Best Battery Powered Heaters for Vanlife (or Camping)

Jul 19, 2023 | Camping, Gear

When the weather starts to turn frosty, there’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a heater.

But, what if you’re out adventuring, away from the convenience of home utilities? That’s where a battery-powered heater steps in, offering the warmth you crave, wherever you choose to roam.

However, heaters take up an extreme amount of energy and this makes it challenging to make portable. This is where a blend of a high-capacity battery and a low-watt heater becomes the choice for a battery-operated heater for camping.

A battery-powered heater setup works on a straightforward principle – it utilizes the energy stored in the battery to power a portable heater.

Heaters are generally power-hungry devices, often requiring a substantial amount of electricity to generate heat. Therefore, opting for a low-watt heater that can efficiently provide heat while conserving energy is a wise choice.

On the other hand, to ensure that your heater doesn’t exhaust the battery supply prematurely, a high-capacity battery becomes an indispensable part of this setup. Such a battery stores more energy, ensuring longer operational hours for your heater.

In this article, we delve into the world of battery-powered heaters, exploring the ideal combinations of high-capacity batteries and low-watt heaters to keep you cozy during your outdoor adventures.

 

Is There Such a Thing as a Battery-Powered Heater Without Needing a Separate Battery?

This is a question often pondered by outdoor enthusiasts and, to put it simply, the answer is yes and no.

Currently, there are no conventional space heaters that can operate solely on internal batteries for an extended period. The energy required to produce a significant amount of heat is just too high for typical batteries to sustain over time.

However, there are smaller, personal heating devices that come with built-in batteries. These devices, like hand warmers or heated clothing, are designed to provide targeted warmth rather than heat a whole room or tent.

Although they don’t provide the same level of heat as a battery-powered tent heater, these gadgets can still be very effective at keeping you warm during your outdoor adventures.

In the meantime, a setup with a separate high-capacity battery and a low-watt heater proves to be the most practical and reliable solution for outdoor heating needs. It may not be as simple as a single device, but with the right combination, you can achieve that warm, cozy atmosphere even in the heart of nature.

 

Heater Wattage and Power Usage Explained

In the context of portable heaters, understanding wattage is crucial. Most space heaters consume around 1,500 watts. For perspective, if a portable power station has a capacity of 1500W, it can power a 1500W space heater for approximately an hour on a full charge. This isn’t a long duration for cold weather camping.

Therefore, smaller heaters, which require fewer watts, are often more suitable for camping. They can run for several hours on a portable battery due to their lower energy consumption.

As a rule of thumb, if you plan to use a small electric heater with a battery, a combination of a 1000W+ power station and a 200W heater is recommended. This setup should suffice for overnight heating. For extended use or larger heaters, a power station with a higher wattage, such as 1500W or 2000W, may be more appropriate.

 

Recommended Battery Powered Space Heater Combo

The overall recommended combo for a battery powered space heater setup would be the BLUETTI 2000W Portable Power Station with the Lasko MyHeat 200W Mini Space heater. On a full charge, this would give you 10 straight hours of heating without needing a recharge.

Recommended Battery

2000w battery
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Top Choice Heater

lasko portable space heater
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Best Battery Powered Haters for Camping or Van Life

Lasko MyHeat Personal Mini Space Heater 200W

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lasko portable space heater

Product Overview

The Lasko MyHeat Personal Mini Space Heater is a compact and energy-efficient heating solution, designed to provide comfortable warmth for individual use without using up substantial power.

 

Price Range

With a price point below $25, it is a budget-friendly option, offering remarkable functionality at an affordable cost.

 

Key Features

The Lasko MyHeat Personal Mini Space Heater operates on 200 watts, ensuring your personal space stays warm without running up your energy bill. Despite its small size, this 6-inch heater is capable of delivering substantial heat for its size. The single-speed function makes it user-friendly and straightforward to operate. Plus, its black, sleek design makes it an attractive addition to any decor.

 

Suitability

This product is ideal for those who need a personal heater for small spaces, such as their home office or bedroom. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, and it’s also suitable for desktop or tabletop use.

 

User Reviews

Users on Amazon have given this Lasko heater high marks for its performance, appreciating its compact size, energy efficiency, and personal heat provision.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Energy-efficient 200W operation
  • Compact and portable
  • User-friendly with a single-speed function

Cons:

  • Some users noted it’s best suited for personal use or smaller spaces due to its compact size.

