When the weather turns chilly and overnight temperatures get cold, there are options for staying warm in a tent while still enjoying the outdoors. One of the best ways to still enjoy winter camping (or fall and spring camping) is to use a tent heater! Bringing along a small, portable tent heater can make a huge difference in your outdoor adventure without taking much time or effort on your part. But there is so much information out there, especially concerning propane vs. electric tent heaters for camping and which one to choose.
This article takes our expertise from camping in cold weather, the pros and cons of both electric and propane tent heaters, and some of our personal recommendations so you end up with the best tent heater for your specific application and needs.
By the way, this is a rather large article. If you are looking for a more specific and detailed section in this article, the table of contents will take you exactly where you need to go, use that if you need to jump to a specific section.
Best Tent Heaters of 2023
Propane and electric heaters both have their pros and cons, but depending on your needs and how camp one could be a clear cut winner for you. That being said, regardless of which one you choose, all the tent heaters we recommend are highly rated and have worked very well for us. Below you will find a comparison chart for propane vs electric heaters, our top picks in both categories, and full reviews on each heater.
- Best Tent Heaters of 2023
- Propane Tent Heater
- The 4 Best Propane Camping Heaters
- Thing to Consider When Choosing the Best Propane Tent Heater for Camping
- Electric Tent Heater
- 6 Best Electric Space Heaters for Camping
- Thing to Consider When Shopping for an Electric Tent Heater
- Our Opinion
- Alternatives for Tent Heaters
- FAQ
Propane vs Electric Tent Heater
Propane Tent Heater
Electric Tent Heater
Since there are 2 main sources of fuel for tent heaters, we have separated each of our selections into this fancy table for you.
These are our picks for the best propane tent heaters for camping
- Editor’s Choice – Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater
- Best Propane Heater for Small Tents – Mr. Heater Little Buddy Heater
- Best 2-in-1 Heater and Stove for Camping – Ignik 2-in-1 Propane Heater Stove
- Best Propane Heater on Amazon – Campy Gear Wiry 2-in-1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove
These are our picks for the best electric tent heaters for camping:
- Editor’s Choice – Dreo Portable Space Heater
- Amazon’s Favorite – GiveBest 1500w Electric Space Heater
- For Large Tents – G-Ocean 34″ Tower Heater
- Indoor or Outdoor – Trustech 1500W Infrared Space Heater
- Most Affordable – Brightown 400W Mini Ceramic Space Heater
- Best Miniature – Lasko Compact 200w
Product
BTU’s
Price
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Product
Wattage
Price
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Propane Tent Heater
Propane heaters are quite popular, but not all of them are rated as safe for indoor use. This will be the main factor to look for in your search for a propane tent heater. These heaters are specifically selected because they are intended for use indoors, and they have built-in safety features that help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and any issues with the unit tipping over. If the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) detects a drop in oxygen content in the air, or if the unit senses it’s been tipped over, the product will automatically turn off.
Despite these safety features there’s always risks associated with using these heaters indoors. The scariest risk is carbon monoxide poisoning, which has a low probability of happening but is still a present risk. This is why a lot of people stay away from propane tent heaters, but it’s possible to use them safely. Following these 3 rules will help decrease the risk of something happening.
- Always monitor them, never leaving them unattended
- Don’t put them in an enclosed space, so you should always provide proper ventilation in your tent
- Never sleep with it running.
Related Post: Check out this article if you would like some more in-depth reading about how to safely use a propane heater in a tent.
The 4 Best Propane Camping Heaters
Editor’s Choice – Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater
The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater is our top choice for the best tent heater for camping because of the quality construction and the easy availability of the propane fuel canisters it uses. It’s a radiant propane heater that is rated as indoor safe, so you can use it in a tent if you follow the proper steps. The propane canister is a 1lb. canister that is easily purchased at your local sporting goods store or even Wal-Mart. It can run for up to 5.4 hours on one canister, or you can adapt it to use a remote gas supply by purchasing a hose and filter.
