Top 8 Electric Heaters for Van Life

Ted Curley
Journeymen wiremen at US Electric-International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

Hello, I'm Ted Curley, a licensed electrician with a wealth of experience in the electrical field. I've launched this platform to share my extensive knowledge and insights with you. My journey in the electrical field spans over a decade, during which I have cultivated a deep understanding and expertise in...Read more

Ted Curley
Journeymen wiremen at US Electric-International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

Hello, I'm Ted Curley, a licensed electrician with a wealth of experience in the electrical field. I've launched this platform to share my extensive knowledge and insights with you. My journey in the electrical field spans over a decade, during which I have cultivated a deep understanding and expertise in...Read more

Hey there! Are you ready to take your van life to the next level of comfort? Well, look no further because I have got the perfect roundup of the top 8 electric heaters for you! Whether you're planning a road trip or living the van life full-time, these heaters will keep you warm and cozy in any weather. From portable car heaters to tankless water heaters, we've got you covered. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of van life comfort!

1
Stalwart Heated Car Blanket - Portable and Warm
✯ Cozy and Convenient ✯
BUY NOW Amazon.com
8.4
2
FOGATTI Electric Tank Water Heater
Final Thoughts: Be Informed
BUY NOW Amazon.com
8.4
3
Portable Cordless Heating Pad with Massage Modes
Overall, a solid choice
BUY NOW Amazon.com
8.2
4
Portable Car Heater - 12V 150W
Overall Impressions: Good, but limited
BUY NOW Amazon.com
8
5
KEMIMOTO Heated Vest for Men
7.8
1

Stalwart Heated Car Blanket – Portable and Warm

$32.99
$19.88
 in stock
Amazon.com
as of February 12, 2025 11:33 am
8.7
Cozy and Convenient
The Heated Car Blanket by Stalwart is a portable and comfortable solution to stay warm during car rides. While it heats up quickly and has a long cord, the limited heat output may not satisfy everyone's warmth needs.
Cozy Comfort on-the-go
  • Soft and comfortable material
  • Fast heating capability
  • Portable and adaptable to car use
  • Long cord for convenience
Product Limitations
  • Limited heat output
  • May not be warm enough for some users

Stay warm and cozy on long road trips or camping adventures with the Heated Car Blanket by Stalwart. This portable electric blanket is designed to plug right into your vehicle's cigarette lighter, providing instant warmth and comfort. With its soft and comfortable fleece material, this blanket covers your lap well and takes away the chill. While it may not have the highest heat output, it still provides a nice level of warmth and complements a heated seat. It's also worth mentioning that this blanket heats up quickly and is super warm and cozy, making it a perfect winter essential.

Stay cozy on the go!
  • Car-adaptable portable heated blanket
  • Plugs into the cigarette lighter
  • Heats up quickly
  • Long cord
$19.88
$32.99
in stock
as of February 12, 2025 11:33 am
Amazon.com
2

FOGATTI Electric Tank Water Heater

 in stock
Amazon.com
8.4
Final Thoughts: Be Informed
The FOGATTI Electric Tank Water Heater is an easy-to-install, wall or floor mountable unit that provides hot water at full temperature. However, be aware that the setup on Amazon should have recommended the 8 gallon unit, as the smaller unit may have rust in the tank.
Efficient and Reliable
  • Easy to install
  • Comes with a power plug
  • Provides hot water at full temperature
Drawbacks
  • The set up on Amazon should have advised to get the 8 gallon unit
  • The smaller unit had rust in the tank when the rubber cover was pulled off

The FOGATTI Electric Tank Water Heater is a reliable and efficient solution for instant hot water. With its powerful 1440W heating element and L-shaped heating rod, it effectively heats up the water in the 8.0 gallon tank, ensuring that you have hot water whenever you need it. The stainless steel construction enhances heat transfer efficiency, making it a great choice for meeting your hot water needs. Its easy installation process and positive reviews from satisfied customers make it a top choice for anyone looking for a convenient and efficient water heating solution.

