Staying huddled inside a pile of duvets as chilly winters rage outside sounds like a fantastic idea, but is hardly feasible for most of us.
However, with a propane heater, the warmth accompanies you wherever you go. Take it on your camping trips or place it on the patio - this device heats up the area and keeps you warm and toasty.
With it, barbecue sessions with friends or lying under the moonlit sky in the yard during peak winter months will no longer be a far-fetched dream. But, there are countless options to choose from if you intend to find the best propane heater, and making the right choice is a lot more challenging than you’d think.
Hi there! I'm Stacy. And today, I'll take you through my reviews of the best propane heaters on the market. So let’s dive right in!
Top 5 Propane Heaters Reviewed
1. AmazonBasics 62108 Propane Heater
Amazon Basics is renowned for manufacturing easy-to-use and affordable products, making it one of my top choices for the best propane heater. Ideal for commercial and residential uses, this 18 by 89 inches device weighs around 38 pounds and is easy to set up.
Product Highlights
Working at par with some of the high-end propane heaters on the market, the AmazonBasics 62108 model comes with dual wheels to improve mobility and a water box for additional stability. Besides, it has a hose that can be attached to a 20-pound propane tank to run the device for 10 to 12 hours.
Moving on, it works on the Piezo ignition system, and you simply have to press a button to get the device running and adjust the heat using the regulator. The heat output is quite impressive, producing 46,000 BTUs and covering a 9-foot radius.
Made of powder-coated aluminum and stainless steel, this product is not prone to warping and remains sturdy for years to come. What’s more, the heavyweight frame and water box keep the unit stable, even during windy days.
Lastly, there’s the safety valve that switches the unit off if it tips over.
What’s There To Like About It?
I have been using this AmazonBasics 62108 propane heater for the last eight months, and its impressive features have made it a permanent fixture in my yard. Its weather-resistant properties and steel construction give it additional stability and prevent wobbling.
Besides, I can adjust the heat as per my preference, and the 9-foot radius makes it a great addition not just for residential yards but for several commercial areas.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
This propane heater has become my favorite companion on chilly winter evenings. But, it doesn’t suffice on colder days when it’s freezing outside. However, that’s not a problem for me since Texas rarely gets that cold, but if you live in areas where it snows heavily during winter, you might want two propane tanks for the yard.
Pros and Cons of AmazonBasics 62108 Propane Heater
Pros
Cons
- SOOTHING WARMTH: Outdoor gas heater for cozy warmth when sitting outside; ideal for cafes, restaurants, and home patios
- EASY TO USE AND MOVE: One-touch ignition button for quick start ups; wheels for maneuvering into place
- POWERFUL HEAT: 46,000 BTUs for heating up to a 9 foot radius; adjustable temperature knob for controlling the output
2. Mr. Heater F299720
Next up on my list is the Mr. Heater F299720 unit. If you are looking for a heater that’ll be safe for indoor usage, then this recommendation is for you. This 25-pound unit can be placed on the floor or mounted on the wall using the hardware that comes with it.
Product Highlights
Right off the bat, this product from Mr. Heater runs on propane tanks and batteries, so it doesn’t need any external power source, which is great for areas prone to power outages. Besides, it uses the blue flame or convection heat system that warms the air, unlike the infrared system, which radiates heat and warms up objects instead.
Moving on, it produces 20,000 BTUs of power and can heat a room as big as 700 sq ft. You can also place this device in a narrow area, and it’ll heat it using the blue flame system without affecting the rest of the house.
Furthermore, the brand places particular emphasis on safety, and this product comes with an auto-shutoff feature that shuts the heater off when it senses low oxygen levels in the room. You can either mount it on your wall or keep it on the floor using the feet that come with this unit.
What’s There To Like About It?
For one, I liked its versatile placement options and battery-operated power system that makes it an excellent purchase for a wide variety of households. I gifted this unit to my son when he was shifting to his Minnesota apartment, and he has since then recommended it to all his friends.
With it, you get to enjoy the warmth on a freezing day without worrying about energy consumption or safety.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Despite its convenience, this F299720 model from Mr. Heater has a few minor drawbacks. For one, several buyers, including my son, complained about a pungent odor that emanates from this device when it’s burning.
Also, it doesn’t come with the necessary fittings you’ll need to assemble the product, so you might have to make a quick trip down to the hardware store.
Pros and Cons of Mr. Heater F299720
Pros
Cons
- 20,000 BTU/HR
- Heats up to 700 sq. ft.
- Battery operated electronic ignition - requires one AAA battery (included)
3. Texsport Sportsmate Propane Heater
If you often go camping, adding the Texsport Sportsmate propane heater to your gear will be a smart choice. It keeps the tent warm while you are in the wilderness, and you can go camping throughout the year without worrying about chilly winds dampening the fun.
Product Highlights
To begin with, this heater weighs merely 2 pounds and is easy to carry around on all your camping trips. With its 3,000 BTUs heating power, it will keep your tent sufficiently warm or the golf course toasty to ensure players are never bothered by the cold.
