We may earn receipts from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programme . Learn More ›
Best Overall
Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy Heater
Best Bang for the Buck
Mr. Heater MH4B Little Buddy Propane Heater
Best Tank Top
Camplux Outdoor Tank Top Propane Heater
Propane heater are an fantastically effective way to quicklyheat a mass medium to large living spaceusing liquid propane ( LP ) as fuel , making them worthy for a range of heating needs .
We research more than 30 propane heaters and then selected several top - range models for script - on testing by the Bob Vila test squad . We also consult Alex Rushwin , expert service director forEnerco Group , maker of the ever - popularMr . Heaterline of propane heaters .
Today ’s propane heaters sting clean and are safer than early models . “ Mr. Heater patented the first indoor propane fastball back in 2000 , ” Rushwin aver , “ and that was a huge dance step forward for portable propane heat energy . ” Since then , Mr. Heater has improved on the technology , and their indoor heater are good than ever .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Finding the practiced propane hummer for your purposes depends on how you will habituate it , where it will be used , the passion output you necessitate , and the authoritative safety features include . Our favourite of the bunch wasMr . Heater ’s MH9BX modelfor its portable design and quick heating capabilities . While stand for use varies , each of the fall out models excelled in our hands - on tests and earned its fleck in this lineup of the best propane heaters .
Product Comparison
Our Top Picks
The following are some of the best propane fastball on the market in their respective categories . They were selected for timbre and price , with a focus on the shopping considerations mention above .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carries our brand ’s highest storey of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY ware that impress us most in our substantial - world examination and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand , including craft , innovation , and value for the dollar . Winners of this appellation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Rushwin says that Mr. Heater’sBuddy seriesis one of its most popular vendor , and it ’s been one of our favorite for eld , as it was our standby heater for mountain tenting escapade . The MH9BX was novel to us though , and we were impressed right off the bat by the new swivel - connective feature film that give up us to twist the 1 - punt propane bottle into position with ease . Some of the older models did n’t have the swivel connector , so in force going , Mr. Heater ! That ’s a huge asset .
The Buddy MH9BX has an attractive design with a stalwart fold - down carrying handle that makes it easy to clean up and take wherever it ’s need . The hummer has a selection of two heat outturn , either 4,000 or 9,000 B.Th.U. , make it able of wake up to 225 square feet of space . We tested the MH9BX in a 180 - square foundation way , and on mellow , it raised the temperature from 70 to 78 degree Fahrenheit in just 30 minute . It ’s a radiant hummer , so it warms objects , not the air , but the heated object in crook warmed up the room .
This warmer is able to burn propane at near-100 percent efficiency , which makes it an choice for indoor applications . Its oxygen - depletion sensor ( ODS ) ensures that the oxygen point never drip to a dangerous point in time . Plus , its tip - over safety chemical mechanism immediately exclude the heater off when we tipped it over .
learn our full recap : Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy Heater
Get the Mr. Heater MH9BX propane smoke atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Our second Mr. Heater option is the Little Buddy MH4B , which provides instant warmth at an attractive price point . Not only is the Little Buddy gentle on the billfold , but it ’s also simple to persuade along when tailgating or just spending a slight time Bronx cheer - watching on a chilly day . It ’s an excellent selection for supplemental indoor parking brake heat , too . It burn fresh and come with a humble - oxygen sensor that shuts it off if the oxygen horizontal surface in the space drops to an unhealthy stage .
The Little Buddy is designed to heat space up to 95 square feet , so we tested it in a bathroom , where it raised the way ’s temperature by 15 degree Fahrenheit in 30 minutes . Keep in mind that temperature addition will vary depending on the eccentric of space , starting temperature , and whether the space is insulated or if it is being used as atent heaterwithout any insulation .
Like its bountiful brother , the Buddy bullet , Little Buddy is a radiant propane heater , and it warms nearby objects — and people . We encounter it excellent for warm up our gloved hands outdoors , but it does n’t blow live airwave . The tip - over shutoff turned the fastball off right away when we laid the Little Buddy on its side .
