If your current caravan heater is lacklustre or you want a bit of extra warmth, having a portable unit can be handy. Small, low-wattage options are perfect for popping in your caravan if you’re touring in the cold and can be used in awnings to make chilly evenings more comfortable.
Some caravanners will be digging out the best caravan cover and preparing their tourer for storage as we approach the colder months. However, for those who love touring all year round, a portable heater can be a game changer, providing that bit of extra warmth when there’s a chill in the air. A caravan heater is not just for those who enjoy winter touring, however – it can get unexpectedly cool at times even if you stick to summer touring, after all.
There are plenty of these luxury caravan accessories on the market, but most are corded electric and will plug into an outlet, ideally when you’re hooked up on a site. The most common type of heating technology used is ceramic fans, which give efficient and effective heating even from smaller units. You could also consider radiator-style heaters, both oil and oil-free. A benefit of oil-free radiators is that they cool down quicker and there is less risk of a rupture. Oil radiators retain their heat for longer after being turned off, which can be an upside for efficient heating.
Here, you’ll see our favourite options on the market, featuring brands such as Kampa, De’Longhi, Pro Breeze and more.
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Caravan heaters: our favourite picks
Kampa Diddy Portable Heater
Russell Hobbs 700W Portable Ceramic Plug in Fan Heater
Dreo Space Heater
Pro Breeze Mini Heater
Dimplex Eco Chico Mini Radiator
Russell Hobbs Retro Ceramic Heater
De’Longhi TRNS0505M Oil Filled Radiator
The best caravan heaters:
Kampa Diddy Portable Heater
- Weight: 1.16kg
- Dimensions: 13.78 x 11.02 x 13.78 cm
Reason to buy:
- Very efficient and lightweight
Reason to avoid:
- Might not be sufficient for heating a large space
This is a low wattage option from outdoor experts, Kampa. This “diddy” heater has a maximum of 1500w and a low of 700w, with a dial to control the settings. The unit measures 13.78 x 11.02 x 13.78 cm and weighs just 1.16kg, making it the perfect compact caravan heater. Equipped with an energy efficient heating element that’s powered by corded electric, the Kampa Diddy will warm your space quickly without draining energy or your money.
We like how you can rest easy knowing that it’s a safe choice for your caravan, with a thermal overheat protection device as well as a tip over protection switch.
Russell Hobbs 700W Plug in Fan Heater
- Weight: 410g
- Dimensions: 10.5 x 12.5 x 12.5 cm
Reason to buy:
- Highly compact and portable, no power cord
Reason to avoid:
- Not likely to be suitable for bigger vans
This 700w ceramic heater is impressively lightweight, coming in at only 410g. We’re impressed by how it’s capable of producing up to 30°C of heat, despite its low wattage. It comes with a two year guarantee and has two different fan speeds so you can get the setup just right. Usefully, it doesn’t have a power cord – instead, it can just be plugged in, saving you having any leads that could be tripped over. It comes with an LED display, and we like the inclusion of a timer, which provides some useful flexibility for caravan owners. It’s worth noting it’s only suitable for spaces of 100m².
Dreo Space Heater
- Weight:
- Dimensions:
Reason to buy:
- Handy remote control and clear digital display
Reason to avoid:
- The powerful fan can be loud
If you’re after something with a bit more precision when it comes to temperature control, we think this Dreo model might suit you. With up to 1500W of power, the unit has a built-in digital thermostat that can be set between 5℃ to 35℃ and can be operated via the touch control panel or with the remote control. We like how the model has lots of thoughtful details, including a timer (up to 12 hours), a removable and cleanable filter and 3 fan speeds.
Using nine blades and a brushless motor, the fan is quiet and efficient, oscillating at 70° to evenly distribute heat. Attention has been paid to the safety features too, with overheat protection, tip-over safety protection, flame-retardant materials and an enhanced safety plug.
Pro Breeze Mini Heater
- Weight: 710g
- Dimensions: 11 x 17 x 20.5 cm
Reason to buy:
- Cheap to run and able to fit on surfaces as well as the floor
Reason to avoid:
- Only suitable for small spaces
This compact 500W heater is a good low-wattage choice we reckon, built with efficient ceramic elements for optimum heating despite its compact size. At 11 x 17 x 20.5 cm and 710 grams, it’s easily portable and has a mains input of 220V-240V. Temperature is controlled by an adjustable dial on the unit and the heater comes with a built-in thermostat.
