Are Budget Diesel Heaters Worth It? 

A Review of Low-Cost Models

When you’re building out a campervan, heating is one of those features that can easily fall down the priority list. That is, until you spend your first cold night parked up somewhere remote. Then it suddenly becomes essential. 

And with diesel heaters ranging from under £150 to over £1,000, it’s no surprise that so many people start wondering if the cheaper ones are actually any good.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of budget diesel heaters, recommend the ones I’ve personally found to be the most reliable, and help you figure out whether going cheap is really worth it for your specific van setup. 

If you’re weighing up your options and want an honest answer, you’re in the right place.

So, Are Budget Diesel Heaters Really Worth It?

If you’ve ever spent a night in a van during winter, especially here in the UK, you’ll know just how important a good heater can be. .

I’ve had plenty of cold mornings where the windows are frozen on the inside and the chill makes it hard to even think about getting out of bed. 

It’s no surprise that one of the most common questions I get from people building or upgrading their campervan is whether these cheap diesel heaters you find online are actually worth it.

What even counts as a budget diesel heater?

When people ask me about budget diesel heaters, I always start by asking what they actually mean by “budget.” Because for some, it’s anything under £300. 

For others, it’s those £100 kits you see all over eBay and Amazon. So let’s define it properly based on what I’ve seen in real-world campervan conversions.

In most cases, a budget diesel heater is a Chinese-manufactured unit that typically costs between £90 and £160. These usually come as full kits with everything included, the heater itself, control unit, mounting plate, fuel pump, piping, clamps, and even a basic exhaust system. 

On paper, that sounds like incredible value, especially when premium brands can easily push past the £900 mark for just the heater alone. But there’s more to it than price.

What makes these heaters “budget” isn’t just the cost. It’s the build quality, the components used, and the lack of long-term testing or brand accountability. 

I’ve opened a few up myself and compared the internals to high-end models. The difference in material thickness, wiring insulation, control boards and even the screw fittings is pretty clear. 

Budget units often use thinner gauge wiring, cheaper casings, and basic PCB boards that aren’t sealed against moisture or vibration.

So when we talk about budget diesel heaters, we’re usually referring to no-name or lesser-known branded kits, primarily manufactured in China, offering a complete package at a fraction of the cost of their premium counterparts.

Why this question comes up a lot…

One question I hear over and over is whether those low-cost diesel heaters you see online are actually worth the money. It is not just curiosity. It usually comes from a place of real concern about getting things right the first time without blowing the budget.

When you are planning a van build, heating often feels like something you will think about later. Until you get caught in a cold snap. That first freezing night parked up somewhere remote has a way of changing priorities fast.

By then, you have already spent a lot on insulation, electrics, furniture, and all the little bits that add up. So when a diesel heater pops up online for under £150, it naturally grabs your attention.

The main reason this topic comes up so often is that people want clear, trustworthy advice. Not a sales pitch. Just a straight answer based on real experience. 

They want to know if a budget heater will actually work in their setup. They want to know what could go wrong. And they want to know if it is going to leave them in the cold halfway through a trip.

What You Should Be Considering When Buying a Budget Diesel Heater

If you are thinking about going down the budget route for your diesel heater, there are a few important things you really need to consider before hitting the buy button. On the surface, these heaters look like a no-brainer.

How good is the build, quality and materials?

One of the biggest differences I have noticed between budget diesel heaters and premium models comes down to what they are made of and how they are put together. 

When you are looking at a heater that costs under £150 and includes a full kit, there are naturally going to be compromises. That is not always a deal-breaker, but it does mean you need to know what to expect.

What’s the heater actually made from?

Most of the budget heaters I have worked with use lightweight aluminium or lower-grade steel for the combustion chamber. 

This helps keep costs down and does a decent job of heat transfer, but the material tends to be thinner than what you would find in a high-end heater. That means it is more prone to dents, warping under long-term heat exposure, or corrosion if not installed properly.

The plastic casing that houses the electronics and fan can feel a bit flimsy too. I have seen a few units where the casing cracked during transit or during installation because of how tight the screws were or how it was mounted. It is not always a huge issue if you are careful, but it is something to look out for if you are installing it yourself.

Are the wires and plugs any good?

This is one area where I think people often overlook the risk. The wiring in most budget heaters is generally functional, but not great. 

The cable thickness can vary and I have seen connectors that feel loose straight out of the box. This can lead to poor contact or short circuits if not checked properly. 

I have had to re-crimp or replace connectors on more than one install to get a safe and secure connection.

How solid are the fuel pump and brackets?

The fuel pumps in budget kits often come with a basic rubber mount and a plastic connector. They do work, but they tend to be noisier and not as efficient at controlling pulses compared to the better pumps used in premium brands. 

