Best Propane Heater Reviews 2018

Propane heaters are a great solution for keeping warm outside while working, relaxing, or playing during cold days—or for staying nice and cozy indoors. They’re portable and can be placed wherever you most need them. We’ve picked five great ones from some of the best propane heater brands out there. Take a look at them and make your choice, because this is an investment you won’t regret.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Color(s)

Size(s)

Coverage

Heat Output

Fuel Tank

Our Top Choice

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Propane Heater

Mr. Heater is a producer of high-quality and performing heating products and accessories.

It’s a durable product and has the ability to shut off immediately if it accidently tips over or if it detects low-oxygen levels.

One complaint that it’s noisy.

Grey or red/black

9x14.2x14.4 inches

Up to 225 square feet

4k or 9k BTU settings

Uses 1 pound propane tank

Best Value

Dyna-Glo Delux Forced Air Propane Heater

Dyna-Glo is a brand specialized in producing heating products. Its products are the most reliable on the market and are highly-rated by customers worldwide.

Comes with easy-carry swivel handle. A 10-foot regulator and hose are included. Available in 5 models with varying maximum output - all of which have 3 heat settings.

One complaint that it doesn’t have a thermostat.

Grey

10.04x20.08x14.76 inches

1,000-7,000 sq ft: goes by model

5 max BTU versions - 40k to 300k

Uses 20, 40, or 100 pound tank

AZ Patio Heaters Tabletop Tube Propane Heater

AZ Patio Heaters is a producer of heating products and was founded in 2002. It has spent its time in developing the Patio Heaters line and providing superior-quality products.

It can be moved easily because of its wheels and has an anti-tilt safety property included.

One complaint that the instruction manual isn’t very clear.

Bronze/Black/Stainless Steel

91x21x21.5 inches

Outdoor - depends on conditions

9,500 BTU with variable control

Uses 20 pound propane tank

Dura Heat Tank Top Propane Heater

For over 20 years, Dura Heat has made its products renowned for their quality and dependability. Its products are a great choice for heating up any outdoor space.

It has a circular design which permits it to heat 360 degrees around and it is ideal for heating large areas.

One complaint that it’s a bit difficult to light it up.

Chrome

9.2x9.2x17.5 inches

Up to 1,000 square feet

30k, 35k and 40k BTU settings

Uses 20 pound propane tank

Texsport Portable Propane Heater

For over 50 years, Texsport has been producing outdoor gear which excels in quality and great prices. It manufactures outdoor equipment and heating devices.

Made of stainless steel so it doesn’t rust. It has the property to shut off the valve if the flame goes out.

One complaint that it cannot heat very large areas.

Stainless steel finish

6x9x10.5 inches

Outdoor - depends on conditions

One setting - 2890 BTU

Uses 0.8 or 1 pound propane tank

(Updated December 18, 2017)

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Watch Our Propane Heater Review

How Do I Choose the Best Propane Heater?

The chilling winters can keep you glued to your cozy bed or sofa all day. Well, you don’t have to neglect your work, home chores, or other activities because of winter chills. In fact, you don’t have to face the cold at all—you can get extra warmth from a propane heater. Get a propane heater in the color and shape of your choice and stay warm and comfortable.

Compared to other heat sources such as oil heaters, propane heaters are more environmentally-friendly, safe, and economical to use. They burn propane to generate heat, and you can purchase propane in either gaseous or liquid state. Propane is generally affordable and efficient, making it a reliable method of generating heat. Further, unlike with electric patio heaters, you are independent of external energy providers such as utility companies.

The heaters are of various types, each designed to perform a specific task. Matching the various types of propane heaters with the appropriate task can be difficult. Fortunately, the manufacturers take the initiative of specifying the usage scenarios in the instructions.

Remember to observe safety precautions when using propane heaters. The safety precautions are well-stated in this buying guide, the more reason you should read it. One of the most common safety precautions when using heaters is keeping the area well-ventilated during heating, the same way you would with portable gas heaters or kerosene heaters.

For a warm and comfortable indoor or outdoor atmosphere, a propane heater is definitely the fastest and most effective solution.

We hope that this guide is of great help to you. Read on to understand the features to look for in a propane heater and how to safely use and maintain your heater. At the end of it, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed choice.

