With many options to choose from in the market today, finding the right battery-powered tent heater for your camping needs can seem overwhelming.
Trying to discover a suitable brand in the long list of possibilities will give anyone a headache.
I remember standing in the aisle at a sporting goods store, thinking, ‘There’s got to be a better way to choose a portable heater.’ I was frustrated at the thought of having to read all the boxes to find the right one!
So, which portable tent heater is right for you?
I have compiled a list of the best battery-powered tent heaters that can easily be found online.
In a Hurry? Here's My Top 3 Picks
|
Best Overall
|
My Choice
|
Best Value
|
Best Battery Powered Tent Heaters for Camping
Comfort Zone Personal Heater
Comfort Zone’s personal heater is an optimal portable heater if you are concerned about safety.
It features a high-limit safety fuse, an overheat protection sensor, power/caution indicator lights, and a tip-over switch. It will provide all the comfort you are looking for in a personal heater, without the noise.
Tent Heater Functionality:
This personal-sized heater is compact and constructed of metal. It is energy efficient and provides targeted heating.
There are three convenient settings: low heat, high heat, and fan-only. The adjustable thermostat makes finding the perfect temperature easy.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Many safety features
- Inexpensive
- Temperature settings
- Noise-free
Cons:
- Durability
Mr. Heater Little Buddy Portable Tent Heater
The Mr. Heater Little Buddy is a portable propane heater with enough power to heat large areas. It is easy to carry and store, with fold-down handles, making it a great choice for camping.
In addition, the regulator turns out and connects with dispensable propane tanks.
Tent Heater Functionality:
The Mr. Heater Little Buddy is durable and user-friendly, built for indoor and outdoor use.
The heater conveys 4000 to 9000 BTU for up to 95 square feet and will run for up to three hours at a high BTU level. This heater can produce enough heat to warm an entire tent during winter camping.
However, at altitudes of more than 7000 feet above sea level, the unit may quit due to low oxygen levels.
Pros:
- Automatic low oxygen shut down system
- Durable, foldable, easy to use and handle
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Indoor/outdoor use
Cons:
- Takes a while to heat up
- Takes a while to ignite
- Difficulty running at high altitudes
Mr. Heater Portable Propane Tent Heater
Much like the Mr. Heater Little Buddy, this propane heater packs its features in a compact size, with fold-down handles and a durable, friendly design.
It is great for both indoor and outdoor use with steel, plastic, and nickel components compatible with any large space.
This Mr. Heater unit also features a regulator that turns out for propane tanks and a tip-over security system that ensures safety when the pilot light goes out or oxygen levels are low.
Tent Heater Functionality:
For small heaters, this is a great option. The heater runs for up to three hours on high and six hours on low.
This propane heater is also similar to the Little Buddy in that it can cover 225 square feet with 4000 to 9000 BTU. This unit will quit at altitudes higher than 7000 feet above sea level.
Pros:
- Compact and portable
- Easy to use
- Safe-use features
Cons:
- Exposed flame
- Requires maintenance
Lasko Pro-Ceramic Utility Heater
The Lasko Pro-Ceramic Utility Heater was designed for convenience and ease of use. It is lightweight and can be taken anywhere. It comes in a sleek, compact design with a variety of colors.
Tent Heater Functionality:
This portable tent heater is the ideal choice for someone who gets cold easily. The Lasko Pro-Ceramic Utility Heater is an energy-conserving individual heater that includes a three-step safety system.
The safety system includes a safe ceramic component, overheat protection, and a completely assembled cool-contact lodging.
The heater does not create excessive noise and keeps a single user warm during colder months.
Pros:
- Compact and easy to use
- Ceramic heating
- Built-in overheat protection
- Three-year limited warranty
- Energy efficient
Cons:
- No high/low power settings
- Personal heater, not very powerful
HeTR Portable Space Heater
The HeTR portable space heater is easy to set up and carry around and heats the whole tent at the push of a button.
The portable design also features low-noise impact, allowing for conversations and a restful night’s sleep.
Tent Heater Functionality:
The HeTR space heater has three heat settings: fan-only mode, low heating, and high heating. This individual unit is effective at quickly providing a lot of heat for a small tent.
The heater is furnished with an indoor regulator made of PTC earthenware, preventing excessive heating of the space.
The 1500 watt motor heats an environment rapidly and is outfitted with an overheat security circuit. It can disperse warm air throughout an area of up to 215 square feet in a few moments.
Pros:
- Overheat protection
- Temperature control options
- Ceramic heating element
- Durable and easily handled, compact
Cons:
- Consumes a lot of electricity
Honeywell HHF360V
Honeywell carries a variety of heaters that suit a camper’s heating needs.
However, the Honeywell HHF360V is the best option for wintertime heating and will effectively warm your small space for a long time. It is portable and easily moves from place to place as well.
Tent Heater Functionality:
This innovative ceramic heater features many options to get excited about.
An “EnergySmart” mode will not tap your battery power or alternative power source, as it provides thermostat settings that are most comfortable for you on cold days. A clock has been incorporated and can be set for two, four, or eight hours of safe use.
In addition, the Honeywell 360 portable heater highlights overheating security, tip-over assurance, two heat controls, an indoor use regulator, and a cool-to-the-touch handle, wiring, and lodging. This unit is dependable and user-friendly.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Adjustable thermostat and settings
- Energy efficient
Cons:
- Noisy to some
- Expensive
Tooluze Butane Heater
If you are looking to heat your tent quickly, a butane heater is one of the best ways to do so.
