Early Cold Snap and Growing Camping Crowd Boost Fan Heater Sales

Sharp Increase in Fan Heater Sales Since August Amid Forecast of Severe Cold This Winter

As demand for contactless travel and camping increased due to COVID-19, sales of fan heaters have significantly risen. Illustration by Seongsu Oh

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Due to changes in travel trends caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the demand for camping has increased, leading to a significant rise in fan heater sales.

On the 29th, Gmarket announced that sales of outdoor heaters have increased by 110% compared to the same period last year over the past three months since August. Among them, camping heaters recorded the highest increase with sales up by 83%.

Shinil Electronics reported that fan heater sales increased by 293% from August to October compared to the same period last year. In particular, fan heater sales in September alone rose by 382% compared to the same period last year, generating sales of 1.4 billion KRW. As expected from a leading heating appliance brand, Shinil also explained that sales of winter heating products have grown by more than 30%.

As demand for camping has increased due to COVID-19, sales of fan heaters are also rising. The photo shows the SFH-1200BR model fan heater from Shinil Electronics. Photo by Shinil Electronics

Shinil’s fan heater is a product with a built-in fan in a kerosene heater that quickly circulates indoor air to maximize heating efficiency. Equipped with a large-capacity fuel tank, it can be used continuously for 45 to 67 hours on a single refuel. Additionally, it achieves maximum heat output with low power consumption, making it useful for camping where electricity supply is limited. It also features five safety devices to prevent fire accidents.

Shinil, which sold about 700 million KRW worth of fan heaters at Emart Traders in September alone, announced that it is considering developing a small air conditioner for camping to maintain this momentum.

Pasco also reported that fan heater sales more than doubled compared to the same period last year as of October. Earlier, Pasco conducted pre-orders for camping heaters through its official online mall in August and September, and the 500 units prepared were sold out within five minutes of the sales start. They added that sales of heating appliances, including fan heaters, are increasing.

An industry insider explained that the recent sharp drop in temperature increased the demand for heating products, and with domestic travel becoming a trend instead of overseas travel due to COVID-19, the number of campers has increased, leading to a rise in fan heater sales.

Jung Yunseok, CEO of Shinil, said, “We are feeling the increase in domestic campers through fan heater sales,” adding, “Fan heater product stocks at large marts are being shared in real time on camping-related online communities, showing their great popularity.” He continued, “Due to predictions that the cold will come early and be severe this year, fan heater sales have increased from August, a month earlier than usual, and we are working to meet production demands.”