Indoor Propane Heaters Comparison Table
Out of 7 heaters reviewed at qlabe, below are our top 5 picks.
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| Model: | Mr. Heater Big Buddy Indoor Propane Heater | The Camco 57331 Olympian Wave 3 | The Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG Cabinet Heater | Procom Heating TV209314 DF BLU Heater | Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy Indoor Propane Heater |
Editor's Choice |  |  |  |  | |
| Qlabe Rating: | |||||
| BTU: | 4,000, 9,000 and 18,000 | 3,000, 6,000 and 8,000 | 6,000 - 18,000 | 20,000 | 4,000 & 9,000 |
| Dimensions Size/Height: | 18.6 x 17.7 x 11.8 inches | 23.4 x 17.6 x 5.7 inches | 16.1 x 17.5 x 23.2 inches | 8 x 19.2 x 23.5 inches | 11 x 11 x 11 inches |
| Weight: | 16.93 pounds | 5 pounds | 20 pounds | 22.2 pounds | 5.91 pounds |
| Safety Feature: | Low oxygen shutoff and Tip-over safety shutoff. | safety shut-off valve to prevent accidental non-ignition | Front Safety Grill, Oxygen Depletion Sensor | Oxygen depletion sensor | Low-oxygen sensor, tip-over switch with auto shut-off |
| Area Coverage: | Up to 300 sq. ft. | Up to 230 sq. ft. | 600 sq. ft. | 700 sq. ft. | 95 sq. ft. |
| Check on Amazon! | Check on Amazon! | Check on Amazon! | Check on Amazon! | Check on Amazon! |
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If you’re looking a cost-effective way to keep yourself warm and toasty during the winters, then you’re looking for a propane heater.
This is a space heater that uses propane fuel to heat the air. The fuel is poured into the tank of the heater, and then it is turned on by using an automatic or manual ignition.
When you don’t want to spend more money on electricity bills, propane heaters are a popular choice.
They can be used indoors in homes, offices, garages, warehouses or recreational vehicles; or outdoors in the patio.
This article would be focused on giving you the best propane heaters to be used indoors, the benefits of using propane heaters, safety guidelines and how you can properly maintain them.
Best Propane Heater Reviews (Latest Models)
Propane heaters are also very portable, which makes it easier to carry around the house or take it to the office.
They are available in different shapes and sizes; some are freestanding and can be carried around, while some can be mounted on the wall or ceiling as a permanent
They emit heat in BTU values and so when purchasing one, you must check the BTU values to ensure that the heater can suit your needs.
Editors Choice: The Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DGD 30,000 – 60,000 BTU Liquid Propane Forced Air Heater
This propane heater can be used anywhere, especially indoors, and it emits up to 60,000 BTU which can heat a room as large as 1,350 square feet.
It consistently achieves its level of BTU even when the weather is freezing. The ignition is electrical, and the heater does not delay ignition.
Unlike some propane space heaters that drop the temperature during cold weather, this heater uses low pressure, is of excellent quality and does not freeze up no matter what.
The brass nozzle or burner is of excellent quality as it is indestructible.
They are very durable and provide reliable services, unlike stainless steel nozzles or burners.
The motor of this propane space heater is also mounted on a bracket and is appropriately secured to the lower shell.
Some less expensive propane heaters mount the motor to the rear fan guard, but in this case, a bump on the back of the engine can cause the motor or fan to get misaligned. With the secured design of this propane space heater, durability is guaranteed.
This propane space heater also has a steel base that keeps dust/debris out. This gives it a longer life than the heaters with open or plastic bases.
You can also adjust the heat angle on this heater. The adjustable leg allows you to either lower or raises the heat angle; this way, you have better control over your comfort.
Although it does not come fully assembled, it would not take you more than three minutes to fully assemble it.
It comes with a ten inches hose and a regulator for the temperature. All you have to do is attach the handle, connect the regulator and the hose to the tank and the heater, make sure there is propane in the tank, then plug it in.
The handle allows for better portability and easy carrying around.
