Top Best Camping Heaters: In-depth Buying Guides Included

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor Safe Propane Heater
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Of The Best: Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor Safe Propane Heater

The Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor Safe Propane Heater is the perfect solution for heating small enclosed spaces like tents up to 95 square feet. It's simple on/off buttons; uses 1-pound disposable propane cylinder (not included) and runs time at minimum btu and maximum btu is 5.6 hours. Do not operate this heater in any moving vehicle. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Campy Gear Chubby 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove, Outdoor Camping

Campy Gear has designed a compact propane heater that is ideal for outdoor activities in cold weather. With a max output of up to 9,000 BTU, our radiant heating design provides easy heat and the 360° design makes it easy to reach all of your desired areas. You can even cook up some food while you're keeping warm with the two-in-one feature. Read Review

3. Best Realiable: Mr. Heater F242300 MH15C 10,000-15,000 BTU Cooker

The Mr. Heater MH15C is a portable, powerful and convenient propane-powered cook stove with a 15,000 BTU output that can reach up to 10,000 BTU in just 30 seconds. This cook stove features automatic safety shut off so you don't have to worry about forgetting to turn it off or leaving the burner on. It's also completely assembled except for the metal stand (included), so there's no assembly required before cooking. Read Review

4. Best Economical: METKIIO Space Heater – Portable Mini Heater for Home and Office

Keep yourself cozy and warm this winter with METKIIO space heater. It's energy-efficient and provides faster heating, up to 70-degree F in only 3 seconds! Never worry about the heat function because it has no light functions, it's very quiet so you can sleep, read, study, or nap undisturbed. Read Review

Harsh winters can leave us struggling to stay warm at home. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to keep your home warm and comfortable over the coming months. This includes staying cozy whenever you’re camping out in the great outdoors.

Whether you’re setting up a temporary campground or simply warming up by the fire, having access to a good camping heater is essential for any camper. That being said, not every heat source works equally well for everyone else. In this article we’ll be exploring some of the best camping heaters on the market today.

You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 18 hours conducting surveys through 6,878 real customer reviews. Because of this, we came to the conclusion that the best-reviewed product is Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor Safe Propane Heater. And Campy Gear Chubby 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove, Outdoor Camping is another choice for you while keeping the product's quality and functionality.

