Best Indoor Safe Propane Heaters + 1 Top Outdoor Pick – Mr. Heater, Dyna-Glo & More

Indoor & Outdoor Propane Heaters on Sale Today

Be sure to confirm that the heater is run on propane before purchasing.

Propane Heater Overview

If you’re looking for easy and affordable heating, a propane space heater could be the perfect solution. With several different types, some for indoors, others for outdoors, there is sure to be a propane heater that fits all of your needs. By taking a look at a few different options and providing some education on the topic, we hope that we can help you find the heater for you.

Propane Heating

Propane itself is a heating fuel. In its natural state it is a gas, but when it is prepared for use in heating appliances, it is compressed into a liquid and contained with a tank. The heating process is carried out by the propane simply being ignited, burning and then pushed through the air by mechanisms within the “heater”.

Propane Heater Safety

The allure of being able to shut off your central heating system and warm only the areas of your home which are most used is compelling to those considering the switch. However, if you want to do so safely, you must pay special attention to the type of heater you are using, and be sure to notice to any other warning signs that might be out there.

If you plan to use your heater indoors, making sure that the appliance has an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and is certified as indoor safe is of utmost importance. The ODS, as its name suggests, monitors the air around it and if CO levels begin to rise to an unsafe level, the heater will turn off.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Propane Heating Safety

There are plenty of other propane heaters available without the ODS, but these are only safe for outdoor use. Since outdoor heaters are not confined to a space enclosed by four walls, rising CO levels are not a concern as the potentially harmful gas does not have the chance to build up and will dissipate.

To create a better understanding the dangers posed by the use of propane heaters, we’ve included a breakdown of how Carbon monoxide (CO) or leaking propane could spell trouble for anyone close by. If propane is not entirely burned, CO is produced. CO is odorless and when consumed by a person, deprives your blood and body of safe oxygen levels.

In a small dose, the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be as minor as fatigue, nausea or a headache. In larger, and more dangerous doses, CO can overtake the oxygen within your body and lead to more harmful side effects, and in extreme cases, death.

Besides CO poisoning, a propane leak could lead to disaster. Propane is heavier than air, and such when it leaks, sinks to the ground. If there is an ignition source, such as a pilot light, risk of fire and explosion is extremely high.

Propane Heating BTU

You’re going to be seeing the acronym “BTU” a lot throughout this guide. If you don’t know what it means, fear not as you’re not alone. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit which measures thermal energy.

In terms of application, the number reflects the amount of BTU added per hour. For example, if a space heater is described as a 10,000 BTU unit, it is expected to produce 10,000 BTU per hour. If a heater is 20,000 BTU, it will be able to double the output of the 10,000 BTU unit in the same area.

Propane Heaters

Best Propane Heater Comparison - sort by name, award label, star rating, price range, BTU, square foot coverage or indoor / outdoor.

Name	Image	Award	Rating	Price Range	BTU	Coverage	Indoor or Outdoor
Mr. Heater MH12B Propane Heater		Best Overall	4.5 Stars	Under $160	6,000-12,000 BTU	Up to 300 sq. ft.	Indoor & Outdoor Use
Mr. Heater MH18B Propane Heater		Best Portable	4.5 Stars	Under $130	4k, 9k or 18,000 BTU	Up to 450 sq. ft.	Indoor & Outdoor Use
Dyna-Glo IR18PMDG-1 Propane Heater		Best for Home & Garage	4.5 Stars	Under $140	Up to 18,000 BTU	Up to 700 sq. ft.	Indoor Use
World Marketing TT15S Propane Heater		Best on a Budget	4 Stars	Under $60	Up to 15,000 BTU	Does Not Apply	Outdoor Use
Mr. Heater MH9BX Propane Heater		Best Indoor	4 Stars	Under $140	4,000-9,000 BTU	Up to 225 sq. ft.	Indoor & Outdoor Use

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Original Retail $157.58
UPC 00089301320352
Model MH12B
Brand Mr. Heater
SKU MH12B

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2. Best Portable: Mr. Heater Big Buddy MH18B Portable Propane Heater in Red

MH18B Review

Adjustable and durable, the Mr. Heater Corporation MH18B Portable Propane Heater is a mobile heating option for those on the go. Safe to be used indoors, this heater can provide hours of warmth while you sit on your couch, and because it is mobile, it can be used outdoors as well.

