It is hard to enjoy an ice fishing expedition with the wind cutting through the shelter and freezing your hands into a claw shape. And when your toes finally become numb, the determination to fish fades away. That is no way to spend time on the ice. You need to think ahead and get the best ice fishing heater for your shack. We have picked out ten heaters that are great on the ice, one for every budget. Additionally, we have compiled a list of factors to consider as you embark on your search.
Ice Fishing Shack Heaters:Our Top Picks
Make sure to read our reviews below before buying your favorite ice fishing ice shack heater:
Mr. Heater MH45T Triple Tank Top Heater, 10000 to 45000 BTU/Hr
Features:
- Hi-med-low regulator
- Three tip-over safety shut-off
- Mounts on 20-100 lbs propane cylinder
The Mr. Heater MH45T Triple Tank Top Heater isn’t to be toyed with when it comes to portability, efficiency, and performance. It takes the portable heating experience to new heights. With the ability to pump out 10,000 to 45,000 BTUs per hour, it can keep a roomy shelter toasty and warm. It mounts easily on 20 lbs to 100lbs propane cylinders and heats continuously for more than ten hours.
It does a good job of fusing convection heat airflow with radiant heat to optimize the effectiveness of heating. The comfort level can be duly controlled with multi-position settings i.e. Low, Medium and High. The accompanying oxygen depletion sensor and three tip over shutoffs guarantee safety operations. This unit operates on one to three burners for different heat output combinations. Other notable features include soft nose POL, adjustable swivel head design, polished chrome reflectors and match lit ignition.
Pros:
- Three multi-position heat settings
- High-quality components made from chrome and stainless steel
- 10,000 to 45000 BTU heat output per hour
- Relatively safe and efficient
- Compact, lightweight and easily portable
Cons:
- Doesn’t include a heat reflector shield
Mr. Heater F274865-Massachusetts/Canada Portable LP Heater
Features:
- Steel
- 4,000- to 18,000-BTU radiant heater for spaces up to 300 square feet
- Approved for outdoor use
- Clean-burning; nearly 100-percent efficient
- Auto shut-off if tipped over, if pilot light goes out, or if detects low oxygen levels.
- Fan operates on 4 D batteries or AC adapter, both sold separately
- Low, medium and high heat level control knob for steady temperatures;
- connects to propane tank (not included)
The Mr. Heater F274865 is a powerful, reliable and safe ice fishing heater that covers spaces up to 450 square feet. It puts out 4000 to 18000 BTUs of radiant heat and connects directly to two 1lb propane cylinders. It features an integrated fan that improves its heating capacity by blending radiant and convection heat. This helps optimize the effectiveness of heating.
There are two swivel regulators for adapting usage from disposable gas cylinders to remote gas supply and vice versa. All you need to do is purchase a hose and filter. Simply rotate the knob to light the unit and a built-in Piezo spark mechanism will take care of the rest. The oxygen depletion sensor along with a tip-over safety shutoff ensures that you can enjoy years of comfortable safe heating.
Pros:
- Built-in fan improves heating efficiency
- Guarantees safety with oxygen depletion sensor and tip over shut-off
- High, low and medium heat settings allow a customized experience
- Can be used with two propane cylinders
- Blends radiant and convection style heat
Cons:
- Doesn’t include 4D batteries or AC adapter
Mr. Heater F242655 MH30TS Double Tank Top Outdoor Heater, 8000 to 30000 BTU Per Hour
Features:
- Hi-med-low regulator and multiple heat settings: 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30,000 BTU’s
- Two tip-over safety shut-offs and polished chrome reflector
- Soft Nose P.O.L and premium grade stainless steel burning surface
- Mounts on 20lb propane cylinder and directional, adjustable heads
- Operate one or two burners at a time and outdoor use only
Assembled in Cleveland, the Mr. Heater MH30TS Double Tank Top Heat puts out 8,000 to 30,000 BTUs of radiant heat per hour. This makes it a perfect solution for outdoor heating applications. It mounts on a 20-lb propane cylinder and features directional, adjustable heads. It is constructed using high-quality chrome and steel components to ensure lasting reliability.
