Best Tent Heaters for Camping: 5 Considerations, Safety & Selections

What do you do when you are camping on a cold night? Must be you turn on your heater. The big problem is, most people know how to use one during camping, and what’s left is choosing a suitable device. Do you want to spend your free days at home and watching TV? No, you go looking at the ideal tent heaters for your camping. Tent heaters will ensure your excellent camping experience.

Nowadays, there are different kinds of brands that come with multiple features on the market, and you need to know which one is perfect for your outdoors. This buying guide consists of all the helpful information you need and the top propane camping tent heater reviews with others’ pros and cons.

Considerations for Picking Your Tent Heater Camping

However, even though it is a different experience from busy city life, it does come with challenges. Remember that when you purchase a tent heater, then some things must be considered, now we describe those briefly.

Types of Heaters 

There are several types of heaters out there that would do a good job in raising temperature levels, from the gas types or electric to the woodstove. We would recommend the gas type due to its convenient portability and the fact that you can’t find a power supply for an electric heater.

Camping Location

You should consider buying a tent heater; you must keep your mind on your camping location. For example, if there is a power supply available, better off with the electric type. Depending on the size, you should pick a heater with sufficient output.

Read more: Find the Best Flashlight for Summer Camp

Noise Level

Are you a light sleeper? Depending on how many decibels it delivers the output. For its noise, avoiding the use of headphones is not a solution. Either if you choose a noise-free heater, that will be much better. So these features should be cheek to you first.

Safety Features

It’s been long-held that using heaters indoors would be dangerous. However, that is not the case today, as many companies have made strides to protect consumers against the dangers. Good quality tent heaters are included with features such as the following for fully proofed with protection. Most heaters will come with auto-shutoff features to keep your heater at safe temperatures. Proper positioning of the tent heaters is highly recommended to give up fire risks.

Size and Portability

Some factors affect the size, and BTUs of the heater offers the tent size, length of stay, distance to a power source, and severity of the temperature lows. When going for longer trips or camping, then a lightweight and portable heater would make it much comfort. Ideally, most people like those heaters that will heat most of their tent space; thus, considering the heater’s BTUs would be the right approach.

Ensure the General Safety of Using this Device

Never place a heater directly on your tent floor. Must use a stable base that is not flammable such as a flat stone. Ideally, heaters should be used with more than one exit in the tent. Never place it where the tent blocks exit in case of an accident. Never keep running a tent heater when you are asleep or unattended. Always ensure that the heater is not touching any flammable materials.

View Our Recommended Tent Heaters for Camping –

F242300 Tent Heater for Camping by Mr. Heater

• 8,000-15,000 BTUs per hour;
• 375 square ft heating coverage;
• Automatic safety shut-off system;
• 20 lb. refillable tank.

The Mr. Heater F242300 is the original tank top heater for camping. It is also a lightweight and very powerful tent heater. It can provide between 10,000 to 15,000 BTU power. The design makes this easy to port everywhere. You can easily heat your tent by simply popping in the disposable cylinder or refillable tank adapter.

It comes completely ready to be used. Since it works with a 20lb refillable tank and heating coverage up to 375 square feet, this heater offers an automatic safety shut-off system. It also has an adjustable high-medium-low regulator and integrated stand. So it is a compact heater for outdoor use.

Pros

• Hi-med-low regulator available;
• For use with propane gas;
• Includes wire stand for heater positions;
• All components are replaceable;
• Lightweight and portable.

Cons

• The propane tank is not included.

Comfort Zone CZ798 5120 BTU Multi-Purpose Utility Heater Fan

• Stainless steel burner; 
• Adjustable up to 5120 BTU;
• 5-pound item weight;
• Aluminum reflector with a proper grid.

Are you looking for a quick grab and moving heater, then Comfort Zone comes for this sport portable outdoor propane. However, it is pretty small and compact. The heat is adjustable up to 5120 BTU. The material is built very durably, which gives it a pretty long life to span. It has a reflector with a safety grid that is made of aluminum. And the burner itself is made of stainless steel. This safety grid delivers protection against its skin contacts. 

There also included a steel handle for carrying it around. At just 5 pounds, it is only suitable for heating up to small spaces. This heater shuts off the fuel supply automatically. If this heater feature is suitable for your camping, then what about thinking? Purchase this tent heater now. 

Pros

• A base is included;
• Auto shut-off system;
• Good ground balance;
• Most durable;
• Safety grid.

Cons

• Suitable for small spaces only.

