Whether an expert in the camping field or a novice, a cold-weather trip might be a tempting prospect. However, how do you balance the beauty of a winter adventure with potentially unbearable or hazardous conditions? A tent heater can make the difference between a test of endurance and an enjoyable time, but which are the best heaters for safe and appropriate use in a tent?
Portable heaters are abundantly available. However, only some are safely adapted for tent use. Before choosing the most suitable heater for your trip, consider the availability of power sources and the safety features of each heater type. While electric or ceramic heaters may provide a safe heating method if there is a power supply, those camping off-grid should carefully consider propane, wood-burning, or candle-based options.
To save you some time, our top pick tent heater is the Mr. Heater MH9BX Buddy for all camping trips, especially those off-grid. Those camping with an electrical hook-up might choose the METKIIO Space Heater or GiveBest Electrical portable options that can run wherever there is a power supply.
Word of Caution
Please note: propane heaters produce carbon monoxide, which is invisible, odorless, and deadly.
Therefore, it is absolutely vital that you choose a tent or inside-safe model if this is your heater type and ensure that your tent is adequately ventilated. Consider keeping a carbon monoxide monitor on hand.
A Rundown of the Best Tent Heaters
- Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy (Top Pick)
- BLUU Propane Heater
- METKIIO Space Heater
- Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Mini Heater (Budget Buy)
- GiveBest 1500W/750W Portable Small Space Heater
- Honeywell HHF370B 360 Degree Surround Fan Forced Heater
- OneTigris Tiger Roar Tent Stove (High End)
- UCO Candlelier Deluxe Candle Lantern
For each of the heaters we have selected, we consider: the heating power, runtime, portability, safety features, and price to give you a thorough insight into the best tent heaters on the market.
In addition, we will cover different kinds of tent heaters such as propane, ceramic, electric, inside tent stoves, and candle lanterns.
Compare Top Heaters For Tents
| Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Mr. Heater F232000 | 80 | 
Top Pick Propane Heater | Check Out On Amazon |
BLUU Propane Heater | 74 | Safe and Energy Efficient | Check Out On Amazon |
METKIIO Space Heater | 78 | Best Rated Ceramic Heater | Check Out On Amazon |
Amazon Basics 500W | 76 | 
Small Budget Heater | Check Out On Amazon |
GiveBest 1500W | 78 | Best Rated Electric Heater | Check Out On Amazon |
Honeywell HHF370B | 76 | 360-Degree Rotation Spreads Warmth Throughout Tent | Check Out On Amazon |
OneTigris Tiger | 66 | 
For Serious Long-Term Campers | Check Out On Amazon |
UCO Candlelier | 72 | Can Heat Small Amounts of Food and Water | Check Out On Amazon |
Propane Heaters For Tents
1. Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy
Overall Score: 80
Advantages
- Option to add a 20lb tank for extended run-time
- Portable
- Good for off-grid trips
- In-built safety features
Disadvantages
- May not work at altitudes over 7,000 feet.
Heating Power
The Buddy tent heater packs quite a punch with a power of 4,000 to 9,000 BTU (British Thermal Units).
It can even provide warmth to a family tent with 225 square feet covered by its heating capacity, which is nearly 100 percent efficient.
One disadvantage, though, is that the Buddy may not be functional at altitudes over 7,000 feet, so bear this in mind if you frequently camp at high-level sites.
Runtime
This handy contraption can run for almost two and half hours on high power and five and a half on low, meaning you can either choose to blast the heat before settling down for the night or keep it on low burn for a longer period.
There’s also the option for a 20lb tank hook-up, which can greatly extend the runtime.
Portability
Weighing only 9 pounds and reasonable in size, this Buddy heater is designed to be portable.
With reasonable dimensions of 7.7 x 13.4 x 15 inches, this heater is a good companion to take with you on off-grid camping trips.
Safety Features
One of the Buddy’s core benefits is that it is specifically designed for indoor use with several extremely welcome inbuilt safety features.
The heater will automatically shut off in certain circumstances for safety reasons, including if it is tipped over, if it detects low oxygen levels or if the pilot light is out.
There’s also a substantial wire guard to protect you from burns. This means you can rest easy in case of accidents.
Similarly, these safety features alleviate standard concerns over carbon monoxide poisoning by in-tent heaters.
Price
Coming in at between $80-100 dollars, the Buddy isn’t the cheapest option on our list, nor is it the most expensive but given its extensive safety features and portability, we think it’s well worth the money.
Mr. Heater has a range of highly recommended heaters in various sizes that are safe for in-tent use, so while we have chosen the Portable Buddy as our preferred option, you can also check out their range for alternative models.
2. BLUU Propane Heater
Overall Score: 74
Advantages
- Can heat large tents
- Thermostat system to save fuel
- Comes with protective grill to prevent burns
Disadvantages
- A bit heavy compared to other propane heaters
- Expensive
Heating Power
This kit comes out swinging with an impressive range of 4,600-10,000 BTU and a coverage of up to 300 square feet, meaning larger tents can still be kept snug and warm using this propane heater.
