Space Heater Opinions

[danthebugman]

Well winter is on the way. Supposed to arrive this evening actually. In previous years the onset of cold weather has meant a sharp decline in the amount of cigars I could enjoy. This year I have decided to make a cozy spot out in the shed. Step one was completed earlier this year when I went through and weeded out a lot of extra stuff that had piled up. I still need to tidy up a bit and string up some lighting, but I'm now looking for a space heater to keep me from freezing my butt off. I know some of you from the more northerly climates smoke in your garages and what not and I was hoping you may have some input. The shed is about 150 square feet give or take. I'm looking for something that's pretty portable as I may end up using it in my snake room also and I don't want it to be a hassle to carry between the house and shed.

Dan

 

[King Kill 33]

Is your shed insulated? This would determine the size, but if you don't have power out there now and are planning on stringing an extension cord, your options are pretty much limited to less than 1500W. Also, if you went with 1500W, you'd have to find yourself a fairly dedicated circuit and I would also make sure your extension cord is 14 gauge wire at least. 12 gauge if you have a run over 60'. All that said, I would go for. 1000W heater if you could find one. Then you should be fairly safe on your circuit and extension cord size. If its in insulated and drafty, it might run quite a bit.


-KK33-

 

[danthebugman]

Nope, it's not insulated. There aren't really any drafts though. I have a 100' extension cord that I run out to it when I need to have power out there for something. I don't need it to heat the shed, but for a few hours while I'm out there smoking and I'll likely be wearing layers so it wouldn't have to heat it a lot.

Dan

 

[Agentskull]

I have a two car garage, not insulated, and very little to heat it with. I feel your pain.

 

[King Kill 33]

Nope, it's not insulated. There aren't really any drafts though. I have a 100' extension cord that I run out to it when I need to have power out there for something. I don't need it to heat the shed, but for a few hours while I'm out there smoking and I'll likely be wearing layers so it wouldn't have to heat it a lot.

Dan

Yeah, maybe a little 500W would be the way to go, or if you don't mind blinding yourself, a 150W bulb gives off a fair bit of heat.


-KK33-

 

[Jfire]

Dan
Your're going to laugh..... I have this fan in my sons bedroom and half the time we have to turn it off (even though it does have a thermostat.) It's 15 dollars at menards and in stock at all the local stores by us. We've used it for a year and for the money you save I'd grab three or for rolls of the R11 Craft faced isnsulation for 5.99 a roll on sale after rebate this week at menards and insulate the walls of the shed to really keep in the heat. for 4o dollars you could have the smoking shed of your dreams for the winter.....
http://www.menards.com/main/appliances/portable-electric-heat/fan-heater-with-thermostat/p-1703824-c-5617.htm

insulation
http://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/insulation/rolls-batts/3-1-2-t-x-15-w-x-40-l-r-11-kraft-faced-fiberglass-rolls/p-1695038-c-5780.htm

btw this 15 dollar heater heated up my 3 and half car insulated garage from 35 degs to 60 degs in a hr last year in the middle of winter when i was carrying building materials from my garage to my basement and not want to freeze while i did it......

Jfire

 

[Agentskull]

Dan,

More to your OP on my end. I had to find a link.

Heater

This heater they have at costco. Throws off a ton of heat. Especially in front of it.

 

[RacFocus]

I am trying the fire pit route this year. I did the space heater in the garage last winter. We will see how it goes.

 

[King Kill 33]

I agree with insulation! Easier on the power bill in the end too bro!


-KK33-

 

[Jfire]

I just did the math for a 8X10X7tall shed.
6 rolls 35.94
1 1500 W Forced air heater. 15.00
Total 50.94 plus tax from Menards.

 

[jmartins]

I'm jealous I didn't get to rebuild my shed this year so I will be sitting in my wood shed freeze my balls off. If you have space you could always get one of the small portable fire pits.

Walmart carries them for $25 here in Canada and you could make a little fire in there with you and it will keep you toasty and the lid that goes on it keeps everything in check and won't see embers and shit fly around. JM

 

[sofc]

I have a two car garage, not insulated, and very little to heat it with. I feel your pain.

i have no garage and feel the pain of shoveling snow

 

[Cigary43]

Costco sells this and I bought two of them and they work great! 1500 watts per hour which is around 10 cents an hour which translates to less than a buck for half a day of heat.

 

[Jfire]

I have a two car garage, not insulated, and very little to heat it with. I feel your pain.

i have no garage and feel the pain of shoveling snow

How does the other half of you feel about this !?!?

 

[RacFocus]

Bottom line, I just don't smoke as much during the cold months. It's really quite depressing.

 

[danthebugman]

Justin, I like your thinking. I'm scoping out the Lowe's website and crunching some numbers. I have a $50 gift card to Lowe's that I'd earmarked for building some brewing equipment, but that may have to wait...:scratchhe.

Dan

 

[Jfire]

Cool but lowes isn't going to beat menards on the insulation or that cheapo heater. Let us know what u come up with!

 

[danthebugman]

You're right, that's a killer deal on the insulation! Unfortunately I don't have a Menards fairly close by and it seems that's an in-store purchase only product. I'll have to check around town and see what I can come up with. Might forgo the insulation for now and see how it goes. At least until it starts getting really cold.

Dan

 

[bdc30]

I'm jealous I didn't get to rebuild my shed this year so I will be sitting in my wood shed freeze my balls off.

Make the trek with thatjohnguy and come down to the smokeshack. I'm only like 75mins from the hammer.

For unheated shed smoking though, one of those parabolic ones should work just fine. Kept wilfredsimpson and I plenty warm while the shed was under construction.

 

[GoingPostal]

Costco sells this and I bought two of them and they work great! 1500 watts per hour which is around 10 cents an hour which translates to less than a buck for half a day of heat.

+1 for the heat dish, give off a lot of heat works best when pointed at you. Best thing is follow Jfire's advice and insulate the shed then any ol cheapo space heater should do just fine.