The perfect companion for lower temperatures thanks to the use of propane, this heater integrates platinum catalytic technology for flameless, more stable heat. In addition to PerfectFlow® for a regulated fuel stream, particularly effective in low temperatures or variable altitudes, providing constant performance for the life of the cylinder.
Features
Propane operated
Instastart® system for matchless ignition
Includes the regulator
PerfectFlow® system
PerfectTemp™ catalytic process
Power: 870 W
Runtime: 7h30 full mass flow
Weight: 1.56 kg
My search for a non-electric heater ended with the purchase of a Black Cat.
I'm a Coleman fan anyway, and have a number of their gas and Dual Fuel products, so this one was a natural addition to the family.
The heater is a chunky, well built unit with fold out legs, a big control knob and a reassuringly large red igniter button. Set up couldn't be easier. Screw in a propane cartridge, turn the knob and press the igniter button a couple of times until you hear and see a pop.
The Cat is no blast furnace. Rather, it gives out a gentle heat from its large burner area. In many ways, this is an advantage, as I'm less paranoid about it being knocked over or upset. Because it is "catalytic" there are no violent naked flames to frighten the horses, and the two legs and cartridge supports make it very stable on either a hard flat surface or indeed on bumpy ground.
I've often thought it quite ironic that butane heaters will fail to operate just when you need them most - when it gets really cold. The Cat, running on propane, doesn't suffer from the dreaded butane fail-to-boil quirk at low temperatures.
A couple of disadvantages ...
Being flameless, it is often difficult to see if the thing is on or off. Visual clues are the control knob position or the feeling of heat from the burner. But if it is positioned out of reach, I find myself getting up every now and then to check.
I use the Coleman propane cartridges for the Black Cat, a Fold'n'go stove and a Northstar lantern, and have no problem with the format. However, I know that some other people perceive Coleman propane as expensive and difficult to obtain. In the UK, Coleman is alone in using this format. In the USA however, this format is the norm for portable gas equipment, and I hope and expect that other manufacturers will soon adopt these cartridges. In my opinion, they are no more expensive than the screw on EN417 disposables or the Camping Gaz click ons.
Overall, I think this heater is a winner. It's pretty safe, even around people with the Clumsy Gene, it's reliable, it's very well built, and quite cheap to run. Big thumbs up from me.