Rating of gas stoves for tents: ten best burners and heaters, tips for choosing

FacebookTwitterOkGoogle+PinterestVk

Outdoor trips are a great way to relax and spend quality time. However, tourism lovers know very well that they have to face many inconveniences along the way, the main one being the cold. If you decide to spend the night in a tent, you need to think ahead about how you plan to stay warm. A gas tent heater will help solve the problem. Let's consider what it is and how justified its use is.

You can heat the space in your tent using a portable gas heater.

What is a gas tent heater: how does it work?

The gas tourist heater is designed quite simply; it consists of the following elements:

• heat fan;
• power regulator;
• gas-burner;
• reflector;
• safety valve.

Travel gas heater with 540 degree head rotation angle

All components are housed in a small metal case, which is called a portable gas heater for a tent. Buying such a device is not difficult, but choosing the right model is not so easy. Many devices have additional elements designed to control the combustion process.

Regardless of what type of heater is used, its operation is based on the process of processing fuel and generating thermal energy. Moreover, everything happens without connecting to the network, which allows you to use the device even while hiking. The food comes from a small cylinder filled with gas, which you can easily take with you.

In this case, heat transfer occurs due to an infrared emitter, which ensures economical fuel consumption and uniform heat distribution throughout the entire area of ​​influence of the device.

Helpful advice! In camping conditions, a gas infrared tent heater can also be used outdoors to keep warm in cold weather. The field of action will not be too large, however, if you are close to the device, it will be quite enough.

Gas heater Mr. Heater MH18B, powered by propane

Criteria for choosing equipment for a tent

When going to the store to buy a device, you need to understand the purpose of the purchase and know a number of important nuances that will help you choose the optimal model that fully satisfies all the requirements.

The main factors that influence the choice of a camping gas burner:

1. Needs.
2. Weather.
3. Weight, dimensions and fuel efficiency.
4. Packaging volume.
5. Compatible with different types of gas cylinders.
6. Presence of piezo ignition.

The more people participate in hikes and forays, the correspondingly larger will be the dimensions of the pots used. For such cases, you will need a wider and more stable burner. For smaller groups, compact lightweight models are suitable, aimed at small-volume dishes with a small bottom diameter.

It is also worth considering the fact that it will mainly be cooked on a mini-stove. For example, if these are dishes that require stewing, a sensitive flame control system is needed

The selected burner must be suitable for the intended operating conditions. Those who plan to use it at low temperatures should check the stability of the fuel equipment in frosty weather.

Uninterrupted operation at temperatures below zero is ensured by the option of fuel preheating, wind protection or the ability to install a wind screen, designs with remote hoses

The weight, dimensions, and packaging volume of the burner are of great importance. Ease of transportation, installation and carrying depends on these parameters.

The fuel consumption indicator will give an approximate idea of ​​how economical the device will be in operation.

You should check which types of gas cylinders the device is compatible with. Most often these are cylinders with collet or threaded fastening. The first option is more common and cheaper. There are also universal models that work with cylinders of different standards.

Among the additional functions in the device, the electric ignition system is important. It will allow you to easily start the gas with one press of a button, eliminating the problems of lighters forgotten at home and wet matches in your pocket.

When purchasing a gas heater for a tent, consider the following points:

1. Power and heating area.
2. Fuel consumption.
3. Safety system.
4. Efficiency.
5. Multifunctionality.

The main parameter of the heater is thermal power. It is better to select it based on the type of tent you have. It is also worth paying attention to the maximum possible heating area.

For structures made of thin summer materials, more powerful devices are needed. For products intended for autumn/spring - medium power models. For insulated winter options, lightweight compact devices are sufficient

It must be taken into account that both gas burners and any equipment for heating a tent with increased power usually consume more fuel.

To refill them, you will have to take a lot of spare cans with you. On average, one cylinder is enough for 4-5 hours of continuous operation. We recommend that you read the instructions for refilling the canister yourself.

