I realise I'm the last person to know about such things but can some wise tech out there tell me how they work. I had dismised them thinking that I wouldn't have a heater in my tent due to safety concerns - we might have had one when we were a couple but with the little one around (probably be in bed by the time we got it out though). How do they work if they are flameless and are they safe?
Hi Debs,catalytic heaters work by using a catalytic pad to burn propane at a lower temperature,thereby not producing a visible flame.It is recommended that they should not be used within 2 feet of anything flammable and that they should not be used when sleeping. Personally have never used but have heard extremely good reports! I dont use EHU but suspect many on this forum would suggest a fan heater of some sort. Hope this helps. Hammo
We have a 'Black Cat' and are very pleased with it, it warmed up the tent in no time at all (a Khyam XL Classic -so by no means small) it certainly burns without a flame (just do get one briefly when you first light it). Like all heaters you do need to be careful where you place it - but it's ideal if you haven't got an EHU (which we haven't).
Any descent camping shop should show you one running if you ask them, noticed a couple packing one in their car when i was talking to them a few weeks ago and they said they were very good, the gas cartridsges are quite expensive though and all heaters use lots of that.....
might be worth thinking of a e.h.u. if the cold puts you off as the halogen or fan heaters are much safer with little ones about. would you only need the heat when the little ones are in bed because you're not chasing them round?......
Used mine for the first time this weekend. Yes I know it was a hot weekend but Friday night was flipping chilly. I am so pleased with it. My little legs (shorts clad hence chill by midnight) warmed up nicely.
It works as follows. You screw the Colemans cartridge into place (can be removed when not in use) and then turn the knob full-on and hold it there while you press the ignition button. Hold it for another 10 seconds and release it. It's not obvious that it has lit. In fact it's quite odd. The heat spreads out slowly from the ignition point and becomes very warm. It is perfectly safe as there is no naked flame and is fine as long as you make sure it is not too close to anything flammable.
We used ours for the first time in May. Went with a group of friends, some newbies. So when it got cold at night we moved Blackcat round each tent, made a huge difference.
The only thing I found was there was a slight smell, but I think this was because it was brand new.
They seem to hold there price, we were v. lucky managed to get ours for £25.00 from Highbridge CC. Think the offer has finished now.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: coleman black cat
