Struggling to stay warm when deer hunting?
As the temperatures outside begin to drop, those who enjoy hunting know that it is time to prepare for deer season. One important aspect of being prepared is having a good heater to keep you warm while you wait for your prey. Many hunters choose propane heaters because they are affordable and easy to use. Additionally, propane heaters are much safer than other types of heaters, such as wood-burning stoves.
A portable heater for deer stand is the best way to keep the cold air away to make your wait more comfortable. Portable propane heaters are perfect for those looking for warmth and convenience when out hunting.
Staying in a hunting blind won’t keep you warm, especially as the season gets colder. That is why we did a ton of research and purchased a good one for the many excursions ahead.
With a portable, heavy duty heater that is light to carry, you’ll be able to sit (or snooze) in comfort while waiting for your wild game to arrive. You’ll enjoy the outdoor experience more, have greater patience without the dread and nerves that come with cold hands and feet. It will be one of your great investment to add to your hunting purchases.
Keep reading to learn more about the best portable heater for deer stands that will work for your needs.
How We Pick the Best Hunting Blind Heaters
We know that there is pleasure and excitement knowing that a successful hunting trip is on the horizon, but the wait can be challenging at times. Staying warm can make a big difference to your body as well as your mental health.
We’ve purchased and tried different heaters. In addition, we have gone through thousands of user reviews and comments to come up with a short list that you can work with.
From affordable options to premium heaters at higher price points, there will be something for everyone, no matter what your budget is.
Best Portable Heater for Deer Stand Reviews
✅ Best Portable Space Heater Small Spaces
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Portable Propane Radiant Heater
Why We Love It
This heater tops our list as it is efficient and heats up the area quickly. I don’t have to add on any extra layers of clothing to stay warm during hunting season. It’s also very quiet and doesn’t give off any sort of smell when it’s running.
It also has a great safety feature that if I should bump it and knock it over, it will automatically shut off. It will also shut off if it detects that there isn’t enough oxygen in the “room”
This is a well designed, durable portable propane heater that deserves the number one spot.
What You Should Know
- Key features of the product that you should know about:
- Has two heat output settings: High and Low
- The BUTU per setting is: 4,000 and 9,000
- Run time: 2.4 hours on high and 5.4 hours on low
- Heats up to 225 sq. feet
- Starter: Piezo ignition
- Uses 1 lb propane canisters
- There is also an option to hook up a 20 lb tank
- A swivel regulator gives you the ability to adapt usage from a disposable cylinder to a remote gas supply with the purchase of a hose and filter.
- Weighs 9 pounds.
- Has a heavy-duty design, rugged look and easy grip hand for carrying.
- Safe for indoor use as well
==> Check Sale Price on Amazon <==
✅ Best Propane Heater with Great Performance
Mr. Heater MH18B Propane Heater
Why We Love It
Another Mr. Heater tops our list. We love that is different from the one above is that you can connect two 1 pound cylinders of propane to this little unit at a time, so fewer changes of propane tanks. You’ll have reliable heat all day!
It also covers 450 sq. feet vs the 225 sq feet from the unit above.
Same safety features and durability in both!
What You Should Know
Key features of the product that you should know about:
- Three heat output settings: High, Medium and Low
- BTU per hour: 18,000 9,000 and 4,000
- Run Time: 10.8 hours on low, 4.8 hours on medium and 2.4 hours on high
- Starter: Piezo spark pilot ignitor
- Heats up to 450 sq Feet
- Runs on 1 lb propane cylinder with the ability to connect two cylinders at a time.
- Key Safety Features: Auto-shut off when tipped over or determines low oxygen.
- Ceramic burner tiles with shock absorbing insulations
- Heavy duty safety wire guard
This particular unit no longer has a blower fan which bothers some folks and for others’ it isn’t an issue.
==> Check Sale Price on Amazon <==
✅ Best Easy to Carry Portable Propane Heater
Texsport Portable Outdoor Propane Heater
Why We Love It
This unit is small and will easily fit into your backpack with a small propane tank. It’s not as heavy duty as the above two heaters, but it can still get the job done.
