Nature trips are a great way to relax and spend time with benefit. However, tourism lovers know very well that on the way they have to face many inconveniences, the main of which is the cold. If you decide to spend the night in a tent, you need to think in advance about how you plan to warm up. A gas heater for a tent will help solve the problem. Let's consider what it is and how justified is its use.
You can warm up the space in the tent using a portable gas heater
What is a gas tent heater: how it works
A gas tourist heater is designed quite simply, it consists of the following elements:
- thermal fan;
- power regulator;
- gas-burner;
- reflector;
- protective valve.
Travel gas heater with 540 degree head rotation
All components are housed in a small metal case, which is called a portable gas heater for a tent. It is not difficult to buy such a device, 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 fuel processing and heat energy production. In this case, everything happens without connecting to the network, which allows you to use the device even in a hike. Food comes from a small gas cylinder that you can take with you without any problems.
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 the device.
Helpful advice! When camping, the 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 near the device, it will be quite enough.
Gas heater Mr. Heater MH18B propane
Gas heater and its device
A gas heater is a compact device that allows you to increase the temperature in your tent during a camping trip.
The main components of a gas heater include the following elements:
- fan heater;
- gas-burner;
- heating power regulator;
- reflector;
- protective valve.
These elements form the basis of the gas device, the design of which may differ, depending on the manufacturer. The principle of operation of a gas heater is based on the conversion of fuel into thermal energy. Fuel in the form of gas is contained in a compact tank that can be easily transported in a backpack. The gas tent heater is independent of the power supply, which makes it not only versatile, but also convenient.
The main principle of the gas heater is the economy of fuel consumption and the uniformity of heat distribution. Efficiency and uniformity of heat distribution is achieved due to the special design of the heater. In a gas burner, propane is mixed with air, after which the mixture enters the splitter and is burned. Plates of various materials convert energy into heat, and the reflector directs it in the desired direction.
Types of Gas Camping Tent Heaters
Depending on how the 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 heat, which is produced by burning gas in the burner, and emits it with the help of 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 indisputable advantage when hiking.
Note! Infrared ceramic devices are considered to be the most economical when it comes to fuel consumption. A small can, which can easily fit in a backpack, is sufficient for a long hike.
Portable heater with automatic shutdown function
The second option is a portable gas tent heater equipped with a metal radiator. Due to the fact that the metal rods 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 back of the case allows you to adjust the direction of the heat flow.
The catalytic tent heater is considered the most versatile. Its capabilities are much wider than that of other representatives, and with its help you can not only keep warm in the tent, but also cook food. Such a device is not very expensive, but much more fuel is consumed.
Another difference between catalytic heaters and others is the presence of a thermal panel, which, thanks to the platinum layer, 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 with a weight of 11 kg
Types of tent heaters
Portable heaters fall into three main categories:
- Liquid;
- Gas;
- Catalytic.
Alcohol heaters can be made by yourself, for example, from cans, but this is not the safest way to keep warm.
Liquid models run on alcohol or refined gasoline. Alcohol candles are small candles that burn with a bright flame and give warmth. The disadvantage of such a candle is the presence of an uncovered flame - in fact, we have before us the simplest burner, like those found in chemical, biological and medical laboratories. therefore for heating a tent in which people will sleep, such a burner will not work - the likelihood of a fire is too high.
The petrol camping tent heater, available from many specialty stores, is a combination of a heater and an ancient kerosene lamp. This symbiosis of two devices made it possible to create miniature devices that give good results - they quickly create a comfortable atmosphere in tents of almost any size, filling their space with invigorating warmth.
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What's wrong with gasoline models?
- Poor quality gasoline leads to unstable operation;
- Liquid fuel can accidentally spill, creating additional problems;
- Even the purest gasoline does not smell very pleasant.
Nevertheless, gasoline stoves remain quite popular travel accessories.
The advent of compact gas cylinders led to the rapid development of all kinds of heaters, used not only for heating tent volumes, but also for cooking... What can we find in specialized tourist shops?
With a gas infrared heater, you can easily, not only reheat food, but also cook it.
- Infrared ceramic gas tent heaters;
- Heaters with classic metal radiators;
- Heaters with built-in and plug-in gas cylinders.
Ceramic radiators provide a powerful flow of heat (due to infrared radiation absorbed by surrounding objects), requiring minimal gas consumption for heating the tent. At first, these heating devices work at full capacity, and then the intensity of combustion can be removed. Compact stoves with metal radiators work in about the same way (they are less fragile, but also less effective). Both those and other devices are made in the floor version or are nozzles on the cans.
There is also a division by the type of gas cylinders - there are tent heaters with built-in cylinders and with plug-in ones (through a collet or a flexible hose with a reducer).
All of the above devices to one degree or another create combustion products of gaseous or liquid fuel. therefore tents should be ventilated... As for the catalytic models, they heat due to the exothermic chemical reaction of fuel decomposition in the presence of a catalyst. Gas catalytic heaters are not compact and are more suitable for heating large camping tents, but a gasoline catalytic heater for a tent can even fit in a pocket - it is focused on small tent volumes.
