Roughing it out in winter brings a whole set of problems. Every second you spend without enough warmth puts you at risk of hypothermia. That is why you’ll want to invest in a good tent heater. It will save you tons in freezing temperatures.
Knowing that you will wake up the next morning is crucial in cold weather. For your peace of mind, we have put together the five best tent heaters we could find.
Don’t want to read to the end? Our top recommendation goes to Mr. Heater MH9BX Buddy. It is ideal for those who go on solo and small-group camping trips, thanks to its small portable size. It won’t weigh you down and you can use it in spacious tents up to 225 sq. ft.
Contents
- Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Heater- Best Overall
- Mr. Heater F274380 MH18BRV Big Buddy- Best for Large Tents
- Honeywell HHF360V 360-Degree Portable Heater- Best Electric Tent Heater
- Texsport Portable Outdoor Heater- Best Backpacking Tent Heater
- Camplux JK-1000 Portable Butane Heater- Most Versatile Tent Heater
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Heater- Best Overall
If you are worried about running a propane heater in an enclosed space, go for the Mr. Heater brand. It is an approved company to that effect.
Strip your heating worries with the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy. This medium-sized heater will heat up tents up to 225 sq. ft.
Whether you are solo camping or have a partner, this heater will keep you warm and toasty. Its dual sensors will give you peace of mind. It will turn off in case it tips over or when oxygen levels are low. It will also turn off if you mountaineer above 7000 ft above sea level.
With a burn rate of about 0.044 gal/hr for the 4,000 BTU setting, this model can run for three hours at the max setting. When using it in a winterized tent, you can sure keep that warmth for longer.
Design Features
One of the reasons that most people like Mr. Heater Buddy is the sturdy carry handle. The handle will also fold down when you want to store it in a small backpack. Looking at its controls, you get two heat settings and four-position control. It comes with a built-in Piezo igniter which means you won’t spend a minute in the cold trying to turn on your heater.
What’s more, this heater boasts a porcelain-coated heating surface. With the help of radiant heat, it warms up the things around it including you. This means it will take a shorter time to warm up your tent and the heat will last longer.
Overall, Mr. Heater Buddy will meet your heating needs while being energy efficient.
Pros
- Produces radiant heat
- Dual sensors for safety heating
- Durable ceramic burner and heating surface
- Sturdy carry handle
Cons
- Customer support could be better
- Element lets out an exposed flame
Mr. Heater F274380 MH18BRV Big Buddy- Best for Large Tents
Are you planning on bringing your large family on your next camping trip? Then you will require a sizeable tent heater to cater to your needs. Again, Mr. Heater graces us with the Big Buddy portable propane heater.
This one can output up to 18,000 BTUs. It also burns clean, and will heat spaces up to 300 sq. ft. Mr. Heater F274380 MH18BRV Big Buddy follows through with radiant heating technology. It heats up spaces and things around super-fast. It makes winters tolerable and family moments happier knowing everyone is comfortable.
Design Features
One of the most notable features of Mr. Heater Big Buddy is the auto-shut off sensor. It automatically shuts off when oxygen levels are low. This also happens when using it in high altitude. Because of the low oxygen levels at altitudes above 7,000 ft above seal level, the heater will keep shutting down.
This heater comes with an inbuilt-blower fan. It allows the heater to distribute heat throughout the tent. You get a single control knob and high-mid-and low settings. You can run Big Buddy at 4,000 BTUs, 9,000 BTUs, or 18,000 BTUs. Most people never have to crank the heat settings high thanks to its immense heat.
Combined with its dual ceramic tiles, Mr. Heater Big Buddy, is sure to give you a nice camping environment.
Pros
- Low-oxygen sensor
- Energy-efficient
- High-quality, durable ceramic burner tile
- Offers maximum heat coverage
Cons
- A bit heavy for backpackers
Honeywell HHF360V 360-Degree Portable Heater- Best Electric Tent Heater
Weighing only three pounds, the Honeywell HHF360V is one of the most compact tent heaters on our list. It is ideal for those bringing their RV or a campsite where electric plugs are available.
