Best Golf Cart Heater: 2023 Buying Review

Golf cart heaters are a necessity rather than an accessory since the cold on a golf course can really crank up. The best golf cart heaters keep you warm on cold days, even when the atmosphere is making your hands go numb from the cold.

However, with manufacturers mass-producing golf cart heaters, there are loads of choices out there to confuse you. But being cautious and buying the right heater is important as the subpar ones malfunction often and consume too much power.

Our team of experts has independently reviewed more than 40 of the most popular golf cart heaters to make an unbiased list of the best ones.

So, if you’re in a hurry, just peek at our top five picks and select the one that best suits your requirements. Or, scroll down to read our in-depth, comprehensive guide to thoroughly compare individual heaters and make your pick!

Best Golf Cart Heater

Golf Cart Heater Specification Table Comparison

Golf Cart HeatersMr. Heater Golf Cart HeaterMr. Heater MH18B Portable HeaterComfort Zone CZ707 1500 Watt Compact Utility HeaterTexsport Sportsmate Portable HeaterClimate Caddy Heater/Fan
Our Rating9.4/10
Editor’s Choice
9.3/10
Runner Up
8.8/10
Best On A Budget
9.0/10
Best Mid-range Price Golf Cart Heater
9.0/10
Best Electric Golf Cart Heater
PricingJump To Pricing SectionJump To Pricing SectionJump To Pricing SectionJump To Pricing SectionJump To Pricing Section
Heater TypePropane HeaterPropane HeaterElectric Space HeaterPropane HeaterElectric Heater
RuntimeUp to 5.5 HoursUp to 10.8 Hours (On Low)N/AUp to 6 HoursN/A
Heat Output4000 BTU4000-18,000 BTU5118 BTU3000 BTU2234 BTU
Heat ControlN/A3 Heat Level Control SettingsAdjustable Thermostat, 3 Power SettingsPressure Regulator On/Off Control Valve45-Seconds Hot Boost Dial
Fuel/Power Consumption1 Pound Propane TankTwo 1 Pound Propane Cylinder, 20 Pounds Propane Cylinder (Optional Hose)1500 Watts1 Pound Propane Tank63-655 Watts
Heating TypeRadiantRadiantFan-ForcedConvectionFan-Forced
Safety Features IncludedTip-Over Safety Switch, Oxygen Depletion SensorTip-Over Safety Switch, High-Med-Low Heat Level Control, Auto Low Oxygen Shut-off System (ODS)Overheat Protection Sensor, Power/Caution Indicator LightsFlameout Auto Shut-Off Safety ValveBattery Fail-Safe Sensor, In-Line Fuse, Electronic Eye, Economy Mode
Warranty1 Year Limited Warranty1 Year Limited Warranty1 Year Manufacturer Warranty1 Year Manufacturer Warranty2 Years Limited Warranty
Weight5.95 Pounds17.1 Pounds2.65 Pounds5.26 Pounds1.1 Pounds
Wind-ResistantYes (Wind Resistant Burner and Pilot System)N/AN/ANoN/A
Portability FeaturesIntegrated Handle, Golf Cart Cup Holder AdapterDurable Easy-Grip Carry Handle, Swivel RegulatorsDurable Stay-Cool Metal Housing, Carry HandleGolf Cart Cup Holder, Paddlefoot Plastic BaseGolf Cart Cup Holder Mount, Hard-Cover Carry Case
Read ReviewJump To Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater ReviewJump To Mr Heater MH18B Portable Heater ReviewJump To Comfort Zone CZ707 Compact Utility Heater ReviewJump To Texsport Sportsmate Portable Heater ReviewJump To Climate Caddy Heater/Fan Review

Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater

Editor’s Choice

Rating: 9.4 /10

Pros

  • Small frame produces a lot of heat, so it’s easy to take to and from the cart
  • Lasts a full round, so you stay warm through all 18

Cons

  • Runs on Propane, Must Be Refilled

Mr. Heater’s Golf Cart Heater was the clear favorite in our testing for the best golf cart heater on the market today.

We all love to golf year-round, but in some climates, days that would be enjoyable on the course can become brutal with low temperatures and strong winds.

