Choosing the right diesel construction heater matters for jobsite productivity, safety, and fuel efficiency. Below is a quick comparison of five diesel and multi-fuel heaters selected for construction, garage, and workshop use. The reviews cover heating capacity, fuel compatibility, portability, controls, and safety features to help match a heater to typical construction needs.
| Product | Type / Output | Fuel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remington 140,000 BTU (REM-140T-KFA-B) | 140,000 BTU | K-1 Kerosene, Diesel, JP-8/Jet A, Fuel Oil | Large Jobsite/Warehouse |
| ProTemp 140,000 BTU (PT-140T-KFA) | 140,000 BTU | Kerosene, Diesel | High-Airflow Construction Spaces |
| Dura Heat DFA135C 135K BTU | 135,000 BTU | Diesel, Kerosene, Fuel Oils, Jet-A | Commercial Grade/Controlled Heat |
| VEVOR 8KW Diesel Heater | 8 kW (approx. 27,000 BTU) | Diesel | Vehicle, Trailer, Small Enclosures |
| LF Bros 5KW All-in-One Diesel Heater | 5 kW (approx. 17,000 BTU) | Diesel | Garages, Vans, Small Workshops |
Content Navigation
- Remington 140,000 BTU Kerosene/Diesel Heater (REM-140T-KFA-B)
- ProTemp 140,000 BTU Kerosene/Diesel Forced Air Torpedo (PT-140T-KFA)
- Dura Heat DFA135C 135K BTU Kero Forced Air Heater
- VEVOR 8KW Diesel Heater With Automatic Altitude Adjustment
- LF Bros 110V/12/24V 5KW All-in-One Diesel Heater
- Buying Guide: How To Choose A Diesel Construction Heater
- 1. Heating Capacity And Coverage
- 2. Fuel Compatibility And Availability
- 3. Safety Features And Certifications
- 4. Controls, Monitoring, And Automation
- 5. Portability, Installation, And Power Requirements
- 6. Altitude And Environmental Conditions
- 7. Maintenance And Serviceability
- 8. Noise And Air Quality
- Comparison Perspectives
Remington 140,000 BTU Kerosene/Diesel Heater (REM-140T-KFA-B)
The Remington REM-140T is a high-capacity forced-air heater rated at 140,000 BTU, designed to warm spaces up to 3,500 square feet. It operates on K-1 kerosene, #1 and #2 diesel, JP-8/Jet A, and #1/#2 fuel oil.
Key features include instant heat output, a fuel tank sized for extended run times (up to roughly ten hours on a full tank under moderate conditions), and a 5-point safety system with high-temperature shutoff, flame-out protection, and circuit protection. The heater is intended for warehouses, construction zones, garages, barns, and workshops.
Design emphasizes durability for jobsite use, with robust guards and typical maintenance that aligns with commercial forced-air heaters. Suitability: large indoor or semi-enclosed construction sites needing rapid, high-volume heat.
ProTemp 140,000 BTU Kerosene/Diesel Forced Air Torpedo (PT-140T-KFA)
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The ProTemp PT-140T offers a 140,000 BTU output with a focus on high airflow. Its design uses matched direct-drive motors and blades to achieve up to 12,000 CFM, making it effective at moving heated air across large spaces.
Construction highlights include powder-coated steel guards for corrosion resistance and a durable chassis for jobsite conditions. The unit is described as energy-efficient with low electrical draw (as little as 1.6 amps), which can be important where power availability is limited.
Ideal use cases are construction sites or large workshops where wide heat distribution and robustness are priorities. Fuel flexibility typically includes kerosene and diesel blends suitable for commercial heaters.
Dura Heat DFA135C 135K BTU Kero Forced Air Heater
The Dura Heat DFA135C is a commercial-grade forced-air heater rated at 135,000 BTU. It supports multi-fuel capability, including K-1 kerosene, #1 and #2 fuel oils, diesel, JP-8, and Jet-A. This versatility helps match available site fuels.
Features include a LED digital temperature indicator and diagnostics, which aid in monitoring and troubleshooting on busy jobsites. The build targets commercial durability, making it suitable for contractors, barns, and large garages.
