10 Best Tent Heater Options – Top 10 Consumer

Camping can be a great experience for many people. If you are planning to go camping the weather may be one of the things that you cannot be in total control of. If you are camping in the winter the weather may drop to freezing temperatures or even summer nights may get colder than anticipated. The best way to prepare for any camping trip is to get the best tent heater for you and your group.

Top 10 Best Tent Heater Options

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1. Mr. Heater Corporation

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The Mr. Heater Corporation 29,000-45,000 BTU 540 Degree is a narrow design and allows for heat to be radiated widely since the radiator is on the top of the machine. It is very lightweight weighing around five pounds making it easy to transport and convenient for any camping trip.

This heater is very powerful and can produce a lot of heat ranging from twenty-nine thousand British thermal units up to forty-five thousand British thermal units. Due to its amount of power this heater is best for more open spaces since in tight spaces it can prove to be dangerous.

The heater does come with an auto-shutoff safety feature in order to prevent any accidents from occurring. This auto-shutoff feature turns the machine off if the oxygen level in the room is too low as well as if the machine were to be knocked over for any reason.

This is a great heater overall and all its features makes it worth it.

Sample Customer Review…I purchased this to heat my 20′ x 22′ shop with an attached 5′ x 22′ tool room all with 9′ ceilings. None of the walls are insulated and neither is the ceiling. I have a central air cleaner that I run when this heater is on. The central air cleaner is meant to scrub sawdust from the air but it circulates the air very well.
When set on high this heater will bring my shop from 35 degrees Fahrenheit to 65 degrees Fahrenheit in 15 minutes with the central air filter on and circulating the air. Once the ambient air temperature is comfortable I turn the heater to its lowest setting and end up running it for 10 minutes out of every 20 minutes because of the tremendous heat output even on its lowest setting.
Remember that this heater produces carbon monoxide gas which is odorless and deadly. I leave my garage door open about 8″ and that allows air to circulate out the top of the door and allows fresh air in through the bottom. Do not ever use this heater in an enclosed space. Remember, your family wants to talk to you – not about you.
Overall I am completely satisfied with this high output propane heater.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

2. Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor Safe Propane Heater

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The Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy is very different from other heaters on the market due to its design. This heater is much smaller and has the heater head standing on a straight pole which allows you to adjust the length as you see fit. The heater is recommended for small tents since it only produces an output of three thousand eight hundred British thermal units which when compared to many heaters on the market is rather low.

There are great features that make this heater worth the purchase such as the automatic shutoff feature which turns the machine off in the event of it being tipped over or if the oxygen level in the tent is running too low in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. The machine is also very easy to turn off and on and runs for a long period of time with it having a runtime of up to six hours.

This is a great option for any camping trip since it is very lightweight as well as affordable. Make sure to take into consideration the size of your tent before purchasing since the power of this heater is limited.

Sample Customer Review…I bought this because I saw it recommended by others in the sailing/cruising community. I just wanted something to take the edge off for cold mornings at anchor or on a mooring when I don’t have access to shore power for my electric cabin heater.
I was a little apprehensive about the safety of using this device in an enclosed space since it’s propane-operated. So my trial run was a weekend cruise to Angel Island in San Francisco Bay in late November. Overnight temps got into the ‘0s (cold for here).
Things I liked:
– Good instructions and very easy lighting
– Fuel is cheap and available
– Adequate heat but it doesn’t blast so much you’re worried about starting a fire
– O2 sensor and tip-over shut off (so accidents don’t happen)
Stuff I didn’t like:
Despite a fairly wide base, it’s tippy for a sailboat
Overall, it worked great for my modestly sized cabin and I used some bungees to make sure it wouldn’t tip over when the ferries went by. Seems like it has the capacity for intermittent use for several nights/mornings, and it’s compact enough to stow away when not needed. Very happy with this unit.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

3. Mr. Heater F242300 MH15C

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The Mr. Heater F242300 MH15C is a propane heater that is made completely of steel. It can reach an output between 8,000 to 15,000 BTU. This allows the heater to heat your tent effectively with the high BTU output. Additionally, it can heat an area up to 375 square feet. The heater is ready to use right out of the box, with the product already put together for you.

