Espar Airtronic S3 D2L
#2 in SplitFull review
For van, truck and boat owners who want a quiet, type-approved 2 kW heater that works at high altitude. It costs much more than clones but is built to run for thousands of hours.
Amazon $1,250$1,250
The Espar Airtronic S3 D2L and the Espar Airtronic S2 D2L are evenly matched, rated 3.5 and 3.5. The Espar Airtronic S3 D2L leads on power draw. The Espar Airtronic S3 D2L costs $65 less ($1,250 vs $1,315).
Espar Airtronic S2 D2L
#4 in SplitFull review
For van and truck owners who want a type-approved 2 kW heater with low power draw and a timer. The newer Airtronic S3 D2L now does the same job for less.
Amazon $1,315$1,315
Prices were last checked October 30, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Espar Airtronic S3 D2L for power draw (up to 27 W running vs up to 31 W running).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every split diesel heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Espar Airtronic S3 D2L | Espar Airtronic S2 D2L |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Value 25% | 2 $568 per kW ($1,250, 2.2 kW) | 0 $598 per kW ($1,315, 2.2 kW) |
| Type approval 20% | 100 type approved (ECE R122) | 100 type approved (ECE R122) |
| Controls and safety 15% | 65 holds a set temperature, automatic altitude; no CO sensor | 65 holds a set temperature, automatic altitude, timer; no CO sensor |
| Power draw 15% | 73 up to 27 W running | 64 up to 31 W running |
| Warranty 15% | 50 2-year warranty | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
| Low setting 10% | 96 down to 0.8 kW | 96 down to 0.8 kW |
Specifications
| Espar Airtronic S3 D2L | Espar Airtronic S2 D2L | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Heat output (maker) | 2.2 kW | 2.2 kW |
| Lowest output | 0.8 kW | 0.8 kW |
| Fuel burn | 0.1 to 0.27 L/h | 0.1 to 0.28 L/h |
| Build | Split (installed) | Split (installed) |
| Power | ||
| Supply | 12V | 12V |
| Running draw | 6 to 27 W | 6 to 31 W |
| Starting draw | 90 W | 100 W |
| Controls and safety | ||
| Thermostat | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic altitude | Yes, to 13,120 ft | Yes, to 9,840 ft |
| App | - | No |
| Timer | - | Yes |
| Remote | - | No |
| CO shutoff | No | No |
| Type approval | ECE R122 | ECE R122 |
| Build | ||
| Dimensions | 12.2 x 4.5 x 4.8 in | 12.2 x 4.5 x 4.8 in |
| Weight | 5.5 lb | 6 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Released | 2021 | 2018-07 |