Our Top Picks

  • Simple on/off buttons; uses 1-pound disposable propane cylinder (not included). Run time at minimum btu and maximum btu is 5.6 hours. Do­ not­ operate­ heater­ in­ any ­moving­ vehicle. This ­heater ­requires ­a­ vent­ area­ of­ 4­ square­ inches­ minimum ­for­ adequate ventilation ­during­ operation
  • Continuous odor-free, 45-degree heating angle. Maximum Elevation (Ft) 7000 Feet. Automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS). Perfect solution for heating small enclosed spaces like tents up to 95 square feet
  • DUAL FUNCTION CAMPING GEAR: Take the load off on your next outdoor adventure and use our portable Campy Gear 2-in-1 Heater & Stove! Cook meals during the day and stay warm at night with just the click of a button.
  • CLEAN-BURNING: The Campy Gear 2-in-1 Heater & Stove is compatible with 110g & 230g butane / isobutane / propane fuel canisters (of most of brands) that can be nested inside the stove, or to connect with the 1 lb propane cylinder for a longer usage by an extension hose or adapter.(To purchase extension hoses or adapter, please search B095S9TGXK, B095S9XP7Y.)
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Campy Gear offers you a 2-in-1 heater/stove that keeps you fueled and warm during backpacking, camping, ice fishing and hunting. We pride ourselves in great products and proudly offer a 1-year warranty along with 24-hour world class customer service to ensure all your needs are met.
TOP Choice #3 Mr. Heater F242300 MH15C 10,000-15,000 BTU Cooker
Our Score:
9.4
Mr. Heater
  • Heating coverage:- 375 square feet
  • Use with disposable cylinders or 20 lb. refillable tank
  • Get Warm and Cozy: The Metkiio indoor heater features a user-friendly design with 3 heating modes – 900W high power, 400W medium power and a cooling fan to set the optimal temperature and enjoy the warmth during colder days or a refreshing air blow on warmer days.
  • Fast and Quiet: Thanks to the advanced ceramic heating technology, this space heater for office is energy-efficient and provides faster heating, up to 70-degree F in only 3 seconds! Don’t worry, the space heater has no light functions and it’s very quiet so you can sleep, read, study, or nap undisturbed.
  • Automatic low oxygen shutoff system
  • Accidental tip-over safety shutoff
  • Pressure Regulator On/Off Control Valve Adjusts Burners Up To 3,000 Btus
  • Durable Stainless Steel Burner
  • Ideal For Golf Carts
  • Hi-med-low regulator and multiple heat settings- 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30,000 BTU’s
  • Soft Nose P.O.L and premium grade stainless steel burning surface.Use - Construction Sites, Loading Docks, Sporting Events, Hunting, Fishing, Camping
  • Please read the instructions carefully before using. PDD Heaters are guaranteed to be high quality. If you experience any issue simply contact us right away.
  • Tip-over safety shut-off. Portable handle; swivel-out regulator; connects to Butane or liquefied petroleum gas; Run Time (Hrs at Max Rated): 3 Hours
  • VIGOROUS COOK MODE: More than a heater, this heater & stove also serves as a cooker with which you can cook meal or boil some coffee.
  • CAUTION & CARE: THE AIR VALVE LEVER CONTROLS AIR VOLUME WHILE BURNING, AND WHICH IS PREVIOUSLY SET UP BEFORE THE HEATER COME OUT THE FACTORY. THERE IS NO NEED TO ADJUST THE AIR VALVE LEVER WHEN THE FLAME WAS GREEN OR BLUE, AND THE COLOR OF GREEN OR BLUE MEANS THE GAS WAS FULLY BURNED. OTHERWISE, TURN THE LEVER TO WHERE THE FLAME APPEARS TO BE GREEN OR BLUE. We proudly provide a 1-year warranty service (for entire heater&stove) and 24/7 customer service.
  • 🔥【FAST HEATING】This space heater's output can go up to 4,600 BTU/hr and heats up instantly. No need to wait! Having it, you would have a warm adventure outdoors, such as camping, ice fishing, hiking, backpacking, hunting, and road trip, etc.
  • 🔥【DUAL FUEL】One connetor work for different types of gas fuel.You can use propane gas or butane gas as your convenience. No more worry about proper gas is not available around. One connector can reduce the risk of gas leaking. Remember to use this portable butane heater in a ventilation space.

What To Know About The best camping heaters Before Purchasing It

There are numerous factors to consider buying a product. In the section below, we will give you some key points to pay attention to prior to buying a best camping heaters. Of course, It’s indispensable for buyers to do some research before making a purchase so that they won’t end up with something that can’t meet their expectations.

In this post, with our useful and available tips for shopping, we will make it easier for you to select and make the best decisions when tending to own the best camping heaters. Here is your area! Give it your attention and make it your assistant.

Ignition: Strikers Vs. Matches

Sometimes called piezo incendiers, or auto-igniters, strikers are buttons that use electricity to excite a spark and ignite a stove. It's similar to the button that lights up the pilot light in your home stove.
Metal and flint are other options for sparking. A camp stove with an integrated igniter is my preference. As long as it works well, I will always use this option.
A match is your last choice for lighting your camp stove. Matches can prove to be wasteful and fragile. They also don't all hold up well in harsh weather. As an alternative, you can always take flint and some matches.

BTUs

BTU is the British Thermal Unit. It's basically a measure of heat and energy. On average, a gas stove that you would find in your home uses 6,000 to 8,000 BTUs.
Lower BTUs are good for light and simmering cooking. Higher BTUs, which are above 10,000, indicate high heat cooking. This is great for longer cook times as well as for quick boiling of large quantities of water.

Time To Boil

Camping is a great way to get out and enjoy nature. Yes, camping also involves enjoying the outdoors and good food. A camp stove must be able to boil water.
While some stoves boil in three minutes, others can take up to 10 minutes. A stove with the highest boiling time is considered a good stove. However, it doesn't always mean that the stove will be the most efficient. You may need to give up some boiling time if you want certain features like a lighter stove or an igniter.
The stoves that we tested were all able to light/start and heat the water in less than 8 minutes.

Fuel Types And Capacities

As you can see, the majority of stoves in this article use propane canisters up to one-pound. Some stoves use butane as an alternative fuel. It all depends on the time it takes to cook meals, and on what temperature your burner is set. A one-pound canister usually lasts three to four meals.