The high, low and medium regulator allows for multiple heat settings i.e. 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25 and 30,000 BTUs. Safety features include a polished chrome reflector and two tip-over shutoffs. This heater uses a premium grade stainless steel burning surface and features a soft nose POL. It also operates one or two burners at a time.
Pros:
- High, medium, low regulator allows multiple heat settings
- Can operate up two heaters at a time
- Quality build with chrome and stainless steel components
- Features directional and adjustable heads
Cons:
- Designed for outdoor use only
Dura Heat TT-30 Propane(LP) Workspace Dual Tank Top Heater
Features:
- Match light; Independent swivel heads
- For outdoor use only
- Uses 20 lb. propane(LP) cylinder
- Variable output (18K-26K-30K BTU’s)
- Heavy duty steel construction
- Provides radiant infrared heat
- No electricity required; Wind screen and Emitter guard
- Wind resistant & rain Protected
- Direct-fired tank top heater
- Adjustable Input ratings
Next up is the Dura Heat TT-30 Propane Dual Tank Top Heater, which is designed for outdoor use only. It features independent swivel heads and mounts on a 20-pound cylinder. The heater offers variable output ranging from 18000 BTUs to 30000 BTUs per hour. It is made of durable stainless steel components to last a long time.
It uses match light ignition and operates on double burners to improve heating efficiency. It produces quiet infrared radiant heat, hence strong enough for 200-400 square feet spaces. The unit is shipped a wind screen and emitter guard for protection from the elements. Other notable features include direct fired tank top heater and adjustable input ratings.
Pros:
- Heavy duty stainless steel construction
- Variable heat adjustment settings
- Wind resistant and rain protected
- Features independent swivel heads
- Offers radiant infrared heat
Cons:
- Lacks oxygen depletion sensor
Texsport Sportsmate Portable Propane Heater
Features:
- Ideal for golf carts
- Durable stainless steel burner
- Pressure regulator on/off control valve adjusts burners up to 3,000 BTUs
- Includes molded plastic cup holder and large paddlefoot plastic base which holds 16.4 oz disposable propane fuel cylinder (not included)
- Auto shut off valve shuts off fuel if flame goes out
The Texsport Sportsmate Portable Propane Heater is an excellent source of heat for anyone who loves going on camping trips. If you live in a country or area where it gets really cold during the winter months, this is a worthy investment.
It has an auto shut off valve that shuts off the fuel every time the flame goes out. The heater is made from durable stainless steel, meaning it can withstand the harshest of conditions or punishment without showing any signs of wear. As long as you look after this heater, you can have it for years.
The Texsport Sportsmate Portable Propane Heater also has a pressure regulator on/off control valve. This allows you to adjust the heater up to 3,000 BTUs. While they are more powerful heaters on this list, 3,000 BTUs are enough to keep you warm in cold weather conditions.
Lastly, it has a large paddle foot plastic base that holds a 16.4 oz. disposable propane fuel cylinder.
Pros:
- A very flexible heater thanks to its design
- Very affordable and portable heater
- Has a stand for stability
- Compact and durable
Cons:
- Not as powerful as other heaters on the market
Mr. Heater MH18B, Portable Propane Heater (4,000- to 18,000-BTU)
Features:
- 4, 000- to 18, 000-BTU radiant heater for spaces up to 450 square feet
- When operating the heater at altitudes over 7,000 FT above sea level the heater may shut off
- Auto shut-off if tipped over, if the pilot light goes out, or if detects low oxygen levels
- Low, medium and high heat level control knob for steady temperatures
- Connects to a propane tank
Mr. Heater is a very popular brand name, known to make good quality propane heaters. One of their stand out products is the F274800 MH18B Portable Propane Heater. There is no denying that this is one of the best propane heaters out there and it has features that make it stand out.
