Best Heaters for Hunting Cabins [Top 8 Reviews]

There is nothing cozier than spending in a hunting cabin away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hunting cabin is a nice retreat during the winter with the snow all around. However, the challenge is keeping the cabins warm, especially in remote locations.

Spending plenty of crisp winter nights in a cabin can be chilly. Even with plenty of blankets, you need better ways to stay warm. There are three ways to heat a hunting cabin. You can use wood, gas or propane, and electricity. Each of these heating sources has its benefits and drawbacks, especially the electric option, which may not be available in some areas.

In this article, we will enumerate some of the best heaters for hunting cabins and its pros and cons. We will also mention some of the points to consider when choosing the heater that will work best for you.

Types of Heaters a Hunting Cabin

The first thing that you should consider when selecting a cabin heater is the means of heating. Finding a dependable heating source can be complicated. Although you have many options, it can be daunting to choose when you have limited space and a more off the grid location. Another thing to consider is safety,

Electric Heaters

The first type of heater that you might consider for your cabin is the electric heaters. It is not very popular for people with hunting cabins because most of them are located off the grid.

Those who don’t have electricity can opt for generators. But it can be unreliable and may not have the capability of powering all the lights and small appliances at the same time. If yours has electricity, then you may consider this type of heater.

Electric heaters have many advantages. It is relatively cheap, very versatile, and you won’t need any chimney or other accessories. One downside though is that electric heaters will not have central heating capabilities.

However, the size and architecture of the cabin, central heating is not necessary. Another issue is maintaining the line to the cabin. There are many horror stories of people experiencing a power outage in the middle of winter while inside the cabin with only a few blankets to fight the cold.

Wood Heaters

A warm fire can provide a warm and cozy atmosphere in a hunting cabin, even if it is cold outside. Wood burning stoves are as old as time. It is the same means of heating for our ancestors during winters in the caves, their rudimentary homes, and eventually, their palaces.

Perhaps it is the relaxing smell of wood that made people love wood heaters. You have a hunting cabin in a wooden area; then you will never run out of fuel. This could save you hundreds of dollars in fuel.

Although wood heaters have come a long way, it still has the downsides with them. While wood is cheap, it burns quickly, and that means you have to haul plenty of it into your cabin. Plus, you need to attend to the fire to avoid running out of fuel and to keep it safe. Another disadvantage is you have to allocate a place for the wood in your small cabin.

Aside from needing a lot of time and effort, a wood heater needs installation. And it can be tricky. It requires lots of space around it and a chimney. On top of that, wood stoves use real fire, and it can be dangerous as accidents could happen around fires.

Gas Heaters

One of the most common means of heating a cabin is gas heaters. It is a simple and reliable option, and you can choose between vented or unvented, flued or unflued. Gas heaters can burn natural gas, butane, propane, or liquefied petroleum gas. The most common and preferred heaters are propane heaters.

It is a go-to heater for many reasons. Not only is propane an efficient fuel, but it is also cheaper than a wood stove. Aside from this, gas heaters are also easier to install and maintain. You do not have to install a chimney or flue that needs constant cleaning. Propane burns clean and does not leave soot floating in the air. Installation is also easy, and most units can be mounted on the wall and attached to a propane tank before using.

While propane is a great way to heat a hunting cabin, it too has its drawbacks. First is the fluctuating price of propane. Second is it’s aesthetically not appealing. Gas heaters pale in comparison to a wood heater with its fire dancing elegantly in the corner.

Best Heaters for Your Hunting Cabin

For this article, we will be looking into different heaters according to the means of heating and in each type of heaters, we will be enumerating the best.

Electric Heaters

Let us start with the best electric heaters.

De’Longhi Full Room Radiant Heat

The top choice when it comes to electric heating is the DeLonghi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater. It is durable and maintenance-free, made from patented, high-quality steel. It has a permanently sealed oil reservoir you don’t have to refill. Hence, it is easy to maintain. Other electric heaters will need to get their oil changed but not for this electric heater.

