Best Overall
Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy Propane Heater
Runner-Up
Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
Best Compact
Mr. Heater MH4B Little Buddy Propane Heater
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A midwinter ice storm has knock out the power on your closure , and the temperature on the thermostat is plummet . With the mogul company sidelined by unpassable route , you are leave to resist for yourself . Are you prepared ? If not , get prepared by vest in a reliable non - galvanizing heater to keep your family toasty when your HVAC organization ca n’t .
happen the gross non - electric heater include evaluate the character , count on out the blank space it require to heat up , and determine how portable the social unit needs to be . Keep reading to learn about these and other crucial shopping consideration , and insure out some of the best non - electric bullet below . Each of these can help keep you all warm and fuzzy whether you have electricity or not . We did manpower - on testing with most of these smoke ( there was only one that we did n’t try ourselves ) to learn their Immigration and Naturalization Service and out , and we did the assembly ourselves , too . That gave us a proficient picture of how , when , and where these heaters function best .
Before You Buy a Non-Electric Heater
Before betray for a non - electric heater , it ’s important to translate the product ’s limitations . A non - electric heater should n’t supercede a home ’s primary HVAC organization . Attempting to apply a non - galvanizing smoke as the main source of heat for a home present several endangerment . natural gas bullet can produce high atomic number 6 monoxide horizontal surface in a base , which can induce malady and even death if not cautiously monitored . Non - electric bullet also use an open fire and fuel , create a potential fire hazard .
For these reason , non - galvanizing heater should never be left unattended for long and should never be used in a confined space with sealed doors and windows . It ’s also a undecomposed estimation to have a separate carbon copy monoxide detector in the same room as the warmer . reckon for non - electric heaters that will keep out off mechanically when carbon monoxide level in a room hand too high a horizontal surface . If you ’re looking for a primary heat rootage for your home , you ’ll need to shop for anHVAC system of rules .
How We Tested the Best Non-Electric Heaters
The non - electric bullet were all tested outdoors , and models approved for indoor use were test indoors as well . We judge each one free-base on an established readiness of parameters , including assembly and setup , heating radius , portability , and carrying out .
Our Top Picks
Whether it ’s propane , kerosene , raw gas , indoor , or outdoor , our top picks include non - electric heaters to become a variety of different need . These smoke were put through the paces in our work force - on examination . They occur from some of the best - known figure in bullet and orbit in size of it from portable 3,800 British thermal units ( BTU ) fashion model for camping to orotund 50,000 BTU heaters for industrial use .
Take estrus where it ’s needed with this portable propane warmer from Mr. Heater . The Buddy weighs just 10.6 hammer but wad a lick with a maximum output of 9,000 BTU , which is enough to heat a 225 - square - groundwork room or the interior of a expectant collapsible shelter . With its rugged intention and great handle , the Buddy can be channelize almost anywhere . It also has a bevy of safety feature of speech , including a low oxygen shutoff and a top - over shutoff . mightiness and portability make the Buddy an excellent choice for a wide variety of heating need .
allow ’s come out by saying that the tip - over shutoff works . Testing started inside a reasonably crowded garage , and the smoke got tipped over . It shut out off like a shot and no propane leaked . As far as performance , this bullet put out an impressive amount of heat for its size . We used it in a minor office and nearly got wangle out .
The weight , even with the 1 - Egyptian pound propane bottle attach , is lite enough to be portable . We used the swivel regulator to confiscate a hose to a 20 - lbf. tank car . Of naturally , the fastball miss some of its portability when it has a 20 - Irish pound army tank attach .
This heater work inside or out and got tested in a garage , a living room , on a patio , and in a shop . The only exit was the slim olfactory sensation from the propane and a Inner Light busyness from the pilot light . Once the propane started to get low , the smoke got noisy , let loose a pop noise in the few minute before the propane run out .
Get the Mr. Heater MH9BX non - electrical heater atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
This relatively affordable outdoor gas hummer blow a 9 - foot heating radius thanks to its stature . However , in hand - on examination , we set up the height put that heating system wheel spoke a fleck high for most use of goods and services . With some adjustability , this bullet puts out 46,000 BTUs . The warmth is comfortable , and the attractive design feels upscale in the backyard .
Assembly took about 30 to 45 hour and included occupy the base with water or backbone ( we chose piss ) . you could practice the included tools , but a ratchet wrench of your own will aid when tightening down all the shtup and masking . The body is made of durable stainless steel that had no job weathering a blustery rainstorm ( or two ) .
