While most golf courses in colder parts of the US close in winter, a few stay open despite the snow [1] [2], like those in Colorado [3]. This allows golfers to play all year round, even through chilly temperatures. Though challenging, there are ways to conquer the cold conditions. You can keep warm between shots inside a golf cart with a heater.
But with so many golf cart heaters available, how do you know which is the right one for you?
We know how tedious it is to shop for products, so we’re here to help. Check out our detailed reviews of the best golf cart heaters this year to find the best fit. Also, learn more about the deciding factors for choosing one through our buying guide.
In a Hurry? Here Are the Top 8 Golf Cart Heaters We Like the Most
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In-Depth Reviews: Top 8 Best Golf Cart Heaters in 2022
After evaluating several golf cart heaters available this year, we found the best ones you can choose from. We’ll discuss each product in detail to give you a better idea of how they ended up as our top picks.
And here’s a peek at our top 8 list of the best golf cart heaters in 2024:
Mr. Heater F242010 MH4GC Golf Cart Heater
The Mr. Heater F242010 MH4GC is a portable radiant heater specially designed for golf cart use. It includes a universal cup holder adapter that attaches to most golf cart cup holders so that it sits securely in the vehicle. This golf cart heater runs on a 1 lb. disposable propane fuel cylinder. It produces 4,000 BTUs of heat for 5.5 hours, enough to last a round.
The Mr. Heater MH4GC has a wind-resistant protective screen that allows it to work efficiently even in windy conditions and while the cart is moving. Its ergonomic carrying handle and single push-button piezo ignition for on/off function makes it easy to use. No need for matches, batteries or electricity.
This heater’s tip-over safety switch automatically shuts down the unit when it falls over, especially when passing through bumpy paths. It also stops operating when its oxygen depletion system detects critically low oxygen levels.
Pros
- Foolproof operation with a one-push ignition button
- Safety with tip-over switch and automatic low oxygen shut-off system
- Long-lasting heat for up to 5 hours at 4,000 BTUs
- Wind-resistant protective screen ensures adequate heat output in windy conditions
Cons
- Tips over easily due to top-heavy build
- No temperature control with on/off only function
If you want a safe, portable, and easy-to-use golf cart heater, the Mr. Heater MH4GC is an excellent choice. It’s also great because it efficiently provides safe heat even in strong winds. It’s also powerful enough to keep you warm through a long 18-hole round.
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Portable Buddy Heater
Another excellent choice from Mr. Heater is the MH9BX Portable Buddy Heater, a heavy-duty 4,000- to 9,000-BTU radiant heater that can warm up enclosed spaces up to 225 square feet. It’s totally safe for indoor use, making it suitable for golf carts.
You can adjust the heat to either a low or high setting. At its maximum heat output of 9,000 BTUs, the Portable Buddy can run for up to 3 hours.
The Portable Buddy comes with a swivel regulator that connects to a 1 lb. propane tank to fuel the heater. With a lightweight tank and an easy-grip fold-down handle, it is truly portable and compact enough to fit in your golf cart.
This heater’s low-oxygen safety shut-off system prevents potential hazards. If the unit accidentally tips over, it triggers the oxygen depletion sensor to automatically cut off the fuel supply.
Pros
- Sufficient heating for larger carts at 9,000 BTUs
- Safety with low-oxygen sensor and automatic shut-off system
- More portability with a lightweight 1 lb. propane tank and fold-down handle
- The swivel regulator allows easier connection to a propane tank
Cons
- 1 lb. propane tank may not be enough for prolonged use if set at maximum heat
- Limited temperature regulation with only two heat settings: low and high
With a maximum 9,000-BTU rate, the Portable Buddy Heater can keep a large golf cart warm for up to 3 hours. But if you’re going to play an 18-hole round which usually takes more than 3 hours, consider bringing an extra propane cylinder. This will ensure you don’t run out of heat in the middle of the game.
Martin Portable Outdoor Camping Infrared Propane Heater
Though intended for ice fishing and camping trips, the Martin Portable Infrared Propane Heater can also keep a golf cart warm during the colder months. It runs on a 1 lb (16.4 oz) propane cylinder to produce 3,100 BTUs of long-lasting heat. It has an adjustable heat control that includes Off/Lo /Med/Hi intensity settings and a metal dish that helps focus the heat in the desired direction.
The Martin Infrared Heater ensures safety through a safety grid and an auto shut-off fuel valve that cuts off the fuel supply when the flame extinguishes. It has a convenient carrying handle that makes it portable. It provides a large extendable cylinder plastic base to add stability wherever it sits.
