Vintage paraffin (kerosene) heaters were portable, wick-based space heaters common in early to mid-20th century homes, known for providing instant, controllable heat but also for potential safety issues like spills, strong odors, and carbon monoxide, featuring designs from brands like Valor and Rippingilles with glass tanks, adjustable wicks, and chimney tops, often requiring good ventilation for use. They served as primary or supplemental heat, using gravity-fed fuel systems, and some models were even used for cooking in caravans.

Key characteristics

Fuel & Function: Burn paraffin (kerosene) via a wick, drawing fuel from a reservoir, with an adjustable dial controlling the wick height and heat. Design: Often had a cylindrical or classic shape with a visible glass fuel tank, a metal body, a mesh chimney that glowed red, and a removable fuel font with a gauge.

Brands: Popular manufacturers included Valor, Rippingilles (Fyrside), and Aladdin, with models like the Valor 525-R or Perfection 1527 being iconic.

Usage: Common in homes, conservatories, and greenhouses, offering portable, room-to-room heating, but requiring adequate ventilation due to CO emissions.

Safety: Early models lacked modern safety features, making them prone to tipping and fuel spills, though later models incorporated features like safety cut-outs and flame arrestors.