Ben Carter
A clay pot heater is an inexpensive DIY project that can be used to heat small spaces. The heater is made using a few common materials such as clay pots, candles, washers, nuts, and bolts. The heat from the candles is concentrated and radiated outwards, providing warmth to a specific location. While it may not be sufficient to heat an entire room, it can be useful for small, enclosed spaces or in emergency situations. It is important to note that proper precautions should be taken when using a clay pot heater to avoid potential fire hazards and ensure adequate airflow to prevent the buildup of dangerous fumes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Clay pots, candles, metal rod, washers, nuts, fan, threaded rod, circular clay tray, wooden baseplate, metal pipe, fire-resistant glassware, bricks, metal stand, ceramic bowl, terracotta saucer, tea lights, aluminium foil, long bolt |
| Heat Output | Clay pot heaters are not suitable for heating an entire home, but can heat a small, closed room or outdoor sitting area. |
| Safety | Candles fumes can be dangerous, especially in an enclosed space. Too many candles can deplete oxygen and raise CO2 levels to unsafe levels. Do not leave heaters unattended, especially around children. |
| Cost | Clay pot heaters are inexpensive to build. |
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What You'll Learn
How to build a clay pot heater with a fan
Building a clay pot heater with a fan is a simple, inexpensive, and effective way to heat a small room or space. This type of heater uses ordinary candles as the main heating element, capturing and transferring heat through conduction, convection, and radiation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to build one:
Step 1: Gather Materials and Supplies
You will need two large clay pots, one slightly larger than the other so it can fit inside. Additionally, you will need a 90-degree metal pipe, an electric fan, a threaded rod, washers, nuts, a circular clay tray, and candles. Most of these items can be found at your local hardware store, and you may also need tools like a drill, scissors, or wire cutters.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
Place the circular clay tray on a wooden baseplate and secure it with washers and nuts. This will serve as the base for your heater. Place a nut further up the threaded rod to hang the clay pot. Cut the threaded rod to an appropriate length, ensuring it fits securely.
Step 3: Assemble the Pots
Drill three holes in one side of the larger outer pot at equal distances. Insert and secure water heater coils or flexible tubing through these holes. Apply silicone sealant to the smaller inner pot and place it inside the outer pot. This creates an enclosed space for the candles and directs the heat.
Step 4: Add the Candles
Place the candles in the centre of the tray, ensuring they are on a fire-resistant surface. You can use as many candles as needed to maintain the desired temperature, but be cautious not to use too many, as they can deplete oxygen and increase CO2 levels. Always use unscented candles for safety.
Step 5: Attach the Fan and Pipe
Attach the electric fan to one end of the 90-degree metal pipe. Place the pipe on top of the clay pot. This pipe will help direct the warm air outwards to the desired location. Ensure there is a gap between the clay pot and the circular clay base to allow for good airflow and increase the intensity of the candles.
Step 6: Test and Adjust
Light the candles and turn on the fan to test the heater. You may need to adjust the number of candles or the fan speed to achieve the desired temperature. Remember to never leave the heater unattended, and always use caution when working with open flames.
Please note that while this heater can effectively heat a small space, it will not heat an entire home or large room. Always use it in a well-ventilated area and follow safety precautions to prevent any hazards.
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Using a metal pipe to control heat
The main heating element of a clay pot heater is ordinary candles. However, candles alone are not sufficient to heat a garage or room. This is because warm air rises, moving from areas of high temperature to low temperature. By using a clay pot and a 90-degree metal pipe, we can control the heat and make it more effective.
The heater body is formed with nesting clay pots, often separated by and attached to a central steel bolt. The bolt has additional steel washers in the spaces between the pots to form a basic heat exchanger. This clay pot structure is usually nested at least two levels deep. This setup creates a series of internal spaces between the pots. Once constructed, the heater body is flipped over and supported by bricks, pans, or a metal stand. This allows you to position the centre bolt directly above a small candle.
When the candle is lit, the flame heats the steel bolt directly, causing it to heat the clay pots. The clay pots also trap the hot air rising from the flame. This "trap" slows the heat's escape into the surrounding cold air and gives it time to heat the clay further. The clay absorbs every bit of heat from the candle, allowing it to radiate from a lower vertical location in the room (instead of at the ceiling). This helps more of the heat to stay in a part of the room where it can be more efficient at heating our bodies.
To further amplify the heat, multiple holes can be made on top of the clay pot. Drilling clay pots can be tricky, so it is advisable to make small holes and then use a slot screwdriver combined with a gentle tap from a hammer to increase the size of the hole. Once the holes are large enough, a 10mm drill can be used to make them circular.
The 90-degree metal pipe is placed on top of the clay pot. The heat can be concentrated to a certain location by moving the metal pipe. An electric fan can be used to pull the warm air outwards, directing it to the desired location. This design is very efficient as it prevents the warm air from being "wasted".
