Best Tent Heater [2019]

The Mr. Heater F232000 can heat spaces up to 225 square feet, is clean-burning, and is almost 100% efficient. One great feature of this heater is that it has an auto shut-off that will activate if the heater is knocked over, the pilot light goes out, or if it detects low oxygen levels around it.

Our budget pick goes to the DODOCOOL 2 in 1 Fan Heater. For under $30 you get a device offering three modes: cool, warm, and hot. On top of that it offers an air purifying function keeping the air in your tent fresh and clean. Unfortunately this one requires a power source of some sort, so if you are truly going into the wild it’s not really suitable as you probably won’t carry a generator with you.

If you have a larger budget to spend on a tent heater we recommend the MARTIN Portable Gas Catalytic Heater. It utilizes a flameless catalytic technology for heating, which greatly improves safety and can heat up your tent for up to 7 hours with a single propane cylinder.

How We Picked

Tent heaters are an incredibly important part of camping, especially when you are out in the elements during colder seasons. When choosing a tent heater, it’s necessary to consider how large your tent is, how many people you are trying to keep warm, the safety features of the heater, and the type of heater you prefer.

We are no longer dealing with the simple heaters from years past; modern heaters come in such a large variety that it can be difficult to choose. For instance, there are electric, propane, and butane heaters. Some are battery-powered. You will see terms like catalytic, convection, radiant, and infrared. With so many different kinds and descriptions, which one do you choose?

But we know that sometimes bigger is not better, and we also know that portability and durability are important with any tent heater. We’ve looked for the safest, most efficient heating options and stripped away all the marketing propaganda to bring you the most accurate portrayal of the best tent heaters.

All in all, our goal is to help you figure out the tent heater that meets your personal needs and preferences and cut down the time it takes you to decide on a heater. This way, you can start enjoying your otherwise cold and frigid outdoor camping trips as soon as possible!

OPOLAR 1500W Ceramic Space Heater with Adjustable Thermostat

Specs:

• Strength – 1500 watts
• Type – Electric
• Weight – 3.5 pounds

The Opolar Ceramic Space Heater is a fast-heating heat source that is equipped with ceramic coils, three modes of heat, overheat protection, tip-over protection, and user-friendly controls that make it a great choice for your personal tent heater.

Tip-over and overheating protections are important safety features that cause the heater to shut-off if it falls over and prevents the heater from getting too hot. When the heater senses that it has reached a dangerous temperature, it automatically shuts off. It has three different heating modes: high heat at 1500 watts, low heat at 1000 watts, and a fan with no heat.

Not only is this heater safe, it is also exceptionally quiet. There is indeed a low noise while it is on, but it is not loud enough to disturb you while resting or sleeping (unlike several other heaters that can be considerably louder).

As an added bonus, the Opolar also comes with a one-year warranty that covers any defects.

What We Like

The fast-heating ceramic coils and the automatic shut-off safety feature of this heater means it can heat your tent quickly and efficiently without the danger of causing fire or burns. The one year warranty that covers defects is another great addition to this heater.

Overall

The Opolar Ceramic Space Heater is a suitable tent heater choice for anyone who needs to heat a small to medium tent that houses only a two to three people. It is safe and durable with a warranty guarantee to help protect your investment.

STANLEY ST-222A-120 Electric Heater

Specs:

• Strength – 1500 watts/5100 BTU
• Type – Electric
• Weight – 3.8 pounds

This Stanley Electric Heater features an easy-lift handle for portability, tip-over protection, an adjustable thermostat with two heating options, a fan-only option, and a slim design for quality heat in a compact and lightweight package.

This heater can heat up to 165 square feet quickly and effectively with its 12.5-amp capacity. In spite of its compact size, it can heat up your space within seconds. There are many user-friendly additions like thermostat and function control dials, a power indicator light, and a tip-over switch that turns the heater off if it is bumped or knocked over.

The heater has two heating settings and a fan-only option to make sure that you are comfortable at all times. It also comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

What We Like

We love how the Stanley Electric Heater delivers powerful heat with user-friendly features. This heater is very simple to use and can keep you warm and comfortable within your tent.

