Playing golf in freezing conditions can make most golfers unhappy and affect their play. Although you could carry your bag and walk, many golfers prefer to take a cart and keep warm between shots.
To accommodate this, the best golf cart heaters must be safe, easy to install and operate, and heat your cart quickly.
There are risks associated with buying just any old heater and using it on your cart. The risks include not working well in an outdoor environment and falling over easily.
Golf carts need to be enclosed to keep the warmth inside but offer sufficient airflow to keep the air fresh and breathable.
Heaters for golf carts are generally small, have plenty of safety features, and offer temperature controls.
Best Golf Cart Heater – What Do You Need To Know About Buying In 2023
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
OUR RATING: 5/5
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Mr. Heater F242010 MH4GC Golf Cart Heater |
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VIEW ON AMAZON → |
OUR RATING: 4.8/5
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Mr. Heater Buddy |
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VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
OUR RATING: 4.4/5
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Campy Gear Portable Propane Heater |
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VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Key Factors In Choosing the Best Golf Cart Heater
Price
The price of the best golf cart heater can range from $20 up to approximately $100. This excludes the replacement cost of propane when fitted to your golf cart.
Features that are mostly included in the price of the golf cart heater include:
- Safety features such as a shut-off valve
- Durable stainless steel body
- Oxygen depletion sensor
Propane vs Electric
Most commonly used golf cart heaters use propane gas or electricity for power.
Propane heaters
Pros
- Less expensive than electric heaters
- Compact and lightweight
- Can use a cup holder adapter
- User-friendly and can be set up quickly and easily
- Have multiple safety features to prevent a fire
Cons
- Require ventilation to work well and safely
- Limited time for use, around 5 to 6 hours from 1 pound canister
Propane heaters are generally the most portable heater for feather-light golf carts and therefore do not need permanent installation into your golf cart. However, propane heaters need to be refilled regularly, increasing the long-term expense.
Provided there is ample ventilation, a propane heater is safe for use in an enclosed space such as the golf cart cabin.
Electric Heater
Pros
- Once connected, it has a power source for life
- Generally safer than propane
Cons
- Tend to cost a bit more
- More difficult to install
- Consume the battery power of your golf cart.
Electric heaters are generally more expensive than propane heaters and connect to the golf cart battery, either directly or via a plug-in device.
This removes the need to frequently replace the power source, thus saving on maintenance cost.
Controlling the temperature is much easier on an electric heater than on a propane heater.
Portability
Golfers that want to take the heater wherever they go will prefer a propane heater and prevent the burden of too much additional weight to carry.
Permanently fitted heaters cannot be carried; thus, the golfer must stay in the cart to keep warm.
Wind resistance / Waterproof
Propane golf cart heaters do not perform well if they do not have good wind resistance. The wind may cause them to shut down often, which could become a nuisance having to restart them every time you get in the cart.
Playing golf in the rain is quite a challenge, and you want the heater to be well protected from the elements or relatively waterproof to perform well.
Read more: If you’re looking to upgrade your golf cart, check out our reviews of the best golf carts on the market.
Warranty
The quality of the warranty reflects the confidence the manufacturers have in the quality of workmanship and materials used.
Most manufacturers offer a limited one-year warranty on normal use.
Quiet Operation
You still want to be able to conduct a conversation while traveling on a golf cart with a heater. Generally, these heaters are quiet, but it is important to consider.
Safety Shutoff
Safety is of utmost importance when using a heater inside a confined space such as a golf cart cabin.
Heaters should be intuitive and shut down when there is insufficient airflow or if the heater tips over. This is generally controlled by a low-oxygen detector.
You are likely to encounter some bumps during the round of golf. An anti-bump feature should shut down when the ride gets too bumpy, and the canister will likely fall over.
How to Use a Golf Cart Heater
Starting the Heater
Propane heaters are generally started using valves and a lighting button to create a spark and engage the device.
Electric heaters run on power supplied by the golf cart battery and are generally started with switches on the device.
Turning off the Heater
Propane heaters are straightforward to switch off, turning the valve used to start it to the OFF position. If the valve is not turned OFF, it can allow all the propane gas to escape.
