A propane heater is an affordable and functional alternative to an electric heater and is specially designed for those who travel a lot. Propane heaters can be used in tents and outdoor and indoor spaces. They use propane as fuel and are budget-friendly. They are also portable and can help you save on utility bills. In this article, we have listed the 9 best propane heaters to narrow down your search. Take a look!
9 Best Propane Heaters
1. Best For Small Spaces: Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater
The Mr. Heater Indoor Portable Propane Heater is a great choice to heat enclosed spaces like tents up to 225 sq.ft. It can be easily connected to a 1 lb cylinder comes with a fold-down handle for maximum heat output. It also has built-in safety features. If the heater gets tipped over, detects lower oxygen levels, or if the pilot light goes out, the unit will automatically shut off. Features
Dimensions: 7.7 x 13.4 x 15 inches Weight: 9 pounds Heat Output: 4,000-9,000 BTU Capacity: 200 sq. ft.
Pros
Easy operation Heavy-duty construction Lightweight Quick heating Noiseless Comes with an oxygen depletion sensor
Cons
May cause a foul odor.
2. Camco 57331 Olympian Wave-3 Catalytic Heater
The Camco Olympian Wave-3 Catalytic Heater is affordable and compact. It comes with a shutoff valve to prevent non-ignition fuel discharge and unwanted accidents. The wave heater operates on low-pressure gas and can be used as a free-standing or wall-mounted unit. It features optional legs that radiate heat in the direction you want. If you are an adventurer, you can carry this highly functional heater on your trip as it does not need a battery or electrical plug. Features
Dimensions: 5 x 12 x 15 inches Weight: 6.89 pounds Heat Output: 1,6000-3,000 BTU Capacity: 100 sq. ft.
Pros
Noiseless operation Lightweight Portable Affordable Long-lasting
Cons
Not suitable for high altitude camping.
3. Best Budget Buy: Texsport Portable Outdoor Propane Heater
The Texsport Propane Heater works with 14.1 oz or 16.4 oz disposable propane fuel cylinders and heats up quickly. It provides various safety features, such as a safety grid, an auto-shutoff fuel valve, and a paddle foot base for added stability. The burner is made of durable stainless steel. This heater is best suited for camping and outdoor activities. Features
Dimensions: 8.5 x 10 x 5.2 inches Weight: 1 pound Heat Output: 2,890 BTU Capacity: 200-300 sq. ft.
Pros
Lightweight Sturdy construction Long-lasting Has a large paddle foot base
Cons
May tip over easily.
4. Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG Cabinet Heater
The Dyna-Glo Cabinet Heater is designed to offer immediate and constant heat with its efficient 3-plaque heating system. It heats up rooms or areas up to 600 sq. ft. and features a front safety grill to prevent accidents. The heater is suitable for indoor and outdoor heating and commercial applications. When connected to a 20 lb cylinder or propane tank, the heater can provide up to 64 hours of operation. It comes with side carrying handles, locking casters, and variable heat controls to adjust the temperature manually. The heater also has an oxygen depletion sensor and offers tip-over protection for safety. Features Dimensions: 16.1 x 17.5 x 23.2 inchesWeight: 20 poundsHeat Output: 6,000 – 18,000 BTUCapacity: 600 sq. ft. Pros
Lightweight Compact Easy to use Durable Comes with side carrying handles and locking casters Offers tip-over protection Comes with an oxygen depletion sensor
Cons
No thermostat
5. Comfort Glow GCH480 Propane(LP) Cabinet Heater
The Comfort Glow Propane Cabinet Heater is a completely sealed and safe heater to use during your camping and boondocking trips. It runs with a 20 lb propane tank that neatly adjusts in the back of the heater. It also features built-in auto-shutoff safety features to prevent accidents and leaks. The protective front grill ensures safety, and the four rolling casters make it easy to move around. Features
Dimensions: 13.25 x 13.75 x 23 inches Weight: 16.75 pounds Heat Output: 6,000, 12,000, and 18,000 BTU Capacity: 450 sq. ft.
Pros
Portable Push-button ignition Adjustable heat control Inbuilt safety shutoff
Cons
Difficult to light.
6. REMINGTON Portable Tank Top Propane Heater
The Remington Portable Propane Heater is designed to offer consistent and radiant heat. It is excellent for ice fishing, camping, worksites, tailgating, and related adventures. The heater is equipped with a rugged chrome emitter guard, a coated steel reflector, a wind-resistant frame, a safety shutoff valve, and tip-over switch. Features
Dimensions: 8 x 7 x 12 inches Weight: 3.04 pounds Heat Output: 16,000 BTU Capacity: 300 sq. ft.
