Are you looking for the best and safest space heater for your RV? If so, we have researched and gathered some be the best and safest on the market, which will help make your purchasing decision a lot easier.
If you are living in your RV during the winter months or planning on traveling somewhere cold and are concerned about keeping yourself
comfortable, then one of the best ways to keep your RV warm and stay cozy is to use a space heater.
So, if you’re ready, then let’s dive right into it!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Top 10 Best (And Safest!) Space Heaters For Your RV
The space heaters on this list are all our best picks in different categories.
Our selection of the space heaters for RVs was based on:
- Available safety features
- The quality
- The price
- Customer reviews
Here are links to our top picks, but be sure to keep reading to find product comparisons and reviews so you can find the best portable space heater for your RV!
- Trustec space heater (best overall portable space heater)
- Honeywell Uber Heat Ceramic Heater (best space heater for small spaces)
- Honeywell 360 Degree Surround Fan Heater (top pick for a 360-degree heating system)
- Vornado Plus Whole Room Heater (best heater/fan combo)
- Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus Fan Heater (most versatile portable heater)
- De’Longhi Convection Panel Heater (best heater for RV and home)
- Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace (best portable infrared heater)
- De’Longhi Oil Filled Radiator Heater (top pick for oil-filled space heater)
- Mr. Heater Portable Propane Heater (best heater for Rv boondocking)
- Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater (best budget space heater)
Best RV Space Heater Comparison
Need a little more info about RV heaters so you can compare and find the perfect fit?
No problem!
Here is info that can help you decide. ?
Trustec Ceramic Heater: Best Overall
The Trustec Ceramic heater is our top pick for the best overall space heater.
This portable electric heater is a good choice because of its compact size, automatic shut off feature and ability to heat quickly.
Also, once you switch off the Trustec space heater, it will automatically blow cool air over the heating element to make sure it cools down– so, do not think your heater is broken. This will ensure that there is no risk of any fire or injuries.
Features:
- Compact size
- Quick heating time
- Even heat distribution
- Cool or hot air options
- Can run for up to 12 hours
- Automatic overheat protection
- Automatic shut off if tipped over
Pros:
✔️It comes with numerous safety features to ensure you are at low risk of hurting yourself or ever burning your rig
✔️It is very compact, making it super easy to move around and store when not in use
✔️It heats the environment quickly
Cons:
❌It may be noisy due to the fan
Honeywell Uber Heat Ceramic Heater: Best Heater For Small Spaces
This Honeywell ceramic heater is a great, energy efficient to heat your RV.
Its small size, adjustable thermostat and important safety features make this a top pick for an RV heater.
Features:
- Compact design
- Temperature regulator
- Powerful space heater
- Energy efficient
- Two heat settings
- Adjustable thermostat
- Automatic heat protection
Pros:
✔️Comes with a programmable thermostat which allows you to set the perfect temperature
✔️Has numerous safety features
✔️It is powerful
✔️It heats up quick
✔️Small and compact
Cons:
❌The fan might be too noisy
Honeywell 360 Degree Fan: Best 360 Space Heater
The next portable electric heater on our list of the Honeywell 360 degree fan.
This small space heater is small, has digital temperature display, a remote control, auto shut off, cool to the touch, and sure to keep your RV warm and toasty.
Features:
- Small and compact
- Innovative features
- Digital display
- Variable temperature
- Timer
- Remote control
- Automatic shut off if tipped over
- Overheat protection
- Safe to touch because it remains cool while in use
- Handle for easy relocation
Pros:
✔️Portable
✔️Remote and digital control, for ease of use
✔️Safety features include tip-over and overheat protection
✔️Handle to ensure easy movement
Cons:
❌Might be noisy after a while due to the fan
❌Takes a little longer to heat rooms than others on the list
Vornado Plus: Best Heater/ Fan Combo
The Vornado Plus is a great option if you want an affordable heater/fan combo with great safety features, heat distribution, and automatic climate control.