Price

The price of propane heaters ranges from around $30 to about $240. It’s important to relate the area you are planning to warm to the units of heat that can be generated by the heater. Checking the British Thermal Units value of the heater is the best way to gauge the quantity of heat the product can generate. However, reading the units should not get you worked up since most of the heaters specify in the guide the size of the space they are capable of comfortably heating.

It is advisable to purchase a heater which is suitable for warming up a slightly larger area than your own area. This way, you will be able to warm up your area without exhausting the unit’s capacity. Buying a smaller heater could mean you’ll need more heaters.

That said, we’ve deliberately kept off very cheap propane heaters for obvious quality concerns. You definitely don’t want something that will break down midway the extensive winter season, do you?

Features

With the many different types of propane heaters on the market, picking the best one can be overwhelming. However, that shouldn’t worry you anymore. This guide outlines the features you should consider when purchasing a propane heater:

Ignition – Of course, heat is generated by igniting the fuel. For the propane heater to produce heat, the propane fuel must be ignited to produce a flame. Some propane heaters have an integrated ignition, and you simply need to turn them on and the fuel is automatically burned. Others have a manual ignition which requires you to ignite the fuel manually. The automatic ignition-based heaters are easier and safer to operate, although the integrated ignition wears out with time. This requires a replacement or turning it into a manual ignition.
Location – Where are you planning to use the propane heater? When choosing a propane heater, location is a core factor to consider; whether it’s indoors or outdoors, or a small or large space. In case you want to warm your yard area, consider choosing an outdoor propane heater. They are designed to generate a lot of heat in a certain direction: specifically towards the user to avoid losing heat to the surroundings. Propane heaters for indoor use should be safe to use. Ventilation is essential to get rid of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, which might be deadly when highly concentrated.
Cost – The cost of a propane heater is relatively high. However, it is better to spend a lot on something durable and efficient than to spend less on an inefficient product. Besides the cost of the heater, there are propane costs to incur. Determine the price of propane in your area and the quantity that will likely be used by the heater. Different heaters consume different amounts of fuel; therefore, choose a heater which you can afford to fill whenever it runs out of fuel.
Portability – A portable heater will offer more convenience. It is important to choose a propane heater which can easily be moved around. Look for features such as handles, wheels or castors, and a light weight. These enable you to move the heater anywhere without much hustle. Remember to empty any fuel if necessary before moving your heater.
Safety Features – Although propane is highly flammable, it is harmless inside the heater unless the unit malfunctions. Ensure you purchase a propane heater which has many built-in safety features. A feature such as an anti-tip-over switch ensures the heater goes off if it’s knocked over to prevent fire outbreaks. Most propane heaters also have a thermostat to automatically switch it off if it becomes too hot, and on again if it has cooled enough.

Construction and Design

When it comes to design and construction, there are three major types of propane heaters based on their heating technologies:

Forced Air – The forced air heater is the most common propane heater which distributes the heat it generates by blowing air past the target element. It is suitable for heating large areas quickly, but its fan operates with a power source.
Convection – Another common heating technology is the convection. Unlike the forced air technology, convection doesn’t use an external power source and is perfect for heating smaller areas.
Radiant – Radiant technology is unique since it doesn’t heat the air in the room like other technologies. Instead, it heats nearby objects using a technique similar to that of the sun. It heats a special element within, which emits infrared energy to be absorbed by nearby objects. The warmed object, in turn, releases heat to the room. The radiant technology warms objects from far away without conducting the heat to the air between them.

Performance and Ease of Use

There are a couple of key factors you need to consider before buying a propane heater so that you can get the best use out of it. These are: whether it’s for indoor or outdoor use, and the safety precautions you need to take. Let’s take a look.

Indoor or Outdoor Use

Most propane heaters are pretty straightforward to use. But, to enjoy maximum efficiency and performance, you need to know where you’re planning to use your heater. It is important to use each type of propane heater for its intended purpose. For example, indoor and outdoor models are designed differently and using them for the wrong purpose could result in inefficiencies or even accidents.

Indoor propane heaters burn propane completely to ensure the byproducts are less harmful. They are also designed with safety features such as oxygen sensor and a flame protector. Outdoor propane heaters lack these features since they are meant for well-ventilated areas.

For indoor use, consider heaters which are rated as “indoor safe.” Generally, it is wise to mount a carbon monoxide detector next to the heater. These indoor propane heaters offer protection from the blazing flame to minimize accidental contact.

