When you need a powerful, portable heat source for a workshop, construction site, or large garage, a natural gas torpedo heater can deliver fast warm-up and sustained output. The table below summarizes five natural-gas heating options from Amazon that suit different applications, from portable forced-air units to mounted infrared and unit heaters.
| Product | Brand | Max BTU | Coverage / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG | Mr. Heater | 80,000 BTU | Approx. 2,000 Sq. Ft.; unit heater, requires clearances |
| Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 Wall Heater | Dyna-Glo | 30,000 BTU | Infrared radiant heat; up to 1,000 Sq. Ft. |
| L.B. White Tradesman 170N | L.B. White | 125,000–170,000 BTU | High-output portable forced-air for large sites |
| ProCom MN300TBA-B Blue Flame | ProCom | 30,000 BTU | Ventless blue flame; wall or floor mount; up to 1,400 Sq. Ft. |
| ProCom MN300TPA-B Infrared | ProCom | 30,000 BTU | Ventless infrared; thermostat control; up to 1,400 Sq. Ft. |
Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater
This Mr. Heater Big Maxx is a ceiling or wall-mounted unit heater rated at 80,000 BTU. The listing notes the heater covers about 2,000 sq. ft. and ships with two angle brackets and a propane conversion kit; thermostat, hose, and regulator are not included. The unit operates at 120 V with low current draw (2.3 amps) and requires a minimum 8 ft. clearance from floor to base. It supports category 1 vertical and category 3 horizontal venting and is intended for use with natural gas.
Key listed features include: inclusion of angle brackets and conversion kit, clearances and mounting requirements, and the intended fuel type. This heater is positioned for workshop or similar indoor spaces where a mounted natural gas unit is preferred over a portable torpedo.
Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 30,000 BTU Infrared Wall Heater
The Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 is a natural-gas infrared wall heater that uses radiant heat to warm objects and people directly, similar to how the sun provides heat. It provides up to 30,000 BTU/hr and the manufacturer states coverage up to 1,000 sq. ft. The unit is natural-gas ready and does not allow fuel conversion.
From the features: infrared technology is noted for heating objects first rather than air, which can be efficient in drafty or high-ceiling spaces. This model suits applications where targeted radiant warmth is desired rather than large-volume forced-air heating.
L.B. White Tradesman 170N Portable Forced Air Heater
The L.B. White Tradesman 170N is a classic portable forced-air (torpedo) heater designed for industrial and construction use. Its output ranges from 125,000 to 170,000 BTU/hr, making it suited to very large or outdoor-covered areas. The unit uses direct-fired technology and claims high fuel efficiency for its class.
Notable listed features: electronic spark ignition for dependable starts, built-in diagnostic light for troubleshooting, heavy-gauge combustion chamber and tri-shield finish for durability, and design intended for demanding jobsite environments. This is the most traditional torpedo-style natural gas solution in the selection and aligns closely with the search for “torpedo heater.”
ProCom MN300TBA-B Ventless Natural Gas Blue Flame Heater
The ProCom MN300TBA-B is a ventless blue flame natural gas space heater with a 30,000 BTU maximum output and stated heating coverage up to 1,400 sq. ft. Designed for residential and office environments, this compact unit offers thermostat control, slim profile, and included wall mount and base feet.
Key features from the listing: thermostat control with multiple heat settings, versatility for wall or floor installation, and a modern slim profile. As a ventless unit, it relies on indoor combustion and therefore includes safety considerations such as proper room sizing and ventilation.
ProCom MN300TPA-B Ventless Natural Gas Infrared Space Heater
This ProCom MN300TPA-B model is a ventless infraredvariant with thermostat control, producing up to 30,000 BTU and sizing for spaces up to 1,400 sq. ft. The unit is intended for home and office use and includes wall mount hardware and base feet for flexible placement.
Features listed: infrared heating combined with thermostat control and a slim modern profile. Being ventless, it is designed for indoor applications where installation constraints preclude venting, but it requires awareness of indoor air quality and combustion byproducts.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Natural Gas Torpedo Heater
Selecting the right natural gas torpedo or related gas space heater requires matching the heater type and capacity to your space, ventilation capability, and safety needs. Below are the primary factors to consider with multiple perspectives to help weigh options objectively.
1. Heater Type: Torpedo / Forced-Air vs. Infrared vs. Ventless Unit
Portable Forced-Air (Torpedo): Direct-fired torpedo heaters (like the L.B. White Tradesman) blow hot combustion gases and hot air into the space. They provide rapid warm-up and high BTU output, ideal for large, open, or outdoor-covered sites. They typically require safe fuel connections and are used in well-ventilated areas.