This device doesn’t compromise on safety or sturdiness and features a stainless steel reflector along with a safety grid. Besides, the valve automatically shuts off the fuel if the flame goes off to minimize wastage.
Another fantastic feature is the paddle-foot base that provides adequate stability and prevents the heater from tipping over. This negates the chances of any fire accidents that camping sites are often susceptible to.
What’s There To Like About It?
I helped my husband and his friend, Thomas, choose this Texsport Sportsmate propane heater for their hunting trip last year after going through a dozen options. It is affordable, can fit in your car trunk, and is easy to set up. Moreover, the auto shut-off valve and padded foot make it stable and minimize the chances of any unfortunate accidents. So, that was quite a relief!
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Although this unit is excellent for camping trips and hunting adventures, its heating capacity is not enough for a large room. The lack of versatility is perhaps the only major drawback I could think of in this Texsport Sportsmate heater. Also, you’ll have to remember to keep matches or a lighter in your gear to light this unit.
Pros and Cons of Texsport Sportsmate Propane Heater
Pros
Cons
- Ideal For Golf Carts
- Durable Stainless Steel Burner
- Pressure Regulator On/Off Control Valve Adjusts Burners Up To 3,000 Btus
4. Dyna-Glo Propane Heater
No products found.
Another wall-mounting unit on my list is the Dyna-Glo propane heater. Excellent for indoor heating, it provides adequate warmth to your room or garage. Since it does not require electricity for operation, it is fantastic for everyday use, especially if you live in colder regions and need to use a heater throughout the year.
Product Highlights
Who doesn’t like sitting cozily in their living room and binge-watching their favorite movies while a noiseless, odor-free heater keeps them warm? This Dyna-Glo heater is highly functional, with heat output ranging between 16,000 to 20,000 BTUs per hour.
It can efficiently warm a 700 sq ft room with ease, thanks to the Blue Flame Technology that works on the principle of convection heat transfer. Besides, it powers on using the battery igniter and comes with a control knob that allows you to switch between three different levels and keep the room temperature balanced.
Furthermore, you can depend on this device to work even if there is a power outage since it just needs a 100-lb tank for operation and no electricity. Finally, there is the in-built oxygen depletion sensor that shuts the unit down if it senses a fall in oxygen levels.
What’s There To Like About It?
My neighbor, Ted, bought this heater for his family cabin up in Lake Tahoe. He was pretty impressed with its efficiency, and after doing my due research, I decided to include it on my list. I particularly liked the control knob that allows you to switch between three different heat levels and keeps you comfortable at all times.
Besides, it minimizes electricity wastage and keeps your power bills in check. What more could you ask of a heater?
What’s There Not To Like About It?
There’s very little to complain about when it comes to this Dyna Glo propane heater. However, a few buyers were dissatisfied due to the absence of a thermostat in the product. This prevents the device from reaching its maximum heating potential. That said, the heater works efficiently nonetheless and will not be a source of trouble.
Pros and Cons of Dyna-Glo Propane Heater
Pros
Cons
No products found.
5. Gasland MHA18B Propane Heater
If you are looking for a highly advanced heater to take to various places, look no further than this Gasland MHA18B model. It weighs merely 17 pounds, and you can carry it to your office, camping trip, or garage. Keep reading to know why I think this product is worth your consideration.
Product Highlights
Versatility and reliability go hand-in-hand with this Gasland MHA18B propane heater. It needs a 20lb propane cylinder for operation and doesn’t require any electricity. So, you don’t have to worry about increasing electricity bills and can use this heater over a long period.
Moreover, it has the auto shut-off feature that switches off the device if it tips over or if the oxygen levels fall in the room. This unit has 18,000 BTUs of heating power that can quickly warm up a 450 sq. ft room. Besides, you get to choose between three heating modes to maintain the temperature balance in the room.
Perhaps the best part about this device is the ease of portability. It comes equipped with five in-built and lockable wheels to carry it around from one place to another. Thus, you can take this ultra-quiet heater to various locations - from construction sites to patios.
What’s There To Like About It?
What’s there not to like about a device that promises efficiency and reliability? The MHA18B heater is easy to set up, carry around, and operate. It has a ceramic heating panel and works on the Piezo ignition system that improves its functionality. Besides, it is compact and you can place it anywhere in your house or patio.
So, if a backyard dinner under the starlit winter sky is on your mind, this unit will be perfect.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
One minor disadvantage of the Gasland MHA18B propane heater is its limited room heating capacity. All the other options on this list can warm a 700 sq ft room or more with ease, but this device is limited to 450 sq ft. However, if you are looking for a unit specifically for small areas, this one will be your best bet.
Pros and Cons of Gasland MHA18B Propane Heater
Pros
Cons
- ☀【Safe & Reliable】Our propane Garage heater features with Tip-Over and Low Oxygen Shut-off to enhance safety. Since our small space heater is portable, they may be easier to kick down. The heater will shut off when it gets knocked over accidentally or the oxygen level surroundings is too low.