This Mr. Heater production comes in two colors options, Red or Gray. Before purchasing this appliance, consumers should be aware that it does not come assembled. The manufacturer suggests that typical assembly time is about 2 hours. With all products that use flammable materials, in this case propane, we recommend that you are confident in your assembly abilities should you choose to bypass expert the assembly option.

What we like most about this heater is the many different levels it has while turned on. Designed for rooms up to 450 square feet, it can operate at 4000, 9000 or 18000 BTU per hour, easily controlled by a knob on the heater.

In terms of fuel connection, the heater connects to two 1 lb. cylinders. Besides the additional weight of the cylinders, the heater weighs just 16.4 lbs., making it a great portable option for activities such as camping where you might need to carry the unit a long way.

Like most heaters designed to be used indoors, the MH18B utilizes an automatic ODS system meaning that you can enjoy heating without any worry of CO harm. Additionally, the heater has a system in place to detect if it has been knocked over and will turn itself off. Should you regularly require longer use than provided by 1lb propane tanks, there are two swivel regulators that allow you to connect to a remote supply through the use of a hose and filter.

Original Retail $129.99
UPC 00089301748002
Model MH18B
Brand Mr. Heater
SKU MH18B

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3. Best for Home & Garage: Dyna-Glo IR18PMDG-1 18,000 BTU Liquid Propane Infrared Vent Free Wall Heater

IR18PMDG-1 Review

Yet another completely different propane heating option, the Dyna-Glo IR18PMDG-1 18,000 BTU Liquid Propane Infrared Vent Free Wall Heater can be installed as a permanent fixture in your home, replacing a central heating system entirely. This heater connects directly to large propane tanks outside your home, providing Infrared heat that will easily heat up to 700 sq. ft. your home in no time.

Infrared Technology works by radiating heat to warm objects first, similar to the sun meaning that like with any other space heater, it is important to make sure that no flammable objects are kept too close to the appliance.

This heater is safe for indoor use, utilizing vent-free technology and does not require the use of a chimney or any other direct-to-outside ventilation. The heater also has an ODS system and will shut down should air quality approach an unsafe level, furthering its status as a safe heating option.

Adding to value of the heater, it does not require electricity to run, making it a great secondary option for those who still use central heating when the power goes out. To be properly set up to use this type of heater, you will need a 100-lb. tank (or larger) with adjustable regulators. If you don’t have it, this system can easily be installed by a local gas company.

Designed to heat areas up for 700 square feet, this heater provides an affordable solution for heating nearly entire floors of homes or your garage with ease. You are able to control heat output using variable control knobs, maxing out at 18000 BTU.

This heater includes necessary hardware & bracket for wall mounting.

Original Retail $139.99
UPC 00872076001775
Model IR18PMDG-1
Brand Dyna-Glo
SKU IR18PMDG-1

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4. Best on a Budget: World Marketing DH TT15S Propane Tanktop Heater

TT15S Review

The World Marketing (Mr Heater) DH Propane Tanktop Heater is a unique heating option designed to be placed directly on top of a large propane tank. The way we look at it, it’s as if a desktop fan were combined with a propane heater. It’s very affordable compared to the other propane heaters on our list

This heater is to be used exclusively outdoors as it does not come with additional safety features such as an ODS system or detection that is has been knocked over. Fear not though as it comes with some other safety features and protections. Since this heater will be kept permanently outdoors, it is equipped with rain protection and is wind resistant as well.

The heating apparatus itself weighs just a few pounds, but it is intended to be connected to a 20 lb. cylinder, meaning that should you have to move the outdoor heater for any reason, you will also be moving a somewhat heavy tank with it. The heater has three levels of operation, which include 9000, 12000 and 15000 BTU. Unlike more advanced mobile units, this heater requires ignition via match or piezo electric spark, rather than an automatic process.