It has a significantly smaller amount of BTU (3,000) so make sure you only use it in smaller spaces.
It’s easy to use and inexpensive to purchase… a no frills unit.
What You Should Know
Key features of the product that you should know about:
- Lightweight: Weighs only 2 pounds
- Heat output settings: Adjustable knob to control BTU setting
- BTU per hour: 3,000 maximum
- Run Time: 10.8 hours on low, 4.8 hours on medium and 2.4 hours on high
- Starter: You will need to put a lighter to the unit to start it.
Some folks have difficulty igniting the unit. Seems a bit tricky. Here is some advice given…. “Once you turn the fuel knob on, you have to hold the red push button on the side to allow the fuel to reach the igniter. Once lit, you have to continue to hold the red button in until all air is bled out of the fuel line. If you let go to soon the flame will go out”
==>Check out the Sale Price on Amazon <==
Choosing a Deer Stand Portable Propane Heater – Buying Guide
Type of Heater
Electric and propane heaters are the two major options but let’s get real… where will you get electricity to plug in a heater? Bottom line, for hunting you need a propane heater.
Heating Capacity
Keeping warm will depend on the size of space you are trying to heat. It’s best to know the square footage of the space and purchase a heater that suits that size for best heat and air flow.
Safety
Make sure that whichever heater you choose, that it has a couple of important safety features. The first is that the unit will shut off if it gets knocked over. Second, that it will automatically shut off if it senses that the oxygen levels in the enclosed space are getting too low.
Stability
You want a hunting heater that sits firmly on the ground with little chance of getting tipped over when bumped.
Easy to Carry
Portable means easy to move around! Ensure that the heater you pick isn’t too heavy, has a comfortable handle and isn’t too big.
Best Portable Heater for Deer Stand FAQs
Which Brand is Best for a Deer Stand?
Of the hundreds of options, we narrowed it down to the three above.
Best Bang for the Buck Propane Heater
We choose the Texsport Sportmate and the cheapest yet functional (though our top pick is the Mr. Heater Buddy)
Will deer smell a propane heater?
We have not been able to find an expert opinion on this question. Lots of yes’s and no’s from hunters, but nothing definitive.
Can you use a propane heater in a ground blind?
Yes, you can use a propane heater in a ground blind. Make sure that you pick a unit that has the low oxygen safety feature like you would find with the Mr Heater MH9BX.
Do Buddy heaters smell?
The two Buddy heaters that we have recommended do not give off a smell.
Do hunting blinds hold heat?
Portable hunting blinds are soft sided and heat will escape out of the unit. A permanent blind (fixed on one place) is hard sided and will shield you from the elements, but they are not insulated and you will find it chilly during the colder days. A portable propane heater is recommended in both situations.
Why invest in a blind heater?
There is nothing worse that freezing your butt off while out hunting. Cold feet, cold hands and grumpy friends who want to go home. Stay warm and comfortable while waiting for the perfect shot.
What should you consider when shopping for your next blind heater?
For me, there are four key factors to consider when buying a blind heater:
- Quality – as I will be using it for years and years.
- Easy to carry as I’ll have other hunting equipment with me
- Affordability – I don’t mind paying for a quality product, but I don’t want it to break the bank either
- Safety – I want to be able to rely on consistent heat to keep me warm (I don’t want to freeze to death!), and I want to ensure that there is oxygen circulation so that I can breathe.
Propane heater vs kerosene heater – which is better?
There are a few key differences between propane and kerosene heaters. Propane heaters tend to be more expensive than kerosene heaters, but they also tend to be more efficient. Kerosene heaters produce more fumes and require more ventilation than propane heaters.
What about the Little Buddy propane heater?
We found the buddy size heater to be too small, so we passed on it.
In summary… they are a life saver!
⭐ Our Top Picks for Portable Propane Heaters for Deer Stands:
#1 Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Portable Propane Radiant Heater
#2 Mr. Heater MH18B Propane Heater
#3 Texsport Portable Outdoor Propane Heater
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