Before tent heaters, camping ws only limited to the warmer months of the year. But not anymore. You can now comfortably enjoy the serenity in the outdoors and connect with nature, without worrying about freezing. You simply need the right tent heater.

There so many options in the market, but not all of them are safe for you. That is why buyters need to be more keen when selecting thest tent heater in the makret today.

Rest assured we discuss the main types of tent heaters, the top considerations for the best tent heaters, and a review of the best and safest 7.

Main Types of Camping Heaters

There are two main types of camping heaters that can help you survive cold weather. Consider choosing between electric and gas heaters depending on the specifics of your circumstances. While Battery powered heaters do exist, they are impractical because they cannot provide the amount of power needed to keep you warm during a chilly afternoon or night.

Electric Heaters

Electric heaters are the safest because they don’t emit any dangerous gases that can deprive your blood cells the ability to take up oxygen. Thus, you can sleep peacefully without worrying about carbon monoxide build-up inside your tent. But if you will be too far off-grid, you may want to consider using solar or a portable generator to power the electric heater.

When camping in winter, you may want to consider avoiding solar power because of the limited sunshine during the day. Remember that an electric heater will need between 500-1500 Watts of power to operate.

Gas Heaters

Propane and butane gas heaters are great options when you don’t have access to electricity. What’s more, the fuel is not expensive, and there are many affordable heaters to choose from. However, users should always exercise proper care, follow all manufacturer safety protocols for their devices, and be aware of the potential for odorless carbon monoxide emitted while using gas heaters. With proper safety precautions and proper ventilation in your tent, you can enjoy ultimate warmth and comfort.  Please note: mail regulations prevent heating devices from being shipped with a fuel canister included.  You will always have to purchase your fuel source separately on this type of equipment.

Butane and propane gases are similar, but also have striking differences in operation. Understanding the differences can help you choose one from an informed position. Here is what distinguishes the two;

  • Butane canisters cannot be refilled, while you can refill propane canisters or tanks
  • Butane fuel is denser than propane, which makes butane more expensive to heat per BTU
  • Butane does not work well below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but if you warm the canister a little, it works just fine
  • For multi-fuel gas heaters: If using Propane, while generally more economical, expect that you will need to purchase a separate fuel adapter hose that fits the brand and size of propane tank you wish to use. Many are similar fittings, but not all are compatible with each other

Top Considerations for the Best Tent Heaters

The right tent heater is the one that can cater to all your needs. And with the proper considerations in mind, it might be much easier to pick what’s best for you, your family, or your friends..

Size

Most people believe that a big heater translates to enough heat to beat the cold – but that is not always the case. Small, quality heaters can also provide enough heat for your tent. The size you choose should be in sync with the amount of space you have in the tent. Make sure that the heater stays away from your linens, from yourself, and other tent occupants.

BTUs

The higher the BTUs on your tent heater, the more powerful it is. It is also important to note that, the higher the BTUs, the higher the power or fuel consumption. But the good thing is that the best tent heaters allow you to adjust the power to suit your heating needs.

Safety Features

Inhaling the odorless carbon monoxide produced by gas heaters can cause nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, weakness, and headaches. But the best gas heaters come with a carbon monoxide detector or an automatic shut-off system that detects low oxygen levels. Another essential feature is the tip-over system that turns off the heater if it stops being upright.

A Review of the 7 Best Tent Heaters

Below is a review of the seven best tent heaters based on their features and performance. These top picks will help ensure that you keep safe from hypothermia and have a reliable source of warmth on your next camping adventure.

  1. Bluegrass Living B28TPIR-BB Vent Free Infrared Gas Space Heater

Best Tent Heater for Big Tents

This tent heater uses liquid propane gas to provide the heat needed in the coldest of winters. And it is a powerful tent heater producing up to 28,000 BTUs, and can heat up a space of up to 1,450 sq. ft. Bluegrass Living B28TPIR-BB Vent Free Infrared Gas Space Heater is also very safe because it is free of toxic chemicals, and has an automatic shut-off system that goes off if it senses oxygen depletion. Depending on the power output you need, the dimensions range from 6.85” x 15.79” x 21.2” to 8” x 18.5” x 24.” Its weight is 31.6 lbs.

Pros

  • Certified by ANSI as clean-burning, safe heat
  • Push-button Piezo ignition makes for easy lighting
  • Thermostat control to set the temperatures to your ideal level of comfort
  • Efficient and economical
  • No electricity required
  • Oxygen depletion sensor
  • Occupies less space with its slim cabinet design

Con

  • Can be challenging to install
Bluegrass Living B28TPIR-BB Vent Free Gas Heater

2. Campy Gear 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove

Best Tent Heater for Dual Use - Heating and Cooking

Campy Gear 2 in 1 PortaThis heater can warm you inside your tent in cold weather and also allow you to prepare your meals. However, the manufacturer recommends having a carbon monoxide detector and proper ventilation when using this heater inside your tent. When collapsed, it measures 7.28” x 7.28” x 5.12”; when installed, its dimensions are 7.28” x 7.28” x 8.27”; and when packaged, it is 7.64” x 7.56” x 6.57”. The ble Propane Heater & Stove’s weight is only 2.57 lbs.

