Camping in the great outdoors just works. Whether it’s the connection to nature, getting back to your wild roots or seeing the beautiful wildlife which can be found throughout the USA, it’s easy to love camping. However, one thing which is less easy to love is extreme weather. And while the summer months bring intense heat, a place to swim and a cookout make things feel rosier. Winter on the other hand, brings freezing temperatures which can be harder to navigate, especially when it is time to rest or sleep. This is why many cold-weather campers turn to one of the best tent heaters.
To set eyes on some of the world’s most impressive sights during the winter, cold weather is an obstacle that needs to be managed. Whether you’re looking for the northern lights or searching for Santa Claus in Lapland, there are a number of ways you can minimize the impact the cold has on your adventures. The most common answers to fighting the cold include:
- Wearing more layers
- Choosing a fully-insulated sleeping bag
- Arranging your campsite to minimize the impact of wind and cold weather
- Eating high-calorie snacks and increasing the amount you eat
- Carrying a hand warmer
- Avoiding resting or sleeping in sweaty clothing
- Using a hot water bottle or electric blanket
But, if you really want an enjoyable night in the great outdoors, using a tent heater to create a toasty internal environment is the way to go. Before we explore some of the best tent heaters, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about tent heaters.
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Are Tent Heaters Safe?
In general, tent heaters are safe to use for heating your tent. However, it’s always important to use common sense and not create unsafe, potentially problematic situations. This means ensuring your chosen device includes key safety features, such as being constructed from flame-retardant materials and having things like tip-over protection, overheating protection and an oxygen sensor built-in.
How Are Tent Heaters Powered?
The majority of tent heaters are powered using either propane, butane or electricity. The biggest advantage to gas-powered devices (butane and propane) is that they can be used remotely and don’t require a wall socket, car power outlet or generator to function. After attaching the gas tank to the heater, you’ll have a source of heat until the fuel inside the tank runs out. However, while electric devices do require an accompanying power source, it’s easier to have them running for longer periods if they are connected to mains electricity.
What Is BTU in Heaters?
When looking through the best tent heaters, you’ll find most devices are accompanied by a BTU value. BTU stands for British thermal unit and is a standard measurement of the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. When applied to heaters, BTUs are an indication of how much heat the device will emit, so the greater the value the bigger the space it can handle. If you are heating a particularly large tent, it may be worth using a BTU calculator to ensure the heater is up to the task.
Below you’ll find a selection of the best tent heaters for heating your tent this year, so you don’t have to fear the cold. There are electric, gas and natural material options to choose from. We’ve also included a number of versatile heaters which can be used around the house or while partaking in other outdoor pursuits. Scroll through and find the right tent heater for you.
1. Mr. Heater Buddy Portable Propane Heater
BEST OVERALL
With nearly 16,000 five-star reviews from users, you can be pretty sure the Mr. Heater Buddy Portable Propane Heater is going to keep you toasty throughout the winter months. It can be used both indoors and out and delivers clean-burning heat at nearly 100% efficiency. The device boasts a 4,000 to 9,000 BTU radiant capability, allowing it to heat spaces up to 225 square feet in size. For safety, it also includes an auto shut-off when it’s tipped over and a low-oxygen level detector to prevent any mishaps. You’ll also find a fold-down handle for easy portability and a run time of approximately three hours from a full propane tank.
2. AmazonBasics Ceramic Heater
MOST POPULAR
The AmazonBasics 500-Watt Ceramic Heater is a well-reviewed, simple and portable answer to keeping your tent warm. It runs on electricity from a socket (so you’ll need to be on an electrically powered campsite), and it delivers heat from efficient ceramic coils, which heat up in a matter of seconds. The heater comes in a choice of four different colors and is ideal for use when you’re camping as well as for heating other small spaces around the house or at the office. It also includes tip-over protection to prevent accidents and sports an easy on/off switch mounted on the back.
3. BULLETSHAKER Camping Mini Heater
BEST METAL
By changing an ordinary burning flame into radial heat energy, the BULLETSHAKER Camping Mini Heater provides a versatile answer to your heating needs. Whether you choose to use natural materials like twigs, leaves and wood for your flame or simply place the cone over the top of your cooking burner, this high temperature-resistant stainless steel tent heater will warm up your tent in no time. Furthermore, the high-quality construction is also durable and capable of withstanding trips to and from the campsite.
4. GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater
BEST CERAMIC
If you have access to a reliable power source, it may be feasible to use this GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater to heat your tent. The popular device comes backed by over 40,000 five-star ratings and includes a number of safety features, like tip-over protection, overheating protection and a flame-retardant construction. For convenience, the heater lets you choose between two heating modes or a fan-only setting. In addition, this 50 dB device comes in either black or silver and features a six-foot cord to provide plenty of freedom when placing it in your tent.
