Cold weather camping can be uncomfortable and dangerous when you don’t have the right heating gear. You risk hypothermia or frostbite that can lead to death. Luckily, camping enthusiasts have developed heating devices that ensure you are safe and comfortable.
Kerosene tent heaters are a good alternative for portable propane units. Compared to the latter, kerosene options offer less moisture and they are more efficient (produce approximately 47% more BTU per gallon), being ideal for a large group of campers within family-sized tents.
Further, when we talk about value for money, they can be a cheaper solution depending on kerosene’s price (it is a distillate of crude oil, and, therefore, prices will vary following oil prices).
On the other hand, they require more maintenance and produce more gas emissions than propane heaters. The maintenance of kerosene heaters will include disposing of the remains of burnt fuel that accumulates during equipment usage.
Because of its high efficiency, you can probably find minor equipment that can heat larger areas when compared to propane devices.
We handpicked some options that might suit different camper needs:
- Best Option overall – Lightweight and portable: Sengoku Heat Mate 10,000 BTU.
- Budget Friendly Option: RHXX Kerosene Stove Heateru
- Best for Hiking and Backpacking: HKTK Portable Kerosene Heater
- Best Multi-Function Kerosene Stove: Campy Gear Wiry 2-in-1 Portable Kerosene Tent Heater
Let’s go through a detailed review of each product below.
Kerosene Tent Heaters - Product Reviews
Sengoku Heat Mate 10,000 BTU - Best Alternative
The Sengoku Heat Mate 10,000 BTU is a safe and economical way to heat your tent during the cold season. Other than camping, it is a good alternative in events of power failure at our homes. Among the best kerosene tent heater in the market, it is one of the models that can heat an area of up to 380 sq. ft.
This powerful tent heater from Sengoku has a maximum heat output of 10 000 BTU, making it a good option for large tents, poorly insulated rooms, and other hard-to-heat spaces. The kerosene heater has a fuel capacity of 1.2 gallons, enough to provide heat for 14 hours.
To make it hassle-free to operate, it has a simple push-button start and an EZ flame adjuster. Moreover, it includes an automatic shut-off that shuts the heater off when knocked accidentally or when low fuel level. Unlike some heaters that are hard to carry and store, this is one of the best kerosene tent heaters in the market and has a lightweight and compact design for easy carrying and storage.
Using the fuel gauge, you can easily see the fuel level and keep the heater running. It includes a manual siphon pump for quick kerosene transfer to the heater without any mess.
Pros
- It has a heavy-duty construction with safety guard grills
- Features a maximum output of 10000 BTU, and it can heat an area of up to 380sq.ft
- The heater is safe to use, thanks to the included auto shut off
- Good emergency heat source
Cons
- None identified
RHXX Kerosene Heater - Budget Friendly Option
If you are looking for a kerosene tent heater, RHXX heater keep you warm in a cold tent, this kerosene tent heater is the best for you. It has a maximum calorific value of 10, 000BTU/H, consuming 0-2-0.25 L/h. It produces powerful heat that can warm a room of more than 25 square meters (270 sq ft).
The kerosene tent heater features a unique metal-burning chimney that allows the kerosene to burn well, heating faster and more efficiently. Still, the camping stove has an energy-saving design, where it has the effect of log fuel, no oil, no gas, and no smoke damage.
This tent heater has a combustion chimney made of metal that allows the kerosene to be burned completely and faster. The heating stove has a fuel tank capacity of 6.0L, and it comes with a storage bag for convenient carrying. It is light and small in appearance, meaning you can carry it anywhere, and it is suitable for fishing, hiking, camping, barbecue, and other outdoor occasions.
RHXX kerosene stove heater has a stainless steel construction that can resist rust and corrosion for long-lasting performance. Overall, with this kerosene tent heater, you can say goodbye to bulky heaters and start using this flexible tent heater.
Pros
- It has a wide range of uses
- Made from rust-resistant stainless steel
- It can heat a room of up to 25 square meters
- The stove is lightweight and convenient to use
Cons
- Not ideal for medium to large tents
HKTK Portable Kerosene Heater - Best for Hiking and Backpacking
HKTK Portable Kerosene Tent Heater is another quality device you can use during your next camping trip to keep you warm. It provides electric-free heat that can be relied on in emergencies. Other than heating a large area for long, it acts as an additional light source. The heater has a large oil tank that can hold up to 1.5kg, and it provides heat for 4-6 hours when the tank is full.