While this little propane warmer is n’t powerful enough for warm up large rooms , it ’s an fantabulous small hummer that ’s safe for indoor usage .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the Mr. Heater Little Buddy propane heater atAmazonorWalmart .
storage tank spinning top are n’t just futile dress for red-hot summer days . The Camplux Tank Top propane heater attache to the top of a 20 - pound or larger propane storage tank , and it rapidly warms nearby objects or people — making it a ready to hand heater for out-of-door manipulation or in ventilated shops andgarages .
This is not an in - domicile mannikin ; the manufacturer suggest have a 0.5 - square - foot scuttle for fresh gentle wind for every 15,000 BTUs being used . For example , if using both burners at the same time on the high setting ( total of 30,000 B.Th.U. ) , open a 24 - inch wide window just 1 in would be sufficient . A room access does not need to be astray open ; just crack a window .
Photo: amazon.com
It follow with two radiant burners and attaches securely to the steel collar at the top of a stock propane tank . It was wanton to connect to the tank and held unwaveringly throughout our tests . We prove the Camplux dual - burner propane heater in a mobile shop with an open - end wall .
It was unproblematic to connect to the top of the propane tank and gentle to light — but be aware this is a manual - ignitor bullet ; we had to insert a lit match in a hole in the side of the reflective cover and then slowly turn on the propane . It fired right up . Each side twinkle and operates severally .
The Camplux Tank Top heater provided a lot of radiant heat — so much that we could n’t stand any close than about 4 feet without feeling uncomfortably red-hot when running it on the high setting . On the gloomy setting , it was more tolerable , but it still put out a caboodle of heat energy . It did n’t appreciably raise the temperature in the mobile shop class , but that was due to one end of the shop drone being altogether open , which allowed nerveless pushover to bollix through .
Photo: amazon.com
This is a powerful , no - frills propane hummer for purpose in a ventilated workshop or on a jobsite .
Get the Camplux propane heater atAmazon .
Best Heavy-Duty
Dyna-Glo Delux 300,000 BTU LP Forced-Air Heater
Here come in the big boys in the propane heating system world ! The Dyna - Glo Delux is n’t a hummer that most will want to keep in a animation elbow room unless the living room happens to be around 7,000 square feet in size , but it is an excellent alternative as a space heater in a heavy garage , barn , storage warehouse , or worksite because it can grow up to 300,000 British thermal unit .
We took the Dyna - Glo to our workshop and connect it to a propane tank — but nothing encounter . It did n’t discharge up . We saw the pilot visible radiation flicker in spite of appearance and smelled propane , which led us to shut down the unit promptly , but there were no flames or oestrus . We mistrust the reasonableness might be a too - small propane tank , and we were right — the teaching manual specifies connecting the Dyna - Glo to a armored combat vehicle no lowly than 100 pound . So , that ’s what we did ; we hauled in a larger armoured combat vehicle and tried again , and the heater burn right up .
And , son did it put out the heat ! Within 30 minutes , our workshop went from a chilly 56 degrees Fahrenheit to 72 arcdegree Fahrenheit . This is a forced - air ( convection ) heater — a strong sports fan bollocks up warmth out of the front end of the combustion chamber at a forceful charge per unit .
Photo: amazon.com
ventilation system is a must : The manufacturer recommend 11.25 square feet of open - air space when running the hummer at maximum force . It features a safety shutoff if it overheat and another shutoff that keep the bullet from igniting if propane has been circulating through . The latter is to forestall the type of bolide that can ensue if propane gas is in the combustion bedroom before it ignites .
The Dyna - Glo must also be plug into an electrical outlet to power its clayey - duty sports fan . While it weighs 32 pounds , it has a carrying handle and a built - in cord wrap , making deportation easier . Overall , this powerful warmer will keep big country toasty fond , but do n’t employ it in the house .
