Whether you are an outdoors person who enjoys camping, a professional mountaineer, or a hunter, you’d agree that winter brings with itself a new set of challenges. You need to be prepared for a harsher climate, and nothing helps more than a warm tent and a cozy place to sleep in.
Tent heaters come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the size of the tent you use and the fuel that you want to use. Most of the tent heaters are either electrical or propane-fueled, and these are the type we will be focusing on. Here is the list of 15 best tent heaters.
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy
Coming in at a very reasonable price, the Buddy is an ideal choice for someone looking for good power combined with an affordable cost. This gas portable heater is equipped with a fold-down handle designed to reduce storage space, making it an ideal accessory for your tent. The heating surface is coated with large, durable porcelain, which helps to emit heat over a wider area as well as to keep the heater sturdy. You can easily switch from 4000 to 9000 BTU (British Thermal Unit) of power, which is enough to warm up to 225 square feet of space.
It has a built-in safety shut-off that activates in case of an emergency (accidental tipping over, low oxygen, etc.), so you don’t have to worry about potential dangers. This safety measure is also a double-edged sword at higher altitudes, though, as the heater will periodically turn off once you go beyond 7,000 feet above sea level. It comes with a hose that can attach to a propane tank, which is not included. Fuel consumption is 0.044 Gal/hr for 4000 BTU and 0.099 Gal/hr for 9000 BTU.
With such specifications, the Buddy simply had to be on the top of this list as it will provide you with the most comfortable camping experience.
Comfort Zone CZ707 Personal Heater Fan
Weighing in with just 3.67 pounds, Comfort Zone’s Personal Heater is one of the more practical and compact heaters we reviewed. With its complete metal housing and handle for easier carrying, it is designed to last you a long time. It is packed with two heat settings (750/1,500 watts of power) and one fan-only setting.
This heater is almost noise-free, making it easier to fall asleep at night. Furthermore, there is a safety tip-over switch and an overheat protection system. This smartly designed personal heater will guarantee your safety and comfort, even in your dreams.
Honeywell HCE100
The Honeywell HCE100 is another heater to consider if you have little storage space. This lightweight heater weighs only a single pound, but it should not be underestimated. It is a portable and easy-to-use solution for your camping needs. This particular model features two heat settings (low is 170 and high is 250 Watts) with one button control, overheat protection, and a safety tip-over switch.
Thanks to its new ceramic technology, your tent will warm up quickly and evenly. Bear in mind that this model is designed to be economical, as it uses 250 watts of energy and is aimed to be used in smaller tents with one or two occupants. For that purpose, the HCE100 will help you save your money and increase your comfort. It is a well-known product and another great invention from Honeywell.
Honeywell HHF360V
You’ve got to admit, Honeywell really has a good eye for design, but this is not the only area in which this heater excels. It provides 360-degree warmth, which makes it an ideal companion for your camping adventures. It is designed to be energy efficient, so it’s the ideal way to warm yourself up while saving energy.
It comes with two heat settings and a built-in adjustable thermostat. If you are worried about potential dangers, the Honeywell HHF360V has you covered with its 360-degree tip-over switch, protection from overheating, and handle that always remains cool to the touch. If you are not bothered by the fact that it does not have a noise reduction function, this easily portable tent heater is a solid option for low budgets.
Honeywell HZ-0360
Another interesting solution comes from Honeywell. This model has an extra-wide and sturdy base that exceeds the industries standards of safety. But the real strength of HZ-0360 lies in its 360-degree heat output that provides even heating for your tent. You can choose from two heat settings (750 or 1500 Watts) and one that is fan only.
The manual controls are very straightforward to use, which is another plus. This model also comes with an adjustable thermostat and a convenient handle. With a 360-degree overheat and tip-over protection, this is one of the safest heaters on the market.
Texsport Portable Outdoor Propane Heater
Who knows to deal with winter better than Canadians? If you want an easy and reliable solution for your problems, this one is a keeper. Texsport is a reputable firm that has been creating adventure and camping equipment for more than 40 years.
Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, this heater is the definition of portability and will warm up your place in no time. It’s equipped with a firm plastic base that provides excellent stability, making it nearly impossible to tip over. It utilizes a 14-ounce disposable propane cylinder, which can produce up to 2890 BTU. It also has an auto shut-off valve that is really convenient at times. Just make sure that you bring your separate flame source to start it.
Mr. Heater F274830 aka Big Buddy
If you are in need of a larger beast of a heater, this one is for you. With its range from 4,000 to 18,000 BTU, this portable propane heater is ideal for warming spaces as large as 300 square feet. There are three temperature settings (4,000, 9,000 and 18,000). On the highest setting, it burns one pound of propane per hour, the quarter of that on lowest, and half on the middle one.
It is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Propane is burned at almost 100% efficiency, which makes it safe to use, as carbon monoxide and dangerous fumes are not generated.
It comes with various safety settings and will turn off automatically if it’s tipped over, if the pilot light turns off, or if there is not enough oxygen. This last point might become a little inconvenient, as the heater may shut off at altitudes higher than 7,000 feet above sea level.
Overall, if you need serious power, the Big Buddy is one of the best, if not the only, choice for you.