Since the tent can burn down in a matter of minutes, the heater must have a safety system in place. Infrared models are the safest in the segment

It is desirable that the device be additionally equipped with an overpressure fuse, leakage protection mechanisms, and an automatic shutdown system. Some of the safer and more efficient types of gas tent heaters are catalytic ones.

A heater that is used to heat a tent with gas, with compact volumes, must provide sufficient thermal efficiency and quickly warm up the tent. For hiking and outdoor recreation, universal models are ideal, combining the ability to heat and cook food.

Types of gas tourist heaters for tents

Depending on the method by which heat is transferred from the source to the environment, heaters are divided into three main types: ceramic infrared, metal and catalytic. Let's take a closer look at each of the options to figure out which one is preferable.

In the first case, a ceramic plate is used as a base. It receives the heat produced by burning gas in a burner and releases it using an infrared emitter. It should be noted that with this route the efficiency is no more than 50%. That is, at least half of the thermal energy is lost during the transition from one element to another. Nevertheless, such heaters are the lightest and most compact, which is an undeniable advantage when camping.

Note! Infrared ceramic devices are considered to be the most economical when it comes to fuel consumption. A small can that can easily fit in a backpack is quite enough for a long hike.

Portable heater with automatic shut-off function

The second option is a portable gas heater for a tent, equipped with a metal emitter. Due to the fact that the metal bars of the working element are hidden, this option is also quite acceptable for use on a hike. Its design is safe, and a special reflector located at the rear of the housing allows you to adjust the direction of heat flow.

The catalytic tent heater is considered the most versatile. Its capabilities are much wider than those of other representatives, and with its help you can not only keep warm in a tent, but also cook food. Such a device is not very expensive, but it consumes much more fuel.

Another difference between catalytic heaters and others is the presence of a thermal panel, which, thanks to a layer of platinum, has a catalytic effect on the combustion process. The efficiency of such devices is maximum and often reaches 100%. From a safety point of view, these devices are considered the least dangerous, since the process of fuel combustion in them occurs without the formation of a flame.

Compact portable heater weighing 11 kg

The best outdoor heaters

When it is necessary to heat an open space on the street (a picnic in nature or gatherings in a yard gazebo in spring and autumn), then gas-powered outdoor heaters are used. They feature a stylish design and a tall body to distribute heat over a large area. Below are the models most liked by users.

Siabs Kaliente – elegant heating

One of the most beautiful and expensive types of outdoor heater is Siabs Kaliente. This Italian unit rises 233 cm and is a vertical piece of equipment that resembles a miniature Eiffel Tower. The heater's power is 10.5 kW, and its heat-covering capacity will cover 35 square meters. The body materials are aluminum and stainless steel.

The lower part has LED lighting for decoration. The weight with a filled cylinder will be 33 kg. Continuous operation will last for 10-18 hours, depending on the set mode. The flame burns in a closed flask under glass. This gives a beautiful effect and warmth in the form of infrared radiation. High quality body assembly. Stands firmly on the ground.

Advantages:

• very beautiful design;
• economical gas consumption;
• stainless materials;
• good stability;
• safe;
• one-piece protective grille.

Flaws:

• The packaging stickers on the case are difficult to peel off;
• high price;
• There is a lot of unnecessary technical information in the passport.

READ ALSO

5 best heaters for a summer house

ENDERS Elegance – for a cozy holiday with a small group

This German heater is much cheaper than its analogues and is designed for a radius of only 9 meters. The design of the device resembles a street lamp with a fungus. The height of the structure reaches 220 cm. The case material is polished stainless steel. It is practical to install it in the center of a gazebo or yard. The power of the device is 8 kW. The gas combustion consumption is almost 600 g per hour.

Among the functionality there is a pressure regulator that monitors the maintenance of the flame. In the absence of fire, leakage protection is activated. Due to the high narrow design, there is a tilt sensor that cuts off the fire in the burner if it falls. With a filled standard cylinder, the device will burn from 19 to 50 hours, depending on the selected mode.

