Does Menards Carry Kerosene? What to Buy, What It Costs, and How to Use It Safely
Yes, Menards carries kerosene. The shop offers packaged Sunnyside K-1 kerosene in various sizes, an alternative kerosene, Klean-Strip, a special kerosene can, and heaters fuel additives. Stock fluctuates per store, and therefore a quick visit to the store before you drive is a wasted journey.
You need to heat a garage or shop, fill a wick lamp, or prepare in case of a power outage, this guide explains what Menards sells, what it costs, how to purchase it, and how to use it without issues. If you are still learning the basics, it helps to understand what happens inside a kerosene heater before you buy fuel for it.
Does Menards Carry Kerosene? Quick facts
- Menards do not sell bulk kerosene pumped out (according to the listings I have found).
- Sizes found: 1 gallon, 2.5 gallon, and 5 gallon Sunnyside kerosene.
- You are able to look at the stock in stores online and select in-store pickup.
- Never put other than water-clear K-1 grade fuel in a kerosene heater.
Kerosene and Kerosene Alternatives Sold at Menards
Sunnyside K-1 Kerosene (1, 2.5, and 5 Gallon)
This is the main kerosene product. Menards characterizes it as a very fine kerosene which is ASTM K-1 specification, water white, low in sulfur and contributes to the longevity of the wicks in heaters and lamps. The same listing adds that it can also be used as a slow-drying grease, oil, and tar cutting solvent and a protective coating on steel tools prior to storage.
The 2.5 gallon jug is described as K-1 grade heater and appliance fuel that is clean burning, low odor and is compatible with kerosene heaters, stoves, and wick-type lamps. Menards also mentions a 1 gallon size and the manufacturer adds that the fuel is crystal clear, contains no dyes and is refined to minimize sulfur.
Best: The majority of individuals with a normal wick heater, lantern or lamp.
Klean-Strip Klean Heat
Klean Heat is marketed as an alternative to kerosene. It contains less sulfur and aromatics as compared to kerosene hence there is no smell of kerosene before, during, and after combustion. Its manufacturer also claims that its flash point is over 140 degrees Fahrenheit and that it is also K-1 compliant or better. If you want a closer look at how Klean Heat compares with true kerosene, that guide breaks down the differences before you commit.
One boundary to be aware of: the product label states that it is not to be sold in the South Coast Air Quality Management District which includes sections of Southern California. This is a Midwest chain, and therefore this seldom matters, however, you should check your local regulations.
Best when: You are indoors or in enclosed areas that bother you with smell.
Midwest Can 5-Gallon Kerosene Can
You require the appropriate container, and Menards offer one. This blue HDPE can features two handles, a larger bottom to prevent tipping, a spout that closes in case the can is tipped, and a flame suppressing mechanism. The blue color is important since blue is the standard of kerosene, whereas gas cans are normally red.
Note: The Menards list I viewed required ordering in multiples of four to order online, so make sure you can buy just one can in-store.
21st Century Kerosene Heater Fuel Additive
Menards defines this additive as a scented or unscented product that cleans wicks, spreads water and cuts odors, to be used with clear 1 kerosene. Smoke and odor are often caused by water in fuel, and hence a handy addition to stored fuel.
How Much Does Kerosene Cost at Menards?
Prices fluctuate by store and are subject to change, so use as an indication. The 2.5 gallon Sunnyside jug was 28.96 plus an 11 percent mail-in rebate of 3.19 when I checked. The 5 gallon Midwest Can was $16.89 with an 11% rebate of $1.86.
| Item | Listed price | Approx. cost per gallon | After rebate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnyside kerosene, 2.5 gal | $28.96 | About $11.58 | About $25.77 total |
| Midwest Can 5 gal kerosene can | $16.89 | Not applicable | About $15.03 |
My own calculation of the price is per-gallon. No verified up-to-date price of either the 1 gallon or 5 gallon Sunnyside jugs, so see the product page on that.
Regarding the rebate: Menards rebates are mail-in and are not paid out on Menards.com orders, but are paid out as a credit check on future in-store purchases. It is a discount afterwards, not at the checkout.
Money tip: The bigger the jug, the cheaper it is per gallon, but you should only purchase what you can use in a season. Stale fuel may absorb water and result in smoke. Fuel is only part of the budget, so it also helps to see what a kerosene heater itself costs if you are still shopping for one.
How to Check Stock and Buy Kerosene at Menards
- Type in the product name, e.g., Sunnyside kerosene 2.5 gallon, in Menards.com.
- Type in store or zip code to view local stock.
- Select in-store pickup when you would like it prepared. At Menards, you can have a team member pick up the order, with a small processing fee, and then have 14 days to pick it up.
- Note the aisle. One inventory had 15 available at a store in Richmond, in Aisle 33, Section I, demonstrating the specificity of the tool. Your shop will be different.
- contact the shop in case of a huge amount. The shelf can outnumber web stock counts.
Menards has more than 300 stores, primarily located in the Midwest. You are not within that footprint, find the alternatives below.
K-1 vs K-2 Kerosene: Which One Should You Buy?
In case of a heater, purchase K-1. K-1 is a water-clear grade, low-sulfur grade used in indoor wick burners. K-2 contains more sulfur and other applications.
The health department of New York cautions against using K-2 in such heaters, saying that even when it appears as clear, K-2 contains more sulfur.
| Feature | K-1 | K-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Sulfur | Low | Higher |
| Appearance | Water clear | Can look clear |
| Best use | Indoor heaters, lamps, stoves | Not recommended for indoor heaters |
| What Menards sells | Yes (Sunnyside) | Not seen in the listings I found |
The Menards Sunnyside products are all labeled K-1.