Pros
Lightweight Versatile Wind-resistant frame 24 hours runtime Features a tip-over switch
Cons
Doesn’t have support brackets.
7. Best For Indoors: Martin Direct Vent Propane Wall Thermostatic Heater
The Martin Direct Vent Thermostatic Heater comes with a built-in thermostat that allows you to monitor the heat dispersion. It features a sleek fireplace design and produces safe and clean energy for warming compact spaces. The heavy-duty grill promotes better heat flow. The direct vent gas heater is very easy to install and requires less maintenance. It comes with a glass-ceramic window through which you can watch the blue flame of the burner. Features Dimensions: 8.3 x 26 x 22.7 inchesWeight: 50 poundsHeat Output: 20,000 BTUCapacity: 538 sq. ft. Pros
Compact Heavy-duty die-cast aluminum grill Comes with a glass-ceramic window Easy to maintain
Cons
Not easy to install.
8. DeWALT Cordless Forced Air Propane Heater
The DeWALT Cordless Propane Heater is more powerful than the standard heaters. It features quiet burner technology, making the heater 50% quieter than the regular heaters. It has an electrostatic powder-coated finish for extended product life and protecting the internal components. The high-power and lightweight heater provides quick heating and creates a warm atmosphere in cold conditions. It has a high temperature limit switch for added safety. Features
Dimensions: 19.75 x 12 x 18 inches Weight: 14.8 pounds Heat Output: 68,000 BTU Capacity: 1700 sq. ft.
Pros
Heavy-duty handle Easy to clean Recessed controls Cordless Has a high-temperature limit switch Comes with a variable rate valve for better heat
Cons
Weak blower
9. ProCom PCC80V Propane Convection Heater
The ProCom Propane Convection Heater features two heat settings, so you can adjust the temperature as per your requirements. It combines radiant heat with convection airflow to offer consistent and maximum heat when it is freezing outside. This safe and reliable heater comes with push-button ignition for added safety. It comes with a hose and regulator. Features Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 12 inchesWeight: 12.8 poundsHeat Output: 40,000-80,000 BTUCapacity: 1900 sq. ft. Pros
Clean burning Lightweight Long-lasting Offers 360 degrees heat radius CSA certified 22 hours run time
Cons
May leave a foul odor.
After scrolling through the 9 best propane heaters, if you are confused about which heater is suitable for you, here is our informative buying guide to help you decide.
Buying Guide – Things To Consider Before Buying A Propane Heater
Propane heaters are highly energy-efficient, reasonably priced, and functional. Here are the things you should consider while buying a propane heater.
Size Or Heating Capacity
The size of a propane heater matters a lot. Check the BTU value of the heater. High BTU means that the heater will heat a large room. A 1,600 BTU heater can heat up a room of up to 100 sq. ft. while a 75,000 BTU heater can heat up spaces up to 1700-3600 sq. ft. Determine the size of your room/space and check the BTU of the heater to choose the right-sized propane heater for your needs.
Portability
Propane heaters are very popular among camping and hiking enthusiasts. This is because they don’t need electricity and can operate at remote locations. Hence, portability is a crucial aspect to keep in mind. If you want to carry the heater with you on your trips, make sure that you pick a lightweight and portable option. A heater with caster wheels, lightweight design, easy to carry handles, and cordless operation is best.
Location
Some propane heaters are not ideal for high altitude spaces, so it is vital to keep in mind the location where you want to use the heater. If you are using it inside a tent and want consistent airflow, go for an indoor heater. Make sure that it has safety features, and the space is well ventilated. On the other hand, if you want to use the heater outside, go for an outdoor heater. It will offer better heat circulation and has high BTU to keep your family safe when it is cold outside.
Ignition
Some propane heaters offer automatic ignition, while some heaters have to be lit manually. Heaters with integrated ignition offer quick heat up and are easy to use. You simply have to turn the heater on, and it is ignited. Automatic ignition is very effective, but it can wear very quickly. On the other hand, heaters with manual ignition are long-lasting and will not wear quickly.
Safety Features
Propane is highly flammable and can release carbon monoxide that can harm your lungs. Hence, you need a heater with high-end safety features. Tip-over protection shuts off the heater if the heater knocks over. Overheat protection will shut off the unit if the heater gets overheated. The oxygen depletion sensor turns off the device if the oxygen level in a room drops significantly. Some models also come with 360-degree rotating wheels and safety grills for extended safety.
