What you'll need:
- Crisco (or any vegetable shortening): The hero of the hour, this handy hunk of fat stores heat like a champ. Bonus points for the nostalgia factor.
- Candles: Any size, any style, just let your inner pyromaniac (within reason) choose. Tea lights, pillars, even birthday candles in a pinch (though prepare for some melty mayhem).
- Metal containers or Glass jars: Think tuna cans, coffee tins, mason jars, or even a trusty cast iron skillet. Just make sure they're heat-resistant and not prone to doing the tango off the counter.
- Wicks: Lantern wicks are ideal, but cotton rope or fabric strips can work in a pinch. Remember, thicker wicks = longer burn times (and bigger smiles).
Step 1: Wick it, wick it good!
Step 2: Fill 'er up with fluffy warmth!
Step 3: Light it up and melt the winter blues away!
- Cluster power: Group several Crisco can heaters together for a concentrated heat zone. Think personal sunbeam, not community bonfire.
- Reflective boost: Line the back of your container with aluminum foil to reflect heat outwards. Because science!
- Ventilation is key: Crack open a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. We want happy lungs, not sleepy heads.
- Never leave burning heaters unattended, and extinguish them before leaving the room. Safety first, second, and always.
IMPORTANT FACT: If you are using a heater of ANY kind - even a desktop - it is important to remember to plug them DIRECTLY INTO A WALL! Not a surge bar or anything - ONLY DIRECTLY INTO THE WALL! Even the desktop size heaters draw a lot of power which CAN (and many do) melt surge bars and such. These should not be turned on or used without constant supervision for safety.
Psst... Check out this emergency gear on sale while you are here!
FAQs: DIY Emergency Heaters with Crisco and Candlelight
Q: Are these DIY heaters safe to use?
- Never leave a burning heater unattended. Extinguish it before leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Use heat-resistant containers and stable surfaces. Avoid placing the heater on anything flammable like carpets or furniture.
- Ventilate the room slightly to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Crack open a window a little, but not enough to extinguish the flame.
- Keep children and pets away from the open flame.
- These heaters are not meant for long-term use. Their primary purpose is to provide temporary warmth during power outages or other emergencies.
Q: What type of vegetable shortening is best to use?
Q: How long will these heaters last?
Q: Can I use something other than candles for the flame?
Q: Are there any other tips for making these heaters more effective?
- Cluster several heaters together for more concentrated heat.
- Line the back of your container with aluminum foil to reflect heat outwards.
- Use a thicker wick for longer burn times.
- Keep the shortening level topped up to maintain the flame.