Choosing the right propane wall heater depends on room size, venting preference, and safety features. Below is a concise comparison of five relevant models that cover a range of technologies including blue flame, infrared/radiant, vented and ventless designs. The table summarizes core specs to help you compare at a glance.
| Model | Type | Max BTU | Coverage | Key Safety/Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Heater 20,000 BTU Blue Flame | Vent-Free Blue Flame | 20,000 | Up To 700 Sq. Ft. | Thermostat, ODS |
| Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1 | Infrared Vent-Free | 30,000 | Up To 1,000 Sq. Ft. | Variable Output |
| Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU | Direct Vent (Sealed) | 11,000 | Up To 375 Sq. Ft. | Sealed Burn, Safety Pilot |
| ProCom ML300TBA-B 30,000 | Ventless Blue Flame | 30,000 | Up To 1,400 Sq. Ft. | Thermostat Control |
| Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Radiant | Vent-Free Radiant | 30,000 | Up To 1,000 Sq. Ft. | Infrared Radiant Technology |
Mr. Heater 20,000 BTU Blue Flame
The Mr. Heater MHVFBF20LPT is a vent-free blue flame propane wall heater rated at 20,000 BTU, designed to warm areas up to 700 sq. ft. It includes a built-in thermostat for temperature regulation and a battery-powered electronic ignition for straightforward startup. The unit’s listed fuel consumption (about 0.926 lbs/hr) gives an idea of runtime on a standard cylinder when running at maximum output.
Key safety is provided by the factory-standard Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS), which shuts the heater off if oxygen levels fall below safe limits. The model is also specified for operation up to 4,500 ft elevation, useful for higher-altitude installations. Suitable for use as supplemental heat in garages, cabins, and sunrooms where vent-free operation is permitted.
Dyna-Glo Infrared 30,000 BTU
The Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1 is a vent-free infrared (radiant) wall heater offering up to 30,000 BTU. Infrared technology radiates heat to objects and people first rather than primarily heating the air, similar to the effect of sunlight. This unit’s variable output range from 6,000 to 30,000 BTU/hr helps match heat to room load and can serve spaces up to about 1,000 sq. ft.
Designed for liquid propane, the unit’s feature list emphasizes radiant comfort and adjustable output. Infrared units often provide quicker perceived warmth at distance since they directly heat surfaces and occupants. Note that the product listing specifies fuel readiness and conversion limitations; verify applicable installation and local codes for vent-free infrared units.
Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Direct Vent
The Comfort Glow direct vent wall heater is a vented (sealed combustion) propane model rated at 11,000 BTU, designed to heat areas up to 375 sq. ft. Its sealed-burn system draws combustion air from outside and exhausts outdoors, reducing indoor combustion byproducts and increasing perceived safety in living spaces where venting is preferred or required.
Safety features include a matchless piezo ignition and a safety pilot with built-in pressure regulator that cuts gas flow if the pilot is extinguished. The compact space-saving design is intended for wall mounting; the model dimensions and mounting hardware support installations in smaller rooms, bathrooms (where allowed by code), or tight floor plans requiring a sealed vent solution.
ProCom 30,000 BTU Blue Flame
The ProCom ML300TBA-B is a ventless blue flame heater delivering up to 30,000 BTU and claimed coverage up to 1,400 sq. ft. It features thermostat control with multiple settings (High/Medium/Low) to modulate output and maintain set temperatures. The design includes both wall-mount hardware and optional base feet for floor placement, offering installation flexibility.
The product emphasizes a slim, modern profile while maintaining a ventless blue flame combustion approach. As with other vent-free designs, review local codes and room ventilation requirements. Thermostat-based control aids in efficiency and comfort management, while the heater’s maximum output positions it for larger supplemental heat needs within residential spaces.
Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Radiant Propane
The Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU radiant propane heater uses infrared/radiant technology to deliver sun-like warmth and is designed to heat spaces up to 1,000 sq. ft. Radiant heaters directly warm surfaces and people, which can be effective for supplemental heating in areas with high ceilings or intermittent use.