As an electric tent heater, you also don’t want to depend on this heater for sub-zero weather. Its 1500 wattage will keep you warm in regular cold weather. The advantage is that it can run continuously as long as it does not overheat.
Speaking of overheating, this heater has some safety features up its sleeve. First, is the tip-over automatic switch off switch. Second, it has twice overheat-protection of heaters its price range. Not to mention, thermal-insulated wiring that prevents electrical damage during a power surge. You’ll also like that all its connections are reinforced.
And lastly, the housing remains cool to the touch. You’ll never accidentally burn your hand when switching it off.
Design Features
While most electric heaters look grand, this one is plain and simple. It comes in a grey body and a handle for portability. Its 360-degree surround heat is so pleasing as it ensures you will feel warm reading at the corner of your tent.
The heater comes with two heat settings and a single fan option. It does great for two or three people so no worries if you bring along a small group.
Pros
- Thoughtful safety features
- Fan-forced technology
- Housing is cool to the touch
- Energy-efficient 360-degree technology
Cons
- Not ideal for large tent use
- Fan option is a bit weak in heat dispersion
Texsport Portable Outdoor Heater- Best Backpacking Tent Heater
If you go all out with tents, sleeping bags and head for the treks, you’ll appreciate a heater that weighs only a pound. Texsport portable outdoor heater is an absolute must for the minimalist camper. Apart from its small and portable size, this heater outputs just the right amount of heat.
With a 14.1 or 16.4-ounce disposable propane cylinder, you get to enjoy up to 847 watts of heat. That is equivalent to 2890BTUs and you can crank it down if the weather is kind. We like that it also caters to your safety. When the flame goes off, the heater will automatically turn off.
Design Features
The functionality of this heater is in its features. You’ll notice that it has a safety grid and an aluminum reflector. These features allow for even heat distribution while preventing loss of heat outdoors. You can turn it away from the wind so your flame won’t go off as soon as you turn it on.
And more so in windy conditions, the plastic base with a large paddle foot comes in handy for stability. It may not be the most eye-pleasing tent heater, but it delivers on every spec it promises.
Pros
- Uses disposable propane cylinders
- Durable copper hardware
- Includes a safety shut-off valve
- Super light for backpacking
Cons
- Needs venting when used indoors
Camplux JK-1000 Portable Butane Heater- Most Versatile Tent Heater
-1 canister gives 5 hours of toasty warm heat
-Can also be used for cooking
Butane is perhaps the fastest form of heating. You don’t need to huddle over an electric heater when you can fire this baby up and be warm in five seconds. And what makes it all better is that it doubles up like a stove. You can cook your meals and keep warm from the inside out.
The Camplux JK-1000 outputs 4,400 BTUs, and will effectively heat small and medium-sized tents up to 100 sq. ft. We love that it also follows through with safety features. It includes overheating protection that will eject the canister when it overheats.
Furthermore, it has an inbuilt canister ejection and gas flow cut off system. The safety mechanisms start automatically when the heater’s pressure is high. This way, you will never be at risk of a heater exploding in your sleep.
Design Features
Camplux JK-1000 is a compact-sized heater weighing only 5.5 pounds. It comes with a built-in 8-ounce gas canister. All you need is to fuel it up and you are ready to start your camping expedition. The heater uses a piezo-electric ignition system. It also comes with a control knob for easy heat regulation.
You’ll also appreciate the portable handle that comes in handy when moving it in and out of your tent. Everything about this heater is exciting. Switch to either heating or cooking mode and you have yourself a valuable device for camping.
Pros
- Multifunctional design
- Produces heat in five seconds
- Applies extensive safety features
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- The handle can get hot when left in an upright position
- The painted surface on the burner does not last long
Conclusion
Enjoy fast, powerful heater with the best tent heater. You can now give in to your cravings of the outdoors even when the weather is not favorable. All you need is pick a heater for your needs. Remember to consider the quality and safety of the heater in mind. After that, you can rough it out with peace of mind.
The Travelbusy Winner: Mr Heater MH9BX
Gareth Evans is a travel writer and entrepreneur living life as a digital nomad. Gareth has been based in Bangkok for the last 8 months.
