Best_Tent_Heaters

In the great outdoors, temperatures usually take a dip at night and sleep doesn’t come easily when you’re shivering cold. Using a portable indoor-safe heater is a great way to warm up your tent when camping in frigid conditions. When the outside is chilling cold, it will make the inside of your tent a delightfully warm shelter and get you warm enough to enjoy a good night’s sleep.

This guide has all the information you need to find the best tent heater that will keep you warm in a safe way. To start with, here is a selection of the best tent heaters to choose from. They include electric and propane tent heaters, and they are all easy to bring along with you and top-rated for their tent heating performance, efficiency, and safety features.

1

OUR TOP PICK

Mr. Heater Portable Tent Heater

Mr. Heater Portable Tent Heater


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Summary

With an optimal size and heat output for camping tents, Mr. Heater is the most popular camp propane heater. Giving off 4,000- to 9,000 BTU of indoor-safe heat, it’s the perfect solution for heating tent spaces up to 200 square feet. Thanks to its compact footprint, it’s also convenient to pack and bring along on camping trips.   

Heat Output and Efficiency

Radiating 4,000 BTUs on low and 9,000 BTUs on high, the portable Buddy radiant heater is powerful enough to keep a large tent up to 200 square feet warm and toasty. As for efficiency, you can get an evening’s worth of heat off a single 1 lb. propane canister — 3 hours on high and up to 6 hours on low. A 20 lbs. propane tank can give you up to 100 hours of heat.  

Safety and Features

Since the Portable Buddy burns clean, it’s approved for indoor use and comes equipped with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS). Beyond this, it will go off automatically if it detects low oxygen levels, if it’s tipped over, or if the pilot light goes out. Lastly, the fold-down handle keeps the footprint compact and makes it one of the best portable tent heaters for camping.  

  • What Makes This Tent Heater Stand Out
  • Best tent heater for medium-sized tents up to 225 Sq. Ft.
  • Indoor safe with low oxygen and tip-over sensor
  • Portable design with a fold-down handle
  • Easy to use thanks to an integrated Piezo ignitor
  • Swivel regulator is compatible with 20lbs. propane tanks
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Heat Output: 4000-9000BTU
Energy Source: 1lb. Propane Canister or 20lbs. Propane Tank
Dimensions: 13.4 x 7.7 x 15 inches
Weight: 9 pounds

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Mr. Heater Little Buddy Propane Tent Heater

Mr. Heater Little Buddy Propane Tent Heater


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Summary

With its tiny footprint, the Mr. Heater Little Buddy portable propane heater is one of the best tent heaters for small tents. Though small, it packs quite a punch and emits plenty of heat to get a tent interior of up to 95 square feet nice and toasty. Best of all, it does this without eating up much space and is also very easy to pack and carry with you. 

Fuel Output and Efficiency

Featuring a single heat setting of 3,800 BTU/hr, the Little Buddy portable heater is suitable for small tents up to 95 square feet. Thanks to a 45-degree heating angle that concentrates the heat where you need it, it’s very efficient with 5.6 hours of runtime on a 1-pound propane tank.  

Safety and Features

This propane heater emits indoor-safe heat that’s safe to use in a camping tent. For safety, it requires at least four square inches for ventilation and is programmed to go off automatically if it’s tipped over or upon detection of low oxygen levels.

  • What Makes This Tent Heater Stand Out
  • Best tent heater for tents up to 95 sq. ft.
  • Lightweight and compact, easy to pack and carry
  • Burns clean, quietly, and without odor
  • Stable base, low oxygen, and tip over sensor and auto shut-off
  • Easy to start due to integrated Piezo ignition
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Heat Output: 3800 BTU
Energy Source: 1lb. Propane Canister
Dimensions: 12 x 9.75 inches
Weight: 5 pounds

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3

BEST VALUE

Honeywell Fan Forced Electric Tent Heater

Honeywell Fan Forced Electric Tent Heater


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Summary

For an electric heater for tent camping at campsites that provide electric hook-ups, the Honeywell tent space heater is a fantastic option. The heat output and dispersion are impressive for such a small and affordable unit. Compact and lightweight, it’s also very easy to carry when going camping. Furthermore, you don’t have to lug along fuel canisters.

