Does The Clay Pot Heater Work?
What is a clay pot heater?
A clay pot heater, also known as a terra cotta heater, is a type of radiant space heater that uses the principle of evaporative cooling to provide heat. It consists of an unglazed terra cotta pot filled with a fuel source, typically candles or lamp oil, which heats up the clay pot. As the water in the clay evaporates, it draws heat away from the burning fuel, warming up the surrounding air.1
The origins of clay pot heaters can be traced back thousands of years to ancient cultures that used clay and earthenware pots for warmth and cooking. Unfinished, unglazed clay is porous and absorbs moisture well while conducting and radiating heat efficiently as it dries.1 This makes it effective at gently distributing heat from a small contained flame or heat source into the surrounding space.
Claimed Benefits
Some of the commonly claimed benefits of clay pot heaters include:
Natural/eco-friendly heating – Clay pot heaters are promoted as a natural and eco-friendly way to provide some supplementary heat, as they don’t require electricity and use renewable fuel sources like candles or tea lights. Some people prefer this lower-tech heating solution.
Moisturizes air – The porous terra cotta material is said to absorb water when the candle or tea light heats it up, releasing that moisture into the surrounding air and acting as a simple humidifier. This can help counteract dry air during winter months in some climates.
Purifies air – Proponents claim the heated clay material helps circulate air and remove impurities like dust or odors. However, there is limited evidence that clay pots act as air purifiers in a significant way.
Efficiency as a Heater
Clay pot heaters have gained popularity for their claimed ability to heat small spaces efficiently and safely using just terracotta and candles. But multiple studies have shown that they do not actually generate much heat on their own. Rather, they simply radiate the existing heat from the candles in a more concentrated manner.
In controlled tests, clay pot heaters only raised the ambient temperature by 1-2°F when using standard tealight or votive candles. This minor change is likely not noticeable to most people. While the terracotta does become hot to the touch, it does not meaningfully heat the surrounding air. So claims that they can warm an entire room are unrealistic.
Compared to other small space heaters, clay pots fare very poorly. Even a low-powered electric space heater can raise a room’s temperature by 20°F or more. More powerful heaters can heat significantly larger areas as well. So while cute and trendy, clay pot heaters simply cannot compete with other methods of home heating in terms of raw heating power. Their limited thermal output makes them more suitable as decorative candle holders rather than effective DIY heaters.
Cost Savings
One of the main claimed benefits of clay pot heaters is that they provide significant cost savings compared to other heating methods. However, the actual energy efficiency and cost savings are debated.
According to some sources, a clay pot heater uses less energy than an electric space heater or central heating system. The clay absorbs heat from the candle and radiates it steadily into the room over several hours. In theory, this provides gentle background heating at a lower energy cost than constantly running an electric heater. However, tests by Garden Myths found a clay pot only raised the room temperature by a few degrees compared to over 10 degrees for an electric space heater, while using a similar amount of candle wax. They concluded the energy savings compared to an efficient space heater would be minimal [1].
The material cost of a homemade clay pot heater is very affordable, usually under $10 for basic materials from a craft store. However, the ongoing cost of candles can add up, especially if used daily. The Frugal Reddit community discussed the cost comparison and most felt clay pots could not compete with more efficient electric heaters in terms of energy usage and expense [2].
Overall, while clay pot heaters use less electricity directly, they may not provide significant energy or cost savings compared to efficient electric heaters. The material costs are affordable, but ongoing candle expenses can be high for the amount of heat produced.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is crucial for getting the most out of a clay pot heater and ensuring safe usage. Cleaning the pot regularly will remove any buildup of residues and allow it to absorb and radiate heat most efficiently. Clay is porous, so oils and food particles can soak in over time and alter heat conductivity.
After each use, allow the pot to fully cool and scrub the inside with a stiff brush and hot water to remove any food debris. Avoid using soap on the inside, as any lingering residue can impart flavors. The outside can be cleaned with soap and water. For tougher buildup, fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil, then scrub again. This boiling process helps clean and sterilize the pot. Any stubborn stains remaining are safe and mainly cosmetic.
The water reservoir also needs occasional cleaning. Replace the water every few days to avoid algae growth. Every 1-2 weeks, empty the reservoir completely and wash with mild dish soap and a bottle brush. Rinse thoroughly before refilling.
