While you are camping, you will want the best tent heater that will keep you warm while you are outside.
You should consider how much heat it will give off, how it works, and even the cost. The more you know about these tents or space heaters, the easier it is to decide which one to go with.
If you want to know more, keep reading to see what our comprehensive guide would say regarding some of the top models.
1. Best Overall: Heater F215100 MH4B Heater
If you want something that you can easily adjust the heat’s aim, this would be ideal. It is red and black and powered by gas, and it is only 11 x 11 x 11 inches in size and 5 pounds, which means you can take it anywhere with you. This will easily handle 95 square feet, and it has an automatic off switch if there isn’t enough oxygen or in case it tips over.
This one can last for around 5 to 6 hours based on the heat levels you are using, perfect for looking for something to use for short periods.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
For those who want the best, this small space heater would be ideal for small tents or areas.
2. Runner Up: Heater MH12B Hunting Buddy Portable Space Heater
If you don’t mind spending a bit of money and want something that will be easy to use and operate, this is the ideal model. This one has camouflage on it as part of the design, and it has a handle that allows you to carry it easily. This has single control. It will automatically turn off if the oxygen in the room is low, and it can be connected to either a 1 or 20-pound cylinder for operating purposes.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are going camping and don’t want to deal with changing out the cylinders daily, then make sure to check out this model.
3. Best Budget Option: Opolar 1500W Ceramic Space Heater with Adjustable Thermostat
If you don’t have a large budget, this model would be ideal since it is relatively affordable and great for smaller spaces. This one is yellow, but you can also get it in blue, and it is 7.1×5.9×11.1 inches in size, so you will be able to stow it away in any corner. This has 3 modes for heating, including high, low, and fan only, so you can pick and choose how much heat you want.
This is a ceramic heater, which means it will heat up much faster than some other models.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you want something that will heat up fast, then this will be the right model for you to look at.
4. Heater Big Buddy F274830 Portable Propane Heater
If you have a bigger space than you need to heat up or a larger tent, then this might be the right model for you. It can be changed from 4,000 up to 18,000 BTU to heat a 450 square foot space, which is ideal for any small apartment. It will turn off right away if the pilot light isn’t lit, if it turns over and if there isn’t enough oxygen in the air. You can easily change the temperature from high, medium, or low using the knob on the side.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you don’t mind spending a bit of extra money and if you want something that will work fast, then make sure to check out this model.
5. Campy Gear Portable Propane Stove & Heater
If you are going to be cooking while you are camping, you want this 2 1 propane stove and heater. You can easily set this up in the corner of your tent or even outside to help with heating up and making cooking easier. You can easily adjust how warm you want it by using the knob on the front, and you can have a wide variety of choices.
This has a maximum output of around 9,000 BTU, and it can radiate the heat in a 360° method due to the design and shape.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
When it comes to camping, if you don’t want to carry around devices for cooking and heating, this one can help you by doing both.
6. Porlae Indoor-Outdoor Butane Heater
Another good option that you can choose is this one, and it would be able to be moved so the heat can be dispersed easily. It can handle 250 square feet with the 4,400 to 10,000 BTU levels, which is great for both indoor and outdoor heating needs. This has a sturdy handle that allows you to carry it around with you, and it can run for around 3 hours before it needs to be refilled.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you aren’t worried about the price and want something that will last you a long time, then this stainless steel indoor and outdoor heater is ideal.
7. Heater F232017 Buddy Grey Indoor Radiant Heater
Another good option that you can purchase if you want a reliable brand is this model, and it is affordable and easy to use. This works with propane, and you can connect a wide variety of cylinders to it; it is clean burning and ideal for indoor and outdoor usage. It can handle an area of around 225 square feet easily, and it will shut off if the oxygen levels are low or if it tips over.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are searching for something that can be used both indoors and outdoors, you should put this model on your list.
8. Mrinb Sports Mini Propane Butane Gas Heater
If you search for something that can use both propane and butane gas, this will be perfect. It is a mini model, and you can adjust the height of the heating element, so you are getting the heat where it needs to go. This connects directly to the gas tank, so you don’t have to worry about anything else, and it can easily be refilled after it is empty. This is perfect if you are in your tent and need a bit of extra heat or outside and want something to warm you up.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are searching for something that will be very easy to use, then this is the way to go.
Tent Heaters Buying Guide
If you are searching for a tent heater for your next camping trip, you will want to know how to choose the right device. There are so many options that can be confusing, and if you don’t know what to look for, you can have a hard time. Here is everything that you must know about buying your own tent heater.