As for safety features, the heater will turn off automatically if it is accidentally pushed over or if it falls over. This can allow for a safer camping experience. Mr. Heater itself also is an established brand in the tent heater market, and this could provide ease of mind as well.

The Mr. Heater F242300 MH15C is designed to be lightweight and easy to transport and carry. It weighs only 1.12 ounces.

Sample Customer Review…I’ve used no short of 4 other heaters for ice fishing, and this is hands down the most versatile, packable, and reliable. One feature I love is being able to use the small camp canisters or hook my hose up and use my 5 or 20lb tank as well. Given the fact this can simply be rotated 90 degrees and becomes a cooktop is amazing.
This means no tip sensor which I have had to rewire to bypass in other heaters because they have become faulty. The best part about this heater I discovered is the ability to separate the stand from the heater and pack the whole thing along with 2 or more camp canisters and then some into a 5 gallon pale! That alone makes this heater worth the purchase.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

4. Lasko 100 MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater

[amazon box=”B003XDTWN2″ description=” ” rating=”4.5″]

The MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater can produce six hundred and eighty-two British thermal units of heat which are good for small rooms or tents. It is a lightweight option just weighing around two pounds so it is easy to transport and take on any camping trip.

The heater comes with a three-year limited warranty so you do not have to worry too much about it failing you since you can have it replaced depending on the problem. The heater also has built-in safety features such as a cool-touch exterior so you will not burn yourself if you accidentally touch it while it’s on. The heater also comes with overheat protection to make sure no unforeseen accidents occur.

The MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater also has adjustable settings and low power modes in order to ensure that the heater is energy efficient but one downside is that it does require electricity in order to be powered. The design of the heater is meant to protect the ceramic heating element by having a robust casing.

Overall this is a great heater for any camping trip and comes in many colors that you can choose from to best fit your style.

Sample Customer Review…I have two of these, one for my office and one at home. These are fantastic little heaters, I highly recommend these if you’re looking for something low profile to use in an office cubicle.
I was worried at first this would be dangerous to keep on a desk with lots of paperwork, and that I was having to run the cord in with computer and monitor cords. Thankfully I was proven wrong.
The unit puts out a good amount of heat but doesn’t get too hot. The important part is that the unit casing and the power cord don’t get hot at all. I’ve run my office heater for almost an entire shift, and my home unit I’ve let run for well over 8-hours, and neither of them has ever gotten hot to the touch on the casing or the power cord.
This is advertised as being low power, which is great for cubicles, however, as a precaution, I bought an extra-long extension cord and plugged it into a nearby wall outlet. Our office is worried that if too many people plug heaters into the cubicles directly, it could fry the wiring. Which they claim has happened before. So I recommend that check with your management if you’re a fellow cubicle dweller, to ensure anything you plug into it won’t overload their electrical.
Otherwise, I’m extremely pleased with these heaters and recommend them.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

5. Texsport Portable Outdoor Propane

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The Texsport Portable Outdoor Propane tent heater is made of stainless steel and aluminum, which are materials that can help the heater last for a long time. Particularly, the burner itself is made of stainless steel. This heater is portable and easy to travel with due to the little room it takes up.

One of the most noticeable features of this heater is its paddle-foot plastic base. This enables the machine to be difficult to tip over, which is a helpful safety feature. Additionally, in terms of safety, this heater will turn off its fuel if the flame inside the heater blows out. This could help prevent accidental fire, and it can be an important feature to consider.

As for the British thermal units, this heater can go as high as 2,890 BTU and has a control knob that turns the heater on and off. This heater may be well suited for heating areas that are smaller based on its BTU that are not as high as other brands’ BTU.

Lastly, the Texsport tent heater features a handle, which can make carrying and transporting your heater easier.