Its listed fuel consumption and runtime estimates indicate a design focus on fuel efficiency, while multiple burner tiles are used to distribute radiant heat evenly. This model suits applications like cabins, sunrooms, and additions where targeted radiant warmth is preferred. As with other high-output units, installation location, clearances, and local regulations must be observed.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Propane Wall Heater
Choosing the right propane wall heater requires balancing room size, venting preferences, safety, and control features. Below are practical considerations and comparison angles to help select a suitable model for your space and needs.
Type: Vent-Free vs Direct Vent vs Radiant/Infrared
- Vent-Free (Ventless/Blue Flame): Sells well for easy installation and high efficiency since all heat stays indoors. Suitable for supplemental heat in well-ventilated rooms where codes permit. Look for Oxygen Depletion Sensors (ODS) and thermostat controls.
- Direct Vent (Sealed Combustion): Draws combustion air from outside and exhausts outdoors. Preferred for bedrooms and enclosed living areas where minimizing indoor combustion byproducts is a priority.
- Infrared/Radiant: Radiant or infrared heaters warm people and surfaces directly. Good for spaces with high ceilings, intermittent usage, or where quick perceived warmth is desired.
Heating Capacity And Room Size
Match BTU rating to the area you want to heat. As a rule of thumb, 10,000–12,000 BTU often covers small rooms, while 20,000–30,000 BTU models suit larger areas or poorly insulated spaces. Always cross-reference manufacturer’s coverage square footage and consider insulation, ceiling height, and climate.
Controls And Comfort Features
- Thermostat Control: Maintains target temperature and improves fuel efficiency compared to fixed-output units.
- Variable Output: Useful for infrared models that list wide BTU ranges, allowing partial-load operation to reduce cycling.
- Ignition Type: Electronic or battery-powered ignitions simplify operation versus manual pilot lights. Piezo ignitions are common on direct vent sealed models.
Safety And Local Codes
Key safety elements include Oxygen Depletion Sensors (ODS), sealed combustion for direct vent units, and safety pilots or pressure regulators to stop gas flow if the pilot goes out. Local building codes and appliance regulations can restrict vent-free heaters in bedrooms, bathrooms, or in certain jurisdictions—verify local rules before purchase.
Installation Considerations
- Clearances And Mounting: Wall mounting or floor placement requirements affect location choices. Check manufacturer clearance specs for combustible surfaces.
- Venting Needs: Direct vent units require ducting or wall/roof penetrations to exhaust combustion gases; vent-free models avoid this but need adequate room ventilation.
- Fuel Supply: Confirm whether the unit is designed for liquid propane and whether it requires hard-piping or standard cylinder connection. Some units specify minimum cylinder sizes for optimal runtime.
Efficiency, Runtime, And Operating Cost
Vent-free units often report near 100% combustion efficiency since heat is delivered indoors, but operating costs depend on local propane prices and unit BTU. Manufacturer fuel consumption figures (lbs/hr) can be used to estimate runtime on a specific propane cylinder size without referencing specific price points.
Elevation And Field Conversion Limits
Check elevation ratings—some heaters are tested for high-altitude operation, while others require field conversion kits or are not permitted to be converted between natural gas and propane. Confirm manufacturer guidance for installations above specified elevations.
Maintenance And Durability
- Routine Checks: Inspect burners, pilot assemblies, and clean air passages periodically to ensure efficient combustion.
- Service Access: Choose models with accessible panels for maintenance and replacement parts availability.
- Warranty And Support: Review warranty terms and manufacturer support options for service or parts replacement.
Placement, Noise, And Aesthetics
Consider where the heater will be visible and whether the design fits the room. Some models are low-profile and mount flush to the wall; others include optional base feet for floor placement. Ventless units are typically quieter than some powered vent systems, but check product specifications if noise is critical.
Comparing Blue Flame vs Infrared/Radiant
- Blue Flame (Convection): Heats air and provides even, circulating warmth suitable for whole-room comfort and continuous operation.
- Infrared/Radiant: Delivers quicker perceived warmth to people and objects, effective for targeted or intermittent heating and large-volume spaces.
Final Selection Checklist
- Confirm the heater type appropriate for your room and local code (vent-free vs direct vent).
- Match BTU output to room size while accounting for insulation and ceiling height.
- Verify required safety features like ODS, sealed combustion, and pressure regulators.
- Ensure installation viability: clearances, fuel connection, and venting if applicable.
- Consider controls (thermostat, variable output) for comfort and fuel efficiency.