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How to hang a heater
To hang a heater, you will need to follow these steps:
Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a long bolt, about 7-8 nuts, a dozen washers, and a couple of small terracotta or clay pots. Traditional, unglazed, hard, fired-clay pots are the best option for this project. You will also need a candle or tea light for each heater.
Next, you will need to assemble the heater. Place the long bolt through the centre of the terracotta pot, separating each pot with a couple of washers and a nut. The centre bolt, washers, and nuts will conduct the heat from the candle. Make sure to leave a gap between the clay pots to promote airflow and increase the intensity of the candles.
Once your heater is assembled, you can hang it in your desired location. A heater can be hung on a patio or pergola rafter. Ensure that you do not hang the heater on a flammable surface and that it is secure and will not fall.
Finally, place a candle inside the heater and light it. The heat from the candle will radiate out, providing warmth.
It is important to note that these heaters are not suitable for heating large spaces or entire homes. They are more effective for heating small, enclosed spaces or providing warmth in an emergency. Always exercise caution when using a candle heater, and never leave it unattended, especially around children.
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Using bricks to protect surfaces
When building a heater with candles and clay pots, it is important to consider using bricks to protect the surface on which the heater is placed. Bricks can provide a stable and heat-resistant base for the heater, preventing potential damage to the surface from the heat and hot wax produced by the candles.
To use bricks effectively for this purpose, consider the following steps:
Choose the Right Bricks
Select bricks that are heat-resistant and durable. Avoid using old or fragile bricks that may crack or break under the heat. Ensure the bricks are clean and free from any debris or substances that may be flammable or hazardous when heated.
Prepare the Surface
Before placing the bricks, prepare the surface by clearing any flammable materials or objects that could be damaged by heat. Consider placing a layer of heat-resistant material, such as aluminium foil or a metal tray, underneath the bricks to provide additional protection.
Assemble the Bricks
Arrange the bricks in a stable configuration that can support the weight of the clay pots and candles. Depending on the size and shape of the bricks, you may stack them or place them side by side to create a sturdy base. Ensure the surface is level and stable to minimise the risk of the heater tipping over.
Position the Heater
Once the bricks are assembled, carefully place the heater on top. Centre the clay pots and candles over the bricks to ensure stability and even weight distribution. Ensure there is sufficient airflow around the candles to prevent them from being snuffed out.
Monitor and Maintain
Regularly monitor the heater and the surrounding area. Keep an eye out for any signs of excessive heat, hot wax dripping, or potential safety hazards. Ensure the bricks are not showing signs of stress or deterioration due to the heat. Allow proper ventilation in the area to prevent a buildup of fumes or depletion of oxygen.
By following these steps and using bricks to protect surfaces, you can safely enjoy the warmth provided by your candle and clay pot heater while minimising the risk of damage to the underlying surface. Remember to exercise caution and never leave the heater unattended.
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How to build a heater that sits on the ground
First, gather your materials. You will need several candles, preferably tealights, two clay pots of different sizes, a metal rod, a metal bolt, washers, nuts, and bricks or other non-flammable items to act as a stand. You will also need a drill and a saw to cut the metal rod.
Next, create a stable base for your heater. Place the larger clay pot upside down on a flat, non-flammable surface. You can use bricks or ceramic tiles to raise the heater off the ground and protect the surface from heat. Just make sure your structure is stable and secure.
Now, prepare the smaller clay pot. Drill a hole in the centre, slightly larger than the metal rod. Push the rod through the hole and secure it with washers and nuts on both sides. Cut the rod to a suitable length so that it protrudes a few inches above the pot.
Place the smaller clay pot on top of the larger one, ensuring there is a gap of approximately 1-2 inches between them for proper airflow. The gap will allow oxygen to fuel the candles and distribute the warmth more effectively.
Finally, place the candles in the space between the two pots. Light the candles, and within minutes, the clay pots will start to radiate warmth.
Please note: This heater will not heat an entire room but can be useful for warming a small, enclosed space. Always exercise caution when using an open flame, and never leave the heater unattended, especially around children. Burning candles consume oxygen and produce carbon dioxide, so ensure proper ventilation to avoid unsafe CO2 levels.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use as many candles as you can fit, but one candle produces enough heat to warm a small sitting area outside. Using more candles will deplete oxygen and raise CO2 levels to unsafe concentrations.
Avoid scented candles and citronella candles, as these can be dangerous. Tea lights are a good option.
Traditional unglazed, hard, fired-clay pots are the best option. Avoid painted pots, as they produce a strong odour when heated.
Clay pot heaters concentrate heat from candles into a smaller space, rather than letting it spread throughout the room. The clay pots trap hot air rising from the flame, slowing its escape and giving it time to heat the clay.
Never leave the heater unattended, especially around children. Be careful not to touch the clay pot, as it will get hot enough to burn your skin. Avoid placing the heater on a flammable surface and refrain from sliding or handling it while it is lit.