Pros

  • Fast heating with a 360 degrees heating design and a 9,000 BTU output
  • Clean burning, compatible with 100g & 230g propane/isobutane/butane fuel canisters, or the 1lb propane cylinder for longevity
  • 24-hour world-class customer service and 1-year warranty
  • Users can enjoy three versatile modes; cook only, heat only, and cook & heat mode
  • Convenient compact design
  • In-built vents for easy switch between heating and cooking

Con

  • You will need to buy an appropriate adapter if using a propane canister
Campy Gear 2 in 1 Portable Proane Heater & Stove

3. Honey well HHF360V 360 Degree Surround Fan Forced Heater

Best Tent Heater for Small-Medium Sized Tents

This electric heater is energy efficient, which is precisely what you need in survival situations, especially when using a generator that you want to last for days. Honeywell HHF360V 360 Degree Surround Fan Forced Heater has dimensions of 8 x 8 x 11.5 ins. and weighs 3 lbs.

Pros

  • It doesn’t produce toxic gases like many gas heaters in the market
  • 360 degree all around heat output
  • 360 degree tip-over protection
  • Auto-off timer option
  • Cool touch plastic housing with easy to grab handle
  • Powerful 1500 watt
  • Programmable thermostat
  • Overheat shut-off protection

Con

  • It produces an annoying sound every 5 minutes when it comes on
  • Requires plug in to an electrical source such as a generator, power bank or outlet
Honeywell HHF360V 360 Degree Fan Forced Heater

4. Martin Portable Outdoor Camping Infrared Propane Gas Heater Prabolic

Best Tent Heater for Heat Focusing

This heater allows users to focus heat in the direction they want. Additionally, they can set it at low, medium, or high heat. It works with the ‘green’ type 16.4 oz propane bottles, which shuts off automatically when the flame goes out. Martin Portable Outdoor Camping Infrared Propane Gas Heaterweighs only 1.85 pounds.

Pros

  • Convenient and affordable
  • Sturdily built
  • Portability enhanced by the convenient carry handle
  • Powerful with 3,100 BTUs
  • Has a safety grid
  • Stability enhanced with the large paddle foot base
  • Automatic fuel shut-off valve

Con

  • A little loud
  • You may need to purchase an adapter to use larger or other type propane tanks
Martin Portable Outdoor Infrared Popane Gas Heater

5. Air Circulator Fan – 2 in 1 Portable Quiet Air Circulating & Heating Modes heater Fan Combo

Best Tent Heater for Dual Use - Heating and Air Circulation

You can use this electric heater to keep warm in cold weather and also use it as a cooler in warmer months. So, it saves you the expense of buying a whole other gadget after the cold season lapses. Notably, Air Circulator Fan – 2 in 1 Portable Quiet Air Circulating & Heating Modes Heater Fan Combo has a rapid cooling system of 750W and 1500W. What’s more, the heater is low on noise and will not distract you while sleeping or reading. Its dimensions are 9.25” x 5.31” x 9.84,” and its weight is 2.78 lbs.

Pros

  • Small and portable
  • Tip-over protection switch off the heating elements if it’s knocked over accidentally
  • Super quiet with low noise on sleep mode, following a technology upgrade
  • 2-in-1 functionality
  • Automatic overheat system protection when the fan overheats
  • Adjustable angles to cater to your specific heating needs

Con

  • The fan part of the heater can be a little too loud
  • Requires plug in to an electrical source such as a generator, power bank or outlet
Air Circulator Fan - 2 in 1 Air Circulating & Heating Combo

6. Gasland MHA 18BN Propane Radiant Heater

Best Tent Heater for Heating Large Spaces

This heater is powerful enough to warm an area of 450 sq. ft at 18,000 BTU. And all you need is a 20lb LP liquid propane cylinder to enjoy plenty of warmth in your tent. And if the oxygen levels decline inside your tent, the heater automatically shuts off. It also has in-built rolling wheels and an easy-to-carry handle to make transportation easy. Gasland MHA 18BN Propane Radiant Heater has dimensions of 23” x 16.5” x 12.8” and weighs 17.56 pounds.

Pros

  • Back protective guard
  • Lockable wheels
  • In-built propane regulator and hose
  • Tip-over shut-off protection
  • Adjustable settings for low, medium, and high heat
  • No need for electricity
  • In-built hose of 15.7 inches

Con 

  • Can be challenging to set up for the first time
Gasland MHA 18BN Propane Radiant Heater

7. Ceramic Space Heater ASTERION

Best Digital Tent Heater

If you are looking for a tent heater that you can use with a press of a remote button, this electric Ceramic Space Heater would be ideal. On low heat, it runs on 900W and 1500W on high heat. It weighs 4.16 lbs. with dimensions of 8.9” x 6.8” x13.3.”

Pros 

  • Applies advanced ceramic technology and uses a remote control
  • LED digital display
  • Efficient
  • Applies PTC heating element
  • Made of ABS flame-resistant material
  • Fast heating in about 3 seconds
  • Runs quietly with compact size
  • Overheating protection and tip-over protection
  • An eco-function setting that automatically saves energy
  • Wide-angle heating
  • Adjustable thermostat with five options
  • Has a 24-hour timer
  • Removable anti-dust filter

Con

  • Highly-priced for a small heater
  • Requires plug in to an electrical source such as a generator, power bank or outlet
Ceramic Space Heater, ASTERION

Final Word

Of course it goes without saying that anytime you use a heating source it’s imperative that you exercise good common sense, follow all the manufacturers advised safety measures for your unit, and keep potential combustibles away from the heat source. In addition, when using equipment that requires a combustible fuel source inside a tent, always make sure to have good ventilation and a reliable CO2 safety device on hand.

So, go ahead and plan for your ultimate escape or your next outdoor adventure. Let the above-listed tent heaters give you the confidence to enjoy your next cold weather adventure!

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