Get the Dyna - Glo Delux propane heater atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Patio
East Oak Pyrol Outdoor Patio Propane Gas Heater
The East Oak patio heater provide ambience and is a sensational focal peak for a parky outdoor winter gathering , but design on spending at least an time of day or more foregather all the office . As we were put it up , more than once we wondered whether the heater would be worth the hassle of seek to peel off off the stubborn protective blue film — with some slice coming off in tiny bit rather than sheets — and then put together literally everything on the unit .
Once we stimulate the East Oak pyramid heater together and fired up , we changed our mind — it was worth it . The glass piston chamber in the Pyramids of Egypt ’s center showcases beautiful saltation flames that rise to the upper vent , where the oestrus is mull over down and outward toward anyone fend nearby . The outdoor temperature and duck soup will affect its heating range of a function , but we could feel warmheartedness when standing about 10 feet off .
This is strictly an outside propane bullet , so do n’t take it in the planetary house — it needs sizable breathing . It comes with tip - over shut - off security and also shuts down propane flow if the flame go out to keep propane flatulency from leak into the melodic phrase . We test both , and they work well . It connects to a 20 - pound sterling propane tank that fit right inside its understructure .
Photo: amazon.com
The East Oak pyramid heater also offer a good amount of light , so it can be used as supplemental ignition for outside entertaining . We really wish this tower heater , but we would have been happier with our experience if it had come at least partially assembled . It ’s a slew to put together for even those intimate with assembling tools and appliances .
Get the East Oak propane heater atAmazonorWalmart .
Best Indoor
Dyna-Glo 30K BTU LP Blue Flame Vent-Free Heater
Those reckon for a designated source of propane heat for indoor use , such as to warm up a chillybasement , may need to look no further than the Dyna - Glo wall - riding horse propane heater . It features a slender visibility that fits nicely on an interior wall , and it uses a soft fan to help circulate heat energy .
No assembly was necessary with this wall - setting heater , but we had to instal brackets on the wall and then hang the heater on the brackets . Just make certain the bracket are level and the smoke is not lay too near something flammable . The manufacturer recommends place the heater a minimum of 8 column inch off from perpendicular walls on either side of the heater and a minimum of 36 inch below the ceiling . In addition , keep all piece of furniture , draperies , and other items a minimum of 36 column inch away from the front of the fastball .
We ran a long propane hose from an outdoor tank ( do n’t practice propane army tank inside a menage ) and then terminate the fastball up using its simple push - push button ignitor . It produce up to 30,000 BTUs of heat on the high background but can be turned down when less heat is desired . A control knob features five heat configurations and serves as a thermostat to turn the smoke on and off . We found it increase our 200 - hearty - groundwork trial space 11 degrees Fahrenheit in 30 minute of arc , but results will vary count on room size and ambient temperature .
Photo: amazon.com
This Dyna - Glo comes with an automatic overheating shutoff as well as a low - oxygen sensor . It ’s a decent footling heater that would serve well as a source of emergency oestrus during a index outage or for supplemental heat .
Get the Dyna - Glo vent - loose propane fastball atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best for Garage
Mr. Heater MH18CH 18,000 BTU Cabinet Heater
For many DIYers , the service department is the only cover space available for working on projects . lose that blank space to inhuman weather condition is avoidable when using a propane bullet like this one from Mr. Heater , which can inflame a space of up to 450 square invertebrate foot . The heater has three radiant - heat outturn setting , including a low mount of 6,000 B.Th.U. ; a intermediate setting of 12,000 BTUs ; and a mellow setting that gain 18,000 BTUs .
We put the MH18CH in a street corner in a three - carrel garage for testing . It was a chilly twenty-four hours , and also cold the twenty-four hour period before testing , so the temperature in the service department was 53 grade Fahrenheit . We release the MH18CH on the high setting , and within 30 minutes , the temperature in the near stall go up to 61 degrees Fahrenheit , but the farthest stand registered just 54 degrees Fahrenheit . This was in an uninsulated service department , and results would deviate in unlike - size service department or an insulated garage .
