Rating of the best compact gas heaters: TOP 10 models and advice for buyers on choosing
The heating equipment market offers equipment of various types and purposes.Along with large-sized modules for heating large rooms, portable models are available for sale, convenient for transportation and use in camping or extreme conditions.
In addition to hiking, a compact gas heater is useful for heating a workplace, warehouse, trade tent, country house, change house, temporary shelter or open veranda/terrace.
How to choose the right device and which manufacturers you can trust - we talk about this in our publication. The review presents the ten best heating devices that are in demand among customers of online stores and offline networks. They are most often chosen for purchase. They are most willing to leave detailed reviews about them on popular portals and online platforms dedicated to ratings of household appliances and heating equipment.
The content of the article:
10 Best Compact Gas Heaters
Models up to 2 kW
KOVEA Power Sense (KH-2006)
Compact model with a tungsten emitter at a budget price
KOVEA Power Sense is considered a hit among small portable heating units. There are no plastic elements prone to melting in the interior of the device. The presence of an overpressure relief valve makes the operation of the device reliable and safe.
The heater demonstrates high efficiency at low temperatures and provides a steady flow of heat. Saves energy. One collet standard cylinder is enough for 3 hours of continuous operation.
Specifications:
- maximum power – 1.04 kW
- resource – butane
- consumption – 0.08 kg/h
- control – mechanical
- piezo ignition – yes
- cylinder – sold separately
- features - tungsten emitter, 4 fixed supports for installing the device on any type of surface, lightweight body, hard plastic case for protection from mechanical damage
The model efficiently heats a temporary shelter or a spacious six-person tent. Suitable for tourists, fishermen, hunters and fans of an active lifestyle who often travel during the cold season.
- Resistant to corrosion and aggressive acids
- Easy to manage and convenient to use
- Elementary refueling method
- Lightweight body
- Affordable price
- Short period of operation on one fully charged cylinder
KOVEA Cupid Heater (KH-1203)
Reliable, practical heating device, effective even in windy weather
The heater has a durable metal body and a reliable ceramic emitter. Belongs to the class of environmentally friendly equipment. It consumes energy resources economically and guarantees the complete absence of fuel combustion products in the air.
During operation, it does not create an open flame, thereby increasing the level of operational safety. Shows resistance to alkaline and acidic environments and is not afraid of corrosion. Withstands intense loads.
Specifications:
- maximum power – 1 kW
- resource – propane/butane
- consumption – 0.07 kg/h
- control – mechanical turn signal
- piezo ignition – yes
- cylinder – not included in the basic package
- features – ceramic heating element, convenient carrying handle, plastic case for transportation and protection from external damage
The device is suitable for heating a large tent, temporary fishing or hunting shelter, or a small room in a country house.
- Powerful heat flow
- High level of security
- Economical fuel consumption
- Stable operation at low temperatures
- Immunity to overheating
- Poor stability on rough surfaces
TOURIST MINI AFRICA
Bestseller among budget gas heaters for tourism and outdoor activities
TOURIST MINI AFRICA is a completely autonomous portable device for creating comfortable warmth in a tent, shelter, shed or compact room for temporary residence.
Quickly heats the air and economically consumes the gas mixture. If the cylinder is installed incorrectly, it will not turn on.
Specifications:
- maximum power – 1.2 kW
- resource – propane/butane
- consumption – 0.1 kg/h
- control – mechanical
- piezo ignition – yes
- cylinder – sold separately
- features – gas leakage prevention system, protection against incorrect installation of the cylinder
The heater is suitable for tourists, travelers and summer residents. Provides high-quality heating for tents and marquees, compact temporary buildings, hunting lodges and shelters.
- About 5-6 hours of operation in economy mode on one fully charged cylinder
- Compactness
- No open flame
- Stable legs
- In a closed space with poor ventilation, the smell of carbon monoxide can be felt
- Plastic housing is vulnerable to damage
- No carrying case
KOVEA Little Sun (KH-0203)
Reliable and safe high-power unit for heating spacious tents and rooms
A practical, vertically oriented device in a metal case is equipped with a ceramic heating element, an overpressure valve and a special cylinder heating plate. It ensures stable operation of equipment at low temperatures.
Specifications:
- maximum power – 1.67 kW
- resource – butane
- consumption – 0.12 kg/h
- control – mechanical turn signal
- piezo ignition – yes
- cylinder – not included in the basic package
- features - two heating modes, tightly spaced reflector mesh rings that protect against burns in case of contact
The model is suitable for autonomously providing heat to large tents, country houses, temporary buildings and car interiors.
