Best Camping Heaters

Are you looking for a portable heater to take on your next camping trip? The variations in materials, brands, safety features, fuel sources, and heat delivery can make a big difference when choosing a camping heater.

Camping heaters use different sources of energy, such as a battery, a fuel source or they can be connected to an electric hook up. Most of them can be safely operated inside of tents to ensure a warm night’s sleep.

Some people choose to invest in camping heaters for reasons other than camping. For example, they make great emergency heaters during a power outage.

Read on for our expert reviews of the best camping heaters available. Check the latest prices to ensure you get a great deal!

Our Top Picks

10 Best Camping Heaters

1. Pro Breeze® 2000W Mini Ceramic Fan Heater

When winter starts setting in, it is high time you get a heater for your house. Instead of buying a traditional heater, you can go for the Pro Breeze® 2000W Mini Ceramic Fan Heater. Unlike conventional heaters that take considerable time to heat your rooms, this one is quicker to deliver optimum results. It comes with advanced ceramic heating settings that help to spread the heat faster than usual. The fully adjustable thermostat allows you to monitor the heat setting and set a temperature that is suitable for your home.

Features

Two Power Settings

This fan heater offers two power settings that include a low setting of 1200W and a high setting of 2000W. It also has an automatic 60-degree oscillation mode so that the heat can spread around the room instead of concentrating on a specific area.

Portable

This is a lightweight fan heater that you can carry around wherever you want.

Ceramic Technology

The advanced ceramic heating technology spreads warmth faster in the house. It is more efficient than traditional heaters, making this fan heater the ideal choice for small homes.

The Pro Breeze® 2000W Mini Ceramic Fan Heater is a bargain at this price. If you don’t want to spend a massive amount on a heater but need the essential features, this model will not disappoint you at all.

2. STAYWARM 2000w Upright and Flatbed Fan Heater

Want a budget fan heater that offers a variety of features like the high-end heaters? Bring home the all-new STAYWARM 2000w Upright and Flatbed Fan Heater and make your winters more comfortable this year. As they say, good things come in small packages. This fan heater is the best example that supports that saying. Its upright design makes it slim enough to fit in a room’s corner. Don’t go by its size because it can heat a room in no time at all. From multiple heat settings to excellent safety functions, this heater is a combination of incredible features.

Features

Two Heat Settings

You can switch between a 1000W and 2000W heating intensity. There is also a cooling fan that keeps the unit cool enough to perform all the time optimally.

Frost Watch Protection

There is an in-built frost watch protector installed inside. This will automatically fire up the fan heater as soon as the room temperature goes below -5 degrees.

Variable Thermostat

You can use the variable thermostat to set different temperature levels. The heater will continue to increase the temperature until it reaches its specific point. It will automatically switch off once it reaches that temperature.

Overall, the STAYWARM 2000w Upright and Flatbed Fan Heater is one of the best heaters to have in your house. The small size doesn’t affect its performance. So, buy it now to have a comfortable Christmas.

3. VonHaus Oil Filled Radiator

Warming up a mid- to large-sized room in a cost-efficient manner calls for the use of a powerful and energy-efficient radiator. While oil-filled heaters are designed for increased efficiency, the VonHaus Oil Filled Radiator takes energy efficiency seriously. The radiator has been optimised to produce ample heat whilst being energy efficient.

Features

Powerful Radiator

The VonHaus Oil Filled Radiator is a powerful radiator designed to heat mid to large-sized rooms. With 11 oil-filled fins, the heater can produce as much as 2500W, which is ample heat to warm your living room, bedroom, office, or other large spaces such as open-floor kitchen and living rooms.

Advanced Safety Features

To keep users safe, this radiator comes with a plethora of advanced safety features. The safety feature the VonHaus Oil Filled Radiator has is a tip-over switch that switches the radiator off in the event it tips over. The other important safety feature is its inbuilt overheat protection system. It also has a thermal cut off.

An Adjustable Thermostat With A Complementary 24-Hour Timer

The radiator comes with three preinstalled power settings that you can use as-is. However, it also has an adjustable thermostat, which allows users to control heat production precisely. Finally, it has a 24-hour timer that will enable users to program for automatic switch on and off.