I usually add some additional soundproofing or a custom mount to reduce the ticking noise, especially if the client is sleeping close to where the pump is located.

The mounting plates and brackets can be hit or miss. Some are decent quality steel, others are thin and slightly warped which makes sealing to the van floor tricky. A bad seal here can lead to fumes entering the living space, so it is something I always check carefully.

What Are The Best Budget Diesel Heaters I’ve Installed?

After fitting and testing quite a few budget diesel heaters over the years, there are definitely a few that stand out from the rest. 

These are the ones I’ve come to trust the most in terms of performance, ease of installation, and overall reliability. I’ve used them in a range of different setups and I’ve seen how they hold up over time in real-world conditions.

If you’re looking for a heater that keeps you warm without emptying your wallet, these are the models I personally recommend. 

Planar Diesel Heater

The Planar Diesel Heater is one I used quite a bit before switching over to Autoterm. It served well for many builds over the years and always gave reliable performance for the price point.

I used it in quite a few conversions and it always delivered steady heat with minimal fuss. It comes in 2kW and 4kW options, kicks out warm air quickly, and includes everything you need for a basic install. The rotary controller is simple to use and ideal if you just want to turn it on and get warm.

One thing I always liked about Planar is the simple rotary controller. It’s not fancy, but it’s easy to use, and it just works. The kit includes all the essentials (fuel pump, exhaust, ducting, and mounting plate) and the install process is fairly straightforward for anyone with basic mechanical knowledge. 

It’s also worth noting that the combustion air intake and exhaust parts are of decent quality, which is something that tends to be a bit hit or miss in cheaper kits.

Autoterm Diesel Heater

Autoterm is now my heater of choice and the one I fit in all my current conversions. I’ve used both the 2kW and 4kW models, and the performance difference is immediately noticeable. 

These units heat up fast, maintain a steady temperature even in sub-zero conditions, and are surprisingly quiet, especially compared to other heaters in this price range.

What I really rate about Autoterm is the digital controller. It gives you full control over fan speed, temperature, and timed scheduling, and it’s much more intuitive to use. 

There’s also the option to upgrade to the Comfort Control Panel, which lets you see real-time diagnostics and error codes. That alone is a huge help when you’re troubleshooting or just want to keep an eye on how the system’s running.

The Good Bits About Budget Diesel Heaters

While they might not have all the features of the premium models, budget diesel heaters can still offer a lot of value when used in the right way. I’ve seen plenty of cases where they’ve kept a van warm through cold nights without any major issues. If you choose carefully and install them properly, there are definitely some solid benefits worth knowing about.

You can stay warm without spending a fortune

Let’s start with the obvious one. The main reason people go for a budget diesel heater is cost. You are often looking at less than a quarter of the price of a high-end system. For someone trying to finish their van build without blowing the entire budget, that can make a big difference.

And here is the thing… when installed properly, many of these heaters genuinely do keep your van warm. I’ve seen them hold a comfortable temperature even during frosty nights. If you are not travelling in extreme cold, that might be all you need.

They are often easy to find and come as complete kits

Most budget diesel heaters come as full kits, meaning you get the heater, ducting, wiring, controller, exhaust, and fuel pump all in one box. That makes it really convenient for DIY builds or if you are doing your conversion on a short timeline.

Even better, they are widely available. You don’t have to hunt around for rare parts or wait for long shipping times. Just make sure you are buying from a supplier that offers returns or some kind of basic warranty.

Good entry point for first-time builders

If you are building your first van and want to keep things simple, budget heaters can be a great starting point. 

They give you a chance to learn about your van’s heating system without making a huge financial commitment. If something goes wrong or you want to upgrade later, you haven’t lost a fortune.

Some of my clients have even used budget heaters as a temporary solution. They got the warmth they needed while saving up for a more premium system down the line.

The Not-So-Good (Because You Need the Full Picture)

As much as budget diesel heaters can offer great value, it’s only fair to look at the other side of things too. Over the years, I’ve seen some common issues crop up from inconsistent build quality to safety concerns and reliability problems. 

Not every heater will have these issues, but when you’re dealing with lower-cost options, the risks are definitely worth understanding.

Build quality can be all over the place

One of the biggest problems I’ve seen is inconsistency. Some budget heaters arrive well put together and ready to go. Others come with loose connections, misaligned mounting plates, or casing that already shows signs of wear. You just don’t know what you’re going to get.

Even between units of the same model, I’ve noticed differences in fan noise, fuel pump vibration and heat output. And that’s part of the gamble… it might work great, or it might give you issues right out of the box. For some van owners, that uncertainty is not worth the initial savings.