- Stable legs
- Ergonomic carrying handle
- Simple controls
- Cover with a lock on the niche for the cylinder
- Availability of economical operating mode
- Marky building
- No box for transportation
KOVEA Fire Ball (KH-0710)
Combi-appliance for heating a small tent and cooking
The unit combines the functions of a heater and burner. It quickly creates a comfortable microclimate in a small room and helps to quickly warm a kettle, pot or pot of food. Convenient and reliable fastening elements prevent tipping during operation.
Specifications:
- maximum power – 9 kW
- resource – propane/butane
- consumption – 0.07 kg/h
- control – mechanical
- piezo ignition – yes
- cylinder – sold separately
- features – Anti-Flare system, heat-reflecting screen, long remote hose, mounting bolt for fixing the position of the reflector, compatibility with threaded and collet-type cylinders, plastic case to protect the body from physical impact
KOVEA Fire Ball is an excellent option for those who, during hikes or long country walks, need not only to heat a small tent, but also to prepare a hot lunch/dinner for a group of tourists, fishermen or hunters.
- Tungsten emitter suitable for long-term use
- Ability to withstand installation of dishes of any volume on the grid
- Folding legs to ensure a stable position on a textured surface
- Low operating power
- Short period of operation on one cylinder
Models with power from 2 kW
Elekon Power PG7B
Autonomous gas heater for small rooms, tents or temporary shelters
The unit operates correctly at temperatures from -10 to +40 °C. It is equipped with a plate on which the cylinder is placed.
The plate heats up during operation and ensures high-quality heating of the cylinder. This improves gas evaporation at low ambient temperatures and guarantees high efficiency of the heating device.
Specifications:
- maximum power – 2 kW
- resource – propane/butane
- consumption – 0.15 kg/h
- control - mechanical toggle switch
- piezo ignition – yes
- cylinder – not included in the basic package
- Features – built-in pressure regulator, protection against installation of the cylinder when the valve is open
A practical and convenient portable stove in the mid-price segment. It is not afraid of active use and is suitable for heating a tent, tourist shelter or small temporary shelter.
- High heat dissipation
- Protective grille that protects the user from accidental contact with hot elements
- Lateral location of the gas cylinder
- The smell of exhaust gas with poor ventilation in a heated room
Hyundai H-HG2-29-UI686
A powerful budget device for autonomous heating of large open areas and cooking simple dishes
The floor heater in a simple metal casing operates on the basis of a ceramic heating element. Demonstrates high operating power and heats open areas for various purposes, change houses and premises for temporary stay of people.
It is installed in enclosed spaces only if high-quality ventilation is installed, ensuring complete removal of combustion products.
Specifications:
- maximum power – 2.9 kW
- resource – propane
- consumption – 0.25 kg/h
- control – mechanical
- piezo ignition – yes
- cylinder – sold separately
- features – gearbox, gas hose, German ceramic emitter Rauschert
The device, which is simply designed and easy to operate, is suitable for summer residents, builders, installers and laborers who want to combine heating the area with quick preparation/heating of tea/simple dishes.
- Compact dimensions
- No asbestos in the heating element
- Serving a large area
- Economical consumption of fuel resources
- Burns oxygen when working in enclosed spaces
- Simplified appearance
- Not very neat assembly
- When installed vertically, the angle of inclination should not exceed 60°
Ballu BIGH-3
Infrared unit with 100% efficiency, directed heating and the ability to cook/heat food
Ballu BIGH-3 provides high thermal power during operation. Copes with heating large areas. Suitable for cleaning surfaces from ice and snow. Jets of different diameters included in the kit allow you to use not only bottled propane, but also main gas.
Specifications:
- maximum power – 3 kW
- resource – propane/butane
- consumption – 0.2 kg/h
- control - mechanical toggle switch
- piezo ignition - no
- cylinder – not included in the basic package
- features - manual ignition, A-class ceramic heating panel that does not deform when exposed to water, a ring-burner with a heat-resistant coating for installing large cookware
The model is effective for local heating of work areas in open areas, where there are doubts about the feasibility of using traditional heating methods.
Suitable for tourists, summer residents, fishermen and hunters, as it uses fuel economically, is not afraid of extreme operating conditions and makes it possible to cook/heat food.
- Almost silent operation
- Directed heat flow
- Does not mix air and dust
- Resistance to high humidity and wind
- Structural reliability
- Short hose
- Poor stability of the legs on a textured surface
- No piezo ignition
Hyundai H-HG3-25-UI777
Lightweight, compact heating equipment with additional cooking/warming function
A convenient device with a durable metal body and folding legs. It is equipped with a grate for installing a kettle, pan or Turk for heating. It weighs little, takes up minimal space and is easy to transport. Not afraid of active operational loads and physical damage.
