If you plan on ice fishing, there’s one thing you’ll need for the trip – a heater to go inside your tent. Without a heat source, you’ll freeze up quickly, potentially turning your fun trip into cruel and unusual punishment. But which type of heater is going to be the best fit for you? A propane heater, a wood stove, or a diesel heater? We’ve done the research and will share our findings with you in this article.
Between propane heaters, wood stoves, and diesel heaters, there is no single best option for everyone. Each heater has benefits and drawbacks that can be interpreted differently based on the individual. Therefore, it’s important to learn about each heating option and choose for yourself.
It may be a drag to realize that you need to learn about all these heating options from the ground up. But trust us, it’s the only way to guarantee that you’re making the right decision. Keep on reading as we take a deep dive into each of these heat sources, hone in on their differences, pros, and cons, and help you select the perfect one for you.
Propane Heater
Propane heaters are heat sources fueled by propane gas cylinders (or tanks). They are widely used by anglers in their ice shanties. And they just could be the right choice for you. Keep reading to find out:
Effectiveness
Propane heaters are widely praised for their effectiveness. Just one small propane heater can heat the average 2-to-3-person tent (or even larger) in subzero temperatures. One of the most popular heaters in the ice fishing industry is the Buddy Heater by Mr. Heater. It’s a propane heater, and ice fishers all over the world love it because it’s a workhorse that gets the job done.
The amount of heating power you’ll get out of a propane heater ultimately depends on the heater you choose. Each one has a BTU rating, which measures heating power. Some of the best small indoor propane space heaters have a BTU rating ranging from around 4,000 to 9,000. However, there are some models that go as high as 60,000 BTU or more. It all depends on the model you buy.
Cost
Propane heaters tend to be affordable on the average person’s budget. For a small model, you shouldn’t have to spend more than $50 to $100 on it upfront. But it’s important to remember that this type of heater requires you to purchase propane tanks and use them for fuel. Over time, the cost of propane cylinders can add up. Although, since you don’t have to buy the propane all at once, the cost doesn’t seem too bad.
Of course, the cost of a propane tank depends heavily on its quality, the manufacturer, where you purchase it from, its heating capacity, and more.
Safety
Propane heaters aren’t the safest option in the world. Here’s why. Propane gas is a very heavy gas compared to air; it can build up in an enclosed area, increasing the risk of fire or health risks from inhalation. On top of that, the nature of propane causes it to stick around for a longer amount of time than other gas types.
Any time you burn propane, you create carbon monoxide, a gas that can be deadly if inhaled at a high enough concentration or for a certain amount of time. If your ice fishing tent doesn’t have enough ventilation to let this harmful gas out of the tent, your safety could be at risk.
It’s for this reason that many people warn against using propane gas heaters in tents without very good ventilation. Using propane heaters labeled for indoor use is also crucial, as outdoor heaters don’t have technology to limit carbon monoxide – indoor heaters do.
Here are other safety precautions to keep in mind.
Pro tip: If you want to use propane heaters safely, don’t leave your house without a portable carbon monoxide detector. But not just any detector will do; you need one that detects very low levels of carbon monoxide, given how quickly the gas can build up in tents.
Convenience
When it comes to convenience, propane heaters aren’t going to win any prizes. Yes, they seem easy to use, and some might even find them to be convenient. But the fact that you must deal with propane tanks can easily turn people off, especially if they’re new to the prospect of heating an ice fishing tent.
Here are a few things you need to do to light your heater in preparation for use:
- Find the propane regulator.
- Screw the propane tank into the regulator. Make sure that there’s an air-tight seal.
- Test for leaks now and again to ensure a leak-free connection by spraying the propane connection with a spray bottle of soap and water. If you notice any bubbles, that means that there’s a leak. Tighten the propane tank further and retest.
- Turn on the propane heater and ignite the flame following the usage instructions that came with the heater.
- The heater should be ready to use.
Once you get used to loading the heater up with the propane tank and igniting the flame with the propane gas, all of this will come naturally to you. If you decide to go with a propane heater, we encourage you to watch some instructional YouTube videos for the heater you’ve chosen. Here’s an instructional video for Buddy Propane Heaters.
Noise Level
Though propane tanks aren’t completely silent, they shouldn’t be disruptive in the least. This is great for those who want to enjoy their fishing day in the quiet. Know that propane tanks aren’t supposed to be loud, and if yours is, you may have a problem and should do some troubleshooting to identify any issues that may be in play.
Pros and Cons
With the basics understood, it’s time to get into the pros and cons of indoor propane heaters for ice fishing tents.
Pros
- Propane is a clean-burning fuel and is known to be an acceptable alternative fuel for the environment. So, while you use it, you can rest assured that you’re not doing harm to the planet.
- These heaters tend to be lightweight and compact, making them very easy to tote around in your sled for your ice fishing shelter.