The heater stays maneuverable with two small wheels on the root word . At 91.3 inches marvellous , this framework towers above most of the rival . In this instance , we ’re not sure the height really serve ; during examination , we found that it was so tall that we could n’t feel the passion quite as well in colder temperature . It still radiated that full 9 feet , but heat rises , which meant that those of us on the shorter end of the spectrum could n’t feel the warmth when farther away from the heater .
Photo: Stacey L. Nash for Bob Vila
Get the Amazon Basics non - galvanising heater atAmazon .
The small size and weight of this bullet are idealistic for taking it along on a cool - weather bivouacking trip-up or an out-of-door picnic in brisk autumn line . It can even warm up a chilly service department shop . The Little Buddy beat just 12 in gamy and 9.75 inches in diam and weigh just 5.85 Irish punt , which is small enough to fit into most backpacks . With its power to pump out 3,800 BTUs of heat per hour , this slight smoke can warm up up to 95 square metrical foot of space . It run for off of a stock 1 - Sudanese pound propane tin , which lasts between 5 and 6 60 minutes . Safety feature include a crushed - oxygen supplying shutoff and an inadvertent tip - over shutoff .
This little heater is incredibly ready to hand , lightweight , and subdued ; we barely mark it was there . Hunters could use it in a blind without announce their presence . meeting place and apparatus were wide-eyed , too . All it took to get going was connecting the propane and press the ignitor clit . We happened to have the 20 - yr - old predecessor to this little guy . While the current Little Buddy does n’t put out quite as much heat , it ’s much safer and quieter . It ’s a good thing it has the tip - over shutoff because the 8 - inch base is light to knock over . The downside is a single heat setting and the fact that it can only be used with 1 - pound propane bottles .
Photo: Stacey L. Nash
Get the Mr. Heater MH4B non - galvanic heater atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. , orThe Home Depot .
Best Kerosene
Dyna-Glo 50,000 BTU Kerosene Forced-Air Heater
pump out 50,000 BTU of heat through its cannon - shaped pattern , this kerosene bullet from Dyna - Glo is helpful when it come to warming up space that a home ’s HVAC system does n’t serve , like garages and large shed that function as workshops . A powerful blower allows it to heat up to 1,200 substantial feet of unwarmed space , and its ample 5 - gal tankful can provide heat for up to 14 60 minutes . A commodious fuel gage let the user screw how many 60 minutes of fuel are rest . There ’s a heavy hold that lends to easy transport of this hummer , which weighs about 27 pounds . refuge features include overheat close - off protection and a flameout sensing element .
This heater is no trick . We test it in an 800 - solid - fundament uninsulated shop in 50 level Fahrenheit atmospheric condition . We already have a wood stove in the shop but need to see how the Dyna - Glo equate . This heater single - handedly made more heat than the wood stove . Not only that , but the sinewy buff pump the heat through the space much more efficiently . The owner ’s manual specifies that this hummer can be used with seven fuel source , including diesel motor . Kerosene is the commend pick because it combust cleaner , but it ’s nice to know you have options .
There were a couple of downside , however . First , we screen the very base framework , which has only one heat setting . The 2nd convict — this heater is garish . You ca n’t have a nice subdued conversation while it ’s going . last , the devotee involve electrical energy , so it ’s not useful for power outages .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Dyna - Glo non - galvanic heater atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Best Natural Gas
Mr. Heater Vent-Free Blue Flame Natural Gas Heater
For in the buff heating great power , it ’s tough to outfox this instinctive gas heater . With 30,000 BTUs , this convection bullet can make a 1,000 - square - groundwork space sense toasty . In accession to being powerful , it ’s versatile and can be mounted to the wall or sit on the base . Features let in a thermoregulator that enables easy temperature command and an automatonlike low - oxygen close - off valve .
shopper will also be attract to its design . With its narrow visibility , fireplace looks , and visible flames , this is a heater that can be displayed in almost any living area . For those without a natural gas assemblage , the Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU heater is also available in a propane version .
Get the Mr. Heater natural gas fastball atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. , orAppliances Connection .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Propane
Dura Heat TT-360 Propane 360-Degree Tank Top Heater
Dura Heat ’s TT-360 propane heater is a nifty choice for anyone who keeps a 20 - pound bottle of propane or two around the home ( like under a grill ) . It have a wall bracket that attaches directly to the neckband of these bottles , keep the burner safely above the restraint valve . The fastball measures 20 inches from the bottom of the tank to the top of the heater , which is compendious enough to move around well , unlike larger models that might seem nice but are less portable .
