We shortlisted from our propane heater reviews this list of the 15 best propane heaters for 2016.
If you have shopped for a portable or wall mounted heater, you know that there are several types of heaters such as electric, oil, ceramic, and propane. Propane heaters are a great option if you want lots of heat without the need to plug them in. Since they run off propane canisters, you simply hook up the fuel source, turn on the heater, and have an almost instant heat source. An important caution with all of these heaters is that they need some ventilation to avoid excessive buildup of CO2 fumes. There are few manufacturers of propane heaters than some other types of heaters so my list of best propane heaters includes several heaters by Mr. Heater and ProCom. So which are the best propane heaters?
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Propane Heater (F232000)
This sturdy looking heater is compact, nicely designed and powerful. It will heat up to 200 square feet in just a few minutes. It runs on 1 pound propane bottles so saves electricity costs. It has two settings (high and low) and features an auto shut off mechanism if tipped over. There is also a 1 year warranty. Users report few problems except the control knob gets stuck when the heater has been running for a while. For a basic tutorial on how to use the Portable Buddy, see
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Texsport Deluxe Propane Heater
This propane heater is simply a heating unit that you connect to a bulk propane tank. While not super stylish it is adjustable and puts out a good amount of heat. There is an auto shut off valve if the container burns out. It does put out less heat than a two burner model but if you want a medium amount of heat, this is a great option. Users also report great customer service by Texsport.
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Coleman SportCat Perfectemp Catalytic Heater
The Coleman propane heater fits onto a 16.4 oz propane bottle. It comes with a stand to attach to the bottom of the bottle and the heater section has a handy easy grip handle. This propane heater puts out less heat than similar sized heaters but lasts longer because of the way it regulates the fuel. It will put out 1,500 BTU and run on one bottle for up to 14 hours. It has a limited 5 year warranty but users report it is a durable heater with few problems.
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World Market CG Propane Cabinet Heater
This propane heater runs on a 20 lb liquid propane cylinder and features push button ignition, adjustable heat control, and a built in windshield. It will warm a space up to 650 square feet and puts off lots of heat. Users report the whole unit gets hot while in use so be cautious if you need to move it. Also, hooking it up to the propane initially can be a bit tricky but with a little practice it is doable.
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Mr. Heater MH4B Little Buddy (F215100)
This heater is similar to the Coleman SportCat because it is small, portable heater that comes with a heating unit that attaches to the top of a propane bottle and a base to stabilize the bottom. It heats up a room up to 100 square feets for up to 5 hours. It only has one temperature setting but features a handy automatic shut off for safety. It puts out a good amount of heat so gets hot to the touch. The biggest issue with this heater is that it does go out easily if wind hits it.
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ProCom Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater
The ProCom Blue Flame is a powerful heater that puts out up to 28,000 BTU. The built in regulator prevents over-firing and thermostat control helps the heater to adjust so the room keeps a constant temperature. It mounts easily to a wall. The heat does come out of the top of this unit so the wall above the unit will get warm. It is also not suited to vaulted ceilings. Users do report it does need good ventilation despite the “Vent Free” name.
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Mr. Heater MH18B Portable Propane Heater
This model is similar in style and features to the Mr. Heater Buddy. It heats up quickly, puts out a nice amount of heat, and has an accidental tip over safety shut off. But the MH18B has three temperature settings and heats a space up to 400 square feet. One user gave a helpful tip to shut off the fuel source a little bit before shutting off the propane heater so that the fuel in the line can burn out. Also, because this heater puts off so much heat, it is a good idea to keep it away from anything flammable. It comes with a 1 year warranty.
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ProCom Vent-Free Dual Fuel Infrared Radiant Wall Heater
This ProCom propane heater is similar to the Blue Flame model except the heating unit is a soft orange instead of blue and uses a radiant heating method which means it heats things in the room, not the air. It can be wall mounted or sit on base legs which are sold separately. It is quiet and really warm (30,000 BTU). Users report some trouble with the ignition but most were able to resolve this issue.
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Mr. Heater 10,000 BTU Propane Radiant Vent-Free Heater
Mr. Heater makes three propane heaters of the same model but different BTU output. The lowest model, the 10,000 BTU comes with the same main features as the higher output models. It can be mounted on a wall or be free standing. It puts out a good amount of heat for a small room, and has an oxygen sensor to shut off automatically if the CO2 gets too high. Users report getting it to light is a little tricky and as with any propane heater, you will need some ventilation because of the CO2 output.
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Mr. Heater 20,000 BTU Propane Blue Flame Vent Free Heater
Mr. Heater’s 20,000 BTU puts out more heat than the lower model yet features the oxygen sensor shutoff and can be wall mounted or free standing. If you need a little more heat output in a compact unit, this Mr. Heater can be a good choice. A user did point out that it is a good idea to buy a hose and regulator if you want to hook the heater to a large propane tank.
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Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Propane Blue Flame Vent-Free Heater
If you like the concept of the Mr. Heater 10,000 and 20,000 BTU Heaters but have a bigger space or need more heat, the 30,000 BTU model can do the job. You will feel quite a bit of heat off this heater so be cautious. This model even has an adjustable thermostat and optional fan. Users report the unit is good sized and produces heat fairly safely. Several also mentioned it is a good idea to order the hose and regulator to hook up a larger size propane tank.
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Kozy World KWP112 10,000 BTU Vent Free LP Gas Heater
The Kozy World Heater is one made by a different manufacturer than many of the other heaters listed but has many of the same features. It has an easy start up “piezo” ignition and high and low heat control settings. It can be mounted on a wall or free standing. It doesn’t have a thermostat and is best for spaces up to 300 square feet. If you would like to know more about piezo ignition, see how piezo ignition works
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Camco 57331 Olympian Wave-3 3000 BTU LP Gas Heater
The Camco Olympian Wave heater has a decidedly different look from most of the propane heaters with the heating surface taking up most of the front of the unit. It has a high and low heat setting and can mount to a wall or be free standing. However this heater uses gas but also has a catalytic mat. The catalytic mat has to be kept clean or the whole heater will stop working. If you live in a very dusty place, you should choose a different heater. Otherwise, use a cover (either from the manufacturer or something such as a pillowcase) to keep the catalytic mat clean when not in use. Users also report it takes a few minutes to warm-up but then produces a nice warm heat.
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Mr. Heater MH35LP 35,000 BTU Propane Radiant Heater
This propane heater is perfect for a studio or workshop that is not as insulated as a home but is still enclosed. It is portable and has a folding handle and wheels. And because it is a radiant heater it heats objects in the room (such as the people in the room) rather than just the air around. It is ideal for areas up to 800 square feet. This propane heater comes with a hose and regulator to hook up your propane tank. It includes a 1 year warranty as well. For more information on radiant heating, see what is radiant heating
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Mr. Heater MH30T Double Tank Outdoor Propane Heater
All of the other heaters on this list have been indoor heaters. But propane heaters, because they don’t require electricity and need some ventilation, are a great option for outside heat. This portable unit is basically two heating units that attach to the top of a propane tank. This propane heater does put off a lot of heat and needs open air around it. Users say it is tricky to light the first few times but once you get the hang of it, it is easy. The heater also includes a 1 year warranty.
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Do you have other top propane heaters you would like to add to the list? Please comment below.
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