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Because of its diagnostics and fuel compatibility, the DFA135C is a solid option where controlled temperature and easy servicing are valued. It fits projects requiring commercial-level reliability without needing advanced electronic controls.
VEVOR 8KW Diesel Heater With Automatic Altitude Adjustment
The VEVOR 8KW diesel air heater is intended for vehicle and small-space heating rather than large open construction areas. It delivers roughly 8 kW (about 27,000 BTU) and is rated for coverage of approximately 215–269 ft².
Notable features include a sandblasted aluminum heat exchanger for rapid heat transfer, Bluetooth app control, a remote and LCD controller, and automatic altitude compensation up to 18,045 feet. These electronic controls enable preheating and remote management—useful for vehicles, trailers, and enclosed jobsite cabins.
Fuel consumption and adjustable temperature control make this model appropriate for contractors needing compact, controllable heating in vans, small enclosures, or mobile workspaces where diesel is the preferred fuel.
LF Bros 110V/12/24V 5KW All-in-One Diesel Heater
The LF Bros 5KW all-in-one diesel heater supplies roughly 5 kW (around 17,000 BTU) and supports multiple voltages (12V/24V plus an included 110V transformer). It targets small spaces like garages, campers, and workshops.
Features include an LCD display, remote control with a 100 ft range, a compact integrated 5L tank, and temperature operation down to -40°F. Fuel consumption ranges are listed, and the kit includes the transformer for 110V use, reducing setup complexity.
This model is suitable for owners needing a compact, portable diesel heating solution that can be installed in small jobsite offices, vans, or single-bay garages with simple electrical options and user-friendly controls.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Diesel Construction Heater
Selecting a diesel heater for construction use involves matching performance, fuel compatibility, safety, and portability to your site conditions. Below are key considerations.
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1. Heating Capacity And Coverage
- BTU/kW Rating: Larger jobsite bays typically need high-BTU forced-air torpedoes (100k+ BTU). For enclosed cabins, vans, or small workshops, 5–8 kW units may suffice.
- CFM And Air Movement: High airflow spreads heat faster across large spaces; review CFM ratings where available.
2. Fuel Compatibility And Availability
- Multi-fuel capability (kerosene, #1/#2 diesel, JP fuels) adds flexibility when certain fuels are easier to source on site.
- Consider fuel consumption rates for runtime planning—commercial torpedoes often have larger tanks and longer runtimes.
3. Safety Features And Certifications
- Look for high-temperature shutoff, flame-out protection, and circuit breakers.
- For enclosed spaces, ensure adequate ventilation and follow OSHA or local codes for combustible-fuel heaters.
4. Controls, Monitoring, And Automation
- Remote controls, digital thermostats, or app control enable preheating and safer unattended operation.
- Diagnostic displays and LED indicators simplify troubleshooting on busy sites.
5. Portability, Installation, And Power Requirements
- Consider weight and handles for moving between sites; torpedo-style units are often on casters for mobility.
- Verify electrical requirements (12V/24V DC vs. 110V AC) and whether included transformers or wiring kits are provided.
6. Altitude And Environmental Conditions
- If you work at high elevation, choose units with automatic altitude compensation or plateau modes to maintain combustion efficiency.
- Cold-start capabilities and antifreeze components are important in extreme cold.
7. Maintenance And Serviceability
- Check for accessible filters, igniter access, spare-part availability, and vendor support for routine maintenance.
- Commercial units may demand periodic service; factor that into downtime planning.
8. Noise And Air Quality
- Forced-air heaters and torpedoes generate noise and exhaust; use mufflers or locate units to minimize disruption.
- Ensure exhaust is ducted outside enclosed workspaces and follow ventilation best practices to maintain air quality.
Comparison Perspectives
- Large Jobsite/Warehouse: Choose 100k+ BTU torpedoes (Remington, ProTemp, Dura Heat) for coverage and airflow.
- Mobile/Vehicle Heating: Compact diesel air heaters (VEVOR, LF Bros 5KW) offer lower output, app or remote control, and easier vehicle integration.
- Fuel Flexibility: Models supporting kerosene, diesel, and JP fuels improve logistics on varied job sites.
- Control And Automation: Bluetooth, remote, and thermostat options increase convenience and energy efficiency for occupied work areas.