The Best Tent Heaters of 2023: Stay Warm and Cozy in Your Tent

Best tent heater 2023

If you love camping in the winter, you know how important it is to have a reliable and safe tent heater to keep you warm and cozy. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for your needs? In this article, we will compare some of the best tent heaters of 2023 based on their features, performance, safety, and customer reviews. We will also provide links to Amazon.com where you can buy these products or learn more about them.

Compare table

Product Type BTU Heats up to (sq ft) Indoor safe Safety features Price
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Propane 9000 225 Yes Low oxygen shutdown, overheat safety shutdown, wind guard $74.00
Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy Propane 3800 95 Yes Low oxygen shutdown, tip-over switch, accidental start prevention $69.97
Campy Gear Chubby 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove Propane/Butane 4500/5000 (heater/stove) N/A No Overheat protection, pressure sensing safety shut off system, wind shield panel $79.99
Mr. Heater MH9BX-Massachusetts/Canada approved portable Propane Heater Propane 9000 225 Yes Low oxygen shutdown, overheat safety shutdown, wind guard, swivel regulator and single control knob for easy installation and usage, fold down handle for compact storage and transportation, porcelain coated heating surface for durability and radiant heating technology for even heat distribution. This model is approved for use in Massachusetts and Canada only. $105.99
[Space Heater – Portable Mini Heater for Home and Office] Electric N/A (1500W/750W) N/A (150 sq ft recommended) Yes Overheat protection, tip-over protection, flame retardant material, cool touch exterior, thermostat control, LED display, remote control, timer function, oscillation function for wide coverage area. This model is suitable for indoor use only and requires a power source. It is not recommended for tents with flammable materials or poor ventilation. $39.99

Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy

This is one of the most popular and trusted tent heaters on the market. It has a high output of 9000 BTUs per hour that can heat up to 225 square feet of space. It is also indoor safe, meaning it has a low oxygen sensor that shuts off the heater automatically if the oxygen level drops below a safe threshold. It also has an overheat safety shutdown feature that prevents the heater from overheating and causing a fire hazard. The heater has a wind guard that protects the pilot light from being blown out by strong winds. The heater runs on disposable propane cylinders that can last up to 6 hours on high setting or 12 hours on low setting. The heater is easy to use with a single knob that controls the ignition and the heat settings. The heater also has a fold-down handle that makes it easy to carry and store.

The main drawbacks of this heater are that it can be noisy when running on high setting, it can produce some condensation inside the tent, and it can be affected by high altitude (above 7000 feet). Some customers also reported that the heater can emit a strong odor when first used or after long periods of storage.

Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy

This is a smaller and lighter version of the Mr. Heater Buddy that is ideal for solo campers and backpackers who need a compact and portable tent heater. It has a lower output of 3800 BTUs per hour that can heat up to 95 square feet of space. It is also indoor safe with a low oxygen sensor and a tip-over switch that shuts off the heater if it falls over or gets knocked down. The heater also has an accidental start prevention feature that prevents the heater from turning on by itself if the knob is accidentally bumped or moved. The heater runs on disposable propane cylinders that can last up to 5.6 hours on high setting. The heater has a simple push-button ignition and a single heat setting.

The main drawbacks of this heater are that it can be too small for larger tents or groups of campers, it can produce some condensation inside the tent, and it can be affected by high altitude (above 7000 feet). Some customers also reported that the heater can be hard to light in cold weather or windy conditions.

Campy Gear Chubby 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove

This is a versatile and multifunctional tent heater that can also be used as a stove for cooking or boiling water. It has a dual fuel system that can run on either propane or butane, with different outputs for each mode. The heater mode has an output of 4500 BTUs per hour, while the stove mode has an output of 5000 BTUs per hour. The heater and stove modes can be switched easily by rotating the knob on the top of the unit. The heater has an overheat protection feature that shuts off the heater if it gets too hot. It also has a pressure sensing safety shut off system that cuts off the gas supply if the pressure inside the cylinder becomes too high or too low. The heater has a wind shield panel that protects the flame from being blown out by strong winds. The heater runs on disposable propane or butane cylinders that can last up to 4 hours on high setting or 8 hours on low setting.

The main drawbacks of this heater are that it is not indoor safe, meaning it should not be used inside a tent without proper ventilation. It also does not have a low oxygen sensor or a tip-over switch, which can pose some safety risks. Some customers also reported that the heater can be noisy when running on high setting, and that the stove mode can be hard to control and adjust.

