The best indoor propane heaters can be a blessing in the winter season. They are cheaper to run than the more common electric heaters. They also heat up a room remarkably fast.
Indoor propane heaters create heat in living spaces using propane fuel. At their most basic form, they comprise a tank filled with propane, and an ignition system that fires up the fuel. Some of the top units on the market have specialized warm air distribution systems and a host of safety features.
Most indoor propane heaters are compact and portable. They can heat up your personal space without occupying too much space. You can also move them from room to room for more localized heating.
In this article, we dive deep into the world of indoor propane heaters. We explore the best units on the shelves and the top features to consider when shopping for the right one. By the end of the post, you will be as close as you can get to picking the device of your dreams.
Best Indoor Propane Heaters Comparison Chart?
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Indoor propane heaters come in various shapes and sizes to suit different needs. If you are in the market for one, narrowing down to the best options available can make your work a lot easier.
Top 7 Best Indoor Propane Heaters Reviews (Updated List)
Read on, for our selection of top indoor propane heaters you can buy today, based on online reviews from critics and users.
1. Mr.Heater Corporation MH18B Portable propane heater – Best Overall
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Mr. Heater Corporation MH18B is a highly portable indoor propane heater. It has a heating output of 18,000 BTU and can heat up spaces of up to 450 sq ft. It has three heating adjustments; low, medium and high. You can toggle through these modes manually or leave it up to the heater to choose, based on the temperature you have set it to achieve.
This unit has a commendable array of safety functions. It features an oxygen depletion sensor(ODS) that shuts it off when it detects low oxygen levels in your home. Another safety feature is the tip-over shut-off. This system detects when the heater tilts or tips over and turns it off to prevent unfortunate accidents.
Average indoor propane heaters feature a pilot light. The Mr. Heater MH18B, however, comes with electronic ignition. To light it, simply push the knob and rotate it to regulate the flame. For more convenience, the heater also features two swivel regulators. You can therefore attach a hose connected to an external gas supply if the onboard propane tank is empty.
All in all, the MH18B is an excellent indoor propane heater. It delivers outstanding heating performance in a body that is light and easy to move. Admittedly, it burns through propane quicker than some competitors. Nevertheless, its ability to support external gas sources can offer some much needed reprieve when the tank runs dry.
Pros
- Practical, portable design
- Ultra-sensitive ODS and tip-over safety features
- High heat output
- Dual swivel regulators
Cons
- Goes through a lot of propane.
2. Dyna-Glo Propane Heater IR12PMDG-1-12000BTU
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Dyna-glo propane heater is an ideal choice for safe and supplemental heating. It is a worthy alternative for shoppers looking for a heater that is even more compact than the Mr. Heater MH18B. It is also among the most affordable propane heaters on the market.
The Dyna Glo IR12PMDG-1 has a heating capacity of 12,000 BTU. It can heat up up to 300 square feet of space. It uses liquid propane, rather than compressed gas, and employs infrared heating technology to heat up objects instead of air. It also burns with 99.9 percent efficiency and does not require any external power to operate. The latter makes it suitable for areas with limited supply like cabins and garages, as well as during power outages.
Heat from this unit radiates outside via the heating grills. Users recommend that an optional fan be bought with the heater to aid in dispersion, especially for larger rooms. You can adjust the heat output easily with the control knob situated at the back. Even more straightforward is the startup process, thanks to the electronic spark ignition.
For safety, the Dyna-Glo IR12PMDG-1 features a standard oxygen depletion sensor and an automatic tilt shut-off system. It is therefore safe to use around pets and children.
This indoor propane heater is a great option for shoppers that are concerned about both size and price. It offers decent heating performance without costing a fortune in both the cost of buying and the space for installation.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Commendable heating capacity
- Decent safety features
- Fully non-electric
Cons
- Fan comes separately
3. Dura Heat Propane Heater TT- 360
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Dura heat propane heater is a simply designed and a highly capable indoor propane heater. It is quite popular because of its affordability and its compact size. Its resistant chrome emitter guard also makes it ideal for humid environments because it does not allow rust formation.
Do not let the small size of this unit fool you. It can effectively heat spaces of up to 1000 square feet. It is also highly efficient, offering more heating time over the same amount of propane than the Mr. Heater MH18B and Dyna-Glo IR12PMDG-1. Meanwhile, the L-tank connection allows it to accommodate a wide range of propane tanks.