Cost
Though propane heaters are more economical than electric heaters, you should consider the cost before selecting one. Consider your budget and the features you need in a heater. More importantly, consider the location of use and zero in on a heater that offers all the features within your budget. Don’t go for cheap propane heaters that compromise on safety features. You will have to spend on a propane tank or cylinders, so keep all the costs in mind and choose the right unit. A propane heater is a heater that uses propane as fuel instead of electricity. Fuel is inserted into a tank and then ignited for use. Propane is highly cost-effective and saves on energy bills. Hence, propane heaters have become highly popular across the world. They are specially designed for adventurers and can be used indoors as well as outdoors. You can also use these heaters in garages, tents, camping sites, and places where you don’t have access to electricity. Let’s now understand what indoor propane heaters are.
What Is An Indoor Propane Heater?
An indoor propane heater is designed for small and large indoor spaces and offers consistent heat circulation. These heaters are generally safe to use due to the built-in safety features and can quickly warm up compact spaces. The following are the types of indoor propane heaters.
Types Of Indoor Propane Heaters
There are two types of indoor propane heaters: Permanent heaters are wall-mounted appliances and built for regular use. You can carry portable heaters along on a camping trip, but permanent heaters will remain attached to a large fuel tank in your home. Portable heaters can be used as a complementary heating system to heat the house and offer less heating than permanent heaters. Permanent heaters provide better and efficient heat in large spaces, while portable heaters are generally designed to heat up small spaces. Permanent heaters require more ventilation as these models are large and produce more exhaust gas, unlike the portable heaters. If you are looking for a large and wall-mounted heater that offers better heat, go for a permanent heater. If you want a movable heater with low heating capacity, go for a portable heater. Propane heaters offer plenty of benefits over the standard electric heaters. Here are a few benefits.
Advantages Of Indoor Propane Heaters
Portable: Propane heaters are generally portable and can be used at camping and hiking sites. These lightweight and compact heaters can easily fit in small areas and offer adequate heating.
Energy-saving: They use propane gas instead of electricity and, thus, save on energy bills. They are also cheaper than electric heaters and can help you save money.
Safety Features: Propane heaters come with plenty of safety features to prevent accidents, like tip-over protection, overheat protection, and auto-shutoff.
No Foul Odor: Propane is a clean-burning fuel, which means that these heaters will not emit a foul odor. It is also less flammable than the other alternatives.
Easy To Maintain: Unlike most electric heaters that require regular maintenance, propane heaters are easy to maintain and clean. These compact units can also be cleaned at home with minimal tools.
Although most propane heaters come with built-in safety features and functions, there are several things you should keep in mind while buying a unit.
Safety Precautions To Take When Buying An Indoor Propane Heater
Don’t use an outdoor heater indoors. Indoor heaters are certified and designed to be used in less ventilated areas.
Don’t place anything on top of the indoor heater.
Propane heaters release carbon monoxide, which may lead to CO poisoning and death. Hence, install a carbon monoxide alarm in your house for early detection.
Keep your kids and pets away from the heater.
Choose a heater that has been certified and tested by a product safety group.
Propane heaters can get hot and may ignite nearby objects like curtains and drapes. Hence, keep it at a safe distance from inflammable objects.
Do not run a propane heater while sleeping.
Set it up on a flat, level surface to prevent tip-overs.
Switch the unit off before you leave the room.
Propane heaters are more affordable and convenient alternatives to electric heaters. They can quickly heat up the room and can create a warm and comfortable environment for hours. Use our buying guide and keep the precautions in mind before picking the best one for your needs. Are propane heaters safe for home use? Indoor propane heaters come with built-in safety features and prevent exhaustion. Hence, only indoor propane heaters are ideal for indoor use. Outdoor propane heaters should not be used inside the home. Do you need ventilation when using a propane heater? Propane heaters can release harmful gases like carbon monoxide that may trigger poisoning. It is essential to have proper ventilation to prevent gas leaks and circulate fresh and pleasant air. Also, if the oxygen level drops in a room because of low ventilation, poisonous gases can release and damage the lungs. Thus, ventilation is extremely important. Can you leave a propane heater on all night? Ideally, no. However, some propane heaters provide a run time of up to 22 hours, which means that you can leave them on all night, provided the area is well ventilated, and the unit is away from inflammable objects. What type of heater is best for the garage? A propane heater with proper safety features is ideal for a garage. Make sure there is enough ventilation and air circulating in the room. Keep inflammable items away from the heater to prevent accidents. How much space will 75,000 BTUs heat? The heating depends on the temperature outside. A 75,000 BTU unit can heat up spaces up to 1900-3700 sq. ft.
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