Safety Precautions

Propane heaters are safe to use indoors as long as they are properly installed, recommended for indoor use, and the room is well-ventilated. However, the worst result of ignoring the safety precautions when using a propane heater is carbon monoxide poisoning. When propane burns in a poorly-ventilated room, the carbon monoxide produced becomes highly concentrated, depriving the room of oxygen. This results in a severe headache or vertigo. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide could result in cardiovascular collapse, coma, or even worse, death!

What is the Best Propane Heater?

Propane heaters differ in many aspects, starting with their heat-producing power and where they can be placed: indoors or outdoors. There are very powerful heaters which can cover a large area even in bad weather conditions, and less-powerful ones which are better for indoor use. There are heaters from each category in this review, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

Our Top Choice

The Mr. Heater Portable Propane Heater is a great heating solution for indoor and outdoor use and it’s available in 2 different colors and styles. If you’re looking for a bigger heater, check out the Mr. Heater Big Buddy Propane Heater. It’s safe, having the ability to automatically shut off if it tips over or in case of low-oxygen levels. It has 4 heat control positions and it can heat spaces up to 400 square feet.

Mr. Heater Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater - 4,000-9,000-BTU, Available in 2 Styles

Mr. Heater Propane Heater F232000 – Red-black

Features

Mr. Heater is a company which produces heating items and accessories delivering high-quality and top performance. It manufactures propane heaters and many assembling items or accessories, such as hoses, cylinder thread fittings, horizontal vents, gas connectors, and more.

The Mr. Heater Portable Propane Heater is the most popular propane heater in North America. It’s ideal for heating closed spaces up to 200 square feet. You can use the swivel regulator with a remote gas supply by purchasing a hose and filter. The product is very safe and can be used with no worries indoors because it automatically shuts off if it tips over by accident. Finally, this product weighs 9.5 pounds, making it somewhat easy to transport.

Check out its features:

Available in 2 different colors: Grey and Red-Black
It has 2 heat settings: 4k and 9k BTU
Shuts off in cases of low-oxygen or tip over
Ceramic burner tile
Shock absorbing property
Can be used outdoors or indoors with proper ventilation

If you don’t like what this product has to offer, why not take a look at the other propane heaters from Mr. Heater?

Best Value

The Dyna-Glo Delux Propane Heater comes with 5 different levels of heat output and a 1-year limited warranty. If you would like a heater with a 360-degree heat radius, here is the Dyna-Glo Liquid Propane Heater. It has 3 different levels of heat output and can warm up to 600 square feet. It can be used either outdoors or indoors in spaces with proper ventilation.

Dyna-Glo Liquid Propane Forced Air Heater - 5 Options Available Ranging from 40,000 to 300,000 Max BTU,

Dyna-Glo Propane Heater RMC-FA60DGD – 60,000 BTUs

Features

Dyna-Glo is a brand specialized in producing electric fireplaces, portable heating products, and barbecue grill products. Dyna-Glo heaters are the most reliable on the market with durable construction and high-quality materials. The products are highly-rated by its customers because they’ve helped them keep warm at construction sites, work spaces, outdoor events, and much more during the years.

The Dyna-Glo Delux can be used outdoors or indoors with proper ventilation and is great for heating up spaces such as construction sites, agricultural buildings, warehouses and other work areas without proper heating. This propane heater is available with 5 different maximum heat output options - 40,000, 60,000, 125,000, 150,000 or 300,000 BTU. All of the units have continuously variable heat control settings.

Depending upon the model you choose, this heater can warm up a wide variety of space sizes ranging from 1000 to 7000 square feet. To give you an example of run time, the 60,000 max BTU unit can work up to 14 hours with the 20-pound propane fuel tank.

Check out a few more great characteristics:

Tip-over safety shut-off and pressure switch
Comes with a 10-foot regulator and hose
Uses a propane cylinder of 20, 40, or 100 pounds (not included)
Has a valuable 1-year warranty

If you’re not pleased with the characteristics of this product, take a look at the other propane heaters from Dyna-Glo.

The AZ Patio Heaters Tabletop Propane Heater warms up your outdoor living space, adding a modern touch to it and is available in 4 different colors. If you want something less expensive, but with similar benefits, we have the right choice for you: the AZ Patio Heaters Tall Patio Heater. It’s tall, has a modern design, and has a little round table attached. It’s available in 5 different colors, so you can choose the one that best fits your place.

