Draper Jet Force Infrared Diesel and Kerosene Space Heater, 60,000 BTU/17kW

Not all site heaters work the same way — and for many applications, infrared is simply the smarter choice. The Draper DSH-IR-B Jet Force Infrared Space Heater delivers 60,000 BTU (17kW) of radiant heat that warms people, surfaces and objects directly, rather than just heating the air around them. The result is faster perceived warmth, less wasted energy in draughty or open environments, and a noticeably quieter, cleaner operation.

Built around a stainless steel combustion chamber, electromagnetic pump, and automatic ignition system, the DSH-IR-B is a technically sophisticated heater that's still straightforward to use. A thermostatic control unit lets you dial in your preferred temperature, while a photocell safety device and overheating protection ensure safe, reliable operation throughout.

Compatible with both diesel and kerosene, with a 12-litre tank that delivers approximately 9 hours of continuous running, this is a premium portable heater built for well-ventilated workshops, garages and professional environments.

Key Features

Infrared Radiant Heat Technology

Unlike forced-air heaters that heat the surrounding air, the DSH-IR-B uses infrared radiant heat to warm objects and people directly in its path. This makes it particularly effective in spaces where warm air would otherwise escape quickly — open-fronted buildings, draughty workshops, or partially open industrial environments — where conventional heaters struggle to maintain consistent temperatures.

Thermostatic Control for Precise Temperature Management

A built-in thermostatic control unit allows you to set and maintain your desired working temperature automatically. The heater adjusts its output accordingly, saving fuel and preventing unnecessary overheating — a level of control not found on standard on/off space heaters.

Automatic Ignition — No Manual Lighting Required

The automatic ignition system fires the DSH-IR-B reliably at the push of a button. There's no manual lighting, no pilot flame to maintain, and no delay getting heat when you need it.

Stainless Steel Combustion Chamber & Radiant Plate

At the heart of the DSH-IR-B is a stainless steel combustion chamber paired with a radiant plate — a combination that ensures efficient, consistent heat output and long-term durability under sustained high-temperature operation.

Electromagnetic Pump with In-Line Fuel Filter

The electromagnetic pump and in-line fuel filter work together to deliver a clean, steady fuel supply to the combustion chamber. This improves ignition reliability, combustion quality and overall efficiency while helping to protect internal components from fuel contaminants.

Photocell Safety Device & Overheating Protection

Safety is built in at multiple levels. The photocell safety device monitors the flame and shuts the heater down automatically if combustion fails or is interrupted. Combined with overheating protection, the DSH-IR-B provides peace of mind during unattended operation.

Low Noise Operation

Running at just 94W motor power, the DSH-IR-B operates far more quietly than high-airflow forced-air heaters. This makes it well suited to environments where noise is a concern — precision workshops, customer-facing areas, or anywhere sustained fan noise would be disruptive.

Clean Burning, Low Emissions

The DSH-IR-B's clean-burn combustion produces minimal fumes and particulates, making it one of the better-suited options for well-ventilated enclosed spaces compared to less refined combustion designs.

Multi-Fuel: Diesel & Kerosene Compatible

Runs on both diesel and kerosene for flexible, cost-effective fuelling on site. Note: Grade 2 or higher kerosene is required.

Specification

Where to Use the Draper DSH-IR-B

Important: This heater is suitable for well-ventilated spaces only. It must not be used in sealed, airtight, or poorly ventilated environments.

The DSH-IR-B's infrared technology makes it particularly effective in:

• Workshops & Garages — Targeted radiant warmth for workbenches, vehicle bays and occupied work areas
• Open-Fronted Buildings & Lean-Tos — Infrared heats objects and people directly, making it far more effective than forced-air in spaces where warm air escapes freely
• Factories & Industrial Units — Spot heating for workstations or production areas within larger spaces
• Jobsites & Construction Environments — Reliable heat with automatic ignition for fast deployment
• Agricultural Buildings — Targeted warmth for animals, equipment or working areas in well-ventilated outbuildings
• Commercial Premises — Lower noise and cleaner operation suit customer-facing or office-adjacent areas

Infrared vs Forced-Air: Which Heater Do You Need?

Choosing between an infrared heater and a forced-air space heater comes down to your environment and how you need the heat to work.

Choose the DSH-IR-B if your space is open-fronted or draughty, you need quiet operation, or you want thermostatic temperature control.

Choose a forced-air model (DSH58, DSH68 or DSH108) if you need to heat a more enclosed space quickly, or require higher raw BTU output to warm a large volume of air.

Why Choose the Draper DSH-IR-B?

The DSH-IR-B stands apart from the rest of the Draper space heater range — not because it's simply bigger or more powerful, but because it uses a fundamentally different and more sophisticated approach to heating. For the right application, that makes all the difference.

The combination of thermostatic control, automatic ignition, photocell safety monitoring, and stainless steel combustion components puts the DSH-IR-B in a different class to basic on/off site heaters. It's a heater built for users who want precise, efficient, reliable warmth — not just a box that blows hot air.

Backed by Draper's century-long reputation for professional-quality tools and equipment, the DSH-IR-B is designed to deliver season after season in real working environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes infrared heating different from a standard space heater? Standard forced-air heaters warm the air, which then warms the surrounding space. Infrared heaters emit radiant heat that warms objects and people directly — similar to the warmth of sunlight. In open or draughty spaces where warm air escapes quickly, infrared is often significantly more effective and efficient.

What grade of kerosene does the DSH-IR-B require? Grade 2 or higher kerosene is required. Standard heating kerosene (28-second) typically meets this specification — always verify the grade with your fuel supplier before use.

Can it run on red diesel? Yes — the DSH-IR-B is compatible with both diesel (including red/agricultural diesel) and kerosene.

How does the thermostatic control work? The built-in thermostat monitors ambient temperature and adjusts the heater's output to maintain your set temperature. Once the target temperature is reached, the heater modulates or cycles to hold it — saving fuel and providing a more consistent working environment than a simple on/off heater.

What does the photocell safety device do? The photocell monitors the combustion flame. If the flame goes out unexpectedly — due to a fuel interruption, draught, or fault — the photocell detects the absence of light and shuts the heater down automatically, preventing unburned fuel from accumulating.

How long will a full tank last? At the maximum fuel consumption rate of 1.39L/hr, a full 12-litre tank provides approximately 9 hours of operation. With thermostatic control reducing output when the target temperature is reached, real-world runtime may be longer.

Is the DSH-IR-B suitable for indoor use? The DSH-IR-B is suitable for well-ventilated spaces only. It must not be used in sealed rooms or airtight environments. Always ensure adequate natural ventilation when operating this heater.