- Regardless of the temperature outside, you can rely on your propane heater to ignite and start up. They have reliable ignition systems that quickly give you the spark you need to start warming up your space.
- Propane gas tends to last for a very long time.
- Today, propane tanks are made with some amazing features that protect against the inherent dangers of propane heaters, including auto shut-off, tip-over shut-off, temperature gauging, and more.
Cons
- Propane heaters come with very tight ventilation requirements. To reduce your risk of being exposed to potentially dangerous carbon monoxide, your tent should have multiple windows to allow for air circulation. Many people find this to be counterproductive and opt to run their heater without taking this precaution.
- You need to be comfortable with buying, storing, and using propane tanks. And you must be careful how you use and store them to prevent fire, explosions, and other dangers.
- If you use your propane heater a lot, you may find that you’re spending a lot of money on propane tanks. This can get old quickly and drain your wallet over time.
Wood Stove
Wood stoves are heating appliances that work by burning wood fuel. As far as appearance, it’s a metal fire box with a door closing off its inner components. If you’ve wondered whether you would be able to use something like this in your ice fishing tent, keep on reading.
Effectiveness
When it comes to effectiveness, wood stoves are great in some ways and not so much in others. For instance, the average wood stove is good at heating a small area, but if you go outside that heated area, you’ll be frozen.
This is because there is nothing to push the heated air around. It just sits in the immediate area. Of course, you could bring a fan with you to move the air around, but that’s one more thing to keep track of.
Overall, if your goal is to heat a small ice fishing tent, you’ll probably be very happy with the appliance’s output. Here are a few factors that affect how well a wood stove would work for your tent:
- How big your tent is – smaller tents will be very easy to heat up with a wood stove. Larger ones, not so much.
- Whether your tent is insulated – insulation helps to hold any existing heat in. If your tent is insulated, you may be able to get by with a wood stove.
- Your level of skill – Do you know how to work a wood stove? Can you get it hot enough and maintain that temperature for hours? If not, you could experience some issues.
- The type of wood you’re burning – Using the right firewood (hard wood like ash and birch are best) makes for a long burning session. Pass on woods like pine, wet wood, spruce – they’ll be more trouble than they’re worth.
*This is not a full list of things to consider.
Cost
The average wood-burning stove costs anywhere from $80 to $300 or more, depending on the appliance’s size, brand, and more. The smaller ones are typically cheaper than the larger ones. And if you’re willing to fork over more cash, you may be able to get your hands on one with high-quality materials and a good warranty from a good brand.
Don’t forget that you need to pay for the wood you’ll burn, as well. For a wood stove, you’ll need seasoned wood, which often comes at a premium – over 100 dollars for a half cord. Plus, since you’re out ice fishing, any wood you find around is likely unusable.
Safety
Before you go for a wood-burning stove, it’s essential to educate yourself on the safety risks associated with them. The main issue you should be aware of, just like with propane heaters, is carbon monoxide poisoning. Wood-burning heaters produce carbon monoxide, and if your tent isn’t adequately ventilated, that gas can build up and set off a dangerous chain of events.
In addition, there’s a risk of fire. The wood may be behind a door, but if you misuse the stove and embers tumble out of the fire box, they can ignite and start a fire.
So, no matter which wood-burning stove you go for, we recommend closely reading the instructions that came with the appliance. Be sure to follow them all to ensure your safety, and don’t forget to bring some important accessories along:
- Fire extinguisher
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Metal shovel and bucket for ashes
- Wood stove gloves
- Safety screen (if the stove doesn’t already come with one)
Convenience
Wood-burning stoves score low in the convenience category. And that’s because of the sheer amount of work and maintenance they require. Yes, they look rustic and eclectic, but you’ve got to start the fire, tend to it, lug that wood around, and respect the fire at every turn for your safety.
And we haven’t even mentioned the cleaning requirements yet. After every burn, you must clean out any ashes and debris that have settled into the fire box. You’ll have to be extra careful with the embers. Again, do a lot of research and read the instructions that came with the stove before lighting, cleaning, or maintaining a wood stove.
Noise Level
After the fire is lit, your wood-burning stove should be relatively silent except for the odd crackle of the embers. People all over the world associate that sound with relaxation and the beauty of nature – maybe you do, too. But overall, the noise level of this heat source won’t be a bother.
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of wood-burning stoves are telling. Keep reading to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this heater and to figure out whether it is the right pick for you.
Pros
- There is nothing quite like sitting in front of a wood-burning stove and taking in the sight of a burning fire.
- If you have enough wood, you’ve got nothing to worry about – not electricity, no tanks, etc.
Cons
- Wood stoves tend to be heavy and bulky, which can make them a chore to lug around, especially in the icy, wintery weather.
- They produce a ton of smoke. Some may find it to be too much to handle.