 

Specifications

Brand: Lasko

Color: Black

Design: Compact, sleek design

Features: 200W operation, single-speed function, portable

Best For: Personal use in small spaces

User Feedback: Praised for its energy efficiency, compactness, and effective personal heat provision

 

Final Verdict

The Lasko MyHeat Personal Mini Space Heater is an excellent choice for those seeking a personal heater that won’t drain power. Its energy efficiency, combined with a simple single-speed function and a sleek, compact design, make it a standout in the personal heating space.

Despite its small size, it delivers effective warmth, making it perfect for use in small spaces. If you need a budget-friendly, portable heater for personal use, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than this.

Brightown 400W Low Wattage Mini Heater

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brightown space heater

Product Overview

The Brightown 400W Low Wattage Mini Heater is a compact yet potent space heater that caters to the needs of those seeking a low energy-consuming heat solution for small indoor spaces.

 

Price Range

Priced under $50, this mini heater offers excellent value for budget-conscious users who want a high-performing heater that won’t break the bank.

 

Key Features

The Brightown Mini Heater operates at a power-efficient 400W, producing ample warmth for a cozy space without excessive power consumption. The heater is packed with safety features such as overheat protection and a tip-over switch, providing peace of mind for users. Another noteworthy feature is its low noise level, ensuring your peace and quiet are not disturbed while it’s running.

 

Suitability

This mini heater is perfect for users who need a portable, quiet, and safe heating solution for small indoor spaces such as office cubicles or bedrooms.

 

User Reviews

Users have highly praised the Brightown Mini Heater on Amazon for its power efficiency, safety features, quiet operation, and portability, making it an all-around winner.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Value for money
  • Low noise operation
  • Packed with safety features

Cons:

  • Some users have reported that the heat output might not be sufficient for larger spaces.

 

Specifications

Brand: Brightown

Power: 400W

Safety Features: Overheat protection and tip-over switch

Noise Level: Low noise operation

Best For: Heating small indoor spaces quietly and efficiently

User Feedback: Highly praised for its efficiency, safety, and quiet operation

 

Final Verdict

If you’re in the market for a compact, quiet, and efficient heating solution for a small space, then the Brightown 400W Low Wattage Mini Heater could be the ideal choice for you.

Its energy-efficient operation, combined with its impressive safety features and quiet performance, offer exceptional value for money. Its high ratings from users underscore its reputation as a reliable, cost-effective heating solution for small indoor spaces.

METKIIO Space Heater – Portable Mini Heater

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portable space heater

Product Overview

The METKIIO Space Heater is an adorably retro yet highly functional mini heater designed for portability and efficiency, making it ideal for both home and outdoor use.

 

Price Range

Priced slightly above $50, this heater provides considerable value, especially considering its unique design and the versatility it offers.

 

Key Features

The METKIIO Space Heater is an energy-efficient model that generates a pleasant warmth without causing a spike in your electricity bill. The product is highly portable, perfect for warming up both home and office spaces, as well as camping tents or RV trailers. Safety is a priority with this device, as it comes with built-in overheating protection. The heater’s retro design adds a touch of nostalgia and charm to any space it’s placed in.

 

Suitability

This product is particularly suited for those who desire a portable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing heater for small spaces, whether indoors or outdoors.

 

User Reviews

On Amazon, users have rated the METKIIO Space Heater highly for its excellent energy efficiency, unique design, and portability.

 

PROS AND CONS

Pros:

  • Energy efficient
  • Retro design adds aesthetic appeal
  • Portable for both indoor and outdoor use

Cons:

  • While most reviews are positive, a few users have pointed out that the heat output may not be sufficient for very cold environments.

 

Specifications

Brand: METKIIO

Color: Green

Design: Retro-styled compact design

Features: Overheating protection, energy-efficient, portable

Best For: Heating small indoor and outdoor spaces with style

User Feedback: Appreciated for its energy efficiency, unique design, and portability

 

Final Verdict

If you’re on the lookout for a unique, energy-efficient space heater that doubles as a conversation piece, the METKIIO Space Heater could be the perfect fit. With its charming retro design, portability, and built-in safety features, it offers a great combination of form and function at a reasonable price.