Efficient and Reliable Performance!
  • 8.0 Gallon tank capacity
  • 120V power supply
  • Wall or floor mountable
  • Easy installation process
3

Portable Cordless Heating Pad with Massage Modes

$22.99
$19.99
 in stock
Amazon.com
as of February 12, 2025 11:33 am
8.2
Overall, a solid choice
The Portable Cordless Heating Pad is a great option for women and girls seeking relief from back pain. With its customizable heat levels and vibration massage modes, it offers soothing comfort. Its portable and cordless design makes it convenient for use on the go, although the battery life and charging time could be improved.
Convenient and Soothing Features
Cons
  • Battery life could be longer
  • Charging time may be a bit long

Introducing the Portable Cordless Heating Pad, a must-have for anyone seeking quick and soothing relief from back pain. With its fast heating device powered by graphene technology, this heating pad can reach your desired temperature in just three seconds. Plus, it offers three heat levels and three vibration massage modes to customize your comfort. It's a portable and electric belly wrap belt, perfect for women and girls on the go. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to warmth with this pink heating pad.

Stay Warm and Relaxed
  • Portable and cordless design
  • 3 heat levels for customizable warmth
  • 3 vibration massage modes for soothing relaxation
  • Fast heating technology for quick warmth
  • Belly wrap belt for convenient use
  • Suitable for women and girls in a pink color option
$19.99
$22.99
in stock
as of February 12, 2025 11:33 am
Amazon.com
4

Portable Car Heater – 12V 150W

 in stock
Amazon.com
8
Overall Impressions: Good, but limited
The Car Heater is a portable and easy-to-use device that plugs into the cigarette lighter and provides quick and efficient heating for defrosting and demisting the windshield. Its 360° rotatable feature adds versatility, although it may have limited heating power and may not be suitable for larger vehicles.
Efficient and Convenient
  • Portable and easy to use
  • Provides quick and efficient heating
  • Versatile with 360° rotatable heating feature
My Weaknesses
  • Limited heating power
  • May not be suitable for larger vehicles

Introducing the Car Heater – a portable and versatile heater designed specifically for your car. With its unique design and ergonomic handheld handle, this 12V heater allows you to easily adjust the orientation and angle, directing the hot wind to wherever you need it. Whether you want to defrost your windshield or warm up your car, this convenient and comfortable heater is the perfect solution. Made by Qidoe, a trusted brand known for their quality products, this lightweight and compact heater is easy to use and plugs into your car's cigarette lighter. Say goodbye to chilly car rides and hello to a cozy and warm driving experience with the Car Heater.

Stay Warm on the Go!
  • Ergonomic handheld handle
  • 360° rotatable heater
  • Plugs into cigarette lighter
  • Defrosts windshield
  • Demists windshield
  • Auto defogger
5

KEMIMOTO Heated Vest for Men

$49.99  in stock
Amazon.com
as of February 12, 2025 11:33 am
7.8
Warm and Convenient
The KEMIMOTO Heated Vest for Men is a versatile and practical option for outdoor activities. With adjustable heat settings and quick heating technology, it provides instant warmth on chilly days. However, it does draw a lot of power and doesn't come with a battery.
Warm and Cozy
  • Adjustable heat settings
  • Quick and efficient heating
  • Versatile and practical for various outdoor activities
Weaknesses
  • Draws a lot of power
  • Battery not included

This KEMIMOTO Heated Vest for Men is the perfect winter companion. With its warming heating technology, it keeps you nice and warm even in the coldest weather. Just be aware that it draws a lot of power, so it's a good idea to have spare batteries on hand or be prepared to charge it during longer periods of use. Overall, this vest is a great addition to your winter wardrobe, whether you're working outdoors or enjoying outdoor activities like hunting or motorcycle riding. Stay cozy and warm with this electric heated vest!