Plus, it’s ideal for small spaces due to its oxygen depletion sensor and accidental tip-over safety shutoff. If the oxygen content in the air gets too low or if the unit tips over, it automatically shuts off. This allows you to use it with peace of mind knowing your safety isn’t compromised. It’s easy to light using a Piezo sparking mechanism, has high and low heat settings (4,000 – 9,000 BTUs per hour), and is easily carried with its top handle.
Specifications
- 10.6 pounds
- 4,000 – 9,000 BTUs per hour
- Good for spaces up to 225 sq. ft.
- Oxygen Depletion Sensor for carbon monoxide detection
- Tip-Over Safety Shutoff
- Piezo ignition
Pros
- Oxygen depletion sensor and tip-over safety shutoff
- Uses 1lb. fuel canisters that are readily available
- Rated as indoor safe
- Best tent heater that uses propane
Cons
- Heaviest heater on our list
- Uses one canister of fuel per 6 hours
This miniature version of our editor’s choice is a great option if you need a smaller or lighter portable heater. With a maximum output of 3,800 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour, it heats up to 95 square feet, which may be a better option for smaller tents or above freezing temperatures. Like its larger counterpart, this heater includes an oxygen depletion sensor and accidental tip-over safety shutoff, but it weighs almost half as much. It connects to a traditional 1lb. propane canister, which is typically easily available in stores like Walmart and sports stores. It also uses a Piezo sparking mechanism for easy ignition, and is rated as indoor-safe.
Specifications
- 5.85 pounds
- 3,800 BTUs Per Hr
- Good for spaces up to 95 sq. ft.
- Oxygen Depletion Sensor
- Tip-Over Safety Shutoff
- Piezo ignition
Pros
- Better for small spaces
- Uses 1lb. fuel canisters that are readily available
- Quality tent heater that’s reliable
Cons
- Very top heavy and more susceptible to falling over
- Least amount of BTUs per hour on our list
Ignik is a smaller company with big goals that is part of 1% For the Planet, meaning they donate 1% of their sales to fight climate change in the Arctic. Their propane heater is actually a 2-in-1 heater and stove, meaning you can cook on the top of it with a cast iron skillet and be a 5-star camp chef while also using it to warm your camp. It’s designed to look like a classic lantern, but instead uses propane to put out anywhere from 4,000 -10,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour.
While it’s a great multi-purpose heater and stove, it does not have an oxygen depletion sensor, and should not be used in enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation, a carbon monoxide detector, and continuous monitoring. That being said, it would be great for warming yourself before getting into the tent, and just generally have a great heat source around camp. It does have a kill-switch that triggers when the device is tipped over or if the pilot light goes out. This heater connects to a traditional propane tank using the included 2ft hose.
Specifications
- 8.25 pounds
- 4,000 – 10,000 BTUs per hour
- Tip-Over Safety Shutoff
- Piezo ignition
- Doubles as a stove
Pros
- Doubles as a cast iron stove
- Has anti-tipping kill switch
Cons
- Large size takes up space in your tent
- No Oxygen Depletion Sensor
This Campy Gear heater is also a 2-in-1 heater and stove but it has two big differences – there is an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) built in and it outputs 13,000 BTUs per hour (the highest on our list). That ODS is the biggest necessity when it comes to running propane indoors, and it’s something that’s seen on the popular Mr. Buddy heaters above. That being said, this Campy Gear heater requires a 20 lb. propane tank, which can be a pro or con depending on the type of camping you’re doing. We don’t have a large propane canister like that (e.g., tent camping), but someone who RVs may prefer that over the 1lb canisters from the local store.