If you want to stay warm and have no fear of frostbite as you take the course, even on those cold days, this is the perfect heater for you.

This golf cart heater comes in a small package and runs off a 1lb propane tank which produces 4,000 BTUs of heat.

What this means for you is a convenient and portable heater that can easily fit in your golf cart’s cup holder with the capability to keep you warm for your entire round.

This heater puts out some major heat, but its other features set it apart and made it our top choice.

It’s got a wind-resistant screen to keep the heat coming regardless of the conditions, and it even features a tip-over safety switch that keeps the heat on if the cart is going over bumpy terrain.

Of all the models we tested, Mr. Heater’s golf cart heater gave us the most consistent heat and stayed on in all conditions.

What we love about the Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater

  • Portable but Powerful: This golf cart heater is very easy to carry to the course, weighing just 5 lbs, and puts out a ton of heat. Also, it fits directly into the cup holder of your golf cart so it’s very convenient and doesn’t take up too much space.
  • Consistent Heat: Features like the wind screen and anti-tip tech keep the heat on for the entire round. Other models we tested were inconsistent, but Mr. Heater’s golf cart heater stayed on the whole round.

Drawbacks of the Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater

Propane Refills: The only drawback to the heater was its propane heat source. While it’s not a huge inconvenience, you will have to replace the disposable 1lb tank after every round.

If you’re looking to stay cool on the course this winter, you’ll love the convenience and performance of Mr. Heater’s golf cart heater.


Mr. Heater MH18B Portable Heater

Runner Up

Rating: 9.3 /10

Mr. Heater's black and red MH18B portable propane heater on green grass.
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Pros

  • Plenty of heat for your golf cart, so you’re warm even in the coldest temperatures
  • Auto shut-off features that keep you safe and keep the heat on at the right times.

Cons

  • Not designed exclusively for golf

Playing golf in the winter is something a lot of us strive for, but sometimes the cold weather and the wind keep us off the course.

If you’re looking for a solution that will help you get on the course more often, even in the cold, check out the runner up in our extensive testing for best golf cart heater: My. Heater’s MH18B Portable Heater.

The MHB18 has enough power to heat a room up to 450 square feet in size, holds enough fuel to last for 10+ hours on low and has safety features that keep the heater operational in all conditions.

What this means for you is a warm golf cart for your whole round, even in bitter cold conditions.

You also don’t have to worry about dangerous conditions since it’s got an auto shut-off feature if it gets tipped over on a bumpy cart path.

What we love about the Mr. Heater MH18B Portable Heater

  • Lots of Heat: On high power, this heater will put out a sweltering 18,000 BTUs. You don’t have to be an HVAC tech to understand that’s a lot of heat. If you’re playing in very cold weather and need to be warm, this is the heater for you.
  • Safety Features: Some heaters can’t stand up to the bumps and turns of a round of golf, but the MH18B can keep you warm and safe with auto shut-off features. 

Drawbacks of the Mr. Heater MH18B Portable Heater

Not Designed for Golf: This heater is designed to be portable, but not necessarily for golf course use. While it does a good job heating, some testers found it to be too large to easily carry to the cart and had a hard time finding a spot to put it during the round.

If you’re looking for a golf cart heater that packs a serious punch, Mr. Heater’s MH18B could be a great choice.


Comfort Zone CZ707 1500 Watt Compact Utility Heater

Best On A Budget

Rating: 8.8 /10

Pros

  • Well priced
  • Great safety features
  • Light, compact and portable
  • Durable construction
  • Decent power
  • Low noise
  • 3 Power settings
  • Fan only option
  • Highly versatile

Cons

  • Some found the heat output lacking
  • Dependent on electricity

If you are after a cost-effective golf cart heater this is a leading option. It has a good 1500 Watts of power and offers 3 power settings as well as a fan-only option. This makes it highly versatile. It is compact and ideal for a golf cart as well as a range of other applications.

The thermostat is adjustable allowing to dial in the perfect warmth for the environment. This makes it suitable for a range of conditions and will extend the season in which you can comfortably enjoy golf. Despite being fan-driven most report that it is not noisy.  