Features:
- Affordable air cooling and heating combo
- Circulates and distributes heat evenly
- Automatic climate control
- 2 heat settings
- Automatic shut off timer
- Cool touch
- Turns off if tipped over
Pros:
✔️Affordable
✔️Fan and heater option makes it versatile
✔️Availability of timer means
Cons:
❌The fan can be noisy
❌Not as high end as others on the list
Dyson Hot/Cool Jet Focus: Most Versatile Heater
The Dyson Jet Focus is a high end portable space heater with cooling capabilities.
This efficient heater has a number of impressive features, a clean design, and heats quickly and evenly.
It is definitely not the most affordable on the list, but if you are looking for an allergy and asthma friendly space heater that includes a HEPA filter, wi-fi capabilities, that can help create a cleaner space while heating and cooling- this heater is worth the investment!
Features:
- Stylish design
- Heating and cooling features
- Bladeless
- Heats quickly and evenly
- Can target airflow
- 2 airflow modes
- Intelligent thermostat
- Energy efficient
- Can dehumidify too
- Magnetic remote control
- Sleep timer
- Quieter than many other space heaters
Pros:
✔️Multi-functional
✔️Quality build
✔️Comes with a remote control
✔️Great safety features
✔️Great aesthetic
✔️Oscillation setting disperses the air throughout a wide area
Cons:
❌Higher cost than many other space heaters
❌If the remote get’s lost, you wouldn’t have access to the sleep timer.
DeLonghi Convection Panel Heater: Best Heater For Both Home And RV
If you are a part-time RVer who wants to purchase a safe space heater for your RV and also use it in your home, then the DeLonghi Convection Panel Heater could be just what you’re looking for!
This heater is a medium size but lightweight, has a sleek design, distributes heat evenly, and has great safety features.
Features:
- Can heat a medium-size room in just a few minutes
- Supplies constant, powerful, and silent heat
- Lightweight, sleek, and modern design
- Wall mounting feature
- Adjustable thermostat
- Multiple heat settings
- Distributes heat evenly up to 300 sq. ft
- Overheating protection features
Pros:
✔️Comes with numerous safety features
✔️It can be mounted to a wall
✔️Wheels make it easy to move around
✔️It provides a large heating area
✔️Quiet thanks to its Mica design
Cons:
❌Short power cord
DuraFlame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove: Best Infrared Space Heater
The DuraFlame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove is a great choice if you want the look and ambiance of a real fireplace.
While not the most compact heater on the list, this electric heater is lightweight, can heat more than enough space for RV living, is safe to touch, and is just plain cute!
Features:
- The cozy look of a fireplace
- Decorative design
- Lightweight for easy moving
- Can heat up to 1000 sq. ft
- Efficient and safe to touch
- Creates more natural moist air
- Safe to touch
- Over-heat protection
Pros:
✔️Comes with great safety features
✔️High heat output
✔️Durable metal construction
✔️You can adjust the flame
✔️Comes with a multi-functioning remote
Cons:
❌If the remote breaks, you wouldn’t be able to utilize many of the functions
De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater: Best Oil-Filled Heater
The De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator is portable, stable, very quiet, has three heat settings, and has no moving parts to wear out!
It may not heat as fast as other heaters on the list, but this oil-filled space heater is energy-efficient and offers wonderful radiant heat.
Features:
- Built with high-end steel
- Portable
- Stable and efficient
- Adjustable thermostat
- Three heat settings
- Energy-efficient setting
- Quiet radiant heat
- No moving parts to wear out
- Automatically shuts down if the temperature is exceeded
Pros:
✔️Comes with safety features, which is the thermosensor.
✔️It has a simple design
✔️You wouldn’t have to clean this device
✔️Durable
✔️It comes with wheels for easy transport
Cons:
❌Some complain that it does not heat as quickly as space heaters with fans
❌Slight possibility of oil leaking
Mr. Heater Buddy: Best Heater For Boondocking
If you like boondocking or dry camping, this Mr. Heater Buddy radiant heater is one to consider.
This propane heater is safe for indoor or outdoor use, has an oxygen sensor for safety, two heat settings, and heats over 200 square feet quickly.