READ ALSO

5 best carbon heaters

Advantages:

• anti-corrosion body material;
• beautiful unique design;
• leakage and tilt protection sensors;
• possibility of use on a covered terrace if the ceiling is more than 75 cm;
• easy assembly;
• affordable price.

Flaws:

• small heating area;
• ineffective in windy weather.

ACTIVA Pyramide Cheops 13600 – heating pyramid

As the name itself suggests, this heater is created in the style of a pyramid, which has a narrow, towering shape. The flame burns in a durable flask, closed with four meshes. On one side there is a hinged cover that provides access to the cylinder installation location, the piezo ignition button and the adjustment switch.

We recommend: Haier Washing Machines

The power of the device is 10.5 kW, and the gas consumption is from 300 to 900 g per hour. The body is made of polished stainless steel, and the 33 kg structure is moved on wheels. Temperature and inclination sensors ensure comfort and safety.

Advantages:

• reducer and hose included;
• stainless steel;
• converting fire energy into infrared radiation;
• leak sensor;
• pressure regulator;
• aluminum reflector.

Flaws:

• small heating area;
• high price;
• separate grille;
• the cylinder must be purchased separately;
• The pyramid shape is quite common among analogues.

READ ALSO

5 best micathermic heaters

What to Consider Before Buying a Gas Tent Heater

Of course, living and sleeping in a tent are significantly different from the conditions to which we are accustomed at home or in the country. Therefore, before choosing and buying a portable gas heater, you must meet the appropriate requirements for it. And first of all, this concerns the safety of the device.

All heaters that can be considered as a camping option must be equipped with an automatic protection system. This is necessary in case you tip over or tilt the burner excessively, which happens more than often when living in a tent.

Another requirement that will most likely become useful is the presence of a carbon dioxide sensor. The thing is that gas combustion requires oxygen, which the heater absorbs from its environment. And if you stay near such a device for a long time, you will definitely feel if the level of carbon dioxide released exceeds the norm. Of course, this is not safe for health.

Gas heater with cooking capabilities Kovea Fire Ball KH-0710

Taking into account all these indicators, only a compact gas ceramic infrared burner can be considered an ideal option. Despite its small size, it has all the necessary characteristics and fits perfectly into the set of necessary camping equipment.

Helpful advice! Such a device can be used not only to heat a small enclosed space, but also as a camp stove.

Tips for choosing

If you pay attention to these parameters, you can buy a portable gas heater for a tent that will not only be safe, but will also last a long time, providing comfort in camping conditions.

You can cook food on such a device without leaving the tent

When choosing catalytic gas heaters, you should focus on their weight, power, fuel consumption, size of the serviced area, and functionality.

Units with a power of up to 1 kW will help you quickly create a comfortable microclimate in a tent up to 10 sq.m. If you need to heat a room of 4-6 sq.m., you should pay attention to models with the ability to operate in two modes. Otherwise, at some point it will become too hot in the tent, marquee or shelter.

When larger rooms require heating, devices with a power of 2 kW or more are useful. Using such units, you can quickly fill temporary light structures or permanent premises from 25 to 40 sq.m. with heat.

It is very important that the tiles have reliable, strong legs. Then the model will hold stably not only on a perfectly flat surface, but also on a relief

If you plan to go on hiking trips, you should pay attention to light-weight devices that consume fuel economically. Then you won’t have to take a large number of gas cylinders with you.

For long trips, it makes sense to consider a combi option that combines heating and cooking functions. With such an assistant, it will be much easier to endure even the most extreme conditions. And hot tea or coffee prepared on the stove will prevent you from freezing or catching a cold during severe frosts.

You may also find information about ways to insulate gas cylinders outdoors in winter useful.

To choose the right tent heater, you need to carefully evaluate not only its operating mode, but also the nature of the trip itself. Let's give a few examples.