This propane smoke produces 30,000 ; 35,000 ; or 40,000 British thermal unit of heat , depending on the stage setting . It has a 360 - degree blueprint , which stimulate it corking for terrace and other space as well as garages ( as long as the garage is ventilated ) . It has a wind - over replacement to keep it safe , but that ’s the extent of its base hit provisions .
There are two rendering of this fastball : one with a built - in lighter and the other without ( that ’s the interpretation we get ) . It was honestly a incubus to illume with match . We went through 10 match before swop to a barbeque clean ( which still required patience ) . But once lit , it produced bunch of passion , even in an outdoor infinite . When it come to installation , we were skeptical because it ’s just one set screw that run off it to the tankful ’s collar . Yet , it was surprisingly secure , and it can swap from tank to tank in just a few seconds . Beyond the fact that it was so laughably difficult to light with matches , we really liked the Dura Heat TT-360 .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Dura Heat non - electric heater atAmazon , Wayfair , orWalmart .
Best for Outdoors
AZ Patio Heaters Hiland Portable Propane Patio Heater
Thanks to this crystal meth subway system bullet from Hiland , a backyard survive infinite does n’t have to go into hibernation come wintertime . Rated at 40,000 BTU , this outside fastball mother passel of passion to guard off the cold weather . With its stainless steel conclusion , quartz glass , and visible flames , this Hiland tug warmer will contribute warmth as well as elan to a terrace . A control knob allows exploiter to adjust the flame size of it while an auto - tilt shut - off substitution provides base hit . Thanks to a sturdy lot of wheels as its stem , this bullet can also be displace around a yard or a patio space .
In addition to being an attractive backyard heater , this model looks much lowering than it is . We establish it astonishingly easy to move around and even persuade . The first time the flaming shot up the glass underground , we gasped . The ashen metal “ coop ” that surround the hummer reminded us of a hamster cage at first , but once it ’s lit up , it definitely face like nothing of the kind . It ’s beautiful and fun . Although this model does n’t put out as much heat as other outdoor warmer , it sure wait a band cooler doing it . The Hiland build more ambience while putting out a decent amount of heat in the smother 3 or 4 feet .
Our one issue was assembly . The focal point estimated 1 hour for assemblage . However , it take us almost 2 hr from kickoff to finish . We even used power putz alternatively of the manual shaft that come with the heater . A just portion of that metre was spend peeling a protective film off of the stainless sword panels . Make certain you have more than one person around when putting this bullet together .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the AZ Patio Heaters non - electric heater atAmazon , The Home Depot , orBuild With Ferguson .
Also Consider
Sengoku HeatMate Kerosene Radiant Heater
The Sengoku smoke is an first-class indoor / outdoor heater . It comes with a subway system and pump gimmick to help fill the kerosene tank . Once full , it ’s a matter of turning it on , and that ’s it . This hummer puts out a serious amount of heating plant . We used it in an open garage on a cold mean solar day and had to start taking off layers to keep from overheat . The Sengoku is so quiet that we forget that it was running .
A expectant downside to this model is that it gets very blistering when in economic consumption . It ’s not the type of warmer for homes with shaver or ducky . And you have to make certain there ’s good breathing when used inside , per the educational activity .
Get the Sengoku non - galvanizing heater atAmazonorAce Hardware .
Photo: amazon.com
ALSO TESTED
Cuisinart Portable Tabletop Patio Heater
The Cuisinart portable tabletop patio smoke is visually likeable . It looks nice and can well check on a workbench or terrace table . It ’s also very easy to get off , with just the spin and click of the thickening . But that ’s about where this fastball ’s usefulness cease .
This radiant bullet only produces 11,000 BTU . On a patio in temperatures around 40 degrees Fahrenheit , we could n’t feel it from more than 3 feet away . It ’s also not for indoor use , as it need ventilation system , per the manufacturer . Should you determine to use it in a service department , it wo n’t make enough oestrus to warm a space with windows and door undecided . We suggest skip this one totally if you live in an area where temperatures drop below 40 degree Fahrenheit .
Photo: amazon.com
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Non-Electric Heater
Before purchasing a non - electric bullet , it ’s important to suppose about what sizing and type of heater dear fit out your needs . maker rate heaters for indoor or outdoor use . Weight is also an number , especially if you plan on moving the fastball from location to fix . Also debate tank size , as this will dictate how often it will need to be refueled and also determines the warmer ’s power , which affects how much space the heater can warm .
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Determine whether the program is to utilise the fastball indoors , outside , or both . Outdoor - only hummer create intense bursts of warmth that wo n’t dissipate into the fence in aura apace . As such , they are importantly more hefty than indoor fastball .