Features:
- Heats quickly
- Can be used indoor and outdoor
- 2 heat settings
- Can heat up to 225 sq. ft
- Uses 1 lb propane tanks
- Porcelain heating surface which provides direct radiant heat
- Oxygen level sensor that will shut the space heater down if oxygen is too low and carbon monoxide is too high
- Shuts off if tipped over
Pros:
✔️Offers a large heat output of up to 9000 BTU/hr
✔️Uses radiant heat which is one of the most efficient heat transfers.
✔️Comes with an oxygen sensor, making it a safe option.
✔️Can be used both indoor and outdoor
✔️Due to the absence of a fan, the device is quiet when using it
Cons:
❌When using it on the high settings, it can be difficult to change the propane canisters
❌Some customers have mentioned that it is difficult to get a hold of the company
Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater: Best Budget Space Heater
The Lasko ceramic space heater is a great choice if you’re in the market for an affordable space heater for your RV that is small, easy to move, can heat about 300 square feet, and can provide steady heat.
Features:
- Very affordable
- Powerful space heater
- Easy to move, very portable
- Can heat up to 300 sq. ft
- Compact design
- Adjustable thermostat
- Provides steady heat
- Built-in protection against overheating
Pros:
✔️Offers a built-in heat feature that automatically turns the device off
✔️Has an adjustable power setting( between 900 watts and 1500 watts).
✔️It is affordable
✔️It is compatible at just 9-inches and comes with a carry handle
✔️Thanks to the thermostatic control, the heater will run until it reaches your set temperature
Cons:
❌This heater dries up the air inside your RV when used for a long time
❌The fan makes it noisy
What Is An RV Space Heater and Why Do You Need One?
An RV space heater is a portable heating source used to provide people with focused heat. What this means is that if you need to heat a specific area, you can use a space heater to get the job done.
Why You Should Consider A Space Heater Over Other RV Heating Sources
Sometimes other heating options such as an RV propane heater (furnace) might be good a good choice.
However, propane heaters burn through propane quickly, and this can be an issue when you are looking to save propane (and power) while boondocking.
Don’t get me wrong– a furnace is a great heating source, however, they are only great when there is access to electricity or propane.
But in the case where you are looking to save money, electric power, or propane– especially during boondocking– then space heaters can be a perfect solution!
Other great features of space heaters for your RV include:
- Size- space heaters are generally small and portable
- Easy to store
- Available in various sizes to meet your specific heating needs
- Can help reduce moisture and condensation in your RV
- Space heaters are readily available and easy to find
- Much cheaper to replace than a furnace
- No professional set up or installation needed
NOTE: If you are looking to use space heaters when boondocking in your RV, the least voltage needed to power most space heaters is 110 volts of electricity. So, that means you would have to connect your generator before you can run your heater. It is unlikely that a battery would have enough power.
Types Of Space Heaters Available
When it comes to space heaters. there are four main options available on the market:
- Oil-filled
- Infrared
- Mica
- Ceramic
- Propane
Let’s take a look at how each of them works 😉
Oil-Filled Space Heaters
Oil-filled heaters also referred to as oil-filled radiators, use oil as the buffer or heat reservoir.
Most, people think oil-filled space heaters use oil as their fuel source, but that isn’t the case. The fuel or power source of an oil-filled heater is electricity, just like any other space heater.
Let me explain:
With an oil-filled heater, the heating elements are filled with oil. So, once the electrical source is on, the heating elements get heated up.
In doing so, they automatically heat the oil in them. Once, the oil is heated, that heat is distributed to the surrounding air, which then spreads throughout the RV.
Also, most oil-filled space heaters do not come with fans, so, the distribution of heat can take some time.
The mode of heat transfer with oil-filed space heaters is convection and radiation.
What this means is that they slowly heat the surrounding environment, when air passes through the spaces between the walls of the heating element.
They are one of the most efficient space heaters on the market, and about 99% of the electrical input is converted into heat, and the rest is used to control the thermostat and other settings.
Generally, oil space heaters should last you anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
How long it last would depend on the workload of the heating elements.
This is because their life expectancy is directly proportional to the temperature of the heating elements.
Pros And Cons Of Oil Filled Space Heaters
Pros:
✔️Most come with analog buttons, which means you can turn it on or off with a smart switch. However, new models come with a digital button.
