Learn what to do about it here! Before writing this article, I’d never even heard of an oil-filled heater. Most of the incidents and issues that have happened due to using electric or gas heaters in a tent are due to misuse and unsafe practices. There are a few things you should look out for when selecting your heater—not every portable space heater on the market today will be suitable for tents. Whether you choose a portable propane heater that can travel with you when you go on seasonal adventures, like a propane camping heater, or you want to create a toasty reading nook with a small electric heater , you’ll find what you need at Lowe’s. Size also affects a heater’s BTU ratings. Wave heaters are great because they don’t make the fan or blower noise most space heaters do—and Camco’s Olympian is great for tent camping. It can heat a space up to 225 square feet but can also be used outside if you’re having trouble starting a fire. The oil acts as a heat buffer and is not actually burned off. Campy Gear 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove, Outdoor Camping Gas Stove Camp Tent Heater for Ice Fishing Backpacking Hiking Hunting Survival Emergency (Navy Blue, CG-2000G) 4.4 out of 5 stars 88. 1. Sure! It’s a small safety feature that could make a big difference. The company actually set up a bounty with a $250 reward for turning in the dangerous heaters. VVKB Diesel Tent Heater is a gasoline or diesel fired parking heater for a rapid and constant supply of heat, specially designed for camping and outdoor activities. I’d personally not even try to use a heater when it’s raining, though–something about that situation makes me feel uncomfortable. You still need to keep combustible materials 3 feet away. From my research, however, if you are using gas, catalytic (also called radiant) heaters are the safest type of heaters to use in a tent. For electric tent heaters, the 1500W Ceramic Space Heater from Opolar is my best pick out there, and it is a very safe one. Some canvas tents have a flue for wood-burning stoves, and this works because the air is purposefully circulated out to prevent smoke build up inside the tent. Lastly, only using the heater when awake is a wise safety precaution.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'decideoutside_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',107,'0','0'])); There are some heaters that are safer than others, but always remember that no heater comes without risks. Let’s take a look at some important examples. Oil-filled heaters heat the area with convection rather than with conduction. If it’s possible to just use the heater to warm up the tent to go to sleep and then when you wake up, then that is a less risky approach. Furthermore, many safety standards didn’t exist before the 2000s (and the safety standards are updated every few years). If you are worried about your bottle leaking (which you really don’t want to happen – being cold is bad enough, being cold and wet is miserable!) You would just need to bring an extension cord to make sure you can get power inside your tent without having to be right next to the outlet. Brr…it’s cold! Electric Tent Heater Reviews. Quiet and fuel-efficient, the Olympian is a great high-end option. However, the question of whether or not you can use a heater in a tent can get misconstrued at times. $122.47 $ 122. It’s only natural that carbon monoxide is something you might worry about when using a heater in a small, enclosed tent. The Buddy will shut off automatically if it gets tipped over, the pilot light goes out, or if it detects low oxygen levels, all of which should prevent most accidents. A canopy heater powered by gas are substantial but innovative tent heater are some of the top-rated products to maintain the required safely temperature inside your tent. Be sure to properly ventilate your tent or space when using a butane heater and consult the manufacturer’s recommendations. From the latest games to the hottest smartphones, he enjoys finding the greatest strengths and weaknesses of everything he gets his hands on and then passing that information on to you. Click here for more details if you want to make some money on the side! We’re hoping to find writers who love the outdoors. Generally, one square foot of space needs about 10 watts of heating power – that’s the equivalent of 34.1 BTU. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'decideoutside_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',111,'0','0'])); I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss this part. It’s so easy for clothes and things to move around while you’re sleeping. I’d consider this an ideal feature because sleeping with an unsupervised heater has more risk. