Rating of the best compact gas heaters: TOP-10 models and tips for customers to choose

Vasily Borutsky
Checked by a specialist: Vasily Borutsky
Author: Natalya Listyeva
Last update: November 2019

The heating equipment market offers equipment of various types and purposes. Along with large-sized modules for heating large rooms, portable models are available that are convenient for transportation and use in marching or extreme conditions.

In addition to hiking, a compact gas heater is useful for heating a workplace, a warehouse, a trading tent, a country house, a change house, a makeshift or an open veranda / terrace.

And how to choose the right device and which manufacturers you can trust - we talk about this in our publication. The review presents the top ten 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 sites dedicated to ratings of household appliances and heating equipment.

10 best compact gas heaters

A place
Product
Rating
Max. heating area
Weight
Price
Models up to 2 kW
#3
96
/ 100
12 m²
1.5 kg
Models from 2 kW
#1
99
/ 100
8 m²
3.9 kg
#3
96
/ 100
30 m²
1.6 kg
#5
94
/ 100
60 m²
2.3 kg

Models up to 2 kW

#1

KOVEA Power Sense (KH-2006)

Compact model with a tungsten radiator at a budget price

Expert rating:
98
/ 100

KOVEA Power Sense is considered a hit among small portable heating units. In the internal part of the device there are no plastic elements prone to reflow. The presence of an overpressure relief valve makes the device reliable and safe.

The heater exhibits high efficiency at low temperatures and provides a steady flow of heat. Economically consumes energy.One cylinder collet standard lasts for 3 hours of continuous operation.

Specifications:

  • ultimate power - 1.04 kW
  • resource - butane
  • consumption - 0.08 kg / h
  • management - mechanical
  • piezo ignition - is
  • bottle - sold separately
  • features - tungsten emitter, 4 fixed supports for installing the device on any type of surface, lightweight body, hard plastic case for protection against mechanical damage

The model qualitatively heats the temporary shelter or a spacious six-seater tent. Suitable for tourists, fishermen, hunters and fans of an active lifestyle, often traveling in the cold season.

Advantages
  • Resistance to corrosion and aggressive acids
  • Easy to operate and easy to operate
  • Elementary refueling method
  • Lightweight body
  • Affordable price
disadvantages
  • Short period of operation on one fully charged cylinder
#2

KOVEA Cupid Heater (KH-1203)

Reliable, practical heating device, effective even in windy weather

Expert rating:
97
/ 100

The heater has a robust metal housing 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 does not create an open flame, thereby increasing the level of operational safety. It is resistant to alkaline and acidic environments, not afraid of corrosion. Withstands intense loads.

Specifications:

  • ultimate power - 1 kW
  • resource - propane / butane
  • consumption - 0.07 kg / h
  • management - a mechanical indicator
  • piezo ignition - is
  • cylinder - not included in the basic package
  • Features - ceramic heating element, convenient carrying handle, plastic case for transportation and protection against external damage

The device is suitable for heating a large tent, a temporary fishing or hunting shelter, a small room in a summer house.

Advantages
  • Powerful heat flow
  • High security
  • Economical fuel consumption
  • Stable operation at low temperatures
  • Immunity to overheating
disadvantages
  • Weak stability on a raised surface
#3

TOURIST MINI AFRICA

Best seller among budget gas heaters for tourism and outdoor activities

Expert rating:
96
/ 100

TOURIST MINI AFRICA is a fully autonomous portable device for creating comfortable warmth in a tent, shelter, change house or compact room for temporary residence.

Heats air quickly and consumes gas mixture economically. If the cylinder is installed incorrectly, it will not turn on.

Specifications:

  • ultimate power - 1.2 kW
  • resource - propane / butane
  • consumption - 0.1 kg / h
  • management - mechanical
  • piezo ignition - is
  • bottle - sold separately
  • features - gas leak prevention system, protection against incorrect cylinder installation

The heater is suitable for tourists, travelers and summer residents. Heats tents and tents, compact temporary buildings, hunting lodges and shelters with high quality.

Advantages
  • About 5-6 hours of working in economy mode on a single, fully refilled cylinder
  • Compactness
  • No open flame
  • Steady legs
disadvantages
  • In an enclosed space with poor ventilation, the smell of carbon monoxide is felt
  • Plastic case vulnerable to damage
  • Lack of carrying case
#4

KOVEA Little Sun (KH-0203)

Reliable and safe high power unit for heating spacious tents and rooms

Expert rating:
94
/ 100

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 provides stable operation of equipment at low temperatures.

Specifications:

  • ultimate power - 1.67 kW
  • resource - butane
  • consumption - 0.12 kg / h
  • management - a mechanical indicator
  • piezo ignition - is
  • cylinder - not included in the basic package
  • features - two heating modes, tightly arranged rings of the reflector grid, protecting from burns in case of touch

The model is suitable for autonomous heat supply of large tents, country houses, temporary buildings and the car interior.