One of the reasons why it is seen as a camping essential is it heats spaces of up to 450 square feet, which is amazing. 100% efficient, this heater can be used both outdoors and indoors. However, operating it at altitudes over 7,000 feet above sea level may cause it to shut off.
It has a heating setting of 4,000 to 18,000 BTU, making it one of the most powerful heaters you can take on a camping trip. It has an auto shut off feature in case it is accidentally tipped over. And it also has a heat level control knob that allows you to set the heat level to low, medium and high.
Pros:
- Very efficient and perfect design for heating enclosed spaces like a tent
- Very portable propane heater
- Easy to light up – just push and rotate the knob
- Has high, medium and low-temperature controls
- Good quality heater
- Heats spaces of up to 450 square feet
Cons:
- Requires a propane tank
- At altitudes over 7,000 ft above sea level, this heater might not work
Dura Heat TT-360 Propane(LP) 360 Degree Tank Top Heater
Features:
- 360° of instant radiant, infrared heat in a small and portable design
- Outdoor use only
- Approved for outdoor use in Canada
- CSA approved mercury free tip over shut-off
- Quick connect P.O.L. tank connection
- Operates up to 14 hours on a 20 lb. propane(LP) tank
- High efficiency stainless steel heat reflector; Rust resistant chrome emitter guard
- Accidental shut-off; Match light ignition
- Heating Area: up to 1,000 sq ft
The Dura Heat TT-360 is a great budget heater that runs on two propane cylinders and puts out plenty of heat to cover 1000 square feet. It is a lantern style heater for ice fishing that doubles as a safe heat source for home patios and campsites. It is a cheaper alternative to the Mr. Heat F274865 but puts out just as much heat. While it is portable and can be carried anywhere, it’s best for permanent shelters where you don’t need to set up and dismantle frequently.
It provides 360 degrees of radiant infrared heat and operates continuously for fourteen hours on a 20-pound propane tank. It features a high-efficiency stainless steel heat reflector and rust-resistant chrome emitter guard. Safety is guaranteed with a tip-over shutoff.
Pros:
- Puts out a lot of heat for a small unit
- Offers 360 degrees of radiant heating
- Lightweight, compact and cheap
- Runs on two propane cylinders for improved heating efficiency
Cons:
- Handles on base make portability a little difficult
Camping Emergency Butane Heater Coherent Heat Source Survival Tools
Features:
- Use standard butane gas cartidge for portability
- Ceramic burner
- Pressure sensing safety shut off device
- Gas consumption 100gm/hr
- CE certificate
Concluding our list is this Camping Emergency Butane Heater by Toolize. It is incredibly portable thanks to comfortable carry handle. It uses a butane cartridge and a ceramic burner. The heat output is high for such a small unit. What’s even better is that it only consumes 100 grams of gas per hour. As such, it keeps burning for longer. It has a swivel body and a pressure sensing shutoff device for added safety. On the downside, you need to purchase an external connector for an external gas source.
Pros:
- Pressure sensing shutoff device provides added safety
- Consumes only 100 grams of gas per hour
- Uses a butane gas cartridge
- CE certified for outdoor use
Cons:
- Not the best for large shelters
Stansport Portable Outdoor Infrared Propane Heater
Features:
- Convenient carry handle
- Metal dish helps focus heat where you want it
- Supplies 3,100 BTU’s of heat
- Portable and personal propane heater
- 4-Step control settings: Off, Low, Medium, High
If you are looking for something that won’t require you to break the bank, then the Stansport Portable Outdoor Infrared Propane Heater is the perfect product. It will supply you with 3,100 BTUs of heat.
It has four control settings that you can use to adjust the heat levels to your liking. These settings are off, low, medium and high. Plus, it has a convenient carry handle that makes it easy for you to move it around. There is no need for you to purchase some matches because it has an electronic ignition to fire it up.