The Dura Heat TT-360 offers both safety and convenience in one package. While its match-light ignition system is rather dated, it offers the advantage of preventing accidental ignition. By comparison, all it takes is the press of a knob for the auto-ignition units on this list to ignite. The inbuilt tip-over shut-off function also prevents accidents that could result from improper positioning.
The Dura Heat TT-360 is not designed to be an eye-pleasing addition to your living room. Instead, it is meant to be deployed when needed. Its heating performance will make even the coldest winters cozy and comfortable. Although it does not come with a tank, getting one separately does not drive up the total cost significantly.
Pros
- Compact, rust-free design
- Can heat a wide indoor area
- Supports a wide variety of tanks
- Decent safety features
Cons
- The propane tank is sold separately
- Less-intuitive match-light ignition
4. Dewalt Propane Heater 68000BTU
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are you looking to heat a large indoor area like an event venue or conference hall? Well, the 68,000 BTU Dewalt is the propane heater for you. It offers stellar heating performance for huge spaces, without compromising on portability. Moreover, like all of Dewalt’s heavy-duty tools, this heater features a reliable, durable build.
Thanks to its massive heating capacity, the Dewalt heater can warm up both indoor and outdoor sites, even in the dead of winter. You can adjust the heat output from 27,000 BTU to 68,000 BTU with the onboard adjustable valve.
This heater comes with a blower fan to aid in heat dispersion. When the fan is set to high, the heater will manage a decent seven hours of continuous heating on a minimum size tank. On low, you can heat up a room for as long as 13 hours. Regardless of the mode, it is remarkably quiet.
The unit’s cordless design enhances portability. However, it also means you must purchase a separate 20-volt battery for the ignition to work. Fortunately, the battery is rechargeable and will therefore save you from any future expenses.
All things considered, the 68,000 BTU Dewalt quiet propane unit is one of the best large-room indoor propane heaters around. It offers outstanding performance for large spaces. Moreover, its heavy-duty build guarantees you long-term service.
Pros
- Robust, durable build
- Cordless design
- Outstanding large-room heating performance
- Onboard blower fan
- Highly efficient
Cons
- Heating area not specified
- Not suitable for small rooms
5. Mr.Heater Corporation F299730
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Mr. Heater Corporation F299730 differs from its counterpart, the Mr. Heater MH18B in almost every way. For starters, while the MH18B’s design emphasizes portability, the F299730 is best deployed semi-permanently on a wall or floor. With a heat output of 30,000 BTU, it also heats up a larger area of 750 square feet.
The F299730 comes in a simple white design that will blend well with most interiors. The comprehensive manual makes it easy to install and use. You can choose to mount it or secure its base on your floor or a counter.
This Mr. Heater indoor propane heater delivers commendable performance for its size and price. As a blue flame heater, it does not radiate infrared heat like the Dyna Glo IR12PMDG-1. Therefore, rather than heating objects, it heats the air directly. The heated air rises, warming the room from the ceiling down.
Most users recommend using the F299730 as a supplement for central heating. You can deploy it in rooms that do not warm up well, so that you can adjust their temperature level without affecting the rest of your home. The inbuilt thermostat enables the unit to maintain the temperature you set autonomously.
As you would expect for a mounted heater, the Mr. Heater F299730 does not feature a host of safety functions. Furthermore, the fan is rather underpowered. Nevertheless, it is still an excellent choice for affordable living-space heating.
Pros
- Practical, mount-friendly design
- Decent blue-flame heating performance
- Inbuilt thermostat
Cons
- Underpowered fan
6. Dyna Glo RA18LPDG Propane Heater
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
So far, we have covered two primary forms of propane heaters: portable and mounted. The Dyna Glo RA18LPDG is the first cabinet heater on our list. This design will make your home feel like it has a functioning fireplace, but without the fumes and the high maintenance.
Like all cabinet heaters, the RA18LPDG is best fastened on the floor or mounted along the bottom half of a wall. It is not the most portable propane heater on our list, but its side handles and locking casters make it easy to move.
The heater produces 18000BTU of heat, which is enough for spaces up to 450 square feet. It also has adjustable heat settings to give you customizable heating options. According to Dyna-Glo, the RA18LPDG burns with 99.9 percent efficiency. It is therefore ideal for indoor heating on a budget.
For safety, the Dyna Glo RA18LPDG comes with an oxygen depletion sensor for managing the oxygen level in the room. Meanwhile, the front safety grill eliminates the possibility of the flame getting into contact with nearby objects. Starting the unit is straightforward, thanks to the heater’s piezoelectric ignition.
