The cold season has arrived, and you are wondering how to keep your tent ward during freezing nights? A camping electric heater might be an excellent solution for you.
Electric heating devices are safer than gas heaters since they do not release monoxide carbon or reduce oxygen levels (f you want learn more about tent heater safety, read this article).
Apart from safety advantages, they are also cheaper, easy to operate and provide you with almost instant temperature increase. The table below summarizes pros and cons of electric heating devices.
You can find our top 4 camping electric heater options in the next section – check below!
Pros of electric heaters
- Very safe – do not release CO nor affect oxygen levels in the environment
- Provides very quick heat (high temperature increase
- Cheap alternative
- Most of them come with electronic adjustable thermostats
Cons of electric heaters
- Need for electric connection / hook ups
- High energy consumption
Camping Electric Heater - Product reviews
But what are the best options for camping electric heaters? We have reviewed the options available in the market and recommend these models according to your needs:
- Budget-Friendly Option – Amazon Basics 1500W Oscillating Ceramic Heater
- Best value for money (our choice) – Dreo Space Heater – 70-Degrees Oscillating Portable Heater
- Heavy duty and best durability – DuraHeat EUH1465 – 1500W
- Best for backpackers, hikers and small tents – Compact Electric Heater – Lakso Heating Space Heater(200W)
Let’s go through a detailed review of each device below.
Budget Friendly Option – Amazon Basics 1500W Oscillating Ceramic Heater
Best Overall – Dreo Space Heater (1500W) – Our choice
Heavy Duty Option – DuraHeat EUH1465 – 1500W
Best for backpackers, hikers, and small tents – Lakso Heating Space Heater (200W)
Amazon Basics 1500W Oscillating Ceramic Heater - Budget Friendly
The AmazonBasics 1500W Oscillating Ceramic Heater is one of the known portable heaters for camping due to its temperature controls, simple design, and 1500-watt heat output.
Even though it measures 7.52 x 6.34 x 10.04 inches (LxWxD) and weighs only 3.2 pounds, it provides 1500W (approximately 5000 Btu), making it a good alternative for small to large tents.
This space heater has a fully adjustable thermostat that adjusts the heat with four separate modes to bring convenience, including low, medium, high, and fan-only.
There is no room for error when using this electric tent heater because it has easy controls, including a power indicator light that alerts you when the unit is plugged in.
It includes a tip-over switch with an auto-shutoff and overheat protection with auto-off for safety. Never worry about safety because it will shut down automatically any time it is knocked or when it experiences a problem.
What you will love about the AmazonBasics oscillating heater is its flexible design. It includes a well-padded carrying handle that makes carrying simple, plus it has a small size that will make it easy to store in tight spaces. So, if your tent doesn’t have much space, this is the portable camping heater to buy.
Pros
- It has an oscillating option for better heat dispersal in different directions
- This is a lightweight and compact tent heater
- Good little heater for the price
Cons
- The temperature control is not the easiest
Dreo Space Heater - 70-Degrees Oscillating Portable Heater - Our Choice
When camping in the winter season, a good space heater is essential to keep you warm and ensure your tent is cozy – bring the Dreo Space Heater during your next camping trip, and you will not have any issues.
The heater has a large LED display that eliminates guesswork by offering you complete device control, and it has a variety of options to customize your heating needs.
Using the built-in timer, you can select a time you want the heater to shut down from 1 to 12 hours (an outstanding feature for those worried about safety). The auto-off timer will allow you to enjoy your sleep, relax, and not bother with turning it off in the middle of the night.
Further, It has a trackball system that offers quieter and smoother oscillation than the traditional space heaters.
Measuring 5.51 x 6.69 x 10.31 inches (LxWxH) and weighing 450g, it is highly versatile and robust. This heavy-duty heater has a metal mesh that distributes heat fast and distributes heat evenly, and the compact size makes it easy to store.
It is fitted with 4 energy-efficient modes: high (1500W), low (1000W), ECO mode that adjusts based on ambient temperature, and fan-only mode.
To facilitate reallocation inside your tent and campsite, Dreo portable heater comes with a recessed design at the back that allows you to carry the heater whenever you go.
The heater has a pre-installed and detachable dust filter that blocks dust, airborne particles, and pollens to let you enjoy clean, warm air. The filter is simple to detach for washing without requiring any tool.