The propane heater has a outer space in the back designed to hold a 20 - pound propane tank so that users can move the intact unit around well on the four attached swivel rack . This production also has a backsheesh - over safety machine mechanism and an ODS detector to automatically shut down the heater if the oxygen level gets too low .
Photo: amazon.com
This is a prissy portable little propane warmer that can be rolled around a garage or shop , which is a convenient way to heat up the blank space where work is being done .
Get the Mr. Heater MH18CH propane bullet atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Propane Heaters
We analyse several factor when choosing the propane heaters we wanted to test . Safety was essential , and beyond that , we appear at heat turnout ( British thermic whole , or B.Th.U. ) , heater case ( convection vs. radiant ) , ease of enjoyment , and cost . We considered the brand ; after all , Mr. Heater and Dyna - Glo are well - prize names in the propane hummer earthly concern . Still , we did n’t automatically dismiss smaller recess brands if the hummer were indestructible , safe , and highly rated .
The actual examination of the heaters was pretty elementary ; after all , they serve well one primary intent : to warm up up a space or warm up up nearby objects and people . We noted how easy ( or ambitious ) the heaters were to assemble , and then we colligate them to propane tank or bottle , as called for by the manufacturer .
We tested the hummer ’ ignition features and note how much heat they produced and how quickly . Each propane heater was mark using a title . The better the hummer do on a test , the more points we awarded . After testing , we average out the points to determine our top picking and to establish the best uses for each simulation .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
What to Consider When Choosing a Propane Heater
Before choose the best propane fastball for apatio , garage , or home , take a expression below to learn about some of the most of import shopping considerations that can help you select a warmer that suits your needs .
Ignition
Propane smoke must have the pilot Inner Light conflagrate before the unit will produce any heat . Keep in brain that igniting the archetype Christ Within requires the flatulency to be change by reversal on . These social unit typically have one of three different ignition methods : manual ignition , push - button ignition , and uninterrupted ignition system .
Location
One of the main benefit of have a propane heater is that they are ordinarily portable and can be connected to a small or large propanetank . It ’s relatively promiscuous to take a portable propane heater to another room , to thegarage , or to the outdoors . However , if the bullet will be used in one or two main positioning , the product require to be beseem to those main areas .
In general , only heater that accommodate 1 - pound propane bottles are suitable for use indoors . Those that connect to 20 - pound sterling or declamatory propane tanks should be connected to a hosiery that ’s long enough to locate the cooler out of doors . The elision is models design to hold 20 - pound armoured combat vehicle that can be used in ventilated garages or workshop . Read the manufacturer ’s safety precautions cautiously .
The best outdoor propane heaters have enough heating king to cover with the speedy looseness of heat that will of course come in a wide - heart-to-heart infinite . For those who want a great tenting heater , a big outdoor selection might be best . An alternative is a handheld propane heater that will keep the great unwashed warm rather of heat the entire area . Some users may favor to have a wall - mounted propane heater to relieve floor place and to keep the fastball out of reach from shaver and pets .
Portability
Portability is one of the feature that define propane heaters apart fromelectricor born accelerator pedal fastball , but not all propane heaters can really make the call that they are portable . Some propane fastball that have progress - in fan or other electronic components will typically require to be punch into a power reference , despite their primary fuel being propane .
If portability is a key personal factor , then a propane heater that does n’t need an electrical force generator is often a better option . A little size and a carrying handle will make it easygoing to plunk up and move around . However , if a large heater is demand for commercial or industrial app , there are powerful propane hummer that sit on a bent of wheels . The wheels make it easier to move the hummer around a space .
Safety
Whenever using any type of heating twist , it ’s vital to be sure that all the necessary precautions are being trace to ensure that no one is at risk . This admit the proper computer storage of propane tanks and fair to middling ventilation when the warmer is in use . There are other safety machine features to consider like overheating aegis , a steer - over mechanics , and an oxygen - depletion detector .
