Catalytic Heater...with pics!

[DragonFire]

Picked this up yesterday...don't know much about them, but it's Coleman and 70's and in great shape, so I bought it. If it isn't a secret firebomb, I might just use it since I'm almost always cold....







January 78. Can't see any rust anywhere.

[campmaster-k]

I dont have one of those. I have always been curious about them. Fire it up and tell us about it.

[DragonFire]

I'm going to d a little research on it..I've read they can be dangerous, but it may be just that they get so hot..you have to think of them as a campfire and not touch it...besides to turn it off. Also, it is not to be used in enclosed areas. I think it's like the heaters people have outside at flea markets and such when it's freezing cold..they fire up a heater and huddle around while they sell stuff.

I'm headed to Turlock soon..will hit some antique spots on the way, and will figure out the heater maybe tomorrow..if it's cold up at Tahoe in 2 weeks this might come in handy..this and the fake fire, if they are banning campfires..everyone will be in my skinny little campsite!

[DragonFire]

wouldn't mind finding a little more on how to use it..looks like it's missing the 2 black tabs from the side..don't know if that's a big deal as I think they were just grab spot handles..maybe a little insulation, so I could figure something else out.

did a search on this site and saw some folks found the Gold Bond ones back in 09..would like to hear their tips on using one of these things..

[campmaster-k]

I seem to remember Randy have experience with these heaters. He said once that they are safe but stink and can be difficult to put out. It looks like yours has the snuffer so that part is good. The snuffer is the thing that puts it out. I also remember others saying that the wick needs to be in good contition.

[DragonFire]

The snuffer is there.. I opened it up earlier.. Everything looks good..I assume the wick is too. What I found out was that you fill it then flip it over til you see a 1 1/2 inch fuel spot on the wick.. Flip it back and light. There will be a flame at first, then just heat.

I'm on the iPhone so sorry if spelling comes out funny..I'm in beautiful Turlock CA right now!

[Wolffarmer]

Nice heater. Yours is one that you do flip over to get the top wet and then light. They burn at a temp so low that it is safe to refuel while it is running or pour the fuel back into the can to let it burn dry. I have had one running and poured a teaspoon of fuel directly on it and all it did was vaporize. Of course would look very nice with an open flame nearby


I also have put a thin chip of wood on the top. Took a long time before it even began to show char. So it is fairly safe as far as fire hazard. BUT. they seem to have a problem with CO in enclosed areas and the burner head is made of asbestos, I think. Just don't munch on the top or use it if it is fuzzy.

Randy

[logman7777]

I had one in my 68 Scotty Highlander and almost met my maker one cold November night.

They are safe as long as you dont use in an enclosed space. I ended up using it at the Flea Market (back when I did that sort of thing) under the table. Awesome little heaters for open spaces!

[starleen2]

I have two issues with those type of heaters - First - the catalyst element do ablate and wear out over time. You often cannot tell from looking at the heater if it is good or not - the only way to tell is to light it up and turn off the lights and watch the top - it should ALL be glowing a dull red. If it is worn off - then only the edges will glow.




Second - There is really only two ways to full stop the catalyst heat process and that is with the snuffer or when the wick is fully dry and no Coleman fuel remains in the tank. I've had a disassembled unit fire back up when the wick and head unit were doused in water while OFF the tank! (there was still fuel on the wick) Thankfully it was in the driveway on concrete ot it could have been much worse. To me those heaters are just shelf queens or a display curiosity. Not worth the hassle for me

[starleen2]

any of this simalar to the modern propane ones.

like you see in sporting goods stores and walmart

how about the propane ones called black cat heators?

any of this the same on a modern propane one?

slow

almost the same but a little different.The kind you are talking about uses propane tanks. It works by a chemical reaction between a meshy platinum filter and the burning propane gas, so while there's no obvious propane smell and no open flame, there's still a very hot surface that could catch objects on fire if they are placed directly in front of it for too long. FYI, when you first light it, you may indeed see an igniting flame, but that is just upon start up. Warning: Just as the instructions warn you, I do NOT recommend leaving this heater on through the night when you and your family are asleep. It is both a breathing hazard, and an obvious fire hazard.