1. For fishermen or those who go on vacation to a campsite, a gasoline or kerosene model is suitable. For a relatively short trip, you won't have to carry a huge amount of fuel with you. In addition, in some cases, its reserves are easy to replenish.
2. Travelers by car may prefer a floor-mounted gas heater model. This device is universal and will allow you to cook food and keep warm.
3. More compact gas models, installed directly on the cylinder, are suitable for hikers who do not expect to be away from civilization for a long time.
4. Solid fuel systems are suitable if you want to spend the night in nature in complete comfort. They are optimal in spring and autumn.
5. For relaxing at a campsite or on a short trip by car, you can use an electric infrared heater. By covering the tent floor with a mat with cable or resistive film elements, it is easy to create comfortable warmth for the occupants.

Read more: What vitamins to choose for the winter: top 5 useful complexes

The leader of choice for all tourists without exception are catalytic heaters. Liquid systems are especially interesting. This device is similar in size to a regular camping flask. At the same time, it generates a huge amount of heat and runs for several hours on one glass of gasoline.

Since the energy generated by one compact device is only enough for a small tent, a large one will have to include several of these heaters. Despite the fairly high price of catalytic models, they are preferred by a huge number of tourists and travelers.

Safe Use of Gas Ceramic Infrared Tent Heater

The presence of a fuel combustion process inside the system and its conversion into thermal energy makes a gas ceramic infrared burner not the safest household device. Its use requires strict adherence to operating rules, which are designed to protect against emergency situations.

When using a gas heater, it is important to adhere to fire safety regulations

The main prohibitions aimed at using gas heaters from a tent cylinder:

1. It is strictly forbidden to use the device to dry clothes, as well as any other items that can catch fire when dry.
2. Do not install the heater near explosive or flammable objects.
3. The device must always be in an upright position and must not be covered with cloth or paper.
4. Any operations with the heater, including changing the cylinder, must be carried out strictly outdoors.
5. While the heater is on, the ventilation valve of the tent must be slightly open. You should also try to ventilate the tent as often as possible to maintain normal oxygen levels in it.

Note! The category of flammable items includes, among other things, all cylinders under pressure. It can also be a regular mosquito repellent spray.

Installing a gas cylinder in the Kovea Power Sense portable infrared heater

If your infrared gas tent heater needs refueling and you do it yourself, be very careful. Find out in advance how exactly disassembly and gas refilling takes place, what is necessary for this, and also how to avoid leakage.

Take the time to read the instructions for the purchased device. This will save you from many unpleasant situations associated with improper operation of the device. It is much better to spend a little time on this in advance so that no unpleasant surprises arise later during the hike.

Characteristics and price of the infrared gas burner and heater Pathfinder-Ion

Among the models offered by manufacturers, you can find both simple and more complex and expensive devices. Many companies, both domestic and foreign, are engaged in the production of gas heaters. Consider the most popular model, which is made in Russia and is widely popular.

Infrared gas heater Pathfinder-Ion

The Pathfinder-Ion gas heater is designed taking into account the climatic conditions in which it will be used. Main advantages of the device:

• light weight - only 370 g;
• compact dimensions – 120x200x215 mm;
• quite high power - 1000-12000 W;
• presence of piezo ignition;
• the ability to heat rooms up to 20 m².

Such a device is extremely economical: depending on the mode used, fuel consumption per hour does not exceed 50-110 g, which allows you to warm up for a long time even with the help of the smallest cylinder. As many hobbyists confirm, this is an excellent option for a gas heater in a tent for winter fishing or for camping.

Helpful advice! When calculating the required amount of fuel that you will take with you on a hike, be sure to leave some reserve. By calculating reserves back to back, you run the risk of not matching your needs.

The average cost at which you can buy an infrared gas burner is 1,650 rubles, the price of the Pathfinder-Ion heater is 2,900 rubles.

Gas burner with piezo ignition Pathfinder

Gas heater Pathfinder-Ochag: reviews and device features

The second most popular device for heating tents and marquees is the Pathfinder-Ochag. Affordable, simple and very convenient, this heater has taken a strong position in the domestic market. Let's look at how it is characterized and differs from the previous model.