Whether you plan to use it in your office, bedroom, camping tent, or RV trailer, this mini heater promises to add warmth and a dash of style to your space.

Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater – Blue

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amazon portable heater

Product Overview

The Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater in Blue is an efficient and compact heating solution for personal use, built to deliver targeted warmth wherever you need it.

 

Price Range

Priced under $25, it offers a value-for-money option for those in search of a cost-effective and efficient heating solution.

 

Key Features

This small but robust heater utilizes 500 watts of power to provide substantial heat in compact spaces. The ceramic heating element ensures even, efficient heat distribution. Compact and lightweight, it’s perfect for desks or tabletops and comes with a handy tip-over switch with auto shut-off for safety.

 

Suitability

Given its small size and energy-efficient design, it’s perfect for those seeking to heat small spaces like offices, bedrooms, or dorms. It’s also an excellent choice for those who value safety, given its tip-over auto shut-off feature.

 

User Reviews

Amazon users appreciate this mini heater for its compact design, efficiency, and safety features, giving it high ratings for its ability to warm small spaces effectively.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight, making it portable
  • Efficient ceramic heating element
  • Safety features, including tip-over auto shut-off

Cons:

  • Some users report it’s best for small spaces or close proximity use

 

Specifications

Brand: Amazon Basics

Color: Blue

Design: Compact and lightweight

Features: 500W operation, ceramic heating element, tip-over auto shut-off

Best For: Personal use in small spaces

User Feedback: Highly rated for its compact design, heating efficiency, and safety features

 

Final Verdict

The Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater offers an excellent blend of affordability, portability, and efficiency. Its ceramic heating element, combined with safety features like the tip-over auto shut-off, makes it an appealing choice for those seeking targeted warmth in compact spaces.

If you’re in the market for a small, efficient, and safe heater that won’t break the bank, this Amazon Basics heater could be your ideal pick.

Best Portable Battery for Space Heaters

BLUETTI Portable Power Station 2000W Generator for Outdoor Camping, RV Travel, Home Use

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2000w battery generator

Product Overview

The BLUETTI AC200P Portable Power Station is a highly versatile power solution, ideal for outdoor activities like camping or RV travel, and equally well-suited for home use during power outages.

 

Price Range

With a significant price tag, the AC200P is an investment that provides considerable value due to its large capacity and multiple features.

 

Key Features

This power station boasts an impressive 2000Wh LiFePO4 battery and has six 2000W AC outlets, able to deliver a peak power of 4800W. It doesn’t come with a solar panel, but it can be coupled with one for solar charging. Additionally, it offers multiple other charging options including wall outlets and car charging.

 

Suitability

With its robust battery capacity and output, it’s ideal for extended camping trips or for powering a range of home appliances during outages. It’s also great for use with lower-wattage heaters for longer durations.

 

User Reviews

Users on Amazon highly appreciate the BLUETTI AC200P for its high capacity, variety of charging options, and overall reliability. Its ability to power multiple devices simultaneously has been particularly lauded.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Massive capacity and power output
  • Multiple charging options
  • Highly versatile

Cons:

  • Higher price range
  • Solar panel not included

Specifications

Brand: BLUETTI

Battery Capacity: 2000Wh LiFePO4

Peak Power: 4800W

AC Outlets: 6 2000W

Extras: Wall charging cable and car charging cable included

User Feedback: Highly rated for capacity, versatility, and reliability

Best For: Extended outdoor activities and home backup power

 

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a reliable and highly versatile power station with a large capacity, the BLUETTI AC200P Portable Power Station is well worth the investment.

Perfect for outdoor activities or as a home backup during outages, this power station can handle enough power for high-energy applications. Just remember, if you’re considering solar charging, you’ll need to purchase the solar panels separately.

Battery Operated Heaters vs. Propane Heaters

There is also the popular alternative of using a propane heater or similar gas-powered heaters. The issue here is that without a carbon monoxide detector or proper airflow, it could be potentially dangerous and dealing with propane tanks can be daunting.

Without the correct airflow, you run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which could be lethal so it is incredibly important to make sure there is safe airflow with this setup.

Regardless of which option you choose, always remember to be safe and have fun!

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