Staying Warm Made Easy
  • Adjustable Heat Settings: This heated vest offers multiple heat settings, allowing you to choose the level of warmth that suits you best. Stay comfortable and cozy during chilly outdoor activities like hunting or hiking
  • Quick and Efficient Heating: With its electric heating technology, this vest quickly warms up to provide instant heat to your core. Say goodbye to shivering and embrace the warmth even on the coldest days
  • Versatile and Practical: Designed with functionality in mind, this heated vest is perfect for various outdoor activities. It is windproof and lightweight, allowing you to move freely while experiencing the soothing warmth it provides
$49.99
in stock
as of February 12, 2025 11:33 am
Amazon.com
6

Colapz 12V Camping Shower – Portable High-Pressure Douche

 in stock
Amazon.com
7.5
Great choice!
The Colapz 12V Camping Shower is a versatile and convenient outdoor shower that provides a high-pressure water flow. Its portability, USB rechargeable battery, and long battery life make it the ideal choice for camping and other outdoor activities. However, it may not perform well when relying on gravity for water flow, and the small writing in the instructions can be difficult to read. Overall, a great option for on-the-go showers with a few minor drawbacks.
Revitalize Your Camping Experience!
Drawbacks
  • Poor performance when relying on gravity for water flow
  • Instructions are difficult to read due to small writing

The Colapz 12V Camping Shower is a high-pressure, portable shower that is perfect for outdoor adventures and van life. With the ability to charge the battery via USB, you can enjoy 45-60 minutes of water flow even when you're not near utility power or water sources. This shower is a must-have addition to your camping essentials, providing convenience and comfort wherever you go. The grey color and sleek design make it stand out from other similar products, and the included large utility bag is perfect for holding water for your shower. Despite some minor issues with instructions and the bag's stability, overall, this shower offers reliable water pressure and a quiet pump, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Convenient and Powerful Shower Solution
  • High pressure water flow
  • USB rechargeable battery
  • Portable and easy to use
  • Long battery life (45-60 minutes)
  • Ideal for outdoor activities and van life
7

Ecosmart POU 3.5 Electric Tankless Water Heater

$199.00
$175.47
 in stock
Amazon.com
as of February 12, 2025 11:33 am
7.1
Convenient and reliable
The Ecosmart POU 3.5 Point of Use Electric Tankless Water Heater is an easy-to-install and functional option for individuals looking to provide hot water for basic needs. While it may require some additional electrical preparation, it meets the needs of users in various climates.
Efficient and Eco-friendly
  • Easy to install for handy individuals
  • Functions well in locations with standard 120V electrical outlets
  • Provides hot water for basic needs, such as a single shower
  • Meets the needs of users in various climates, including cold winters in Central Florida
Weaknesses
  • Requires additional electrical preparation (buying and installing electrical plug, changing breaker)
  • Low flow rate for temperature increase

The Ecosmart POU 3.5 Point of Use Electric Tankless Water Heater is a compact and efficient solution for providing hot water in single applications. With a maximum flow rate of 0.5 gallons per minute, it is specifically designed for under the sink installations. It includes a 0.5 GPM sink aerator and is perfect for wet bars, bathroom sinks, boats, RVs, and more. Installation is easy for those who are handy, requiring a 30 amp breaker and 10 AWG wire. While it may not efficiently achieve the maximum temperature rise, it still meets the needs of many users and is highly recommended for its convenience and performance.

