10 Best Safe Tent Heater For Camping In 2022 [Reviews And Guide]
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10 Best Safe Tent Heater For Camping In 2022 [Reviews And Guide]
Camping and hiking is an outdoor activity, and most of us love doing that. However, sometimes it becomes difficult during the cold seasons. You may have the best 4-season camping tents, woolen socks, extra thick jackets, and beanies, but the cold, unforgiving air will still hinder your fun.
The best solution to your predicament is getting yourself a nice, safe to use tent heater. If you are in a dilemma of which heater is more ideal for you, we got you covered. This article will guide you on the best 10 safe tent heater for camping currently on the market and also a few tips on what to look for before purchasing your next tent heater.
For those who wish to skip straight to the final verdict, here is a quick recap on our top choices.
10 Best Safe Tent Heaters for Camping [Table Of Comparison]
We have designed a comparison table below for your easy reference. However, it is important to note that the positions are in no particular order of importance.
This is the best tent heater for small and enclosed spaces and comes with a variety of world-class features, making it our top choice. This 4,000-9,000 BTU portable propane heater is not only best for camping tents and RVs but can also be used for barns, workshops, picnics, emergency heat, tailgate parties, etc.
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The heater is directly connected to a 1lb. cylinder which provides enough heat for an area up to 225 sq. Ft. With the purchase of a hose and filter, you can connect the unit to an external gas supply.
The safety features of this heater are way better than any other of the sort in the market. It has an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) which turns off the heater in case the oxygen levels in the tent go low.
It also boasts of a fold-down handle to give the maximum heater output and a tip-over safety shut off to ensure minimal accidents occur. The lightweight and portable product comes with a highly durable ceramic burner tile with shock absorbing insulation.
Key Features
Includes an in-built Piezo igniter
CSA-certified heater
Uses propane gas
Hi-Low heat preference settings
Lightweight (9.5 lbs)
Long lasting (3 hours on min BTU and 6 hours on max BTU)
Highly economical with low fuel consumption rates. 4,000 BTU = 0.044 Gal/Hr and 9,000 BTU = 0.099 Gal/Hr
PROS
Lightweight
Small size - won’t take up much space
Can heat a space of up to 225 square feet
It lasts longer
CONS
Not efficient for heating larger spaces
2. Mr. Heater MH4B Little Buddy - Best Portable Heater for Camping
This camping heater is another product from Mr. Heater that boasts of undefeated features. It has almost all the good features from the 1st tent heater reviewed above, only a bit more light and more portable.
You can easily fit this in your hiking bag or even carry it separately, as it is very lightweight- weighs 5 lbs. and a little over 6 lbs., when connected to an external cylinder. It is the best tent heater for heating small spaces of up to 95 sq. Ft.
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The little buddy has top safety features as well such as the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and a tip-over safety shut off. Placed at a 45 degrees angle, one can get maximum output from the product, if positioned correctly.
The 3,800 BTU is a little less compared to Mr. Heater MH9BX Buddy but is convenient enough for a small tent. It is very economical as it can last up to five and a half hours running on the same tank, giving you more heat with no odor.
The Tooluze Butane Heater is slightly different from other conventional heaters available in the market. As opposed to the use of Propane, it uses Butane as a source of its power. With a maximum output of 600 BTU, the heater burns 100mg of Butane in an hour.
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The heater is made of ceramics, which makes it resistant to heat conduction, that is, the material cannot get too hot to burn you. The bottom part has some controls and includes more weight to prevent tipping over and other related accidents.
The bottom part also has extra storage compartments for small butane gas tanks and a gas release vent. The butane releases small amounts of fumes which will prompt you to continually have your tent ventilated if used indoors, for safety purposes.
One can of butane gas which helps run this heater goes for about two hours, which will eventually go off even after you slept. Furthermore, this heater features a very nice handle which makes it easier to carry around.
This is yet another light and portable propane heater. With a weight of just 1 lb., one can easily place it in their carry bags and freely move with it. This tent heater is made from metals for durability.
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Much of it is made from copper and stainless steel, so you would not be worrying much about it wearing off any time. Moreover, this is one of the most stable skinny neck heaters as it is supported by four anchor points where the small propane cylinder is fitted.
