Are you looking for the best propane heater?
There are many options available and I’ve reviewed the most popular models on the market. After reading this article you will know my recommendations.
I think that having a propane heater on hand in case you lose power or are dealing with a grid down situation is a great idea. This will ensure that you are able to heat your home, RV, office, or even an outside area around your house or campsite without any problems, which can make the difference between simply surviving a situation and being comfortable. Because it can be difficult to find the best propane heater, I have put together this guide to make the entire process easier for you. Read on to learn more and to make a good decision regarding your needs.
Check out the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for the best propane heater picks, or read on for the full review:
Table of Contents
Selecting the Best Propane Heater
Choosing the right propane heater for you requires you to do more than simply buy the first one that you find. You need to make sure that you choose a heater that is able to heat up your space. One that isn’t powerful enough to handle the size of your room won’t be able to bring your room up to a comfortable temperature.
You also want to make sure that you choose one that has safety features, especially if you have a family who will be around the heater. Heaters that will turn off if they are tipped over or will cut the propane if the flame goes out are great options for owners who have families.
Benefits of Having a Quality Propane Heater
Having a portable propane heater on hand allows you to easily heat areas of your home that aren’t necessarily heated, such as the garage or patio, or even to heat outdoor areas when you are camping. Because they are small and self contained, they are a great option for when you want to heat a smaller area, but have lost power or simply are off the grid.
Since these heaters are generally fairly small, they can easily be stored when they’re not in use, which means that they won’t take up a lot of space. They are light enough for you to take them with you on the road or in an emergency and won’t use too much propane.
These heaters are great for temporary needs when it simply wouldn’t be cost effective to try to install permanent heat in a location. Because they offer temporary heat, they can be taken to new locations as needed.
What to Look For
While many people think that all propane heaters are the same, I have found that there are some attributes that really set certain ones apart from others. One feature that I like is when propane heaters have an adjustable heat angle so that you can direct the heat exactly where you want it to go.
Another great feature that some heaters have is a handle. This allows users to easily pick up the heater and move it to a new location without a lot of effort. Not only does this make lifting a cooled heater easy, but when a heater is still warm from use you will be able to easily take it to a new location, thanks to the handle, and you won’t burn yourself.
You also need to make sure that you choose a propane heater that is designed to work in the space that you want heated. Some propane heaters are only for outdoor use, while others are designed to work both inside and outside.
How to Best Use Your Propane Heater
It is easy to use a propane heater to heat up your home, and to do so without putting yourself or your family at risk. Your first step is to connect the heater to your propane tank. I like to take this time to really check the heater for any signs of damage.
Once the heater and tank are securely connected, then you can light the heater. This will be different on every type of heater, so you may need to refer to your manual. Once it is lit, however, then you can direct the heat to where you want it to go.
If you choose a propane heater with temperature control, then it’s easy to adjust how hot the heater gets. This makes it easy for you to heat your space to the correct temperature without overheating.
Considerations
No matter if you are going to be using your new propane heater inside or outside, I think that you need to be aware of some safety considerations. Because propane will produce carbon monoxide, you need to make sure that you have proper ventilation in your house, cabin, or RV before turning it on.
You also have to make sure to put your propane heater in a spot where it is unlikely to be disturbed. While it’s a good idea to buy a propane heater that has safety features in place, accidents can still occur. Make sure that you keep your propane heater away from any loose fabrics and out of the walk zone so that people won’t accidentally bump into it.
I also recommend that you thoroughly inspect your heater before running it to ensure that there isn’t any damage to the hose or other components of the heater.
Top Rated Portable Propane Heaters
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000 BTU Indoor Portable Propane Radiant Heater
Not only does this portable heater quickly and easily connect to a propane tank, but it is simple to turn off and on and to control. This means that you can enjoy the perfect temperature in your space, up to 225 square feet. Thanks to the swivel regulator, it’s easy to use a disposable cylinder or remote gas supply, depending on your needs. Additionally, this heater will shut off automatically if it tips over, keeping you safe.
