From the expert desk of a seasoned product analyst, let’s delve into the world of indoor propane heaters. As we brace ourselves for the colder months, there’s nothing more essential than a reliable, efficient, and safe heat source.

We’ve had the privilege of testing some of the best indoor propane heaters available on the market: Mr. Heater Big Buddy, The Camco 57331 Olympian Wave 3, The Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG Cabinet Heater, Procom Heating TV209314 DF BLU Heater, and Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy.

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 HeaterThe Camco 57331 Olympian Wave 3The Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG Cabinet HeaterProcom Heating TV209314 DF BLU HeaterMr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy Indoor Propane Heater
Editor's Choice
Qlabe Rating:
BTU:4,000, 9,000 and 18,0003,000, 6,000 and 8,0006,000 - 18,00020,0004,000 & 9,000
Dimensions Size/Height: 18.6 x 17.7 x 11.8 inches23.4 x 17.6 x 5.7 inches16.1 x 17.5 x 23.2 inches8 x 19.2 x 23.5 inches11 x 11 x 11 inches
Weight:16.93 pounds5 pounds20 pounds22.2 pounds5.91 pounds
Safety Feature:Low oxygen shutoff and Tip-over safety shutoff.safety shut-off valve to prevent accidental non-ignitionFront Safety Grill, Oxygen Depletion SensorOxygen depletion sensorLow-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.
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Mr.Heater.com

Lowes.com
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Camco.net

Ebay.com
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Dyna Glo Heater.com

Walmart.com
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ProCom.com

Bturkish.com
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MrHeater.com

Walmart.com

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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.

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)The Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BRV Big Buddy Grey Indoor-Safe Portable RV Propane Heater (4,000 , 9,000 and 18,000 BTU)

This indoor propane heater is a crowd-favorite, and for good reason. The Mr. Heater Big Buddy stands out for its immense heating capacity. With a heat output of 4,000, 9,000, or 18,000 BTU per hour, it can warm a space of up to 450 square feet, making it the ideal choice for larger indoor areas like workshops, garages, or expansive living spaces.

Strengths: The versatility is hard to beat; with a multi-position heat control, you can tailor the heat to your exact needs. Its safety features are also top-tier. If the heater is tipped over, or if it detects low oxygen levels, it automatically shuts off, ensuring peace of mind alongside cozy warmth. The inclusion of a blower fan is a smart design choice, ensuring optimal heat distribution across your space.

Drawbacks: The downside is its bulkier size, making it less ideal for smaller spaces. The reliance on a fan for heat distribution can lead to a fast drain of batteries if you’re not connected to a power source.

Evolution and improvements: The Mr. Heater Big Buddy has seen substantial improvements from its predecessor models, particularly in its heating capacity and enhanced safety features. This makes it an excellent choice for those needing to heat larger spaces. It reflects a design philosophy that places user safety and convenience at its core.

Buy from Amazon! Mr.Heater.com Lowes.com

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.The Camco 57331 Olympian Wave-3 3000 BTU LP Gas Catalytic Heater

The Camco 57331 Olympian Wave 3 is a game-changer when it comes to portable heating solutions. It’s compact, lightweight, and designed with usability in mind.

Strengths: It delivers a heat output of 3,000 BTU, which is sufficient to warm an area of up to 130 square feet. It uses radiant heat—making it efficient and providing a consistent and gentle heat that can fill your space comfortably. The fact that it can be used as a portable unit or mounted on a wall adds to its flexibility and versatility.

Drawbacks: While it doesn’t provide the highest heat output, it excels within its capacity. For larger spaces, you may need to consider a higher-capacity heater.

Evolution and improvements: The Camco Olympian Wave 3 has improved upon its predecessors with its low-pressure, low-BTU design that reduces fuel consumption, and its advanced safety shut-off valve to prevent non-ignition fuel discharge.

Buy from Amazon! Camco.net Ebay.com

Efficient and Affordable: The Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG 18,000 BTU Cabinet Heater

The Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG 18,000 BTU Cabinet Heater

When you need an effective blend of portability and power, look no further than The Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG Cabinet Heater. It offers an impressive heat output of 6,000 – 18,000 BTU, catering to spaces up to 600 square feet, making it suitable for large rooms and workshops.

Strengths: This heater’s main attraction is its mobility; it comes with a sturdy locking casters system and a side carry handle, making it easy to move from room to room. It features three heat settings and is equipped with a Piezo ignition system that ensures quick, reliable startups. This model also prioritizes safety with a built-in oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) that automatically shuts off the heater if carbon monoxide or lack of oxygen is detected.

Drawbacks: It’s worth noting that this heater, while extremely capable, is best suited for larger spaces due to its heat output, and may not be the most efficient choice for smaller rooms.

