Planar Portable Diesel Heater Review
Staying warm is a top priority when we're out hunting, camping, or on an overlanding adventure. In the heat of the Texas summer, this isn’t a problem, to say the least! But when that wind starts to blow in the fall and winter and the humidity is high, it can chill you straight to the bone.
One piece of gear that’s proven its worth over and over is the Planar 4kw portable diesel heater. This versatile heater is a game-changer, offering reliable heat even in the harshest conditions.
Whether you're in a rooftop tent, RV, or just trying to keep warm in your garage when the power goes out and you need heat, this Planar heater absolutely delivers. Let's break down why this diesel heater is such a solid investment for outdoor enthusiasts like us in this detailed Planar portable diesel heater review…
Planar Portable Diesel Heater Review: A Long List of Specs
First things first–here are the basic specs that make this heater stand out:
- Heat Output: 3,400-13,600 BTUs
- Airflow Rate: 70-168 m³/h
- Fuel Types: Diesel or Kerosene
- Fuel Consumption: 0.03-0.14 gal/h
- Power Supply: 12-volt
- Weight: 33 lbs
- Dimensions: 25x19x19 in
As shown above, the Planar portable diesel heater is housed in a crushproof, rain-resistant case, meaning you can sit or even stand on it without worrying about damaging the unit.
It also features a silencer for quiet operation and an air intake filter, making it suitable for high-altitude conditions—perfect for those of us who love mountain adventures. Plus, it comes with a wired remote controller, making temperature adjustments easy without having to step outside into the cold to adjust the heater’s settings. Nice!
Planar Portable Diesel Heater Review: Tons of Power and Supreme Portability
While this heater may seem like overkill for some outdoor activities, the 4kw output means you’re covered in any situation. Whether it’s camping in below-freezing temperatures or just looking to heat a small cabin or garage, this heater gets the job done. If you have a campervan, a boat, or even a large tent, this heater will keep you toasty warm, too.
The portability is another huge plus. At 33 pounds, one person can easily maneuver it from the back of the truck to the tent, rooftop tent, or wherever the unit needs to be. And when not in use, it’s compact enough to store without taking up too much space. This combination of excellent heat output and a small, portable form factor is one of the best features of the Planar portable diesel heater.
If 4kw feels like more heat output than you need, we also stock a 2kw version of this portable diesel heater. As Brody notes in the video above, the 2kw version provides 2,700-7,000 BTUs, making it perfect for shelters like tents, rooftop tents, smaller campervans and RVs, and so forth. Just like its bigger 4kw counterpart, this unit is in a crushproof case, has a silencer, and runs on either kerosene or diesel.
Why You Should Choose a Diesel Heater
When it comes to staying warm, especially in colder months, the Planar portable diesel heater ticks all the right boxes. Truth be told, there are many different options for heating–propane, electric, and diesel. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons, but diesel emerged as the clear winner for a few key reasons:
Safety: Propane heaters are effective but carry the risk of carbon monoxide buildup, a major concern when using them in a tent. Electric heaters, while safer, require constant power, and relying on a generator for extended periods can be cumbersome. The Planar portable diesel heater, on the other hand, minimizes carbon monoxide risk because the unit is outside your tent, RV, garage, and so forth.
Fuel Efficiency: Diesel heaters like this one from Planar are incredibly fuel-efficient, consuming just 0.03-0.14 gallons per hour. That means you can run it all night long without worrying about fuel depletion.
Condensation-Free Heat: Diesel heaters produce instant dry heat, which is a game-changer for avoiding condensation buildup inside your tent or RV. If you've ever woken up to damp gear, you know how frustrating that can be! Plus, when it’s humid and cold outside, having dry, warm air inside your shelter feels incredible!
Planar Portable Diesel Heater Review: Set Up and Operation is Simple and Convenient
One of the biggest advantages of the Planar 4kw diesel heater is how easy it is to operate. Whether you’re heating up a tent, a small garage, or something in between, the process is straightforward.
- Connect the power cable and controller to the heater.
- Ensure there's sufficient diesel or kerosene fuel in the tank.
- Connect the heater to 12-volt power.
- Plug the vent pipe into your tent or space to be heated and connect the other end to the heater.
- Press the lower-right button on the wired remote to start the heater
That’s it! Once it’s running, you can adjust the temperature with the remote without leaving the comfort of your warm sleeping bag. And when it's time to shut down, it's just as simple—press the same button, and the heater powers off.
Planar Portable Diesel Heater Review: An Ideal Heater for Hunting, Ice Fishing, Camping, and Other Outdoor Activities
No matter what your outdoor pleasure is, the Planar portable diesel heater is a great option for keeping warm. Take it out on your deer hunting trips to stay warm in your blind. Haul it out on the lake for some winter ice fishing and stay warm inside your hut. Bring it along for the ride on your overlanding trips and use it to warm your rooftop tent. Truly, the possibilities are endless.
In our use of this heater over the years, it’s been clear that this is a piece of gear we can rely on. It has consistently provided the warmth we need on cold nights here in Texas and far beyond the state’s borders.
The fuel efficiency is impressive, too—we’ve been able to run it for entire nights on minimal fuel, and the rugged design means it has withstood plenty of use and abuse. Its versatility has also made it invaluable; we've used it to heat friends' tents, keep critical areas of our home warm during power outages, and even in our garage while working on projects in the winter.
A Better Heater for a Better Outdoor Adventure
So, is this go-anywhere, do-it-all heater worth adding to your kit? Absolutely!
As mentioned earlier, the combination of power, heat output, and efficiency makes the Planar portable diesel heater one of our favorites. The portability, quiet operation, and wired remote are further reasons why this heater makes cold-weather adventures all the better.
We’re all about helping you find the best gear for your needs. Not only that, we want you to have the best shopping experience and leave us feeling like you’ve been taken care of. Our experts can help you choose the heater (and whatever else you need) that aligns best with your budget and goals; that way, you can have a better outdoor experience. Heck, that’s why BTR - pronounced “better” - is in our name!
Get in touch with any questions you have about the Planar portable diesel heater, or swing by our facility right here in Abilene just off I-20 to see this heater in the flesh!