You can choose from ten temperatures with the Bluu heater, so you can select the most comfortable.
This heater also features a thermostat system that saves 30 percent of your fuel by maintaining a set temperature.
Runtime
With its energy-efficient design, the Bluu heater can keep your tent warm for up to five hours on a low-temperature setting and two hours on a high one.
As with the Buddy, there’s also the option to hook your heater up to a 20lb propane tank to significantly prolong the runtime.
Portability
Although designed to be moved, the Bluu heater is a little heavier than the Buddy at 10.53 pounds. It’s also a little bigger, with dimensions of 15.9 x 9.6 x 16.7 inches.
Nevertheless, this reasonably small heater performs well in heat output and range.
Safety Features
The Bluu heater has been designed with safety in mind and has CSA certification.
Although the manufacturers recommend that you use it in ventilated areas, the heater is built with a tip-over safety shut-off feature and sensors that detect low oxygen levels, which will also trigger the heater to turn off.
The Bluu heater also comes with a protective grill to prevent burns.
Price
This heater will set you back nearly $140, making it the more expensive option of our two propane heaters.
Remember, although the heater costs over $100 in initial investment, you make a 30 percent saving on your fuel, so you can make savings later down the line.
Ceramic Heaters For Tents
1. METKIIO Space Heater
Overall Score: 78
Advantages
- Heater can be switched to a cooling fan setting
- Very light and portable
- Affordable
Disadvantages
- Can only heat small to medium-sized tents
- Cannot be used off-grid (corded electric connection)
Heating Power
This neat little ceramic space heater has three heating modes that can provide up to 900 watts of energy to your tent. This is equivalent to a maximum of just over 3,000 BTU.
With a range of 100 square feet, the output and heated area are less than those of the propane heaters considered, although still sufficient to heat a small to medium-sized tent.
In addition, this heater can switch to a cooling fan setting, making it useful in cold and warm conditions.
Runtime
As a ceramic heater with a corded electric connection, this runs off your hook-up to a power supply and won’t run without.
As such, it is not useful for off-grid camping trips, but so long as you are plugged into an electricity supply, you can keep this heater going for as long as it suits you.
Portability
This tiny heater is well-suited for those wishing to travel light. It’s only 7.7 x 4.4 x 5-inches and 1.59 pounds, making portability one of its key features.
Safety Features
As the METKIIO is a space heater powered by electricity and not propane (as with all our non-propane fuelled heaters), carbon monoxide poisoning is not a concern.
This model also comes with technology to prevent overheating and will automatically shut off when tipped over or when it reaches a maximum temperature.
These fire-prevention features provide peace of mind to keep your tent safely warm.
Price
This is an excellent budget option for on-grid campers since it is priced at less than $40, and you may even be able to source it at less than $30 if you scout for deals.
2. Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Mini Heater
Overall Score: 76
Advantages
- Smallest and lightest
- Budget-friendly
Disadvantages
- Least amount of heating power
- Requires connected power supply
Heating Power
This budget heater can warm up in seconds and deliver 750 watts (equivalent to just over 2,500 BTU) of heat to a tent.
This ceramic coil heater delivers the least amount of heating power of our heaters so far, but this tiny piece of equipment can still help to keep a small or mid-size tent comfortable on a wintry night.
Runtime
As with the METKIIO space heater, so long as you are connected to a power supply, you are good to go, so this is a great option for smaller tents on a pitch with a mains supply.
Portability
The smallest and lightest of our heaters considered, this is a fantastic option for a backpacking trip to a campsite or a getaway where you have limited packing room.
It measures a tiny 5.87 x 3.2 x 6 inches and weighs only 1.43 pounds, so you’ll barely know you’re carrying it.
Safety Features
While it does not boast a temperature monitor and shut-off feature, the Amazon Basics heater has a well-built base which will help keep it safe and stable inside your tent.
Price
This is an excellent value option available at the extremely budget-friendly price of between $20 and $22, depending on the color.
Electric Heaters For Tents
1. GiveBest 1500W/750W Portable Small Space Heater
Overall Score: 78
Advantages
- Three power modes
- Quickly heats an area of 200 sq ft.
- Portable
- Budget-friendly
Disadvantages
- Requires connected power supply
Heating Power
With 3 power modes: low, high, and cool, this electric heater can deliver up to 1500 watts (equivalent to just over 5,000 BTU) of warmth to the inside of your canvas home.
With the ability to quickly heat an area of 200 feet, this electric heater has enough range for even the largest family tent.
Runtime
Although this is not suitable for wilderness camping or sites with no electrical hook-ups, so long as you are connected to a power supply, you can keep this heater running for as long as needed to keep you comfortable.
Portability
While this model is slightly heavier than the Amazon Basics heater, it’s still easily portable at just over 2 pounds and measuring 8.3 x 6.3 x 4 inches in size.