Advantages
  • Steady legs
  • Ergonomic carry handle
  • Simple operation
  • Cap with latch on the niche for the cylinder
  • The presence of an economical mode of operation
disadvantages
  • Easily soiled
  • Lack of a box for transportation
#5

KOVEA Fire Ball (KH-0710)

Combi device for heating a small tent and cooking

Expert rating:
93
/ 100

The unit combines the functions of a heater and a burner. It quickly creates a comfortable microclimate in a small room, and helps to quickly warm a kettle, Turk or pan with food. Convenient and reliable fasteners prevent tipping over during operation.

Specifications:

  • ultimate power - 9 kW
  • resource - propane / butane
  • consumption - 0.07 kg / h
  • management - mechanical
  • piezo ignition - is
  • bottle - 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 case 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.

Advantages
  • Long-life tungsten emitter
  • Ability to withstand installation on a grid of dishes of any volume
  • Spread legs for stable positioning on embossed surfaces
disadvantages
  • Low working power
  • Short period of operation on one cylinder

Models from 2 kW

#1

Elekon Power PG7B

Autonomous gas heater for small rooms, tents or temporary shelters

Expert rating:
99
/ 100

The unit works correctly at temperatures from -10 to +40 ° С. It is equipped with a plate on which the cylinder is placed.

The plate heats up during operation and provides high-quality cylinder heating. This improves gas evaporation at low ambient temperatures and ensures high efficiency of the heating device.

Specifications:

  • ultimate power - 2 kW
  • resource - propane / butane
  • consumption - 0.15 kg / h
  • control - mechanical toggle switch
  • piezo ignition - is
  • cylinder - not included in the basic package
  • features - built-in pressure regulator, protection against installation of the cylinder with the valve open

Practical and convenient portable furnace of the middle price segment. It is not afraid of active use and is suitable for heating a tent, a tourist shelter or a small makeshift.

Advantages
  • High heat dissipation
  • Protective grille that protects the user from accidentally touching hot elements
  • Lateral arrangement of a gas cylinder
disadvantages
  • The smell of exhaust gas with poor ventilation in a heated room
#2

Hyundai H-HG2-29-UI686

A powerful budget device for autonomous heating of large outdoor areas and cooking simple dishes

Expert rating:
98
/ 100

The floor heater in a simple metal case is based on a ceramic heating element. Demonstrates high working power and heats open areas for various purposes, cabins and premises for temporary stay of people.

It is installed in enclosed spaces only under the condition of arranging high-quality ventilation, which ensures the complete removal of combustion products.

Specifications:

  • ultimate power - 2.9 kW
  • resource - propane
  • consumption - 0.25 kg / h
  • management - mechanical
  • piezo ignition - is
  • bottle - sold separately
  • features - gearbox, gas hose, German ceramic emitter Rauschert

An elementary arrangement and easy-to-operate device is suitable for summer residents, builders, installers and handymen who want to combine heating of the territory with quick preparation / heating of tea / simple dishes.

Advantages
  • Compact dimensions
  • Lack of asbestos in the heating element
  • Serving a large area
  • Economical fuel consumption
disadvantages
  • When working indoors, it burns oxygen
  • Simplified appearance
  • Not very neat assembly
  • For vertical installation, the angle of inclination must not exceed 60 °
#3

Ballu BIGH-3

Infrared unit with 100% efficiency, directional heating and the ability to cook / reheat food

Expert rating:
96
/ 100

Ballu BIGH-3 provides high thermal power during operation. It copes with heating large areas. Suitable for cleaning surfaces from ice and snow. The nozzles of different diameters included in the kit allow the use of not only balloon propane, but also main gas.

Specifications:

  • ultimate 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 ring with a heat-resistant coating for installing overall dishes

The model is effective for local heating of work areas in open areas where there are doubts about the appropriateness of using traditional heating methods.

Suitable for tourists, summer residents, fishermen and hunters, as it spends fuel economically, is not afraid of extreme operating conditions and makes it possible to cook / reheat food.

Advantages
  • Almost silent operation
  • Directional heat flow
  • Does not mix air and dust
  • Resistance to the increased humidity and wind
  • Structural reliability
disadvantages
  • Short hose
  • Weak stability of legs on a raised surface
  • Lack of piezo ignition
#4

Hyundai H-HG3-25-UI777

Lightweight, compact heating equipment with optional cooking / heating function

Expert rating:
95
/ 100

Convenient device with a sturdy metal case and folding legs. It is equipped with a grill for installing a kettle, pot or turk for heating. It weighs a little, takes up a minimum of space and is easily transported. Not afraid of active operational loads and physical damage.

Specifications:

  • ultimate power - 2.5 kW
  • resource - propane / butane
  • consumption - 0.22 kg / h
  • management - mechanical
  • piezo ignition - no
  • bottle - sold separately
  • features - manual ignition, gas control, automatically shutting off the fuel supply in case of an unexpected cessation of combustion, grill for cooking

The budget small-sized option with a good power level is suitable for heating small rooms, temporary houses, change houses and country houses, not equipped with a heating system. It works normally outdoors. Quickly warms up a teapot or Turk.

