Best Propane Heaters
Beat the chill of winter with a propane heater - stay warm and cozy even when it's snowing!
Winter is cold! And, ohhh yeaahhhh, a propane heater is very nice when those temps drop below your comfort level, whatever that may be. But, how do you pick the right propane heater for your needs?
Great question! I am glad you asked. Propane heaters are portable in many cases. So unless the cold stays in one spot, it just might make sense to have a heater that can move with you opposed to electric heaters and extended power cords.
Whether you are camping, RV'ing, hanging out on the back porch or, just have an area of the house that won't seem to get warm, how great would it be to put those shivers to rest?
Take a look at the 4 best propane heaters with four very specific strengths to find the one that will cure your cold!
How did we pick these?
We searched through hundreds or options for portable heaters to find the best so you don't have to. Now, not only are these products rated the best for each category, they all have a high quantity of positive ratings and reviews.
When you are facing the elements outside, it's good to know that you are not alone in the struggle so that you can rest assured your next propane heater has been Outdoor Verified!
Best Portable Heaters
What we like about it...
If you are looking for versatility in a propane heater, the Mr. Heater Buddy may just be the heater of your dreams. If you want a propane heater that will work in the garage, campsite, golf cart, or just about anywhere else, you have found it. The electric lighting component of this heater will set your heart on fire as it begins to provide the warmth that only propane can.
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This unit comes with 4,000 - 9,000 BTUs of heating capacity allowing it to effectively heat a 225 square foot room, cabin, tent or trailer. Run-time is 3 hours at max BTU output with a burn rate of .044 gallons per hour at 4,000 BTUs and .099 gallons per hour at 9,000 BTUs.
It has a fold down handle and a swivel out regulator that can be easily connected to a propane tank (not included). Safety is a priority with an auto shut-off if tipped over or the oxygen levels are low.
What we like about it...
The Mr Heater Double Tank Propane Heater is very endearing in its simplicity. The setup is straightforward and the lack of complexity leaves almost no room for mechanical fault. Even sitting around a campsite in Colorado, where we are based, this propane heater takes the edge off of the cool night air. And, without a shut off due to low oxygen levels, this is also the best pick for outdoor use at elevations above 7,000 feet.
Primary uses for this heater are hunting and camping trips in the mountains, sporting events and job site usage (usually close to the break area).
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The wide dispersal cones allow people to sit as far as 6' apart and still be able to share the warmth.
This unit ships with a one year warranty while providing efficient radiant heating. It is capable of being connected to either a 5 lb or 20 lb propane tank (not included). Safety and convenience are not lost on this design with a push button starter and a tip-over safety valve. CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certified and assembled in the USA.
What we like about it...
I know! We are "Outdoor" Verified, but hey, sometimes you need a propane heater in the house or other structure as well. This model comes in option from 10,000 BTU - 30,000 BTU. And, the majority are on sale at the writing of this article. Which is during its peak time. That is surprising!
If you are using electric space heaters in your house, you will see an immediate drop in monthly costs buy switching to propane since it costs less than electric. Now, those places like walk-in closets that do not have a dedicated heating vent will be nice and warm in the winter. This unit comes with a built-in thermostat and can be wall mounted or free-standing.
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Supplying 20,000 BTU of heat, this vent-free blue flame heater is a perfect solution for those days when supplemental heat is needed. The unit comes with battery-powered (YES! Included) electric ignition and works without a power supply in the event of a power outage. The natural convection of the burn will circulate warm air around your space.
Safety comes in the form of an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) to ensure there are no negative effects from too much oxygen consumption.
What we like about it...
Not only does this propane heater have a small footprint, but it does it with safety features normally reserved for the larger higher priced models. With both the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and tip-over shut-off switch, you can rest assured that this unit will operate safely in the smaller spaces it was designed for.
Of all on this list, this little heater is the only one recommended for a tent. Being a Colorado company, this is near and dear to us. However, at elevations exceeding 7,000 feet in elevation, this unit will not perform as well due to the safety feature.
More details...
There is a simple on/off button that works with manual lighting. Ironically, the run-time for this heater is the same for both minimum and max BTU at 5.6 hours. Expect to efficiently heat a space of up to 25 square feet with the 3800 BTU output from a 1 lb propane cylinder (not included).
There is also a 4" square ventilation area required for safe operation. The vents in a tent or windows unzipped a little in a pop-up trailer seem to work well for the required airflow.
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Ron Knezek
Summary
With so many different options available each with their own specialty, it seems like our article is an endorsement of Mr. Heater. Well, it just turned out that way based on our research. There are many other brands out there, but the highest rated propane heaters with the most reviews and 5 star endorsements just happened to be from this company. I hope you will follow up to the recommendations with your own research!
Propane Heater Buying Guide (FAQs)
Are there varieties of propane heaters safe for indoor use?
Yes, there are examples above in this article specifically for indoor use. While the concern for carbon monoxide is real, each of these propane heaters have cut-off switches that will trip in the even oxygen levels dip below a certain threshold.
How long will a 20 lb propane tank run a heater?
An example of run-time for a 40,000 BTU unit on a 20 lb propane tank is approximately 10 hours. Use that measurement to estimate up or down depending the size of the tank and BTU of the propane heater you have.
Do propane heaters give off carbon monoxide?
Yes, propane heaters produce carbon monoxide. The differences are evident in the differing models along with their specific uses; primarily indoor or outdoor. Choose the propane heater for your specific use.
Do you need ventilation when using a propane heater?
Adequate ventilation is required for propane heaters. Depending on the type and specifications of the unit, there are different ventilation requirements. Consult the manufacturer information to determine the requiements of your needs.
Can you use a Mr Buddy propane heater indoors?
In fact, the first Mr Buddy heater reviewed is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It is capable of heating up to 225 square feet.
Is it safe to have a 20 lb propane tank indoors?
NO. It is not safe to use or store propane tanks inside the house to include the garage, basement, carport, or sheds.
How safe are ventless propane heaters?
Buying the proper propane heater and maintaining it correctly will ensure the safety of your heater. Most heaters now come with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) that virtually eliminates the incomplete combustion that is the cause of excessive carbon monoxide.
Propane is cheaper than electric?
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has determined the cost of an electrically powered home costs more to heat than a propane heating system.
Thanks for stopping by!
With dreams of the outdoors,
Ron
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