✔️Even though they may take a while to heat the room, once the room is heated, it takes a while for the room to cool down after it’s been heated up, and the radiator is turned off.
✔️Because they do not come with fans, this means there will be less noise.
✔️It is safe to the touch, even when hot, which means it is a great option if you have kids or pets around.
Cons:
❌Although they are mobile, they can be quite heavy, and bigger compared to the other types of space heaters.
❌Even though it is safe to the touch, if tipped over there is always the possibility of oil leakage or other harm.
❌If you are looking for an instant heating space heater, this might not be the right choice for you, because it takes a while to heat ( 30 to 45 mins).
❌Oil filled space heaters mostly come with a non-digital temperature dial, and you will kind of have to guess when setting the thermostat.
Infrared Quartz Space Heaters
Infrared space heaters keep your RV cozy by transferring heat through infrared waves.
The mode of heat transfer is through radiation.
What this means is that heat ( infrared waves) is directly transferred from the space heater to the objects in the surroundings through a vacuum( radiation), when the heat is absorbed by the objects such as you or the walls of your RV, the heat is then transferred back into the surrounding to keep the area warm.
This type of heating doesn’t rely on air currents like the oil-filled heater or the ceramic heater.
Pros and Cons of Infrared Quartz Space Heaters
Pros:
✔️Infrared quart space heaters produce instant heat.
✔️They can get hot in about 15 seconds once you turn it on.
✔️Some heaters come with a fan for proper heat distribution.
✔️Most of these infrared space heaters have a furniture kind of look, making them a nice decorative item to your room.
✔️Also, most heaters have digital controls, and they can be controlled with a remote.
Cons:
❌They can be noisy, due to the presence of a fan.
❌Since they have digital controls, this means, you cannot connect it to a smart socket.
❌Because it distributes heat through radiation and conduction, it isn’t safe to touch while on. This is because the area the heat comes out off is concentrated.
❌Metal grates become hot!
Mica Panel Space Heaters
Mica panel space heaters are a great choice if you’re looking for a safe space heater for your RV.
These heaters do not utilize fans to distribute their heat. The heat is distributed through convection and radiation, which is one of the reasons why it is efficient.
It is composed of panels of mica, which when heated to a certain level by the heating element, causes the heated mica to send out electromagnetic waves.
Just like an infrared space heater, it functions as the sun, the heat is radiated directly to the environment without the effect of air currents.
Once the objects in the room are heated, the heat is then released back into the environment.
However, in the process of heating the elements in the room, the air also gets heated (convection).
So, it heats the surroundings before heating the ambient air.
Mica panels tend to heat rooms faster than most space heaters, however, due to the large surface area, they aren’t found in RVs as often as in homes.
Pros and Cons Of Mica Panel Space Heaters
Pros:
✔️Mica heaters tend to be light in weight compared to oil-filled space heaters.
✔️Due to the fact it heats the surrounding objects, you are assured of instant heat.
✔️They provide really hot air.
✔️Most mica heaters come with analog control, therefore, you can use them with a smart switch.
Cons:
❌They might take up too much space in your RV ( if it doesn’t mount to the wall).
❌They tend to look boring and not as aesthetically pleasing due to the size.
❌Due to the analog thermostat, you will have to guess the temperature right.
Ceramic Space Heaters
Unlike the other heaters, the mode of heat transfer for ceramic heaters is convection.
When the switch is connected to a socket and turned on, the electrical energy heats the ceramic core of the heater, and the fan in the heat projects the heat in the respective direction.
Due to the presence of the fan, most ceramic heaters tend to be noisy. Also, because its mode of heat transfer is convection, the hot air can easily be carried away by air current, unlike that of Mica heaters, and Infrared heaters.
Pros And Cons Of Ceramic Space Heaters
Pros:
✔️They are safe to touch.
✔️They come in various shapes and sizes.
✔️The fan used to direct the heat can give you very focused heat.
✔️They are portable and lightweight.
✔️Heat dispersion is even.
Cons:
❌The presence of a fan makes them noisy
Propane Space Heaters
For the most part ceramic, infrared, mica and oil-filled heaters are electric, but we do have the option of propane heaters for RVs too.