Specifications
- 7.83 pounds
- up to 13,000 BTUs
- Oxygen Depletion Sensor
- Tip-Over Safety Shutoff
- Piezo ignition
- Doubles as a stove
Pros
- Highest maximum output of BTUs per hour from this list
- 2-in-1 stove and heater
Cons
- 20lbs propane tank needed, which could be a pro or con depending on your camping setup
Thing to Consider When Choosing the Best Propane Tent Heater for Camping
While these heaters are generally pretty similar (they all have Piezo ignition, a good amount of BTUs, general portability, etc.), there’s a few factors to take into consideration when picking the right one for you and your situation. The main ones are the presence/lack of an Oxygen Depletion Senor, the type of fuel connection you prefer, and the size of the area you intend on heating compared to the BTU output of the tent heater.
Oxygen Depletion Sensor
When it comes to camping and using a propane heater indoors, there’s a single tent heater safety feature that you should take the most into consideration and that’s the presence of an oxygen depletion sensor. An ODS is designed to shut off the fuel source when it detects that oxygen levels are getting too low, which can mean the difference between life and death when it comes to sleeping with a tent heater. Three of the four heaters on this list have an ODS built in, but not all of them. If a heater doesn’t have the appropriate safety features, then it shouldn’t be used inside.
Fuel Connection
The next biggest factor is where the fuel comes from. All the heaters on this list use propane, but two use a small 1lb canister and the other two require a 20 lb canister that connects to the attached hose. There’s pros and cons to both methods, but it really comes down to space and availability. For tent campers like us, we don’t carry a large propane tank and don’t plan on doing so in the future. However, if you travel with an RV, van, or trailer, you may already carry a propane tank. While the smaller tanks are more portable, they also need to be replaced much more frequently compared to the large canister.
Heating Area vs. BTUs
Next thing to consider is the size of the space you intend on heating. A small two-person tent may get too hot with something like a 2-in-1 or full size Mr. Buddy Heater, while something larger like an 8-person tent or RV may require something larger. If you plan on regularly using it outdoors as well, you’ll want something that offers a higher BTU output and smaller spaces will need something wither lower BTUs and/or “low” settings.
Electric Tent Heater
An electric heater uses either ceramic or infrared coils to produce heat. Ceramic electric heaters will often be paired with a small interior fan to circulate the warmed air, while an infrared electric heater will radiate their heat without the help of a fan. They are both intended for either indoor or outdoor use, and put off little to no pollutants. Although they are small, they require large amounts of electricity.
The main obstacle when it comes to an electric heater while camping is a power source. One of the best ways to power an electric heater is to use a portable power bank to make a battery powered heater for camping. Add on a solar panel to make a solar heater for camping and you can get heat while running on clean electricity. The simplest power source is if you regularly camp with an electric hookup, but not everyone does, especially if you’re tent camping.
6 Best Electric Space Heaters for Camping
Editor’s Choice – Dreo Portable Electric Heater
This indoor portable heater is one of the highest rated on Amazon, with a whopping 7,000+ reviews and a 4.5 star rating. It’s the second smallest camping tent heater on this list, but it’s mighty with 1500 watts, a 70° oscillation, 3 different heat settings, a fan only mode, and an adjustable digital thermostat so you can set your ideal temperature. It’s also equipped with safety features for overheating (will automatically shut off if it reaches 122°F), accidental tip-over (an alarm will sound), 12 hour timer, and it’s cold to the touch despite the warm heating element inside. Plus, there’s a detachable filter that’s easy to clean and it’s made of flame-retardant materials.
Specifications
- Watts: 1000-1500W
- BTUs: 5118 BTU per hr/ft/degreeF
- Dimensions: 5.51″D x 6.69″W x 10.31″H
- Heating Method: ceramic with fan
- Recommended square footage: 200 sq. ft.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Well thought out features
- Oscillates
Cons
- Doesn’t shut off for tip-over
Amazon’s Favorite – GiveBest 1500w Electric Portable Heater
This GiveBest electric space heater is a close second behind our Editor’s Choice and happens to be Amazon’s Choice. Just like the Dreo above, this heater has multiple heat levels, a cool air fan, and safety features for overheating and tip-over. It is also made of flame-retardant materials, and has a thermostat where you can set you comfort temperature for the product to maintain. The main difference is that this unit does not oscillate, has a manual thermostat instead of digital, and it only has 2 heat settings instead of 3. On the other hand, it does have an auto-off for tip over, where the Dreo only has an alarm for tip-over.