Electric heaters can be set to turn off when the cart is switched off or manually enable you to do so.
Failure to turn an electric heater OFF can deplete the battery between uses.
In these golf cart heater reviews, we will identify some of the best on the market with their pros and cons.
The Best Golf Cart Heaters for 2023
1. Mr. Heater F242010 MH4GC Golf Cart Heater – Best Overall Golf Cart Heater
Pros
- Can last up to 5 ½ hours
- 4,000 BTUs will keep the occupants warm inside the cart
- The only Certified Outdoor Golf cart heater with a safety switch for automatic shutdown
Cons
- It is positioned in the upper end of the pricing spectrum
Key Features
- 4,000 BTUs with 5.5 hours of total runtime
- Oxygen depletion system and tip-over switch included
- Universal cup holder adapter included
- Wind resistant protective screen
- Ergonomic carrying handle
- Easy push-button ignition
Mr. Heater is the leading brand amongst golf cart heaters, and it is easy to see why.
The only Certified Outdoor Golf cart heater with a safety switch for automatic shut-off if the unit tips over.
It also comes with an oxygen depletion sensor to shut down if there are dangerously low oxygen levels.
A universal cup holder adapter fits nearly every golf cart.
The wind resistance screen keeps the heating element on during your round.
Starting the unit is easy with its push-button ignition; therefore, you do not require matches or a lighter to start it.
A one-pound propane tank screws it into the bottom of the portable heater, thus making it easy to replace.
Our Rating 5/5
2. Mr. Heater Buddy – Most Portable Golf Cart Heater
Pros
- Up to 9,000 BTUs
- Safety shut down sensor when tipped over
- 16.4 oz. propane tank for increased portability
Cons
- Smaller tank limits use
Key Features
- 9,000 BTUs with maximum use of 3 hours
- Offers safety shut down sensor when tipped over
- Runs off 16.4 oz propane tank for excellent portability
- Available in Red/Black
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy is a Portable Propane Radiant Heater putting out between 4,000-9,000 BTU that be used indoors or in confined areas such as the cabin of a golf cart.
Carrying the Buddy is straightforward with an easy-grip handle. Although it is extremely portable, the 16 oz. canister limits the timeframe that it is usable.
9,000 BTU is sufficient to warm up a 225 square foot room.
Our Rating 4.8/5
3. Campy Gear Portable Propane Heater – Most Versatile Golf Cart Heater
Pros
- Ergonomic carrying handle
- Easy push-button ignition
- Can work with Butane, Isobutane, and Propane
Cons
- 360-degree heating can be problematic
Key Features
- 9,000 BTU output with 360-degree heating
- Three modes including a heat-only mode
- Works with 1-pound propane tanks
Campy Gear Chubby is a multi-purpose device that not only keeps you warm but it can double as a stove should you wish to make a warm cup of coffee out on the golf course.
It has dual functionality at an affordable price. Its compact size ensures that it does not take up too much space in the golf cart.
It provides heating all-around at angles of 360 degrees. This may be problematic if it provides too much heat that can affect the surrounding materials.
However, its compact size measuring a mere 7” wide and 8” high means it can easily stand on the floor without interfering with the cart’s occupants.
It is powered by one-pound propane canisters for increased portability.
Our Rating 4.7/5
4. Texasport Sportsmate Portable Propane Heater – Best Budget-Friendly Golf Cart Heater
Pros
- Paddle foot base provides extra stability
- Shutoff valve ensures that it shuts off fuel when flame goes out
- Durable Stainless Steel Burner
- Pressure Regulator On/Off Control Valve
- Paddle foot plastic base holds a 16.4 oz disposable propane fuel cylinder
Cons
- Top-heavy when placed on top of a propane tank
- The flame-based design may feel unsafe
Key Features
- Propane
- 3,000 BTUs
- Stainless steel
- Auto shut off valve
- Adjustable pressure/heat
- Best mid-range price golf cart heater
A pressure regulator control valve can increase the heat up to 3,000 BTUs.
Storage is made simple with the plastic cup holder attachment that comes standard with the Texasport Sportsmate. This cup holder has a paddle foot base that is broad and stable.