Mr. Heater MH9BX-Massachusetts/Canada approved portable Propane Heater

This is a special model of the Mr. Heater Buddy that is approved for use in Massachusetts and Canada only. It has the same features and performance as the regular Mr. Heater Buddy, with some additional safety features and improvements. It has a swivel regulator and a single control knob that make it easier to install and use the heater with different types of propane tanks and hoses. It also has a porcelain coated heating surface that enhances the durability and efficiency of the heater. The heater uses radiant heating technology that distributes heat evenly and directly to the surrounding area. The heater has a low oxygen sensor, an overheat safety shutdown feature, and a wind guard that make it indoor safe and reliable.

The main drawbacks of this heater are that it is more expensive than the regular Mr. Heater Buddy, it can be noisy when running on high setting, it can produce some condensation inside the tent, and it can be affected by high altitude (above 7000 feet). Some customers also reported that the heater can emit a strong odor when first used or after long periods of storage.

Space Heater – Portable Mini Heater for Home and Office

This is an electric tent heater that is suitable for indoor use only. It has a high output of 1500 watts (5120 BTUs) on high setting or 750 watts (2560 BTUs) on low setting that can heat up to 150 square feet of space. It is also very safe, with overheat protection, tip-over protection, flame retardant material, and a cool touch exterior that prevent the heater from causing any fire or burn hazards. The heater has a thermostat control that allows you to set your desired temperature level and maintain it automatically. It also has an LED display, a remote control, a timer function, and an oscillation function that make it easy and convenient to use and operate. The heater runs on electricity and requires a power source to function.

The main drawbacks of this heater are that it is not suitable for outdoor use or for tents with flammable materials or poor ventilation. It also depends on the availability and reliability of the power source, which can limit its portability and versatility. Some customers also reported that the heater can be loud when running on high setting or when oscillating, and that the remote control can be unresponsive or malfunctioning at times.

How to choose a tent heater

When shopping for a tent heater, you should consider the following features:

  • Type: There are two main types of tent heaters: electric and gas. Electric heaters require a power source, such as a generator or an extension cord, which can limit their portability and versatility. However, they are safer than gas heaters, as they do not produce carbon monoxide or pose a fire hazard. Gas heaters run on fuels like propane, butane, or kerosene, which are easy to carry and use. However, they require proper ventilation and safety precautions, as they can emit carbon monoxide and cause fires if not used correctly.
  • Power: The power of a tent heater is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), which indicate how much heat it can produce. The higher the BTU rating, the more powerful the heater. However, you don’t need a very high BTU rating for a small tent, as it can waste fuel and overheat the space. A general rule of thumb is to multiply the volume of your tent (in cubic feet) by 4 to get the minimum BTU rating you need. For example, if your tent is 10 x 10 x 6 feet, its volume is 600 cubic feet. Multiplying by 4 gives you 2400 BTUs, which is the minimum power you need for your tent heater.
  • Safety: Safety is the most important factor when choosing a tent heater, as you don’t want to risk carbon monoxide poisoning or fire accidents. To ensure safety, look for a tent heater that has the following features:
    • Indoor safe: This means that the heater has been tested and certified to emit low levels of carbon monoxide and meet safety standards. Look for heaters that have the CSA 4.98 or the ANSI Z21.103 certification.
    • Automatic shut-off: This means that the heater will turn off automatically if it detects low oxygen levels, high temperatures, or tip-over.
    • Flameless: This means that the heater does not use an open flame to generate heat, which reduces the risk of fire. Catalytic heaters are flameless heaters that use a chemical reaction to heat a metal plate.
    • Cool touch: This means that the heater has a cool exterior that does not burn your skin or melt your tent fabric if you touch it accidentally.
  • Efficiency: Efficiency refers to how well the heater uses fuel and converts it into heat. The more efficient the heater, the less fuel it consumes and the longer it lasts. To measure efficiency, look for heaters that have a high thermal efficiency rating (the percentage of heat output divided by fuel input) or a low fuel consumption rate (the amount of fuel used per hour).

FAQ about tent heaters

Here are some common questions and answers about tent heaters:

  • What heaters are best for tents?

The best heaters for tents are those that are safe, powerful, efficient, and suitable for your tent size and camping conditions. Some of the best tent heaters of 2023 are:

- Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy: This is one of the most popular and trusted propane heaters on the market. It has a high output of 9000 BTUs per hour that can heat up to 225 square feet of space. It is also indoor safe with a low oxygen sensor and an overheat safety shutdown feature. The heater has a wind guard that protects the pilot light from being blown out by strong winds. The heater runs on disposable propane cylinders that can last up to 6 hours on high setting or 12 hours on low setting[^1^][1].
- ISILER 1500W Portable Indoor Heater: This is one of the best electric heaters for tents. It has a high output of 1500 watts (5120 BTUs) on high setting or 750 watts (2560 BTUs) on low setting that can heat up to 150 square feet of space. It is also very safe with overheat protection, tip-over protection, flame retardant material, and a cool touch exterior. The heater has a thermostat control that allows you to set your desired temperature level and maintain it automatically[^2^][2].
- Campy Gear Chubby 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove: This is a versatile and multifunctional propane heater that can also be used as a stove for cooking or boiling water. It has a dual fuel system that can run on either propane or butane, with different outputs for each mode. The heater mode has an output of 4500 BTUs per hour, while the stove mode has an output of 5000 BTUs per hour. The heater and stove modes can be switched easily by rotating the knob on the top of the unit. The heater has an overheat protection feature that shuts off the heater if it gets too hot. It also has a pressure sensing safety shut off system that cuts off the gas supply if the pressure inside the cylinder becomes too high or too low[^3^][3].
- Vornado Velocity 3R Whole Room Space Heater: This is another great electric heater for tents. It has a high output of 1500 watts (5120 BTUs) on high setting or 750 watts (2560 BTUs) on low setting that can heat up to 150 square feet of space. It uses vortex technology that circulates warm air throughout the room evenly and efficiently. It also has a digital display, a remote control, a timer function, and an oscillation function that make it easy and convenient to use and operate[^4^][4].
- Mr. Heater MH4B Little Buddy: This is a smaller and lighter version of the Mr. Heater Buddy that is ideal for solo campers and backpackers who need a compact and portable propane heater. It has a lower output of 3800 BTUs per hour that can heat up to 95 square feet of space. It is also indoor safe with a low oxygen sensor and a tip-over switch that shuts off the heater if it falls over or gets knocked down. The heater runs on disposable propane cylinders that can last up to 5.6 hours on high setting[^5^][5].
  • What is the safest heater to use in a tent?

The safest heater to use in a tent is one that has been certified for indoor use, has automatic shut-off features, does not use an open flame, and has a cool touch exterior. Some examples of safe heaters are:

- Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy: This propane heater has the CSA 4.98 certification, which means it emits low levels of carbon monoxide and meets safety standards. It also has a low oxygen sensor and an overheat safety shutdown feature that turn off the heater automatically if the oxygen level drops below a safe threshold or if the heater overheats and causes a fire hazard[^1^][1].
- ISILER 1500W Portable Indoor Heater: This electric heater has overheat protection, tip-over protection, flame retardant material, and a cool touch exterior that prevent the heater from causing any fire or burn hazards. It also has a thermostat control that allows you to set your desired temperature level and maintain it automatically[^2^][2].
- Campy Gear Chubby 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove: This propane/butane heater has an overheat protection feature that shuts off the heater if it gets too hot. It also has a pressure sensing safety shut off system that cuts off the gas supply if the pressure inside the cylinder becomes too high or too low[^3^][3].
  • How long will a tent heater last?

The duration of a tent heater depends on its fuel type, fuel consumption rate, heat output, and heat setting. Generally, electric heaters last as long as there is a power source available, while gas heaters last as long as there is fuel in the tank or cylinder. Here are some examples of how long different tent heaters can last:

- Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy: This propane heater runs on disposable propane cylinders that can last up to 6 hours on high setting or 12 hours on low setting[^1^][1].
- ISILER 1500W Portable Indoor Heater: This electric heater runs on electricity and requires a power source to function[^2^][2].
- Campy Gear Chubby 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove: This propane/butane heater runs on disposable propane or butane cylinders that can last up to 4 hours on high setting or 8 hours on low setting[^3^][3].
- Vornado Velocity 3R Whole Room Space Heater: This electric heater runs on electricity and requires a power source to function[^4^][4].
- Mr. Heater MH4B Little Buddy: This propane heater runs on disposable propane cylinders that can last up to 5.6 hours on high setting[^5^][5].
  • Are electric heaters safe in tents?

Electric heaters are safe to use in tents, as long as they have the right safety features and are used properly. Some of the safety features to look for are:

- Overheat protection: This feature prevents the heater from overheating and causing a fire hazard.
- Tip-over protection: This feature shuts off the heater if it falls over or gets knocked down.
- Flame retardant material: This material reduces the risk of fire by resisting ignition.

Conclusion

These are some of the best tent heaters of 2023 that you can buy online or learn more about them by following the links provided in this article. We hope this article has helped you find the best tent heater for your camping needs and preferences. Remember to always use your tent heater safely and responsibly, and enjoy your winter camping adventures!

 

About the author

Vu Tuan Tran is a passionate camping enthusiast with over 20 years of experience. He has camped in all kinds of terrain and is an expert in setting up tents, cooking over campfires, and finding the best spots to stargaze. He is also a skilled photographer who loves capturing the beauty of the natural world. If you are looking for a camping partner who is knowledgeable, experienced, and fun-loving, then Vu is your guy.

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