Best Indoor Propane Heaters – 2022 Complete Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated: January 20, 2022

With the cold weather approaching, you might be considering options to make some of the colder rooms in your house more comfortable. With rising utility bills and a more severe climate, it may be a good idea to consider indoor propane heaters.

They’re not only cheaper to run than electric heaters, but also, they can easily heat up a room fast. And in some cases are portable enough for camping or outdoor use as well.

In this article, we’ll look at the different styles of an indoor propane heater, how to safely handle them, and suggest some top picks. Let’s get started!

Compare our top pick with other products

Comparison of the Best Indoor Propane Heaters 

IMAGE PRODUCT
  • Innovative propane radiant heater with easy-start four-position control
  • Tip-over safety shut-off systems and low-oxygen shut-off ensures the consumers safety
  • Fold-down handle helps save storage space
Our Rating: 95%
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  • Safe, portable and efficient portable propane heater
  • Enhanced heating capacity due to an integrated fan
  • Specifically designed for heating enclosed spaces
Our Rating: 93%
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  • Blue flame burner adds to the ambience of the room
  • Provides efficient supplemental heat in cabins, sun rooms, additions, etc.
  • Can be wall mounted or placed on the floor which increases its versatility
Our Rating: 89%
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  • Versatile and portable propane cabinet heater ideal for multiple uses
  • Various safety features to provide the user with peace of mind
  • Infrared heat that efficiently heats up areas of 450 square feet
Our Rating: 87%
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  • Two heat settings and four position control for better warmth
  • Durable porcelain coated heating surface conduct heat over a wider area
  • Shock absorbing insulation ensures easy replacement and durability
Our Rating: 81%
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  • Best Small Indoor Propane Heater
  • Includes propane hose and regulator
  • No electricity allows for reliable heating at all times
Our Rating: 79%
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  • Best Propane Heater Indoor Vented
  • Installation process is quick and easy
  • Heater is aesthetically pleasing and economical
Our Rating: 75%
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Safety Features to Look Out for When Buying an Indoor Propane Heater 

Because of the danger of poisonous gases and other emissions, indoor heaters have several additional safety features. They are not typically found on outdoor models.

Because of the need for these safety improvements, it is critical that you never use an outdoor propane heater indoors. Even for a short period of time. All indoor propane heaters will be certified for indoor use.

While the safety features offered by each manufacturer will vary, some of them are common in all of them. All models of indoor heaters include tip protectors that extinguish the flame if the heater is knocked over.

Photo credit: campaway.org

Another safety feature is the oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) that shuts off the heater when the oxygen in the room falls below a safe level. 

Overheat protection is a feature that will instantly turn off the burner and gas when the unit overheats. Or if the gas is flowing in while the burner is inactive. Another nifty innovation is one hand piezo ignition, which means you don’t have to bother with lighting up the pilot whenever you want to use the heater. These protections help to make them safer for indoor use.

Review of the Best Indoor Propane Heaters 

An indoor propane heater can be a good idea if you want to efficiently and cost-effectively heat up cold spaces in your home. However, with so many models out there, it can difficult to decide. Here’s our round-up of the top picks to help you out.

Best Overall

Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater

Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater, Red-Black

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): 225

BTU/hr Rating: 4000 – 9000

Dimensions: 7.7 x 13.4 x 15 inches

Weight: 9 pounds

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Review

This model is a 4000-9000 BTU radiant heater able to heat spaces up to 225 square feet. Amongst its numerous safety features, it shuts off if the pilot light goes out, if it tips over, or if it detects low oxygen. It has a fold-down handle for easy portability.

This is a remarkably effective and powerful heater. A versatile heating solution, it can be used both indoors and outdoors but isn’t suitable for higher altitudes.

Pros

Can be used both inside and outside

Easy to carry around and simple to use

Very fuel-efficient making it quite cheap to run

Plenty of safety features to combat carbon monoxide poisoning and fire risk

Cons

Does not work well at altitudes of 7000 feet above sea level

The exposed flame makes it a little bit of a risk for children and pets

Best Portable Indoor Propane Heater

Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BR

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

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): 450

BTU/hr Rating: 4000 – 18,000

Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 17.75 inches

Weight: 16.42 pounds

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Review

This radiant 4,000-18,000 BTU Liquid Propane heater connects directly to two 1 lb. cylinders and is the perfect solution for heating enclosed spaces like cabins up to 450 sq. ft.

