Best suited for outdoor adventures during colder months, a camping heater is a portable heating device designed to keep you warm and withstand extreme environments. It comes in different shapes and sizes, powered by gas or an electric hook-up. Diesel-powered heaters are also available for caravans and RVs.
To find the best camping heater for your needs, consider the heater's size, portability, ease of use and area coverage. Some camping heaters are also suitable for both outdoor and tent use, while other heaters also double as camping stoves.
The team at Finder has examined a wide range of camping heaters from brands like Gasland, Mr Heater, Webasto and Camec. We picked models based on customer reviews and ratings. We also chose the units for each category based on key product features.
For the best overall camping eater, we picked DeLonghi's Capsule Heater as the best choice. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Offering direct warmth suitable for up to 2 people inside a tent, the Capsule is one of our picks for the best electric heaters. It has ceramic technology that helps the heater to self-regulate so you can have the comfiest temperature possible. Aside from 2 power settings, this also has a summer ventilation function for hotter days.
Customers praised the product's ease of use, compact design and value for money. It features an ergonomic handle for portability and more than enough power to keep you warm or cool while camping. And because it's got a small footprint, you can even use it as a personal heater at home. However, this doesn't have a delay-start timer. Some also said it's slow to heat up.
When it comes to the best cheap camping heater, we recommend Campy Gear's Chubby 2 in-1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove. It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
The Chubby is a versatile camping heater and stove in one. It claims to have a high-efficiency robust burner, delivering 9,000 BTU to quickly boil water and heat meat. It features 3 modes: cook only, heat only and cook and heat to fit any camping requirements. With a removable dual function design, the vent is easy to adjust for mode changes.
If you're looking for a versatile camping heater at an affordable price, you can't go wrong with this little number. Not only does it heat up quickly to cook meals or give you warmth in no time, but it also has a durable design and is compatible with 110g and 230g butane, isobutane and propane canisters. However, this doesn't have a windscreen.
With a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we selected the Gasland Portable Gas Hot Water Heater as the best camping hot water heater.
With a lightweight and portable design, this Gasland gas hot water heater is tankless and features a low water pressure start-up for convenience. It uses propane and has a maximum outlet power output of 300MJ per hour. You can even use it in the summer using a higher water temperature. However, it's not suitable for indoor use unless a vent pipe is utilised.
Reviews praised the product's ease of use, quick heating time and durable build. It also has plenty of safety features to keep you safe during camping. It features a temperature sensor, auto shut-off when there is no water flow and anti-freezing protection. For added convenience, it has a sturdy carry handle. Some customers said the shower head leaks slightly, but this seems to be a minor issue.
We recommend Camec 12V Mini Fan Heater as the best 12V option for camping. Suitable for RVs, caravans and even trucks, this mini heater plugs directly into your vehicle accessory socket to provide a heating source and windshield defroster.
This Camec heater features an adjustable swivel stand for directional heat flow and automatic temperature control to meet your heating requirements. It's a great booster that creates extra warmth and defrosting capacity for any 12V vehicle.
The general sentiment is that this is a budget-friendly and easy-to-use fan heater that can boost your existing vehicle heater. It can be mounted anywhere with a hook and loop adhesive tape or the included screws. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of other models, but it is more than enough to give your heater an extra boost. However, some customers said it's a bit noisy.
For tent camping, we picked the Mr Heater Little Buddy, which has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 5,000 Amazon reviews.
The Little Buddy is an indoor-safe portable propane heater that is suitable for areas up to 9sqm and has a power output of 3,800 BTU per hour. It claims to provide "continuous odour-free heat for up to 5-and-a-half hours". Apart from a durable and compact build, this has a simple on/off button and uses a 1-pound disposable propane cylinder. Do note that the Little Buddy is not suitable for golf cart use or motorised vehicles.
Customers gave positive feedback on the heater's affordable price tag, performance and quick heat up. Some have issues with ignition, adding that you need to press the start button over 10 times before the device warms up. Despite this, the heater remains a favourite among buyers as it provides quick and even warmth. For safety, it also has an accidental tip-over safety shut-off and a low-oxygen shut-off pilot system.
We chose the Mr Heater Buddy Portable Radiant Heater as the best gas option. This has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. This heater is also part of our list of the best gas heaters.
The Buddy has a variable heat output of 4,000 and 9,000 BTU and can warm both indoor and outdoor spaces up to 20sqm. Featuring a tank capacity of 20 gallons and 3 heat settings, this heater can sure keep you warm during camping. It also has a fold-down handle, Piezo sparking mechanism and an oxygen depletion sensor.