With the head placed at an angle of 45 degrees, you can benefit from the heater better if placed in a strategic place. The only downside to that is the fact that it is not adjustable. At minimal settings, the gas can last up to five hours offering up to 2,800 BTUs.
As the heat capacity is small (2,800 BTU), it is still a rather impressive output for such a small heater. One major challenge the heater faces is that it lacks an oxygen sensor so only use it in well-ventilated areas.
Key Features
Aluminum reflector covered with a safety grid to prevent burning
The Coleman SportCat PerfecTemp Catalytic Heater is one of the best portable outdoor heaters, perfectly designed for tents and RVs. Weighing only 2.5 pounds, it can be easily carried around without any constraints.
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It also has a compact design which makes it easy for anyone to carry it even in their carry bags, without using much space. The designers of this product boast of a safe and flameless heat which is very efficient, thanks to its PerfecTemp Catalytic Technology.
It produces no noise and is easy to light. Whereas the tank sits at the bottom, the heater has a wide base with anchors to give it maximum stability. It can produce 1,500 BTUs of heat and can run for around 14 hours from one 16.4 ounce propane cylinder.
Some setbacks coming from the product include the absence of an automatic shut-off. There is also an absence of an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) which means the heater will still be on even after there are low oxygen levels in your tent.
Key Features
A removable base
Convenient handle for easier portability
In-built eyelets to tie the heater on almost any surface
Lasts longer compared to its size (Up to 14 hours on a single 16.4-ounce can of propane)
The Lasko 754200 Ceramic Portable Space heater is the ultimate definition of killing two birds with one stone. It can be used as a very efficient space heater during winter and also as a fan during the hot summers just by turning off the heater.
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With a self-regulating heat element, you can get maximum benefits from the heater which can emit up to 1,200 watts of heat on its highest settings. The thermostat is adjustable, allows you to set the temperatures to 11 different settings. You can also get 900 watts of heat emission depending on your needs.
The heater’s compact size and easy to grip handle allow you to move around with it conveniently and doesn’t take up much of your space. The product comes fully assembled, and so you don't have to know much about the setup part.
Overheat protection is one safety feature the product boasts of. The space heater’s surface remains cool even when the settings are adjusted to provide maximum heat.
Key Features
ETL listed for safety
Adjustable thermostat controls for a more personalized comfort
Comes fully assembled
Efficient carry handle
Has a fan only feature
Comes fully assembled
Safety features such as overheat protection
PROS
Thermostat can be adjusted and controls for more personalized comfort
If you are looking for more heat during a cold and freezing winter camping season, check out this Dyna-Glo model. This propane heater is designed to not just heat the air but also to target objects and people mainly.
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It provides for the dispersion of heat in concentrated areas through the adjustable heat angled feature. The product offers up to 15,000 BTUs in a 15 ft. radius. One can also adjust the settings to 9,000 BTUs.
The materials used to manufacture this heater are of top quality, featuring a very durable, and hi-efficiency steel heat reflector. With a manual Match Light Ignition setting, the heater is easy to light and does not require a long procedure to hack it. The propane tank is however bought separately.
Key Features
CSA certified
Provides 9,000 – 15,000 BTUs
Heats up to 15 ft. radius
Rustproof chrome emitter guard
Tip over safety switch
Runs longer- A 20 lbs. tank can run to up to 48 hours on 9,000 BTUs and 28 hours on 15,000 BTUs
Rear safety grill with Porcelain coated grill
Safety shut-off valve
Fuel consumption rates are .42 gallons - .67 per hour
The Camco Olympian Wave – 3 is a very efficient heating source. The absence of a fan or blower is convenient for those who prefer it quiet without any noise.
It can be mounted on a wall or surface, thanks to its small compact size. The heater is powered by low-pressure liquid petroleum gas to emit between 1,600 BTUs to 3,000 BTUs per hour to heat up to 130 sq. feet of space.
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The in-built piezo starter lasts to up to 20,000 starts hence so much durable. The safety shut – off valve ensures non-ignition fuel discharge. No electrical drain and battery connection making it an ideal heater for dry camping.