Propane heaters are controversial, and some people do not recommend you purchase them for safety reasons.
Most propane heaters produce carbon monoxide, and when the concentration becomes too high, health emergencies can occur.
However, there are some safe options out there, which we have recommended in our list of safe space heaters for your RV, but you should only use them as directed and be sure to keep an eye on carbon monoxide levels.
Pros And Cons Of Propane Space Heaters For Your RV
Pros:
✔️Propane space heaters are fuel-efficient.
✔️They give you the feel of sitting near a fireplace.
✔️Propane heaters are very quiet.
✔️They do not use electric power (which is great for boondocking).
Cons:
❌You will have to have a supply of propane since most propane tanks used by space heaters will last for 3 to 5 hours.
❌You really have to keep an eye on it to avoid any potential fire hazard.
❌Carbon monoxide is a concern with propane space heaters, which may be detrimental to your health- so use caution!
Things To Look For When Buying A Space Heater
Finding the best and safest space heater for your RV and specific needs can seem a little overwhelming!
There are many different types, features, and considerations when making such an important purchase.
But don’t worry, we have a few tips that will help you know exactly what you want and need so you don’t get lost in the sea of space heaters available 😉
Choosing The Right Size
If you are confused about choosing the right-sized heater for your RV, don’t worry! We’ll help you figure it out.
First, start with thinking about how much space you want to heat. Are you just wanting to take the chill off in your bedroom or do you need to heat a space heater that can warm your whole RV?
Most heaters clearly specify how much area they cover, so if you have a rough idea of how much space you want to heat, you can narrow down your choices a little.
Also, keep in mind how much available space you have for a little RV heater. You don’t want to have a gigantic space heater in your RV if space is tight and there is no good place to put it.
Choosing a small enough, but powerful enough space heater for your RV is a little bit of a balancing act, but with so many great options it is definitely possible!
Check The Wattage
Generally, most space heaters have a maximum wattage of 1500 watts. However, you can go higher or lower depending on your preference.
The wattage of the space heater indicates how much heat is been projected; the higher the wattage, the more heat is been projected and vice versa.
However, the wattage doesn’t determine how a space heater distributes its heat. For example, most 1500-watt heaters disperse heat in a 360-degree fashion, which means the heat will be distributed in all directions of the room instead of being focused.
So, while checking the wattage, make sure that the heat is dispersed the way you want it.
Extra Features
Some space heaters come with a wall mounting feature a remote, and other safety features.
Extra features are great and can be very handy, but be sure to really look into the safety features and make sure that the heater you choose is the safest space heater for your RV and individual needs!
Speaking of RV space heater safety….here are some tips you don’t want to miss!
Space Heater Safety Tips
Even though the heaters we suggested are great choices and generally considered safe, extra caution needs to be taken when using them.
Here are a few helpful safety tips to keep in mind.
1. Tipping Over
Even though all the space heaters we recommended do turn off when they tip over, it is important to note that it is the heating element that turns off.
When a space heater tips over, the fans continue to work, while the heating elements don’t. So, the heater might still be blowing heat. So, be sure to keep combustible objects away from your heater.
A general recommendation is to maintain a 3-foot clearance around space heaters.
2. Avoid Extension Cords
Do not plug your heater into an extension cord, you want to make sure that it is plugged directly into the wall outlet. This is because most extension cords aren’t designed to carry the load required by the heater, and this could lead to electrical faults.
3. Check For A UL or ETL Listing
You want to make sure that the heater you buy has a UL listing. The UL listing indicates that the device has been tested to ensure that the heater is safe, and also it meets specific safety requirements and standards.
A Few Last Thoughts On Finding The Safest Space Heater For Your RV
Space heaters can be a really helpful tool to have in your RV!
They can help take away a chill, ensure that your RV furnace doesn’t run as often, or replace it altogether.
There are many great options when it comes to RV space heaters, you just have to decide how much of an area you need to heat, what kind of space heater you are looking for, which safety options are necessary, and which options or accessories you’d like.
We hope we were able to give enough information in this post to help you choose the best space heater for your needs.
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