofuel would be cleaner burning I think. It would require a different kind of burner. I tried a standard methods cooker and it was intensely hot, but burned up too quick.
Paul
You need to open a window just a little bit, to allow fresh air to inter your space.
Do you make and sell the radiant oil lamp? How can I purchase one or two?
Where can I order the clamps that hold the pot?
Sorry I don’t have a response bc I made them from various scrap metal I had laying around. You’ll have to be creative!
Is there detail plans for this or even better is there a way to buy one
Does the hot air exit at the top?
Like everyone else, I would like to know how to assemble one of these.
would also love to know what the supply list is and instructions on how to build one of these.
I too, am interested in purchasing one or the parts
sound s great can’t wait to try it out
What a great set up that is! Thanks for sharing.
I am interested in making one of these, and like others have posted, some detail and a blowup diagram would be wonderful. For the others that have posted here, does anyone ever respond to your queries?
Looks like aluminum flat angled stock. Easy peasy lemon squeasy ! Thanks.
When will you offer your oil heater on your website I would like to buy one?
Haver you thought of using a gallon glass jar with a bigger clay pot and base? Warm more space faster?
I have, and actually experimented using an ethanol burner beneath a 14 inch clay pot. It puts out some serious heat! I’ll try to post pictures and a video in the coming weeks.
[…] Radiant Warmth for Pennies per Day – The Warmth Within — Read on warmthwithin.wordpress.com/2010/12/22/radiant-heat-oil-lamp/amp/ […]
Agradecido por publicar tu bonitas experiencias. Necesito construir lampara utilizando aceites o cualquier combustible barato, pero para producir luz y no tanto calor. A muchos les gustaría recibir tus consejos al respecto amigo y en especial los materiales a utilizar y como construirla. Te lo agradeceremos enormemente!. Arturo Alfonzo
Estimado Arturo, lo mejor que puede hacer es comprar lamparas mineros que se puede comprar en ferreterias usan kerosene puedes usar aceite para lamparas. Creo lo mejor es comprar lamaparas de LED que son fuertes en luz y no consumen muchas corriente.
Saludos
Orlando
How much heat can you get from it? Is it more of an ambient light rather than omitting much heat?
What a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing your creation! I like the olive oil idea. I grow my own herbs, can you imagine what fresh rosemary and olive oil will smell like? Thank you again. this is a great video!
What’s the name of the oil that you use what kind of oil do you use and where do you buy it thank you. , Do you use cooking oil like corn or vegetable oil I truly am confused
Parrafin oil, check Walmart
Hi is there any reason that the top brick is not the same thickness as the three side bricks
Yes, thicker brick has more thermal masd and thus retains more heat while at the same time doesn’t get too hot to touch
Thank You so much for such great ideas!
[…] top of the lamp oil container captures the heat as it rises and radiates it out into the room. The clay pot heater is also designed to allow the light from the burning wick to be a light […]
You use regular cooking oil instead of candles , correct ?