Pros
- Safety through auto shut-off fuel valve
- Sufficient heating at 3,100 BTUs
- Temperature regulation through adjustable heat control settings
Cons
- Extendable cylinder base not as stable as advertised
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with decent features, the Martin Portable Infrared Heater is worth considering. It provides sufficient heat, which you can adjust to your liking. It also has an auto shut-off valve for safety.
Stansport Portable Outdoor Propane Infrared Radiant Heater
The Stansport Portable Propane Heater runs on one 16.4 oz propane cylinder that can produce up to 3,100 BTUs. It includes a stable plastic cylinder base with fold-out feet and a convenient carrying handle for transporting the unit safely.
This heater’s matchless electronic ignition makes it easy to start and operate. Through its 4-level heat control settings, you can easily adjust the temperature to off, low, medium, and high. It also features a metal dish for focusing the heat wherever needed.
Pros
- Effective heating at 3,100 BTUs
- User-friendly operation
- Lightweight
Cons
- For some reason, matchless ignition didn’t work on our tested sample. We had to use a lighter
If you want a compact yet powerful heater, you can opt for the Stansport Portable Propane Heater. This small unit can keep your golf cart warm through an entire round.
3G Portable Propane Heater for Golf Carts
The 3G Portable Propane Heater keeps your golf cart warm during cold weather with its 3,000-BTU heating element made of heavy-duty ceramic. It runs on a single 16.4 oz propane cylinder for up to 7 hours. A built-in pressure regulator is included to boost performance at any altitude.
This propane heater provides safety through an automatic shut-off valve and a stainless steel regulator with a safety grid. A piezo matchless electronic ignition starts this unit. It also comes with one cup holder and a sturdy base.
Pros
- Sufficient heating at 3,000 BTUs
- Durable with ceramic heating element and stainless steel regulator
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Can be hard to ignite
- Doesn’t fit snugly in the cup holder
If you want a long-lasting and budget-friendly golf cart heater, the 3G Portable Propane Heater is an ideal choice. Its ceramic heating element helps the unit withstand wear and tear from extended use.
Parts Direct Portable Golf Cart Propane Heater With Cup Holder
This Portable Golf Cart Propane Heater by Parts Direct delivers up to 5,000 BTUs of heat for 7 hours on a 16.4 oz propane cylinder. It comes with a cup holder that fits most golf carts.
This unit includes a pressure regulator set screw on the back side for calibrating propane flow. To fix the heater when it goes out or doesn’t light, adjust the set screw in increments of 1/8 clockwise turns. Troubleshooting for any potential issues is included in the provided instruction manual.
Pros
- Maximum heating at 5,000 BTUs
- Foolproof operation with standard design
Cons
- Difficult to light and doesn’t stay lit for long
The Parts Direct Portable Propane Heater offers standard features that are easy to use and operate at a competitive price. The ignition system needs revision because sometimes it doesn’t work. However, when it works, it’s excellent and does the job really well.
TSI Products Climate Caddy 48V Electric Golf Cart Heater and Fan
The Climate Caddy Electric Golf Cart Heater and Fan by TSI Products provides both heating and cooling without draining much battery power. Through its revolutionary Patent Pending technology, this 48V electric heater functions as a cooling fan during summer. In addition, the Climate Caddy features a bi-level system for pointing the heated air precisely where you need it.
It offers multiple power management features to reduce battery consumption. When the battery drops below the pre-set voltage, the battery fail-safe sensor shuts the unit off. The electronic eye allows the Climate Caddy to operate only when the driver is in the vehicle.
To save power, the unit automatically enters the economy mode after a 45-second hot boost of maximum heat and airflow.
The Climate Caddy features safe cord management that prevents tripping over cords. The Monarch Cord Keeper holds power cables flat on the floor through its unique folding design. This unit fits every 48V electric golf cart there is. It has an adjustable cup base that can seat any cup holder for easier installation.
Pros
- Dual functionality with heating and fan
- Quiet fan operation
- Energy efficiency through power management features
- Easy installation with adjustable cup base
Cons
- Fairly expensive
- Limited use to 48V golf carts only
- Insufficient heating without a golf cart enclosure
If you’re going to play an 18-hole round, the Climate Caddy is a great choice because of its economy mode and features that ensure longer cart battery life. It will have enough power to keep you warm throughout the game. We recommend adding an enclosure for optimal heating, especially for larger golf carts.