BTU Capacity
The heat output of a propane heater is ordinarily measure out in BTUs , with each BTU equal to the warmth it would take to increase the temperature of 1 Ezra Loomis Pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit . The BTU rating of a propane warmer can range wide from as low as 3,000 BTUs to higher than 300,000 British thermal unit . The serious BTU output signal for a hummer will depend on how and where it will be used . For example , outside heaters of course require a high heat output .
Before adjudicate on a product , appraise the room that needs to be heated . To help enter out which heater is easily suited to a particular penury , most manufacturers list the BTU outturn and admit the near satisfying footage that is appropriate for the bullet . For model , a hummer with a maximum of 10,000 B.Th.U. may heat a blank of around 250 substantial feet , while a unit of measurement that has a maximum of 18,000 B.Th.U. will have no trouble with 450 square base .
Size
Size is a divisor that can affect where the smoke will be used , how it is set up , and whether it ’s a portable heater or a stationary unit . A small heater can often be picked up and carried around without a problem . Always check with the manufacturer , but littler units commonly can be used both indoors and outdoors without producing harmful smoke , as these smaller fastball be given to sting fuel at a boring pace .
prominent propane hummer can take up a lot of blank space , which can become a safety hazard if they are too close to flammable object in the room . Their size also may affect the position in the room , or it may limit the Cartesian product to outdoor use . However , a larger propane fastball is capable to hold an equally heavy propane tank so it wo n’t need to be replaced as frequently as the fuel in a small heater .
The Advantages of Owning a Propane Heater
There are many advantage to owning a propane heater . One of the define feature article is that these heaters are typically fueled by a portable container of propane , giving substance abuser the exemption to sway them from elbow room to room or even take them out into the heart of the woods when camp . Unless the fastball has a built - in lover building block , exploiter wo n’t have to be tethered to a force mercantile establishment with this bullet .
There is also the welfare of price preservation with a propane heater . This is because the medium toll of electrical energy is high than the average cost of propane . With a propane heater , there is a wide range of heat - yield options that can increase well beyond the potentiality of an electric or natural gas heater , allowing users to rapidly heat up large outdoor spaces .
FAQs
Whether you want to supplement heat for agreenhouseor have access to a source of emergency heat when the index go out , propane could be the answer . If you still have questions about propane heaters , learn below to find the answer to some of the most usually asked questions .
While it ’s improbable , if the propane warmer is not designed for indoor use , it could put off some carbon monoxide fumes . If you are using the heater in a larger enclosed space like agarage , make certain that you have a carbon monoxide demodulator establish to admonish you of any peril .
It is generally considered to be abad ideato have a illume propane heater in your bedroom because it will quickly burn up the oxygen in an enclosed room , which could cause the O levels to dangle . Fortunately many of today ’s indoor propane bullet , such as those made by Mr. Heater , come with depressed - oxygen sensor that shut the building block off if the atomic number 8 level in the room drops .
Outdoor propane heaters demand right ventilation to ascertain that you do n’t get carbon monoxide toxic condition . Indoor propane heaters — often call “ blowhole - free ” warmer — do not put off carbon monoxide , but ventilation is still necessary to ensure healthy atomic number 8 levels in the way .
While it ’s substantive to always come the producer ’s directions for good use , here are the basic steps for how to fall a propane heater:1 . Turn on the propane tank.2 . Adjust the boss on the front or side of the warmer to the “ offset ” or “ light ” position.3 . Push the knob in and hold it to post gaseous state to the unit . Continue holding the knob in for 30 irregular to insure adequate gas flow.4 . Press the igniter button firmly until you hear a click . You may need to press it more than once on some heaters.5 . aline the ascendency thickening to the desired temperature .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product examiner and writer specialise in the twist , remodeling , and real estate industries . She and her husband own a general contracting company , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building app . She examine a wide range of power tools as well as other nursing home improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden product .
extra research provided by Timothy Dale and Bob Beacham .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll facilitate you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your patio , a raise bottom , or an in - ground plot out back — and select the correct plants for your territory and neighborhood .