Key Features
Wave heaters run silently as there is no blower or fan
Comes with a shut-off valve which prevents accidental fuel discharge
AGA and CGA approved
The self-generating piezo starter can last up to 20,000 starts
Has catalytic heating which is very efficient (Flame type heaters waste almost half the heat produced) hence becoming a low-cost heat source
Safe to use for altitudes of up to 12,000 feet above sea level
PROS
Wave heaters run silently as there is no fan or blower noise
Comes with a safety shut-off valve which helps prevent accidental non-ignition fuel discharge
It has been approved safe for use
It takes a little space
CONS
Requires purchase of propane fuel tanks separately
The small yet powerful AmazonBasics 1500 Watt Ceramic Space Heater is ideal for your outdoor tents or RVs, making you feel comfortable especially during the colder seasons of the year. It is a very portable device which can be easily carried around thanks to its sturdy carrying handle.
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The safety features it boasts of are specifically made not only for your security but also for more convenient operation. With three output options, one can either choose low, high or a fan only option, which can be used for all-year-round refreshing air circulation.
This ceramic space heater comes with an adjustable thermostat to get a preferred setting and also has an oscillating option to help disperse heat to all directions.
It comes with some safety features such as a power indicator to know when the heater is plugged in, tip-over safety switch and an auto shut off for heat protection. However, this product is not recommended for use in high humidity areas.
Closing our list is the Honeywell HHF360V. This is one of the most energy efficient portable space heaters. Providing a 360-degree all-around warmth, this camping heater will save you the energy that would have been required to heat every corner of the space, at once.
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Two heat settings are making it very easy to use and improved heat control thanks to the versatile thermostat. The heater also has added security features which make it ideal for use in tents and RVs.
It has a 360-degree tip-over switch which automatically turns off the heater when someone tips it over. It also boasts of overheat protection which turns the heater off should it overheat or been in use for too long.
The Honeywell HHF360V is also lightweight and has a compact size for portability. Only weighing 4 lbs., it is very much easy to carry around even in your bags.
Key Features
Two heat settings
Adjustable thermostat to set one’s heat preference
360° Safety Tip protection
Overheat safety protection
Lightweight and portable
Watt output of 1,500
360 degrees Surround Heat Technology for all around heat output
Sturdy handle
Easy to use controls
PROS
Adjustable thermostat to set one’s heat preference
Lightweight and portable
Ideal for both small and medium size tents
It has an overheat protection
CONS
Not ideal for large tents
Not ideal for places that lack electric power supplies
Buying Guides of Best Safe Tent Heaters for Camping
Although there are several ways that you can keep yourself warm in the tent without a heater, it is still undeniable that a portable tent heater comes in really handy.
However, there are so many different types of tent heaters, differ in size, power output, and what they use to run; be it gas or electricity. In this section, we will take you through what to look out before purchasing your best tent heaters.
Understand the Type of Heater You Require
There are four major types of tent heaters; including battery-powered, gas powered, electric and wood powered.
Gas powered heaters are mostly powered by Butane, Propane or liquid petroleum. They are more common due to their effectiveness and portability. They can be used almost everywhere, but some models require ample ventilation as the fumes may deplete oxygen supply.
Electrically powered heaters are equally effective if not better. However, they are only useful when your tent or RV is next to a socket or electric power outlet. Electric tent heaters cannot be used in a jungle because you will not find electric sockets in the forest. Well, not unless it is a designated camping site with electric sockets.
Battery powered heaters are not common as compared to the two above. This is because regardless of their impressive portability, they emit very low heat outputs and they also do not last long. They are not so much recommended for very cold places as you will get disappointed.
Wood powered heaters are also not so much common. They are best when you are a group of people and camping in the forest or jungle because there is more than enough firewood to light up your heater. These heaters are also not so much portable and may require you to take them by car to your camping site.
Durability
You should do your research and check what material makes up the best tent heaters. It should be one that can take on minor accidents such as hits or drops without incurring significant damages. Some very durable heaters are made from long-lasting metals such as copper or even stainless steel.
Noise Emission
Does the tent heater you wish to purchase produce too much noise? This is one of the questions you should always ask before buying a tent heater. If you are a light sleeper and the slightest noise can keep you awake, then it is advisable you look for the one with low noise or no noise at all.