For safety purposes, the heater features an integrated safety sensor which shuts off the heater in the case of overheating or a flameout.
It also has a tip-over shutoff safety feature and a back pressure switch for safety.
This keeps you and those around you safe. In case you’re still worried about quality, it is also UL listed, and the RMC-FA60DGD has been certified for safety by the CSA. It can be purchased for $95.76 on Amazon and has a one year warranty in case of defects.
Features:
- It features an adjustable angle which allows you to pick where you want it to point at.
- The heater is compact and portable as it has a handle.
- It is easy to assemble, install and use.
- It can be used in large areas.
- It also has continuously variable heat control.
- It is very safe to use as it protects itself from overheating, flames and turns off when it is tipped over.
- There is no risk of carbon monoxide hazards.
- It is compelling, and it produces instant heat. It is also heavy duty.
Cons:
- It is not ideal for people who are working with sawdust.
- It is also noisy.
- It consumes propane very fast, and so it can be a high cost.
- It also needs proper ventilation because of the large amount of heat that it emits.
Double the Heat: The Mr Heater F274830 MH18BRV Big Buddy Grey Indoor-Safe Portable RV Propane Heater (4,000, 9,000 and 18,000 BTU)
This heater is ideal for cabins, RV’s, workshops, patios, porches and more. It can emit 4,000; 9,000 and 18,000 BTUs per hour and it has three heat settings for each which are high, medium and low.
To adjust the heat settings, you can simply rotate their respective knobs on the heater.
This allows you to control the temperature as you please. The heater connects directly to two 1 lb cylinders, or it can connect to a single 20lb bottle with an optional hose, and it can heat a room as large as 450 square feet.
It has an integrated fan which increases the heating capacity of this propane heater, and it makes use of radiant and convection technology which doubles the heat it emits.
It uses propane to power its radiant-convection unit. The fan operates on 4-D batteries or an AC adapter which you have to purchase separately.
It also features two swivel regulators which give you the ability to change the usage from disposable cylinders to a remote gas supply.
All you have to do is purchase a single hose and filter. It has a separate control start knob which you just have to push and rotate it to ignite the heater.
It features a built-in Piezo sparking mechanism which would take care of the rest.
It also promises to be clean-burning, and it is very safe for use. It features an Oxygen Depletion Sensor which turns the heater off when the air becomes too dry and a tip-over safety feature which turns the heater off when it is tipped or knocked over.
It also turns off when the pilot light goes off. This heater is nearly a hundred per cent efficient although when the heater’s altitude is over 7,000 feet above sea level, the heater will shut off.
The heater is also rapid and easy to assemble. It costs over a hundred dollars on Amazon.
Features:
- This heater is compact and portable. It is easy to carry around.
- It is also very safe for use. It depicts when there is low oxygen in the air and shuts the device off. It also shuts off automatically when it tips off or when it is overheating.
- It can heat more than 350 square feet of space and up to 400 square feet.
- It has an adjustable thermostat and three heat options for convenience.
- It also makes use of a radian-convection heat system which makes it highly efficient.
- The wire guard is heavy-duty, and this makes the heater durable.
- It can also be easily stored during the summer.
Cons:
- The device has low heat retention.
- It can overheat the floor or surface that it was placed on when on the high heat setting.
- It needs to be in a room with proper ventilation, or it would be stuffy.
- There is added expense because it uses much propane when it is continuously used.
Small But Mighty: The Camco 57331 Olympian Wave-3 3000 BTU LP Gas Catalytic Heater
This heater is perfect to be used as a secondary heating source for your home, cabin or recreational vehicle.
It emits only 1,600 or 3,000 BTUs per hour and has an adjustable thermostat to switch between the two heat settings.
It can heat up at most 130 square feet which is why it is ideal as a supplement to your existing heating system.
They are portable space heaters and can be mounted on the wall in a verticle position as a permanent fixture.