Overall

This heater is an awesome choice for someone who wants a small but powerful heater that can heat medium to larger sized tents. Another perk you get with this heater is ninety days of free Amazon tech support in case you have any issues with it.

TRUSTECH Portable Ceramic Space Heater 1500W

Specs:

• Strength – 1500 watts
• Type – Electric
• Weight – 3.8 pounds

This Trustech Portable Ceramic Space Heater features an adjustable thermostat, safe handles for portability, tip-over and overheating protection, two fan options for more heat customization, and an amazing 2-year warranty.

 

To begin, there are two heat options – 750 watt and 1500 watt – that combine with both low and high fan settings to give more personalized heating options. You can also use the fan settings without the heat turned on. If the heater begins to reach hazardous temperatures, it will automatically shut off. Once the coils reach a safe temperature again, it will turn back on.

Self-regulating and portable, the heater has safety handles that prevent you from burning yourself if you need to move it. There is tip-over protection that turns the heater off if it falls over. It is also very quiet and discreet, so it won’t disturb you while you rest. Additionally, your investment is protected by a 2-year and 100% satisfaction guarantee.

What We Like

This heater has lots of awesome features, but the best ones are the customizable heat settings and the great warranty. You get more control over the heat that is in your tent, and you get to enjoy peace of mind knowing that you have a warranty on your heater for two years.

Overall

The Trustech Portable Ceramic Heater is the perfect tent heating option for small to medium tents, especially for people who desire more control over their heat. The warranty makes sure that you are guaranteed satisfaction and quality, and the many safety features of the heater keep you out of harm’s way.

MARTIN Portable Gas Catalytic Heater

Specs:

• Strength – 3000 BTU
• Type – Flameless Propane
• Weight – 4.45 pounds

The Martin Portable Gas Catalytic Heater features wonderful flameless heating fueled by propane, an electronic ignition system, a safety fuel shut off if the pilot flame goes out, and convenient folding support legs. This heater uses advanced catalytic technology that is the most efficient in the gas heating market.

This heater is one of the most versatile and reliable gas heaters that you can find. It efficiently delivers 3000 BTU of flameless heat to keep you warm. The heater is designed to last 7 hours on only one propane cylinder tank, which means you aren’t replacing your propane tank constantly.

 

The folding support legs offer safety by propping the heater up, so it is off of the ground. Additionally, all Martin heaters have to pass in-depth safety, performance, and quality assurance testing before they are sent out to stores.

What We Like

This heater can last for a long time on just one cylinder of propane and it also doesn’t depend on battery power. It helps your RV battery or your electricity source last much longer, so you can use other things that take electricity. Also, you won’t spend a fortune on propane cylinder because of the long-lasting heat each one provides.

Overall

The Martin Portable Gas Catalytic Heater is a terrific choice for a camper who wants to high-quality heating without having to rely on electricity to get it. The heater burns clean and efficiently and lets you save your battery power for other luxuries that you’d like to enjoy. You get to stay cozy with minimal effort.

COLEMAN SportCat PerfecTemp Catalytic Heater

Specs:

• Strength – 1500 BTU
• Type – Flameless Propane
• Weight – 3.4 pounds

The Coleman SportCat PerfecTemp Catalytic Heater features PerfecTemp catalytic heating technology, an easy grip handle, a detachable base that helps to stabilize the heater, and an astonishingly long heating time of 14 hours per propane cylinder! To make this heater even more amazing, it comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

This amazing portable heater is safe, efficient, and convenient. The PerfecTemp heating technology allows for up to 14 hours of flameless heat from one single propane cylinder tank. The detachable base gives stability to the heater, making sure that it stands upright, and the heater also includes eyelets that allow you to tie it to other surfaces for added security.

What We Like

The super long heating time you get with just one propane cylinder with this heater makes it a good choice overall. With over fourteen hours of continuous heat, you can sleep comfortably all night and wake up cozy and warm!

Overall

The Coleman SportCat PerfecTemp Catalytic Heater is a great choice for anyone who needs long-lasting heat for medium to large tents that house multiple people. The 5-year warranty helps to protect your investment and the heater has many safety and portability features that make it absolutely perfect for camping.