4. Igenix IG9514 Portable Upright 3 Bar Halogen Electric Heater

If you are on the market for a portable heater, the Igenix IG9514 Portable Upright 3 Bar Halogen Electric Heater is a great choice. This portable heater has been optimised to be safe, efficient while still being effective at heating space. Moreover, you can use the heater to warm a wide variety of spaces including your in-door home space, the garage, a caravan, home and much more.

Features

Lightweight Construction

To improve its portability, this three-bar quartz halogen heater has is made with lightweight. Users can move the heater around with ease. Importantly, lightweight characteristics do not affect the durability and sturdiness of the unit.

Heat Resistant Handle

To aid the portability capability of this heater, it has a top-mounted heat resistant handle. You can, therefore, handle and move the heater, even right after shutting it down the heating.

Energy Efficient

The Igenix IG9514 Portable Upright 3 Bar Halogen Electric Heater has been designed to be energy-efficient and economical to run. With this heater, you do not have to spend a fortune to keep your house toasty warm.

Three Power Setting

The three-bar quartz halogen heater has three power setting – 400W, 800W, 1200W. The different settings allow users to match the heat output of the heater you need. Importantly, users can match heat output with the space they need to warm.

Safety Features

This heater has an auto cut out feature incorporated into the tip-over switch. Despite the heater being exceptionally stable, you do not have to worry about an accident occurring in the event the heater tips over. It will simply shut off.

5. Duronic Convector Heater

Convector heaters have a unique method of dispersing air evenly and quickly around the room. If you are searching for the best convection heater on the market, you have come to the right place. The Duronic Convector Heater is one of the best on the market for its price. Here is a full review of the Duronic Convector Heater.

Features

Lightweight And Easy To Move

You might want to move the heater from place to place in your room or you might have a specific place designed for the heater. This is a lightweight heater that is super portable and easy to move. It has cool handles to make things easier for you. You can safely lift the heater when moving it thanks to the ergonomic handles.

Free Stand Or Wall Mount

This heater can be wall-mounted because the heat is dispersed from the front/top sides. The back of this heater is quite cool and is ideal for wall mounting. If you are short of space for the heater or want to elevate it to prevent pets and kids touching it, the Duronic Convector heater is the best choice for you. You can easily wall-mount or keep it on the ground.

Variable Heat Settings

The HV120 is completely versatile. You can use it all year round because of the adjustable thermostat and fan settings. It is used in three different heat settings and could also be used as a fan to cool the air.

All in all, the Duronic Convector heater is one of the best on the market today.

6. Kampa Diddy Portable Heater

Are you planning to go camping with your kids but don’t have a portable heater? Buy the Kampa Diddy Portable Heater, and it would be your best friend throughout the trip. This is one of those heaters that don’t require too much maintenance. It is lightweight, making it easier for you to carry it around. It comes with two heat settings: 750 W and 1500 W. You can increase or decrease the heat intensity according to your requirement.

Features

Easy Installation

Honestly, you don’t have to worry about installation. It has a plug and play system. You don’t have to buy batteries to run this heater. Simply attach the plug to a power source, and the heater will fire up quickly.

Forced Heating System

The Kampa Diddy Portable Heater comes with an instant fan mechanism. This allows the heat to spread around the room quickly. The forced heat emitted due to the fan helps to distribute warm air to all corners of the room.

Energy-efficient

This is an energy-efficient model running on low wattage. So, you don’t have to worry about hefty electric bills at the end of the month.

The Kampa Diddy Portable Heater is a small room heater. If you want a portable heater for your trips, there is nothing better than this one. Its small size and lightweight design make it suitable for camping or fishing trips.

7. Topflame Portable Gas Camping Heater

If you like to go camping and want your nights to be as cosy as daytime, you would want a portable camping heater. The TopFlame portable gas camping heater is exactly what you want to make your nights comfortable in the camping tent. This butane powered heater ships with 8 refill bottles with each bottle keeping you warm for up to 3 hours.

Features

Portable

It has a compact design with width of 19.5 cms and height of just 28.5 cms. There is a handle at the top that makes it easy to carry it around. It is also lightweight and you won’t feel it weight when you are carrying it in your backpack.