Specifications
- Watts: 750-1500W
- Dimensions: 7.9″D x 6.2″W x 10.2″H
- Heating Method: ceramic with forced air
- Recommended Square Footage: 200 sq. ft.
Pros
- Auto-off for overheating and accidental tip-over
- Option for a cool air fan
- Made of flame-retardant materials
Cons
- Doesn’t oscillate
- 2 heat levels instead of 3
For Large Tents – G-Ocean 34″ Tower Heater
This taller, oscillating heater from G-Ocean is built for bigger spaces, and it’s 34″ tall to accommodate the extra square footage. It has a 70° oscillating setting, 2 heat modes, a fan only setting, 12 hour timer, and an intelligent adjustable thermostat to maintain a stable temperature in your space. For safety, this heater is equipped with an auto shut-off for overheating and tip-over.
Specifications
- Watts: 1500W
- Dimensions: 12.4″W x 34.5″H
- Heating Method: ceramic with forced air
- Square Footage: 200-320 sq. ft.
Pros
- Good for larger spaces
- Comes with a remote
- Oscillates
- 12 hr timer
Cons
- Newer product with limited customer reviews
Outdoor or Indoor – Trustech 1500W Infrared Space Heater
This Trustech Infrared Space Heater is the only infrared heater on our list, and it’s built for use indoors or outdoors. It heats using carbon fiber gold-coated tubes to deliver fast and efficient (saves 40-60% electricity) heating. The remote control is included, so you can control the heater from anywhere in the vicinity, and it provides instant heat within 3 seconds. While it doesn’t have an auto shut-off for accidental tip-over, it was engineered with a larger base to help prevent any tipping. It does have an auto-off for overheating and a 24 hour timer.
Specifications
- Watts: 500/1000/1500W
- Dimensions: 7.34″D x 13.38″W x 35.92″H
- Heating Method: radiant
Pros
- Uses radiant heat
- Most efficient tent heater on this list
- Includes remote control
Cons
- Most expensive camping tent heater on this list
Most Affordable – Brightown 400W Mini Ceramic Space Heater
This Brightown mini heater is perfect for small spaces around 100 square feet, and offers simple usability and portability. At only 400 watts, it uses less power than the other heaters above while still being able to heat a tent or small room. It does include the safety features for overheat protection and tip-over switch for an automatic shut off if it detects any errors. Plus, it’s the most affordable product on our list!
Specifications
- Watts: 400W
- Dimensions: 6.3″D x 3.15″W x 6.3″H
- Heating Method: ceramic
- Square Footage: 100 sq. ft.
Pros
- Most affordable tent heater on this list
- Great for small spaces
- Uses less watts
Cons
- No multiple heat settings
Best Miniature – Lasko Compact 200W
This miniature 200w heater is what we recommended for use in combination with a portable power station and solar panel to create either a solar powered heater or battery powered heater. This is because of it’s exceptionally low wattage compared to the other heaters on this list, so it’s able to run for longer on a battery unit. Plus, it’s quite affordable while putting out a decent amount of BTUs (British Thermal Units). While it’s great for being simple and efficient, it does lack major safety features like the above heaters and should be used with caution and constant monitoring.
Specifications
- Watts: 200W
- BTUs: 628 BTU
- Dimensions: 4″D x 4″W x 6.1″H
- Heating Method: ceramic with fan
- Recommended square footage: 50 sq. ft.
Pros
- Great for super small spaces
- Simple and effective
- Best for use with a battery
Cons
- Does not have auto-off for overheating or tip-over
Thing to Consider When Shopping for an Electric Tent Heater
Ceramic vs. Infrared
Both ceramic and infrared electric heaters are efficient methods of heating commonly seen in household products. While ceramic is cheaper and more common, infrared is more expensive and tends to be less common. There’s pros and cons to each so it really comes down to price point and the type of tent heater you want.