Advantages
  • Lack of superfluous functions
  • Rollover protection
  • Compact dimensions
  • Little weight
  • Low price
disadvantages
  • Weak build quality
  • The paint burns during operation
  • Burns oxygen
#5

Ballu BIGH-4

The device with the ability to adjust the power in the range from 3 to 4.5 kW

Expert rating:
94
/ 100

Ballu BIGH-4 infrared heater with a wide spectrum of action - heats, helps clean the surface from ice and snow, makes it possible to cook and warm water.

The case is covered with heat-resistant enamel and for a long time retains an aesthetic appearance. The leg is disassembled into 2 parts, opening up the possibility of compactly packing the heating device.

Specifications:

  • ultimate power - 4.5 kW
  • resource - propane / butane
  • consumption - 0.32 kg / h
  • management - mechanical
  • piezo ignition - is
  • balloon - included
  • features - gearbox and gas hose, split leg, premium ceramic panel A, gas valve controlled by sensitive thermocouple

The model is considered professional and is suitable for heating technological and construction areas, open terraces, gazebos. It warms not air, but surrounding objects and people.

Advantages
  • Infinitely variable power
  • High efficiency
  • Gas leak protection in case of flame extinction
  • Heat-resistant enamel coating
  • Corrosion resistance
disadvantages
  • Short gas hose

Rules for choosing an autonomous gas heater

The main parameters for choosing portable infrared gas heaters - served area and weight. It is these indicators that should be guided first.

If you are looking for a device for use in camping conditions, you should pay attention to the most lightweight, compact unit. During long walks, every extra gram will be felt as a weighty load.

Floor gas heater
For people traveling by car, the weight is not so important. Such users can purchase any model they like, capable, if necessary, of high-quality heating not only the tent, but also the interior of the car

It is advisable that the plastic comes with a heater carrying box. It protects equipment from physical damage, almost inevitable in extreme conditions.

When you need to choose a device for a stationary room, a temporary hut, a change house, the garage, warehouse or country house, not equipped with a heating system, you need to consider how much space the device is capable of serving. It is better to take equipment with a certain margin in order to reduce the load and extend the service life.

For constant transportation / carrying, it makes sense to buy a module with strong case made of anodized metal. Plastic models are more prone to damage and often do not withstand too active use.

Gas heater in a tent
Combi options can not only heat, but also cook / reheat food. Such devices make it possible to more comfortably equip your life even in the most extreme conditions.

When choosing, it is recommended to pay attention to strength and model stabilityespecially if you plan to use the equipment as street heater.

In some units, the legs are made of thick metal and equipped with a latch that ensures a stable position of the entire structure. If you plan to regularly use the heater as a tile, this quality will be of great importance.

Another plus for the heater is the presence of piezo ignition. In difficult weather conditions, in high humidity, in rain, snow or wind, you can easily turn on the burner and be able to warm up. You do not need to watch all the time so that the matches do not become wet or the lighter does not fail.

Additional functions can be ignored. In portable products, they are extremely rare and do not have fundamental importance for work.

Appliance brand - Not the most fundamental parameter, but it should be taken into account when buying. In any area there are successful manufacturers offering the best products at the most attractive price. Name models from one-day firms should not be taken. This technique does not withstand the operational load and often fails in the first couple of months of use.

If the cost of a branded device seems unreasonably high to you, and you like to craft useful home-made products from improvised materials, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with manufacturing instructions do-it-yourself gas heater.

Tips for potential buyers

Using gas equipment, adhere to the basic safety rules. Before starting the device, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions and follow the recommendations indicated there.

Cylinders for gas heaters
Get branded gas cylinders of famous brands. Saving on fuel quality in the future may result in equipment failure, fire, or other unpleasant consequences.

Switch on the gas unit indoors only with good ventilation. Even the most high-quality device in the process of work emits combustion products that adversely affect a person.

To avoid problems, do not leave the unit unattended for a long time and do not go to bed in a room heated by gas appliances. Reasonable caution 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 at home.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

How mini gas heaters with a ceramic burner are arranged and what are their advantages:

Overview of the most popular portable heating devices for fishing, hunting and extreme recreation:

Testing gas cylinders for compact heaters.

A portable gas heater is an inexpensive device for heating in camping conditions. With its help, it is easy to create comfort in a tent during a camping trip, hunting, fishing or going out in the countryside, to heat a summer house, building site or storage room. By choosing the right unit, you will never freeze even where it is physically impossible to equip a high-quality heating system.

Use an excellent mobile heater, but it is not in the above rating? Give the advantages and disadvantages of this model identified during operation. If you still have questions about the choice of equipment, ask our experts and other users - the feedback form is located below.

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