Heat Output and Efficiency

The 5,100 BTU heat output on the high 1500watts setting is sufficient for small to medium size tents of up to 150 square feet. Fan forced technology disperses the heat in all directions, warming the whole tent evenly. For comfort and efficiency, the heater has a low setting (750 watts) and an adjustable thermostat.        

Safety and Features

Featuring a cool to the touch plastic exterior and handle, the Honeywell HHF360V heater for a tent is the perfect heater for kids’ tents. When tipped, it shuts off automatically and starts right up when set upright again. One thing that sets it apart from other tent heaters for camping is that it also turns itself off if it gets too hot. 

  • What Makes This Tent Heater Stand Out
  • Best heater for tents with electric hook-ups and tents with kids
  • Compact and lightweight, incredibly easy to pack and carry
  • 360-degree warmth dispersion, fan-forced all around
  • Efficient with a low setting and adjustable thermostat
  • Intuitive digital controls make it extremely easy to use
  • Cool-touch housing, tip-over and overheat auto shut-off
  • High-quality construction backed by a three-year warranty
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Heat Output: 5,100 BTU
Wattage: High: 1,500 watts, Low: 750 watts
Energy Source: Electricity
Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 11.5 inches
Weight: 3 pounds

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4

Camco Olympian Wave-3 Catalytic Tent Heater

Camco Olympian Wave-3 Catalytic Tent Heater


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Summary

When it comes to comfort and efficiency, the Olympian Wave-3 tent heater is far superior to other types of tent heaters. Being a catalytic camp heater for tents, it boasts a 99.9% energy efficiency and the warmth it radiates is as comfortable and healthy as sunshine. All this makes it the best heater for camping in RVs and cabins.

Heat Output and Efficiency

The Wave-3 emits 3000 BTU on high, which is sufficient heat output for up to 100 square feet of RV space. It also has a low setting with a 1600 BTU capacity. Just like the sun, it produces radiant heat that warms you up directly. Because of this, it’s super-efficient with an energy efficiency rating of 99.9%. As for fuel, it utilizes low-pressure HD-5 propane gas.

Safety and Features

Because the Olympian Wave-3 is super-efficient and uses flameless catalytic combustion, it’s safe to use in an RV or cabin as long as you follow the ventilation requirements specified in the user manual. Additionally, it’s equipped with a safety shut-off valve that prevents accidental fuel discharge. Finally, it’s a top-rated tent heater for camping for its durability.

  • What Makes This Tent Heater Stand Out
  • Best camp heater for RV trailers and cabins
  • 99.9% energy efficiency, economical gas consumption
  • Emits comfortable and healthy radiant heat, similar to sunshine
  • Safety shut-off valve prevents potential fuel wastage
  • Operates silently, as there is no fan or blower noise
  • Produces no harmful amounts of carbon monoxide
  • Built-in electric Piezo sparker lasts 20,000 starts
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Heat Output: 1600 and 3000 BTU
Energy Source: HD-5 Propane Gas
Dimensions: 5 x 12 x 15 inches
Weight: 6.89 pounds

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5

Honeywell Heat Bud Ceramic Personal Tent Heater

Honeywell Heat Bud Ceramic Personal Tent Heater


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Summary

Compact, inexpensive, and low wattage, the Honeywell Heat Bud personal heater is the best small tent heater for personal warmth. It’s about the size of a large coffee mug or computer speaker so packing and transporting it to your campsite won't be an issue. You can carry it in your backpack, and it won't take up too much space in your tent.

Heat Output and Efficiency

Being so compact, the Heat Bud portable tent heater does not pack as powerful a punch as larger heaters for tent camping. However, the heat it gives out is perfect for keeping you warm as it utilizes ceramic heating technology to create a warm breeze around you. As for efficiency, it draws only 250 watts and has both high and low heat settings.