Infrared / Radiant: Infrared wall or portable units (Dyna-Glo, ProCom infrared) heat objects and people rather than air. They can be more efficient in drafty spaces or where localized warmth is desired. Infrared is quieter and useful for targeted heating.
Ventless Blue Flame / Room Heaters: Ventless heaters produce heat without flue vents by burning gas in the room. They are efficient at converting fuel to heat for indoor areas but require careful attention to oxygen depletion, ventilation, and CO safety. These are suitable for enclosed residential or office spaces where venting is not feasible.
2. BTU Output And Coverage
BTU is the primary spec for heating capacity. General guidance:
- Small Rooms: ~10,000–30,000 BTU
- Garages / Workshops: 30,000–80,000 BTU
- Large Shops / Construction: 100,000+ BTU (portable torpedoes)
Match BTU to cubic footage, insulation level, and whether you need spot heating or whole-space heating. Manufacturers often state estimated square footage, but use that as a rough guide and consider ceiling height and air leakage.
3. Fuel Compatibility And Conversion
Confirm whether a unit is natural gas only or convertible to propane. Some models include conversion kits; others (like the Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1) are natural gas ready with no conversion permitted. Choose based on your available fuel source and local codes.
4. Venting And Installation Constraints
Consider whether the heater requires venting. Unit heaters and direct-fired torpedoes often require clearances and exhaust arrangements. Ventless models eliminate flues but require compliance with indoor air quality guidelines and may not be allowed in certain jurisdictions or specific room types.
5. Safety Features
Important safety features to look for include:
- Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) for ventless units
- Tip-over or tilt switches for portable torpedoes
- Thermostat control and adjustable settings to prevent overheating
- Ignition reliability (electronic spark vs. piezo)
Also verify required clearances from combustibles and follow manufacturer installation instructions to maintain safe operation.
6. Portability, Mounting, And Footprint
Torpedo heaters are prized for portability—look for integrated handles, durable frames, and stable bases. Wall-mounted heaters save floor space and provide consistent radiant or convective coverage. Consider whether you need a mobile jobsite unit or a fixed workshop heater.
7. Efficiency And Fuel Use
Direct-fired torpedoes deliver high BTU but are typically less focused on combustion exhaust control. Ventless blue flame units claim high fuel utilization because no heat is lost up a flue, but they produce combustion byproducts in the room. Evaluate operational time and fuel availability to estimate ongoing costs.
8. Durability And Jobsite Toughness
For construction and industrial use, choose heaters with robust housings, heavy-gauge combustion chambers, and protective finishes. Diagnostic lights and serviceability can reduce downtime on jobsites.
9. Controls And Comfort Features
Thermostat control allows temperature regulation, while manual control offers simplicity. Infrared units can feel warmer at lower ambient temperatures due to direct radiant transfer. For continuous indoor comfort, thermostat-equipped ventless or unit heaters offer easier temperature management.
10. Regulations, Certifications, And Local Codes
Ensure the selected heater has the necessary certifications (CSA, ANSI) and that its installation complies with local building codes and fuel supply regulations. Ventless units may be restricted in some jurisdictions, and colocating gas appliances requires attention to space ventilation.
Comparison Perspectives And Matching By Use Case
Large Open Construction Sites: Prefer high-BTU portable torpedoes with direct-fired forced-air (L.B. White Tradesman). Prioritize durability, ignition reliability, and clearances in outdoor or semi-enclosed areas.
Workshops And Garages: For a mounted solution that saves floor space and offers consistent coverage, unit heaters like the Mr. Heater Big Maxx are appropriate. For spot heating or drafty spaces, infrared (Dyna-Glo or ProCom infrared) can be more comfortable.
Residential Or Office Indoor Use: Ventless blue flame or infrared models (ProCom MN300TBA-B / MN300TPA-B) with thermostat control are designed for indoor comfort, but be mindful of room size, ventilation, and ODS features.
Maintenance And Serviceability
Periodic inspection of burners, pilot/ignition systems, gas connections, and any filters is important. For torpedo and direct-fired heaters, check blower and fuel lines regularly. Keep manufacturer manuals handy for service intervals and parts replacement.
Quick Selection Checklist
- Confirm fuel type and whether conversion is allowed.
- Match BTU to space volume and insulation level.
- Decide between portable or mounted installation.
- Verify venting requirements and local code compliance.
- Prioritize safety features like ODS, tilt switches, and thermostats.
- Check durability and intended use (jobsite vs. residential).