AZ Patio Heaters Quartz Glass Tube Heater – 9,500 BTU's, 4 Colors Available, CSA Approved

AZ Patio Heaters Propane Heater HLDSO1-WGTHG – Hammered Bronze

Features

AZ Patio Heaters was founded in 2002 and has dedicated its work to developing its Patio Heaters line in the United States. Over the years, the company has spent its time ensuring the quality control and consumer-friendliness of its products, which are reliable and have no issues.

The AZ Patio Heaters Tabletop Propane Heater allows you to extend the time spent outside in the evening, relaxing even in the cold season. It not only keeps everybody warm during cold winter evenings, but also provides an elegant and modern touch to your backyard or outdoor living space.

See its features:

Available in 4 different colors: Hammered Bronze, Matte Black, Stainless Steel, and Rich Mocha Bronze
It uses a 20-pound propane tank (not included)
It has wheels so it can be moved easily
Thermocouple, regulator, and anti-tilt safety included
1-year warranty

Don’t be disappointed if you didn’t find what you were looking for; AZ Patio Heaters has more propane heaters for you.

The Dura Heat Tank Top Propane Heater is small, portable, and is a great choice for heating up any type of outdoor space. If you need to keep your heater outside during bad weather, we have the solution for you: the Dura Heat Propane TankTop Heater. It’s resistant to wind and rain and features 2 burners which can be aimed in different directions in order to cover a larger space.

Dura Heat 360 Degree Tank Top Heater - 30k/35k/40k BTU, For Outdoor Use, Rust Resistant Guard

Dura Heat Propane Heater TT-360

Features

Dura Heat is a brand which for more than 20 years has built a reputation around quality and dependability. Dura Heat heaters are a great choice for any construction site, agricultural area, warehouse, or other outdoor applications. All the models are constructed based on the “Ready, Start, Go” (RSG) technology which makes them fast and easy to use.

The Dura Heat Tank Top Propane Heater is a small and portable heater which heats 360 degrees around thanks to its circular design. It’s a great choice for heating any outdoor place at a low cost having a variable heat output. It’s quiet, durable, and there’s no need of electricity for it to work.

See more about this product:

Outdoor use only
Shuts off if it tips over by accident
Rust-resistant
Uses 20-pound propane tank (not included)

If you’re not sure about this product, take a look at the other propane heaters from Dura Heat and decide afterwards.

The Texsport Portable Propane Heater is a great idea for the cold days when you need something to warm you up while outside and is very easy to transport. If you need something small which can produce a larger amount of heat, check out the Texsport Double Propane Heater. It features 2 burners and each of them has a heat output level of 10k BTU. It’s safe and auto shuts-off the valve of fuel if the flame goes out.

Texsport Portable Outdoor Propane Heater – Auto Shut-Off Valve, Carrying Handle, Stainless Steel Burner

Texsport Propane Heater 14215

Features

Texsport is a family business which was founded more than 50 years ago and is now at the second generation of descendants. It produces outdoor gear characterized by quality and great value. The company manufactures products which bring the outdoor comfort that many people want, such as tents, sleeping bags, propane heaters, hammocks, camping accessories, sun shelters, and much more.

The Texsport Portable Propane Heater is a reliable product which offers heat to warm up the cold spaces when needed. It’s made of durable stainless steel and has a large base which gives it extra stability. It’s portable and comes with a carrying handle so you can easily transport it wherever you like.

Let’s see more:

Made of stainless steel with a large plastic base
On/Off control
Automatically shuts off the valve if the flame comes out
Uses 1-pound propane tank (not included)
Comes with an aluminum reflector with a safety grid

If you’re not interested in this specific product, there are many other propane heaters from Texsport you can look at.

Get the Best Propane Heater of 2018!

A propane heater is always welcomed when you want to spend some time outside or have work to do during chilly days. There’s no need for you to endure the cold in order to go about your day, not with these nifty appliances around! Hopefully, we played a role in your quest to find the best propane heater from a great brand so you can see all the benefits that a propane heater brings! These same brands still offer a variety of options you can take a look at as well.

Our Top Choice

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Propane Heater

Best Value

Dyna-Glo Delux Forced Air Propane Heater

AZ Patio Heaters Tabletop Tube Propane Heater

Dura Heat Tank Top Propane Heater

Texsport Portable Propane Heater