Designed for Camping

It has been specially designed for people who enjoy the outdoors and like to go camping. You can always light a bonfire to get warm in the evening but when you’re sleeping inside the tent, you will want a gas heater as there is no power supply. This little heater offers excellent performance and is capable of warming a moderate sized tent in just a few minutes.

The listed heat output is 1.15 kW which should be enough to warm up a small sized tent of around 50 m². You can also turn it flat and cook on it even though it is not recommended. You should use it for reheating your food provisions only as a last resort.

Safety Features

It is safe to use though like all gas heaters, it should never be used indoors. When you are using it in your camp, keep a vent open to allow carbon monoxide to escape. It also comes with a thermostatic control knob allowing you to get the desired amount of heat.

8. Yellowstone Portable Gas Heater

Are you planning to go camping during the colder months with your family? If you do, you need to carry a portable heater to make sure no one feels cold outside. The Yellowstone Portable Gas Heater will fit in your car easily. It comes with adjustable angles that provide directional heat. So, if you want the heater to emit warm air specifically in one direction, all you need to do is direct the angle of the heater in your direction.

Features

Variable Temperature Control

You can adjust the temperature of the heater using the controller on the side. Notch up the heat if the temperature outside dips. The automatic Piezo electric ignition doesn’t take long to heat a room.

Ceramic Heating Element

Ceramic is the ideal material for portable heaters. It doesn’t allow the unit to heat when the temperature rises. Moreover, this heater comes with a safety guard that keeps the body temperature under control.

Safety Locking System

The heater has a safety lock mechanism for the gas canister. It closes firmly once you put the canister inside.

If you don’t have any specification of using a gas heater or electric heater in mind, you should buy the Yellowstone Portable Gas Heater now. The variable temperature control, together with automatic Piezo electric ignition is the best combination you can ask for.

9. Kampa Hottie Portable Camping Heater

Searching for a portable gas heater that doesn’t compromise on performance? Bring home the Kampa Hottie Portable Camping Heater, and you will never have to complain about cold feet anymore. This is probably the most efficient portable heater you will ever come across. It sits on four legs and just rams up the heat as soon as you turn it on. With automatic ignition, you won’t need any matches or batteries to keep it going. As long as you have gas canisters handy, this heater will work for hours.

Features

Variable Heat Settings

There is a dialer on the side that allows you to increase or decrease the heat according to the weather conditions. The heater starts producing heat the moment you switch it on. It doesn’t take time to spread the heat around.

Automatic Ignition

All you need to do is fill the cartridge chamber with a gas canister and switch on the device. You don’t have to arrange for batteries or anything to keep this heater on.

High-performance Guaranteed

It has a highest output of 1.2 kW, which provides significant heat to keep you warm in a small room.

The consistent high performance from the Kampa Hottie Portable Camping Heater makes it a favorite for most families. Buy this now to get a permanent solution for keeping your camping area heater for hours.

10. VonHaus Mini Oil Filled Radiator

Do you want to buy a portable electric heater that is small enough to heat your tent? You should get the VonHaus Mini Oil Filled Radiator right away. It can keep a small area warm for hours. When the temperature drops outside, all you have to do is switch this heater on. With 6 oil-filled radiant fins, this heater can warm up your caravan, workplace, or office quickly. The adjustable thermostat control allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room. Moreover, this unit is lightweight. You can carry it around any time you want.

Features

Versatile Performance

This portable heater is so consistent with its performance that you cannot raise a finger against it. All you need to do is connect the power cable to a power source, and the heater will start warming the room immediately.

Sturdy Construction

Although this is a lightweight unit, that doesn’t mean it has a poor build quality. It has sturdy feet that allow the heater to stand firmly on the ground or table without any risk of falling.

Adjustable Temperature Control

You can increase or decrease the intensity of the heat coming from this heater. It has a regulator right in front to control the temperature.

The VonHaus Mini Oil Filled Radiator is the most efficient and budget-friendly portable heater that you will come across. Get it now to keep your office or caravan warm this winter.