Kerosene vs Klean Heat: Which Is Better?
| Factor | Sunnyside K-1 kerosene | Klean-Strip Klean Heat |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel type | True K-1 kerosene | Kerosene alternative meeting K-1 specs |
| Odor | Low | No kerosene odor, per the maker |
| Smoke and soot | Low | Low |
| Price | Often lower per gallon | Often higher per gallon |
| Best for | Everyday use, garages, budget | Enclosed rooms, odor-sensitive users |
Easy guideline: Choose Sunnyside when the price is most important. Choose Klean Heat when smell is the greater issue. First, consult your heater manual as some manufacturers specify approved fuels.
Safe Kerosene Storage and Refueling
When properly handled, kerosene is safe. They are regulations of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and state health agencies. For a full walkthrough of fueling and lighting, this step-by-step kerosene heater guide is a good companion, and the same site covers safe ways to light the wick for the first time.
- Never use gasoline. A heater tank with even a small portion of gasoline can result in a fire.
- Take a blue kerosene container. CPSC recommends that one should use a blue kerosene container and not red and that kerosene should not be stored in the same location with other fuel containers.
- Refuel outside. Only when the heater is turned off and cool, fill the tank outdoors, not in the vicinity of anything that can burn.
- Do not overfill. When fuel warms, it expands and therefore filling it beyond the full mark may result in spills and fires.
- Give it space. At least maintain a distance of three feet between the heater and furniture and clothing. Soft floors need extra thought too, so read up on whether carpet is a safe surface for these heaters.
- Ventilate. Combustion gases are emitted in the room by kerosene heaters. New York’s health department says not to use them as a main heat source, even during outages. Our deeper look at indoor kerosene heater safety explains the ventilation rules in more detail.
- Install detectors. Apply working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
- Review the regulations. Check local building and fire regulations permit kerosene heaters in houses, and inquire with your insurer.
Storage precaution: Store fuel in its can which is blue in color, in a cool place, outside or in a detached area, where it will not be in contact with heat or any source of ignition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Reusing a can that had gasoline.
- Purchasing kerosene cans of red color.
- Fueling a hot burner.
- Years of fuel storage without an additive.
- Using lamp oil or camp stove fuel in a kerosene heater.
- omitting wick care, leading to smoke and smell.
Other Places to Buy Kerosene
In case Menards is not in stock or too far, the following options should be considered:
- Other home and farm stores. Sunnyside 5 gallon jugs are often found in home improvement and farm retailers and the Klean Heat fuel is available at large retailers.
- Gas stations that have kerosene pump. There are stations where there are kerosene islands and you are to take the kerosene pump and not the gasoline pump.
- Local fuel suppliers. Most economical in large quantities. Request certified 1-K grade, as CPSC observes that various kerosene grades may appear similar, and thus the dealer must certify that it is 1-K.
FAQs
Does Menards have kerosene?
Yes. Sunnyside K-1 kerosene, Klean-Strip Klean Heat, and a Midwest Can kerosene container are sold at Menards. Depending on your local store.
What is the size of kerosene sold by Menards?
I saw 1 gallon, 2.5 gallon and 5 gallon Sunnyside kerosene.
What aisle is kerosene in at Menards?
It varies. Menards.com displays the aisle and section in each store. One of the listings I found was Aisle 33, Section I, though yours could be different.
Is it possible to order kerosene at Menards online?
You are able to place an in-store pickup order. Fuel availability to deliver may differ, so consult the product page.
Is Menards kerosene K-1 grade?
Yes. Sunnyside product is quoted as fulfilling ASTM K-1 specifications.
What is the price of kerosene at Menards?
The 2.5 gallon jug was $28.96 when I checked, or about $11.58 per gallon. The prices depend on the store and time.
Does Menards sell kerosene in gallons by a pump?
I did not find bulk pump service. The listings are for packaged jugs. Ask your store to be sure.
Which container should I use for kerosene?
Use a blue kerosene container. Menards sells a 5 gallon Midwest Can model that has a flame mitigation device.
Is it possible to put kerosene in a gas can?
No. Always use a separate blue kerosene can to prevent mixing fuels. Do not use a can that previously contained gasoline unless it is specifically designed and approved for kerosene.
What is the difference between kerosene and Klean Heat?
Klean Heat is low odor and contains low levels of sulfur and aromatics. Sunnyside is actual K-1 kerosene and tends to be the less expensive option.
Is it possible to use K-2 kerosene in an indoor heater?
Only K-1 is recommended for indoor kerosene heaters. K-2 contains more sulfur and is not generally recommended for indoor use.
What is the maximum length of storage for kerosene?
There is no precise shelf life that applies in all cases. Keep kerosene sealed, cool, dry, and clean, and consider an appropriate fuel stabilizer for long-term storage. Water and dirt are major concerns.
Are kerosene heaters carbon monoxide producers?
Yes. Kerosene heaters produce combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, which is why proper ventilation and working carbon monoxide alarms are important.
Is it legal to use a kerosene heater at home?
It depends on your region. Check local building and fire codes and your insurance policy before using a kerosene heater at home.
Key Takeaways
- Menards does stock kerosene, predominantly Sunnyside K-1 in 1, 2.5 and 5 gallon quantities.
- It also markets Klean Heat, a blue kerosene can, and a wick additive.
- Shop online and pick up what you need at your store and save time.
- K-1 only in a heater, in a blue can, use only water-clear.
- Fill up the fuel outside, never full to the brim, and have working CO alarms around.
Final Thoughts
Menards is a good store to purchase kerosene in case you are close to it. You have a reliable K-1 fuel, a nice blue can and a simple method to check stock before you leave. Get the correct grade, store it properly, and fuel outside and you prevent almost all of the common problems.
The next time you are going away, look online to see what your local store has in stock, get yourself a blue can in case you do not have one and ensure your CO alarm has new batteries.
