Best Tent Heaters For Winter Camping 2023 Reviews
You most likely already have a checklist of camping needs in hand, but one of the most crucial items is to have the Best Tent Heaters For Winter Camping 2023
Overview
During camping, your tent should be a safe shelter for resting. Although taking a step closer to nature is the appealing part of the trip, you should make sure to keep your living condition at a healthy level to enjoy the best. Having a tent heater that not only heats up the inside but is also safe is on top priority for camping preparation.
This article gives you more information about tent heaters, suggests the best tent heaters on the market these days, some common questions for safety tips, and buying guides when using this indispensable device for safe tent camping.
Reviews
1. Texsport Portable Outdoor Propane
To start the top 12 best tent heaters, we recommend you with two options for single-person use. Consider these if you need to set a saving budget for the camping heater gear when going in the cold weather season.
Texsport Portable Outdoor Propane offers a good price and gets 4.4/5 stars and Amazon’s Choice title for good feedback from users. The value is worth the money for this camping heater. You can use this as a tent heater inside but keep in mind that you should not leave this unattended.
Features:
- Material: Steel, Plastic
- Operating power: 2,890 BTU
- Heating method: radiant
- Function: High – Medium – Low heat settings;
- Safety features: Safety valve shuts off fuel if the flame goes out;
- Power source: propane gas; standard size 1 pound disposable propane tanks
- Portability: Handle is available
Texsport Portable Outdoor Heater is a durable stainless steel burner with a large paddle foot plastic base for greater stability. Moreover, this heater weighs only 3 pounds which is a compact design for portable heaters for camping packages. There also exists a steel handle for carrying the heater around.
Pros
- Safety valve – auto shut off
- Portable – lightweight
- Affordable price
Cons
- No spark ignition
- Cannot be left unattended
2. Stansport Portable Outdoor Propane Infrared Radiant
Features:
- Material: Steel, Plastic
- Operating power: 3,100 BTUs
- Heating method: radiant
- Function: auto shut-off feature; High – Medium – Low heat settings;
- Power source: propane gas; standard size 1 pound disposable propane tanks
- Portability: Handle is available
Has a very similar outlook to the Texsport – compact design with lightweight (a bit heavier than the Texsport). Another similarity is the stainless steel material for longer durability. The stable plastic cylinder base helps to be well balanced on the floor, and avoid tipping over accidents. The handle is helpful to easily carry anywhere in the tent camping area. For your safety, an auto shut-off feature if tilted or if the pilot light goes out is integrated.
Pros
- Safety auto shut off
- Portable heaters – lightweight
- Affordable price
- Higher power operating
- Precise heat output
Cons
- No spark ignition
- Cannot be left unattended
- Can tip over if bumped – be careful when there are pets or children
3. Mr. Heater F232000 with Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS)
Mr. Heater F232000 is one of the best tent heaters which works efficiently at an affordable price. This gets over 6,700 ratings of 4.7/5 stars on Amazon and becomes the best seller for this segment.
This heater comes up with a small, compact, and rugged design and weighs only 9 pounds, which offers better portability, as well as the fold-down handle on top, for easy grabbing and lifting along your camping.
The available power range of this heater is 4,000 to 9,000 BTU only, which is good enough for small spaces like camp tents.
Features:
- Material: Steel, Plastic, Nickel
- Operating power: 4,000- to 9,000-BTU radiant heater for spaces up to 225 square feet.
- Approved for indoor/outdoor use; clean-burning; nearly 100-percent efficient
- Function: Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) – Auto shut-off if tipped over, if the pilot light goes out, or if detects low oxygen levels.
- Power source: Fuel Consumption/Burn Rate (Gal/Hr) at 4000 BTU = 0.044 Gal/Hr, at 9000 BTU = 0.099 Gal/Hr, connects to propane tank (not included); Run Time (Hrs at Max BTU): 3 Hours
- Portability: Fold-down handle
With the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and accidental tip-over safety shut-off, the heaters ensure your comfortable indoor safe heat. This function has a low oxygen sensor that shuts it off automatically when there is not enough oxygen in your closed space. This is a safety feature to keep carbon monoxide from being produced as a result of too little oxygen in the air.
Pros
- Clean burning
- ODS technology
- Portable design
- Easy to start
- Foldable carry handle
Cons
- This cannot be used at high altitudes.