They also feature optional legs which allow you to place the heater in any position you want. It operates only on low-pressure HD-5 propane gas, and it features a hundred per cent safety shut-off valve which prevents accidental fuel discharge in the case of non-ignition.
The heater does not use a fan, and so it operates silently with no fan or blower noise.
It also uses propane to power up its radiant-convection heating system, and it features a built-in automatic Piezo electric sparker which can last for up to 20,000 starts.
It also makes use of catalytic heating which allows it to be more efficient and cost-effective, and it consumes 1/8 lb of propane per hour.
It does not cause a battery drain and does not create an electrical waste.
It also does not cause carbon monoxide poisoning. This heater uses safe and clean propane, and it functions without an open flame. It has a one year warranty and costs $184.24 on Amazon.
Features:
- This heater is safe and effective. It protects you from gas leaks with its safety valve.
- It can also plumb into existing propane tanks.
- It is silent because it does not use a fan.
- It is also portable and convenient. It can be used as a portable space heater, be mounted on the wall or can be propped up on optional legs which allows you to choose your comfort.
- It is also adjustable and uses two BTU outputs. It is easy to use.
- It is one of the safest types of propane heaters, and it uses catalytic heating.
- It is cost-effective with its consumption of propane.
Cons:
- The heater can only be used as a secondary source of heat because it only covers a small space.
- It creates humid air.
- You cannot set your desired temperature, only the BTU.
- It is costly despite the size.
Efficient and Affordable: The Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG 18,000 BTU Cabinet Heater
This propane cabinet heater is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The heater uses the propane to power its infrared radiant heat and can heat a room to 450 square feet.
It can run for up to sixty-four hours when connected to a full 20lb propane tank, but the tank would have to be purchased separately. The heater is also built for portability and convenience.
It includes a locking caster, side carrying handles and variable heat controls which allow you to adjust the output to the temperature you desire.
It is also safe to use. It features an Oxygen Depletion Sensor which detects when there is low oxygen in the room and tip-over protection in case the heater is knocked over.
It also has a front safety grille. It is CSA listed, and so you don’t have to worry about the quality. It makes use of piezo ignition with heat controls. This heater costs $74.99 on Amazon and is more affordable than most propane heaters.
Features:
- The heater is easy to light with the piezo ignition.
- It is very safe to use with built-in features such as the Oxygen Depletion Sensor and tip-over protection.
- It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- It can also heat a large room.
Cons:
- The tip-over shut off switch is susceptible, and it can create issues for users.
- When it is first used, it gives off a nasty smell, but this goes away after the first time.
Dual Fueled Beauty: Procom Heating TV209314 20K BTU DF BLU Heater
This propane wall heater, when installed, can make use of both natural gas and liquid propane. You can hook it up to your home’s gas supply if you wish to have an alternative option from propane.
You can also use gas when you run out of propane. This wall heater is a permanent fixture in your home as it can be mounted on any wall in your home.
It does not require any ventilation, and it features a blue flame which makes it attractive and calming.
Its white colour can also match any decor in your home. It also has an adjustable thermostat which allows you to set the temperature to your desired level.
The heater would ensure that the room temperature is fixed at the temperature that you pick. Its maximum heat is at 20,000 BTU, and it can heat a room as full as 700 square feet.
It can be turned on with a push-button, uses the piezo ignition, and it has five heat settings which have micro heat adjustments.
It also features a non-adjustable regulator who makes sure that over-firing is prevented. This regulator acts as thermostatic control.
This heater is also entirely safe for you and your whole family. Its outer casing is cool to the touch, and so that reduces the risk of injury.
It also has an Oxygen Depletion Sensor to depict when there is a reduction in oxygen in the environment. It also has a one year warranty.
Features:
- It is a dual fuel heater and gives you the choice of either natural gas or propane.
- It can be used in large rooms; as large as 700 square feet.
- It’s the design, and the blue flame is attractive and fits with any decor.
- It has an adjustable thermostat and five heat settings.
- It does not cause any inconvenience as it is a wall heater.