Camco (57331) Olympian Wave-3

• 100% safety shut-off feature;
• 600 to 3000 BTU/hr;
• Rated up to 100 square feet;
• Catalytic heating is 99.98 % efficient.

The Camco company makes the RV heater. It provides an impressive heating capacity throwing out heat to the enclosed space up to 100 sq ft within a minute. As in this review we described above, this one also comes with a 100% auto safety shut-off valve. 

The valve does keep you safe all the time. The heater comes with an electric sparker that can last for as many as 2000 ignitions. It also offers a fan-less design that helps to ensure quiet and noise-free operation. The device is very fuel-efficient, versatile, and comfortable to use.

Pros

• Compact design;
• Easy to start;
• Operates quietly;
• low-cost heat;
• Heaters operate silently.

Cons

• It may not be working in high elevations.

Comfort Zone CZ799BK Milkhouse Space Heater

• Three heat output settings;
• Rugged, durable construction;
• Loaded with safety features. 

All the campers are seeking a compact, portable propane heater for their camping. The Comfort Zone heater comes with all those features that they are wanted. Although this is a small tent heater, it allows you to cover heating throughout a large space. Its built-in safety shut-off system lets the campers know that the unit won’t combust in light of non-ignition fuel discharge. 

This heater doesn’t come cheap, but it is made in the long run. It can operate on low-pressure gas. We think that high-quality features make it an excellent unit for you and will deliver outstanding performance overall for an extended period. The lightweight design is not only portable but also efficient. If you’re comfortable with investing the amount, then you’ll surely be satisfied throughout your all-season expeditions.  

Pros

• High portability and output delivery;
• One of the most efficient units;
• Does not produce carbon monoxide;
• Can function at high altitudes as well;
• It can be used on the floor or mounted on the wall.

Cons

• Not comes with a base and wall mount.

Sengoku OR-77 Tent Heater

• Excellent emergency heat source;
• 380square ft room;
• Fuel capacity of 1.2 gallons;
• Includes automatic shut-off feature;
• Portable 10,000-BTU.

Capable of producing 10,000 BTU of heat, the Sengoku is one of the ideal kerosene heaters you could invest in. It’s enough to warm up 380 square feet of area. It offers a 1.2-gallon fuel tank, which can last 14 hours of use. It depends on the length of use. 

The KeroHeat operated without any electricity to keep it going. You are also getting an excellent solution to any power cuts, and you should never have to sacrifice your comfort if possible! There are batteries included in this, which is perfect for those. 

Pros

• Excellent heating capacity;
• Producing the right amount of heat;
• Perfect for emergencies and blackouts at night;
• Offers heating and lighting sources together.

Cons

• Needs cleaning more than once a week.

F232000 Tent Heater for Camping by Mr. Heater

• 4,000 to 9,000 BTU;
• Automatic low oxygen shut-off features;
• Runs off 1lb. cylinder;
• Heating spaces 200 sq. ft;
• Comes with a swivel regulator.

Those people love to camp there, need a tent heater for warmth and cozy on a cool evening, or anywhere else that you need some portable heat. However, with so many products on the market, it can be highly challenging to choose which portable heater will fit your needs.

Today, we’re going to be reviewing the Mr. Heater F232000 model. This is one of the most popular models out there, so it’s naturally highly demanded because of its reputation. It’s suitable to store in a car, small room, or other areas when not in use. When it’s time to bring it on the road, you can easily fit it into even the most compact cars without sacrificing space.

Pros

• Highly portable;
• Comes with multiple power settings; 
• Extensive safety features;
• Wide heating area.

Cons

• Requires propane to operate.

Hausse Electric Space Tent Heater

• Size: 7.3″ L x 6.5″ W x 8.8″ H;
• Cord Length: 70 inches;
• Power: 1500 watts;
• Material: Metal, Plastic;
• Convenient Carry Handle;
• Overheat Protection.

This heater is suitable for your outdoors – we can’t say much about this, so the review will be relatively short. Here is this heavy-duty design of the Hausse tent heater. Well, the company offers this heater-raise the air temperature in one of their work tents by 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

This tent heater is perfect for those who are cozy quarters to chilly ones. It’s powerful and safe. It can heat the whole tent, but it’s quite big, and it weighs 3.1 pounds. It’s almost as good as the first one. Buddy by Mr. Heater –is cheaper, of course.

Pros

• Durable steel design;
• Great for indoor and outdoor use;
• Overheat protection features;
• Lightweight and easy to carry;
• Adjustable thermostat knob to control the temperature.

Cons

• It requires a power outlet.