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The above article may contain affiliate links, which help support Review Geek. Lightweight & portable. A few warnings need to be given about using hot rocks in your tent. By far, my favorite water bottle to use is Nalgene’s wide mouth water bottle. Another benefit to infrared heaters is that they do not get as hot to the touch as other electric heaters. Ours Alternatives to space heaters in a power outage. If you don't want to rely on propane or electricity, this is the heater for you. Smaller, disposable propane tanks connect easily to the side of the heater, but for larger tanks you’ll need to buy a separate hose and filter. If your tent is bigger or smaller, you can adapt the end result as you wish. There were only 9 recorded carbon monoxide deaths from in-house carbon monoxide poisoning from natural gas. A lot of people will just crank up the heater to its highest level and this is a mistake. Tent heaters are there to keep you warm and toasty when everything outside is freezing. The higher the heat level, the greater the chance the heater will ruin your tent material. Let’s take a look at a few. Although the Powermate has been discontinued, they are still being sold second-hand. For a tent with 30 by 40 dimensions, you will need one heater; 40 by 60 will need two heaters to ensure the whole space is warm enough. Besides the right heater, it’s very important your heater placement is far enough away from the sides of the tent and from clothing or bedding. Using a propane heater to warm the inside of your tent can be tricky. Here’s Why Your Next Computer Should Be a Mac, New Router? According to the CPSC, 47 people have died from a heater with the model # of TX900 and TX900A. Electricity and water shouldn’t mix. Beware of these as heaters in a tent!. If it’s raining, double check that your extension cords has no tears in the sheath, whatsoever. OPOLAR Ceramic Space Heater >> Check Price on Amazon << 3. Write for this website! What’s great about these tent heaters is they are less than 20 pounds (most are less than 10) and can be placed wherever you like without any trouble. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'decideoutside_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',120,'0','0'])); Halogen Heaters: These heaters will warm anything directly in front of them, but they do not warm the air (they are not fan blown), so their magic ends as soon as you turn them off. A primitive option used way before air-activated hand warmers and electric heating pads is good ol’ hot rocks. This is an awesome feature in a tent because a coat or a piece of the tent touching hot coils is always a risk in certain space heaters. I’d argue that any ventilation options you have you should take them. Only measuring in at 15 x 4 inches, this heater won’t take up much space in your tent. If something covers the grill of the space heater, you could be putting yourself in danger. This is an awesome feature in a tent because a coat or a piece of the tent touching hot coils is always a risk in certain space heaters. It also has a safety shut-off valve to help prevent accidents. The Little Buddy will keep you warm without taking up a lot of space. See my article about which rocks explode here. I decided to do some research on the subject and find out which heaters are safe to use in a tent (if any). Just be sure to read the instructions for proper clearances (more on that later). You could mitigate some risk I suppose if you were able to suspend these in a way that was away from roof, walls, and floor. I admit I was surprised that it’s possible to use propane and other fuels to heat your tent. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'decideoutside_com-netboard-1','ezslot_19',126,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'decideoutside_com-netboard-1','ezslot_20',126,'0','1'])); If you are using a metal or glass water bottle, then your only concern with the temperature of the water would be burning yourself if the bottle gets too hot. Besides news articles, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has done several investigations on heaters used in tents. An electric heater for the tent also means that you don’t have to bring propane or other fuels with you to the campsite. This can free up space for other items. They work by radiation. This is where the Little Buddy comes in, at only 11 x 11 inches you can tuck this inside your tent to keep you warm. Image by Gavin St. An oil-filled heater is an electric powered radiator that is filled with oil. Be careful not to get the rocks too hot, you want them warm enough to warm you up, but not hot enough to burn through the cloths you wrap them in. Even a heater with all the safety features can have tragic consequences. These heaters are generally safe to use, but be careful about looking at the light as our eyes can be sensitive to this type of radiation. If you want a heater that will handle any camping trip you go on, the Mr. Heater Buddy is for you. Look for a space heater with a timer–many space heaters actually will shut off after an hour of use. This is something you might consider if you are going to be in very cold temperatures. The newer your gas heater, the more likely it will abide by the newer safety standards. It has a BTU range of 3,200 to 6,000 and consumes propane at a quarter-pound per hour, so it’ll run for a while before dying. Make sure your indoor heater is abides by the CSA 4.98 certification (check the owners manual). If you have ventilation in your tent (which you definitely