Another good thing about this electric heater is the design, it has a patented thermal chimney design that makes it work faster, and it still manages to maintain a cool exterior. It also has thermal slot design that maximizes the heat flow into the room that keeps the surface temperature low.

This Radiant Heat model has 1500 watts of heating power, providing a quiet yet full room comfort. It also gives personalized comfort because you can customize the heating temperature with adjustable heating and thermostat settings. It also features a thermal shut-off that prevents overheating.

You can easily transport this electric heater thanks to its four locking wheels at its base, which makes it more convenient. It can also heat a maximum of 250 square feet, and if you need to warm up a bigger space, a couple of them will do.

Pros

• Maintenance-free and durable
• Customizable heat and thermal settings
• Unique design                                                                 
• Safe from overheating

Cons

• Slight popping or cracking sound

Edenpure GEN32 Infrared Space Heater

The Edenpure GEN32 Infrared Space Heater is a perfect supplementary during the cold winters and convenient to bring to your hunting cabin during the winter months. A word of caution though, it cannot heat a big room, but it will be sufficient for your hunting cabin.

This electric heater is built to last longer as it is made from the heat-resistant shell of VO ABS plastic. Its average life expectancy is about 80,000 hours, and it can heat at 500 watts on the lowest setting and 1000 watts on its highest full heat. Edenpure Gen32 is one of the most powerful personal heaters in the market.

Another great feature of this electric heater is it is compact and convenient to transport. It is so small that you can pack it in your suitcase.

The Edenpure32 is safe to use. It is not only durable, but its exterior is also cool to touch. It has a safety tipped over feature that automatically shuts the unit off when it is accidentally knocked over. This unit is also versatile. It is not only a heater but is also a fan that you can use during summer.

Pros

• The long life expectancy of 80,000 hours
• Small and convenient to carry around
• Cool to the touch exterior
• Safety shut-off system

Cons

• Cannot heat a bigger space.

King 6K 1215BW K Series Baseboard Heater

Another electric heater that is great for hunting cabins is the King Baseboard Heater. This heater utilizes convection heat to provide consistent heat in the room. It has a durable construction which makes it perfect for living space. What makes it here on the list is that this heater is easy to install. You only need to place it at the base of your wall and plug it in then your room will start to get warm.

The King Baseboard Heater has a thermostat control that allows you to adjust the temperature until you find what is comfortable for you. It also features a smart crush proof design. These are ribbon aluminium finning that is compression that is welded into the heating element providing a chimney-type flue that allows the maximum transfer of heat.

Other exciting features include quiet operation and the high-temperature safety shut-off feature that protects you and your loved ones from potential danger when it is overheating.

Pros

• Easy to install
• The quiet operation which makes it perfect for bedrooms and living spaces
• Unique design for maximum heat distribution
• Highly customizable temperature

Cons

• Dimensions may not be appropriate for small spaces.

Wood Heaters

Here is another set of heaters to choose from. This time it uses wood as its fuel source. If you want to have an authentic hunting cabin feel, maybe you should consider them.

Hi-Flame Shetland HF905U Extra Small Wood Burning Stove

This is a top choice for most people who own a hunting cabin. The stove is extra small and feeds on wood. It is small, compact and has an amazing fuel-efficiency. When we say great, we mean it. It has an 85% rating on its efficiency and can warm up a room wide dimension of 800 square feet. It can burn half the wood it needs for a bigger stove to warm the same room. It warms very fast too, so you can be warmed in an instant after spending time outdoors.

Since the Shetland is small and compact, it can fit into your cabin without sacrificing much space. And because it is very efficient, it does not need plenty of space off the wall too. This wooden stove burns wood efficiently, and it is not hard to maintain.

Pros

• Compact and small
• High-efficiency wood heater
• Exquisite appearance
• Simple and user-friendly

Cons

• Pricey, but can be a worthy investment

Dickinson Marine 00-NEWSF Newport Solid Fuel Heater

The Newport Solid Fuel Heater is originally designed for boats, yachts, and other water transport. However, since it is capable of heating a small space, it will be an appropriate space heater for the small hunting cabin.