Honeywell (HHF360V) Tent Heater for Camping

• Total weight 3 lbs;
• Electric power source; 
• Comes with a cooling touch carry handle;
• 360-degree warmth output;
• Included 2 heat settings features.

The Honeywell 360 heater is an excellent choice for users who want extra heating in one of their rooms. It offers safety features, and energy savings, and controls your comfort. All are available at a reasonable price. It is designed to provide warmth in all directions of the room. And perfect for small and mid-sized rooms. A 360-degree safety tip is tipped in any direction. 

It also has overheat protection and a cooling touch carry handle. An adjustable thermostat and the addition of two different heat setting modes allow for complete control over the heating process. It comes with fan-forced wire heating technology. This is an all-around safe heater with excellent output. It also happens to be in a reasonable price range. So it’s a win-win situation for camping lovers.

Pros

• Portable and easy to carry;
• Saves your utility bills;
• Easy to operate with its built-in handle;
• Included auto-off timer feature;
• It has an automatic shut-off timer option.

Cons

• It’s a noisy heater.

Portable Space Mr. Heater MH12B

• Comes with a swivel regulator;
• Heat up to 300sq ft;
• Automatic low oxygen shut-off feature;
• 100% safety shut-off system;
• 6,000-12,000 BTU heating power.

Mr. Heater MH12B hunting buddy is probably one of the most popular tent heaters in North America. It is a portable space heater. It heats up to 300sq ft and works quietly via a convenient swivel regulator. This unit directly connects to a 1lb tank of propane. It is easy to start and use. This heater comes in a small size with a compact design.

This heater will provide 6,000 to 12,000 BTU of heating power per hour. Its features have both heating settings low and high. The 20lb cylinder is powered, but it is not included. This heater is powerful enough and able to heat up to 300 sq ft of space. The unit features a safety switch, which is a crucial addition to any camping heater.

Pros

• Low and high working modes;
• No need for electricity to operate;
• Works with propane gas;
• Comfortable indoor safe heater;
• Compact design;
• Easy to start.

Cons

• No one was found.

HOTaitai Portable Propane or Butane Dual Fuel Heater

• Upgraded to 90° Adjustable Version;
• Just 5 seconds, up to 4,600 BTU/hr;
• Four-step ignition and 5 seconds heating without waiting.’
• Built-in safety features.

HOTaitai is a brand that is popular for portable heaters. Founded in 1906, this American company focuses on providing energy efficiency in small appliances, portable household heaters, and fans. The Lasko personal heater is ideal for your desktop at work or a comfortable chair at home. The fan delivers quick warmth. The 200 watts of mild concentrated heat offer you ultimate comfort. You can save your electricity bill by using the lower power features.

It looks like a battery-operated heater but provides more efficiency and ease of use by plugging. The heater included overheating protection with a cooling touch exterior. If you are looking for a budget-friendly portable heater with a good quality one, then the HOTaitai is a good option.

Pros

• Ceramic technology;
• Perfect as a desk heater;
• No assembly is required;
• Easy switch operation;
• Quiet while in operation;
• Automatic overheat protection system.

Cons

• No noticeable cons.

FAQs

How to Calculate How Much Propane It Uses?

Tents are designed for keeping the rain off and wind out, but they don’t insulate too well and so soon get cold. For your good camping, you need a tent heater. So you would calculate the gallons of propane used in one hour, and take usage in pounds. For a total load, you need several heaters pounds or gallons per hour. 

Why Are Chemical Tent Heaters Designed for Emergencies Only?

Chemical tent heaters should be used only for an emergency because they cannot deliver the same amount of BTUs that an electric or gas heater can provide. Plus, they are made for and not rely on them for regular use.

How Many Btus Need to Warm Up My Tent?

First, calculate the footage of your tent by its height, length, and width. Multiply your tent’s footage by this multiplier. If your tent spans 80 cubic ft, then you’ll need a BTU output of at least 640. However, this is a rule of thumb. Attention to your own comfort level and adjust your heater to cater to what feels good for the group.

Closing Thoughts

Are you dreading the winter cold or just seeking some extra warmth within your tent then the camping heaters are safe and useful accessories for your camping trip. Enjoy your outdoors without worrying about hypothermia and all those cold-related horror stories.

We hope you are figuring out the useful information about the tent heater and the very least BTUs. So choose your tent heater from our list and give in to your wanderlust but stay warm and always practice tent heater safety.

You might also like:

• 6 Ways to Prevent Condensation in a Tent During Winter
• 10 Most Effective Ways to Cool a Tent Without Electricity