The Best Propane Heaters for 2021
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Best Propane Heater
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For this post, I have put together a collection of the best propane heaters currently available.
UPDATED: August 27, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Mr. Heater F274800 MH18B because it features a compact, portable design, provides both radiant and convection heat, and is equipped with an easy-to-use lighting system.
Types of Propane Heaters
There are several different types of heaters that work for a range of different applications. I have included a range of sizes and types below so you can find the right heater for your specific needs.
Forced Air - this type is generally associated with high BTU/h output and is designed for heating large areas.
Compact - this is the category of units that incorporate small one-pound tanks within the unit housing. One of the major benefits of these heaters is the portability that allows you to easily bring it with you wherever it is needed.
Patio - as the name implies it is designed for outdoor patio use. These usually feature a base that encloses a 20-pound tank with a pole with a top-mounted heater. These are commonly seen in outdoor restaurant seating areas.
Tank-Mounted - these heaters simply attach to the top of a propane tank and use the tank itself to support the unit.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
One important thing to consider when selecting a model is whether it will be used indoors or outdoors since not all units are designed for both. Using a unit inside that is designed for outdoor use is dangerous and should never be attempted. The manufacturer will clearly state whether it is approved for indoor applications.
BTU Rating
The heating capability of a propane heater is typically given in British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h). This is sometimes just abbreviated as BTU. A BTU is simply a unit of heat.
Technically, a BTU is just the heat required to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. The important thing to know when it comes to heaters is basically the more BTUs per hour the larger the area it can heat.
The BTU rating can vary widely depending on the specific heater. For example, a compact unit designed for interior use could be as low as 3,000 BTU while a forced air propane heater can put out 60,000+ BTUs.
Propane Tank Sizes
Keep in mind what size of propane tank you already have or plan on using. The standard size is a 20-pound tank but there are also compact and portable heaters that use disposable one-pound cylinders.
Heating Area
The size of the space you want to heat should be noted, as the higher BTU heaters will be able to warm a larger space more effectively. The manufacturer will usually provide the approximate square footage that the unit is designed to heat effectively.
Heater Materials
The materials the heater is constructed from are important especially if it will be outdoors exposed to the elements, stainless steel is recommended.
Safety Features
Included safety features are important to consider. Check to see if a particular model offers auto-shutoff, in the event the heater is accidentally knocked over, it will automatically turn off the unit.
RELATED: The 10 Best Tankless Water Heaters
So here is my list of The Best Propane Heaters for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BRV Indoor-Safe Propane Heater
The Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BRV heater connects directly to two one-pound propane cylinders.
Provides up to 18,000 BTUs per hour.
Works best for heating enclosed spaces like large tents up to 450 square feet.
Includes a fan that creates both radiant and convection heat for more effective warming of a space.
Offers a compact design that is portable.
Features a swivel regulator that offers the ability to adapt usage from a disposable cylinder to a remote gas supply (requires a hose and filter).
Offers a simple lighting system that just requires pushing and rotating the knob.
Equipped with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and an accidental tip-over safety shut-off.
Best High Output: Mr. Heater 60,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater
The Mr. Heater 60,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater features a variable output control for up to a 14 hour run time.
Features a simple operation that plugs in and connects to a 20-lb. propane tank.
Provides heat for up to 1,250 sq. ft.
Equipped with a high temperature limit switch.
Constructed from steel for long-lasting durability.
Equipped with a heavy-duty high output fan and continuous ignition.
Includes a 10' hose and regulator.
Best For Commercial Use: Hiland HLDSO1-GTSS 91” Propane Heater
The Hiland glass tube outdoor propane patio heater features a stainless steel finish with a quartz glass tube.
Features a 40,000 BTU's with variable control.
Fueled by a 20-pound propane tank (lasts approximately 8-10 hours on high).
Equipped with a safety shut-off valve that automatically turns it off if tilted.
Includes base wheels for easy moving.
Does not include the propane tank.
Best for Residential Use: AmazonBasics Outdoor Patio Propane Heater
The AmazonBasics outdoor patio propane heater provides up to 46,000 BTUs.
Uses a simple push-button start for quick and easy lighting.
Equipped with a variable-heat control knob.
Features a shut-off tilt valve that turns the heater off automatically in the event it tips over.
Provides heat for up to 18 feet in diameter.
Features stainless steel construction for long-lasting durability.
Uses a standard 20-pound LP gas cylinder (not included).
Best Compact Indoor Design: 3,800 BTU Indoor-Safe Propane Heater
The Mr. Heater F215100 features two heat settings: 4,000 and 9,000 BTU/HR.
Equipped with a four-position control with built-in Piezo igniter off and lo/hi heat settings.
Includes a swivel regulator for easy LP cylinder and hose installation.
Features a low-oxygen safety shut-off (ODS) and tip-over safety shut-off.
Equipped with a ceramic burner tile mounted with shock absorbing insulation for durability and easy replacement.
Features a fold-down handle to reduce the required storage space.
Includes a high temperature wire guard.
Best Premium Option: 30,000 BTU Vent Free Propane Heater
The Mr. Heater F299730 produces 30,000 BTUs and includes a thermostat for accurate temperature control.
Features a battery-powered electronic ignition for easy starting.
Offers the ability to be permanently mounted to the wall or mounted to the floor.
Uses the natural convection of the burn to circulate warm comfortable air.
Equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) for safety.
Includes mounting brackets and fasteners.
Best High Output Patio Design": Hampton Bay Propane Heater
The Hampton Bay heater provides 48,000 BTUs to heat an area up to 200 square feet.
Equipped with a variable heat control knob to customize the level of heat output.
Constructed from brushed stainless steel for long-lasting durability, which is especially important for outdoor use.
Features a simple push-button ignitor to turn on the heater.
Equipped with tip-over protection that shuts the unit off in the event it is knocked over.
Note: the unit uses a standard 20-pound propane tank that is not included.
Best Compact Outdoor Design: Mr. Heater F242540 Propane Heater
The Mr. Heater F242540 provides 29,000 to 45,000 BTUs per hour.
Features an adjustable 360-degree burner head that swivels up to 180 degrees.
Mounts on a 20-pound propane cylinder (not included).
Equipped with an easy-to-use lighter with a push button TE valve.
Constructed from stainless steel components for long-lasting durability.
Includes tip-over safety shutoffs.
Designed for outdoor use only.
Best for Indoor Use: 18,000 BTU Cabinet Propane Heater
The Dyna Glo features 18,000 BTUs with three heat settings.
Features a simple push button ignition.
Includes an ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor), that shuts off the heater, if the oxygen level drops below a safe level.
Includes wheels to easily move the unit where needed.
Equipped with locking casters.
Safe for indoor Use
Uses a 20 lb. Propane (LP) tank (not included).
Best Budget Option: Dura Heat TT-360 Propane Heater
The Dura Heat TT-360 provides 360 degrees of radiant, infrared heat in a compact, portable design.
Operates up to 14 hours on a 20 lb. propane(LP) tank.
Includes a high-efficiency stainless steel heat reflector.
Equipped with a rust resistant chrome emitter guard.
Features a match light ignition.
Provides heat for up to 1,000 sq ft.
Equipped with a tip-over automatic safety shut off.
I hope this list of the best propane heaters was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