It has numerous great safety features and will shut down of tipped over. It also has an overheat protection sensor for added safety.  Another safety feature is the power lights and caution lights that display the status of the heater as well as a fuse that protects at high-limits.  

It is well built and despite being really well priced is a durable heater that will keep you comfortable on many golfing adventures in the cooler months of the year. It should keep you comfortable in most conditions but if it is super-cold the heat output might prove to be insufficient.


Texsport Sportsmate Portable Propane Heater

Best Mid-range Price Golf Cart Heater

Rating: 9.0/10

a portable golf cart propane heater called Texsport Sportsmate on a grass background.
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Pros

  • Good value for money
  • Safety shut off valve
  • Delivers 3,000 BTUs
  • Light and compact
  • Easy to attached and user-friendly
  • Tough and durable stainless steel
  • Sturdy and stable
  • Safety auto shut off valve

Cons

  • Some reports of it switching off for no reason
  • Can be a bit top-heavy
  • Takes a bit of time to start warming

This model is made from stainless steel for toughness and durability and is good value for money. It delivers 3,000 BTUs. One can adjust the pressure on the valve burners or turn it on and off. It is a popular choice for golf carts and will make your cold-weather golfing more enjoyable.

The Texsport Sportsmate Portable Propane Heater is light and portable. It has a molded plastic cup holder base which makes it easy to fit on pretty much any golf cart. This keeps it secure and safe. The sizable plastic paddlefoot will hold a 16.4 oz disposable propane fuel cylinder which needs to be purchased separately. This should give you rough 5 to 6 hours of warmth.   

For safety, the auto shut off valve will stop the heater if the flame is extinguished. While it will provide enough heat for all but the coolest days a few users reported that it took a while to start delivering heat. Despite this minor issue, it is user-friendly and a well-loved top-selling golf cart heater. It is also a versatile option that can be used for camping or other times you need a bit of comforting warmth.


Climate Caddy Heater/Fan

Best Electric Golf Cart Heater

Rating: 9.0 /10

a climate caddy electric golf cart heater on a green grass background.
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Pros

  • Heats and cools
  • Compact
  • Easy to attach
  • Battery fail-safe sensor
  • Energy management system
  • Safe
  • Easy to use
  • The electronic eye switches the unit off when you exit the golf cart
  • Handy and safe cord keeper

Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • Will drain cart battery faster
  • Only works on 48V golf carts

This is an electric heater that can also be used as a fan on hot days.  While it will use power from the cart it has an effective energy management system to power the heating elements to reduce battery drain. It also has a battery fail safe sensor that will shut the unit down when the charge in the cart battery drops below 43V. Another battery-saving feature is the electronic eye. This will sense when people are in the golf cart and switch the unit off when they exit.  

LED lights will keep you updated as to the status of the device.

The compact heater/fan works with 48V golf carts and has a hard mount as well as a harness. Up to 900 F/M of air movement is delivered by the silent whisper fan and the bi-level vent design ensures the air is directed to the optimal area for maximum effectiveness.   

For added safety, there is a cord keeper that will keep it tidy and prevent tripping and other hazards. If you prefer an electrical heater over a propane model is this a good option to consider.


Features to Consider when selecting the Best Golf Cart Heater

  • Electric or propane

This is one of the first and most important decisions you will need to make when investing in a golf cart heater. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

The main benefit of propane heaters is that they are generally compact and lightweight.  They are also user-friendly and can be mounted and set up quickly and easily. Once up and running they tend to work with minimal hassle and fuss. Provided there is ventilation they should work well and safely in any golf cart.

Depending on how you use the heater, you will generally get around 5 to 6 hours of use out of a small 1-pound propane canister. So, only for longer rounds or really cold conditions, you may need to carry a spare. Propane is not that expensive but the ongoing cost of these canisters needs to be factored in when comparing with electric heaters. 

While propane is safe if used correctly some might find an electric heater to be a safer option.  On the downside, these models tend to cost a bit more and they are trickier to connect and install. Generally, they will need to be permanently installed so they are not as portable and convenient as propane models.

While you will not need to spend money on propane, an electric heater will consume some of the battery power of your golf cart. While this might save you money over time it could significantly reduce the power and run time of the golf cart.  Provided it has the correct features such as automatic low voltage shutdown you should be able to avoid coming to a complete standstill before the 18 holes are up. 