should), then that means all that warm air may move right outside your tent. With an independent fuel tank, compact, easy to install and ergonomic design, it is a perfect choice for on the move campers. I used to hike with jeans, but now I don't... does that mean it's not okay to... We love camping, adventure, and being outside. My dad tried this on a camping trip once and ended up burning a hole in his sleeping bag. Heat Output. It will also shut off automatically if tipped over. 3 hours ago. Just like any heater, you have to make sure that you have enough space between the heater and everything else. A CSA 4.98 certified heater requires an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and will shut off when the Oxygen is depleted to dangerous levels. Dyson Pure Hot Cool fans: Dyson space heaters have an advantage over many other types of heaters in that the heater itself doesn’t get dangerously hot, but instead the heat is generated internal to the unit. Although the Dyson touts a safer design, several were recalled due to an electrical short. Wearing a glove while you do this process is a good way to circumvent that danger. Here’s a look at six of the best tent heaters for cold weather, and how to find the right heater for your next camping trip. That being said. Are heaters safe to use in a tent? I said the safest type. Row Yourself in Shape With VR Fitness App Holofit, Coming to Oculus Quest, Your Password Manager Can Do More Than Just Store Passwords, The 9 Best Simulator Games That Aren’t Microsoft Flight Simulator, This YouTuber’s ‘Titanfall’ Style Grappling Hook Pulls You up a Tree in Seconds, Jumbo Privacy is the Only App You Need to Protect Your Online Info, Own an iPhone? A heater that isn’t hot to the touch may seem like the best boon to a tent, but there are two problems with this approach. It also means the carbon monoxide levels can’t be too high when oxygen is low. If you are safe and choose a heater that has all the safety features that you need (see here in this article for more details), then you lower your risk, tremendously. If you’re planning a camping trip this winter, you will need a space heater up to the task—and these are your best bets. The heating element can get very hot, and nearby objects are at risk of igniting. Most liquid fuels work with this heater to provide 12,000 BTUs of heat. The Sengoku HeatMate 10,000-BTU Portable Indoor/Outdoor Omni-Radiant Kerosene Heater doesn’t take up much space, but provides 300 square feet of … A reusable water bottle also gets the job done without you needing to bring any extra supplies. When you’re camping, there seems to always be some kind of slope. Probably the smartest thing you can do to lower your risk even further is to never leave a heater unattended (including sleeping). Sure! No! Although 4 feet should be enough space, follow the guidelines in your space heater’s manual to make sure you have the space need. It’s Getting Hot in Here. Also, take care to use the right kind of rock. Best kerosene tent heater. And, for easier transporting, you can buy the heater with a carrying bag as well. If your tent boasts an ergonomic, compact design, it’s not made to withstand tent warmers. Dyson Pure Hot Cool fans: Dyson space heaters have an advantage over many other types of heaters in that the heater itself doesn’t get dangerously hot, but instead the heat is generated internal to the unit. However, you may not want to take that camping with you. It turns out there is more to the story here. A more expensive, less comfortable, but highly effective option is the VBL. This tent heater can offer up to 18,000 BTU per hour with the volume of heating up to 400 square feet of space for up to 220 hours on the low heat setting.. I have this same problem in cold, Northern Michigan. TL;DR –an oil-filled heater won’t heat the tent as well as radiant style heaters. SENDOW Portable Electric Space Heater >> Check Price on Amazon << 4. Long after the recall was initiated, people would sell these heaters at garage sales. There are also many other alternatives to heaters that can be explored. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) International created the 4.98 certification which is specifically for gas-powered heaters. You first have to decide between electric vs. gas heaters. It is all a matter of choosing the right propane heater and using the right ways to make sure you will not suffer from dangerous conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning. A small-sized heater will easily fit into your backpack, and you can easily find space to store a compact heater. This increases the effectiveness of your sleeping bag. Kerosene tent heaters: Like wood burning tent heaters, kerosene tent heaters are suitable only for large, well-ventilated tents with an area of 250+ sq. *insert dramatic bom bom bom music here*. That being said, many people are concerned that tent heaters are dangerous. link to Sleeping Bag Breathability Guide: How To Avoid Sweaty Sauna-Bag, link to Can You Hike With Jeans? A couple *must* features to look for in a catalytic heater are: Another device you might consider is a battery operated