Stay Warm and Safe: Best Camping Heater Guide
Looking for the perfect camping heater? Choose one that’s warm, safe and efficient. Our guide breaks down the options from propane to electric and the pros and cons for each camping scenario. By the end you’ll know how to pick a camping heater that fits your needs without sacrificing safety or comfort in the wild.
There’s a camping or space heater for everyone, whether you want something like a portable propane camping stove for convenience or a wood stove for that camping feel.
Safety and efficiency are key when it’s cold. Look for heaters with enough BTU’s for the temp, fuel that works for you and a built in CO alarm.
Maintenance matters. Keep your camping heater clean and troubleshoot simple issues like checking fuel levels and providing good airflow.
Types of Camping Heaters
Camping heaters come in as many varieties as the landscapes you’ll camp in. From propane to wood stoves you have lots of options to stay warm and toasty on your outdoor adventures.
Here are some common camping heaters:
Propane heaters
Electric heaters
Catalytic heaters
Wood stoves
Each has its pros and cons so choose the one that fits your needs and camping scenario. Stay warm and happy camping!
Propane heaters like the Mr. Heater Buddy are a camper favorite because they’re portable and put out a lot of heat. These heaters:
Up to 9,000 BTUs for areas up to 225 square feet
No external power source required
The Mr. Heater Little Buddy is for smaller areas up to 95 square feet and 3,800 BTU.
If you’re on a budget don’t worry! These are a great option.
If you prefer electric heaters the De’Longhi Capsule Ceramic Heater is a good option. For small to medium tents this space heater puts out up to 1,500 watts of heat without the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you want the traditional camping experience wood stoves like the DANCHEL OUTDOOR TSG Foldable TA1 Titanium Stove are the way to go. No fuel or electricity required.
Cold Weather Camping Heating Solutions
In the depths of winter when temps drop and drop, cold weather camping heating solutions are a must. A good camping heater isn’t just about warmth it’s about survival. But how do you choose an efficient heat source for warmth in cold weather camping?
First consider the heat output. For cold weather camping heaters with 2,500-5,000 BTUs are recommended for temps above 20°F.
Next you need to consider the type of fuel the heater uses:
Kerosene heaters provide constant temps with cheaper fuel.
Gas heaters are easy to maintain and run for long periods.
Electric heaters can be set to energy saving mode.
Wood heaters are fuel efficient when you have firewood.
Safety is another important factor. Look for heaters with safety features like low-oxygen shut-off and tip-over shut-off and use a separate carbon monoxide alarm to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Camping Heater Brands and Models
The camping heater market has many brands and models to choose from to keep you warm on your camping trips. Here are some to check out.
GiveBest, Dreo, Andily, Mr. Heater, Stansport, Heat Hog, Flame King and Kovea have many heaters to choose from in terms of performance and price. Performance wise heaters like Mr. Heater’s Portable Buddy puts out 4,000-9,000 BTU and Flame King’s option 20,000 BTU.
If you’re on a budget ANDILY Electric Small Heater is a affordable option. If you want to spend a bit more Mr. Heater’s Portable Buddy and Stansport’s Propane Radiant Heater are mid range. If you want to splurge Flame King’s Propane Heater 20,000 BTU is the way to go.
These heaters also come with extra features. GiveBest’s fan mode and thermostat control, Dreo’s wide angle oscillation and remote control and Kovea’s build quality and compact design for portability make the heater better and more user friendly.
Camping Heater Accessories
Like a superhero needs their utility belt your camping heater needs its accessories. These accessories do more than just enhance the heater’s performance they give you a safe and efficient camping experience.
Adapters are essential accessories that allow compatibility between different heater brands and models by accommodating different propane tank connection types. High pressure hose is required to connect propane heaters to large external tanks and come in different lengths for different tent setups.
Some hoses have built in regulators and quick disconnect for secure and easy attachment to the tent heaters and propane tank. Propane tank regulators keep the gas pressure consistent so your camping heater runs safe and efficient.
Last and not the least carrying bags for portable heaters help in transporting and storing the heater along with accessories like propane cylinders, hoses and filters. And if you want eco friendly solutions the Ignik Gas Growler Deluxe reduces single use propane bottles.
Camping Heater Safety Tips
When it comes to camping heaters or any portable space heater safety is key. You can only enjoy the warmth of your heater when you’re sure it’s safe. Let’s go over some safety guidelines for camping heaters.
Always make sure proper ventilation in the tent when using a space heater to prevent moisture and carbon monoxide build up. Heaters with thermocouple assembly and tip-over switch protection will shut off the heater if it tips over.
Electric heating options like electric tent heaters, heated camping blankets or heated tent rugs are safe alternatives. Remember to keep electric heating elements dry to prevent fire and electrocution. If you’re using battery powered heating sources make sure the battery is kept warm and insulated to maintain its temperature and charge.
Last and not the least avoid using propane heaters above 7,000 feet as they may not work properly and could be a fire hazard.
Cooking with Your Camping Heater
Did you know that some camping heaters can also be used as cooking stoves? This dual functionality is a big plus. Let’s explore this feature of camping heaters.
Camping heaters with cooking function provides a more fuel efficient solution than using separate devices. For example the Campy Gear Chubby Portable Propane Heater and Stove can heat and cook separately or together.
Campy Gear Chubby users love it for heating and cooking with small pan. For those who prefer wood fuel products like DANCHEL OUTDOOR TSG Titanium Tent Stove can cook without propane or electricity.
To burn with minimal smoke wood for tent stoves should be dried and cut into small pieces.
Campy Gear Chubby’s compact size is perfect for small to medium tents and easy to carry for campers who have space and weight concerns.
Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Camping Heater
Just like any other camping gear your camping heater needs regular maintenance and care. Let’s go over how to maintain and troubleshoot your camping heater to run at its best.
Maintenance and cleaning is key to camping heaters performance and life. Vacuuming the return air area of heaters especially RV heaters will prevent dust and debris from getting into the components.
Troubleshooting should start by checking the basic components like fuel level and battery charge. If your furnace is not turning on or blowing cold air check the settings like thermostat and battery charge.
Proper airflow is crucial to prevent system backpressure and overheating. Here’s how:
Keep furnace floor registers open
Clean or replace air filters
Check ductwork for obstructions
Make sure blower fan is working
If you still have issues after basic troubleshooting contact the manufacturer’s customer service or a professional technician.
Conclusion
Choosing the right camping or space heater can be overwhelming but with the right info it’s as easy as building a campfire. Remember to choose the right heater for you, prioritize safety and get the essentials. Happy camping!
FAQs
Is there a safe heater for a tent?
Yes, a space heater like Mr. Buddy is a safe option for tent heaters. It runs on propane and has auto carbon monoxide shut-off and tip-over protection. Stay warm and safe!
How to heat my tent without electricity?
Instead of tent heaters you can heat your tent without electricity by selecting rocks and warming them in a campfire and then placing them in your tent to warm the air. Just make sure to have a designated set of rocks for heating and use a cookie sheet to handle them safely.
What’s the best camping heater?
Best camping heaters are Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Tent Heater and Campy Gear 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove. Both are great options to stay warm while camping.
What safety features should I look for in a camping heater?
When choosing a camping heater look for low-oxygen and tip-over safety shut-off and consider a separate carbon monoxide alarm for extra safety. Happy camping!
Can I cook with it?
Yes. Campy Gear Chubby.Portable Propane Heater and Stove. You can.