- It is very safe to use as it features an ODS, a regulator and a cool to touch exterior housing.
Cons:
- It is not portable and can only be used in the room that it is mounted in.
- It does not have a tip-over safety feature.
Portable and Affordable: Mr Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor Safe Propane Heater
This indoor-safe portable propane heater can warm up a room as large as 95 square feet. It features two heat settings which are at 4000 BTU per hour for low heat and 9000 BTU per hour for high heat.
Although Amazon says that it is adjustable, it only has an on/off switch. It can run at high heat for 5.6 hours, and it requires adequate ventilation when it is operating.
It also has a high-temperature wire guard which increases its durability and a built-in piezo ignition for turning it on and off. Ir has a sizeable durable porcelain coated heating surface which directs radiant heat over a wide area.
It also has a swivel regulator which allows for easy installation of the cylinder and hose. The heater uses a one-pound disposable bottle which has to be purchased separately.
The heater is mounted on a ceramic burner tile which has shock-absorbing insulation for durability.
It comes with a handle for portability, and it has the ability to fold down and reduce storage space.
This heater is odour free and has a 45-degree heating angle. The heat it emits can each up to 7000 feet upwards.
This heater is safe to use. It turns off automatically when there is low oxygen (ODS) and when the device is mistakenly knocked over. The method is affordable and can be purchased for $62 on Amazon.
Features:
- It automatically shuts off when it is tipped over and has the Oxygen Depletion Sensor. It is safe for use.
- It works quietly.
- It also works in high altitudes.
- It is lightweight at 7lbs, and it is portable.
- It is affordable.
- It is also very durable.
Cons:
- The tip-over sensor is susceptible.
- It does not have an adjustable thermostat and would be difficult to operate for the first time.
- It also has a slight odour when using it for the first time.
What You Gain From Using An Indoor Propane Heater
The first thing you get to gain when using an indoor propane heater is that you save money. Propane fuel is way cheaper than electricity, and so a propane heater would save you money.
If you have an existing central heating system at home and you use the propane heater as a compliment to it, you can turn off the central heating system and use the indoor propane heater in any room you are in.
This would also help you save money.
Indoor propane heaters are also perfect for places that do not have an electrical power supply such as workshops, camping tents or recreational vehicles.
You should also not check the details of the propane heater to ensure that the heater is designed for indoor use. It is extremely dangerous to use an outdoor propane heater indoors.
Another benefit of using an indoor propane heater is that propane is a clean-burning fuel, unlike many other fuel types.
There would be no problem of contending with odours while the fuel is burning or any lingering odours after you are done with using the heater.
Propane is also safer to store than other types of fuels because it is less flammable.
Propane is also easier to obtain than natural gas, especially in places where natural gas is not available.
Those living in remote locations would be able to purchase propane easily and use the heater.
It is also very ideal for heating in small rooms as long as you use a heater that is meant for indoor use. Indoor propane heaters also do not produce toxic gases as much as other types of heaters.
They also usually have a low oxygen level detector (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) that would shut the heater down if the energy level drops too low.
Indoor propane heaters also give you peace of mind in your home and do its work efficiently while saving money and energy.
Cost and Efficiency Compared To Electrical Heaters
The cost of heating in an indoor propane heater is measured and compared by using the BTU value of the heater. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, and it is the most efficient method of measuring heat output.
BTU focuses on the ability of a fuel to produce and emit heat mainly. It has been stated by the United States Department of Energy, by using this heat value, that the cost of generating heat by electricity is half of what it costs to produce heat by using propane.
A great thing about all the appliances that run in the home is that most of them can be powered by propane if you decide to do so.
Image credits: yourbestdigs
Propane is way cheaper to use than electricity, and so if you are using an indoor propane heater, you would surely save money on the cost of running the device.
Propane is also very cheap, and it is way less expensive to have a home that is heated with an indoor propane heater than a home that is heated with an electricity-powered heating system.
Propane heaters are not the only things that cost learn to run. With the use of a propane-powered boiler system in your home, it would cost you one-third of what you use with an electric boiler.