The base helps the golf cart heater to remain stable in your vehicle. The cup holder can also hold a 16.4 oz propane fuel cylinder, which will burn for around five or six hours.
Our rating 4.6/5
5. Climate Caddy Heater/Fan – Best Electric Golf Cart Fan
Pros
- Easily rechargeable battery
- Low operating noise
- Heats and cools
- Easy to attach
- Battery fail-safe sensor
- Energy management system
- The electronic eye switches the unit off when you exit the golf cart
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Will drain cart battery faster
- Only works on 48V golf carts
Key Features
- Electric
- Quiet operation
- Bi-level vent system
- Adjustable cup-base
This electric heater doubles up as a fan during the warm summer months.
Its effective energy management system will resist draining your golf cart battery while the battery fail-safe sensor shuts the unit down when the charge in the cart battery drops below 43V.
As an additional battery-saving option, the electronic eye turns the unit off when the occupant’s exit.
Our Rating 4.4/5
Golf Cart Heater FAQs
Can You Put a Heater in a Golf Cart?
Heaters in golf carts are common in areas where temperatures drop low during the freezing winter months.
Golfers are not easily discouraged from playing their favorite sport.
Most frequently-used golf cart heaters use propane for increased mobility or electric fitted heaters that run off the golf cart battery.
How Do I Keep My Golf Cart Warm?
Keeping the warmth in your cart can be rather difficult if it is open. You should enclose the cart with a four-sided enclosure. Another way to accomplish this is by using a golf cart heater.
Are There Rechargeable Heaters?
The most commonly used golf cart heaters are not rechargeable as it draws quite a substantial amount of power. This would require a large power pack that would affect its portability. A better solution is to connect the heater to the cart battery for longer life.
Why Does My Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater Keep Shutting Off?
Annoying shut-downs are often the result of the unit being bumped or moved. This feature is built-in for your protection.
Furthermore, propane heaters tend to shut off as it senses a defect in the flame. This is often caused by a defect in the pilot that needs attention or a good cleaning.
Too much airflow could be another reason for extinguishing your propane regularly.
How Do You Install a Golf Cart Heater?
Electric heaters are generally installed as a feature in a golf cart using a stainless-steel bracket and a flush install faceplate mounted to the dash.
The golf cart heater is then mounted onto the backplate to secure it and prevent it from shaking loose when traveling on uneven terrain.
Are Golf Cart Heaters Safe?
Golf cart heaters are generally safe with built-in safety features such as tip-over switches, airflow measurement sensors, and other sensors to ensure that your safety is properly taken care of.
What Does The Tip-Over Switch Do?
The tip-over switch on golf cat heaters will shut off the heater and prevent propane from flowing when the heater tips over. This protects against a fire starting when it falls over.
Prevention is always better than cure, so it is advisable to place the device in a cup holder to prevent it from falling over.
Are Electric Or Propane Heaters Better?
Propane golf cart heaters are generally cheaper to purchase but become more expensive as you have to replace the propane canister.
Electric heaters are generally fitted to the cart using the cart battery for power. Although more expensive initially, they require fewer replacement parts.
Why Is My Heater So Loud?
Although heaters, especially fan-driven heaters, make minimal noise while operating, constant bouncing around while driving on uneven terrain could loosen up some parts causing it to make a noise.
You should have your golf cart heater checked out if it starts making a noise.
Conclusion
The best golf cart heaters can help you stay warm as you enjoy a round, no matter the weather.
Propane golf cart heaters are cheaper to purchase, and their lightweight construction makes them extremely portable to take with you wherever you want to go.
Electric golf cart heaters are generally fixed to the cart, as it requires the cart battery for power. Although more expensive at purchase, the maintenance is much cheaper.
The best overall golf cart heater we reviewed is the Mr. Heater F242010 MH4GC Golf Cart Heater which can last for up to 5 ½ hours on a single one-pound propane canister. Its 4,000 BTUs is sufficient to keep the golf cart warm for its occupants. Furthermore, it is the only Certified Outdoor Golf cart heater with a safety switch for automatic shutdown.
Read More: We also reviewed the best golf cart accessories and best golf cart speakers which could be helpful during your next round.