Camping Heater Buying Guide

A camping heater, as the name suggests, is a portable heater intended to be taken on camping trips. Overall, a camping heater isn’t a very complex appliance. But that doesn’t mean that they are all created equal. The variations in materials, brands, safety features, fuel sources, and heat delivery can make a big difference when you’re trying to survive in the wilderness. We’ve created the following camping heater buying guide to help you understand your options and make a smart purchasing decision. First, let’s consider the different types of camping heaters.

Key Takeaways

• There are different types of camping heaters, including gas, fan heaters, oil-filled radiators, halogen heaters, and convector heaters, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
• When choosing a camping heater, consider whether it’s gas or electric, heat output, portability, safety features, temperature control, and noise level.
• For safety, follow specific guidelines for electric and gas camping heaters, and always prioritise safety features when selecting a heater for your camping trip.

Different Types of Camping Heaters

Gas Heaters

A gas-powered camping heater will typically rely on either propane or butane as a fuel source. There are certainly a lot of benefits associated with using propane compared to some alternative fuels. However, there is a major disadvantage to using a gas heater while camping. Both of these fuel sources produce dangerous byproducts like carbon monoxide that can be deadly without proper ventilation.

We’re going to assume that your tent does have not superior ventilation. Most tents are designed to limit airflow to maintain a more comfortable temperature and protection from the elements. That means a heater producing carbon monoxide will quickly turn that tent into a very dangerous environment.

Does that mean gas camping heaters are completely useless? Absolutely not. They are excellent sources of heat when used outdoors. Just don’t take it inside of the tent with you when you sleep. There are safer options for that.

Fan Heaters

A fan heater only has one requirement: that it uses a fan to move the heat away from the heat source. This is most often found in electric heaters since electricity is used to power the fan as well. In contrast, some heaters rely entirely on radiant heat and do not use a fan. This saves some energy but greatly reduces the unit’s heating efficiency. This reduction is more severe the larger the area you are trying to heat. In general, it’s always a good idea to buy a fan heater if possible.

Oil Filled Radiators

Oil-filled radiators are actually fueled by electricity but use oil as a medium for transferring the heat throughout the unit. These types of heaters are becoming extremely common on camping trips as well as indoors. They are perfect for heating small rooms and apartments. There is no harmful byproduct produced by the oil because the oil is not burned as the fuel source. This also means that the oil inside the unit does not need to be replaced.

An oil-filled radiator is better than a traditional electric heater in some ways. For example, it has no exposed heating elements. This greatly reduces the risk of a fire starting inside of the tent. Second, the temperature produced by the heater is generally lower than the combustible temperature of materials like plastic and certain clothes. Once again, this reduces the risk of a fire.

Halogen Heaters

A halogen heater is another electric powered heater that uses a few tricks to increase efficiency. Unlike a traditional electric heater, which relies on a heating element, these heaters use high-power halogen lamps. The lamps are designed specifically for heaters to produce minimal light and maximum heat.

You might already be familiar with similar technology used in headlights and other outdoor lighting solutions. That’s because lights are powerful and they eat quite a bit of electricity. That being said, their overall power-to-heat conversion ratio is better than a standard electric coil.

Convector Heaters

Convector heaters are the simplest and most common of the bunch. These are standard electric heaters that do not use fans to move the heat through the room. This causes the heat to take significantly longer to disperse. However, it does result in am ore uniform heat distribution. An electric heater with a fan will work faster, but there will be cold zones in areas of the tent. For smaller spaces, a heater with a fan is still a better option.

Each of the above heater types can be useful when camping. Now that you understand the very basics, you can consider some of the different features that set units apart.

Features to Look For in a Camping Heater

Gas Or Electric?

This is the first choice you’ll need to make. Both options have their advantages. An electric heater can be safely used inside of a tent without any potential for carbon monoxide poisoning. However, they tend to be less energy efficient than butane heaters. You also have to consider the available source of electricity. If using a battery, then it’s likely not going to last through a long, cold night. The alternative is to use a gas-powered generator to produce electricity for the heater.

Heat Output

Exactly how much heat will you need to enjoy the night? That’s going to depend on the temperature at your destination, the size of the tent, and the number of people sharing the tent. It’s also a matter of comfort. There’s no exact science to picking a number. But keep in mind that too much is simply wasting energy while too little is going to make for a rough night.