There’s also a handle to help with transportation and a long (6-foot) durable cable that makes it easy to connect and position your heater.
Safety Features
With tip-over shut-off, overheat shut-down, and constructed with flame retardant materials, this heater can deal with any boisterous campsite activity and is a safe heating option for any campsite with an electrical supply.
Price
Available from $25- $30, although not the absolute cheapest option, it’s very close to the most budget heater you can find, and the added safety features make this well worth the extra few dollars.
2. Honeywell HHF370B 360 Degree Surround Fan Forced Heater
Overall Score: 76
Advantages
- 360-degree rotation for evenly spread warmth
- Comes with 6 foot cord
- Not too bulky
Disadvantages
- Cannot turn off 360-degree rotation
- Requires electrical supply
Heating Power
This attractive-looking fan-forced heater with a temperature setter and a 360-degree rotation feature can evenly spread warmth throughout your tent.
It also has the benefit of a 1,2,4, or 8-hour timer, meaning you can set it to shut off during the night when you’re already warm enough to sleep.
It provides 1,500 watts of power (equivalent to over 5000 BTU), which can give you a little more energy than the ceramic heaters considered.
However, some users have pointed out that the 360-degree feature (which can’t be turned off) may be impractical if you want to keep your heater to the side as a lot of energy will be wasted pumping heat into the tent wall.
Runtime
Again, this heater can only be used with an electrical supply and would not be useful for any campsites that are not hooked up to power.
Portability
Weighing 3 pounds and at 8x 8x 11.5 inches, this heater isn’t the smallest in the electric/ ceramic selection.
Still, it’s not too bulky to be brought along on your camping trip, particularly if you are taking your vehicle.
As with the GiveBest heater, it also comes with more than 6 feet of cord, allowing plenty of leeway when choosing where to position your heater for maximum output.
There’s also a handle designed to be easy to grab, making it easy to transport and move around.
Safety Features
Since the Honeywell heater has a 360-degree range, it also comes with a 360-degree tip-over switch.
This is in addition to the protection from overheating, which was not available in the Amazon Basics model, and housing designed to be cool to the touch.
Price
At over $50, this tent heater is pricier than the ceramic options but still cheaper than the propane model, and the added 360-degree feature makes it an attractive choice.
Inside Tent Stoves
1. OneTigris Tiger Roar Tent Stove
Overall Score: 66
Advantages
- Produces significant heat
- Specially designed air-intake valve that prevents sparks
Disadvantages
- Requires firewood
- Heavy and cumbersome
- Expensive
Heating Power
A wood-burning’ inside tent’ stove can be a valuable addition to a campers’ kit made for use only in specially built tents with a stove jack.
There’s nothing quite like sitting around a roaring fire when it’s cold outside. Depending on the amount and type of wood available, this stove could produce significant heat.
Runtime
If you can keep this stove supplied with suitable firewood, it’ll keep burning regardless of the power supply.
Portability
At over 21 pounds and dimensions of 10.6 “L x 8.5 “W x 17.3 “H, this is the heaviest and most cumbersome option we’ve considered and may be more suited for long-term campsites or where you have a vehicle to transport this right to your tent site.
Safety Features
All wood-burning tent stoves must be used in a specially designed tent to ensure that campers aren’t inhaling dangerous fumes or smoke.
As a live flame is used, this stove type may be considered more dangerous than electric, ceramic, or tent-adapted propane heaters.
There are several safety features on this model, though, which comes with a specially designed air intake valve to aid combustion and prevent sparks that may lead to a fire.
In addition, the viewing panels are also designed to withstand extremely high temperatures.
Price
At $300, this stove is the priciest on our list and is probably most suited for serious or long-term campers.
Candle Lanterns For Tents
1. UCO Candlelier Deluxe Candle Lantern
Overalls Score: 72
Advantages
- Long-lasting candle gives 9 hours of heat and light
- Can heat small amounts of food and water
- Lightweight
Disadvantages
- A bit pricey
- May not be suitable for indoor use in some cases
Heating Power
This candle holder can hold up to 3 long-lasting emergency candles, providing you with up to 9 hours of light and up to 5000 BTUs of heat on hiking or camping trips.
A handy heat shield can also be used to heat small amounts of food or water, adding extra warmth to your in-tent experience.
Runtime
Each long-lasting candle can give you up to 9 hours of heat and light, and you can double (or triple) up on these to get maximum benefit.
Portability
At just over 1 pound, this is a lightweight addition to your camping gear and has a convenient handle for extra portability.
Safety Features
Since candle-holder heaters use live flames, this model has a glass chimney to ensure a windproof chamber to safely keep your candles lit.
Price
However, this convenient and multi-purpose heater is not our cheapest option, as it is priced at $40.
Conclusion
Most frequently recommended on campers’ forums and safely adapted to be used even at remote, off-grid sites, the Mr. Heater Buddy is the ideal tent-heating companion.
However, campers with access to power can choose an excellent, lighter, and more compact non-propane-based option if required.