Conventional stoves and burners that do not have radiant elements are not suitable for heating - they are focused on cooking. You can also cook food on some ceramic floor models.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Gas Tent Heater
Of course, living and sleeping in a tent is significantly different from the conditions to which we are accustomed to at home or in the country. Therefore, before choosing and buying a portable gas heater, it is necessary to present the appropriate requirements to it. And first of all it concerns the safety of the device.
All heaters that can be considered as a travel option must be equipped with an automatic protection system. This is necessary in case you overturn or overly tilt the burner, which happens more than often in living conditions in a tent.
Another requirement that is likely to be useful is the presence of a carbon dioxide sensor. The thing is that the combustion of gas 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 emitted exceeds the norm. Of course, this is unsafe for health.
Gas heater with the possibility of cooking Kovea Fire Ball KH-0710
Considering all these indicators, only a compact gas ceramic infrared burner can be considered an ideal option. With 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 camping stove.
DIY gas heater for tent
To make the simplest heater, you will need a Chinese cheap burner (usually it is almost impossible to boil a kettle on such a device) and a square aluminum can of cereals. This can be found in any kitchen. Instead, you can choose a tin can of a suitable diameter for the burner.
We take out everything that interferes from the burner. Only the burner with the outlet hose remains there. Turning the can upside down and aligning it with the burner, we fasten one edge of the burner and the can with a hinge loop using self-tapping screws. It should look like a chest. We make holes on the sides of the aluminum can. Now, by connecting the balloon, you can check the performance. We open the gas supply, light the burner, close the “lid” and enjoy the warmth.
Such a Chinese tile makes a good heating device.
In fact, there are many ways to warm up a tent in nature. Everything here is limited only by the imagination of the master and the straightness of his hands.
Safe Use of Gas Ceramic Infrared Tent Heater
The presence of the fuel combustion process inside the system and its conversion into thermal energy makes the gas ceramic infrared burner not the safest household device. Its use requires strict adherence to operating rules, which are designed to protect against emergencies.
When using a gas heater, it is important to adhere to fire safety rules.
The main prohibitions aimed at using gas heaters from a cylinder for a tent:
- It is strictly forbidden to use the device to dry clothes, as well as any other items that may catch fire when dry.
- It is unacceptable to install the heater near explosive or flammable objects.
- The appliance must always be in an upright position and must not be covered with cloth or paper.
- Any operations with the heater, including changing the cylinder, must be carried out strictly on the street.
- When the heater is turned 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 a normal oxygen level in it.
Note! The category of flammable items includes, inter alia, 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 the infrared gas tent heater needs refueling and you do it yourself, be very careful. Ask in advance how exactly the parsing and refueling with gas takes place, what is necessary for this, and also how to avoid a leak.
Take the time to read the instructions for the purchased device. This will save you from the occurrence of many unpleasant situations associated with improper operation of the device. It is much better to devote a little time to this in advance, so that later during the hike there will not be any unpleasant surprises.
Gas Infrared Ceramic Tent Heater
The device of the most ordinary gas ceramic infrared heater for a tent.
What is Gas Infrared Ceramic Tent Heater? This device features a burner design - a ceramic burner is used here, which is heated to a high temperature... It is she who emits infrared radiation that warms the surrounding objects. Ceramic burners have proven themselves from the very best side. They are distinguished by their high efficiency, acceptable power and compactness.
It should be noted that almost all tent heaters are built on ceramic burners. This applies to the greatest extent to models with built-in and plug-in gas cylinders. There is a lot of space in them, so nothing prevents you from installing just such burners here. Gas infrared ceramic tent heater will delight you with high-quality heating and a long service life.
Devices with ceramic burners are good because they can heat tents of a large area and work in open areas.
When choosing this device, be sure to make sure that there are security systems. Selected a tourist gas heater must interrupt the gas supply if the flame goes out or if it accidentally falls... Do not forget to ventilate the tent, as combustion products remain in the tent space and need to be removed. Otherwise, poisoning and feeling unwell are possible.
Features and price of 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 made in Russia and enjoying wide popularity.
Infrared gas heater Pathfinder-Ion
The Pathfinder-Ion gas heater is designed for the climatic conditions in which it will be used. The main advantages of the device:
- light weight - only 370 gr.;
- compact dimensions - 120x200x215 mm;
- sufficiently high power - 1000-12000 W;
- the presence of piezo ignition;
- the ability to heat rooms up to 20 m².
Such a device is extremely economical: depending on the mode used, the fuel consumption per hour does not exceed 50-110 grams, which allows you to warm up for a long time even with the smallest cylinder. As many hobbyists confirm, this is a great option for a gas heater in a tent for winter fishing or for a hike.
Helpful advice! When calculating the required amount of fuel that you will take with you on a hike, be sure to leave some reserve. Calculating stocks back to back, you run the risk of not guessing with the 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
Best outdoor heaters
When it is required to heat an open space on the street (a picnic in nature or gatherings in a courtyard gazebo in spring and autumn), street gas heaters are used. They feature a stylish design and a tall housing 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 outdoor heaters is Siabs Kaliente. This Italian unit rises by 233 cm and is a vertical piece of equipment, reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower in miniature. The power of the heater is 10.5 kW and its heat-covering capacity covers 35 square meters. Body materials are aluminum and stainless steel.