Number Of Burners

A two-burner camp stove is a good choice if you plan to spend at least 2-3 months camping each year, even if your household is small. You can cook with two burners, so you have both the option to use a pan and a pot, or make one main dish while cooking for a family of four.
Two-burner stoves remain the norm. There are many options for single-burner stoves, as well as a handful of three-burner models.

Performance In Wind

Consider how frequently and in what circumstances (such as cold weather) your stove will be used. You will have more chances to experience wind and harsh weather if you travel further.
It's not something that you should learn while on a 10 day camping trip along the New England coast. You can check the specifications, find out if your stove offers windscreens, and review customer experiences.
You can make your stove more efficient in colder areas by purchasing extra BTUs if you live in windy regions.

Simmer Control

Because boiling water doesn't always work, we did extensive testing on the simmer control. You need to not only be able boil water, but you also have to cook, bake, stir fry, stew, or grill in order to make a camp meal that is chef-worthy. To see the stacking of the burners/stoves, we measured their simmering temperatures.

Weight And Packed Size

The biggest difference between stoves in this category is their weight. These stoves can be carried around in your car, but they are designed for camping. Weight might not be as important if you are looking for a strong and reliable two-burner.
Packing size is what matters more. You have a limited amount of space at your campsite or in your vehicle. You should check to make sure the stove can fit into a bag, is covered, and where the grill and fuel lines are stored. Are all the pieces stored in one place? Are accessories taking up more space than the main item? All these factors should be considered for your individual preferences and needs.

FAQs

What Burn Time Should I Look Out For?

Stoves are often advertised with their boil and burn times. This is especially important if your campsite is far from civilization. You should also consider your weight, especially if backpacking. It is also useful to transport and store your stove in its own containers or bag.

Can You Use A Camping Stove Inside A Tent?

No. No. Your tent may catch on fire, and your body could be engulfed in a molten nylon coating, leading to a terrible, unimaginable death.

I’m Going To Travel. Which Type Of Stove Would Be Best?

It depends. A backpacking stove is the best option if you are traveling on foot with a backpack. Car? Get a camping stove for your car. Check with the airline to find out what they allow you to bring aboard, and what fuels will be available. Most airlines won't allow you to fly without fuel.

Backpacking Stove Vs. Camping Stove: What's The Difference?

The backpacking stoves can be small, single-burner units. They fit into a backpack or even your palm. They weigh in at a mere ounce. However, camping stoves are only used for "base camp", whether you're camping in a car, truck, National Parks or somewhere else.
The camp stove is larger and more heavy (8-14 lbs) and can be placed on top of a truck bed, tabletop, picnic table or camp table to convert your campsite into a kitchen.
You now have all of the information you need to camp, cook, and just enjoy the outdoors.

Are Multi-Fuel Stoves Difficult To Use?

No. They do require more preparation and care than canister stoves. They are easy to learn once you have the necessary procedures.

Which Is Better — A Butane Or Propane Camping Stove?

Butane as well as propane both have pros and cons. Both gases are compressed gases, which is gas stored in liquid form. Butane performs less in colder temperatures. There are many sizes of propane canisters. This makes it easier to find the right size for your needs.
You should consider the climate in which you will be using your camp stove most often. You can also find propane in large cities, rural areas, and general stores close to national parks or state lines.

What Size Do I Need?

There are many sizes of stoves, from small ultra-light ones to large multi-hob models with grills. These can be used to prepare almost any meal you make at home. A simple, small camping stove is sufficient for camping solo or with your partner.
A lightweight backpacking stove that can work in all weather conditions is worth it if you are going on an extended expedition or wild camping trip. We recommend buying the largest camping stove possible if you plan to take your family on a camping trip. Having multiple burners allows you to cook in every field.

What Stove Is Best For Cooking Actual Food?

A stove with enough BTU output and can heat is the best. It can be used to cook food in a pot. These stoves are generally used for car camping/basecamp cooking.

Conclusion

Hopefully, our sharing above will take you much closer with your best camping heaters. The model we suggested for you is equipped with all things you may need. Nevertheless, suppose you have a fancy for another one, we highly recommend BLUU Scorch 2 in 1 Camping Outdoor Propane Heater & Stove. To conclude, we wish you a pleasant shopping time. And if there is any problem related to this article that you wonder about, please contact us soon for timely answers. It's our pleasure to serve you!


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About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

Read Hailey's full bio