Pros
● Features low oxygen sensor
● Quickly heats areas with high ceilings
● Approved for both indoor and outdoor use
● Fold-down handle makes it easy to move the heater to a new area
Cons
● Plastic side of the heater will break and separate easily
● Screws holding the housing together easily break
Mr. Heater MH18B Portable Propane Heater
With a combination of both convection heat and radiant heat, this heater does a great job quickly raising temperatures indoors and outdoors. Thanks to the included safety features, there won’t be any concerns about the heater being a fire hazard. Additionally, the handle allows for the unit to be moved easily, without fear of being burned, and makes the unit highly portable, which is great for on the road camping or in an RV.
Pros
● Wire cage that protects the ceramic elements is durable
● Approved for use indoors and outdoors and heats up to 450 square feet
● Built-in Piezo ignition allows for easy start
● The reflector is coated with porcelain to extend its life
Cons
● Tends to use propane quickly
● Stinks when in operation
Pro Temp 60,000 BTU Variable Propane Forced Air Heater
This forced air heater does a great job heating spaces up to 1,500 square feet and ships with a 10-foot hose to make it easy to position the heater anywhere that you want it. It’s great for garages and anywhere else indoors where you need a source of portable heat. Thanks to the electronic ignition, this heater is very easy to start and won’t cause problems with slow starting in the cold.
Pros
● Provides 11 hours of heat on a 20 pound tank of propane
● Provides 60,000 BTUs of heat
● Has variable heat settings for perfect temperature
● Adjustable heat angle makes it easy to ensure best heat flow
Cons
● Heater tends to lose power during use
● Has difficulty heating larger square feet areas
Mr. Heater MH18CH Radiant Cabinet LP Heater
This is a great 18,000 BTU portable heater that is designed to be as quiet as possible while heating your outdoor space. It has safety features that are designed to ensure complete safety when the heater is being used, such as a tip-over switch that will automatically turn off the heater if it falls over to prevent the risk of fire.
Pros
● Features an auto low oxygen shutoff for safety
● Easily heats up to 450 square feet
● Only for outdoor use
● Has a high/medium/low regular for great control over the amount of heat produced
Cons
● Pilot light doesn’t always stay lit and the heater will shut off
● Loose internal wires can make the unit malfunction
Dyna Glo RMC-FA60DGD 30,000-60,000 BTU Liquid Propane Forced Air Heater
Not only does this powerful propane heater come with a 10” hose for easy setup and heat direction, but it has a high-quality motor that is durable and efficient. The indestructible nozzle/burner won’t break in the same way as stamped stainless burners. Additionally, this heater has a fully enclosed steel base for safety and longevity and has an adjustable leg so that you can easily control the direction of the heat that you produce.
Pros
● Heats areas up to 1,350 square feet
● Offers an adjustable heat angle for control
● The electronic ignition prevents dangerous delays when lighting the heater
● Features overheat automatic shutoff for protection
Cons
● Fan doesn’t reliably turn on when the heater is on
● Tends to smell like propane when running
For more guides and tips check out these articles:
I think that the Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DG propane forced air heater is a great option for most people. I really like how easily you can adjust the heat that it produces, which gives users complete control over how warm their space will get. Additionally, it offers safety features to ensure that you won’t ever have to worry about the heater tipping over and starting a fire or releasing propane into your home. Finally, thanks to the durable motor mount on this heater, there is very little, if any, risk of the heater dying prematurely. The great construction that goes into this heater ensures reliability year after year.
Fred is the Ready Zeal owner and editor. He has been passionately pursuing all things emergency preparation since working alongside his grandfather as a boy growing up in the Midwest. When not working on the family homestead he can be found brewing coffee and reading a good book or backpacking in the wilderness. Contact Fred at fred@readyzeal.com