In the lower part, there is an LED backlight for decoration. The weight with the filled cylinder is 33 kg. Continuous operation will last for 10-18 hours, depending on the set mode. The flame burns in a closed flask under glass. It gives a beautiful effect and heat in the form of infrared radiation. High quality body assembly. Stands steadily on the ground.
Advantages:
- very beautiful design;
- economical gas consumption;
- stainless materials;
- good stability;
- safe;
- one-piece protective grill.
Disadvantages:
- packing stickers on the case are badly torn off;
- high price;
- a lot of unnecessary technical information in the passport.
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ENDERS Elegance - for a cozy holiday with a small company
This German heater is much cheaper than its counterparts and is designed for a range of only 9 meters. The design of the device resembles a street lamp with a fungus. It reaches 220 cm in height. 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. Gas combustion consumption takes 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, a tilt sensor is provided to cut 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.
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Advantages:
- anti-corrosion body material;
- beautiful original design;
- leakage and tilt protection sensors;
- the ability to use on a covered terrace if the overlap is more than 75 cm;
- easy assembly;
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- small heating area;
- ineffective in windy weather.
ACTIVA Pyramide Cheops 13600 - heating pyramid
As the name implies, this heater is created in the style of a pyramid, which has a narrow, towering shape. The flame burns in a sturdy flask closed with four nets. On one side there is a hinged cover that provides access to the cylinder installation site, the piezo ignition button and the adjustment switch.
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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 movement of 33 kg of the structure is carried out on castors. Temperature and tilt sensors provide comfort and safety.
Advantages:
- reducer and hose included;
- stainless steel;
- converting fire energy into infrared radiation;
- leakage sensor;
- pressure regulator;
- aluminum reflector.
Disadvantages:
- small heating area;
- high price;
- split lattice;
- the balloon is purchased separately;
- the shape of a pyramid is quite common among analogs.
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Gas heater Pathfinder-Hearth: reviews and device features
The second most popular device for heating tents and tents is the Hearthfinder. Affordable, simple and very convenient, this heater has taken a solid position in the domestic market. Let's consider 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 at the same time. It can be quite problematic to carry such a heavy device with you, 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 at the same time, the fuel consumption in the maximum operating mode does not exceed 108 g / h. This suggests that, despite its size, such a device is quite economical in fuel consumption and does not require excessive gas reserves.
Camping Gas Heater Pathfinder Hearth
After reading the reviews on the use of this device in real conditions, there are several fundamental advantages that have made the device popular:
- it can be easily 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 it on purpose;
- there is no smell of gas during use, and oxygen burning in the tent is minimal.
Best Wall Mounted Gas Heaters
If heating is needed all the time, then the installation on casters in the middle of the room may not look quite aesthetically pleasing, so it is wise to purchase a wall-mounted gas heater. It looks like a modern battery, but connects to a balloon or mains network. Such equipment looks good in an apartment, office or restaurant. It effectively replaces the main heating and does not require piping around the room.
Alpine Air NGS-50 - stylish heater
The device has a beautiful body with rounded edges and black bezels at the corners. Above and below there are grates for transferring heat from the cast-iron heating element. This saves gas consumption, because the metal block continues to heat the air even at the lowest flame. All necessary buttons are available at 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 outside through a flat 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 thrown out into the street).
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- heavy (30 kg);
- requires drilling a hole for the chimney.
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Hosseven HBS-12/1 - able to replace the boiler
This model is the leader in the field of 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 warehouse of 200 square meters. Despite this, the model has a light weight of 24 kg, which is not difficult for wall mounting. In addition to the suspended installation option, the equipment has its own legs, so it is not necessary to hang it, but you can simply attach it to the wall.
The open combustion chamber provides easy access for preventive cleaning of the igniter. Traditionally, such a heater requires a chimney, which is drilled into the wall behind the product body. A telescopic pipe for the removal of combustion products is included in the kit. A fan is located behind the steel heat exchanger, which helps to quickly distribute the heated air throughout the room.
Advantages:
- very powerful;
- light;
- Italian gas valve;
- built-in fan;
- silent work;
- piezo ignition from a battery;
- possibility of hanging or floor position;
- Efficiency 80%!
Disadvantages:
- heat exchanger material - steel;
- increased gas consumption due to high power;
- open combustion chamber.
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Features of choosing an infrared gas burner: reviews on use in a tent
Before finally deciding which infrared gas burner to buy, it is worth evaluating your choice from several points:
- fire safety;
- Efficiency and fuel consumption;
Cooking with a gas burner
- the presence of additional functions, for example, the ability to heat or cook food;
- availability of appropriate certification of the product, confirming the safety of its use in small rooms and tents.
If the chosen model suits you in all these parameters, you can make a purchase with confidence. Additionally, it is worth reading the reviews of those who use such devices in practice - perhaps they will tell you some drawbacks, or advise more convenient and practical models.In any case, it should be remembered that the main selection criterion is safety, and here there should be no questions about the device.