The RA18LPDG is an excellent option for cabinet heater fans. Other than several concerns that the tilt switch can be too sensitive, it is difficult to find complaints about this unit.
Pros
- Proper cabinet design
- Decent heating capability
- Commendable safety features
- Highly efficient
- Affordable price
Cons
- The tip switch is quite sensitive.
7. Mr.Heater MH18CH Radiant Cabinet L.P Heater
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Dyna Glo RA18LPDG represents cabinet propane heaters exceptionally. However, if you have used Mr. Heater products before and are pleased with the brand, you might want to consider the Mr. Heater MH18CH as an alternative.
This portable cabinet heater radiates heat with the warmth of the sun. It requires no electricity and is therefore an ideal choice for indoor heating during power outages. Its CSA rating also makes it an appropriate heating companion for outdoor activities like camping and fishing.
The MH18CH heats a room by radiating heat to objects around it. The 18,000 BTU heat output is enough to cozy up 450 square feet. The unit features straightforward controls, including a piezo-electric knob for easy ignition. You can toggle through three different operating modes; hgh, medium and low. Even on High, the MH18CH remains remarkably quiet.
Like all the top Mr. Heater units, the MH18CH features commendable safety functions. In addition to the standard oxygen depletion sensor and tip-over safety switch, it also features a thermoelectric safety valve. This valve prevents accidental propane leaks in case the ignition fails.
For such an affordable cabinet propane heater, it is praiseworthy that Mr. Heater’s MH18CH ticks all the necessary boxes. It offers non-electric operation and decent heating performance without compromising on portability or safety.
Pros
- Non-electric operation
- Great heating performance
- User-friendly
- Commendable safety features
Cons
- Black paint coating peels gradually
The Best Overall Indoor Propane Heater
How To Buy The Best Indoor Propane Heaters
Indoor propane heaters have several similar features. They are portable, safe and affordable. However, the best units also have certain functions that make them stand out from the bunch.
To buy the right indoor propane heater, you must consider the following important factors in length. That way, you can know what to prioritize to get the best heater for you.
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Design
The design of the heater is important as it is an indoor device. You should consider buying a small heating unit to save a lot of space in your room. A heater with a small form-factor will also be easier to store when not in use.
Keep in mind, however, that small devices lack power. If you need a higher power output, you may need to buy a bigger option. Therefore, before confirming your choice you need to consider your heat requirement and the space available in your home.
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Performance
The main purpose of an indoor propane heater is to heat up a room. Therefore the heating capacity plays an important role. The heating capacity of an indoor propane heater is given in BTU (British Thermal Unit).
Indoor propane heaters perform best within defined spaces as per their heating capacity. Therefore, you need to consider your heating area for you to buy a heater that best fits your needs.
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Portability
If you intend to use your propane heater in different rooms in your house, you will have to prioritize portability. Furthermore, a portable heater is more versatile than a less portable option. The ultra-light Dura Heat TT-360 Propane(LP), for instance, can be your go to heater for both indoor and outdoor heating.
Portability is affected by the size and weight of the heater. Therefore, for a portable heater, you may want to consider a small-sized heater that weighs less than average.
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Reliability
An indoor propane heater consists of critical parts that can fail and make the heater useless.Therefore,it is important to confirm its reliability.
The reliability of the heater depends on the quality of parts used in manufacturing and the build quality. It is difficult to check the durability of parts physically. Nonetheless, you can gain some confidence by examining the warranty period given by a manufacturer.
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Safety Features
Propane is flammable and dangerous. As a result, most propane heaters feature some safety functions. An Oxygen Depletion Sensor and a tip-over switch are both standard features for most heaters.
For reinforced safety, you can opt for a unit with a front safety grill, such as the Dyna-Glo IR12PMDG-1. Meanwhile, automatic ignition is typically safer than the more traditional match lighting. Units like the Mr Heater MH18B come with a cool-touch body, which makes them ideal for use around kids or pets.
Read Also: Best Waste Oil Heater
Wrap Up
Buying a good Indoor propane heater is an effective and convenient way to give the cold spaces in your home some much needed warmth. The best units on the market will give you the experience of a cozy fireplace, but with much less investment and a high safety factor.
Now that you know the best indoor propane heaters and the features to consider when shopping for one, we have no doubt you will find the right device.
Happy hunting!