Original Tractor Cab 12-Volt Direct Hook-Up Ceramic Heater/Fan
The Original Tractor Cab 12-Volt Direct Hook-Up Ceramic Heater/Fan with Swivel Base is a great addition for those who enjoy outdoor activities in cold weather.
It is easy to install and has a swivel base that allows you to direct the heat or air flow in any direction you desire. The heater/fan has a low power consumption, making it ideal for use in golf carts.
The 12-volt direct hook-up means no need for batteries or complicated wiring. It also means it is compatible with a wide variety of carts. The device also has a wattage rating of 300 watts and will provide sufficient heat and the thee-speed fan control ensures you can keep the heat (and noise) under control.
The ceramic heating element provides quick and efficient heat without the risk of fire, and the built-in fan can also be used for air circulation during warmer weather.
Pros
- Compact design
- Works on 12-volt cart batteries
- Adjustable fan speeds & minimalist design
- 300 watt- 25 amp rating
- Adequately priced (compared to other electric heaters)
Cons
- The provided heat may not be enough if your cart is not covered.
- The mounting frame is plastic, not metal.
Overall, this is a great product for anyone who wants to stay warm and comfortable during outdoor activities in cold weather, more specifically, for those chilly early morning tee times.
The only downside is that it can be a bit noisy when in use. Overall, a great investment for any golf cart owner looking to stay comfortable on the course.
Buyer Guide: What To Consider When Choosing A Golf Cart Heater
You can easily choose a golf cart heater that offers comfortable warmth, especially during snowy winter days. Aside from that, also consider these things when shopping for one:
Golf Cart Type
Since you’re buying a heater for your golf cart, it only makes sense to consider the type of vehicle that needs heating. We suggest low-powered heaters for smaller and airtight golf carts. For larger cart models, we recommend heaters that have higher BTUs (or wattage) for optimal heating.
Also, some electric heaters will work on some carts based on their operation voltage. The heater may require a 48 volt battery operating vehicle to provide enough heat. That’s why you need to check these things before deciding on an electric heater just to ensure the cart is capable of providing enough power to use the unit.
Propane vs Electric
Golf cart heaters come in these types: propane or electric. Each type has its own pros and cons. It’s up to you to pick which one best suits your needs.
Propane Heaters
Most golf cart heaters run on propane gas contained in compact cylinders. With that, propane heaters will constantly need fuel refilling. These aspects bring about a set of pros and cons.
Pros
- Cost less than electric heaters
- Portable and compact
- Easy to install and operate
- Usually fit in a golf cart’s cup holder
Cons
- More expenses in the long run for constant fuel refilling and purchase
- Need adequate ventilation to work safely and avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
- Runtime limited to around 5 to 7 hours with a single propane fuel cylinder
In general, propane heaters are affordable options that can provide ample heating. But the need to regularly refill fuel means spending more to buy propane tank replacements.
Electric Heater
An electric golf cart heater gets power from the vehicle’s battery through a direct connection or a plug-in device. This typically requires the unit to be permanently installed on the golf cart. Such a setup has some pros and cons.
Pros
- No need to constantly refill fuel
- Feels safer having no open flame system
- Permanent installation ensures the unit sits securely in the cart
- Adjustable temperature controls
Cons
- More expensive than propane heaters
- Limited heating capacity with golf cart battery as power source
- Tends to drain golf cart battery power quickly
- Might not fit certain brands of golf carts
Electric heaters may be pricier than propane types. But they eliminate the cost of fuel purchase, saving you money in the long-term.
Safety Shutoff
Since a golf cart is considerably enclosed, using a heater inside has certain dangers. That’s why heaters (propane and electric) are designed with features that ensure the user’s safety.
The most common safety feature of heaters is the automatic shut-off function or tip-over switch. It stops the heater from operating once it senses a safety risk, like when the unit gets knocked down or there’s insufficient airflow in the cart. The shut-off function often comes with an oxygen depletion system for detecting critically low oxygen levels that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning [4].
Some heaters include other special safety features, such as a pressure regulator. This automatically adjusts fuel pressure depending on the altitude to ensure optimal heating in any circumstances.
Portability
If you want a heater you can move from time to time, you would most likely choose a propane heater. Most propane heaters are compact and lightweight. This makes them easy to carry anywhere you want, as opposed to electric heaters, which are permanently mounted onto the golf cart. Thus, you will need to stay in the vehicle to keep warm.
