Kovea Cupid butane heater review! Keep warm while winter camping in your SUV, truck, or minivan.

[@KA9DSL]

I have one of these in my van, love it. They seem to burn a bit cleaner. Love it's small size. Just leave a side window open a little, make sure you have a CO2 monitor, put it on low and sleep sound all night. Butane fuel is a hell of a lot cheaper than propane!

[@male42nfree]

I have owned one of these Cupid heaters for over a year - and it is great. Things to be aware of: No integrated oxygen sensor, No tipping sensor, butane cans are not refillable, it uses an "open flame", and being an open flame type heater it can produce a fair amount of water vapor after hours of use (dripping water on windows and trailer walls). I too use a a CO sensor - and a propane sensor. I also ensure that I keep a window cracked open. The open window helps reduce the moisture accumulation as well as lower the risk of CO poisoning. When properly deployed, the cupid is VERY stable, so tip over is not a real concern verses a Mr. Buddy box type heater. My experience is that 90% of the heat (or more) goes out from the front grate - not out the back, top, or bottom of the unit. For safety I would not run the heater all night when you are sleeping - but I will admit that I have done this on at least one very cold night in my small trailer. In my 6x8 square drop trailer, on the low setting I have gotten 5+ hours of heat from a single butane can. I too bought my Cupid heater on eBay, shipped directly from South Korea. It arrived in about a week, well packed with bubble wrap, with no damage of any kind (and also came with Korean language-only instructions). When used safely the cupid is a great solution for SUV, tent, and small trailer camping.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing the thorough additional info. 🙂

[@midlifetravelers6151]

I like how you broke down your electricity usage. Makes a lot of sense. I just bought one of these. Thanks for the reminder of the CO detector.

[@ruthieclarke9125]

Best review I have found. I have a 17' Casita and have been using a Mr. Buddy but it is cumbersome and takes up space (not to mention storage). I will still use it in colder temps but I bought the Kovia Cupid for quick 'warm ups' on chilly mornings. Really enjoying your channel but your recommendations are sure filling up my Amazon wish list. Thanks!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you and apologies to your wish list 😂 I still love my Kovea, but I recently got a Firemaple Sunflower heater -- so look for an update / comparison video, coming soon!

[@louisjerome5653]

I have used this as a back up it works awesome. As you said use a small USB fan above it to move the heat around

[@lynseysizemore4247]

Thanks so much for reviewing this. I’ve been looking at one for my minivan but the price had me hesitant without knowing if it would actually work. Glad you mentioned eBay was cheaper!

[@lovedogsontheloose]

I’ve used the Mr. Heater Big Buddy for several years. Definitely overkill for an SUV, though works to turn on just for a few minutes and take the bite out of the cold, which is really all I’m comfortable doing in such a small space anyway. It works really well in my SUV hatch tent (Napier 10’ x 10’ x 10’. And it’s nice to have at home, too, as backup in an emergency. The Cupid looks like a great option with a smaller footprint (the Big Buddy is rather clunky to pack). Very helpful info. Thanks!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Mr. Heater totally sounds like a perfect fit for your space and needs, and it works for loads of people. 👏🏼

[@kriskabin]

I'm quite comfy in my SUVrv in freezing temps with just a zero° sleeping bag & a twin-sized down comforter. (Nice to know that there's tiny little portable heaters out there for nomads though. This butane one looks to be more stable than the tiniest Mr. Buddy, but the fuel concerns me; butane doesn't like to burn in freezing temps. )

[@mcspin50]

Very informational review. I have a teardrop trailer and, when I have access to on grid power, I use a very small electric heater (suitable for under a desk) to keep the edge off at night. I think this would be a great alternative for off grid camping.

[@molliedoodleable]

Great video. This looks like the perfect answer with safety precautions to heat my minivan. Cheers.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Stay warm -- and safe!!

[@shortybiscuit]

Ohhhh. I did not expect that it used butane. Very nice.

[@thatcampingchic3817]

So glad you did this review, been looking at that Cupid heater. Great job 😊👍

[@lauriep1705]

Very informative and I like your safety precautions as well! I've been researching various heaters and continue to come back to the cupid heater. thanks for posting.

[@ShoestringMartha]

You bet! It’s been a great little heater. I also just got the Firemaple Sunflower heater. So look for a video with that one soon.

[@youngheart1065]

Looks like the best option! I’ve been looking at all the options on U Tube!

[@PittwaterMowingAustralia]

Looks like a great little heater

[@seekingjoynow1722]

I like the small size. Thanks for demonstrating this heater.

[@hickoco7231]

Totally recommend a hot water bottle for keeping toasty at night!. Just fill with hot water before bed and it'll keep you warm all night. I don't know why but I don't see them much in the US (I'm from the Uk where they're v common) I found a small one once in a CVS that just needs wrapping in a pillowcase. 🔥 👌

[@ShoestringMartha]

I know they exist here, but it's true, I don't recall seeing one recently. It would be nice for warming my ice cube toes Usually that's Gunther's job. 😂

[@I-Told-U-So]

I just bought one and it works great. The only thing is just not to shoot it toward but mostly heat upward. I don't read either. Most just use common sense. It doesn't need to hold anyone's hand for everything.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thanks for the tip; I’ll try it that way next time 👍🏼

[@piamadison5539]

Hi there. I just bought one too but struggling to understand which gas cylinder I need for it. Please can anyone help? Thank you.