AIR CHOICE Indoor 1500W Space Heater

Specs:

• Strength – 1500 watts
• Type – Electric
• Weight – 5.5 pounds

The Air Choice Indoor 1500W Space Heater features an adjustable thermostat, rapid heating, convenient carrying handle for portability, three modes of heat, tip-over and overheating protection, and delivers silent but thorough heat. The heater is also backed by a one-year satisfaction guarantee.

This heat instantly heats up with 1500 watts of warmth that radiates through your tent quickly. The tip-over protection ensures that the heater will automatically turn off if it is knocked over, and the overheating protection makes the heater shut off if it reaches a high-risk temperature and turn back on once the coils cool down to a safe temperature.

There are three different heating and fan modes on the heater – a high-heating mode at 1500 watts, a low heating mode at 1000 watts, and a fan-only mode. Additionally, the heater has an adjustable thermostat that allows you to set a certain temperature that you want. Once that temperature is reached, the heater will rest until it needs to turn on to reach the chosen temperature again.

What We Like

The adjustable temperature controls allow you to control the temperature within your tent, and the double safe protection with the tip-over and overheating safety features are also nice. You get the convenience of enjoying your perfect degree of warmth and the guarantee of safety.

Overall

The Air Choice Indoor 1500W Space Heater is a wonderful choice for anyone that is wanting to bring comfortable warmth to their tent. It is incredibly portable and convenient with user-friendly controls and safety features that ensure your protection and comfort.

TEXSPORT Portable Outdoor Propane Heater

Specs:

• Strength – 2,890 BTU
• Type – Propane
• Weight – 1 pound

The Texsport Portable Outdoor Propane Heater features an aluminum reflector with a safety grid, an auto shut off valve in case the flame goes out, a control knob to adjust the heat, and a large fold-away paddle foot plastic base for secure stability.

This heater is incredibly lightweight and can be fueled by two different sizes of propane cylinder tank – 16.4 ounce or 14.1 ounce. Depending on the size of the tank, you get 4 to 6 hours of heat from a single cylinder. The heater is equipped with a safety grid on the aluminum reflector that prevents burn injury.

Other safety features of this heater include an auto shut off valve which makes sure that the fuel release is turned off if the pilot flame goes out and a large detachable base that provides a large and secure base that make sure that your heater stands upright.

The heater is made from steel and aluminum, so it is very durable. It includes a regulator with an on-off control that also adjusts the burner to control the heat that is released.

What We Like

The Texsport is incredibly lightweight, so it can be carried any distance with no burden to you. The super sturdy base is another feature that we love because it is guaranteed to keep the heater upright and ensure your safety.

Overall

The Texsport Portable Outdoor Propane Heater is a great choice for anyone who is hiking far into the woods for camping because of how lightweight it is. The many features of this heater make it a safe and convenient choice no matter how far you dare to venture out into the wilderness.

COMFORT ZONE CZ707 1500W Compact Utility Heater

Specs:

• Strength – 1500 watts
• Type – Electric
• Weight – 3 pounds

The Comfort Zone CZ707 1500W Compact Utility Heater features an energy efficient heating performance, 3 heating settings, an adjustable thermostat, “stay-cool” metal housing, and amazing durability and portability. Additionally, Amazon offers 90 days of free product support with the purchase of this heater.

This electric heater is compact but powerful and very energy efficient. There are two heat settings – high and low – and a fan only setting that gives you a complete heating experience. The adjustable thermostat gives you the freedom to choose the temperature you want to enjoy.

Some of the safety features of this heater are its power and caution indicator lights, tip-over protection, overheat protection, and a stay cool metal housing. The indicator lights let you know when your heater is on and you should be careful around it. The tip-over protection automatically turns the heater off if it falls over.

The overheat protection will shut the heater off if it reaches a dangerous temperature, and the stay cool metal housing prevents you from burning yourself on a hot heater and increases its portability, allowing it to be transported even while it’s on.

What We Like

We absolutely love all the safety features of this heater and its energy efficiency. With so many safety features, this heater makes sure that you stay comfortable with as little risk as possible. The energy efficiency helps you save money, so your investment in this heater is very smart.