Original Retail $53.03
UPC 00013204200152
Model TT15S
Brand Mr. Heater
SKU TT15S

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5. Best for Indoor Use: Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater (MH9BX Bundle)

MH9BX Review

The one word everyone wants to hear, bundle. Bundle means that you’ll avoid further purchases, outside of more propane, and that you will be all set up for any situation requiring manufactured heat. While most heaters on our list require the purchase of additional hoses should you want to connect to a larger heating (propane) source, you will be prepared, rather than having to make an additional burdensome purchase.

All-in-all, the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater Bundle lets you choose how you would like to heat your home. To clarify the details of this bundle, your purchase includes the Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy Heater (Standard) + Mr. Heater F273704 10′ Buddy Series Hose Assembly.

Designed for smaller rooms, this heater is can comfortably heat up to 225 square feet. While heating a small room, its capabilities range from 4000 to 9000 BTU. While operating at maximum output, Mr. Heater estimates that this unit will be able to run for 3 hours before needing to be refueled. Of course, if you have it connected to a larger propane cylinder via the hose that comes with the bundle, you’ll be able to heat your room for much longer.

Coming with an ODS system, this heater is approved for indoor and outdoor use. Weighing in at just under 10 lbs. this heater is appropriate to satisfy all of your on-the-go heating needs. To add to ease of mobility, there is a fold-down handle on top of the unit which makes it even easier to bring wherever you’re going.

Original Retail $114.32
UPC 00089301320000
Model F232000
Brand Mr. Heater
SKU MH9BX

Propane Heater Buying Guide

A consumer is only as good as the knowledge they use to make a purchase. More often than not, said consumer could stand to be a bit more educated. We’re hoping that with our guide and a little additional research, you’ll be able to find a safe propane space heater that serves all your needs. To help further the process along, we’ve included some more thoughts and tidbits we think will go a long way in helping you with your purchase.

Safety

First, let’s talk safety straight from real sources; the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA 54 tells us that air circulating type space heaters need at lease 12 inches free from any type of structure, on any side. This code also tells us the radiant type space heaters should have at least 18 inches clearance on both sides and behind, and at least 36 inches clearance in the front.

Besides NFPA publicized guidelines, all manufacturers will include some rules of their own, which should absolutely be followed to a tee to ensure safety.

Lastly with safety, common sense tells us that space heaters should be placed on surfaces that are nonflammable, and away from any combustible materials such as walls or anything hanging loose in your home. Although it’s a small niche, it’s worth saying that if you’re using a space heater while ice fishing—don’t leave it on overnight. When you wake up, there’s just going to be a hole in the ice and no heater to be found.

Which Propane Heater is Right for You

When assessing your needs with a space heater, two things should immediately come to mind; how big is the room it will be used in, and will it be used inside or outside?

Room Size

For room size and square footage, buying a heater that is only meant to heat an area smaller than the one you are using it in will diminish its effects. If you have to choose too weak or two strong, we recommend sizing up as it is better to have an appliance that does not have to work at full capacity at all times.

Inside or Outside

For inside vs. outside, knowing how you will use your heater is critical because once the purchase has been made, you can’t go back and change your mind. Additionally, due to the nature of propane heaters, they must be used for their designated purpose as not doing so could be extremely dangerous.

Portability

Another thing to consider when buying a space heater is whether you need it to be mobile or not. There are plenty of propane heaters which are installed as fixtures in places like porches and other mostly outdoor areas, and there are mobile space heaters which are quite common as well.

For portable mobile heaters, you need to make sure they are light enough to carry, but still strong enough for you to feel the effects. While finding the perfect balance is not always easy, once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of outside events in those cold Winter months.

In Conclusion

Our final message for someone in the propane space heater market is to find something you are going to be comfortable with. If the potential danger of propane is too overwhelming, you should consider other options like a kerosene heater or mini-split system with heat pump for your home. As much as being warm at a low cost is important, paying a little bit extra to use your central heating system may be worth it in peace of mind.