The integrated fan increases the heating capacity of this unit, using both radiant and convection style heat. The built-in Piezo sparking mechanism will take care of the rest. Our safety is ensured by the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and accidental tip-over safety shut-off.

This is an extremely effective and powerful heater. It can be used both indoors and outdoors but isn’t suitable for higher altitudes.

Pros

Nearly 100 % efficient

Convenient lighting by pushing and rotating the knob

Low, medium, and high heat level control knob for steady temperatures

Auto shut-off if tipped over, if the pilot light goes out, or if detects low oxygen levels

Cons

The heater may not work at altitudes over 7,000 feet above sea level

Best Propane Heater Indoor Wall Mount

Mr. Heater F299730 MHVFB30LPT

Mr. Heater Corporation F299730 Heater, One Size, White and Black

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): 750

BTU/hr Rating: 30000

Dimensions: 23.75 x 11.25 x 27 inches

Weight: 26.8 pounds

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Review

Unlike most indoor propane heaters, the Blue Flame heater warms the air using convection, not infrared. It can be put in a narrow area because the heat rises and warms the area from the ceiling down.

It can be turned on automatically using the electronic ignition and can be wall mounted using the included hardware or stand on its own. Producing up to 30,000 BTU of heat, it can warm up to 750 square feet.

This heater uses convection rather than infrared to heat large areas. It is effective indoors but not outdoors, and won’t operate at altitudes over 4,500 feet above sea level.

Pros

Built-in ODS sensor will keep you safe

Produces plenty of heat, enough for 750 square feet

Can be wall-mounted to keep it out of the way of pets and children

Cons

The heater may not work at altitudes over 4,500 feet above sea level

Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG Propane Cabinet Heater

Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG 18,000 BTU Cabinet Heater

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): 600

BTU/hr Rating: 6000 – 18000

Dimensions: 16.1 x 17.5 x 23.2 inches

Weight: 20 pounds

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Review

This portable little heater comes with side carry handles and locking casters for easy portability. It heats up to 600 feet radius, so it works well in large rooms. It can produce 18,000 BTUs of heat and has adjustable heat settings.

For safety, it has a built-in oxygen depletion shutoff (ODS) and is CSA Certified for Safety.  It has a piezo igniter for convenient lighting and comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

Both effective and energy-efficient. This little heater has plenty of safety features that will keep you safe during operation. Some users have complained that the tip switch is too sensitive, so keep that in mind.

Pros

Easy to light with piezo lighter

Built-in safety features like ODS

Can be used both indoors and outdoors

Heats up a large area of up to 450 square feet

Cons

Tip switch is quite sensitive, so may create issues for some users

When first used, heater gives off a nasty smell, but this goes away after the first use

Best Indoor Safe Propane Heater

Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B

Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor Safe Propane Heater, Medium

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): 95

BTU/hr Rating: 3800

Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 11 inches

Weight: 5 pounds

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Review

With a low-oxygen sensor, automatic tip-over, overheat shut-off, and a cool-to-touch exterior, this little heater is both safe and effective. It can heat rooms up to 95 square feet and has a simple on/off button.

It is a great little heater for indoor or outdoor heat. It is surprisingly powerful for its small size, but the heat output isn’t adjustable.

Pros

Very good heating for a small heater

Lightweight, making it easily portable

Suitable for use both indoors and outside

The heating surface is coated in porcelain to spread the heat and distribute it evenly

Cons

There is no temperature control; it is either on or off

Difficult to clean, which according to the company, is a common complaint

Best Small Indoor Propane Heater

Dyna-Glo IBF10PMDG

Dyna-Glo IBF10PMDG 10,000 BTU Liquid Propane Blue Flame Vent Free Ice House Heater

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): 300

BTU/hr Rating: 10000

Dimensions: 17.32 x 9.49 x 20 inches

Weight: 17 pounds

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What Recent Buyers Report

The vent-free technology and the advanced heating system are based on the central heating systems being used in homes. The 300 sq ft heating radius has added to the customer’s satisfaction along with the easy relocation of this appliance. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This device provides absolute freedom of movement anywhere you want. The fuel-tank based heating system can help amid emergencies. It is also useful while camping when no other means of heating is available.

Bottom Line

If you need a moveable and high-efficiency heating system, this device is perfect for you. You don’t need a venting system or a gas supply to use this heater. This makes it a very reliable and easy-to-use appliance that can even be used when you are camping or away from home.