Overall

The Comfort Zone Compact Utility Heater is the perfect choice for families that are camping because it is one of the safer heater choices to have around children. It gives off powerful and adjustable heat that can provide warmth for larger tents, and the durability ensures that you will have a suitable tent heater for years to come.

Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy Propane Heater

Specs:

• Strength – 4000 to 9000 BTU
• Type – Propane
• Weight – 5.9 pounds

The Mr. Heater Little Buddy Propane Heater features two heat settings, four-position control, a high-temperature wire guard, low-oxygen safety shut off and tip-over safety shut off, and a swivel regulator for easy fuel and hose installation.

This heater is perfect for heating enclosed spaces up to 95 square feet. It provides continuous, odor-free heat that works up to an elevation of 7000 feet. You get between 5 and 6 hours of maximum BTU heat per propane cylinder.

The heater is equipped with a low-oxygen sensor that will shut the heater off if the oxygen level drops too low, and its tip-over protection makes sure to turn off the heater if it falls over. The heater also has a large, durable porcelain coated heating surface that gives off radiant heat.

There is a built in Piezo igniter with four positions for easy start and a ceramic burner tile that provides shock absorbing insulation to increase durability and allow for easy replacement. The heater’s fold-down handle and swivel-out fuel connection offer a very easy to carry and easy to connect heating source.

What We Like

The radiant heat capabilities and the low-oxygen sensor safety feature on this heater are the real standouts. Radiant heat can provide all-over warmth in your tent, and the low-oxygen sensor makes sure to cut off the heater if the oxygen levels become so low that the heater’s fuel becomes hazardous.

Overall

The Mr. Heater Little Buddy is a small but strong propane heater that provides amazing radiant heat and includes safety sensors that make sure that the heater doesn’t become a fire hazard. You decide how hot you want your tent, and this little heater easily bends to your will.

HONEYWELL HHF360V 360-Degree Fan Forced Surround Heater

Specs:

• Strength – 1500 watt
• Type – Electric
• Weight – 3 pounds

The Honeywell 360-Degree Fan Forced Surround Heater features 360 degree all around heat output, overheat shut-off protection, adjustable thermostat, cool touch plastic housing, auto-off timer option, and 360-degree tip-over protection.

This heater is truly great because it delivers energy efficient heat in every single direction. If you want to save more energy, you can choose the low heat option. There are two heat settings, which are low and high, and that combine with an adjustable temperature thermostat to customize your heat.

Safety features like overheat shut-off protection and tip-over protection make sure that your heater is turned off if it reaches a hazardous temperature or is knocked over.

 

The auto-off timer option lets you set a time for the heater to turn off, and the cool touch plastic housing ensures that your heater stays cool to the touch.

What We Like

The 360-degree heating technology quickly heats up any small to medium tent, and the cool touch housing ensures that you do not burn yourself when moving the heater around. We also like the cool plastic housing feature, so you won’t burn yourself when you touch the heater while in use; many other tent heaters on the market unfortunately don’t have this feature.

Overall

The Honeywell 360-Degree Fan Forced Surround Heater is a great choice for campers who want a fast and effective heater that is equipped with multiple safety features for extra protection. This heater is guaranteed be long lasting and deliver high-quality heat.

DODOCOOL 2 in 1 Fan Heater

Specs:

• Strength – 1200 watts
• Type – Electric
• Weight – 2.3 pounds

The Dodocool 2-in-1 Fan Heater features a heater that heats up in a second, a cool wind capability, an air cleaning function, overheating and tilt safety protection, and a one year worry free warranty that can keep you feeling guilt-free about your purchase. This heater is also eligible for Amazon’s 90-day product support benefits.

This 2-in-1 heater and cooler changes from heating to cooling within seconds. There is a cool fan mode, a warm mode, and a hot mode to choose from for your comfort. In addition, the Dodocool has a negative ion generator that makes it an incredibly effective air cleaner that can remove smoke, bacteria, pollen, and harmful dust.

There are tilt-over and overheating safety features that help make sure the heater will be switched off if it is turned over or reaches high-risk temperatures.

In addition, the Dodocool is lightweight, small, and very energy efficient for its size.

What We Like

Thanks to the negative ion, air-cleaning technology of this heater, it is literally the perfect choice for any camper who suffers with allergies or sensitivities to dust or smoke.