A cup holder system usually holds the portable heater when inside the cart. But if it’s not fit securely, the heater might tip over, which can be dangerous. A permanently fitted heater is safer since it won’t get dislodged even when the vehicle is moving. The downside is you can’t bring it anywhere and will need to stay inside the cart to keep warm.
Wind and Water Resistance
Cold weather typically comes with wind and rain, which affect your golf cart heater’s performance. Strong winds potentially cause heaters to operate poorly or shut down. A golf cart heater with a wind-resistance feature helps avoid these issues. A waterproof feature for a heater allows the unit to work smoothly even when raining.
Quiet Operation
A heater operating with a weird noise can be distracting while playing. Also, it could be a sign there’s something wrong with the unit. Finding a heater that produces minimal noise is worth considering.
How to Use a Golf Cart Heater?
Operating a golf cart heater involves these simple steps:
- Connect the heater to its power source. For a propane heater, this means screwing a propane cylinder to it. For an electrical heater, you need to connect it to the cart through a plug (or directly to the battery).
- Set the heater in place. The golf cart’s cup holder can hold most compact heaters. For a heater with a base, place it somewhere in the vehicle that won’t obstruct your driving.
- Start the heater and adjust the heat level. Propane heaters are typically lit using a valve and an ignition button. Switches on the unit start electric heaters. Once the heater is on, you can adjust the heat to a comfortable level.
- Turn off the heater when not in use. Doing this avoids unnecessary depletion of your fuel or cart’s battery. To turn off a propane heater, rotate the valve to its “Off” setting. For an electric heater, press the “Off” switch.
- Remove the heater after playing. Unscrew (propane) or unplug (electric) the heater. Before removing it from the cart, let it cool down for 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re interested in buying a heater for your golf cart, it’s normal to have several questions about how it works. We hope to answer those in this FAQ section.
Are golf cart heaters safe?
Yes, golf cart heaters are safe overall with their integrated safety features. You only need to follow the operational guidelines properly to better ensure your safety, including firing and heating methods for the heater.
Where’s the best place to put a golf cart heater?
The best place to put a golf cart heater is somewhere close to you to provide warmth without suffocating. Maintaining a distance of 3-4 feet between you and the heater ensures heating at a safe and comfortable level. To prevent the risk of your heater tipping over, put it on a flat surface as much as possible or make sure it’s firmly placed in a cup holder (if supported).
Which are better – electric or propane heaters?
It depends on your priorities. If you want a heater for a relatively lower price, you may opt for a propane heater. But if you don’t want to frequently buy fuel replacements, an electric heater may suit you better since it is powered by the golf cart’s battery.
However, an electric heater tends to drain the battery quickly and doesn’t produce much heat output as a propane heater does, mainly to the limited power source.
Are there rechargeable golf cart heaters?
There are no rechargeable golf cart heaters since they take a lot of power to operate. This means you’ll need an extra large battery pack, which is not exactly portable.
How do I ensure the maintenance of my heater?
Golf cart heaters only need minimal maintenance to work smoothly. Checking the heating head for grease or dirt prevents it from catching fire or producing a burning odor. Keep the screens from breaking to avoid further problems. Hire a professional when you need to check for wiring issues.
Final Thoughts
Through golf cart heaters, you can stay warm and enjoy hitting your shots even on a cold winter day. There are a lot of heaters you can choose from. They all have their own benefits and drawbacks. You only need to decide which among them meets most of your needs.
We hope you find the best heater for your golf cart. If you already did, you are most welcome to share your experience with fellow golfers.
Beyond staying warm and comfortable on the course, protecting your golf cart from theft is crucial for any golfer. Unfortunately, golf carts are often targeted by thieves due to their accessibility and value. To safeguard your investment and enjoy peace of mind while playing, consider exploring reliable golf cart anti-theft solutions and security locks.
References:
- United States Golf Association (2019, December 10). Winter on the Golf Course: Here’s What to Expect. Retrieved from https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/articles/2019/12/winter-on-the-golf-course–what-to-expect.html
- Golf Monthly (2022, January 25). Why It’s Necessary For Golf Courses To Close In Winter. Retrieved from https://www.golfmonthly.com/features/the-game/why-its-necessary-for-golf-courses-to-close-in-winter
- Colorado Tourism (2022, August 22). Winter Golf in Colorado. Retrieved from https://www.colorado.com/articles/winter-golf-colorado
- Angi (2022, September 12). Are Propane Heaters Safe for Indoor Use? Retrieved from https://www.angi.com/articles/propane-heater-risks-and-dangers.htm