Noise can be an ongoing issue

Most budget heaters are noticeably louder than premium models. The fan can be a bit harsh, but the real culprit is usually the fuel pump. That ticking sound might not bother you during the day, but when you’re trying to sleep, it can become really noticeable especially in smaller vans or stealth builds.

I’ve tried different mounting methods, sound-damping foam, and custom brackets to quiet them down. It helps, but it doesn’t eliminate the issue entirely. If you’re a light sleeper, this is something to seriously consider.

Control systems are often very basic

Another thing to be aware of is that most budget heaters come with a simple rotary dial or basic digital screen. You’ll usually get on and off, plus a temperature setting or fan speed. But you won’t get any detailed feedback, diagnostics, or error logs.

This becomes a problem when the heater stops working and you have no idea why. I’ve had clients call me after their heater cut out in the middle of a trip with no warning. 

With no error code or smart controller to guide you, it becomes a guessing game and that’s not ideal when you’re relying on it to stay warm.

Long-term reliability can be hit and miss

Even if your heater works great at the start, the long-term performance is a bit of a question mark. 

I’ve seen units fail within a few months due to fan motor issues, glow plug failures, or internal corrosion. Replacement parts can be difficult to track down, and warranties are often vague or difficult to claim on.

That’s one of the reasons I moved away from using generic budget heaters in my builds. When something goes wrong, I want to know that parts are available, support exists, and the client isn’t left out in the cold.

Buy cheap… buy twice…

I’m not saying every budget heater is going to fail. Some do hold up if you’re careful with the install and don’t push them too hard. But if you’re planning long trips, full-time vanlife, or anything involving colder climates, you’ll want something that’s going to work first time, every time. And that’s where a slightly higher upfront cost often saves you money in the long run.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Budget vs Premium

Feature	Budget Diesel Heaters	Premium Diesel Heaters
Price	£90 – £160	£700 – £1,200+
Build Quality	Can vary significantly	Consistent, high-grade materials
Noise Levels	Louder fans and ticking fuel pumps	Quieter operation, smoother fan control
Controller Options	Basic dials or simple digital screens	Advanced digital control with timers and diagnostics
Heat Output Accuracy	Often exaggerated (real 2–3kW)	Accurate ratings, stable performance
Reliability	Can be hit or miss	Reliable, long-lasting with proper servicing
Ease of Installation	Complete kits but may need tweaks	Clear instructions, well-supported setup
Safety	Depends heavily on correct installation	Tested to higher safety standards
Support & Warranty	Limited or unclear support	Backed by trusted brands with proper warranties
Best For	Weekend users, first-time builders	Full-timers, colder climates, longer-term use

Should You Get One? My Straight-Up Advice

After fitting, testing, and living with a range of diesel heaters over the years, I can say that budget heaters do have a place. 

But they are not for everyone. Whether or not they make sense for your setup depends on how you plan to use your van, your expectations, and how much you are willing to compromise on convenience, reliability, and long-term peace of mind.

When does a budget diesel heater make sense?

If you are building your first van on a tight budget and just want something to take the edge off chilly evenings, a budget diesel heater might do the trick. 

They can also be a decent option for spring and autumn travellers who are not planning any deep winter adventures. If you are parking up in milder areas and only need occasional bursts of heat, you may not feel the need for all the extras that come with a premium model.

Another reason they make sense is if you are comfortable doing a bit of DIY. Budget heaters often need more attention during install, and you will want to check everything twice. But if you are happy to get hands-on and understand the risks, you can make it work.

When I’d recommend spending a bit more…

If you are living in your van full time, travelling through colder regions, or just want to know that your heater will work every single time you turn it on, I would strongly recommend going with something more robust. This is especially true if you are converting a van for long-term travel, or using it to live off-grid for extended periods.

I have seen the difference first-hand. A client using a premium heater in the Alps told me it never missed a beat, even at altitude and in freezing temperatures.

Meanwhile, another client with a budget unit struggled to get it started below zero and had no way to troubleshoot when it failed. That kind of difference matters when you are relying on your van as your home.

Premium heaters also tend to be quieter, easier to maintain, and better supported with spare parts and service documentation. That kind of reliability becomes invaluable the longer you spend on the road.

Will you regret going cheap?

Not always. But I have seen plenty of people who did.

Most of the regrets I hear come from people who went for the cheapest possible option without realising the extra hassle involved. If it stops working mid-trip, or the controller fails and you have no heat on a cold night, the money saved quickly stops feeling like a win.

That said, if you go into it with your eyes open, do a proper install, and use it in the right conditions, a budget heater can absolutely serve a purpose. 

I just would not recommend one for high-mileage travellers, long-term vanlifers, or anyone who depends on their heater day in and day out.