If you don’t want to freeze in your tent, motorhome or caravan, there’s no getting around a tent heater. You can heat electrically, conventionally in the oven or with gas and even diesel.
But which tent heater is suitable for which use? Which mobile heater heats the air the fastest and what do you need to consider when buying a fan heater? You can find answers to these questions in our buying guide.
The most important things first
- A tent heater is used to heat the air in your tent or awning. However, you can also use it in your motorhome, boat, cellar or workshop.
- Tent heaters differ according to the way they are operated. There are electric fan heaters, gas heaters, diesel-powered parking heaters and classic tent heaters.
- The choice of a suitable tent heater depends on the intended use. Gas and electric tent heaters can be used in almost any tent, whereas you should only use a tent stove outdoors.
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Heat & light from above: The editors’ recommendation
- Ausgestattet mit zwei individuellen Heizröhren + Für den Außenbereich geeignet !
- Zwei Heizstufen auswählbar: 1.000 Watt / 2.000 Watt + Geräuschloser Betrieb !
This tent heater is a convincing solution for a quick and efficient heat supply.
For campers & anglers: The price-performance winner
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This model scores with fast heating for small and medium-sized rooms.
Tent heating: What is important when choosing
Whether you’re fishing, trekking or camping: once you’re really frozen through and all your clothes and blankets are unpleasantly damp, camping is no longer fun.
This can be remedied by a tent heater, which is usually powered by electricity or gas. To make it easier for you to choose, we present the key purchasing criteria for a tent heater.
Electric tent heater
If you have a power connection, an electric tent heater is a good and clean option. It is best to opt for an electric fan heater with oscillation. The back and forth movement ensures that the heat is distributed evenly throughout the tent. You can also set a selective heat supply. In this case, choose an electric tent heater with oscillation that can be switched off.
- Ausgestattet mit zwei individuellen Heizröhren + Für den Außenbereich geeignet !
- Zwei Heizstufen auswählbar: 1.000 Watt / 2.000 Watt + Geräuschloser Betrieb !
So that you can set the temperature individually, your new fan heater for the tent or motorhome should have two power levels and an adjustable thermostat. A timer function is also practical, as the fan heater should not run continuously. This allows you to set when the device switches off automatically.
A fan heater with remote control offers you even more convenience, although this is not absolutely necessary in a tent. More important are safety functions such as overheating protection and a knock-over protection as well as the lowest possible weight and compact dimensions so that the fan heater does not take up too much space.

Tip

Whether in a camper, van or motorhome: an electric fan heater quickly provides cozy warmth. But what do you need to look out for when buying one? How big and powerful does the device need to be and what makes a fan heater suitable for camping?
You can find answers to these questions in our current buying guide for camping fan heaters.
Diesel tent heater
If you want to heat larger rooms quickly, a diesel heater is worth considering. It is suitable for motorhomes, caravans, party tents, boats or buses, for example.
- 【EFFIZIENTER DIESEL-LUFTHEIZER】12V-24V Dieselheizung mit 8KW Leistung, hergestellt aus…
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In addition to correct installation in the interior or under the floor and professional use, it is important that exhaust emissions are as low as possible and fuel consumption is low. Also pay attention to the noise level, as a diesel heater can be very loud. A diesel heater with a quiet fan, a quiet oil pump and silencer is therefore recommended.
Gas tent heating
Do you like fishing and have a mini gas stove? Then a heating hood for a camping stove is the perfect solution. You will appreciate the even and quick warmth of this practical heating adapter, especially on cold and wet fishing nights. This tent heater also scores points with its low weight and pack size and fits in any rucksack.
- 【EFFIZIENTE WÄRMEABLEITUNG】Doppelte Wärmeableitungsstruktur,doppelschichtiges Strukturdesign…
- 【Kein Geruch und kein schwarzer Rauch】Die heizaufsatz gaskocher aus Edelstahl Kein eigenartiger…
All you have to do is place the heating hood on the gas stove, light it and a cozy warmth will quickly develop thanks to the chimney effect. To ensure that you can enjoy your small gas tent heater for as long as possible, the hood should be made of stainless steel.
Portable gas heaters with an adapter for gas cartridges are also available. These models are also characterized by a very compact design. It is important that they switch off automatically if there is a lack of oxygen or if they tip over, so that there is no risk of accidents.
Tent oven
A real alternative is a tent stove, which scores points for its enormous versatility. Please note, however, that you can only use this tent heater with wood outdoors or in a fireproof tent. With a tent stove, residents and guests don’t have to freeze or go hungry, as you can use the appliance for cooking, roasting, simmering and heating water at the same time.
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Transporting a tent stove is also no problem. If your model has a simple plug-in system and a small pack size, you can set up and take down the tent stove in a matter of minutes and transport it conveniently in the car.
Make sure the tent stove has a supply air regulator so that you can regulate the draught through the stove and thus better control the heat. You can cook comfortably on the surface of the tent stove. Even preparing food over an open fire is no problem if you remove the hotplate.
Conveniently, your new tent stove has grids on the side that you can use to dry towels, cloths or clothes. A spark protection tube at the end of the chimney is also essential to prevent burning sparks from falling onto your tent.

Tip

For all winter camping fans: While some have winterized their camping vehicle, others are starting to get their camper ready to go. With the right equipment, winter camping can be a wonderful experience.
We have compared these variants for a tent heater
Frequently asked questions about tent heating
Is there a tent heater with a rechargeable battery?
Yes, but the range is very limited. Although battery-powered fan heaters are mobile, they are extreme power guzzlers, so the battery does not last long. We therefore recommend a mobile gas heater with gas cartridges as an outdoor tent heater.
What do I need to consider when using gas for tent heating?
Camping gas heaters with piezo ignition are very popular with outdoor enthusiasts and are used in particular for heating in a tent or awning. Always ensure good ventilation and never place the mobile gas heater too close to the tent wall to avoid health and fire hazards.
Can you heat in the tent?
Of course. Tent heating is not a must, especially when winter camping, but it is extremely pleasant. You don’t risk hypothermia and your clothes stay/get dry. Gas and electric heaters are best suited for tents.
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- Winter camping: The most beautiful campsites for the cold season
- Podcast: Winter camping tips: Vehicle, dog, campsites
Cover picture: © Shaiith / EnvatoElements
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