[@ShoestringMartha]

They take 8oz butane canisters. Walmart sells the Coleman one for about $3.50. I get the 12 pack of Gas One canisters from Amazon, that works out to $2.50/can amzn.to/3IcPXTl

[@J2DXPLR]

Another awesome video. Great field test review. Thanks for the mention! ❤

[@stevethevlogger]

Another quality video from you! I have the Buddy heater and it makes too much heat for my situation.

[@suzmaca650]

Thanks for testing and bringing to my attention

[@dieselmax8606]

Co2 is heavier than air and the detector should be installed low to the ground as that is where the gas will accumulate.

[@ShoestringMartha]

However, it's the CO (carbon monoxide) which is the threat, and it is lighter than air.

[@SteveSearches]

Co2 is carbon dioxide, not carbon monoxide.

[@suzanne5961]

Nice review. Yours is the 2nd one I've seen on this heater and it seems to be the right size for pretty small enclosed areas. I've also been looking at the Sierra Madre website as they have rechargeable heated jackets (ember) and lap blankets (hot pocket) that can run for quite awhile. Guess it depends on whether or not you want to deal with having a recharging system ( solar panels, etc) or just go with basic fuel cans.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Accurate! How one stays warm is entirely a personal matter, according to available resources and just what feels comfortable. Those heating clothes sound interesting. Like a heating blanket you wear 😂

[@blakelauterbach4560]

Great review! A few other things I’d like to know, mainly, are if the butane canisters are readily available everywhere, how much they cost, and about how long they last. I know the Coleman 1lb propane canisters are about 5 bucks per at Wally world

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! The Coleman brand of butane is sold at Wal-Mart, for about $3.50 a can, but at least at my location, it's almost always out of stock. I ended up buying a dozen off Amazon (amzn.to/3VHzGdX), which worked out to $2.80 a can. Later, I found them for even less, at the local Asian megamart. I don't remember exactly how much less, but I think it was just under $2 a can. As for how long they last, it really depends on use. I have not let the heater continuously run down a full canister. I can say that a can lasted me two overnight camping trips, running the heater for 15 minute spurts, on low, about 4 times each trip. I'm estimating maybe 4 hours, on low -- which is *plenty* for the 4Runner interior.

[@hunterluxton5976]

Great review. I've ordered one!

[@nealamesbury7953]

Works !

[@patricialongo5870]

I think I'm going to try one from eBay before winter hits again.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Mine hasn't gotten a whole lot of use, but it's still truckin'!

[@54bonkers]

Good review! Thanks for sharing.

[@ramonapuckett3059]

Thank you for this information ❤

[@jackwalsh1468]

Martha, actually CO will seek the lowest physical point, {despite being only slightly lighter than air} to accumulate and will rise as it's volume fills a defined space. Cheers, Mate.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Interesting. This is counter to the detector installation instructions, and what I learned in fire academy 🤔 Granted, that was nearly 20 years ago 😬

[@chipper7711]

Incorrect, Jack Walsh. CO is usually associated with a heat source, and as such, will rise with the warm air the source creates. Plus, as you said correctly, CO is very slightly lighter than air. Propane, on the other hand, will settle down low.

[@phaedrawhite3746]

Thanks for reviewing the site them definitely will be a game changer How long did one can of butane last

[@ShoestringMartha]

Hard the say, because I didn’t run it continuously and I didn’t empty the can, but I’d guess a can will last you about 4 hours of use, on low.

[@backandforthupanddow]

For one can of butane, would t a standard butane stove produce the exact amount of btu’s as this? Isn’t this basically a stove behind a protective grate? Or am I missing something?

[@ShoestringMartha]

I think the thing that makes a fuel-burning device a heater rather than a cooker is the diffuser. I’m guessing by dampening the flame and holding the heat, you use less fuel than just running your stove. If you want to just adapt your stove, they make diffusers you can just plunk on there. amzn.to/3UxpFCe

[@sharonlutz1046]

For winter camping? My Kovea Cupid butane heater does not work in temperatures below freezing.

[@ShoestringMartha]

I suppose it depends on your winter. In our Arizona winter, it does just fine. If you camp in frigid temps, butane ain't for you.

[@patricialongo5870]

The same for the butane stove - it's fine for summer, but the butane gets too cold in winter.

[@kimprocarione5473]

This looks like a heater worth trying! Heaters use a lot of energy! And I don't care for Mr. Buddy. Does butane put as much moisture in the air as propane do you know? 🤔

[@ShoestringMartha]

I believe it still produces moisture, but not as much as propane. It's so dry here, I can't really judge. Downside to butane is that it will not ignite at freezing temperatures. I generally do not camp when it's that cold, but when I do, I just try my best to keep my butane canisters warm.

