Space heaters come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, with different power sources to supply your need for additional heat anywhere in your home. One such source is propane, available in tanks you can simply connect to your heater for a safe and easy way to keep your room warm and comfortable through the winter months. While most propane heaters are ideal for outdoor use, there are many portable and permanent units designed for safe indoor use as well.
Propane heaters are the best heating solutions for off-grid living spaces with no electricity supply. In fact, propane heaters generate up to six times more heat in BTUs compared to a similarly sized electric heater. Propane burns cleanly and some heaters don’t even require ventilation to operate safely indoors. Propane heaters also feature controls that allow you to adjust the heat output as needed; the larger the unit, the more settings available.
Whether you’re looking for a permanent heater for your room or a portable heat source for outdoor activities, propane heaters are an affordable and efficient solution. To help you choose the best indoor propane heater for your needs, check out our top six picks below. You may also use our guide in looking for important features and safety tips for using a propane heater.
Reviews of the Best Indoor Propane Heaters
Mr. Heater MH18B Big Buddy Portable Propane Heater
• Heat Output: 18,000 BTU
• Heat Coverage: 450 sq. ft.
• Ignition: Piezo
• Dimensions: 16.7 x 11.2 x 12 inches
As America’s most popular brand of heaters, Mr. Heater provides some of the best heating solutions for various purposes. The Buddy series of portable propane heaters are particularly popular and a top choice among homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts alike as they are built tough and reliable for a long time. The Big Buddy unit features a solid robust design with easy to use controls to meet all of your heating needs. Whether on the patio, porch, in the garage, or even enclosed spaces like a tent, this heater can warm the space safely up to 450 square feet. It doesn’t require venting but the unit no longer includes a blower fan.
There are three heat settings: low, medium, and high that deliver 4,000, 9,000, and 18,000 BTUs, from 2.8 hours to 11 hours. To operate, simply push then rotate the knob to your desired setting, and the Piezo igniter will light the unit. The Big Buddy propane heater includes safety features such as Low Oxygen Shut-Off (ODS), tip-over protection, and automatic shut-off if the pilot light goes out. It’s designed for portability with an easy-grip handle on top and the option to connect two 1-lb propane tanks.
For permanent installation in your living space, you can also connect the unit to a 20 lb. propane tank. If this heater is too big for you, Mr. Heater’s Portable Buddy is the next best choice. As the name implies, it is a more portable unit with most of the same features, at 9,000 BTU maximum heat capacity.
Pros
• Easy to light with piezo lighter
• Built-in safety features like ODS
• Can be used both indoors and outdoors
• Heats up a large area of up to 450 square feet
Cons
• No longer includes a blower fan but the price remains the same
Dyna-Glo GBF30DTDG-4 Blue Flame Vent-Free Wall Heater
• Heat Output: 30,000 BTU
• Heat Coverage: 1,000 sq ft.
• Ignition: Battery
• Dimensions: 28.07 x 10.51 x 24.09 inches
Another popular and trusted brand of heaters is Dyna-Glo. For a permanent heating solution in large indoor spaces, you cannot go wrong with this powerful and reliable Dyna-Glo vent-free wall-mounted propane heater. It delivers a maximum of 30,000 BTU enough to heat indoor spaces comfortably, up to 1,000 square feet. The unit is compact yet delivers fast and effective heat to large rooms.
Unlike most indoor propane heaters, the Dyna-Glo Blue Flame heater warms the air using convection instead of radiant heat. This means you can put the heater in a narrow, enclosed area because the heat spreads through the air, rises then warms the area from the ceiling down. The heater can be turned on using the electronic ignition and mounted on the wall using the included hardware. With its light and compact design, you can move it from room to room when it’s needed.
This Dyna-Glo heater features electronic ignition and a built-in thermostat for more precise heat control. It takes in either natural gas or liquid propane and the blue flame technology works to warm the air in the room quickly and efficiently. The black design provides a more elegant and cleaner look since continued use can take a toll on the heater’s appearance, as you will see in light-colored models.
This ventless heater is built with all the safety features you need. For better heat distribution, you can also purchase a separate blower fan. This unit is also available in smaller sizes if you need it for a smaller room. However, they are not sold in California and Canada, so if you’re from any of these areas, keep reading to find more options for you.