The Pro Breeze’s safety features include overheat protection and an anti tip-over switch. The fan is covered by strong metal mesh and delivers effective targeted heat rather than intense oscillation.
Dimplex Eco Chico Mini Radiator
- Weight: 5.4kg
- Dimensions: 11.65 x 7.64 x 17.56 cm
Reason to buy:
- Very economical to run and reaches desired temperature quickly
Reason to avoid:
- May be too heavy for some
We’d consider this Dimplex to be a good option if you want a mid-wattage heater. The oil-free mini radiator operates on a 700W output and has an adjustable dial for accurate temperature control. The oil-free heating technology is better for the environment and offers more efficient heating than oil-filled counterparts. It’s on the heavier side, at 5.4kg, and measures 11.65 x 7.64 x 17.56 cm, so it’s not as easily portable as other models on the market.
You can set the thermostat and the unit will monitor the temperature in the room and work efficiently to maintain it. This heater also includes a safety cut function and is tested to British Electrotechnical Approvals Board standards.
Russell Hobbs Retro Ceramic Heater
- Weight: 1.78kg
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 27 x 21.5 cm
Reason to buy:
- Unique design and powerful for a small heater
Reason to avoid:
- Relatively small heat output area
For a trendy twist on a functional caravan heater, look no further than this Scandi-inspired unit from Russell Hobbs. The heater offers 750W or 1500W outputs and uses convection heating technology along with ceramic-based electrical heating elements. With an adjustable thermostat dial and a fan only setting, this gadget is easy to use and can be handy all year round.
One of our favourite features is how smart it looks – this is one that is not just going to keep your tourer warm but will also ensure add a splash of style in the process.
You can put your mind at ease with the overheat and tip-over protection features, as well as the included one year guarantee from Russell Hobbs. The dimensions of the heater are 16.5 x 27 x 21.5 cm and at 1.78kg it’s a great little addition to your caravan.
De’Longhi TRNS0505M Oil Filled Radiator
- Weight: 5.5kg
- Dimensions:38.5 x 17.3 x 34.0 (W x H x D in cm)
Reason to buy:
- Great for small spaces
Reason to avoid:
- Thermostat is not as stable as digital models
De’Longhi has long since been a household name who offer reliable and efficient appliances. We think this radiator is no exception, equipped with 500-watt heat output and 230V through a mains-operated plug. We like how the low wattage makes it a great choice for a caravan heater and the built-in overheat protection gives you extra piece of mind in terms of safety.
We should point out that at 5.5kg and with dimensions of 38.5 x 17.3 x 34cm, it’s a bit bulky to store and heavy to move around. However, the large carry handles make it safer and easier to transport. To operate the heater, there is a manual switch and a dial with 6 settings. The large surface area means that heat is distributed rapidly and the thermostat gradually increases the temperature until the desired level is reached.
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How to choose the best heater for a caravan
A good caravan heater can make a big difference to a touring experience, with the weather capable of taking a turn even on a summer’s evening. There are a few considerations to think about that will help you find the one for you.
There are different types available. We’d say an electric heater is the best choice for a caravanner – these are cheap, efficient and generally safer, providing numerous features such as timers and a thermostat.
In comparison, an oil-filled model will typically run more quietly than their electric counterparts, providing a more stable airflow and also proving to be less drying to the air. However, they’re generally going to be heavier, so you’ll need to think about your caravan weights. For those who have a smaller payload, this could be a particular issue. They’re also, in turn, typically bulkier, so more storage room is required.
The wattage is a consideration to think about as well. We’ve included options that vary from 500w to 1500w – what will you be able to power when you’re on tour?
Consider the features you’d like your heater to have too. Is a remote control and a clear interface an important trait or would you prefer a thermostat dial that can be adjusted manually?
Combine these various factors and you’ll be well on your way to finding the right heater for your caravan.
Written with contributions from Peter Byrne.
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