It is never advisable to sleep with earplugs or noise cancellation headphones when you are out in the wild because of some obvious reasons.
Size and Weight
If you are hiking or travelling by bike, you don’t have to strain yourself when carrying a tent heater. It has to be something that takes a minimal space of your essential gears, too.
If your mode of transport to the campsite is by car, then you don’t have to worry much about the size. But still, why would you carry a very big and heavy tent heater while you can comfortably get a lighter and smaller one which is as efficient or even better?
Safety Features
Most modern tent heaters have certain safety features which make them ideal for use in tents and RVs. Manufacturers consider the fact that accidents may also occur and always look for ways to prevent bad things from happening. Some common safety features include:
Tip-over safety switch which automatically switches off the heater when someone tips over it. This prevents accidents such as fires from happening.
Oxygen Depletion sensors which are most common in gas-powered heaters. These heaters usually release carbon monoxide (a very harmful gas) into the air, and they use up oxygen for more heat production. In essence, if the tent is small and not well ventilated, you will be competing for oxygen with the tent heater. Oxygen Depletion Sensors (ODS) automatically switches off the heater when the oxygen levels in the tent are getting lower.
Stability
This is one of the most overlooked features when buying a tent heater. Sadly enough, this is one of the causes of accidents in tents. The floor of your tent might not be the most stable part, and so before buying a heater, you should first confirm its stability and also check if it has alternative methods of placement.
Find out the Total Costs
By finding out the total cost, we don't necessarily mean only the price of the heater. Of course, this should be the first factor to consider before making the purchase. After settling on the type of heater you want to use, whether propane, butane, LP gas or batteries, you should also find out how much of such will last you through your entire stay.
All heaters will come with a manual on their consumption Oand you will be able to find out how much gas is required to last your entire stay. Furthermore, find out which type will be friendlier to your pocket and that you can manage for a longer duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size of tent heater do I require?
Size matters a lot when it comes to tent heaters. As expected, larger heaters will have a larger heat output as compared to smaller versions. However, some small-sized heaters produce more power than you would expect.
Furthermore, the mode of transport and the duration of your camping also matters. If you are hiking, a small heater should do just fine as you don’t want to be exhausted carrying heaters. However, if you are driving to your site, then even a larger one isn’t that bad.
2. How much BTU do I require?
BTU stands for British Thermal Units. For you to measure how much of BTUs you require, the math is pretty simple.
Get your tent’s dimensions and calculate the cubic feet inside (height x width x length = cubic feet)
Deduct the outdoor temperature from the required inside temperature. If you do so in Celsius then use this formula: temperature increase x cubic feet x .2394 = required BTUs.
If you are calculating it Fahrenheit then: temperature increase x cubic feet x .133 = required BTUs
3. Where are the best places to place a heater?
A tent heater should be placed at a position where the entire tent can be heated. It should also directly face the person or people using it, but not too close. It should be placed at a secure place away from someone accidentally tipping over it.
4.What kind of heater is safe to use in a tent?
Ideally, kerosene or propane heaters will do the job just fine. Just make sure to keep it away from the contact with the tent.
5.Are catalytic heaters safe in tents?
Yes, catalytic heaters can be used inside the tents. They don’t produce flame nor CO2 so they are perfectly safe to use inside a tent.
FINAL VERDICT
Buying the best safe tent heater for camping is a very tedious job. You have by now understood the different types of heaters available and are ready to make your choice from our suggestions.
As a personal pick, we would definitely go for the Mr Heater Buddy MH9BX Propane Radiant Heater due to its robust functionality, and not forget to mention that it is also topped with world class quality and superb safety features.
Even so, all the heaters mentioned in our list are the most recommended brands by tent and camping experts. Always have our buying tips in mind before setting out to purchasing your next tent heater. Above all, have a cozy time on your next camping trip!
I am an adventure fanatic that loves nature and adventure sports like kayaking, camping and water sports. I have been doing this for almost 10 years now and have learned quite a few tricks. With my experience, I hope to provide you with the most reliable and accurate information for your next adventure.