It has a switch that reacts with an alarm when the unit is tipped over or not working properly. Furthermore, it has a sensor that automatically shuts the unit when it reaches 122-degrees F and also has reinforced prongs and fire-resistant materials, making it a safe option to use in any camping tent.
Pros
- The camping heater is economical and energy-efficient
- It has 3 efficient heating modes and fan mode
- The unit has multiple safety features
- Operates at low noise levels
- Comes with built-in timer
Cons
- Constantly shuts off after reaching the ambient temperature.
DuraHeat EUH1465 - 1500W - Heavy Duty Option
Here is another portable heater for camping designed to provide reliable warmth even in the coldest camping months (Dura Heat EUH1465). Setting up the electric heater is simple, where you only plug the 6ft plug into any 120V power outlet, set the controls to your desired setting, and start receiving clean heat.
It has a ceramic PTC heating element coupled with a powerful fan to maximize heat distribution. The heater provides up to 5 120 BTUs with its powerful heating element. You can use the electric heater on different tent floors, thanks to its base that maintains stability.
The electric heater is constructed from heavy-duty steel that can withstand various outdoor elements such as rust, dust, accidental drops. Using the built-in carry handle, you can move the heater you need. It includes a sturdy stand that supports directional adjustments so that you can get heat to a concentrated area.
Dura HeatEUH1465 electric heater is safe to use, thanks to its overheat shut-off that turns it off automatically when it overheats or runs abnormally. It features a compact size (6.5 x 8 x 8.5 inches) and a large ergonomic handle on the top, making it simple to transport and store (only weighs 4.4 pounds).
The control area has large dials that allow you to adjust your preferred settings, plus you will easily notice when it is on/off using its power indicator.
Pros
- Excellent heavy-duty features
- It has safety mechanisms that make it reliable to use in any tent and campsite
- Includes a handle for transportation
- Compact and suitable choice for small tents
Cons
- None identified
BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner
If you are looking for a versatile and multifunctional space heater, the Lasko space heater is your bet. It provides concentrated heat ideal for your tent, desktop, garage, or any room in your home. The heater offers safe warmth while only consuming 200 watts of power.
The heater has simple controls that allow you to change the heater on/off, and you can select a heating level you are comfortable with. Lasko electric tent heater has many safety features, including auto shut off, self-regulating ceramic element, overheating protection and cool-touch housing to ensure you are safe every time.
It comes fully assembled and ready to use out of the box, measuring surprising 1.8 x 4.3 x 6.1 inches and weighing under 1 pound so that you can carry it easily. Thanks to its small size, you can store it in compact spaces when not in use.
Given its compact size and lightweight features, it is a perfect match for backpackers, solo campers, and hikers.
Pros
- It is energy efficient, only uses 200-watts
- Very compact and lightweight
- This is a versatile and multipurpose heater
- Ideal for backpackers, solo travellers, hikers
- Features a powerful built-in fan that distributes warm air
- It has overheat protection and cool-touch housing for safety
Cons
- Disassembling the heater for cleaning is a challenge
- It only has one setting.
FAQ
Is it safe to use a electric heater inside my tent?
Overall, yes. However, you must pay attention to overheating and never leave the equipment unattended. Further, avoid placing it close to flammable elements, such as cardboard and paper.
Can I sleep with my heater turned on?
Electric heaters do not release CO or decrease energy levels, and theoretically, you should not worry about CO poisoning risks. However, even though we only recommend options with auto-shutoff mechanisms, overheating is still a risk.
All in all, we DO NOT recommend sleeping with any heater turned on.
I don't an electric hookups in my campsite. What should I do?
You can use gas heaters, such as propane heaters, kerosene heaters, butane devices, or run your electric heater via a solar-powered battery (below)
Verdict
Electric heaters are the safest option for your tent. If you are fortunate enough to have electric hookups at your campsite, do not hesitate to use them.
With multiple options available in the market, we looked for compact, affordable and efficient alternatives that provide excellent heating outputs.
Overall, our choice is Dreo Space Heater. However, we understand that different campers have different needs and preferences. Our other recommendations are:
- Budget-Friendly Option – Amazon Basics 1500W Oscillating Ceramic Heater
- Heavy duty and best durability – DuraHeat EUH1465 – 1500W
- Best for backpackers, hikers and small tents – Compact Electric Heater – Lakso Heating Space Heater(200W)
We hope this article has helped you find the most suitable camping electric heater – enjoy your camping trip.