With a compact design and superb performance, the Buddy has won the hearts of many customers. People said it is quite versatile and can be used as a camping heater or a personal indoor heater. Using a 450g disposable cylinder, this has a run time of up to 6 hours on low settings and 3 hours on high.
We picked the Belief Portable 2.2kW Diesel Air Heater as the best diesel heater. It is also one of what we consider to be the best diesel heaters you can buy online.
Belief's diesel heater features a portable design suitable for tents, annexes, boats and caravans. It is made in Tasmania and features a stainless steel enclosure to withstand rain and plenty of bumps. It also has an impressive heating capacity of up to 10 hours on high and 30 hours on low, using a single 3L tank.
This heater comes with wired remote control, muffler, carry handles and a combustion air silencer to reduce noise levels. It also features 2.2kW of power to fit your heating needs, making our list of the best diesel heaters. However, this doesn't have a thermostat.
Amazon prices last updated on 24 April, 2024 at 09:01 ameBay prices last updated on 23 April, 2024 at 02:42 pm
Methodology
17 Brands considered
86 Products compared
7 Best products chosen
Why you can trust our picks
For this list, we evaluated camping heaters available on Amazon, eBay and other online retailers. We picked models from the following brands:
Amazon Basics
Autoterm
Belief
BLUU
Camec
Campy Gear
Complex
DeLonghi
Deviant
Dreo
Gasland
Honeywell
Kogan
Lasko
Martin
Mr Heater
Webasto
We narrowed down our choices based on customer ratings and reviews (as of July 2022). We also considered each model's key product features, such as power output, safety features, portability and value for money. We came up with what we believe are the 7 best camping heaters available online.
Types of camping heaters
There are 2 main types of heaters suitable for camping – gas and electric. These options are generally easy to use, affordable and provide long-lasting warmth while you camp.
Gas heaters heat up faster to provide warmth a lot quicker. They are also reliable and work on higher and colder elevations. Some brands offer gas heaters that can double as a camping stove for versatility.
Electric camping heaters tend to be more lightweight and portable than gas heaters. They are extremely user-friendly and easier to maintain. However, electric heaters may not provide enough warmth at higher elevations. They need an electric outlet as well.
How to compare camping heaters
Check out these considerations before shopping for camping heaters:
Type
Choose between gas and electric options. Gas heaters burn faster, while electric heaters are more user-friendly. Both types also come in various sizes and price points to fit your needs.
Tent suitability
Not all camping heaters are recommended to be used inside a tent. Most brands offer options that are suitable for both tent and outdoor use. However, you might need to pay a little extra.
Portability
Choose a heater with a sturdy carry handle and a compact, lightweight design for easy transportation and storage.
Safety features
You need to be extremely cautious when using a heater while camping as it can pose a safety risk. Make sure to get a heater that has an auto shut-off function, tilt switch and overheat protection.
Other features
Several other functions to look out for are anti-freeze function, heat control settings and fan mode.
Tent camping heater safety tips
Camping heaters can make a cosy and relaxing tent environment despite the cold surroundings. But you should always err on the side of caution to ensure you are safely using your heater. Here are several tips you can follow:
Choose a camping heater that is tent safe. Most camping heaters are only suitable for outdoor use. Look for the "indoor-safe" label when shopping for tent-suitable heaters.
Always check the safety features. Look for indoor-safe heaters with a tilt switch, auto-shut-off system and overheat mechanism.
Keep your tent ventilated. Tent-safe heaters still need adequate fresh air flow to work properly. You can open the tent flaps to maintain constant airflow.
Place your heater in the right area. Keep your heater on a flat and sturdy surface and away from materials that can melt.
Never leave your camping heater on overnight. While it may be tempting, leaving a heater on unattended may be risky.
Use a carbon monoxide detector. This will help you avoid carbon monoxide poisoning when operating a camping heater inside a tent.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if your tent comes in contact with the heater it can melt. Most tents are made using high-quality synthetic materials that can catch fire. Make sure to place your heater on a safe, flat surface away from combustible materials.
Most heaters with a fan function are suitable for summer use. These will help cool the air during camping.
Unless stated by the manufacturer, most camping heaters are not suitable for indoor use.
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Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication
From the best portable option to the top model for bathrooms, these are the 9 best electric heaters you can get online.
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