Pros
• Up to 30,000 BTU heat capacity
• Large coverage of 1,000 sq ft.
• Options for natural gas or liquid propane for fuel
• With built-in thermostat for automatic control
• Includes safety features
Cons
• Quite expensive
• Not available in CA and Canada
Mr. Heater MH4B Little Buddy Propane Heater
• Heat Output: 3,800 BTU
• Heat Coverage: 95 sq. ft
• Ignition: Piezo
• Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 11 inches
For those who need a portable and compact yet still effective heating solution for small rooms, Mr. Heater offers the Little Buddy propane heater. Like the rest of the Buddy heaters, it’s completely safe for indoor and outdoor use. This little heater can warm rooms up to 95 square feet with a heat capacity of 3,800 BTU.
The Little Buddy features a simple on and off button to control operation. While it’s undeniably a powerful heat source for its size, the output cannot be adjusted. You just have the one heat setting and can only turn the beater on or off for a maximum of 5.6 hours runtime. It comes with a stand and the heater faces at a 45-degree angle to direct the beat where you need it.
It features a low-oxygen sensor, automatic tip-over and overheat shut-off, and a cool-to-touch exterior. It uses a 1-lb propane tank only and requires a vent area of at least 4 square inches for adequate ventilation while running.
Pros
• Very good heating capacity for a small heater
• Lightweight and portable
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
• There is no temperature control, only one heat setting
Mr. Heater F299720 Blue Flame Vent-Free Heate
• Heat Output: 20,000 BTU
• Coverage: 700 sq. ft.
• Ignition: Battery
• Dimensions: 23.75 x 9.25 x 25.25 inches
While Mr. Heater is popular for their portable Buddy portable heaters, they also have a wide range of indoor units. Another great option for heating large rooms similar to the Dyna-Glo Blue Flame propane heater is this unit from Mr. Heater. It delivers heat up to 20,000 BTU in large indoor spaces up to 700 square feet.
This unit also uses blue flame technology or a heating method called convection which transfers heat to the air and distributes it in the room from the top down. For better heat distribution, a blower kit is sold separately. This indoor propane heater can be wall-mounted or freestanding with included feet and hardware. It can be turned on using the electronic ignition while the thermostat automatically regulates the temperature in the room. To ensure your safety, it comes with all the necessary safety features like an oxygen depletion sensor or ODS and pilot light auto shut-off.
This heater doesn’t require ventilation and is ideal for indoor use. Since it uses convection heat, it’s best for well-insulated rooms so that no heated air escapes. If you want to connect to a standard propane tank, you will need to purchase the hose and fittings separately. Also, the automatic thermostat may end up consuming more fuel.
Pros
• Good heat capacity with large coverage of up to 700 sq ft
• With built-in thermostat
• Built-in safety features like ODS
• Can be wall-mounted or freestanding
Cons
• May be costly to operate
Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG Cabinet Heater
• Max Heat Output: 18,000 BTU
• Coverage: 450 sq. ft.
• Ignition: Piezo
• Dimensions: 16.1 x 17.5 x 23.2 inches
Another one from Dyna-Glo, this small portable heater includes side carry handles as well as asters for easy movement. It generates up to 18,000 BTU in medium to large rooms up to 450 square feet. It’s ideal for both outdoor and indoor use, as well as industrial applications. It features three heat settings (from 6,000 to 18,000 BTU) for manual adjustment.
One-pound propane tanks are usually allowed for indoor use, but check the regulations for your area to be sure. This unit has a piezo igniter for easy use and built-in safety features such as ODS to prevent fire hazards and other risks that come with running a heater inside your home. Since it uses infrared heating, this cabinet heater is best for outdoor heating on a patio or campsite. If you absolutely need it indoors, add ventilation and a CO sensor and opt for a 1-lb tank with a regulator adapter instead of the ordinary 20-lb tank.
Pros
• Good heat output
• Easy start with piezo lighter
• Built-in safety features like ODS
• Indoor and outdoor use
• Heats fairly large area, up to 450 square feet
Cons
• For safety, use only one-pound propane tank with adapter
Mr. Heater F299810 Radiant Vent-Free Heater
• Max Heat Output: 10,000 BTU
• Coverage: 300 sq. ft.