Safety and Features

This little camping tent heater will keep you warm without compromising your safety. It stays cool to the touch, has to overheat protection, and shuts itself off if tipped over. Since it doesn’t make use of a fan, it’s also whispering quiet and won’t bother you.

  • What Makes This Tent Heater Stand Out
  • Best portable heater for personal warmth
  • Super compact and lightweight portable tent heater
  • Energy-efficient and low-wattage - only 250 watts
  • Ceramic technology ensures fast and even heating,
  • Two heat settings and easy one-button control
  • Cool-touch housing, overheat protection, and tip-over shutoff
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Wattage: 250 Watts
Energy Source: Electricity
Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 7.8 inches
Weight: 1.05 pound

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6

Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable Propane Tent Heater

Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable Propane Tent Heater


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Summary

Capable of blazing a whopping 18,000 BTU of heat on high, the Mr. Heater Big Buddy camp tent heater is the most powerful camp heater on this list. This kind of heat capacity is enough for warming tent spaces up to 450 square feet. Therefore, it’s the best tent camping heater to use in large tents, when camping with the family or a group of friends.

Heat Output and Efficiency

In addition to the 18,000 BTU output on high, the Mr. Heater Big Buddy radiant heater has a 4000BTU low setting. Above this, it has a built-in fan that increases its heating capacity through convection. You can feel it with 1lb cylinders or 20-40lb cylinders and it consumes about one pound of fuel per hour on a high setting. 

Safety and Features

For safe heating for a tent, the Big Buddy puts out clean and odor-free heat and is equipped with the essential safety features: oxygen depletion sensor, and low-oxygen and tip-over automatic shut-off. On top of this, a well-designed wire cage protects against accidental contact with the ceramic heating elements. Lastly, this top-rated tent heater for camping is rugged and can hold up to frequent travel and outdoor use.

  • What Makes This Tent Heater Stand Out
  • Best large tent heat for family camping and glamping
  • Powerful heater with up to 18,000 BTU heat output
  • Utilizes both radiant and convection heat technology
  • Clean and odorless outdoor and indoor safe heat
  • Versatile with multi-position heat settings
  • Safety wire guard, Oxygen depletion sensor, and tip-over shut-off
  • Piezo spark generator for ease of ignition
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Heat Output: 4000 – 18000 BTU
Energy Source: 1lb cylinders or 20-40lb cylinders
Dimensions: 18.5 x 18 x 11.4 in
Weight: 2.75 pounds

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7

Comfort Zone Portable Ceramic Tent Heater

Comfort Zone Portable Ceramic Tent Heater


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Summary

Compact and lightweight, the Comfort Zone Fan-forced heater for camping tents is super portable and packs quite a punch! With 1,500watts, it puts out plenty of heat for its size. When you plug it in, you will be blown away by the force of the fan, the amount of heat produced, and how quickly it warms up the entire tent.

Heat Output and Efficiency

To go with the 1,500watts of power, the Comfort Zone has a powerful fan that forces the air through ceramic PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating elements at a high rate, quickly dispersing warmth all around the tent. As for adjustability, it has a low, high, and air-only fan setting and a thermostat.

Safety and Features

Designed according to UL, ETL, SAA, CE, CSA, and NOM quality standards, quality, and safety are top-notch. The Comfort Zone camping heater for a tent is safe to use in a tent as it doesn't produce an open flame, only produces heat when stable on a flat surface, and goes off if tipped over or picked up and comes back on when you set it down again. 

  • What Makes This Tent Heater Stand Out
  • Best electric tent heater for small spaces and portability
  • Compact and lightweight, easy to carry even in a backpack
  • PTC heating system and fan enhances the transfer of heat
  • Three settings: high heat, low heat, and fan only
  • Adjustable thermostat and switch for controlling the output
  • Only heats up when stable, and goes off when picked up or tipped
  • Fulfills UL, ETL, SAA, CE, CSA, and NOM quality standards
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Wattage: 1,500 watts
Energy Source: Electricity
Dimensions: 5.375 x 9.375 x 6 inches
Weight: 6.5 lbs.

