According to the manufacturer Toyotomi, the market leader from Japan, the petroleum fuel is atomised electronically via an injection nozzle, ignited automatically and burnt cleanly. Unlike wick stoves, the laser derivatives use a fan to distribute the heat and have electronic temperature control; they therefore require some electricity. We tested the compact entry-level model LC-130.
3000 watt heat output
According to the manufacturer, the appliance has a maximum output of 3000 watts and is suitable for rooms up to 48 square metres. Measuring 38 x 30 x 43 centimetres, the stove is still quite compact and weighs eight kilograms unfilled. The integrated, removable tank holds 5.4 litres of fuel. The appliance is connected to a 230-volt socket and started simply by pressing a button. After a few seconds of warming up, during which the smell of paraffin is briefly noticeable, the burner starts working. The operator sets the target temperature, which is monitored by a thermostat and controls the intensity of the heater and the fan. The appliance gets up to speed at full power and can be heard at a distance of only around 50 decibels (A).
More powerful than a good fan heater
The paraffin heater brings the interior to the desired temperature faster than a fan heater with a maximum output of 1800 watts, which was used for comparison. The LC 130 only gets hot at the front of the air outlet grille, below, above and on the sides the appliance only gets warm to the touch. Nevertheless, the manufacturer recommends a minimum distance of 20 centimetres to the rear, 50 centimetres to the sides and 150 centimetres to the front. The heated air is pleasant, does not smell and appears dry. There was no evidence of increased humidity.
The paraffin stove does not require a chimney, but does need a certain supply of fresh air. According to the manufacturer, the 5.4 litre tank lasts 17.3 hours at maximum heat output. That is 0.31 litres per hour. At a price for the recommended Special petroleum of the same manufacturer of 3.45 euros per litre, this comes to a good one euro per hour, plus electricity, which is more expensive than operating a fan heater (which is less effective, however). The paraffin heater only needs 13 watts of electricity during operation and 320 watts when starting.
Programmable and safe paraffin stove
The appliance is sensitive to touch and tipping and then switches off. The unfortunately unlit display warns you ten minutes before it switches off due to a lack of fuel. Unfortunately, there is no electronic fuel gauge, only a sight glass on the tank, which has to be removed for inspection. On the plus side, there is the high output but also the dry, pleasant air and good control. The operating time can be programmed and there is a child safety lock. The appliance also indicates a lack of ventilation. The LC 130 costs 289.90, available from the Zibro oven shop.
More about heating on board
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