When refilling the water reservoir, use room temperature tap water. Do not use distilled or demineralized water, as this can draw minerals out of the clay over time, causing small cracks. The water level should be kept 1-2 inches from the top of the reservoir to allow proper air circulation.
With regular cleaning and maintenance, a quality clay pot can provide many years of effective, safe use for heating and cooking.
Safety Considerations
Clay pot heaters raise some safety concerns that are important to consider. One risk is potential burns. The clay pots can get extremely hot, with surface temperatures reaching over 200°F. Coming into direct contact with the hot clay can cause serious burns. This is especially risky for children who may accidentally touch the pot. Children should be supervised at all times around a clay pot heater.
Another safety issue is the risk of knocking the pot over. The pots are usually placed on a candle or tea light. If the pot gets bumped or knocked off balance, it could fall and shatter, spreading hot pieces of clay and releasing the flame from the candle. This could lead to fires or injuries. The heater setup needs to be on a stable, level surface out of high traffic areas.
There are also concerns about indoor air quality and potential carbon monoxide exposure from the burning candle. The fumes can build up in enclosed spaces so proper ventilation is critical. (Source)
Overall, clay pot heaters require close supervision and may not be appropriate for homes with children. Their safety risks need to be carefully weighed before use.
Aesthetic Appeal
Clay pot heaters can provide a natural, charming decor piece for any room. With their earthy terra cotta material and handcrafted look, they bring a rustic warmth to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Their organic forms and textured surfaces create visual interest and complement natural styles like farmhouse, boho, or cottage decor.
Clay pot heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit any aesthetic. Small, rounded pots work well for tabletops and shelves. Tall, cylindrical pots make an attractive floor accent. Extra large pots can anchor an outdoor seating area. Handmade sandstone pots bring beautiful striations. Choose a simple form for a minimalist look or an elaborately shaped pot for a more artistic statement. With so many design options, there’s a clay pot heater to enhance any decor.
DIY Clay Pot Heater
Making your own clay pot heater at home is relatively simple. You just need a few basic materials:
According to HGTV, here’s what you’ll need:1
- Terra cotta pot
- Tealight candles
- Fireproof plant saucer or tiles
- Bricks or stones
Once you have the materials, the assembly is straightforward:
- Place a fireproof plant saucer or tiles on a stable, level surface.
- Arrange bricks around the saucer to create a platform.
- Place the terra cotta pot upside down on top of the bricks.
- Position tealight candles in a cluster underneath the pot, on top of the saucer.
- Light the candles and enjoy the radiant heat.
Be sure to carefully monitor the heater when in use and extinguish flames before leaving it unattended. Choose a well-ventilated area and keep flammable materials at a safe distance.
Top Brands
When shopping for a commercial clay pot heater, there are a few top-rated brands to consider:
La Jolíe Muse – This brand offers a variety of stylish ceramic heater designs, including tabletop and floor models. Their heaters consistently receive positive reviews for efficient heating and attractive looks. Some popular products are the Adelaide tealight heater and the Emerson tree branch style.
Warmthings Ceramic Heaters – This company focuses solely on manufacturing ceramic pot heaters. They are known for quality construction and unique designs like the Geo tealight heater. Warmthings heaters are a bit more expensive but tend to have excellent durability.
Lifestyles Northwest – For budget-friendly options, Lifestyles Northwest offers basic tealight heaters and radiators at lower price points. The aesthetic is not as refined, but the heaters provide good functionality.
When comparing top brands, be sure to consider the design, heating efficiency, safety features, durability, and price. Checking customer reviews can provide helpful insight into real-world performance as well.
The verdict
The clay pot heater certainly has some benefits, but also some drawbacks to consider. On the pros side, it can provide supplemental zone heating, add humidity to dry air, and bring an aesthetic appeal. The cons are that it’s slow to heat up, not very energy efficient overall, and requires vigilance to prevent fire risks.
The clay pot heater works best for:
- Adding gentle radiant warmth to small spaces like offices, bedrooms, or bathrooms
- People wanting more humidity in dry climates
- Those who enjoy the ambiance and DIY nature of clay pot heaters
The clay pot heater may not be ideal for:
- Quickly heating larger open concept rooms
- Families with young children or pets prone to knock it over
- People focused solely on maximizing energy efficiency
Overall, the clay pot heater can be an attractive and functional supplemental heating option if used safely and matched to the right space. But it comes with some limitations that prevent it from fully replacing modern central heating systems.