Ceramic heaters typically run on fans paired with a ceramic heating element. This means you could need to regularly clean a filter or fan to prevent the build up of dust and debris inside the unit. It also means there will be slightly more noise since there will be the sound of the mechanical fan running. Ceramic heaters typically are instantly cool after being turned off and maintain a cooler heating element.
Infrared heaters have a mostly silent operation since they don’t require fans for spreading the heat. This could also mean lower maintenance, since you don’t have to worry about cleaning the moving parts. Perhaps one of the main benefits of infrared heaters is that they are much more energy efficient and use significantly less power than a similar ceramic tent heater.
Both types offer almost instant heat (typically within 3 seconds), and can direct the heat in one direction or use an oscillating motion to heat a larger space more efficiently. Both types of heaters covered in this article are easily portable with a handle, and take up very little space.
Size of Interior Space
The above heaters vary greatly in the size and wattage, and therefore are intended to heat different size spaces. Because tents are inherently small, most of the above heaters would work well and some might even be too large. You should take into consideration the size of your tent or camper, and choose an appropriately sized tent heater for the situation which you intend on using it the most.
Electricity Availability
When talking about an electric tent heater, you obviously need to consider the electricity needs in order to properly run the unit. Most of the heaters on this list require about 1500 watts, while some of the smaller ones can run on 200-400 watts. If you have a battery or portable power station, one of the smaller ones would be best suited for that situation. If you have an electric hookup, you would need to look at what voltage it offers, compare that to what you will have hooked up to it, and see approximately what is leftover for use.
Our Opinion
Because of the risk associated with propane heaters, we can definitely see an argument for not using this setup while camping. That being said, there are plenty of precautions you can take that would make using a propane tent heater more safe. After all, there are several great products that are rated as “safe for indoor use” and that is their intended use.
If the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is too great for your liking, you could consider looking into other options. While an electric tent heater may seem like a great idea, it may not always be efficient enough and you could be left with a powerless and tent heater quite often. Just make sure you have something with enough power to run the tent heater for the amount of time you’re imagining.
Alternatives for Tent Heaters
If you’re concerned about using a propane heater in a tent, there are other ways to keep warm you can check out this post: how to stay warm in a tent and properly insulating your tent against the cold.
When it really comes down to it, the best thing you could possibly do to stay warm during a fall/winter/spring camping trip is buy the proper gear. A warm sleeping bag, a sleeping pad or cot with a high R-value, extra blankets, winter clothing, and a 4-season tent are must-haves for cold weather camping. Sleeping bags should have a comfort rating that is at least 15 degrees lower than you’re expecting, and you could also pair it with a sleeping bag liner to add even more warmth.
There are also some great options for heated camping gear or even heating a tent with a candle.
- Using a wood burning tent stove and a tent with a stove jack is an incredible way to keep your tent warm and cozy, but this is really only an option for people that camp in the winter a lot. Read more about the essentials for hot tenting here
- Heated camping gear is a better alternative when it comes to battery powered heat while you are camping. Everything from heated camping chairs, battery powered heated blankets, and even heated sleeping bags are available and make a huge difference when it comes to staying cozy at camp.
- Using a candle lantern – surprisingly enough, there are ways to heat your tent by using candles, and we’ve done a whole write up on how that works.
- A personal favorite of Ashley’s is to boil water, fill up a Nalgene, and put it near the foot of your sleeping bag right before crawling into bed.
FAQ
About the Author
Derek Vitiello
My goal with my writing and Know Nothing Nomads as a whole is to share my passions of hiking, camping, and a love of the outdoors with our readers. Making the difficult and uncertain feel more approachable to people that might not know enough to feel comfortable taking their first steps into the wilderness is a driving factor for me. When I’m not writing you can find me on a trail, in a forest, or next to a river with hiking shoes on my feet and a fly rod somewhere close by.