Pros

Small size doesn’t demand a lot of space

Offers the most advanced vent-free technology

Has a built-in ODS system that adds to your safety

Very compact and sleek design for a modern household

Comes with an efficiency of 99.99%, which allows maximum use of fuel

Cons

May rattle sometimes at high heat settings

Does not include feet to place it on the ground

Best Vented Indoor Propane Heater

Martin Direct Vent Propane Wall Heater

Martin Direct Vent Propane Wall Heater Furnace Built-in Thermostat 8,000 Btu

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): 194

FBTU/hr Rating: 8000

Dimensions: 11.9 x 7.1 x 22.7 inches

Weight: 29 pounds

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What Recent Buyers Report

The product has been able to live up to the expectations of customers. They liked that the installation of this heater is very quick and easy. It can be adjusted even without expert supervision. The efficiency is also great and serves as a substitute for electric heaters

Why it Stands Out to Us

The sleek design of this heater has been aesthetically pleasing and fits well in with modern interiors. While talking about the functionality of this heater, the efficiency does not fall short. It provides nearly 80% efficient heating to your home compared to similar products.

Bottom Line

It offers an easy installation procedure and great efficiency. It also adds to the beauty of your home with no compromise on the system’s heating efficiency. Most customers find this appliance to be well worth the money.

Pros

Durable and according to the safety laws of the USA and Canada

Attach the heater to a gas outlet on your wall for quick installation

Has a built-in thermostat that adjusts heat according to your needs

A large grill with a high flow of warm air embedded in die-cast aluminum

Stylish design that gives you a combination of modern and aesthetic look

Cons

Produces slight noises on pilot mode

Not available in corner fittings and needs to be on a plain wall

Different Styles of Indoor Propane Heaters

Indoor propane heaters come in two types: portable and permanent. Portable heaters can be moved easily to wherever needed and are typically smaller in heating capability. They are normally used to supplement an existing heating system which may inefficiently warm space in the house.

Portable indoor propane heaters are also great for providing heat while camping or during a power failure. Indoor portable heaters generally don’t have extra ventilation.

On the other hand, a permanent indoor heater is usually mounted to a wall in the home and is attached to a larger tank of fuel that is located outside the home. The storage tanks are fixed in place and filled by a delivery truck. These permanent heaters are larger in heating capacity than a portable model.

They are intended to heat a bigger room or an entire house. Most models employ a circulation fan inside the heater to distribute the warm air where needed. Because of their size, these heaters produce a larger volume of exhaust gas that must be vented outside the home for safety.

Comparison Overview 

Let’s have a brief comparison between some popular heaters and the fuels used.

Indoor Heater Propane vs Kerosene

While comparing fuel types, we must keep in mind the efficiency and the cost of the fuel being used. 

Kerosene is a highly combustible substance that produces a lot of heat. On the other hand, propane burns very effectively and provides a clean source of heat. 

Although kerosene is more efficient than propane, the latter is much cheaper and makes up for the difference in efficiency. 

Propane can be used in a closed room or tent for heating since it emits no soot or smoke due to its low carbon content. Kerosene has higher carbon content than propane and produces a lot of fine particles. Compounds such as Carbon Mono-Oxide and Sulphur Di-Oxide are also combustion products. 

Photo credit: homedecoration.com

Propane Space Heater Indoor vs Electric

The major difference between propane and electric heaters is the use of propane and electricity. Propane or gas heaters can seldom be used in a completely confined place with no air outlet. Contrary to this, electric heaters can be used in a closed space.

The other significant difference is between the cost price and the running price of these appliances. Electric heaters are cheap to buy while very expensive to run; this comes as no surprise because they rely on electricity. On the other hand, gas heaters have a higher cost price but cheap fuel.

How to Light an Indoor Propane Heater

Not sure how to light an indoor propane heater properly? Here is what you need to do:

  1. First of all, make sure that the supply line is well-placed and hooked up with your heater, and there are no leakages. 

  2. Next, check the heater’s igniter that is needed to light up the pilot and the incoming gas from the valve. 

  3. Turn on the supply line valve and then turn the knob at the heater’s upper side to pilot mode. Once in the pilot mode, you need to keep pressing the knob for 20 seconds. It may take longer if the heater has not been used in a while. 

  4. Turn the knob counterclockwise to your desired temperature, and the heater will light up.

If you’re confused, be sure to refer to the video below for a full overview of what was just described.

Safety Tips For Handling Indoor Propane Heaters

Ensure ventilation by cracking open a window.  It may seem strange to open a window when you’re trying to heat up the place, but you have to avoid filling the room with poisonous gas.

High levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal, and the early signs of poisoning are similar to flu symptoms: a headache, dizziness, and nausea.  If you’re feeling these symptoms and suspect the heater isn’t working properly, get some fresh air right away.

Check for gas leaks regularly. And every time you connect your heater to its fuel supply, check the connection points and hoses for damage and/or any potential gas leaks. If you smell gas, try applying soapy water to connections between hoses, the unit, and cylinder, and inspect for bubbling.

Carefully listen for the hiss of gas escaping, and touch the cylinder to feel for extreme cold.  If you suspect the connection or cylinder is leaking, do not light the heater—it will need to be replaced.

When running the heater, keep it out of reach of pets and kids and well away from foot traffic.  Place it away from flammable materials. And do not store extra LP or propane cylinders near the heater while it’s in use (fuel cylinders should always be stored outside).  Also, make sure it’s not too close to your carbon monoxide detector for a more accurate reading.

Conclusion

Propane heaters are both convenient and effective for heating up the colder spaces in your home. Whether it’s a project in your garage or you need to keep warm on a camping trip, a portable propane heater will come in handy for sure.

Keep in mind that indoor propane heaters need to have essential safety features. To prevent gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning and overheating. Always ensure that the heater you purchase is rated for indoor use. In case you’ve decided to go for a propane gas heater, consider our top picks above for proven products that will give a great performance.

People Also Ask

If you’re on the hunt for good indoor propane heaters and need some guidance on their safety and installation, then this is the right place for you. Some of the most frequently asked questions are listed here along with their answers, in order to clear your ambiguities. 

How Much Propane Does an Indoor Propane Heater Use?

It depends on the heat settings that you are using for your heater. A gallon of propane gas has a burn rate of around 1,00,000 BTUs. This means that if you run the heater at 30,000 BTUs, it will deplete 1/3 part of gallons per hour.

Do I Need Electricity to Use an Indoor Propane Heater?

Most propane heaters are completely reliant on gas as fuel and don’t require any additional electricity to work. So, no electricity is needed in a propane heater.

What Is a Tank Top Propane Heater?

These heaters don’t require any supply line connection for the propane input. They have built-in tanks at the lower part of the heaters that are filled with propane. They can also store propane for future use or during emergency conditions. Dual-tank top heaters are also currently available in the market.

How Do Vent-Free Propane Heaters Work?

Ventless heaters don’t require a vent to take in air from outside for combustion since they use the air from their surroundings. Propane produces clean heat and no by-products during its burning, so no vent is needed to expel any gases.

Are Propane Heaters Efficient?

Propane heaters are highly efficient as compared to electric heaters. They can provide up to 99.9% efficient results. Not only this, but they are much cheaper to use than electric heaters.

Are Propane Heaters Safe to Use Indoors?

Propane heaters are used both indoors and outdoors, but they are both different types, and you need to look into the properties of each heater to determine if it is indoor-friendly. Indoor propane heaters have an oxygen depletion sensor and an automatic shut-off feature to ensure user safety.

Do You Need Ventilation When Using a Propane Heater?

Yes, you do need ventilation while using a propane heater because it consumes oxygen and emits heat using oxygen. If the oxygen level is low or finished, it starts emitting carbon monoxide, which is poisonous to the lungs and fatal for humans. 

Do Propane Heaters Give Off Carbon Monoxide?

When propane gas is fired, it starts breathing oxygen to produce heat. This, in turn, consumes all the available oxygen in the given space, and if the oxygen is fully consumed, and ventilation is not provided, the heaters start giving off carbon monoxide, which is harmful to living things.

Can Propane Fumes Harm You?

Breathing in propane fumes can give you oxygen deprivation and lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, and confusion. They can mess up your brain nerves and even cause brain damage and death. Hence, propane gas, if inhaled, is extremely dangerous and can lead to death in some cases.

Is It Safe to Run a Propane Heater in my Garage?

Yes, it is safe to run a propane heater in the garage as long as you keep it away from highly inflammable items and provide it enough air and ventilation in the room to not radiate toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. It’s also recommended to install a CO detector as a safety measure.



My name is Bob Wells and I am a retired HVAC tech from Washington state. I am currently retired and no longer do much with HVAC, however, I feel like I have a lot of knowledge in the subject and I wanted to create a website where I could talk about what I've learned and help upcoming HVAC techs. Find more info about me and HVAC Training 101.