Evolution and improvements: The Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG has seen notable improvements from previous models, with a much more efficient ignition system and an enhanced safety mechanism. It’s clear the design has evolved with user safety and convenience in mind.

Buy from Amazon! Dyna Glo Heater.com Walmart.com

Dual Fueled Beauty: Procom Heating TV209314 20K BTU DF BLU Heater

Procom Heating TV209314 20K BTU DF BLU Heater

The Procom Heating TV209314 DF BLU Heater is a propane heater that’s designed to offer consistent and comfortable heat for indoor spaces.

Strengths: It delivers a robust heat output of 20,000 BTU, enough to heat up to 700 square feet of space. This makes it one of the most powerful heaters on our list. A unique feature is the blue flame technology, which guarantees efficient and evenly distributed heat, ideal for large living spaces. The heater also allows you to switch between natural gas and propane, offering unparalleled versatility.

Drawbacks: Its powerful heat output means it’s not ideally suited to smaller spaces. Additionally, while it does offer dual fuel functionality, the switch between natural gas and propane can be somewhat tricky for some users.

Evolution and improvements: The Procom Heating DF BLU Heater has enhanced its design from previous models, offering higher heating capacity and the unique blue flame technology, contributing to greater heat distribution and efficiency.

Buy from Amazon! ProCom.com Bturkish.com

Portable and Affordable: Mr Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor Safe Propane HeaterMr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor Safe Propane Heater

Finally, we have the Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy Indoor Propane Heater, an excellent solution for those seeking portability and convenience without compromising on warmth.

Strengths: Despite its compact size, this heater offers a heat output of 3,800 BTU, enough to comfortably warm a space of up to 95 square feet. It’s ideal for small indoor spaces or for outdoor trips where warmth is essential. The Little Buddy also incorporates essential safety features such as an auto shut-off when tipped over, and a low oxygen sensor.

Drawbacks: Its small size and lower heat output limit it to smaller spaces, and it may not be suitable for larger indoor areas.

Evolution and improvements: The Little Buddy model has improved over previous iterations, becoming more compact while still maintaining efficient heating capacity, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to producing convenient, portable heaters.

Buy from Amazon! MrHeater.com Walmart.com

Mr. Heater Big Buddy Indoor Propane Heater: Our Editor’s Choice

Our team has thoroughly tested numerous indoor propane heaters on the market, and we’ve consistently come back to this one for its blend of performance, safety, versatility, and user-friendliness.

Infographic highlighting the key features of Mr. Heater Big Buddy Indoor Propane Heater, including its unmatched heating power, superior safety features, versatile and user-friendly design, continuous improvements, and reasons why it's our Editor's Choice for best indoor propane heater.

Here’s why the Mr. Heater Big Buddy is our Editor’s Choice.

Power and Performance

When it comes to the critical decision-making factors, power and performance top the list. The Mr. Heater Big Buddy shines in this area with its impressive heat output of 4,000, 9,000, or 18,000 BTU per hour, depending on the setting. This allows it to comfortably warm an area up to 450 square feet. It’s ideal for large rooms, workshops, garages, and other substantial indoor spaces. This heater does not just promise warmth; it delivers it consistently and efficiently, making it stand out amongst its competitors.

Safety

Next to performance, safety is our paramount concern. The Mr. Heater Big Buddy impresses with its built-in safety features. The auto-shut-off mechanism gets activated if the heater tips over or if it detects low oxygen levels. This feature provides peace of mind to users, ensuring the heater offers warmth without any safety compromises. In an industry where safety can sometimes be overlooked, Mr. Heater has put it front and center.

Versatility and Design

The Big Buddy is also commendable for its design choices that enhance user experience. The multi-position heat control provides users the flexibility to adjust the heat output based on their needs. Whether you want a gentle warmth or a more robust heat, this heater caters to all your requirements.

While the heater is on the bulkier side compared to its competitors, this is due to its high-capacity heat output and the inclusion of a fan. The fan is a clever design choice, ensuring optimal heat distribution throughout your space. While it may lead to quicker battery drain, the trade-off is a uniformly heated room, which most users will appreciate.

Evolution and Improvements

The Mr. Heater Big Buddy has seen substantial improvements over its predecessors. The increased heating capacity, improved safety features, and user-friendly design demonstrate the manufacturer’s commitment to innovation and user satisfaction. It’s a testament to a product that has been carefully engineered and thoughtfully designed, keeping the user’s needs in mind.

Conclusion

After considering multiple factors such as heating capacity, safety features, design, and user feedback, it’s clear why the Mr. Heater Big Buddy Indoor Propane Heater is our Editor’s Choice. It checks all the boxes when it comes to providing a safe, reliable, and efficient heat source.