Types of Tent Heaters
There are a few different types of tent heaters that you can opt for, and it would depend on what your preference and budget are. A few of the different types include:
- Electric – This is one of the more common types of tent heaters, but you will need to have access to electricity for this. Ensure that if you are looking at one of these devices, you will have some form of access to electricity to run smoothly.
- Propane – For those who want something that will be easy to use, then this is the right one since you can get the tanks that are needed easily. This wouldn’t take as much to heat up as the butane would, and you can use the same tank for cooking and heating up.
- Butane – If you are going camping during the winter months when it is freezing, you don’t want one of these heaters. This is because they use more heat to create the warmth that you would need in the tent.
These are just a few of the types that you should be aware of to pick the right one to fit all of your requirements.
Features to Look for in a Tent Heater
You need to be aware of a huge array of features regarding space or tent heaters. Some of these main features include:
- Heater type – You should think about the fuel type you want in the tent heater and how much heat it would take. You will need to think about what type of weather you will hit and which one would work better.
- Tipping feature – This safety feature is vital since you want the device to turn off automatically if it falls over. This would help to prevent fires and keep you from worrying about falling asleep while it is on.
- Size and weight – You need to be considering the size and the weight since you will be the one who has to bring it in and out. Find something that you can easily carry and that won’t be too much weight for you or attached to your backpack for easier transportation.
- Noise – If you are a lighter sleeper, you definitely want to find a machine that won’t be as noisy as others might be. You don’t want to wear noise-canceling headphones or even earplugs when you are outside, so make sure to find one that you can withstand the noise and fall asleep with.
Ensure that you know what these features are that you should be looking for when searching for your next tent heater.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tent Heaters
Another thing that you are going to need to know about these tent heaters is the advantages and disadvantages of using them. Some of the top advantages include:
- It keeps the tent nice and warm
- It can also be used for cooking
- Easy to use
- Can heat various sized tents
- Automatic shut-off feature for tipping over
These are the advantages that you need to know since they can help you make the final choice. However, you also need to know the disadvantages as well, including:
- Worrying about tipping it over
- Requires regular filling of the tank
- Can have an overwhelming odor
Before you make any final decision, you should know these disadvantages, which can help you choose in the end.
Tent Heater Sizing
You need to make sure that you pick the right tent heater that would fit your tent, and if you are going with a 2 to 4 person one, you can go for a smaller heater. However, if you have a larger tent that would fit more people, you need to pick a larger one to handle the entire area. This is important, so make sure to consider how big the tent is, along with how many people will be sleeping and how much the heater can handle.
Camping Tent Heating Safety Tips
There are numerous safety tips that you should think about when you considering buying a tent heater, including:
- Don’t purchase any model and use a separate stand with it, but instead opt for one with a built-in stand
- Make sure to keep the tent heater away from the sides of the tents but placed in a location that wouldn’t be easy to knock over or in the way
- Ensure that all brush is kept away from the heater so that no fires break out that you would have to control
- Make sure that you know the maximum amount of heat that your machine can produce, so you know where to place it and how to use it
These are just some of the many safety tips that would come with using a tent heater to ensure that you know them before you go out.
FAQ
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How many BTUs are recommended?
This stands for British Thermal Units, and you want to know just how much you would need to heat the space you are using. You will want to go for a higher one if you will be facing icy weather conditions and depending on how thick the tent and your sleeping bag will be.
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How warm is too hot?
If you are having problems breathing or sweating a lot under your various layers, there is too much heat in the tent. Ensure that you turn it off or even down to ensure that you aren’t getting overheated, which can make you sick.
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Why do I need the automatic shut-off feature?
You might be wondering why you would need the automatic shut-off feature that most machines have. This would help prevent any fires if the tent heater tips over or even if you accidentally kick it while you are sleeping.
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How do I know if it will handle my tent?
All tents would tell you the square footage, so make sure that you compare that to the recommended space for your tent heater. You don’t want to buy one that is too big since it can create heat, but you also don’t want to buy a small one that won’t heat the entire area.
Conclusion
You will want to ensure that you are staying warm and safe while you are camping, and that is why you need a tent heater. However, you should make sure that you pick one that would cover the tent’s entire space and keep you warm. Go ahead and find the right spot to place your tent heater while you are sleeping, and if it has the automatic off feature, you can sleep peacefully.