Overall

The Dodocool 2-in-1 Fan Heater is the perfect choice for anyone who would like their tent to be kept free of irritating allergens while simultaneously being kept warm. You have to option to switch to cooling if your tent becomes too hot, and the safety features and portability make this 2-in-1 heater and cooler a great option.

BRIGHTOWN 700W/1500W Ceramic Space Heater

Specs:

• Strength – 700W-1500W
• Type – Electric
• Weight – 3.7 pounds

The Brightown Ceramic Space Heater features fast heating, overheating protection, an adjustable thermostat, tip-over protection, and an ETL safety certification. Not only does this heater include all of these nice features, but it also includes a one year quality guarantee and 90 days of free Amazon technical support.

The adjustable thermostat controls the powerful radiant heat that you need with three different temperature settings – 1500-watt high heat, 750-watt low heat, and a cool fan blow section. With measurements of 6 in. by 7 in. by 9 in., a convenient carry handle, and a very lightweight design, this heater delivers excellent portability.

The Brightown is safely designed with tip-over protection that automatically shuts the heat off when it tips over, as well as overheating protection that turns off the heater when it becomes dangerously hot. The ceramic element interior and the cool-touch exterior provide even more protection.

What We Like

The ultra-safe ceramic heating element and the adjustable thermostat are major conveniences. Being able to control the temperature within your tent is important, and this heater is equipped with the ability to cater to different heating and cooling needs.

Overall

The Brightown Ceramic Space Heater is a great choice for anyone looking to heat a small to medium tent with a few people inside. It’s incredibly safe – cool to the touch and able to turn off automatically when it senses danger.

Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Best Tent Heaters

When you are trying to find the perfect tent heater to fit your needs, there are some features that you definitely need and some factors to consider when choosing. The following section will explain some of the most important things to think about when picking out your heater.

Heater Size (and Tent Size)

The first factor to consider when choosing your tent heater is the size of the heater itself and then the size of your tent, because the heater needs to be big enough to provide adequate heat the amount of interior space.

First, figure out the area of your tent by multiplying the length, width, and height. Once you know your tent’s size, you can figure out the number of BTUs (or British Thermal Units) that you need to sufficiently heat your tent. We’ll discuss in detail how to calculate BTUs properly below.

Heater Type

The different types of heaters are classified by their fuel sources – propane gas, electric, or battery-powered. Each type of heater has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Propane gas – These heaters tend to be cheaper initially but will continue to cost money over the long term because you will need to buy propane to power them. However, they are generally the warmest of all the heaters because they can reach higher temperatures.
• Electric – These heaters are usually the most expensive and require some kind of electric connection in order to run, like a generator or a campsite hook-up. However, you will never run out of gas with these heaters and they are almost always equipped with auto-shut off features for extra safety.
• Battery-powered – These heaters are the least powerful of all the types of tent heaters, so they are only suitable for small tents with one or two people or temperatures that are not extremely cold. However, they are incredibly portable so you will be able to use them just about anywhere; you just have to make sure that your batteries are fully charged before officially setting out.

Safety Features

Probably the most important factor to consider when choosing a tent heater are its safety features. You want to have a heater that poses as little safety risk as possible. Common safety features found on tent heaters are tip-over protection, overheating protection, automatic shut-off timers, low-oxygen sensors, and cool-touch exteriors.

Tip-over protection turns off the heater if it falls over. Overheating protection shuts off the heater when it reaches a dangerous temperature and turns it back on when it has cooled enough to be safe again. Automatic shut-off timers allow you to set an amount of time for your heater to run and then shut off, so it doesn’t run all night.

Low-oxygen sensors are safety features that are exclusive to gas heaters and they turn off the pilot flame of the heater if they sense low oxygen to prevent combustion. Cool-touch exteriors are typically found on electric and battery-powered heaters and guarantee that the outside of your heater will remain cool to the touch to prevent burning yourself.

Warranties

As with any kind of appliance, having a good warranty is a must. Not only does it help to protect your investment, but it also covers most manufacturer errors and defects that may occur with your heater. In fact, it is considered wise to pay a bit more for a heater that comes with a great warranty in order to make sure that your heater will last, and your money is not wasted.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tent Heaters

If you have never had to purchase a tent heater before, the specs and features that are described can be overwhelming. We’ve gathered some of the most commonly asked questions about tent heaters and found the answers in order to help you make a more informed decision about your tent heater.