Convenient and Energy-Efficient
  • Provides hot water for one sink at 0.5 GPM in warmer climates
  • Requires 1 x 30 amp breaker and 10 AWG wire
  • Recommended for one sink at 0.5 GPM in colder climates is POU 6
  • Amperage Draw 29 amp. kW – 3.5 kW
  • Connection Fittings 1/2″ NPT
  • Max
$175.47
$199.00
in stock
as of February 12, 2025 11:33 am
Amazon.com
8

Portable Car Heater – Fast Heating & Cooling

 in stock
Amazon.com
5.3
Final Verdict: Decent but inconsistent
The Car Heater is a convenient and easy-to-install device that quickly heats up and plugs into the cigarette lighter for easy use. However, it may not get hot enough and may have inconsistent performance.
Convenient and Efficient
  • Easy installation
  • Heats up quickly
  • Convenient to use with the cigarette lighter plug
Areas for Improvement
  • Doesn't get hot enough
  • May not work consistently

This 12V 150W Portable Car Heater is designed with a premium and durable construction, featuring a thick and long pure copper cable for excellent performance. It is built to last, with no fragile components to worry about. The heater also has a built-in fuse for added safety. However, based on the reviews, it seems that there have been some mixed experiences with this product. Some users reported that it stopped working after a short period of time, while others found it to be effective and easy to install, heating up quickly.

Stay Comfortable on the Go!

Choosing the Perfect Electric Heater for a Cozy Van Life

  • Heating Capacity: The first thing to check is the heating capacity of the electric heater. You want to make sure it has enough power to effectively heat up your van, especially during colder months. Look for heaters with higher wattage, as they tend to provide better heat output
  • Size and Portability: Since you'll be using the heater in a van, it's important to consider its size and portability. Choose a heater that is compact and lightweight, as it will be easier to install and move around in your limited space. Portable models with handles or carrying cases are particularly convenient for van life
  • Safety Features: Safety should always be a top priority, so look for electric heaters that come with built-in safety features. This could include features like automatic shut-off when the heater overheats or tips over, as well as protection against electrical malfunctions. Additionally, heaters with cool-touch exteriors are ideal, as they reduce the risk of accidental burns

Getting Cozy on the Road: Using Your Best Electric Heater for Van Life

  • Find a suitable power source: Before using the electric heater in your van, make sure you have a reliable power source. This could be a campsite with electrical hookups, a portable generator, or a solar power system. Ensure that your power source can handle the heater's energy requirements
  • Position the heater safely: Place the heater in a secure and stable location in your van. Ensure that it is not obstructed by any objects and is well-ventilated to prevent overheating. Remember to maintain a safe distance between the heater and any flammable materials
  • Set the desired temperature and monitor: Once the heater is positioned correctly, set your desired temperature on the device. Keep an eye on the temperature as the heater operates to ensure it doesn't get too hot or too cold. It's always a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector in your van to ensure safety
  • Remember, it's important to carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your specific electric heater to ensure safe and efficient use. Stay warm and cozy during your van life adventures!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Electric Heaters for Van Life

How does the wattage of an electric heater affect its performance in a van?

Well, let me explain how the wattage of an electric heater affects its performance in a van. The wattage of an electric heater is directly related to its heating power. In simple terms, the higher the wattage, the more heat the heater can produce.

When it comes to using an electric heater in a van, the wattage is an important factor to consider. A higher wattage heater will generate more heat, which means it can warm up the van faster and maintain a higher temperature in colder conditions.

On the other hand, a lower wattage heater will produce less heat, making it suitable for smaller spaces or milder climates where less heating power is required.

It's also worth noting that the wattage of the electric heater will affect the power consumption. Higher wattage heaters will consume more electricity, which could drain the van's battery faster, especially if used for extended periods without a power source.

Ultimately, the wattage of an electric heater should be chosen based on the size of the van, the desired temperature, and the power supply available. It's important to find a balance between heating efficiency and energy consumption to ensure optimal performance in your van.

Ted CurleyJourneymen wiremen at US Electric-International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

Hello, I'm Ted Curley, a licensed electrician with a wealth of experience in the electrical field. I've launched this platform to share my extensive knowledge and insights with you. My journey in the electrical field spans over a decade, during which I have cultivated a deep understanding and expertise in various roles. Let me take you through my journey and my passion for electricity and space heaters. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line at ted.curley@tedreviews.com

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