First of all, this device has large dimensions - 275x275x180 mm, and weighs 1.8 kg. Carrying such a heavy device with you can be quite problematic, but if we are talking about a large tent where several people or a family with children will live, then you simply cannot do without it.

The area that such a device can heat is about 15 m², but the fuel consumption in maximum operating mode does not exceed 108 g/hour. This suggests that, despite its size, such a device consumes fuel quite economically and does not require excessive gas reserves.

Gas heater for hiking conditions Pathfinder-Ochag

After reading reviews of the use of this device in real conditions, we can highlight several fundamental advantages that made the device popular:

• it can easily be used for cooking as a gas stove;
• using a special adapter, the device can be connected to large gas cylinders;
• the burner does not blow out either in a strong wind or even when trying to do this on purpose;
• There is no smell of gas during use, and the burning of oxygen in the tent is minimal.

The best wall-mounted gas heaters

If heating is constantly needed, then installing it on wheels in the middle of the room may not look very aesthetically pleasing, so it is wise to purchase a wall-mounted gas heater. It looks like a modern battery, but is connected to a cylinder or mains network. Such equipment looks good in an apartment, office or restaurant. It effectively replaces the main heating and does not require pipes throughout the room.

Alpine Air NGS-50 – stylish heater

The device has a beautiful body with rounded edges and black trim on the corners. There are grates at the top and bottom to transfer heat from the cast iron heating element. This saves gas consumption because the metal block continues to heat the air even with a minimum flame. All the necessary buttons are on the front. Access to them is provided by opening a small hatch.

The heater is started by the piezo ignition button. The thermostat monitors the set mode. The main feature of this model is its complete safety. All combustion products are discharged to the street through a smooth horizontal chimney. But this requires drilling a hole in the wall with a diameter of 150 mm. The intake of fresh air to maintain the flame is also taken from the outside, and not from the room.

Advantages:

• heating 60 square meters;
• cast iron heat exchanger;
• closed combustion chamber;
• Beautiful design;
• safety of use (air is consumed and released into the street).

Flaws:

• high price;
• heavy (30 kg);
• requires drilling a hole for the chimney.

READ ALSO

8 Best Wall Heaters

Hosseven HBS-12/1 - can replace the boiler

This model is the industry leader in gas wall heaters in terms of power. Its indicator is 12 kW. With such data, it will be enough to heat a huge gym or a warehouse of 200 square meters. Despite this, the model is lightweight at 24 kg, which makes it easy to mount on a wall. In addition to the hanging installation option, the equipment has its own legs, so it does not have to be hung, but can simply be placed against the wall.

The open combustion chamber provides easy access for preventative cleaning of the igniter. Traditionally, such a heater requires a chimney, which is drilled into the wall behind the body of the product. A telescopic pipe for removing combustion products is included in the kit. Behind the steel heat exchanger there is a fan that facilitates the rapid distribution of heated air throughout the room.

Advantages:

• very powerful;
• easy;
• Italian gas valve;
• built-in fan;
• silent operation;
• piezo ignition from a battery;
• Possibility of hanging or floor positioning;
• Efficiency 80%!

Flaws:

• heat exchanger material – steel;
• increased gas consumption due to high power;
• open combustion chamber.

READ ALSO

5 best heaters for home

We recommend: 5 best soils for cars

Features of choosing an infrared gas burner: reviews of use in a tent

Before you finally decide which infrared gas burner to buy, you should evaluate your choice from several points of view:

• fire safety;
• Efficiency and fuel consumption level;

Cooking with a gas burner

• the presence of additional functions, for example, the ability to heat or cook food;
• availability of appropriate product certification confirming the safety of its use in small spaces and tents.

If the chosen model suits you in all these respects, you can confidently make a purchase. Additionally, it is worth reading the reviews of those who use such devices in practice - perhaps they will tell you some disadvantages, or recommend more convenient and practical models. In any case, it should be remembered that the main selection criterion is safety, and here no questions should arise regarding the device.