Specifications:
- maximum power – 2.5 kW
- resource – propane/butane
- consumption – 0.22 kg/h
- control – mechanical
- piezo ignition - no
- cylinder – sold separately
- features - manual ignition, gas control, which automatically turns off the fuel supply in the event of an unexpected cessation of combustion, grill grate for cooking
A budget, small-sized option with a good power level is suitable for heating small rooms, temporary shelters, change houses and country houses that are not equipped with a heating system. Works fine outdoors. Quickly heats up a kettle or pot.
- No unnecessary functions
- Rollover protection
- Compact dimensions
- Little weight
- Low price
- Poor build quality
- Paint burns during use
- Burns oxygen
Ballu BIGH-4
A device with the ability to adjust operating power in the range from 3 to 4.5 kW
Infrared heater Ballu BIGH-4 has a wide spectrum of action - it heats, helps to clear the surface of ice and snow, makes it possible to cook food and warm water.
The body is covered with heat-resistant enamel and retains its aesthetic appearance for a long time. The leg can be disassembled into 2 parts, making it possible to compactly pack the heating device.
Specifications:
- maximum power – 4.5 kW
- resource – propane/butane
- consumption – 0.32 kg/h
- control – mechanical
- piezo ignition – yes
- cylinder - included
- peculiarities - gearbox and gas hose, split leg, premium A ceramic panel, gas valve controlled by sensitive thermocouple
The model is considered professional and is suitable for heating technological and construction areas, open terraces, and gazebos. It warms not the air, but the surrounding objects and people.
- Smooth power adjustment
- High efficiency
- Protection against gas leakage in case of flame failure
- Heat-resistant enamel coating
- Corrosion resistance
- Short gas hose
Rules for choosing an autonomous gas heater
The main parameters for choosing portable infrared gas heaters are: serviced area And weight. It is these indicators that you should focus on first.
If you are looking for a device for use in hiking conditions, you should pay attention to the lightest, most compact unit possible. During long walks, every extra gram will feel like a weighty load.
It is advisable that the heater be supplied with a plastic carrying box. It protects equipment from physical damage that is almost inevitable in extreme conditions.
When you need to select a device for a stationary room, temporary shelter, change house, garage, warehouse or country house that is not equipped with a heating system, you need to consider how much area the device can serve. It is better to take equipment with some reserve to reduce the load and extend its service life.
For permanent transportation/carrying, it makes sense to buy a module with strong body made of anodized metal. Plastic models are more prone to damage and often do not withstand too much use.
When choosing, it is recommended to pay attention to strength And stability of models, especially if you plan to use the equipment as outdoor heater.
In some units, the legs are made of thick metal and are equipped with a lock that ensures the stable position of the entire structure. If you plan to regularly use the heater as a tile, this quality will make a serious difference.
Another plus for the heater is presence of piezo ignition. In difficult weather conditions, high humidity, rain, snow or wind, you can easily turn on the burner and stay warm.You don’t need to constantly monitor that the matches don’t get damp or the lighter doesn’t fail.
You don’t have to pay much attention to additional functions. They are extremely rare in portable products and are not of fundamental importance for operation.
Device brand – not the most important parameter, but it’s worth taking it into account when purchasing. In every field there are successful manufacturers offering the best products at the most attractive prices. You shouldn’t buy nameless models from fly-by-night companies. This equipment cannot withstand the operating load and often breaks down in the first couple of months of use.
If the cost of a branded device seems unreasonably high to you, and you like to make useful homemade products from scrap materials, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with manufacturing instructions DIY gas heater.
Tips for potential buyers
When using gas equipment, strictly adhere to the basic safety rules. Before starting the device, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions and follow the recommendations indicated there.
Turn on the gas unit in enclosed spaces only if there is good ventilation. Even the highest quality appliance emits combustion products during operation that negatively affect humans.
To avoid problems, do not leave the unit unattended for a long time and do not sleep in a room heated by gas appliances.Reasonable care and attention will allow you to fully operate the equipment without having any problems with it.
We also recommend that you read the rules terms of use gas cylinders in everyday life.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
How do mini gas heaters with a ceramic burner work and what are their advantages:
Review of the most popular portable heating devices for fishing, hunting and extreme recreation:
Testing of gas cylinders for compact heating devices.
A portable gas heater is an inexpensive heating device for camping conditions. With its help, it is easy to create comfort in a tent during a camping trip, hunting, fishing or outing, or to heat a country house, a construction site or a warehouse. By choosing the right unit, you will never freeze, even in places where it is physically impossible to install a high-quality heating system.
Are you using a great mobile heater, but it's not in the rating above? Give the advantages and disadvantages of this model identified during operation. If you still have questions about choosing equipment, ask our experts and other users - the feedback form is located below.