Lasko 754200 Portable Space Heater
This ceramic space heater is equipped with three quiet settings: low heat, high heat, and fan only. On the highest setting, it provides 1,500 Watts of warmth. It also has a thermostat with 11 various temperature settings with which you can adjust this heater even more. Settings are manual and easy to use.
With the Lasko 754200 model, the emphasis is on unrestricted movement, so it has a convenient handle for carrying. It features protection from overheating and has a cool-touch exterior, keeping it cool even on the highest setting. Unfortunately, this heater doesn’t turn off when it’s knocked over, which is something you should definitely keep in mind.
Lasko 101 My Heat Personal Heater
This is an ideal budget-friendly heater, providing 200 watts of concentrated warmth. It is designed to warm up the person that uses it only, not the space around you. It is made of fine plastic, and its housing is cool to touch.
With its height of 6.1,’’ it is both small and portable. With its overheat protection and safe ceramic material, it meets the ETL standards of safety. The My Heat Personal Heater will help you save up a few bucks all while keeping you warm and cozy on chilly winter nights.
Mr. Heater F242300
With its clunky visual appearance, this may not be a model you fall in love with at first sight. Nevertheless, this is yet another product from Mr. Heater that further raises the bar for other tent heaters. It is important to note that this heater can also be used as a cooker, with it generating from 8,000 up to 15,000 BTU.
It is equipped with a hi-med-low regulator and automatic safety shut-off. You can use it with a 20-pound refillable tank or disposable propane cylinders. Except for the metal stand that is also included, it comes completely assembled. Mr. Heater strikes again with this raw heating machine.
Mr. Heater F215100 aka Little Buddy
Little Buddy is from the series of more compact and portable Mr. Heater products. It achieves warmth with radiant heat, and it does not need an external power source to work. Designed for indoors, this portable propane heater can warm up spaces as large as 95 square feet. It has a 45-degree heating angle and works up to 7,000 feet of elevation, as it has a low-oxygen shut off the system as well as a tip-over switch.
It works on 1-pound disposable cylinder with a run time of around 5-6 hours, depending on the BTU. The low setting uses 4,000 and high setting 9,000 BTU/hr. It is also important to note that this heater requires a vent area of a minimum four square inches. The burner tile is also equipped with shock absorbing insulation, which prolongs its use, so this Little Buddy will last you a long time.
Olympian Wave 3 LP
This is a portable gas catalytic tent heater made by Camco. With its adjustable heat power that ranges from 1,600 to 3,000 BTU/h, it can warm up to 130 square feet of space. It also has wave heaters that work on low-pressure gas and, better yet, they work silently for your convenience.
It is nearly 100 % energy efficient, which results both in less expensive heat and nullifies the release of carbon monoxide. It comes with an automatic electric sparker that will last for at least 20,000 starts. The Olympian Wave 3 has no electrical drain, which makes it an ideal heater to use in dry camping situations. As usual, it is equipped with a safety shut-off valve that will prevent any accidental fuel discharge.
Mr. Heater F232017 aka Buddy Grey
Mr. Heater comes back to the list with another installment from the Buddy series. It also packs a punch. Ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 BTU, this radiant heater can warm up to 225 square feet of given space. It weighs around 10 pounds and is approved for both indoor and outdoor use.
Also, as it is now a custom with all the Mr. Heater products, it is a clean-burning heater that is almost 100 % energy efficient. Save for the cost, this also makes it one of the safest heaters as it prevents the generation of carbon monoxide and other dangerous propane fumes.
The Buddy Grey has multiple safety mechanisms that will turn it off if it is tipped over, if low oxygen levels are detected, or if the pilot light goes out. You also need to be aware that if you use it at altitudes higher than 7,000 feet above the sea, you risk the chance of the heater shutting off. This tent heater is also equipped with a handle for carrying and the ability to connect to a propane tank (which is not included). Overall, this is definitely a high-quality product that you should consider getting before embarking on your camping adventures.
BOVADO USA by Comfort Zone
Weighing in at nearly three pounds comes another challenger. This is one of the more popular products from Comfort Zone. It has all the qualities you would expect. It is easy to use with high/low (750 and 1500 watts, respectively), a fan setting dial, and an adjustable thermostat for your convenience. It achieves wide heat dispersion with a powerful fan and enhanced ceramic heating discs, so you won’t have trouble heating up your winter tent.
The temperature will rise fast, but the heater will remain cool, thanks to the stay-cool body technology. It comes out fully assembled and is UL, ETL & CSA listed, which means its protection mechanisms are up to standard. The BOVADO includes protection from overheating and tipping over, which makes it as safe of a tent heater as any on the market. It’s truly a solid product.
Dodocool Space Heater
If you’re looking to warm up your tent in a hurry, you‘ve come to the right place. The Dodocool space heater can heat up in a mere two seconds! What makes this possible is a high-quality PTC element that is designed to produce heat that is concentrated and stable under longer periods.
Another unique element of this heater is the ability to purify the air. It is equipped with a negative ion generator that helps to remove all of the impurities from the air. Dodocool is standardly equipped against overheating with a material that is heat-resistant and with a turn-off function in case of it being tipped over.
It also comes with a handle to help you with portability. The three power settings included are warm (650 watts), hot (1100 watts), and fan. Couple this with a noise-reducing design that will make you fall asleep easier, and I think we have a winner.