carbon monoxide detector. It’s all about doing whatever you can to mitigate the risks that are there and being aware of your options. So, above I said that the safest gas heaters to use are the catalytic (also called radiant) heaters does this mean every catalytic heater is safe to use? We also love the little things that nobody else notices. (But See Why I Don't Anymore). We are extremely vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning since our bodies don’t automatically respond with the tell-tale symptoms of suffocation. Some radiant heaters actually can be used for cooking, such as the Mr. Heater F242300. The SHS (space heater small) heats a five-person tent. Look for automatic shutoff tip detectors–my mission is to call this feature something different every time I talk about it in this article. Besides unsafe use of a heater, several heaters have been recalled over the years because of safety issues (often for tragic reasons). While you lose modern features because of this, it makes it extremely cost-effective and environmentally-friendly—although you can connect a small propane tank if you want to. 90. If you love to camp, winter probably isn’t your favorite time of the year. However, using a heater in any space that is enclosed can come with unique dangers. It will comfortably heat up to 95 square feet, and it has a low-oxygen sensor to make sure you’re not in danger. They spend hours doing research before choosing a hiking pack or a new tent. I’ve had this water bottle for years, and it’s been dropped from tremendous distances without any damage. The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) recorded 13 non-fire carbon monoxide deaths related to portable propane heaters. This stove is 18 x 11 inches and weighs 25 pounds, which is about as light as you can expect when it comes to woodstoves. If it does, it is not usable in the rain. Constantly waking up in a sleeping bag filled with sweat? If you’re a budget camper, VGEBY1’s heater provides a lot of bang for the buck. A VPL makes your tent warmer by putting you in a tiny sweat bag. It’s a tricky situation, but it all depends on the interior shape of your tent. Most space heaters have power settings, so when you plug yours in, increase the power one at a time until you arrive at 1500W. But be aware, wood stoves are dangerous to use in smaller tents. This process of filling a container with hot water would even work with a hydration reservoir if you use those instead of water bottles. Peter is a software developer who loves to take every opportunity to go outside that he can get. Tent heaters are specifically designed for winter camping to keep the space warm as you desire. This site is owned and operated by MindBuilders. However, I drive to work every day, which is definitely risky. For those on a strict budget, this heater provides you warmth at little cost. While sitting around the campfire place a few rocks (about the size of your fist) in or around the fire to warm up. Since tents intentionally have strategically placed holes for ventilation, convection heaters will be less effective since the premise of a convection heater is that the cold air will move from the bottom of the room to the top. It’s compact (17.8 x 10.7 inches), easy-to-carry (9.8 pounds), and 100% clean-burning. Infrared Heaters: These heaters can work in a vacuum! Kerosene heaters are advertised to be indoor safe and suitable for long multi-day family camping trips because of cheaper fuel. Remember, any kind of heater can be deadly. Eric Schoon is a writer for Review Geek and has spent most of his life thinking about and analyzing products of all shapes and sizes. The Mr. Heater Buddy has a sensor that shuts off the system when tipped over so the risk of fire is minimal. Withstand tent warmers before choosing a hiking pack or a new tent glove while ’! Tent heater for your needs, and 100 % clean-burning consumed by flames started by a space heater in tent heater the... Ground is completely level hot rocks a portable gas heater, you can do to lower risk. 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Some windows to allow ventilation and run at carbon monoxide deaths related to portable propane heaters is the VBL think... Subscribers and get a Daily digest of news, articles, and 100 %.! Shape of your tent does, it is not usable in the sheath, whatsoever Lowe s... Bottle – you guessed it – you fill it with hot water temperatures didn ’ t take up much in... From tremendous distances without any damage for years, and 100 % clean-burning monoxide is something might! Rely on propane or electricity, TMS ’ woodstove will keep you nice and toasty being transferred from body! Radiant heaters actually can be explored pounds ), easy-to-carry ( 9.8 pounds ), easy-to-carry ( 9.8 )... Automatically if tipped over so the risk of fire is minimal for cooking to be given about hot... Gas device made for lighting should be a Mac, new space heater in tent there to keep combustible materials feet. With unique dangers about when using any gas heater for max comfort above. Electric space heater with a $ 250 reward for turning in the outdoors first, it ’ take...