Outdoor heaters are banned in some French and German cities, which is unfortunate considering how cold it gets there. Fortunately, you can still run an outdoor heater here in the US if you want to but be sure you set it up safely.
After all, a source of heat can turn into a fire with the proper kindling. Can patio heaters be used under a tent? I’ll help you figure out how to operate a patio heater safely, so you stay warm in your tent this winter.
Patio heaters can be used inside a tent when you operate them correctly. Never place a heater near a wall, roof, or touching a tent pole because it is a fire hazard. Tents with roof vents, open sides, or mesh windows are recommended for safe use. Electric patio heaters are safer than propane heaters because they don’t put off dangerous gasses or produce flames.
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Can You Put A Patio Heater Under A Tent
You can put a patio heater under a large event-style tent or inside large specialty camping or living tents like yurts.
Additionally, some big camping tents would be safe with a patio heater underneath. However, you need to check the owner’s manual for specifications on how much clear space you need around your patio heater.
Smaller tents, like those used for family camping, are generally far too small for the safe operation of a patio heater. Even larger family tents for eight or ten people may be too small, especially if they have room dividers.
Meanwhile, bell tents and other sizeable options can be safe for patio heaters because of the roof clearance and internal space.
Generally, it would be best to have a big tent with a ten-foot or higher top and at least twenty to forty square feet of clearance to place a patio heater inside.
Even then, airflow is vital, so windows and doors may need to be open for this to work.
Can You Use Propane Heater Under Tent
Propane or catalytic heaters are sometimes safe inside tents. However, it is essential to understand how a propane heater works.
Because they burn fuel, there is a flame, and flames eat oxygen. If you aren’t careful with a propane heater, they can be fatal.
It would be best if you had good airflow with this style. Tents with roof vents, open sides, or mesh windows are the best option for this style of patio heater.
Additionally, I recommend getting a model with a sensor on it that shuts the machine down if the gas levels get too high, oxygen levels get too low, or a specific temperature is reached.
Can You Use An Electric Patio Heater In A Tent
Electric patio heaters are the safest option for inside your tent. However, that doesn’t mean they are without risk. This style still gets hot enough to burn people and tents, so clearance is vital.
While electric patio heaters don’t put off dangerous gasses or burn oxygen, they can still overheat and cause problems if you aren’t careful.
It’s all too easy to get comfortable around a non-flame heater. Unfortunately, this can lead to incaution. Treat these heaters just like you would an open flame.
Never touch them while they are still hot and give them a wide berth when setting them up or moving around nearby.
What Heaters Are Safe For Tents
All freestanding patio heaters are safe inside larger tents when you operate them correctly. A heater near a wall, roof, or touching a tent pole is a significant fire hazard.
Placement is everything. It would help if you put your patio heater as far from the sides and poles of your tent as possible and never set anything flammable nearby like camping bedding.
I suggest getting a heater in a style that has a ‘hat’ on top to help direct the heat downward. Because heat rises, the top of your tent will always be warmer, even without heat, than the floor.
Not only do these covers help warm the space more evenly, but they also prevent the heat from channeling directly up and scorching or burning the roof of your tent above the heater.
Best Large Gas Patio Heater
If you’re looking for a big heater to keep a large event tent warm, I suggest the BELLEZE 48,000 BTU Gas Outdoor Patio Heater from Amazon.
The one-step Piezo ignition system makes it easy to turn on, and it comes with wheels for easy relocation. This model can heat up to fifteen feet in diameter, making it ideal for big gatherings.
More importantly, this model is LP propane heat CSA certified, so it burns safely. Best of all, BELLEZE offers a hundred-day ‘Love it or return it” policy so you can test out this excellent propane heater with confidence.
- [COZY HEATING] Being out in the cold winter nights, we can only think about sipping hot chocolate sitting in a warm place. Belleze's patio heater's stainless steel burners pump out 48,000 BTUs at a diameter of up to 15 feet, keeping you and your family cozy for up to 10 hours. Also perfect for cafes, or restaurants.
- [EASY IGNITION] Start enjoying the cozy warmth with just a push of a button. Patio heater equipped with a one-step Piezo ignition system to easily fire up the unit without complicated procedures.