[@philc.9280]

Quick question. I used a Buddy propane heater in my van but don't like the smell even with the windows cracked open. Never used butane before. Does butane have any odor at all?

[@ShoestringMartha]

It might depend on the brand of canister, but I have not noticed a smell when I’m using butane.

[@sjfanning7711]

I’ve been told that you can’t use certain fuels below 32 degrees. Is it butane? Or propane?

[@ShoestringMartha]

Butane will stop vaporizing at 31F, and that vapor is what ignites. So if you’re camping where it’s very cold - propane!

[@offroadrover]

I use butane cartridges in my BBQ and heater at 4C no problem. I just keep them in woolie socks and they seem to work

[@twloughlin]

I know I am a latecomer to this party, but I saw another video from the Trail Medic who demonstrated that this unit does NOT have tipover protection. If you knock it over, it will keep burning, unlike the Mr. Buddy heaters. It's something you and your subscribers/viewers may want to be aware of.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Whoa! Thanks for sharing!

[@si22mm]

What kind of heat deflector was that, the metal one which looked like it folded?

[@ShoestringMartha]

It is the windscreen I use for my campstove: amzn.to/45QS7Sk

[@annconley9520]

Very nice. I would have used the tile too! How long does one can of butane burn?

[@ShoestringMartha]

I can’t say for sure, but I would guess about 4 hours on low.

[@martenwer5980]

Oxi Detector Up is wrong! the gas goes down not up

[@ShoestringMartha]

The vapor density of carbon monoxide is .97, making it slightly lighter than air.

[@wemcal]

Great video

[@SteveSearches]

I just bought one and the butane cans don't lock correctly. Other people are having the same problem. It's too bad since they look like nice little heaters if you get one that works.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Well that stinks! What brand butane are you using? I wonder if there is a little variation in canisters across brands. 🤔

[@LecimyzKoksem]

Hey, how long it last for example at 50% power ? Thanks for yhe video

[@ShoestringMartha]

It would be a total guess, but maybe 6 hours? I wouldn't run it continuously for that long, however. I usually just run it for 5-10 minute bursts, to knock the chill down.

[@MrBluoct]

Hi Any follow-up ?

[@ShoestringMartha]

I used it a couple times last winter and survived 👍🏼

[@gordongrigsby5172]

I lived in 2 different mini vans and used the propane heater it helped with the Chicago winters but was never really comfortable now I have a prius and that's an issue I never have to worry about.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Nice! The "generator you can drive" aspect of the Prius is its best selling point, in my opinion.

[@gordongrigsby5172]

@@ShoestringMartha yes I miss my extra room butt I am loving the climate control feature of the prius winter is here and I'm toasty warm at night.

[@patobrien4981]

Help....... I'm lost here. I just received this but I need the exact steps on how to start it. I push in the knob then turn it to the left to the low setting but all I get is butane smell. Can someone please tell me how to start this heater? Thank you!

[@ShoestringMartha]

I don’t have it front on me so I’m going on memory, but if I recall correctly, you turn the knob counterclockwise until you hear it click. That clicking sound is the igniter sparking. The gas should ignite at that point and you can dial the knob back to lower the heat.

[@ShoestringMartha]

You might also have to push the knob in while you turn it. I’m going to have to pull the thing out of the shed tomorrow and have a look 🤔

[@patobrien4981]

@@ShoestringMartha - Thank you Martha!! I'm all set. :)

[@lauriep1705]

does the fan really make a difference in the heat dispersion with the cupid heater?

[@ShoestringMartha]

I feel like it does.

[@jimlahey3919]

Very much so. It circulates the heat to all areas. Without it, the heat just rises to the ceiling

[@tomterrell1761]

Condensation issues?

[@ShoestringMartha]

I had my space ventilated, only ran it for short bursts, and live in a very dry climate, so I didn’t have any issues with it.

[@tleannet75]

Is the butane more efficient than propane when choosing stoves and heaters?

[@ShoestringMartha]

I did a bunch of googling, but got a lot of conflicting information, so I can’t sat for sure 😞

[@jimoinsolvay]

Propane burns hotter, & is less affected by the cold.

[@ShoestringMartha]

@@jimoinsolvay Absolutely agreed - butane will not ignite when it’s below 31 F, but I have read that at the same temperature, it provides about 12% more heat - but only from one source. This is the whole “conflicting information” thing I was talking about. I’m just going to let the champions of each fuel duke it out 😅

[@kriskabin]

Try just a zero degree sleeping bag & a twin-sized down comforter if you're in a small nomad rig; it's cheaper, works well & it's SAFER!

[@ryanlaingmvp3191]

does it burn clean

[@ShoestringMartha]

I'm not quite sure what you mean. It doesn't produce soot, but it does produce moisture and a small amount of carbon monoxide.

[@karnisurabaya2257]

Last how manny our mam

[@ShoestringMartha]

It depends on how high you run it. I’ve yet to run out of fuel, so I couldn’t tell you.

[@CindyCaVANas]

👍

[@user-ef8up7dq7y]

Those heaters are garbage the locking system never works in blow on my face I got burned in my face I return it and I never got my money back