- The place needs good ventilation to keep the device working continuously
4. Vornado TAVH10 Electric Space Heater with Adjustable Thermostat
Features:
- Operating power: Adjustable from 4200 – 8000 BTU/hr; Heats up to 230 square feet of space
- Heating Method: radiant heat
- Function: Safety shut-off valve; adjust the level of low – medium – high power
- Power source: propane gas
With no electrical drain or battery-powered connection make it the ideal solution for boondocking and dry camping. Together with that, the wave heaters operate silently-no fan, blower noise, or moisture problem. Catalytic heating is 99.98% efficient (flame types camping heaters waste up to 45% of all heat produced), which means more efficient and lower cost for camping heat.
Pros
- Work well on high altitude
- 99.98% efficient – save camping cost – much heat to warm up your tent
Cons
- No air censor for automatic shut-off
- Quite a high price
5. Mr. Heater Corporation MH18B Portable Propane
Mr. Heater MH18B is another option if you want a stronger heater for your spaces. This gets about 700 ratings of 4.5/5 stars with the Amazon’s Choice title for a good product to try out. The available power range is 4,000 to 18,000 BTU for your wider space preferences.
Features:
- Operating power: 4, 000, 9, 000, or 18, 000 BTU per hour; Heats up to 450 sq. ft.
- Heating Method: radiant
- Function: High – Medium – Low heat settings;
- Safety features like Automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS) and accidental tip-over safety shut-off
- Power source: Propane Gas Powered; two 1 lb. cylinders or a 20 lb. cylinder with optional hose
With the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and accidental tip-over safety shut-off, the product ensures your comfortable indoor safe heat inside a tent. This is a compact design for a propane tent heater.
Pros
- Clean burning
- ODS technology
- Easy to start
- Multiple heat settings
Cons
- No blower
6. Gasland MHA18BN Propane(LP) tent
At a similar heat output, Gasland MHA18BN offers you full high-tech features at an attractive price. The strength of a propane gas heater is once strengthened by Gasland. All you need is a 20lb liquid propane cylinder and you will have plenty of warmth. Never worry about the power cut when the hurricane comes.
Features:
- Material: Ceramic Heating Panel
- Operating power: 6000/12000/18000 btu; Heats up to 450 sq. ft.
- Heating Method: radiant
- Function: High – Medium – Low heat settings;
- Safety features: Low Oxygen Shut-off Protection; Tip-over Shut-off Protection
- Power source: Propane Gas Powered; 20 lb. propane cylinder
The built-in rolling wheels and handy carry handle allow you to take the Gasland anywhere. The brand comes up with the design to hide the gas tank into the body, which makes it look a lot more simple and portable.
Keep in mind to create air ventilations for your tent to have the machine running.
Pros
- ODS and tip-over automatic shut-off safety technology
- Quiet operation
- Handy and portable to place anywhere
- Neat looking outside
- Helpful built-in rolling wheels
Cons
- Cannot use 4,500 FT above sea level
7. Mr. Heater Corporation 540 Degree Tank Top
Mr. Heater 540 Degree Tank Top has a different design with the radiator stationed 360-degree burner head at the top side to push heat widely and evenly. This gets about 1,100 ratings of 4.7/5 stars on Amazon with a lot of positive feedback.
Features:
- Operating power: 29,000 to 45,000 BTU per hour; Heats up to 450 square feet
- Heating Method: convection
- Function: Easy start button; Safety shut off tip over switch
- Power source: Propane Gas Powered
The available power range is 29,000 to 45,000 BTU for wide spaces or a group of camping members. However, the product just weighs 5.5 pounds which is lightweight enough to move and place anywhere easily. With the high BTU, the heaters are suitable for outdoor use only. You can place it outside your tent to enjoy the warmth while having time next to it as the high heat helps to warm up the air efficiently in open spaces.
Pros
- Standout heat output
- Auto-shut off function
- 360-degree burner head – even heat distribution
- Quiet and easy to use
- Easy to start
- Durable – Long lasting
Cons
- Outdoor only
- No Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) like other Mr. Heater indoor version.
8. Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor Safe Propane Heater
This Dyna-Glo camping heater comes up with the style of a 360-degree tank top whose strength is even heating effect. The device has above 1,100 ratings of 4.2/5 stars and Amazon’s Choice title for a good value product.