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8

Texsport Portable Propane Tent Heater

Texsport Portable Propane Tent Heater


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Summary

The ease of packing up and carrying this lightweight and portable outdoor propane heater by Texsport and its tent warming performance make it the best tent heater for camping, hiking, and backpacking. It gets glowing tent heater reviews for how quickly and effectively it warms tents up.

Heat Output and Efficiency

With a heat output of up to 2,890 BTUs, the Texsport is ideal for heating a small tent or a small section of a tent. Its heat output is directional - it puts out infrared heat that warms up whatever it’s pointed at and has propellants to ensure heating accuracy and consistency. On high, a 1 lb. bottle of propane delivers 4-6 hours of runtime. On the low setting, you can get 7-8 hours off a one-pound bottle.  

Safety and Features

For safety when using the heater in a tent, this portable propane heater has a large base with a paddle foot design to ensure the heater is stable and doesn't tip over easily. If the flame goes out, the fuel valve shuts the gas off automatically to prevent wastage. Finally, the aluminum reflector has a safety grid to protect against accidental contact.

  • What Makes This Tent Heater Stand Out
  • Best heater for small tents, backpacking, and hiking
  • Quick and efficient infrared heating with propellants
  • Lightweight and easy to pack and transport
  • Large base with a paddle foot design for stability
  • Adjustable burner and heat output
  • Auto shut-off fuel valve and safety grid
  • Top-level quality and durability, made in Canada
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Heat Output: Up to 2890 BTU
Wattage: 847 Watts
Energy Source: 16.4 or 14.1oz. Propane Cylinder
Dimensions: 8.5 x 10 x 5.25 inches
Weight: 1lb.

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How To Choose A Tent Heater – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose_Tent_Heater

Size and Weight

A camping heater is one more piece of gear to pack and bring along on your winter camping adventures. It will occupy space in your backpack or vehicle, and tent. If you have a single or two-person tent, a small heater will fit inside the tent and its heat output will be sufficient for space. If you have a large glamping or family tent, you will need a large camping heater with high heat output. 

A portable heater for backpacking, hiking, or climbing should be compact and packable so it can fit in your backpack and inside a small tent. In this case, make sure you’re comfortable with the weight, as you will be carrying the heater on your back. If you will be using a gas-powered heater for tent camping, be sure to take into account the size and weight of the fuel cylinders.

BTU ratings

The BTU rating will tell you the kind of heat output a tent camping heater has. Small heaters have BTU ratings of about 3000 while the large ones have 18000+ BTU outputs. You can also calculate the exact amount of BTU you will need for the size of your tent and the camping conditions as follows.

First, determine the length, width, and height of your tent and multiply the three measurements to determine the cubic feet of your tent. Next, find out what kind of temperature you will be camping in and subtract it from the temperature you will want to maintain inside your tent. Finally, use the following formula to determine the BTU you need:

Cubic Feet x Temperature Increase (in Fahrenheit) x .133 = Required BTUs

Cubic Feet x Temperature Increase (in Celsius) x .2394 = Required BTUs

Adjustability

Make sure the heater for the tents you choose has a high and low setting. This will allow you to adjust the heat level for your comfort and also for efficient fuel consumption. The high setting will deliver maximum heat output to warm up the tent fast during winter camping trips. When the inside of the tent gets nice and toasty, the low setting will allow you to reduce the heat output to a comfortable level.

Safety

Safety is a major concern when warming a tent with a heater. With any appliance that produces heat comes the risk of fire. Carbon monoxide poisoning is also a concern when using propane heaters in a tent. Make sure that the camping heating solution you choose has the following safety mechanisms: 

  • Safety features such as low oxygen detection and automatic shut-off, if oxygen levels are low, are essential when using heaters in tents.
  • An overheat protection feature to turn the heater for a tent off if it gets too hot.
  • A stable base and a tip-over switch that will automatically switch the heater off if it’s tipped over.
  • A cool to touch exterior or a guard to prevent accidental contact with the hot heating elements.
  • Also, heated camping tents with heaters should be well-ventilated. Be sure to read the manual to know the ventilation requirements and safety hazards of your heater and how to use the heater in the tent safely.

