The following guide compares five gas heating options that cover catalytic, radiant, infrared, and blue-flame technologies for small to medium spaces. It highlights key features, intended uses, and safety controls so you can evaluate which type aligns with your heating needs and installation constraints.
| Product | Type / Key Feature | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Camco Olympian Wave-6 | Catalytic Portable — Silent, No Flame | Up To 200 Sq. Ft. |
| Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX | Propane Radiant — Adjustable BTU, Indoor-Safe | Up To 225 Sq. Ft. |
| ProCom MN300HBA-B | Ventless Blue Flame — Manual Control, ODS | Up To 1,400 Sq. Ft. |
| ProCom MN300TBA-B | Ventless Blue Flame — Thermostat Control | Up To 1,400 Sq. Ft. |
| Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 | Infrared Wall Heater — Radiant Heat | Up To 1,000 Sq. Ft. |
Camco Olympian Wave-6 Portable Catalytic Heater
This heater Uses catalytic combustion, producing heat without an open flame or fan, making it suitable for RV, camper, garage, and indoor applications where quiet operation and low draft are priorities.
- BTU Range: 3,200–6,000 BTUs, adjustable to match small spaces.
- Coverage: Up To 200 Square Feet.
- Silent Operation: No fan or blower — heat is generated quietly.
- Ignition: Self-generating piezo starter rated for 20,000 starts.
- Safety: Safety shut-off valve included; no open flame design.
- Placement: Portable with optional legs or permanent mounting; usable outdoors in sheltered settings.
The Wave-6 Focuses On low-noise, flameless catalytic conversion, which provides steady convective heat. Its piezo starter and safety shut-off are designed for repeated use and portability. The unit’s compact footprint and lack of a forced-air fan reduce noise and airborne dust circulation, which may be preferred in sleeping areas or enclosed vehicles.
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX Propane Heater
The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Uses infrared/radiant heating to warm objects and people directly rather than heating air first, which can feel like sun-like warmth in localized areas.
- BTU Range: 4,000–9,000 BTUs with adjustable settings.
- Coverage: Up To 225 Square Feet.
- Ignition: Durable Piezo igniter for matchless starting.
- Safety: Tip-over safety switch with audible engagement; designed for indoor-safe propane use in specified conditions.
- Use Cases: Campers, workshops, job sites, patios, and portable indoor-safe scenarios.
As A Radiant Heater, the Buddy concentrates warmth where it is aimed and operates independently of room air changes. It includes an improved tip-over switch and a proven piezo igniter. This type is effective for spot heating people or workstations but will not evenly heat large, open rooms like a central system.
ProCom MN300HBA-B Ventless Blue Flame Heater
The ProCom MN300HBA-B Is A ventless blue flame space heater that delivers direct combustion heat to indoor spaces without requiring electricity, using natural gas and a manual piezo ignition.
- Max BTU: 30,000 BTU using natural gas.
- Coverage: Heats Up To 1,400 Sq. Ft.
- Controls: Manual control with Low/Medium/High settings.
- Ignition: Push button Piezo ignition — no electricity required.
- Safety: Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) with automatic shut-off.
This Model Is Designed For homes or offices where a ventless natural gas source is available and electricity independence is a priority. The ODS provides a safety layer by shutting the heater off if oxygen levels become unsafe. Ventless heaters can increase indoor humidity and combustion byproducts, so they are typically recommended where ventilation and local codes permit.
ProCom MN300TBA-B Ventless Heater With Thermostat
The ProCom MN300TBA-B Shares The Same blue-flame ventless platform as the manual model but adds thermostat control for more consistent temperature regulation.
- Max BTU: 30,000 BTU using natural gas.
- Coverage: Heats Up To 1,400 Sq. Ft.
- Control: Thermostat with High/Medium/Low settings for automatic cycling.
- Installation: Includes wall mount and base feet for flexible placement.
- Design: Slim profile intended to integrate with residential décor.
The Thermostat Feature Enables the heater to cycle based on room temperature, which can improve comfort and reduce gas usage versus a manual on/off approach. As with all ventless gas heaters, confirm local codes and ventilation requirements before installation, and consider carbon monoxide monitoring for safety.
Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 Infrared Wall Heater
The Dyna-Glo Infrared Heater Uses infrared radiation to warm surfaces and people directly, similar to sunlight, which can produce fast-perceived warmth in a room or zone.
