Using a hunting blind is a great way to escape the freezing cold when hunting, especially during the late deer hunting seasons. However, a blind alone may not be enough to protect you from the biting cold of winter.
To keep yourself warm, you will need the best deer blind heater.
There are various deer blind heaters available on the market, and the best part is most are pretty affordable. Nevertheless, purchasing a blind heater is an investment you make.
This means you will want the best deer blind heater. This brings us to our topic for today, which is the best hunting blind heater?
To answer this question, we tested a variety of options and narrowed them down to six. Here is a quick view of our top picks
A Quick Comparison Of Our Top Blind Heater Picks
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These top picks proved to be the best in their class based on heat output, price, ease of use, and stealth, among other factors. In addition, we have also included a buying guide on how to select the best heater for your blind.
Why Invest in a blind heater?
But why should you buy a blind heater? Well, there are several reasons why a blind heater will be a good investment as like the best ground blind. The first and most apparent is that staying in the deer blind will be more bearable in winter.
Life Saver:
When temperatures drop, you will want to keep warm without leaving your ground blind. With a blind heater, you get to stay warm while waiting for your prey. And since the waiting can last for hours, you will want the best heater for your pop-up blind or treestand to keep you warm for hours.
Easy to set up:
You may think that a blind heater is just an extra piece of equipment that needs to be set up, which means more time to set up your blind. However, blind heaters are incredibly easy to set up, so they will not be a hassle for you.
Easy To Transport
Also, blind heaters are nowadays small and compact; you will have no trouble transporting one with the rest of your gear.
Can The Heaters Cause Safety And Ventilation Issues?
Yes, Blind heaters, especially propane heaters, need oxygen, which means they will suck up a lot of oxygen in the blind when set to high settings. Therefore it is essential to use a heater in a blind with proper ventilation. Also, it is advisable to open the blind windows from time to time to allow for oxygen circulation.
Is it safe to use a kerosene heater inside a blind?
Yes, a kerosene heater is safe for use indoors. Typically there are safety guidelines from the heater manufacturer that you need to follow. Also, ensure the blind is well ventilated and when buying a kerosene heater, consider the safety features it has, for example, Accidental tip-over safety shut off.
Is a kerosene heater better than a propane one?
This depends on preference; both heaters have their pros and cons. For example, some people prefer the kerosene heater that can use diesel as well, while others prefer propane heaters.
Tips on how to stay warm inside a blind
- Wear hand muffs or warm gloves to protect your hands from the freezing temperature
- Use a rug, carpet, or a floor mat on the floor of the blind. This will help keep your feet warm during the cold hunting seasons.
- Use a blind heater or a heated bodysuit to keep yourself warm throughout a hunt.
- Cover your head and neck with a gaiter or a had or hood to keep your face warm.
Reviews Of The Best Deer Blind Heater
Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater
The Mr. Heater Buddy F232000 portable propane radiant heater works pretty great as a blind heater. It is portable with impressive heat output and several safety features. Furthermore, it features a handle that makes it easy to carry.
What makes this 9,000-BTU radiant heater great as a blind heater is the low and high heat settings. It can heat up to 225 square inches, which is a lot for a portable heater. However, when set to low, it will last up to 6 hours and about 3 hours when set to high. For overnight camping, this may not be sufficient, but for blind hunting, it will be enough, even in harsh weather conditions.
It works great with a 1 pound propane cylinder that you can easily take with you on a hunt. We found the heat output is about 4000/9000 BTUs, which is a good rating on our test.
What we loved the most about this heater were its excellent safety features. It has an accidental tip-over sensor and will automatically shut off when it tips over. The automatic shut-off is very sensitive, though and the heater shut off at the slightest movement. Furthermore, it is safe to use indoors as well as outdoors.
Also, it will auto shut off when it detects low oxygen levels. Our only concern with this heater is that lighting the pilot light required a longer ignition. Without it, you may be forced to temporarily remove the front grill until the pilot light is on. This made it a bit complicated to set up.
Mr. Heater Corporation F299830 Vent-Free 30,000 BTU Radiant Propane Heater
Next up on our list is another Mr. Heater blind heater, the Mr. Heater Corporation F299830 Vent-free radiant propane heater. This one is bigger than the F232000 buddy heater and is an excellent option for a large space hunting blind.
The first thing we noticed about this heater after turning it on was how hot it got. Immediately you turn it on, you will feel a surge of heat. Thus it shouldn’t be surprising that it has an impressive rating of 30,000 BTUs, making it ideal for freezing weather.
