Chinese Diesel Air Heaters Part 4 - 8 KW Heater Test

Bench Test and Review of 8 KW Chinese Diesel Air Heater,

There are now a number of Chinese Diesel Air Heaters that are branded as 8 KW, and in many cases charged out at a premium price over the standard 5 KW Diesel Air Heaters. In the cases I have reviewed, I have found these so called 8 KW heaters to be just normal 5 KW Diesel Air Heaters, re branded as 8 KW heaters for a marketing advantage. Their genuine output is closer to 4.5 KW than to 8 KW. My suggestion is you purchase one of these so called 8 KW heaters with your eyes open. If you would be content with a 5 KW heater for your heating area and the price is right, then ok. But if you really want an 8 KW diesel heater for the extra area you need to heat, then you will be disappointed.

DISCLAIMER - The opinions expressed in these videos are my own, and are derived from manufacturers manuals and my own experience and independent testing. You must do your own research to see if my suggestions and comments are right for you and your particular circumstances. J.

[NorthernKitty]

The work you put into this and then so generously shared with us is incredible and highly appreciated!! I'm learning so much about these heaters from your series. Which is super important to me, as my circumstances are always rocky and I live in a cold climate - there may come a day when I rely on one of these for survival in a converted cargo trailer because it's all I can afford.

[coburnlowman]

I ordered mine from Harry Enfield's store " I Saw You Coming ". 😳🤣. It was $85 US $$$. That was the same price as the 5KW. So no money loss, just a loss in the pride. Was about to ask in the comments about the difference between the two units until I kept watching each video and you answered the question. 👍

[alanmay]

Well, this is an extremely interesting, eye opening video. About halfway and at the end you say 'this is not a lab test, just a workshop test', as if it does'nt match up, but I reckon what you're doing here is very scientific indeed, and a true reflection and report on the facts, as tested with numerous accurate meters and using precise mathematics. This is proof, not just opinion, that this heater is not 8kw at all, but simply an ordinary 5kw advertised and sold as an 8kw. Here in England, if anything is falsely advertised like this is, then Trading Standards, a government department, shuts them down, confiscates all their stock and prosecutes the seller. That's the theory, but in practice, these are Chinese and sold from the internet by Ebay online, so what can we do in practice? If the importer is a seller based in your country, the consumer law might be able to exert some authority. It's disgaceful to be ripped off like this, these people are rogue traders. Well, at least you are able to show us the scam here with your excellent video, so thankyou for doing this. Best wishes from Alan, UK.

[MYNautiGirl]

The 8kW figure might be the total energy produced, as a ton of the heat goes out the exhaust pipe. Definitely deceptive marketing, but that's likely how they calculated it. Thanks for the informative video!

[leoinswlondon]

Unfortunately that is what you get a lot from China! Your knowledge are remarkable. Thank you for the great video.

[robsteve]

Excellent video I love your attention to detail.

[ExamineLife]

This one answered my question on the 8KW. Thanks again.

[reubenk]

Thank you VERY much for doing a detailed inspection of this. I have seen a lot marketed as 5-8KW and was interested in the increased output. This is very good information to know, that it's just a number written down, and not actually true.

[KLH]

John, just got my hands on the new style of a All In One Diesel heater. The fuel tank is down beside the heater as opposed above it. The tin is painted black, but they also come red. The controller comes with the three wire setup in a round connector but of a different style with a screw retainer. Its rated at 8KW, but feel and am more then sure its just 5KW. I went in to factory settings using the code 1688 and found the pump at high rate set at 5.5 and this number can be increased from there. I found the fan speed set at 5, 500 rpms on the high end. This can be upped to 6, 000 rpms. Just thought I would share with you and every one else. To be honest it feels like the same amount of heat as a 5KW. Oh, I paid $120.77 USD for it with free shipping from USA Warehouse.

[garyjones]

Laboratory test or a common sense test? I'll take the common sense every time. Thank you.

I bought two really nice "8kw" for less than the "5kw" counterparts. I believe this supports your conclusion, these have to be the same as the 5kw.

I received mine broken in shipping. The company, Bestauto, immediately shipped replacement for part broken in shipping. I got mine off of U.S. Amazon from Bestauto. $114 U.S. EACH.

Thanks again, John, Awesome job.

[MrRatkilr]

Nice vid and well documented info. Thanks. I bought two of these. One for garage and one for my home as a back up in case regular heaters crapped out in a cold spell. Dont expect the one to heat my home to 66 degrees but would keep my pipes from freezing and keep it liveable. Just comparing it to propane looks like it will be cheaper. Will be trying waste oil in one in garage. either a mix of waste oil and diesel or two tanks. One with diesel to start and shutdown and second tank to run while working.

[natehess]

Supurb Videos John!! Very logically based. Thanks so much for the series youve done and answering so many ?s people have such as myself. I was asking the same ?about the 8kw vs the 5 kw being all the design sizes of components r the same.

Guys watch all his videos they will give u a much clearer understanding of how to have success using one of these heaters. U can use the chinese made ones and have just as good of a end result and reliable unit if u use the assembly /install techniques John explains in his videos. I love how you have meters to justify eveything u r saying and actaul measurements. As the manufacturers do not give us any of these. I am a heating and air /refrigeration tech. And i use this in northorn usa Minnesota cold snowy winters in my work van ford transit. 5kw model does a great job. U could use one in an ice house or a small garage even. I like to run Kerosene in mine every few tanks to help keep clean of carbon. I would ask John does it help to run Kerosene only once in a while or do i need to use it all the time to get results? What about a PEA fuel additive for cleaning the heater like from a auto parts store would that work well? Thanks again Hats off to you Sir!

[raphantaraphanta]

Excellent research work. It is important to really know what we are paying for, in order to remove the deceptions from the market

[DannyB-csvx]

Very good series of videos. One point about ratings is the ambient temperature could affect them. At 20c ambient, you may need to shut down to prevent overheating. at 0c ambient, you would be able to use more fuel without overheating. The higher fuel consumption would give you a higher heat output rating. It is possible that there is an ambient air sensor inside of the control board that limits how much fuel that is it's maximum pulse rate for the incoming air temp.

[tomfoolery]

Man, you should have WAY MORE views!!! Great vid, mate. Tom, Stateside

[greenerbitbybit]

This is so well laid out and immensely helpful. Thank you so much! You're a legend!

[johnfenn]

I love the birdsong in the background. You are lucky to have them.

[randybrunsting]

What an amazing and super informative series!!  Thank you, John!  Subscribed and bell ringer for notifications. Great job!

[richH]

9:53
all those numbers
You're a patient man.
:)

12:50 for the resuls

[JesseePDX]

hello from USA....Im bulding a cargo trailer camper and only recently (2 months) have Learned about these diesel heaters...I run propane in a aluminum trailer and get condensation...also carrying propane isnt the easiest...I bought a 8k heater but figured it was just a 5k...I watched your videos before and after purchase...my tow vehicle is now a gas (petrol?) 4runner but I used to tow with a diesel truck...I bought a 5 gallon fuel cell to mount on my trailer...anyways really enjoy the video detail...