- [SIMPLE CONTROLS] Customize heat settings based on your personal preference. The heat control knob lets you adjust the heat settings and turn off the heater completely at the end of the night.
- [BUILT-IN SAFETY MEASURES] We at Belleze understand your family's safety is your biggest priority. Our patio heater comes with a built-in anti-tilt auto shut off mechanism that ensures that it shuts down as soon as the heater tilts more than 30°.
- [HASSLE-LESS PORTABILITY]Belleze patio heater is easy to move due to the two super-smooth rolling wheels that come included for making it easy to transport it from your poolside to your lawn or to your patio.
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Small Electric Patio Heater
Perhaps something smaller and more flameless for your next tent event is more your style. I love the Star Patio Outdoor Freestanding Tabletop Electric Patio Heater.
This small but mighty patio heater is better for intimate gatherings like a group of friends sitting around a table. A pull string turns the Star on and off, and it will keep a twelve-foot radius toasty.
Not only is this more environmentally friendly than gas, but it comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty. Plus, it’s cSGSus Certified, IP44 certified, and weather and dust resistant.
- Easy to Use: Provides instant, steady, quiet heating with one simple power setting (1500W). Heats up to 110 sq.ft. Minimal set-up required with just a pull string switch. 5100 BTUs. Don't forget to check Amazon listings for our sister product. A perfect match, high-end, advanced series of adjustable freestanding heater (ASIN:B07L3Q98BG).
- Safe to Touch: Safety auto shut-off in place for tip-over protection. Constructed with high-end materials and an anti-skid design on the heater base. This heater is stable and a functional addition to any space where you need a little more heat. It will turn off if tipped over.
- Newest Unique Designed Extras: It is perfect for 4-5 peoples sitting around the tabletop heater and enjoy your heating together, spend your time together. Built to be portable and fashionable in a hammered bronze tone. This heater is perfect for indoor and outdoor decoration.
- Safe and Environmentally Friendly: This electric patio heater produces no odors, chemicals, or fumes. The high quality, infrared heating is hardly affected by wind. Industry leading halogen tube technology heats efficiently with a lifespan of up to 5000 hours.
- Certified and Warrantied: IP44 certified; weather and dust resistant for outdoor use. cSGSus Certified. Comes with a 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty. Any questions please feel free to call our professional after-sales team in the United States: 626-589-2505.
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Do Heaters Work In Tents
Having a heat source, like a patio heater, inside a tent is very effective. People in frigid environments like Alaska or Mongolia can camp outdoors with a tent and a heat source.
While this would traditionally be a fire, a patio heater is a safer option because there’s no burning ash.
The yurt is a traditional tent that is meant to have a heat source inside. Although the materials have changed, people can safely live inside heated yurts in the most extreme environments.
Yurts.com recommends having both electric heat and a traditional wood stove to stay warm in winter.
Helpful Tips To Know If Patio Heaters Can Be Used Under A Tent
Using a patio heater inside a tent can be a brilliant option that lets you stay warm in extreme temperatures. Even when camping, a generator and patio heater can provide superb warmth so long as our tent can handle the heat.
Here are more helpful tips to know if patio heaters can be used under a tent.
- Not all patio heaters are freestanding. A wall-mounted patio heater is not safe to affix to a tent of any kind. Even if you have central tent poles that can hold it, you should never attach a heater to any part of your tent.
- Some tents are specially insulated and designed to have heat inside. Yurts and certain bell tents are set up for a wood stove, but you can use an electric option instead. However, I do not recommend an open-flame style heater that burns gas in these tents.
- You can extend the life of your patio heater by placing a cover over it when it is not in use. You don’t need to store it away in summer so long as it’s protected from the elements because rain, dust, and other debris can damage your heater or even build-up, causing a fire. Ensure that the heater is completely cooled off before putting anything over it.
Final Thoughts
Operating a patio heater you’ve put under a tent is mostly a matter of common sense. You can’t take a patio heater camping unless you plan to set up an army-sized tent, bell tent made for heat, or yurt.
However, an event tent is easy to heat. Please pay attention to the wind and predicted weather, and never leave your heater unattended unless it’s cold and unplugged.
Other than that, you should always maintain your heater in good condition and read the instructions in your owner’s manual for the best safety practices.