When it comes to setting up, it is your standard propane heater. Just hook it up to a propane tank and turn it on. However, the ⅜ inch fitting it comes with it isn’t the best, far from it. We recommend purchasing another fitting. Due to its size, this can also be used in other outdoor activities such as camping.
At the base, it features legs that make it easy to set up on almost any surface. But while it is larger and can warm an area of 750 square feet, it isn’t perfect. You do not get a connecting hose, and you have to buy the Mr. heater propane pressure regulator assembly.
Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor Safe Propane Heater
The other Buddy heater in hunting blind that you should consider is the Mr heater F215100 little buddy 3800 BTUs indoor safe heater. The first thing to note about this heater is that it is pretty small and works best in a small space.
That is one of the reasons it is a great blind heater. Its small size also makes it suitable for use as a deer stand heater. But that’s not the only good thing about it. It connects to a one-pound propane tank and can last you for up to 5.6 hours.
We would have liked to have heat output options like with the Mr. Heater F232000. Nevertheless, it wasn’t such a big deal for its size, considering it has a heat output of about 3800 BTU.
The 8-inch floor stand is a nice touch and gives it stability on different kinds of surfaces. There is also an easy-to-grip handle that makes it easy to carry.
There are several things we did not like about this heater, though. The most notable is that it takes quite a long time to fire up. Furthermore, it’s somewhat limited in terms of the blind size you can use it in because of its size.
According to the manufacturer, when operating the heater at altitudes of over 7000 ft. above sea level, it can go off. So this is something to keep in mind.
Heater F274830 MH18BRV Big Buddy Grey Indoor-Safe Portable RV Propane Heater
One of the best heaters for redneck blinds is the Mr. Heater F274830 big buddy propane heater. This is a compact buddy heater model with an easy-grip handle with impressive heat output. But what more can you expect from this heater?
One of the first things we loved about this heater is that you have two heat output settings, ¼, ½, and 100% output. So you can set it to the max during colder months, this will, of course, eat up fuel, but it should last you for a few hours.
There is an electric fan built-in that helps circulate heat. It is a little noisy, but you can always opt not to use it. While it works primarily with a 1 lb propane cylinder, you can connect it to a 20 lb propane gas tank with an optional hose.
It is ideal for spaces of up to 450 sq ft. This makes it another perfect option for blinds with a large space inside.
Something else we loved about it is how easy it is to use. There is a single knob for controlling temperature and starting the heater. It also features a safety shut-off feature with a tip-over automatic shut-off sensor, a swivel regulator, and an oxygen depletion sensor. The porcelain-coated surface is also a nice touch, which radiates heat and prevents overheating.
One of the main concerns we had with this heater was its power consumption. Compared to other similar products, it consumes a lot of propane compared to other options. This was the main reason it didn’t make it to number one despite its being a quality deer blind heater.
Texsport Sportsmate Portable Propane Heater
If you are looking for something a bit more affordable, then the Texsport Sportsmate portable heater will be a great option. It is a simple and easy-to-use propane burner that you can use in a small space one-person ground blind.
One of the best things about this heater is its compact size, even with the propane tank included. It uses a 16.4 oz disposable propane tank, which is sold separately. And in keeping with its simplistic design, a regulator on/off valve doubles up as a control for setting the heat output. Although it is a stainless steel heater also, there is a plastic base for putting it on any surface.
Speaking of heat output, it features a decent output of 3000 BTU. Not as high as some of the others on the list, but it should keep you warm during colder months. Also, it costs almost half the price of the other options on the list.
This 3000 BTU heater will stay on until you shut it off. Thus unlike Mr. Heater models, it will not shut off at the slightest movement. So it is an excellent choice for people looking for something a bit uncomplicated.
You will notice that you have to press the red ignition button for about 30 seconds to get hot enough. This feature is quite a deal-breaker, but for some people, it is frustrating. Overall this is a budget-friendly Portable blind heater ideal for indoor use.
Texsport Portable Outdoor Propane
The Texsport Portable outdoor propane heater is another small heater from Texsport made with durable stainless steel. In essence, this is a point and warm kind of heater. As such, you will find it to be somewhat different to the likes of Mr. Heater that heat up by warm air rising from them.
With this 2,890 BTU heater, you just place it pointing to what you want to be warmed; it does the rest. Also, this Vented deer blind heater will last you for up to 7 hours on a low setting.
This propane burner uses either a 16.4 oz. or 14.1 oz propane gas tank, both sold separately and are disposable. And in our analysis, it seemed to consume less propane than most Mr heater options. It heats up quickly and is an excellent option for smaller ground blinds. In terms of size, it is quite small and lightweight and will not be a hassle to transport, and can also be used on a tree stand.