Features:
- Operating power: 30,000 – 40,000 BTUs; Heats up to 1000 sq Feet
- Heating Method: radiant heat
- Safety features: Tip Over Safety Switch
- Power source: propane gas
Radiant heaters are designed to disperse heat in concentrated areas as they are less likely to be affected by external elements such as wind. A distinctive point is an amount of output heat it is able to produce, which is 30,000 – 40,000 BTU, making it a very good source of heat and not exactly suitable for inside a tent.
Pros
- No noise when operating
- Easy to use
- Good price
Cons
- No spark ignition available
9. Hiland HLDS01-SSHGT 48,000 BTU
For higher operation power, the Hiland heater is on our checklist. This product receives more than 300 ratings with 4.3/5 stars on Amazon. With a different design to spread the heat around the space, the heaters raise the height of the heating element part to 87-inch tall.
Features:
- Material: Two-tone Hammered Bronze powder coated and stainless Steel finish
- Operating power: 48000 British Thermal Units
- Power source: propane gas
In the Q&A section, some customers had a little problem with lighting this heater on. To solve this, when you light it make sure the knob is turned past here it says “Pilot” or you will be waiting awhile for it to light! The knob needs to be almost 90 degrees to work.
This heater is for outside use only.
Pros
- Strong power for outside tent camping activities
- Easy assembly
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- No heat output adjusting level
- Not use inside a tens
10. Mr. Heater Corporation Convection, 75k to 200 BTU/HR
If you are planning a trip for not only you but a whole big group with family and friends. You may want to check out this option to prepare for evening outdoor activities. A propane heater from Mr. Heater that provides up to 200,000 BTU – the best tent heater for group camping!
Features:
- Operating power: 75,000 – 200,000 BTUs; 5,000 square feet.
- Heating Method: convection
- Function: a thermo-electric safety valve
- Power source: propane tank
Although the final option is not a tent heater, it is a good one for camping site heating gear because of its’ high heat output. Mr. Heater Corporation Convection Heater offers 75,000 – 200,000 BTUs with a super-fast heating-up time. This is perfect for outside camping activities in the evening when the temperature starts to drop. The brand equips the heater with a thermo-electric safety valve to shut the gas flow off if the flame ever goes out. Moreover, this is a portable choice thanks to its lightweight and neat design.
The gas heaters of this model, however, should not be left unattended because of its’ high power.
Pros
- Warm up really fast
- Strong power
- Affordable price
- Portable
Cons
- Should not be left unattended
- Cannot use inside a tent
- Loud noise when operating
Why You Should Buy?
1. More season for camping in a year
Most people often choose the warm season for their trip as it might get too cold when winter comes. However, during late autumn or early springtime, you may find your camping space with lower reservation fees and less crowded.
With an efficient tent heater, you now may consider more period in a year to go on your camping trip.
2. Less money on the winter camping gear
For people who don’t use tent heaters, they have to invest quite a lot in their cold weather camping things as the only way to survive the severe nature. They could be expensive and space-invading for your gear. Having a safe heater would help the interior tent to be warmer without preparing too many things just for wintertime.
Unless you are a true camping accessories collector, you don’t want to spend all your money on the gear for each season. Let’s choose the multiple uses tent heater instead to heat up your tent, with the function to adjust the temperature based on the current seasons to ensure good condition for your camping station whether it is summer or winter camping.
3. More enjoyable camping time
You would love to have a chill time inside your tent camping in comfort. Not just daytime sunshine and then freezing at night.
Moreover, heat is one of the survival factors for human beings. Good heaters would ensure your safety on the trip. Therefore, you need to have a good tent heater to maintain healthy status to enjoy your trip in the most exciting way!
4. Safer with modern features for heater
You may find various ways to heat up your tent. However, not all are safe for a close space in cold weather. The modern tent heaters that are specialized for using inside tents have introduced features to enhance safety.
As you may know, one of the dangerous things, when burning wood or charcoal to warm up, is CO poisoning. Some models offer the air sensor to shut it off automatically when there is not enough oxygen in your closed space, which keeps carbon monoxide from being produced as a result of too little oxygen in the air.
5. Portable design to follow you anywhere
The more modern our world is, the better products and services companies offer. Nowadays, tent heaters are not to heat up the atmosphere only, but they are there to bring along, and sometimes to decorate a corner. The benefit of buying a (gas) tent heater is enormous.