• Ignition: Piezo
• Dimensions: 19.75 x 11.25 x 22.5 inches
For smaller rooms that need a reliable heater, then this vent-free propane heater from Mr. Heater is good for you. It is both portable and can be mounted on the wall for permanent installation, with feet and hardware included. It uses infrared radiant heating which warms objects instead of the air around the heater, similar to the way the sun heats up the Earth.
This small propane heater delivers up to 10,000 BTU in spaces up to 300 square feet. It has two manually adjustable heat settings and a convenient piezo igniter. It does not require ventilation and electricity to run and features important safety features such as ODS. Infrared heat is also great for quiet operation, so you can use this heater in small rooms in your home including bedrooms. However, make sure to have an additional sensor as a safety measure.
Pros
• Good size for small rooms
• Easy to light with piezo lighter
• Built-in safety features like ODS
• Can be used both indoors and outdoors
Cons
• No thermostat
• Quite expensive for its size
What is a Propane Heater?
Space heaters are used to provide heat to specific areas in your home. The main sources of power for indoor heaters are electricity, natural gas, and liquid propane. Although electric heaters are usually cheaper, they deliver much less heating output (5,000 BTU on average) and cost more to operate. On the other hand, natural gas and propane provide higher output, up to 30,000 BTU for a compact unit. While natural gas is cheaper, propane as fuel delivers more power and lasts a lot longer.
Propane heaters are commonly used in the patio or outdoor areas, but many are designed for indoor use as well. They consist of an igniter, pilot light, burner, and many times a thermostat and knob to control the heat output. They are connected to a tank of liquid propane.
Propane heaters use two different methods of heating: radiation and convection (or what’s called blue flame heating). With radiant heat, the room is warmed up through electromagnetic waves transferred to the objects surrounding the heater. This type of heating is ideal for open areas or indoor areas with less insulation. Meanwhile, with convection or blue flame, heat is transferred through the air and spreads throughout the room.
They function just like a furnace in your house but are even more efficient. With a thermostat, they can also adjust the heat output depending on the temperature in the room. As long as your tank has liquid propane in it, the heater will continue to run.
Types of Propane Heaters
What’s great about propane heaters is they can be used safely outdoors and indoors. Indoor propane heaters can be portable or permanently installed. Portable propane heaters come in compact structures that can be moved easily where you need them. Since they are smaller in build, they are also smaller in heating capacity, typically 6,000 to 18,000 BTU.
Portable indoor propane heaters are commonly used to supplement a central heating system which may be insufficient to warm specific areas in the house. They are also useful in providing heat while camping outdoors or during a power failure since they don’t require electricity.
Permanent indoor propane heaters are usually mounted on the wall to provide heat to the room and also save floor space. They are usually larger in size and heating capacity, from 30,000 to 60,000 BTU, although they are also available in smaller, free-standing units for narrow spaces.
Propane heaters can also be vented or ventless. A vented heater needs ventilation to operate safely because it releases carbon monoxide into the air as it burns fuel. Vented indoor propane heaters such as the Mr. Heater Buddy portable heaters are mainly used outdoors for patios and camping. If you use them in a garage or any closed area in your home, make sure to provide the required ventilation to let the toxic gas escape.
On the other hand, a ventless heater takes the oxygen needed for combustion from the air in the room, heats it, then distributes it to the room. It burns the fuel cleanly and replaces the oxygen with heated air. If sized correctly and maintained properly, you don’t need ventilation when using a ventless heater. It is usually very safe and effective as a supplemental heater for your home. However, you must still take some safety precautions, which we’ll talk about in more detail below. Vent-free propane heaters are ideal for indoor use but you can also use them outside if they’re portable enough.
Factors to Consider When Looking for the Best Propane Heater for Indoor Use
Finding the best indoor propane heater for your home is no easy task if you don’t know what to look for. Consider the following factors to ensure the absolute efficiency and safety of the unit you choose.
Heat Output
The most important consideration to make when looking for any space heater is the heat output. With propane heaters, this is measured in BTU or British Thermal Units. The heat output directly relates to the total area of the room it needs to heat. Larger rooms will require a higher output, and a higher BTU value is capable of heating more space. For example, a 10,000 BTU heater can cover around 220 to 300 square feet depending on the climate, while an 18,000 BTU model can heat spaces around 350 to 500 square feet. Check the recommended coverage area of the manufacturer before you choose a heater.