So, on balance, there are a few more advantages to propane heaters but much will depend on your personal circumstances. 

  • What are BTUs? (how do they affect golf cart heaters)

BTUs (or British Thermal Units) are a measure of the power or heat output of a heater. The higher the number the more powerful. Golf carts do not provide much insulation so the heaters need to be on and preferably directed at the occupants to be effective. Obviously, colder conditions will necessitate a more powerful heater.

Electric heaters are generally measured in watts. 1,500 Watts is the average output needed to heat a golf cart effectively without putting too much strain on the battery. By way of comparison, 1,500 watts is equivalent to 5,120 BTUs of heat.

Other features to look for

  • Portability

If you permanently fit an electric heater to the golf cart this is not a major issue. For those that plan to carry the heater with them on golfing excursions then you want it to be light, compact and easy to transport. You already have enough equipment and accessories to worry about so you do not need to be burdened by too much additional weight.

Most models fit this description but the propane models are generally lighter and more portable. 

  • Wind resistance / Waterproof

Golf cart heaters, particularly propane models, will perform poorly if they do not have good wind resistance. Some will shut off due to the wind which will mean restarting them frequently.  This can be irritating and disruptive during your round.

If you are playing in cold and wet conditions the heater should be relatively waterproof or at least be well protected from the elements in order to perform correctly.

  • Safety shutoff

Safety features are extremely important. Heat and open flames on the propane heater are a potential risk that needs to be considered. A safety shut off will ensure the heater goes off the flame goes out.  On an electric heater, it will shut off if it is draining the battery beyond practical levels.

Low oxygen shut off is also important. This will shut the heater down in these conditions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 

The other important safety factor is that you want to ensure the heater is stable and secure. Cup holders are an effective way to secure the unit but there are other effective means of securing the heater. Pressure regulators are another handy safety feature particularly if you play at altitude. 

Provided the heaters have basic safety features and are used correctly they will provide you with safe warmth and comfort as you cruise between shots.

  • Warranty

The warranty indicates that the manufacturer has faith in the quality of workmanship as well as the materials used in the golf cart heater. You want your investment to last a fair amount of time so look for one with a good warranty.

  • Quiet operation

A noisy heater will be an unwanted irritation as you travel between shots. While you want the warmth of a heater look for one that will operate with minimal noise. While most will make some noise a sudden more noticeable and louder noise will indicate that it is either poorly secured or possibly faulty.  Check it out immediately if a significant new noise is noted.

  • Ease of set up

You have enough to think about and worry about on a golfing adventure so you want a heater that is quick and easy to set up. Most of these models are easy to attach and pretty much plug and play.

Once secured in place they will work without you having to fiddle with them throughout the day. This will allow you to focus on and enjoy your game and the company.

Conclusion

After careful selection, we have focused on four of the best options for those looking for a golf cart heater. While they are all good products the Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater stood out as the very best of the best.  As our editor’s choice, this is a popular model that most consumers rave about.

At 4,000 BTUs it has plenty of power and the propane system makes it user-friendly and quick to set up.  It is well designed for effective performance and has a range of safety features. Another benefit is that it is durable so it should last you many years of warm and comfortable golfing.

Consider your specific needs and your budget in order to select the best golf cart heater. This will allow you to enjoy golf for a few more months each year without discomfort.

FAQ

Can you put a heater in a golf cart? 

Small-size heaters can be put in a golf cart to keep warm during freezing winter months. Electric and propane heaters can either be installed permanently or used as mobile heaters.Easy-to-carry golf heaters can be used on and off the golf cart.

How long does a golf cart heater usually last?

A mobile heater can last up to 8 hours or while connected to the electrics of the golf cart.The lifespan of such heaters cannot be guaranteed due to the environment it is used in but is generally between 20 and 40 years when maintained properly.

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Author

Charl is a full-time writer who has been with Golfible since 2019. He is an avid golfer and tech enthusiast. When not writing, he tries to squeeze in a round of golf or escape to the mountains. Learn more about the Golfible team on our About Us page.

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