BTU Calculator

[pickleboy]

this is a great tool for the oven build forum can it be made into a sticky by the mods or can mike or lance take care of this.

http://www.tupent.com/shop/heaters_1/index.html#btu-calculator

[hjeades]

re: BTU Calculator

I'm not sure how to enter the info. into the boxes on the calculator. I hope I don't sound stupid but my oven I want to build would be 3'x4'x6'. So I entered in the square footage 3' x4' and ceiling height 6' is this right?

this is a great tool for the oven build forum can it be made into a sticky by the mods or can mike or lance take care of this.
http://www.heatershop.com/btu_calculator.htm

[mikmj]

re: BTU Calculator

I'm not sure how to enter the info. into the boxes on the calculator. I hope I don't sound stupid but my oven I want to build would be 3'x4'x6'. So I entered in the square footage 3' x4' and ceiling height 6' is this right?

Yes that will work.

[everette]

Re: BTU Calculator

What do you put in where it says "Fahrenheit temperature increase"?

[ed_denu]

Re: BTU Calculator

What do you put in where it says "Fahrenheit temperature increase"?

If the ambient temp is 60 degrees and you want to heat to 400 then enter 340(400-60).

Use this as a general guide only. I personally don't feel it is that accurate.

[ed_denu]

Re: BTU Calculator

Here is a link to another calculator that imo gives more accurate estimations:

http://forum.caswellplating.com/oven-building-forum/6208-temperature-time-rise-calculator.html

[KZjim]

Re: BTU Calculator

Interesting calculator.. I am having a custom made element quoted from a manufacture and they informed me that most element companies calculate in watts per square inch... I was told they don't use the BTU measurement any longer... Just thought I'd pass that along..

[Paul_UK]

Re: BTU Calculator

Hi This link is no longer there, maybe time to remove it as a sticky

[SCOTTRODS]

Re: BTU Calculator

The link needs to be modified, It's only 2 clicks from there still... Here's the new link.
Heaters. Residential and commercial from name brands you can trust like Mr. Heater and DeLonghi. Electric | diesel | kerosene | propane LPG or natural gas NG.

[SCOTTRODS]

Re: BTU Calculator

Another Failed link... Hmf...

Here's a same calculator... different place. BTU Calculator

[ed_denu]

Often on this and other forums people state they are looking to build an oven of a certain size, often quite large without first considering if they have the electrical service to power it. The calculators are fine, but a very simple way is to just calculate watts per cubic feet, or watts per cubic meters. Generally around 150 watts per cubic foot is optimal, based on standard R13 insulation and desired heat up times of around 15 minutes. If your ambient temperatures in winter are very low then adjust these numbers upward.

Once you have determined the necessary wattage then compute this to amperes. This is accomplished by dividing the computed wattage by voltage, or 240 in the U.S. Lastly look at your electrical service panel. If your computed amperage draw is 100 amps and you have a 60 amp sub panel then obviously this isn't going to be possible. If unsure, seek the opinion of a qualified electrician.