Camping can be a lot of fun, but if you’re not prepared for the cold, it can be miserable. Even in the summertime, it can be chilly at night, and if you’re not prepared with the proper equipment, you risk ruining your camping trip.
One way to stay warm and comfortable is by using a propane heater in your tent. But are propone heaters safe to use in a tent?
The quick answer is – yes, it is safe to use them in your tent. However, you need to pay attention to proper setup, good ventilation, and knowing when to turn it off.
This article explores safety tips for using propane heaters in tents and reviews the best propane heater for tents in the market.
Propane Heaters - Top Recommendations (Summary)
Our top recommendations are shown below, and you can find a detailed review of the product below. We also recommend you read our detailed guide on choosing the best tent heater for you.
The best portable propane heaters for your tent in the market are:
- Mr Heater F215100 (Little Buddy) – up to 3,800BTU (best option for backpackers, hikers, and small tents)
- Mr Heater 232000 MH9BX Buddy – up to 9,000 BTU (most efficient portable propane heater for your tent – best value for money)
- Bluu Heater – up to 20,000 BTU (Powerful heater for over-sized tents)
Best option for backpackers, hikers, and small tents
Most efficient portable propane – best value for money (mid-sized tents)
Powerful heater for over-sized and family tents
Are propane heaters safe to use in a tent?
Mostly, propane heaters are safe to use in a tent thanks to the top-notch safety mechanisms and features embedded in this equipment.
However, if a propane heater is not handled correctly, it can cause fatal incidents, such as fire hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, and burn injuries. The majority of tent heater incidents reported by campers are related to equipment misuse and unsafe practices when handling the equipment, such as leaving the device running for long hours without monitoring conditions.
A significant part of the accidents could have been avoided by simply sticking to elementary safety instructions. All devices come with a detailed user manual that guides you on setting it up, turning it on, and switching it off.
Safety Measures for propane heaters in a tent
Unlike traditional propane heaters, the modern ones are equipped with advanced safety mechanisms. If you want to use a propane heater in a tent, be cautious and put the following safety measures in place.
Monitor Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Oxygen Levels
Exposure to high levels of monoxide carbon (CO) can lead to a wide variety of consequences in the human body, such as vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, blurred vision, and difficulty of thinking.
The severity of symptoms will vary in accordance with the exposure length and CO concentrations levels. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, CO levels below 70ppm (parts per million) should not trigger any major reactions and are considered safe.
However, as CO levels go up (above 70ppm), the poisoning effects start to appear, and you might experience some shortness of breath and nausea.
Above 150ppm, the difficulty of thinking and loss of orientation is likely to happen. Exposure to high levels for prolonged periods can lead to death. Therefore, be mindful of these risks.
If you ever experience one of these symptoms while using a propane heater, watch out and turn the equipment off. We always advocate for safety first; hence we recommend using a portable smart CO detector and constantly checking the concentration levels.
Safety Dispositives
A tent is a natural confined environment with limited internal space. This increases the risks of clashing, tipping, and/or dropping the heating device, which is dangerous.
When selecting your heater, check if they have the following safety dispositive:
- Carbon monoxide detector (you can this item separately – look for battery-powered versions)
- Overheating detector
- Fall Detector (tip-over)
We recommend only acquiring heaters with auto-shutoff mechanisms. They are electrical safety devices installed in the equipment to prevent it from working if any incident is detected.
Precaution Measures to use a propane heater in a tent
Precaution Measure 1 - Hoses connections and leaks
Always check hose connections and look for potential gas leaks.
The National Fire Protection Association created the video below to check potential leaks in hoses and connections in gas grills. However, the same safety procedures apply to your propane gas heater. It is straightforward – you only need:
- A brush
- A water sprayer to check gas leaks.
Precaution Measure 2 - Monitor Temperature
Make sure it has high-temperature safety guards to prevent accidental burns. After shutting off the equipment, make sure you place it in a cool area and isolate it.
It shouldn’t touch any flammable thing that can lead to a fire. If you are camping with kids or pets, isolate the cool-down area. Also, keep an eye on any animals that might collide with the equipment.
Precaution Measure 3 - Never sleep with the heater turned on or unattended
Always shut the heater off before you go to sleep. Even though this is a straightforward measure, many people forget to do it!
Precaution Measure 4 - Place the equipment in the right position
Ensure that the equipment is placed on a flat surface increase stability and decrease falling risks. Further, make sure that there is proper ventilation around the equipment.
The best (and safest) propone heaters for camping
Now that you know it is safe to use a propane heater in a tent, choosing the most reliable and functional heater is time. Below, we present our top-3 recommendations that you can safely use.
Mr. Heater F215100 (Little Buddy)
Mr. Heater provides the latest evolution in portable heating with this user-friendly propane heater. Mr Heater F215100 (Little Buddy) is designed to be used safely in cabins, garages, tents, workshops, patios, hunting blinds, or porches to heat spaces up 95 sq. ft.
It has a low-oxygen sensor that alarms you when oxygen levels have dropped. With its improved safety features, you comfortably use this eater in small spaces such as tents.
