Coleman Catalytic Heater Information and Tips
Coleman Catalytic Heaters are one of the best, and safest ways to stay warm while camping or doing other activities outside in cold weather. Catalytic heaters can typically provide enough heat for a tent or small trailer and run off of an attached propane cylinder.
While these heaters may be small in size, you may be surprised by their power. One of the biggest reasons we are fans of catalytic heaters is often a small catalytic heater and tank can heat most small enclosures to a comfortable temperature which is perfect for our Winter canoeing and backpacking trips.
Do catalytic heaters generate carbon monoxide?
One of the most common comments we get asked is, “Do catalytic heaters generate carbon monoxide?”. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is produced during the burning of fossil fuels and can be deadly when it builds up in small enclosed areas like tents, trailers, garage or hunting cabins. Luckily, catalytic heaters do not produce carbon monoxide since propane is a clean burning gas making these heaters perfectly safe to use in areas with little ventilation.
How to Light a Coleman Catalytic Heater
First, check the side of your heater for exact instructions. Even the older models have instructions printed near the bottom, and each model has its quirks.
Second, apply some fuel around the rim of the burner. This fuel will light the burner, then flip the setting onto high.
Then, you light your heater. Most Coleman Catalytic heaters can be lit with a match or long lighter. We recommend using a lighter but matches also work! If you are having problems lighting your heater refer to the user manual for troubleshooting your model.
Finally, let the heater heat up for twenty to thirty minutes. Check the user manual for the exact amount of time as it will depend on the size and model of your heater.
There will be a small flame to begin with, but it should be contained within the heat shield. If you are in a tent, make sure your heater is near the middle and not leaning against or touching the side of your tent or a sleeping bag or there might be a fire. Over time, the flame inside the heat shield will die down, and the propane inside the heater will vaporize on the wick, safely releasing heat.
Are tent heaters safe?
Using a tent heater makes many campers nervous, and it is easy to see why. Carbon monoxide poisoning and tent fires are two of the most common, and avoidable, camping accidents that lead to death. If you are going on a camping trip and worried about using a tent heater follow these easy steps to keep your self-safe.
3 Tent Heater Safety Tricks
- Keep your heater in the center of your tent, away from the walls and sleeping bags.
- If your heater has a heat shield make sure it is in place before the heater is light.
- Make sure the match you use to light the heater is completely out.
What kind of fuel do Catalytic Heaters use?
Coleman catalytic heaters like the BlackCat and Sport PerfecTemp models use small, 16.4-oz. Propane cylinders. These handheld cylinders allow for 14 hours of heat at 1,500 to 3,000 BTU.
Best Coleman Catalytic Heaters
Coleman has been a name hunters and campers have trusted for generations. They make an excellent line of catalytic heaters that are great for keeping warm in tents, garages and even in the trunk of your car in case of emergencies. Two of the best heaters in Colemans product line are the BlackCat and Sport PerfecTemp Catalytic Heaters.