Portability

Portability is a big concern if you’re going camping far into the woods. It may not be quite as important if you’re camping near the parking location or in an RV park. The more portable a heater is the smaller the fuel source is. Don’t make the mistake of picking something ultra-portable if you’re going to be camping very near your replacement fuel. You’ll pay more money in the long run for smaller canisters of fuel.

Safety Features

You should always shop for the heaters with the best safety features, reviews, and certifications. Most people leave these heaters running through the night inside of an enclosed, plastic room. There is a big potential for disaster if the heater tips over, the fuel leaks, or it is placed to close to flammable material. The best heaters have features that detect some of these problems and cause the heater to power down.

Temperature Control

Sometimes a heater can look and work great for 15 minutes and then suddenly the temperature drops for the next hour. Poor temperature is a common problem in low-quality electric heaters. The better heaters will have internal circuitry that is capable of carefully managing the temperature throughout the night. It’s worth spending a few extra pounds to ensure you have these features.

Noise

One final concern is the amount of noise the heater produces. The noise level is most affected by the fuel source and whether or not the heater has a fan. A heater with a fan is going to spread heater more quickly, but it’s also going to make more noise throughout the night. You’ll need to decide which is more important and whether there is an acceptable compromise.

Safety Tips for Camping Heaters

Safety Tips For Electric Camping Heaters:

• Keep away from the walls of the tent and fabric
• If powered by a generator, keep the generator outdoors
• Make sure you purchase a heater with an auto-off function when the heater tips over

Safety Tips For Gas Camping Heaters:

• Never use a gas heater indoors
• Always keep backup fuel canisters in a safe location away from the heater
• Always follow any instructions listed on the fuel canister

Pros and Cons of Camping Heaters

Pros of Electric Camping Heaters:

• Usually smaller and more affordable than gas heaters
• Circuitry with better safety features
• Safer to use indoors

Cons of Electric Camping Heaters:

• Less efficient
• May still require gas to power a generator

Pros Of Gas Camping Heaters:

• High energy efficiency
• No need for an additional generator

Cons of Gas Camping Heaters:

• Should not be used inside of the tent
• Requires traveling with butane or propane tanks

Our Expertise in Heating and Cooling Products

At Heat Pump Source, we recognise the importance of staying warm and comfortable during your camping adventures. Our expert team has conducted extensive hands-on testing and research. We aim to provide transparent, evidence-based insights stemming from our industry expertise and years of experience.

Why Trust Our Reviews?

• Industry Expertise: Our reviews are grounded in deep knowledge of heating and cooling products. We leverage this expertise to evaluate camping heaters, not just on their features, but on how they perform in outdoor conditions to keep you warm during your camping trips.
• Hands-On Testing: We don’t rely on specifications; we put each camping heater through rigorous hands-on testing. This allows us to provide measurements of each device’s performance, from heating efficiency to portability, ensuring you understand how each heater performs in real camping scenarios.
• Transparency: Our reviews are conducted with a transparent and unbiased methodology. We objectively evaluate the features and functionality of each recommendation. Our goal is to offer you all the essential information without any external influence so that you can choose the best camping heater for your outdoor adventures.
• Experience: Our reviews go beyond just comparisons; they provide insights into how each camping heater has evolved from previous models, the design choices made by manufacturers, and how these factors affect your camping experience.

Our reviews are crafted to guide you in selecting the best camping heaters for 2024. We provide you with all the necessary information, comparisons, and expert opinions to make an informed decision. With our commitment to quality and your camping comfort, we’re here to ensure that your outdoor experiences are warm and enjoyable.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s no overall real “best” when it comes to camping heaters, but there are the “best” of each different type of camping heater. All of the various styles and technologies have their place. It’s up to you to figure out what you plan to do with your camping heater and where you expect to travel. Using our top picks, reviews and buying guide above we hope to help you find the perfect heater for you.

We hope you enjoyed our article on the best camping heaters. There are so many things to consider when looking for a camping heater. With our guide, hopefully you will have an easier time finding the perfect camping heater for your needs!