A propane boiler can be used to power the central heating system in your home.
What To Look Out For Before Purchase
To purchase a quality indoor propane heater, there are some features you should look out for and certain things you should consider.
First, you must ensure that the heater is suitable for indoor use and not for outdoor use. It is always stated on the specifications of the heater. Do not use an outdoor heater indoors, it is hazardous.
When considering an indoor propane heater, take note that some of these heaters require proper ventilation while others do not.
Check before you purchase the heater so you would be sure that you’ll be completely safe if you use the propane heater in your home.
The ventilation is meant to get rid of harmful gases in the air, such as carbon monoxide. These gases can be deadly to the health of people if there are high levels in the air.
Also, you have to consider the ignition method. When turning on a propane heater, there would definitely be a way of igniting the fuel so that the heater can warm up the room by burning the propane.
Some indoor propane heaters can be purchased online, and they come with an integrated ignition. With this kind of combustion, you can simply turn the heater on or off and allow the fuel in the tank to be automatically ignited.
There are also plenty of propane heaters that feature a manual ignition. This means that you would have to ignite the fuel yourself.
Although the automatic fire that is integrated into the radiator and it is preferred by most people as it is easy to operate and very safe for use; the timer can wear out over time.
If this happens, you would have to replace the fire manually or just ignite the flame manually.
If you like the indoor propane heater that has automatic ignition, get one that is of high quality and get the one with the highest years for warranty. That way, the durability of the heater would be ensured.
Indoor propane heaters can also be dangerous. Since propane is a flammable fuel, while it is being used in the heater and used accordingly, it is safe.
But if the heater is malfunctioning for any reason, an accident is prone to happen. This is the reason why you must purchase a propane heater with built-in safety features to reduce the risk of an accident and give you peace of mind.
A tip-over protection feature would make sure that the heater would not remain on if it is knocked over.
If the device is knocked over and it is still on, the propane can run out of the tank and start a fire.
Once the heater senses that it has been tipped over, it would shut down automatically to prevent a fire from happening.
Many propane heaters also have an overheat protection built-in as well as a thermostat so that it can reduce the damage being caused to the workings of the heater and also for safety purposes.
When the heater becomes too hot, it will turn itself off automatically, but once it becomes cool enough, it would turn itself back on.
For safety purposes, you should also check to see if the heater you want to purchase would require any form of special ventilation and if it is intended for indoor use. It is dangerous if you attempt to use a heater that is not designed to be used indoors, inside.
And using an indoor heater outside would be pointless because it won’t be powerful enough.
You should also ensure that you have the highest budget that you could afford when you are ready to purchase your propane heater.
These indoor propane heaters can be relatively expensive. Still, if you decide to buy a heater that is cheaper to save money, it would lack some important safety features and other extra features.
Before you purchase your heater, you should also check to make sure that the cost of running it would not be too high.
Find out the cost of fuel in the area you live and work out the amount of propane that you can use with the heater. Some indoor propane heaters are very useful, but the fuel can cost a lot to purchase.
Some heaters also consume much fuel while running, and this can cause added expenses.
If you want your heater to be portable so you can quickly move it around, you should check the details of the heater before you purchase it.
You can keep the heater in the middle of a room in your home and not worry about needing any training power cables because they would not be required. Heaters with carrying handle also add to the convenience.
They make it very easy for you to lift the heater over steps and up and down the stairs if such situation arises. You can also look out for indoor propane heaters that have wheels or castors apart from a heater that comes with a handle.
This makes it easier to wheel the heater around simply, and this would be less of a strain on your back than when you have to lift the heater; especially if there is still fuel in the heater.
If you need an indoor propane heater that you would transport around often, you must check the product description of the device and ensure that it is not too heavy to carry.
It would also be heavier if you leave fuel in it while you’re moving it and it can also be potentially dangerous. If possible, empty any fuel from the heater before you move or transport it around.
The propane heater that you would purchase must be powerful enough to warm up the space that you want to use it in.