This is another quality kerosene tent heater you can use during your next camping trip to keep you warm. It provides electric-free heat that can be relied on in emergencies. Other than heating a large area for long, it acts as an additional light source. The heater has a large oil tank that can hold up to 1.5kg, and it provides heat for 4-6 hours when the tank is full.
When the fuel level is low, the wicks reduce heat output to prevent the heater from burning or causing accidents. It contains a total of 8 wicks that can be used for 7-8 months (depending on how often you use the stove). The wicks absorb kerosene faster, and they are efficient.
Even though it does not have heat settings, it has a control dial that adjusts the size of the flame and wicks. It is constructed from wrought iron material that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions without rusting. Besides, the stove has a sturdy base that keeps it in one position and prevents falling.
Most kerosene heaters have an auto shut-off feature; unfortunately, this one does not. Instead, the connection between the kerosene tank and upper parts is secure such that it will not spill kerosene even when knocked down. It also has a non-lift heat chamber that reduces the startup odor and allows you to light the wick safely.
Pros
- Made from durable wrought iron
- Simple to assemble and easy to use
- Its no-lift up chamber reduces the startup smell
- It is extremely light and compact (0.62kg)
- Provides 360-degrees heat, allowing you to set it in the middle of your tent
Cons
- It does not have heating adjustment settings
- Not ideal for medium to large ize tents.
Campy Gear Wiry 2-in-1 Portable Kerosene - Best Multi-function option
Campy Gear Wiry 2-in-1 Portable Kerosene Tent Heater b rings you this 2-in-1 heater and stove that will keep you warm during camping, backpacking, hunting, and ice fishing. It doubles as a cooking stove and heating equipment for your outdoor adventures.
The kerosene tent heater has a maximum output of up to 13 000 BTU, and it has a 20lb propane tank that offers 42 hours to the maximum, being suitable for large tents.
It provides 360-degrees radiant heating that warms up your tent in all directions. Campy Gear kerosene tent heater has an adjustable flame control to adjust the frame level.
Furthermore, it is equipped with a tip-over switch that enhances safety in accidental tip-over. What’s more, an ODS switch shuts the unit off when low oxygen levels are detected in your tent.
This portable kerosene heater features a sturdy carrying handle that makes it simple to carry the stove anywhere. It includes a spark ignition that starts the stove in seconds with a simple click. You won’t require matches or a lighter.
In addition, it has a foldable pot stand with a slip-resistant grip to hold various pot/pan sizes. You can cook your favorite meal while out there.
Pros
- It has double-safety features that make it reliable to use in a tent
- This is a dual-function camping gear
- Lightweight and simple to use
Cons
- The gas knob is fragile
FAQ
Can I put a kerosene heater in a tent?
Yes, there are no problems with it. However, you should monitor oxygen and monoxide carbon levels. Make sure that your devices have:
- Auto shut-off mechanisms (overheating and oxygen levels)
- Monoxide carbon detectors (if your equipment does no have, we recommend using a portable CO detector (battery-powered) version ).
Suggested Article
Can I sleep with a kerosene heater turned on?
We DO NOT recommend you sleep with your propane or kerosene heater turned on. There are carbon monoxide poisoning, overheating, and tip-over risks, which should be avoided.
Propane vs Kerosene Heaters - what is the best?
Each option comes with advantages and drawbacks, and the best alternative will depend on your budget, preference, and camping conditions.
Overall, because of their efficiency, kerosene heaters are more suitable for larger tents with heating outputs up to 25,000 Btu, such as Dyna-Glo WK24BK (photo below). However, as detailed above, you can find different models with different heating outputs.
On the other hand, if you are camping in a small group or solo camping, we recommend looking at the Mr Heater Litte Buddy option. It is an incredibly efficient heater for small tents.
Suggested Article
How many BTUs do I need for my kerosene heater?
To answer this question, you need to know the dimensions of your tent and what is the desired temperature increase. We wrote an entire post with calculation details, and we recommend you read it (click here).
In short, we drafted the following table that serves as guidance.
Verdict
Kerosene heaters are a great alternative to warm up a cold night during your camping days. After reviewing all the products in the market, we recommend Sengoku Heat Mate 10,000 BTU as the best alternative overall.
Best Option overall – Lightweight and portable: Sengoku Heat Mate 10,000 BTU. (OUR CHOICE)
However, we understand that different campers have different needs. Therefore, we also think that is worth a look at the following options:
- Budget Friendly Option: RHXX Kerosene Stove Heateru
- Best for Hiking and Backpacking: HKTK Portable Kerosene Heater
- Best Multi-Function Kerosene Stove: Campy Gear Wiry 2-in-1 Portable Kerosene Tent Heater