- The embers and sparks from a wood stove carry a risk of fire that other heat sources don’t.
- Dry wood, which is essential for a wood stove, can be a pain to transport and manage.
Diesel Heater
As you might guess from its name, a diesel heater is a type of heating device that uses diesel as fuel. If you’ve never been the type to boat, camp, or travel by RV, you may not be familiar with this gas. But it’s commonly used in those settings. This type of heater works by mixing diesel with air to make heated air.
Efficiency
First, you should know that when it comes to efficiency, diesel heaters aren’t going to be the best all-around. And that’s because the latter uses combustion, which also means energy loss. At the same time, though, diesel heaters are more efficient at heating small spaces than propane heaters.
In a general sense, diesel heaters don’t use a lot of electricity. But they do need a 12-volt power supply.
Effectiveness
As far as effectiveness goes, anglers will have no issues heating their tents with a diesel heater. Like other gas heaters, diesel heaters come in various configurations with different heat outputs. A small-sized diesel heater (2 kW) is ideal for smaller spaces (like ice fishing tents). If you have a large tent, consider getting multiple small heaters or one large one to keep the place warm in the freezing temps.
Cost
Diesel heaters are very much affordable on just about any budget. Small budget diesel heaters cost around $50, larger mid-range ones are around the $100 mark, and the biggest ones with the higher heating capacities are between $100 and $200 on average. Know that diesel heaters come in at many different price points, depending on the brand, specs, and where you purchase them from.
Safety
Unlike wood stoves, diesel heaters are on the safer side. Though they aren’t as safe as electric heaters, they don’t carry a huge risk of fire or negative health consequences. This is for a couple of reasons:
- They don’t put out many fumes.
- They usually come with safety features like low oil warnings and auto shut-off.
- You can set up your heater outside and funnel the heat inside with a pipe or hose.
Convenience
Most gas heaters come with a learning curve, and that’s the case with diesel heaters. If you’re setting up your diesel heater for the first time, be prepared to figure out how all the components work (the air inlet hose, the air intake, the heat wrap, the fuel tank, and line, etc.
This can be inconvenient, especially when you’re doing the initial setup for the machine. It’s not a situation where you can flip a switch and get heat.
As far as the design of the machine, it’s portable and can be set up outside, so you don’t have to deal with it in your space. What’s more, you can get diesel fuel at any gas station. All of this is super convenient.
Noise Level
Diesel heaters are on the louder side, especially when they’re running at full speed. But they don’t bother most people, especially if they are set up outside of the tent.
Pros and Cons
Now, let’s look at the pros and cons of diesel heaters.
Pros
- If you choose the right diesel heater for your space, you’ll enjoy dependable heating for the duration of your outing.
- These heaters are portable, and their fuel is easy to find.
- Diesel heaters are safer than other options, which gives users peace of mind.
- The average diesel heater is very affordable and can last you for several years.
Cons
- Diesel heaters are noisy, which can be off-putting for those who want to get some shut eye. This can also be a deterrent for the fish, as some species are sensitive to noise.
- If your heater leaks, and sometimes when you’re just starting the machine up, you may notice an odor.
- Diesel fuel emissions are harmful to the environment. If this is important to you, you should investigate another heating source.
Which Heat Source Should You Choose?
Wondering which heat source is best for you? One of the best ways to find out is to look at the pros and cons of each one side by side. We’ll help you do that in the table below.
| Heater Type | Cost | Effectiveness | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Propane Heater | $50 to $100 on average | Highly effective heating, even in subzero temperatures | Propane is considered a clean-burning fuel, reliable ignition systems for quick start-up, lightweight and compact design for portability, easily sourced fuel | Risk of carbon monoxide buildup without proper ventilation, handling and refilling of propane tanks, fuel cost over time, ventilation requirement | Anglers seeking effective and portable heating. |
| Wood Stove | $80 to $300 on average | Effective heating for smaller spaces | Aesthetic appeal of a burning fire, fuel availability locally, independence from external power, cost-effective heating option | Risk of fire and carbon monoxide buildup, heavy and bulky, less portable, requires regular cleaning and maintenance, produces smoke and odor. Requires pipe for venting smoke | Those who prefer traditional heating methods and are well-versed in fire safety. |
| Diesel Heater | $50 to $200 on average | Reliable heating for most spaces | Wide availability of diesel fuel, affordability with long-term durability, inherent safety from features and the ability to set up heater outside of the tent | Can be noisy at full speed, potential for diesel odor, environmental impact of diesel emissions, learning curve for initial setup and operation. Requires pipe for venting exhaust | Anglers prioritizing reliability and safety. |
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about your heating options while ice fishing. The best choice for you will very likely be the one where the pros outweigh the cons, and you’ll have to be the judge of that. Regardless of your choice, we hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best on your next ice fishing day.