It has a metal dish that allows you to focus heat on specific areas. However, it doesn’t come with propane cylinders, and you will need to purchase them yourself. Luckily, there are so many of them available online. At close to 2 pounds in weight, this is one of the lightest propane heaters you can buy, making it extremely portable.
Pros:
- Very easy heater to move or travel with
- Super lightweight
- A very affordable heater
- Easy to use and start
- Has an electronic ignition that doesn’t require matches
Cons:
- It only heats a small area
- Many customers say the ignition doesn’t work properly at times
- Gas cylinders need to be purchased
Mr. Heater MH12B Hunting Buddy Portable Space Heater
Features:
- Swivel regulator and a single control
- Automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS)
- Accidental tip-over safety shut-off
- Runs off a 1lb cylinder connects to a 20lb cylinder with optional hose and filter
If you are an avid hunter, you will love the Mr. Heater MH12B Hunting Buddy Portable Space Heater. It was perfectly designed for hunters since it is super lightweight and has a non-slip handle. These are features that any hunter needs, especially if they are walking in the wilderness for hours looking for game. Although this heater seems built for outdoor use, it can also be used indoors in places like caravans, storage units, trailers, and tents.
With 6000 to 12,000 BTUs at your disposal, you can easily heat an area of up to 300 square feet. If you have a 20 LB propane cylinder, you can connect this heater to it and use it to full effect.
Many customers also buy this heater because of the accidental tip-over safety shut off feature and the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS). You will easily have this heater keeping you warm and safe for many years to come.
Pros:
- Very easy heater to move or travel with
- Super lightweight
- A very affordable heater
- Easy to use and start
- Has an electronic ignition that doesn’t require matches
Cons:
- It only heats a small area
- Many customers say the ignition doesn’t work properly at times
- Gas cylinders need to be purchased
How To Choose An Ice Fishing Heater
Size
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing an ice fishing heater is size. An undersized heat will struggle to keep up with the cold, thus failing to heat the space efficiently. On the other hand, a heater that’s too large will leave less room for movement and give you extra weight to carry. A simple way to get started is to calculate the floor space inside the shelter and match it to a heater. We recommend purchasing a heater with a little more capacity since you can adjust settings and maximize output for longer. It also heats the shelter more quickly and allows you to get down to business faster.
Heat Output
This is measured in BTUs i.e. British Thermal Unit and is defined as the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of 1-lb water by one degree Fahrenheit. Looking at real-world comparisons rather than scientific literature will make it easier to determine which heaters best suit your needs. Most portable units use 1-lb propane canisters and put out anywhere from 2500 to 10,000 BTUs. Kerosene heaters for garage or home use have an average output of 25000 BTUs. Again, measuring the floor space of your shelter can help determine the appropriate heat output. You can get a more powerful heater if in doubt.
Insulation
Most ice fishing tents and shelters offer some kind of insulation from the wind. However, some could benefit from improvements in this area. Ideal insulation means units are designed to keep the cold out and retain warmth. That said, if your shelter cannot retain warmth, you will be sorely disappointed when you can’t figure out why your heater won’t keep you warm. Always go with a bigger heater if your shelter doesn’t have very good heat retention properties.
Oxygen Depletion Sensors
Whether it comes as a separate device or built into a heater, an oxygen depletion sensor is crucial when running a heater indoors. It lets you know when there are high carbon monoxide levels in the shack. Carbon monoxide poisoning is not something to worry about if your heater runs properly and has good ventilation. However, the risk of death should be enough to warrant having an oxygen depletion sensor.
Indoor Rated
Burning fuel leads to the creation of carbon monoxide as a by-product. This is why it’s crucial to purchase an ice fishing shelter specially designed for indoor use. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colors and can cause death. The effects can be avoided by having proper ventilation and an indoor-rated heater.