You can bring the heater into your tent to sleep overnight (you have to check for safety features), or place it in front of the tent for outdoor activities. It has been a long time ago when you only use the wood heater which only gives you warmth a short time outside your tent.
FAQs
Q. What heaters are safe for tents?
Besides the problem of CO poisoning, if your group has children or pets, they should be taken care of seriously around the heater in order not to be burnt.
Q. What is the best heater for a tent?
All in all, as we recommend 10 options for you, they are the 10 best tent heaters for camping at the moment. But we would narrow it down to 3 for you. For small-size tents, Stansport Portable Outdoor is a good choice. Gasland MHA18BN and Mr. Heater Corporation MH18B are two good tent heaters for medium tent owners who also want to use them for some outdoor activities.
Q. Can heaters be used in tents?
Yes, they can. As you need to maintain a good temperature when sleeping, tent heaters are so helpful in winter camping. But as mentioned above, don’t forget to check for the safety features.
Q. Is it safe to use a propane heater in a tent?
Yes, it is. With the ODS system, propane ones are a lot safer. The products from Mr. Heater are reliable not only for the ODS system but also for the no gas leakage insurance.
Q. Which to consider when choosing a tent heater?
BUDGET:
First thing first, you need to set the budget for the tent heaters prepared for this winter camping. It doesn’t need to be a specific amount, but you should have a range from the lowest to the highest acceptable price. By setting the budget in advance, you will not overspend your money on the heater and have to cut some other parts of camping essentials.
TENT HEATER TYPE:
On the market today, there are many options with different heater types. They are often divided by power sources such as electric, natural gas, propane gas, wood, and charcoal, to name but a few. They do have pros and cons to be considered for the tent heater safety.
GAS (natural and propane gas): This type has a great number of advantages (handy, portable, …). There are some threats of this type that you have to note down. First, as they burn the gas with Oxygen to create heat, the product of this is carbon monoxide (CO) – a really poisoning air you need to make sure to use the heaters in well-ventilated areas. Secondly, check carefully the gas connection to eliminate the threat of gas leakages. This is the reason you should not leave this heater type unattended. On the other hand, some heaters in our recommended list offer you automatic shut-off safety features to protect you from these problems to use inside a tent.
ELECTRIC: This type is a new clean energy source but they are dangerous to use in wet places which is a common condition for camping. You should look for a shut-off timer feature for enhancing the safety system if you want to use it in your tent.
HALOGEN: In definition, a halogen heater creates heat by integrating the halogen element with the heating lamp and bulb. Halogen is eco-friendly (it doesn’t release carbon monoxide), but they are costly when running for a long time, and ineffective for large space heating requirement.
WOOD-BURNING STOVES: The problem of this is similar to the gas one – ventilation. Moreover, adjusting the level of heat requires some skills and experience to deal with wood and fire. This cannot be used inside a tent for sure.
CAMPING LOCATION:
The location is an important factor as each place may offer different conditions such as available power source, humidity, altitude, area, and available footprint for your tent.
For example, if you plan to camp in an area that has no electricity, there would be no chance for you to use your electric heater; or your tent size would affect the level of heater power you choose.
NOISE LEVEL:
The noise could become something that irritates you the most, especially at night time. If you are going for the electric type, then there would be radiators and fans present, which would generate some amount of noise. Some brands are good at reducing the noise to make sure you have all your focus on your sleeping or camping activities.
SAFETY:
As we mention above the pros and cons of each type of tent heater, you can see none of them are completely safe. That is the reason why you should use the heater with safety features (automatic shut-off, tip-over proof, turn-off timer…)
SIZE:
Size can affect the portability of a heater. Take into consideration if you would like to fix your heater at almost the same place or if you would have to move it around.
Conclusion
The camping trip is a must-have for a holiday. If you are planning for it, don’t forget to check out the article for all the best tent heaters for this winter camping season. For the camping lovers, I believe not only the camping time but also the preparation process are really exciting to you. The best way to spend time on a trip is to take into consideration all the possible challenges that may happen to give them solutions in advance.
By reading this article, you probably know a lot more about tent heaters for camping especially winter camping. With all the knowledge from the buying guide and best, now you can make your own decisions.