Ignition System
When picking a propane heater for indoor use, make sure that you can start the fire quickly and easily. You can do this if the propane heater features an electronic ignition system. One push of a button is all you will need to produce a spark and light up the heater. Piezo ignitions or battery-assisted ignitors work efficiently to start the fire safely and easily.
Heat Settings
Most propane heaters come with two or three heat settings: low and high, or low, medium, and high. Smaller units typically have fewer options, such as the case with Big Buddy, Portable Buddy, and Little Buddy from Mr. Heater. These settings deliver different levels of heat depending on the BTU output.
For example, the Mr. Heater Big Buddy propane heater provides 4,000 BTU, 9,000 BTU, and 18,000 BTU output in low, medium, and high heat settings, respectively. Note that a higher heat setting will consume more fuel at a faster rate. So if you want to conserve propane, you’ll have to run the unit at a lower heat setting.
Safety Features
Like most homeowners, you may have some concerns regarding the safety of propane heaters indoors. Fortunately, all propane heaters designed for indoor use have built-in safety features to protect everyone from potential harm. These include the following:
Low-Oxygen Shut Off (Oxygen Depletion Sensor): This is a critical feature built into every indoor propane heater. Since these heaters use propane as a heat source, there are always chances of carbon monoxide poisoning. The ODS feature constantly monitors the oxygen levels in the room so when they fall below the safe levels, the heater will automatically shut off.
Tip-Over Protection: This feature automatically shuts off the heater in case it accidentally gets knocked over to reduce the chances of a fire.
Overheat Protection: Obviously, any heater will generate a lot of heat. This means there’s a chance that the internal components could reach unsafe heat levels. To prevent it from becoming a fire hazard, overheat protection ensures that the heater will automatically shut itself off when the heat reaches an unsafe level.
Ease of installation
When choosing a propane heater for an indoor space, you want to make sure it is easy to install. In the case of portable units, you’ll probably only need to connect the propane tank to your heater and allow it to stand on the ground. For permanent units, you may install the unit on a wall and connect it to the gas fitter. In some cases, you may have to attach the feet on your propane heater so it can stand on the floor. For easy installation, look for a propane heater that includes feet for stand-alone operation. If you’re a knowledgeable DIYer, you can invest in a wall-mounted indoor propane heater that can provide superior heat output.
Additional Features
Some extra features may be built into your propane heater or offered as an add-on option to make it more efficient and convenient for you. For one, a built-in thermostat will make your propane heater more user-friendly as it will adapt to the temperature of the room. The thermostat adjusts the heat output accordingly and maintains your preferred temperature. This will prevent the unit from producing heat more than necessary and result in higher efficiency, longer fuel life, and more savings.
Propane heaters also come in various designs while some include a blower fan to speed up heat distribution. Convection heaters use fans to help warm the room faster and evenly, although this feature is not required. Heaters with no blower fan typically use radiation methods to transfer heat to the room. They perform well in open areas but they are not as fast in raising the temperature to a certain degree as propane heaters with a blower fan.
If you want to add a permanent propane heater for supplemental zone heating, then you may want to look for a unit with a wall-mount option. This allows you to place the heater out of the way and protects it from tipping over. Wall-mounted heaters also allow you to find optimal placement in the room so you can maintain a warm and comfortable environment in your home throughout the winter.
Benefits of Using a Propane Heater
The primary purpose of any space heater is to add heat to your home. However, among all the different types of heaters, there are many benefits to using a propane heater, including the following.
For one, propane heaters provide the most heat compared to electric heaters. The latter consumes up to 1500 Watts, which is equivalent to around 5,000 BTU for a propane heater. In comparison, propane heaters average at 10,000 to 18,000 BTU for a medium-size unit, and can even go beyond 30,000 BTU, increasing the heat output by six times that of an electric heater. Because they provide more heat, propane heaters can also distribute this heat to larger spaces, up to 1,000 square feet for large indoor models like the Dyna-Glo GBF30DTDG-4.
Second, propane heaters are always available to use almost anywhere you need, as long as you have a unit that is designed safe for both indoor and outdoor use. The majority of propane heaters don’t need electricity at all, so if the power goes out or in case of emergencies, you’ll always have a reliable heater for your home.