5. Metkiio Portable Mini Space Heater
COMPACT PICK
If you want a way to heat your tent but don’t have a lot of room to spare, choosing a compact device like this Metkiio Portable Mini Space Heater makes sense. The corded tent heater includes a lanyard for easy carrying and a top dial that lets you choose between the three heating settings. Safety-wise, the heater includes overheating and tip-over protection. Furthermore, the device is capable of heating to 70 degrees in as little as three seconds, runs at a level of 45 dB and comes in your choice of white, green or blue.
6. Campy Gear Chubby 2-in-1 Portable Propane Heater
BEST TWO-IN-ONE
The Campy Gear Chubby 2-in-1 Portable Propane Heater is the ultimate answer to heating and cooking while out in the wilderness. This tent heater is capable of reaching 9,000 BTUs and lets users choose from three modes, two single functions and a combined heater and stove function. The unique, 360-degree radiant design features an easy-to-adjust knob and an easy-carry handle which can also be used to adjust the heater’s built-in vent. This versatile heater is an ideal option for backpacking, camping, ice fishing, hunting and other outdoor pursuits and comes in your choice of green, blue, orange and black.
7. Pelonis PH-19J Heater
BEST TOWER
The Pelonis heater has a widespread oscillation function, allowing it to heat an entire room while rotating which will please everyone in a bigger camping tent. Don’t focus the heat in one direction, simply let the machine rotate and fill the room itself. The PCT electric heater is cool to the touch and can be plugged into any socket without an adapter, so you will need a power outlet at your campsite. There is overheating protection and a standard tip-over switch that ensures your protection, but it is best not to leave the heater unattended. With an adjustable thermostat, this sleek, modern heater packs 1500 watts into a portable design. When not in use for camping, be sure to take it around the house as it is light and easy to use.
8. yeacher Portable Outdoor Gas Heater
BEST GAS
After attaching this yeacher Portable Outdoor Gas Heater to a gas tank, users can enjoy a portable and customizable heat source. The heater is available with either an electronic or manual ignition with both models featuring a wire net for protection and a fire control valve to allow users to tailor heat output to their personal preference. The electric-free device also includes a gas tank base which allows you to sit the device on the floor or other surfaces for hands-free use.
9. PDD Outdoor Butane Heater
BEST TILTABLE
This tent heater can double as a camping stove, so be sure to check this one out if you’re in the market to save space and money. With a pulse ignition, this camping stove boils water, provides heat indoors and outdoors, and has a ceramic burner tile with shock-absorbing insulation. The PDD Outdoor Butane heater can heat spaces up to 250 square feet but cannot be used in confined spaces, so be sure to ventilate your tent while using or only use it outside, as many Amazon reviews state that it is unsafe indoors. This heater is best used out of doors and as a cookstove.
10. Viugreum Space Heater
BEST HANDLE
Thanks to its large, top-mounted handle, the Viugreum Space Heater is particularly easy to carry. This popular and versatile device can also be used to either heat your tent or cook your meals as it features a smart, two-in-one design. When you want heating, place the heater upright on its two built-in feet and face it in the direction you want to be heated. When you’re looking to cook some food, tip the heater onto its back to direct the heating plate upwards. Handily, this bright orange heater also includes a number of safety features in the form of a tip-over shut-off, a swivel-out regulator and shock-absorbing insulation with high-temperature resistance.
11. Mr. Heater Little Buddy Radiant Propane Space Heater
COMPACT PICK
In cold weather, campsites, patios, garages, picnics and tailgate parties are all examples of occasions that could benefit from a dose of heat from this Mr. Heater Little Buddy Radiant Propane Space Heater. The compact device runs off a one-pound cylinder and is capable of delivering up to 3800 BTUs of heat from its propane-powered, 45-degree head. Unlike some of its competitors, this versatile heater can be used indoors and can also handle spaces up to 95 square feet in size. For further ease of use, the heater includes a solid, built-in handle, a flat stand, a piezo ignition and a heavy-duty wire guard over the head.
12. Campy Gear Hunky 2-in-1 Propane Heater & Stove
MOST POWERFUL
With a maximum output of 18,000, this Campy Gear Hunky 2-in-1 Propane Heater & Stove can take care of all of your heating and cooking needs. For convenience, the device lets you choose between a designated heating mode and a second option which heats and cooks. The tent heater boasts a smart, 360-degree design to accommodate around five or six people comfortably. It also includes a tip-over switch, detachable handles and an oxygen sensor which causes the device to shut off if low oxygen levels are detected. The heater is also available in four colors and comes with a complementary hose for connecting the device to the gas tank.
13. Cozee Heated Battery Operated Blanket
BEST ALTERNATIVE
If you want to stay warm but would prefer an alternative to using a tent heater, the Cozee Heated Battery Operated Blanket could be worth investing in. This battery-powered device provides an unbeatable level of freedom as it’s capable of functioning in even the most remote locations. It warms up in as little as five minutes and provides up to five hours of continuous warmth. You can also choose between three heat settings and use the two USB ports for charging your electric devices. In addition, the blanket itself can be charged using either the included wall or car charger.