Type

The different types of camping heaters for tents include electric heaters, battery-powered heaters, and propane heaters. Each type of camping heater has its advantages and disadvantages. Take them into consideration as you decide on the best heaters for your tent and camping conditions.

Gas tent heaters are the most popular camping tent heaters for use when camping in the wild. If you will be setting up a tent on a campground with access to electricity, you can use an electric heater for tent camping. 

Energy Source

When deciding on the type of heater to go for, consider the energy source the heater requires to produce heat and choose the most convenient option.

With gas-powered portable heaters, you will have to lug along fuel canisters. Most propane tent heaters work with disposable one-pound fuel canisters. If you are going on an extended camping expedition or have a large heater for a family or glamping tent, most propane tent heaters will also allow you to connect larger fuel tanks. 

Electric camp heaters are powered by electricity and require plugging into an electrical outlet. Make sure the camping site has electric hook-ups (EHUs) and carry a long power cord. Alternatively, you can hook electric heaters to a portable generator. Battery-powered tent heaters that utilize batteries also exist.

Features

The first feature to consider is the ignition mechanism. A camping heater should be easy to start. For ease of use when your hands are cold, the best tent heaters have an automatic starting mechanism. Some heaters turn on at the press of a button while others require lighting up a pilot light using a match or lighter.

The heating technology is another feature to consider. A radiant heater that heats whatever it is pointed at directly will warm you quickly and efficiently. On the other hand, a convection heater that uses a fan or blower to disperse the warm air all around is ideal for warming up a large tent space.

FAQs

Why_Do_I_Need_A_Tent_Heater

Q: What Heaters are Safe for Tents?

A: 

Catalytic, candle, and electric heaters are the safest camping tent heaters. Propane heaters rated safe to use in indoor spaces are also safe to use in tents. Such indoor-safe tent camping heaters should be equipped with safety features such as tip-over and low oxygen automatic shut-off.

Q: Is There a Safe Way to Heat a Tent?

A: 

Yes, there are safe ways to heat a tent. Using an indoor-safe electric, candle, or propane heater is the best way to heat a tent without compromising safety. When choosing a heater for tent camping, make sure it has safety features such as automatic shut-off in case the oxygen levels in the tent are low or if the heater is tipped over. Beyond this, care should be taken to ensure the tent with the heating unit is properly ventilated and the safety precautions observed.

Q: Are Propane Heaters Safe in a Tent?

A: 

Yes, propane heaters approved for indoor use are safe to use inside tents as long as the camping tents with heaters are well-ventilated. Safe propane heaters for tents come equipped with safety features such as a stable base, a low-oxygen detector, and automatic shut-off upon tip-over. To prevent an accidental fire or carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s also vitally important to read and follow the safety precautions listed on the manual the heater comes with.

Q: Will an Electric Heater Keep a Tent Warm?

A: 

Yes, an electric heater for camping will keep a tent warm. Because electric camping tent heaters are less powerful than gas heaters for camping tents, they are ideal for small tents or personal warmth. Their advantage over propane tent heaters is that they do not produce carbon monoxide and you don’t have to lug along fuel canisters. However, electric tent heaters require a power supply — an electric hook-up, power bank, power inverter, or batteries. 

Globo Surf Overview

Fun-filled days in the great outdoors can turn into miserable nights due to the frigid night temperatures. Having the right camping gear — a well-insulated winter camping tent, a warm sleeping bag, delicious camping coffee, and a heated camping tent can make nights warm, enjoyable, and restful.

When you have a reliable heater for tent camping, cold weather won’t be an excuse not to enjoy the outdoors. Hopefully, our reviews and buying guide will help you find the best tent heater. Stay warm and safe out there!

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My name is David Hamburg. I am an avid water sports fan who enjoys paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, and kite surfing. Anything with a board or chance I can get in the water I love! I am such a big fan I decided to start this website to review all my favorite products and some others. Hope you enjoy!