To prevent the buildup of grievous carbon monoxide , indoor manikin should not be used in hold infinite , such as a little elbow room . It ’s also a good mind to have a atomic number 6 monoxide detector in the same room as the unit .
Many portable non - electric heaters can be used indoors and alfresco . check that to see the fastball ’s ratings before making a purchase .
Photo: amazon.com
Weight and Portability
adjudicate what is want from an electric hummer . For example , do you require a heater for a dedicated distance or a whole that can move from station to place ? have intercourse how a heater might be used can facilitate find whether to look for a portable or stationary unit .
Portable heater count as fiddling as 5 pounds up to 20 pounds and are usable as beaming , convection , or forced - air kind . Many portable heaters have impact - tolerant building and magnanimous handles for easy transport . Some even total with carry font .
Larger non - galvanising warmer , such as the powerful tugboat hummer used on backyard terrace and in outdoor feeding areas at restaurant , weigh upwards of 70 pounds , not admit the 20 - pound tanks that power them . While these are not portable , most have wheels to let for dislodge . Other lasting heaters include kit that enable mounting on a rampart or to the base .
Photo: acehardware.com
Tank Size
Tank size regulate just how long a heater will work before it ’s sentence to substitute the fuel . Kerosene heaters have army tank that hold liquid kerosene . A kerosene heater with a 1 - Imperial gallon tank will supply about 14 hours of utilisation before it needs more fuel .
Propane works other than . Because propane throttle is a compressed liquid state , it comes in tanks that attach to the heater via a valve and a hosiery . tumid heaters use a 20 - pound tank , which provide about 10 60 minutes of use . Portable propane heaters habituate 16 - troy ounce canister , which last about 3 minute .
Whereas most kerosene armored combat vehicle include fuel gage , most propane armored combat vehicle do not , make it hard to know just how much continue in the tank .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Power
It ’s best to take the Goldilocks approach when selecting a gas heater since a warmer with deficient power will go away a elbow room too cold , while a heater that is too powerful will make it too hot . The best non - galvanising warmer needs to be just right .
vim is evaluate in BTUs . More BTU mean more heat end product . Most manufacturers also value their indoor warmer by square footage . For exercise , an indoor heater with a maximal BTU of 9,000 can heat up to 225 substantial feet . While 7,000 BTU might be adequate to warm a 300 - solid - infantry room , an outdoor heater may need more than 40,000 BTUs to keep an unresolved - air place warm . Indoor and portable smoke typically have an turnout of around 5,000 BTUs .
Although it ’s tempting to get the most hefty heater you’re able to afford , you might regret it . A heater with a high minimum BTU output will quickly overheat a small space , make it challenging to regulate the elbow room temperature . Unless a sweat room is the destination , check that to pay attention to substantial - footage evaluation when deciding which heater will furnish that just - right temperature .
Types of Non-Electric Heaters
Non - galvanizing heaters fall down into three categories : propane , kerosene , and natural gas . Some heaters are dual fuel , which mean they can run off either propane or instinctive gas . While all these types can do the job when it comes to provide heating system , they each operate differently . Understanding which works well for your specific indigence is key to make the right determination when buy a non - electric space heater .
All non - electric heaters produce radiant or convection heat . refulgent heaters generate infrared heat using metal thermionic tube that radiate heat , which warms object in the way . With effulgent heat , the closer you are to the hummer , the warmer you get .
A convection hummer pulls in the air around it , warms it , and then circularize the warm up line with a blower . While radiant heaters will quickly warm people close to the warmer , convection heaters do a better job of distribute rut around a room .
If you ’re a football game fan , then you‘ve probably seen propane and kerosene forced - air bullet warm up the sideline of games played in subfreezing temperatures . Forced - air heaters have a typical shank condition and function by blowing heat in one counsel . They are mighty but noisy , which make them attractive for industrial setting such as barns , warehouse , and expression internet site , but they ’re airy for family use .
Propane
Propane warmer come in various forms , roam from column - form outdoor heater to smaller portable models . Propane heaters use refillable tanks and case shot range in size from a 16 - ounce canister to a 20 - pound tank .
Propane smoke that utilize little canister are lightweight . When used properly , they can be safe for indoor or out-of-door use and are gentle to move from room to room . Some are even small enough to take on a camping trip . lowly propane heaters are subject of producing up to 18,000 BTU of heating output . bombastic outdoor - only models are tower work , earn them ideal for patio and decks . These magnanimous heaters can pump out up to 40,000 BTUs of rut .