Q: Why do I need a tent heater?

A: As most campers know, temperatures drop fast when the sun goes down. Even if you are not camping during winter, you still may need a tent heater because of the temperature at night. Cold temperatures can lead to sickness and even frostbite. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to planning for overnight warmth while camping.

Q: What are BTUs, and how do I calculate the number that my tent needs to stay warm?

A: BTUs are British Thermal Units. 3.41 BTUs per hour is equal to 1 watt. You will see the heating power of heaters listed as either BTUs, watts, or sometimes both. When you are figuring out how many BTUs your tent needs to properly stay warm, there is some math involved.

Follow these steps to figure out the number of BTUs that you need:

1. Multiply your tent’s length, width, and height to find the area in cubic feet.
2. Subtract the outside temperature from the temperature you want in your tent. For example, if it is 45 degrees Fahrenheit outside and you want your tent to be 65 degrees, you will subtract 45 from 65 to get 20. (65 – 45 = 20)
3. If you are measuring in temperature Fahrenheit, use this equation to figure out your BTU: Cubic Feet x Temperature Increase x 0.133 = BTUs needed.
4. If you are measuring in temperature Celsius, use this equation to figure out your BTU: Cubic Feet x Temperature Increase x 0.2394 = BTUs needed.

If you are not great at math or want an easier way to figure out the number of BTUs you need, you can also find a BTU calculator online to figure it out.

Q: How do I figure out how much propane I will need?

A: The amount of propane you will need depends on how long you will need your heater to run. Propane gas heaters generally have their propane use directions on the packaging to let you know how many hours of heating you can get from a cylinder propane tank.

There are 91,500 BTUs of heat energy in a gallon of propane. Knowing this information can help you estimate how much propane you will need because you know how many BTUs your heater puts out and the number of hours you plan on using it.

Propane is sold in different sized cylinder tanks for smaller heaters and you can use gallon propane tanks for larger heaters and longer trips.

Q: How do I use tent heaters safely and properly?

A: When using tent heaters, it’s important to use them properly in order to ensure that you are as safe as possible. Some tips for safe tent heater practices are:

• Do not prop heaters up on anything that is not included in their packages or specifically made for your heater model. Most gas heaters some with stands to stabilize them, but other than this, it is not recommended to place your heater on any raised stands.
• While placing your heater in the middle of the tent is best for optimal heating, it is not always able to be done. However, you can not place the heater against any wall or corner of the tent because of fire hazards. Arrange the inside of your tent in a way that allows your heater to be placed away from anything flammable and the edges of the tent.
• If your tent heater is ever placed outside, make sure that no brush is next to it. Clear the area you are placing your heater completely before sitting it there.
• Be absolutely sure you understand the maximum heat of your heater. This is important to prevent overheating and to decide when you want to set your heater to turn off.

Q: What are chemical heaters?

A: Chemical heaters are not tent heaters, but they are commonly used when camping in cold weather. There are both single use and reusable kinds. Single use chemical heaters can be small hand or toe warmers or larger sleeping bag warmers. Reusable chemical heaters come in various sizes and have a liquid inside of them that you can heat up by pressing a button.

Chemical heaters should not be relied upon as the sole heating method in your tent. They are designed for emergency use only for extremely cold temperatures.

Conclusion

That concludes our list of the top 12 best tent heaters available on the market in 2019!

We hope that we were able to bring a list of the tent heaters that are suitable for all camping needs and a comprehensive explanation of everything you need to know to find the perfect tent heater for you.

Our goal was to find the absolute finest heaters that featured all the additions that tent heaters should have to be the safest, most durable, and warmest heaters they can be. We ignored all marketing lingo and skipped straight to the information about the heaters themselves to bring an unbiased list of tent heaters to your fingertips, regardless of their name brands.

We sincerely hope that your search is over – but if it isn’t, you now know everything you need to know in order to make your decision. So, did we help you find your next tent heater?

Product Boxes: Last updated on 2021-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API