It has on/off simple buttons that allow you to switch your best working temperature. It requires a vent area of 4 square inches for maximum ventilation during operation.
The heater has a sturdy and stable base that keeps the unit in one position to prevent falling or causing accidents. Carrying it will be simple because it has a comfortable handle. Thanks to its compact design, if you have little storage space in your tent, this is the best to purchase.
Pros
- Runs up to 5.6 hours
- Equipped with safety detection systems
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor
- Excellent alternative for small tents
Cons
- It takes longer to light up
- Less powerful, therefore not suitable for medium to oversized tents
We recently wrote a detailed review of Mr Heater F215100 (Little Buddy) and recommend you reading it.
Mr Heater 232000 MH9BX Buddy
Mr Heater 232000 MH9BX Buddy is North America’s most popular heater, and it is suitable for heating small and large tents. The 4,000-9, 000-BTU heater can heat spaces of up to 225 square feet, providing an incredible heating efficiency.
Furthermore, it comes with a low oxygen auto shut-off feature that alerts you when oxygen levels are critical in your tent to increase your safety. The mechanisms automatically shut the unit down if the heater is knocked down or when not functioning well.
The mechanisms automatically shut the unit down if the heater is knocked down or when not functioning well.
Mobility is its surname – carrying it will be simple because it has a sturdy handle, and you can keep it in tight areas thanks to its small design.
The heater has high and low settings, allowing you to choose a setting that will suit your tent warming needs. A wire guard surrounds the heating surface to prevent accidental burns.
Other than camping, this heater can be used in job sites, workshops, decks, patios, porches, garages, tailgate parties, storage buildings, sporting events, and many more.
Pros
- It has low oxygen shutoff feature
- Powerful enough to heat both small and large spaces
- Small and portable
- Simple to use
- Good value for money
Cons
- You can find cheaper version in the market
Bluu Propane Heater
This heavy-duty heater from Bluu is constructed with top-notch technology to give you the best outdoor experience. Compared to other heaters in the market, this one has a broader coverage and more heat. The heater is efficient enough to warm a 300 square foot space.
Bluu 20,000 BTU Heater has an automatic shut-off feature that turns the unit off when the oxygen is low or when the heater is tipped over.
Its reliable safety features ensure anyone using this unit is safe. It comes with an adjustable thermostat, where you can pick your preferred temperature, and it has knobs that allow you to make adjustments for your ideal environment.
It is one of the best energy-efficient heaters in the market, meaning when it reaches the desired temperature, it slowly reduces the core temperature.
This ensures it is safer and energy-efficient. Besides, the heater can run up to 5 hours on low setting and 2 hours on the highest setting.
Pros
- Thermostat facilitates temperature control
- Heavy-duty components and enhanced durability
- Very Safe
- Convenient and easy to operate
- Ideal for family tents
Cons
- None identified
- Not suitable for small tents
FAQ
What propane heater should I use for backpacking?
If you are backpacking or camping in a small group, we recommend using Mr Heater F215100 (Little Buddy) . It offers a good heating output with excellent portability.
What propane heater should I use for big tents (i.e. family camping)?
You probably will need a bigger heater if you are camping with a large group. We recommend the following:
- Mr Heater 232000 MH9BX Buddy – For groups up to 6 campers
- Bluu 20,000 BTU Heater – For groups with more than 6 people
Is it safe to sleep with my propane heater on?
We do not recommend you sleep with your propane heater on because of carbon monoxide poisoning and other potential hazards (i.e. fire initiation).
Which safety mechanisms should my heater have?
It would be best if you looked for options with the following safety mechanisms:
- Carbon monoxide detector (you can this item separately – look for battery-powered versions)
- Overheating detector
- Fall Detector
How can I insulate my tent?
You can:
- Use special insulation material in your tent
- Insulate your tent floor
- Assess which tent is most suitable for winter camping
- Use smaller tents
- Avoid pitching your tent in open areas.
- Use a suitable sleeping bag.
We have prepared a detailed article with terrific tips – read it here.
How can I heat my tent without electricity?
We have prepared an article with 10 easy tips to help you heat your tent without electricity. They are:
- Choose the appropriate tent material
- Pitch your tent at the right spot
- Use warm blankets
- Bring the adequate sleeping bags
- Intake enough calories
- Use a hot water bottle.
- Try light exercise before going to bed
- Drink hot beverages
- Insulate your tent
- Use a portable propane heater
Verdict
So, after reading our guide above, you’ve seen it is safe to use a propane heater in your tent. However, you need to make sure you follow all the safety measures and manufacturer’s instructions and strictly follow safety instructions.
All products detailed above are excellent, but each will suit you better according to your heating requirements, as detailed below.
Best option for backpackers, hikers, and small tents
Most efficient portable propane heater for your tent – best value for money (mid-sized tents)
Powerful heater for over-sized and family tents
Don’t forget, always check whether your preferred device has the following safety dispositive:
- CO detector
- Auto shutoff mechanism for both tip-off and overheating events.
We hope this article was helpful and you have a cozy and warm night in your tent!