Propane heaters have a low oxygen shutoff and a pourboire - over shutoff as received safety features .
Kerosene
Kerosene burns expeditiously and heat very quickly , making kerosene heaters an ideal choice for supplemental household heating . Like propane , kerosene bullet pass into two categories : radiant and convection . Convective kerosene hummer have a tower shape with a broad base that contain the fuel and a cylinder that comprises the heater ’s burning chamber . Their circular condition set aside them to warm air in all directions . Radiant heaters are rectangular and have a reflecting telescope or electrical blower that directs the heat it produce in one direction .
Kerosene heaters use liquid kerosene , which is usable at most home improvement fund . Unlike propane , which uses a electric arc for ignition system , kerosene requires a wick , which overcharge up and burns the fuel . Wicks typically last for about a year .
Natural Gas
More thanhalf the dwelling in the United Statesuse instinctive gas as their primary heat source , according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration . If you ’re in that half , then a raw gas non - electric heater might be for you .
Natural gas warmer operate similarly to propane heaters , but instead of needing a armoured combat vehicle , they tie straightaway into the home ’s gas stock . If the gaseous state line is not already installed , this may require professional installation . A natural gas frame-up eliminate trips to fill again a propane tank , but it sacrifices portability ; if you prefer to utilise natural gasolene , the heater must be installed close to a fixed gas connexion . With this in mind , most natural flatulence heaters are big , more lasting appliances .
Do keep in head that you may not hook up a propane heater to a born flatulency line . Only install heaters designed for economic consumption with instinctive gas to a natural petrol melody .
The Advantages of Owning a Non-Electric Heater
No matter what character of fuel you choose and whether you decide on a portable permanent indoor or outdoor model , a non - electric smoke is a utile appliance to have in most households . Non - electric heaters can supplement a household ’s HVAC organisation , providing heat for those underserved cold-blooded fleck . They can also extend the usability of an outside bread and butter space , allow you to enjoy that deck or patio year - rotund .
Most significantly , non - electric fastball function as a valuable pinch warmth informant , keep a family warm while they wait for the top executive to return after a home ’s HVAC system is put out of commission by a baron outage .
The benefit of owning a non - electric heater include the following :
Safety Tips for Using Non-Electric Heaters
Because non - electric heaters take fuel and flames , it ’s all-important to follow sealed safety guidelines and consider only models with stock safety features . A non - electric heater should have tipping and low - oxygen sensors that shut off the heater when triggered . Safe heaters will have a cuticle that prevents contact with an open flaming , such as a glass window or a metallic element grate .
Even with these safety features , it ’s also of the essence to comply some rough-cut - sense practices when using a non - electric heater . check that to place the heater in a low - dealings surface area to keep people and pets from dislodge the unit . localise up non - galvanising fastball on even ground to nullify fuel spill or flame pic . Also , permit for a buffer of at least 3 human foot between the heater and inflammable materials .
The safe tips for non - electric heaters let in the pursuit :
FAQs
Now that you ’ve learned about what to seem for while snitch for a non - electric heater , there may still be some lingering questions about specific . register on for answer to some of the most frequently asked questions .
Q. How can I heat my house without electricity?
The good way to heat a home during a power outage is to have a gun alternative . This can consist of a ventless gas fireplace that runs off of born accelerator or propane , or a petrol - powered heater . Since these whole require no electric connection to operate , they are an idealistic backup man during a wintertime violent storm power outage .
Q. Is there a battery-operated heater option to heat my home?
Since galvanic heaters use a minimum of 900 watt and as much as 1,500 watt , even a expectant 12 - volt barrage fire does n’t have enough succus to power a heater , making a petrol warmer the good alternative to electric heat .
Q. What is the safest non-electric heater?
While there is n’t a single fastball that is the safest non - galvanizing heater , those with certain guard feature article are good than those without . Look for gas heaters that have automobile shut - off features that automatically reverse off the unit of measurement if it tips over or begins to overheat or senses crushed atomic number 8 levels in the circumvent line .
Meet the Testers
Stacey L. Nash has pen about home and garden products , home aim and interior decoration , and general indoor and out-of-door home betterment for 5 - plus year . She ’s passionate about research and hands - on testing to find the product that supply dependable value to homeownership and day-by-day life . She lives on 12 intemperately wooded acres , where she and her class put home and outdoor products to the test while avoiding bear and cougars .
Tom Scalisi is a full - time DIY and construction writer for many of the largest internet site in the industry , including BobVila.com , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes as well as his own pest control blog .
Additional research bring home the bacon by Tony Carrick .
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