You would have to calculate the size of the area that you want to heat up with the heater before you decide on the heater you pick.
With that size, you should then make sure that the BTU output of the heater would be able to cover the whole area of the room that you want to warm up.
With this information, you can decide whether the heater would be suitable to meet your needs and effective in the room you’re using it in.
To calculate how many BTUs you would need, first multiply the square feet of the room by the difference in degrees Fahrenheit between the desired temperature and the current temperature of the room.
Square feet × (Desired temp – Room temp)
Proper Maintenance of Your Indoor Propane Heater
It is essential that you keep up with the maintenance of your indoor propane heater and also hire a professional to service it regularly too.
When you service your heater, you ensure that it is safe for you and your family to use.
When you want to carry out maintenance on your heater, the first thing that you have to do before you start is to turn it off.
This is an obvious start, but they should also remember to leave the heater to cool down before you continue so you can prevent any burns or accidents.
Then, take a vacuum cleaner and use it to vacuum out any dust or particles that might have gathered on the outside of the heater and in the heater grilles.
If there is the situation of very tight grilles or areas where dust is gathering, you can use a paintbrush to loosen the dirt before you use the vacuum cleaner to remove it altogether.
You should also use the brush to dust out the ignition and the area that produces a flame in the heater.
The indoor propane heater would also have a cover panel that would be held in place with the use of screws.
Unscrew them and put them on the side, but do not lose them. When you then remove the cover, use a cloth with warm water so you can clean the inside of the areas of the cover.
You should also vacuum all the parts that you can reach inside the compartment where you removed the cover before replacing it.
Safety Guidelines For Using Indoor Space Heaters
Although indoor propane heaters are designed to be safe, it is still essential to understand the essential safety aspects to be observed when using the heater.
After you connect the heater to the propane gas supply and you are ready to use it, you must ensure that you are prepared for maximum safety while the heater is on.
Do not leave your propane heater on when you go to bed or if you are falling asleep. In the situation where you are falling asleep while the heater is still up and running, turn it off.
Also, do not leave the heater unattended to. Turn it off before you leave it to go anywhere. You can only move it on if there is another adult in the room.
Also, keep up with regular maintenance checks of your indoor propane heater to prevent gas leaks or any other problems.
Do not keep any flammable sprays close to the heater while it is on because indoor propane heaters use a real flame. Also, don’t spray deodorants or air fresheners anywhere near the heater is.
Make sure that you stay away from the heater while it is on and keep a reasonable distance because propane heaters can get very hot and cause burns if touched.
You must also ensure that there is proper ventilation in the room that you are using your indoor propane heater. If necessary, open the doors and windows for better ventilation.
Before you install your propane heater after purchase, ensure that you read the manufacturers instructions in the manual.
Even if you owned a propane heater before, you must still check to know how the new one works.
Do not place any objects on the heater or too close to it, give the heater plenty of clearance on all the sides.
Also, make sure that all exits are clear. Do not use your indoor propane heater to dry your clothes.
Do not touch or attempt to move the propane heater when it is still on. If you want to move your propane heater, turn it off and wait for it to cool down before you do so.
Concerning carbon monoxide poisoning, heaters that have been designed to be used indoors are also intended to produce an ideal burn.
When this kind of burning is happening, carbon monoxide emissions are kept to a minimum as this is the best possible combustion balance.
It is essential that you check and assess your indoor propane heater often to make sure that they are still producing a low level of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can make you seriously ill, and in worse case scenarios, lead to death; so it is essential to be safe.
Although indoor propane heaters are mostly safe and most of them have safety features in place such as the low oxygen level detectors (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) which ensure that the heater would shut itself off when it detects levels of carbon monoxide in the air, you should still take precautions.
Have your heater serviced often and also, and you can purchase a carbon monoxide detector to be used in your home just in case.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an efficient way to heat your home while saving money, propane heaters are your best bet. We hope this article has aided you to make your decision on the kind of indoor propane heater that you need.