Sample Customer Review…Bought this to use with those Coleman 1lb propane bottles before a November camping trip in the mountains with snow on the ground. Daytime temps were ~60F nighttime temps were ~28F. Used this heater in a Coleman 6 person Montana tent with all flaps closed except one cracked open on the main window (ceiling is all mesh with rain cover over it) and was actually comfortable throughout the two nights with no issues.
You definitely need good sleeping bags and blankets, but it keeps the tent from being miserable. The first night I used the heater on low setting on a new tank and got 8.5 hours out of it. The second night I got a 7.5-hour burn on a medium setting. I suppose the high setting would be 6.5 hours? It kept the tent warmer than outside, by quite a bit. I didn’t measure outside and inside temps, but if I had to guess it was somewhere in the low 50’s inside the tent and high 20’s outside.
We had two people and four dogs inside so that probably influenced temperatures too.
The heater is a bit fragile and although it has paddle feet as shown, could tip over easily. We put it smack in the middle of an all-wire dog cage (2.5′ x 4′) so that the dogs or us couldn’t get near it or tip it over, worked perfectly. The run time on low was a full night, on the other settings you’re going to have to replace the tank once in the morning.
It did shut off the gas when the flame went out due to the low propane level in the tank, so that feature worked well. We noticed that the sound is noticeable, like a gas range burner in your kitchen all night long. You do have to manually light it once to get it going, use a match.
Overall, excellent heater. Time will tell for its reliability, but for performance, it worked above expectations, especially for the $40 we spent on it. I do recommend it!
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

6. Honeywell 360 Degree Electric Tent Heater

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The Honeywell 360 Degree Electric Tent Heater is a very compact heater and easy to transport on any camping trip. It has all-around heating which helps warm your area rather quickly.

The heater has adjustable dials making it easy to control as well as safety features such as the shutoff feature. The shutoff feature allows the machine to turn off if it were to be accidentally knocked down for any reason.

The Honeywell 360 Degree Electric Tent Heater also comes in an Opolar option which gives you a wider reach when it comes to heat and has a handle so it is easier to transport.

The only drawback of this heater is that it only has two settings when it comes to heat, either a high or low setting which limits your choices. The heater can produce approximately six thousand British thermal units of heat which are good for small to medium-sized tents.

The manufacture of this heater made sure to prioritize safety features when designing it. The safety features it includes aside from the shutoff feature are two heat protection, thermally insulated and reinforced wiring, and made the housing thermally protected which makes it safe to touch the heater even while it’s on.

Sample Customer Review…After reading countless reviews and specs, I decided to splurge and get this heater. All I needed was something small to fit under my desk at work in my cold office. This is perfect. I didn’t really plan on getting anything fancy, but I’m so glad I did. I also didn’t expect to use the remote at all, but it has proved to be very helpful. I love the easy-to-read digital screen, and the function is very easy.
It provides ample heat, both low and high, and I love that I can control the temperature as well. The timer function proved to be valuable, too. It can be set for 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours. I read some people mention the sound. I don’t find it to be bothersome at all. It has a low hum, like a soft fan, but it’s more than quiet enough. It’s right under my desk and soft enough for me to hold a phone conversation and doesn’t distort the music coming from my computer.
I’m very happy with this purchase and would recommend this particular heater to anyone. Everyone that has actually noticed it wants one of their own.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com

7. Dura Heat TT-360 Propane Heater

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The Dura Heat TT-360 features 360-degree heating with an output of up to 40,000 BTU. This enables the heater to heat up to 1,000 square feet of an area. If using a 20-pound propane tank, the device can operate for 14 hours. Because of its power, it is recommended to mainly use this device outdoors.

Some of its other features provide safety, such as the device shutting off if it tips over. A chrome guard on the device also protects people from being burned accidentally. This can be helpful when camping with children so they do not accidentally touch the heater.

Additionally, to ensure the device is safely used, it should only be placed on a flat surface. Wind can also affect the heater, and it may not work in windy conditions. The high quality of the Dura Heat TT-360 is also evident in its stainless steel material that also protects against rust.