The Tooluze Butane Heater allows a camper to get rid of cold nights in a flash. It has a ceramic burner for optimal heating and a low gas consumption rate that will keep your tent heated throughout the night.
Tent Heater Functionality:
The Tooluze Butane Heater uses a standard butane gas cartridge for easy portability.
It features a pressure safety shut-off protection and a ceramic burner. It is lightweight and consumes gas at a rate of 100gm/hr.
Pros:
- Small in size
- Quick access to warmth
- Low gas consumption
Cons:
- Not suitable for large spaces
- Limited safety features
Image by: Brent Cooper
How to Safely Use a Tent Heater While Camping
One of the first things you might think about before purchasing a battery-powered tent heater is: Is it safe to use a heater while camping?
The simple answer is yes, using a battery-powered tent heater while camping is safe with the proper precautions.
Similar to purchasing other camping equipment, you should review the safety features of the product.
The product guidelines will indicate how to safely optimize the use of the tent heater.
Here are a few safety items to keep in mind when using a battery-powered tent heater.
1. Don’t place anything too close to the heater, or on it.
Is your tent big enough to accommodate a tent heater?
The last thing you want to do while camping is melt your equipment or sleeping bag. Allow a minimum of two feet of space in front of the heater.
2. Don’t sleep with the heater on; use it to warm the area and then turn it off.
The safest way to sleep with a tent heater is to turn it off before retiring for the night.
You can use the portable heater to warm the tent for comfort, then shut it down when you are ready for bed. If needed, you can fire it back up until you are warm again.
3. Ensure the heater will turn off if it is knocked over.
These days, it is difficult to find a tent heater that does not have an automatic shut-off. However, it never hurts to check to ensure safety while camping.
The ideal heater will have an automatic shut-off for when it becomes overheated or reaches a time limit.
4. Create a level surface where you’ll place the heater.
If your surface for the heater is not level, it can lead to tipping problems and, in turn, the potential for melting objects or starting a fire.
The surface you place the heater on should not be made of plastic. Find or create a nice, level area so that the tent heater does not fall over and cause damage.
Propane and butane camp heaters are great options for warming your tent. However, they are gas-powered and pose a few more risks.
You will also want to pack enough gas canisters to last throughout the camping trip.
For propane and butane heaters, additional safety measures include:
5. Choose an indoor heater instead of an outdoor heater.
Choosing an indoor propane or butane heater is important because they are designed to emit less CO2.
Even so, these types of heaters can still create some carbon monoxide.
6. Provide proper ventilation within the tent.
Properly ventilating the tent will lower the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. You can easily ventilate your tent by leaving a gap between the tent sides and the rain flap.
7. Have a carbon monoxide detector.
Monitoring the level of carbon monoxide when utilizing a propane or butane heater is very important.
A carbon monoxide detector will let the camper know when the gas levels are becoming dangerous and allow them to make adjustments to their tent heater.
Alternative Heating Methods for Camping
If you are not completely sold on buying a portable tent heater right now, there are alternatives to help you stay warm during colder temperatures.
These alternatives can be great options when you have a limited budget or do not camp often when it’s cold.
1. Hot Water Bottles
This is one of the easiest ways to stay warm on colder nights. You can even use the same water bottle you have been drinking out of all day.
Simply fill it with hot water before going to bed and tuck it into your sleeping bag. It’s cheap and effective!
2. Hand and Foot Warmers
These are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. You may even be able to purchase them in bulk.
While they are meant for your hands and feet, they can be placed in various locations to keep you warm and toasty.
They are air-activated and heat up within 5-10 minutes of exposure. They are also small and can be stored easily.
3. Good Sleeping Bag
Investing in a good sleeping bag is key to staying warm on colder nights while tent camping.
The best option is a down mummy-style sleeping bag. This type of bag is lighter weight and prevents heat from escaping off the top of your head.
4. Thermals
Thermals are designed to retain your body heat. Purchasing a good set of thermals for cold weather is vital to a comfortable camping trip.
I have found that packing one set (top and bottom) for camping kept me warmer when the temperatures dropped.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a battery-powered tent heater for your camping adventures, you must keep several things in mind.
- Will it be sufficient to heat your tent?
- Are the size and weight practical for the type of camping you embark on?
- Can you sleep with the amount of noise it produces?
- Does it have safety features that you’re comfortable with?
These are all great questions to ask as you work through the process of buying a tent heater.
Considering the same questions, here are my top picks from among the portable tent heaters listed above.
This personal heater is a great fit for a camper who isn’t looking to spend a fortune, cares about safety measures, and will use the unit minimally.
It is also my choice because of the noise-free feature and how lightweight it is.
The best overall portable tent heater is the Mr. Heater Little Buddy.
The price is affordable, the options and features are comparable to those of more costly versions, and the heating capacity and run duration will make camping during cold nights very comfortable.
In addition, it is durable, extremely portable, and one of the safest on the market.
The Mr. Heater Portable Propane Tent Heater is the best value in a tent heater.
It has a variety of safety features, produces enough heat to easily ensure warmth in small or large areas, and is durable.
In addition, it is fairly light and can readily be moved, stored, or stowed. The price point is moderate, but the functionality is worth the added money.
More to read:
Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula is a writer born and raised in the Midwest. The Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota provide some of her favorite locations to hike and camp with her three adventurous boys. Brandi also enjoys cooking, reading, and attending her children's sporting events in her spare time.