Also, since propane heaters don’t have any moving parts, they run quietly. Unless your heater includes a blower or fan, you will not hear any noise from the unit. Electric heaters, on the other hand, may produce humming or rattling noises from the heating elements or another internal component. Propane heaters are also built to be portable. Without the propane tank, these heaters are lightweight and easily carried from room to room or even when camping outdoors.
With that in mind, propane heaters are perfectly safe for indoor and outdoor use, given the right room size and ventilation. Vented propane heaters are ideal for outdoor use but can also be used indoors provided an open window for ventilation, while vent-free propane heaters are completely safe for either indoor or outdoor use.
Furthermore, propane is less flammable than other fuels. It burns cleanly so you don’t have to worry about the smell. As long as you follow the safety precautions, there are fewer risks of starting a fire in your home.
Lastly, propane heaters cost less to operate than electric heaters. For almost six times the heat output, indoor propane heaters provide more than 200% more value for every dollar spent running the unit. Liquid propane for fuel is less expensive than using electricity, helping you save more money on utility bills.
Indoor Propane Heater Safety Tips
As we have already established, propane heaters are an incredibly powerful source of heat during the colder months. However, like any other heater, they pose some safety risks if not used properly, especially indoors. The following are some tips to prevent your heater from turning into a hazard.
Firstly, ensure that you use the right size and type of propane heater for your indoor space. Provide adequate ventilation by opening a window or vents. While this may seem counterproductive since your goal is to heat the room, ventilation allows toxic gases produced to escape the room and prevent buildup that can lead to poisoning.
One such toxic gas is carbon monoxide. Inhaling high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal. It is an odorless, tasteless gas, and symptoms of poisoning are similar to those of the ordinary flu, including headache, dizziness, and nausea. Most propane heaters have built-in safety features such as a carbon monoxide detector or at least an ODS that will automatically shut off the unit when the air in the room is low on oxygen and high on other, harmful gases.
To ensure safety and prevent carbon monoxide leaks, install detectors in multiple areas, but not too close to the unit when operating. With propane gas it’s important to check for leaks regularly, and each time you hook up the heater to its propane tank, scan the connection points and hoses for damage or any possible leaks. Listen for the hissing sound of escaping gas, and feel the cylinder to check if it feels extra cold. If you suspect that either the connection or cylinder is leaking, do not light the heater and replace it right away.
When running the heater, place it out of the way and far from the reach of children or pets. Put the heater away from flammable items and do not store your extra propane cylinders near the heater while it’s in use. Once the heater is running, do not move the unit to avoid tipping over.
Conclusion
Once you find the right type and size of heater for your space, you are free to follow these tips to ensure the safety and efficiency of the unit. Always check your local regulations first and consult the unit’s manual for in-depth instructions on proper installation, usage, and maintenance of your propane heater. For well-insulated rooms, we recommend propane heaters that use convection heat or blue flame with an optional blower fan for evenly-distributed heat. For safe use either indoors or outdoors, consider vent-free radiant propane heaters like the Mr. Heater Buddy portable units. Whichever you choose to buy, make sure to always follow safety precautions.
People Also Ask
Are propane heaters safe to use inside my room?
Yes, you can use a ventless propane heater to add warmth and comfort to any indoor space. Ventless propane heaters take the oxygen they need for combustion from the room they’re in and release back the heated air. They burn the fuel completely to produce the least amounts of gasses.
Are propane heaters less expensive to run?
In comparison to electric heaters, indoor propane heaters cost a lot less per BTU of heat put out. While it can still vary depending on the style and the size of the heater, propane fuel, in general, is less expensive than electricity.
How much fuel does an indoor propane heater use?
It depends on the heat settings that your heater is operating at. A gallon of propane gas contains a heating capacity of around 91,500 BTU per hour. So if you are running a heater at 30,000 BTU, it will use up a third of a gallon in one hour. For your reference, a 1lb propane tank is equal to about a quarter of a gallon, while a 20lb tank is equal to 4.6 gallons of propane.
Do you need electricity to run an indoor propane heater?
No. Most of these heaters completely rely on propane as fuel and don’t require electricity to work at all. So, you can use your propane heater off-grid with no worries.
Is it safe to run a propane heater in the garage?
Yes, just like in any indoor space, it is safe to run a propane heater in the garage as long as you observe safety precautions. Provide enough ventilation in the room and keep the heater away from flammable items. It’s also recommended to install a carbon monoxide detector to ensure safety.