Sample Customer Review…We love this!! In searching for an outdoor heater I didn’t want the standard upright ones. First – they only seem to produce heat if you’re right next to them. Second, those little propane tanks don’t last long and are expensive. In looking for other options I came across this.
After thinking about it I went back to the cart and the price of the standard outdoors heaters had doubled and they were back-ordered. I took a chance on this. It fits on a regular tank as you use it for your grill. We use it underneath an outdoor tent and it’s perfect for socially distant movie nights.
Based on our use of it on low I think a standard propane tank will last for at least 15 hours on low. And since I live in Southern California, low is perfect to keep away the dampness on the nights when it gets into the 50s. We have an outdoor movie set up and plan to use it all winter long with this heater. I highly recommend it!
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

8. Comfort Zone CZ707 Compact Utility Heater

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The Comfort Zone CZ707 Compact Utility Heater is very lightweight and easy to transport due to its handle. The heater can produce five thousand British thermal units of heat which are enough to heat up a room up to one hundred and fifty square feet in size.

This heater gives its user many options when it comes to heat settings by having three possible settings which are low, high, and fan. The fan option in this heater can be used in warm temperatures to cool down making it versatile and eliminating the need of buying extra appliances for different temperatures.

The Comfort Zone CZ707 Compact Utility Heater also features an adjustable thermostat rotary in order to allow you to control your temperature more freely. The heater also has many safety features such as a tip-over switch so that if it is accidentally knocked over the machine will turn off. Another safety feature is an overheating auto-shutoff as well as caution and power indicators. The heating element of this heater also comes in a metal casing in order to provide extra protection and durability.

Sample Customer Review…I really like this little heater. The heater has a low center of gravity so it doesn’t seem likely to tip over. While it was on, I leaned it in all different directions to see if it had a tip-over cut-off. It didn’t seem to, but I don’t think it really needs one since it’s so low and compact. As for the heat output: WOW.
I have a small home office (6’x9′ with an 8′ ceiling). It doesn’t make sense to heat my whole house when I only occupy one room most of the day. On its first day, it was 54 degrees outside and 62 in my house. I plugged in the heater and within about ten minutes my office (door closed) was 76 degrees. I lowered the thermostat until it just turned off. After that, it cycled on and off keeping the room between 74-76 degrees all day.
The rheostat doesn’t have a numeric scale, like 1-10, but I have it set to about where 1.5 would be on that scale and it keeps the room comfortable. I can’t imagine how hot it would get if it was set to max.
The little handle on top doesn’t feel very robust, but I’m not running down the street with it either, so it seems adequate.
I unplug it at night, and I noticed the plug is a little warm if I unplug it while it’s running. Not warm enough to worry about, but just something I noticed. Great value for the price. I recommend it.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

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

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The Campy Gear 2-in-1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove comes in three different colors: purple, navy blue, and orange. The tent heater comes with a one-year warranty included. It functions, as the name implies, as both a stove and a heater. This feature could be useful when camping.

For the stove function, the flame can be controlled to accord with what you want to cook. Additionally, the stove can fit kitchen equipment such as pots that are 12 inches or less.

For the heater function, this device promises to provide a 360-degree heating experience. It can go up to 9,000 BTU, which can provide your tent with the warmth you may need. You can use 110g & 230g isobutane, butane, or propane fuel canisters with the stove or a 1 lb propane cylinder.

The Campy Gear 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove is designed to be small and lightweight to provide you more space on your camping trip. This can be useful when packing and traveling as the heater will likely not take up a significant amount of space. The heater and stove feature also will provide you with a device that can serve two purposes, hence again saving space and potentially time when camping.

Sample Customer Review…Now with the COVID situation and outdoor dining becoming the norm at restaurants, I’ve brought this awesome little heater with me and sit it on top of the dining table, or to the local park for a picnic (of take-out food). The restaurant staff thought it’s the coolest thing ever. I thought they might be wary of it being a fire hazard or something, but I didn’t get any negative reaction like that!
First of all, this thing is small, like about the height of a water bottle, so it’s nice and discreet to bring out. At the same time, it’s incredibly powerful! When my wife and I sit across from each other and have this heater sitting in the middle of the table, it provides plenty of warmth for us. If there were four of us we’d likely need a second heater, with distancing in mind.
It lasts a surprisingly long time! It can use Butane, or IsoButane, or Propane, or even IsoPro (a mixture of the two). The 8oz (227g) net weight (aka 13.1oz 374g gross weight) gas canister ($5) can provide heat at full blast for at least 2 hours (I’ve timed it).
You’ll need a lighter or match to start this. Just shove the lighter through the cage and then turn the gas dial on the heater to maximum, and it will light up instantly.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

10. Texsport Sportsmate Portable Propane Heater

[amazon box=”B003K6SI7S” description=” ” rating=”4.3″]

The Texsport Portable Propane Heater is an affordable option on the market but does not have as much power. This heater produces an output of two thousand nine hundred British thermal units which is good for small areas but would not be recommended for larger tents.