The obvious advantage of this heater is its size. Unlike other space heaters that take a lot of space, this one is very small that you can easily mount it on your wall, which may seem impossible for a wood stove. It is also lightweight, as it is incredibly light at fifteen pounds.  

It is also very efficient and can one to two one-inch thick wood or log or a handful of charcoal briquettes. It is easy to clean with a removal cash drawer and has a damper control. It has conveniently designed air vents and a laser-cut door. It may not be aesthetically pleasing but you can rely on its consistent performance.

Pros

• Burns variety of fuel
• Easy to install
• Reliable and efficient
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Unappealing design

Pleasant Hearth WS-2417 Wood Stove with Leg Base

Pleasant Hearth is known for its great stoves, and this WS-2417 model is no exception. It is designed based on European classic hearth, which is perfect for your small hunting cabin. Although it is small and portable, it can heat a maximum of 1,200 square feet. It can give off enough heat that you won’t need extra blankets.

Aside from its aesthetic appeal, its main advantage is its efficiency in burning wood. The wooden heater’s interior is lined with firebrick so that it spends less fuel and improves the quality of air. The heater is EPA-certified because its emissions are at 3.9 grams per hour. It needs little assembly too, making it easy to bring to your hunting cabin.

The heater has other great features other than the brick-lined firebox. It has an air wash system that keeps the glass window clean, ceramic glass viewing area, and chrome handles. It operates best on seasoned cord firewood.

Pros

• Small and portable
• Can heat a 1,200 square feet area
• Highly efficient stove
• EPA certified emission rating

Cons

• You need to connect it to a chimney

Gas Heaters

Most people call this type of heater as propane heaters, which by far are highly recommended as cabin heaters. Here are some of our top picks.

Mr Heater Big Buddy Indoor Propane Heater

The list for the best propane heaters for hunting cabins will not be complete without a unit from Mr Heater. This company is known for its effective and reliable heaters and Big Buddy does not disappoint. It is not called Big Buddy for anything.

This heater is capable of heating an expansive space of 300 square feet, which is perfect for your small cabin. You don’t need extra blankets for added warmth. Another great advantage that it offers is its safety features. Since the fear of using propane is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Thanks to its safety feature, Big Buddy will blow out its pilot light when the oxygen levels become too low. You will not be afraid of sleeping with this heater on.

Another safety feature is its automatic shutoff system when the unit is accidentally tipped over. Propane heaters can be dangerous when they fall especially on a dry spot. But not when you have Big Buddy. It also has customizable settings that can help you save energy.

Pros

• Huge coverage area
• Safety features including automatic shutoff system
• Customizable settings
• Highly efficient

Cons

• It will not operate on high altitudes

Dyna Glo Cabinet Heater

Just like the previous propane heater we have on our list, Dyna Glo also prioritizes safety. It is perfect for safety-conscious individuals because it has an automatic shut off system that turns the unit off when the oxygen level becomes dangerously low.

Another great feature is the piezo ignition that ignites that pilot even without putting live flame on the unit. It also has heat controls, safety front grills, and a three plaque heating system. The Dyna Glo is loaded with great features that make it a great buy.

When it comes to heating capacity, it can heat a room of about 600-foot radius, which fits your hunting cabin’s requirements. With the customizable heating system, you can choose the right temperature you want. The heater is easy to move and can be kept in place with the locking casters at its base.

Pros

• Great safety features
• Customizable heat settings to conserve energy
• Easy to roll into place
• Wide heating capacity

Cons

• The tanks it needs are not recommended for indoor use

Conclusion

The heaters we have mentioned here are good portable heaters that will come in handy for your hunting cabin during winters. As you can see, there are a lot of ways to heat your hunting cabin and each of them has its pros and cons.

Wood is readily available especially when your cabin is located in a wooden area. Plus, it gives a warm and cozy atmosphere when you have a wood fire burning in your heater. Propane heaters are also good because they are easy to use and maintain. It is reliable when you have rough weather outside the cabin. However, propane gas can be expensive, and the tanks are heavy. The electric heaters are quite convenient and cheap if you have an electric line to your cabin.

Our best advice when choosing the best heater for your hunting cabin is to weigh your options well and find which works for you.