- ☀【Cut Down Your Electricity Bills】With the Gasland Portable Cabinet Heater—no electricity required. All you need is a 20lb liquid propane cylinder, and you'll have plenty of warmth. Never worry about power outages when a hurricane strikes. The main advantage is that it helps reduce your electricity bills, with no risk of tripping over electric cords.
- ☀【Mobile & Space Save Design】The Gasland portable propane radiant heater features a convenient, mobile, and space-saving design intended for use in ventilated garages, offices, and workshops. Move this heater effortlessly from room to room, thanks to the built-in rolling wheels and Easy-Carry handle. The tank is housed inside the cabinet, keeping it out of sight, which enhances the heater's aesthetic appeal.
Buyers Guide
Those were my reviews for the best propane heater. Now, I understand you must be eager to make a purchase before the cold sets in, but wait a little! There are several factors that you need to consider before you can invest in a heater.
While propane heaters are generally energy-efficient and easy to use, certain additional features enhance their quality and improve your overall purchase experience. So, out here, I’ve listed a few factors you need to keep in mind while buying a heater.
1. Heating Capacity
First things first, the purpose of a heater is to evenly distribute heat across the room and ensure the temperature remains balanced. So, you should look for a propane heater with a high heating capacity.
Measured in British Thermal Unit or BTU, the heat output of the device determines the amount of warmth it’ll generate. On my list, you can find heaters whose heating capacity ranges from 3,000 to 46,000 BTUs.
A higher heating capacity isn’t always necessary to heat a room. For example, if you have a small room or wish to heat one particular area, then a low heating capacity will also suffice.
2. Portability
Some heater models are wall-mounted, while others come with casters for ease of portability. If you are looking for a heater to keep your patio, open garage, or office warm, buying a portable heater will be an excellent choice.
3. Auto Shut-Off
Safety is of paramount importance while using any heating device, and propane heaters are no different. Therefore, top brands include two essential features that shut down the machine to ensure safety - the Oxygen Depletion Sensor and the Tip-Over feature.
If you run the heater for too long without sufficient ventilation, the chances are that the carbon dioxide levels in the room will increase. The oxygen depletion sensor senses the high levels and shuts off the unit.
Similarly, if your heater is placed on the floor, it can tip over and lead to a fire hazard. So, the inclusion of the tip-over cut-off feature makes sure that the device switches off if someone accidentally bumps into it or kicks it.
4. Reliability
The reliability of a heating system is of utmost importance and depends on several factors. The build quality, ignition system, and manufacturer’s warranty are some parameters that you can use to determine the durability and reliability of a device.
Most propane heaters work on a Piezo ignition system, in which you need to press a button to turn on the device and require no electrical outlets. This is especially important if you are opting for a portable model. Thus, they come in handy when there is a power outage, and you have no source of electricity.
In addition, devices with metal construction are rust-proof and resistant to warping. So, they are likely to last for a long time.
A propane heater is made up of several parts, and the failure of one component can render the device useless. So, always check the warranty that the manufacturer offers to get the malfunctioning parts replaced or repaired when necessary.
5. Heating Method
The common denominator between propane heaters is that they use propane gas tanks as a source of fuel. However, the way each heater approaches the heating process differs. There are three heating mechanisms that a propane heater operates on. Let’s see what they are.
A. Forced Air
Forced air heaters are used in workshops, construction sites, and other areas where you wouldn’t mind its loud running noise. The propane gas warms the heating elements inside the device, and the circulation fan quickly distributes the air across the heating elements and into the room.
B. Convection Heat
Some propane heaters use the Blue Flame Technology, which operates on the convection heat mechanism. Once the propane tank is lighted, a small fan starts blowing the heat from the source into the room.
Heaters using this heating method can efficiently distribute heat across a large area and are much quieter, making them the perfect fit for indoor heating.
C. Radiant Heat
In this mechanism, the heat radiated is absorbed by the objects in the room. Thus, the floor, furniture, and objects present in the room absorb heat from the device and warm up. This, in turn, increases the room temperature.
There is no fan running in this type of heater, and hence it makes no noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can choose any of the three heating methods, depending on where you intend to place the device. That said, most people prefer the convection heating system for indoor purposes.
If you plan on using your propane heater outside, covering it will be a great way to preserve its lifespan. A cover protects it from rain, dust, and wind and keeps it looking new.
My Final Recommendation
With that, I come to the end of this guide!
I hope you can now find the best propane heater without endlessly racking your brains for it. The best part about propane heaters is their versatility. They can be used in numerous places – from your bedroom to the garage and patio.
This is especially true for the AmazonBasics 62108 model that you can wheel around the house or use in a commercial area. Besides, the Texsport Sportsmate propane heater is excellent if you are looking for a compact and portable unit to carry on your camping or sports trips.
And the Mr. Heater F299720 propane heater will be perfect if you want an indoor device that can be wall-mounted.
That’s all for today. Do let me know which propane heater you liked in the comments below. Until next time, take care and stay warm!