- BTU Output: Up To 30,000 BTU/hr.
- Coverage: Heats Up To 1,000 Sq. Ft.
- Fuel: Natural Gas Ready; conversion not permitted.
- Mounting: Wall-mounted orientation for permanent installation.
Infrared Wall Heaters Provide focused radiant comfort and typically achieve quicker comfort levels for occupants compared to heating the entire air volume. They are suitable for garages, workshops, and large open areas where targeted warmth is beneficial. Because Dyna-Glo’s unit is fixed and natural-gas specific, planning for gas supply and appropriate venting or placement is necessary.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Gas Heater
Selecting a gas heater involves matching technology, safety features, fuel type, and installation constraints to your intended use. Below are the primary considerations to compare models and configurations objectively.
Heating Technology
Catalytic Heaters Use a catalyst to enable combustion at lower temperatures, producing heat without an exposed flame and often without a fan. They are quiet and well-suited for enclosed spaces like RVs and campers where noise and draft are concerns.
Radiant/Infrared Heaters Deliver heat to objects and people directly. They are ideal for spot heating and outdoor covered areas or large spaces where heating the entire air volume is inefficient.
Blue-Flame (Ventless) Heaters Burn gas in open combustion visible as a blue flame, heating room air directly and operating without electricity in many models. They tend to heat larger zones and may add moisture and combustion byproducts to indoor air, requiring ventilation and code compliance.
Fuel Type And Supply
Determine if your location has natural gasavailability or if you need propanecylinders. Some heaters are natural-gas-only, others require conversion kits, and portable units often use propane. Fuel choice affects installation cost, mobility, and run-time logistics.
Room Size And Coverage
Estimate square footage and desired temperature rise. Small catalytic and portable radiant units cover a few hundred square feet effectively; larger blue-flame and infrared wall units extend to 1,000–1,400+ square feet. A unit’s BTU rating should align with room insulation and ceiling height for accurate performance expectations.
Ventilation, Indoor Air Quality, And Codes
Ventless models increase indoor combustion byproducts and humidity and are often restricted by local building codes. Confirm code compliance and ensure adequate ventilation. Regardless of heater type, installing a carbon monoxide alarm and following manufacturer clearance and venting recommendations is essential.
Safety Features
Key safety components include oxygen depletion sensors (ODS), automatic shut-off valves, tip-over switches, and audible indicators for malfunctions. For catalytic units, the lack of an exposed flame reduces ignition risk but does not eliminate the need for CO detection and proper ventilation.
Controls And Thermostat Options
Manual controls provide simplicity and reliability; integrated thermostats allow automatic cycling for comfort control and efficiency. Consider programmable thermostats or models with thermostat control when consistent ambient temperature is desired.
Noise And Air Movement
If noise and airborne dust circulation are concerns, choose silent catalytic or non-fan radiant heaters. Forced-air or blower-equipped heaters produce more air movement and may be preferred where rapid, even air temperature distribution is required.
Installation And Placement
Decide between portable units that require no permanent installation and wall-mounted or permanently installed heaters that need gas connections and possibly venting. Clearance from combustibles, mounting height, and accessibility for maintenance should factor into placement planning.
Energy Efficiency And Operating Costs
Compare BTU output relative to coverage and consider how efficiently a technology converts fuel into usable warmth for occupants. Radiant and catalytic heaters can feel more efficient in targeted applications, while larger vented or ventless systems may be better for whole-room heating depending on insulation.
Maintenance And Durability
Review ignition system durability (for example, piezo starters with long start ratings), availability of replacement parts, and the manufacturer’s guidance on cleaning catalytic surfaces, burners, or infrared elements. Simpler mechanical controls often mean easier long-term serviceability.
Multiple Comparison Perspectives
- Quiet, Flameless Operation: Catalytic units like the Camco Wave-6 excel when silent, low-draft heat is needed in small enclosed spaces.
- Spot Heating And Mobility: Portable propane radiant units provide quick, targeted warmth for workshops, camps, or job sites.
- Whole-Room Fixed Heat: Ventless blue-flame and infrared wall heaters deliver sustained heat for larger rooms but require attention to ventilation and codes.
- Thermostat Control: For unattended temperature control and improved efficiency, choose models with thermostat functionality.
When comparing specific products, match the BTU output, fuel compatibility, and safety features to your installation and occupancy needs. Always verify local code requirements and follow manufacturer installation instructions to ensure safe operation.