The Texsport Portable Propane Heater does come with a steel reflector disk which allows heat to be emitted in a four to a six-foot radius as well as a regulator valve so you are able to adjust the heat as you please. The heaters also have safety features such as the auto-shutoff to protect against any unforeseen accidents such as it being tipped over. It is a rather compact heater which makes it easy to transport and uses a sixteen-ounce propane tank which is convenient when moving from place to place.

The downside to this heater is that it does not self-ignite so to make sure it stays lit you will have to hold the gas flow button down for up to thirty seconds after lighting. This also means that the heater is not ideal for windy temperatures since it will have trouble staying lit.

Overall this is a great heater for small spaces and will do the job at a lower price when compared to many heaters on the market.

Sample Customer Review…Simple to use, reliable, sips propane, gives out a nice directional heat. Won’t blow out easily or go out if moved. For those saying the igniter doesn’t work – that’s not an igniter! It’s a heat sensor that warms up and keeps the gas flowing; you need to depress it for 30 seconds or so until it’s warm, and then the unit will stay lit.
Light with a lighter (preferably a long fireplace-style one). Tried many others and this one can’t be beaten for simplicity, ease of use, reliability, and price. It’s no-frills – it’s a controlled open flame folks…nothing more…nothing less. You will not be disappointed. Buying 4 more as presents for friends who like to camp in colder weather.
It’s just what the doctor ordered on a chilly morning to get the hands and face toasty, or if you prefer, feet up and warm. Many are posting that they use this in an enclosed space; never a good idea for any propane device. If you are dining that (which I don’t recommend) at least pick yourself up a cheap carbon monoxide detector to put close to it.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

Buyers Guide: Things to Consider When Purchasing a Tent Heater

Different Types of Heaters

When you begin your search for a camping heater for your tent you will come to realize that there are many different types of heaters that all come with certain benefits.

Gas Heater

Gas heaters for tents usually use either butane or propane. The propane models prove to be lightweight and are easily transported. There are certain risks with the gas heaters if you do not use them adequately.

A big risk comes when you use it in a confined space with limited ventilation. If your tent does not have a lot of ventilation you run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you purchase a gas heater it is highly recommended that you buy a safety shut-off system along with it to prevent any accidents. This safety shut-off system will stop the heater if it is tipped over or if it senses oxygen depletion in an effort to protect you and your group.

Electric Heater

Electric heaters are said to be safer than gas heaters when it comes to using them in a tent. These heaters make use of clean energy sources but do require electricity so you are limited to where exactly you can use them.

Most people use these heaters in more developed campsites that have electrical hookups. It is also important to keep in mind that the weight on these heaters can vary with many being on the heavier side. It is recommended when buying an electric heater to look if it comes with the auto-shutoff timer feature which can prove to be very useful and can prevent many accidents.

Conclusion

Before embarking on any camping trip make sure you have all the necessary items in order to make your trip the best it can possibly be. A heater is a great device to have on your camping trip to keep you warm at night.

When you are looking for the best tent heater, there are many things you will need to keep in mind. You first need to see which type of tent heater would be the best fit for you. There are many different types of heaters but the most popular are either electric or gas heaters which come with many advantages and disadvantages so make sure to research them extensively.

Another important feature you will also need to keep in mind the size of the heater you choose. If you are traveling in a small group you may want to pick a heater that is easily transported and is not too heavy to move from place to place while larger groups can more easily transport heavier larger heaters.

The majority of heaters have safety features in place to protect against any unforeseen accidents so make sure you pick a heater that provides the best features in order to have fun as well as a safe trip.

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Written by Paola Valdez and Victoria Beuchat