This texsport portable outdoor propane heater is one of the best budget-friendly heaters we have come across. It is also an excellent choice for hunters who are looking to save money on their propane expenses.
If we were to point out some of its cons, we would point at it being a bit noisy. This flaw isn’t such a big deal for most, though. But, unfortunately, it also does not have a built-in starter or more sophisticated safety than some of the other options on our list.
Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Blind Heater
So what should you consider when shopping for your next blind heater? The main things to consider are;
Type of heater
Generally, there are three types of blind heaters which are
- electric,
- propane, and
- kerosene heaters.
Of the three, electrical heaters are the least suitable for hunting. As their name suggests, an electric heater needs to plug into an electricity source, not something you find inside a ground blind.
That leaves propane and kerosene heaters as the two sensible options for ground blind heating. Propane heaters are better since they tend to be more portable. Also, a propane heater is a cleaner heat source than fuel and can be compressed into small and compact canisters.
Size and weight
As with any other hunting gear, blind heaters are available in various sizes and weights. Smaller heaters such as Texsport Sportsmate Portable Propane Heater are ideal for small blinds. However, their heat output cannot be compared to that of larger heaters.
Thus when it comes to size, it will depend on the size of the ground blind you use. Nonetheless, portability is an important factor to consider, as such a heater shouldn’t be too bulky.
Durability
If you’re not careful, you can damage your blind heater when trying to move it around. The best heaters will be able to withstand such abuse and still function well. We suggest looking for the following features:
- A protective case or carrying bag to store the heater in when not in use.
- The high-quality solid construction of the heater will stand up to regular use.
- Waterproofness for when you’re in a wet environment, such as during hunting season.
Easy To Setup and Use
How long it takes to set up heater matters a lot, especially when hunting. You do not want something that takes time to set up. Ideally, a blind heater should be easy to use with easily accessible controls.
The best heaters typically have one on/off knob to adjust the heat output. This means you only have one control knob to work with, making it easier to use.
Heat output
The heat output of a blind is measured in BTU. The higher the heat output rating, the warmer the heater can make your ground blind. Obviously, higher heat output is better. However, heaters with a higher heat output tend to be larger and pricier.
Thus it will also depend on the size of blind you use and the winter weather where you are hunting. For instance, someone hunting in Wisconsin weather will need a heater with a higher heat output compared to someone hunting in Florida or California.
Overall, 3000 BTU is the least heat output rating to consider. Of course, some heaters will have outputs of as high as 45,000 BTU. But on average, heat output of 3000 to 10,000 BTU will be sufficient for most people.
Heat output settings
Heat output settings will be another factor to consider. It is always helpful to be able to set a heater to low heat output during mildly cold days and crank it up to high during the peak of winter.
Noise level
Are Buddy heaters quiet? This is a question to ponder on when shopping for little buddy heaters. It applies to any other heater model, though. You want a heater that is quiet enough not to spook your prey. If you are hunting in a blind, you do not want to alert the prey of your presence.
On the other hand, some heaters are louder than others. Try to find a model that does not sound like an electric sander when in use. This is important if you are hunting from a blind and have neighbors or other hunters nearby.
Odorless Operation
It is important to look for a heater that does not emit any odors or smoke. You don’t want to annoy wildlife or hunters when you are in the blind. However, it is a fact that some heaters emit odors and smoke, so it’s best to read reviews before buying one.
Safety features
Ground blind heaters can pose a risk in certain situations, for example, if knocked over. Also, since they need oxygen to keep heated, they will be competing with you for oxygen inside the blind.
It is thus essential to consider what safety features a ground blind heater offers. Features such as an automatic shut-off tip-over safety and ODS or oxygen depletion sensor are crucial. These ensure that you do not get in trouble in case of an accident or a heater malfunction. Honestly, having these safety features is peace of mind.
Price
The price of a heater, like any other product, matters. Heaters come at different prices. Those with a high heat output tend to cost more. It, therefore, boils down to your budget and preferences.
Conclusion
Using a propane heater in deer blind is one of the best ways to keep warm when hunting in the cold or raining. There are a lot of options available on the market, each with its pros and cons. The six we have reviewed above offer good value for money and provide a good hunting experience during the winter.
About The Author:
Lake Streeter, A Gun enthusiast, and loves to hunt in the middle of the wood. Always check the latest hunting gears out in the market and try to share his honest opinion with the audience in Hunting Nook.