The 5 Best Propane Space Heaters of 2023

There are many types of propane space heaters on the market and it is important to select the right one according to your needs. A propane space heater, as the name suggests, is designed to heat a specific room or space. Some are fixed, some are portable and they are used to give heat and comfort in areas your central heating does not reach, to save on your HVAC costs, or in the case of emergencies. 

We look at the 5 best propane space heaters. One that impressed us the most is the Pro-Temp PT-18-PCH-A. This popular unit is affordable, portable, and delivers impressive heat in a short space of time. It works well, is safe, quiet, and easy to use. 

Propane space heaters can be used in the living room, bedrooms, the garage, or anywhere you need fast efficient heat. Some are even suitable for outdoor use. 

The 5 Best Propane Space Heaters:

We take a closer look at the 5 best propane space heaters. 

1. Pro-Temp PT-18-PCH-A BTU LP Cabinet Heater

The PT-18-PCH-A delivers an impressive 18000 BTU and will warm your room super-fast. It has variable heat settings so you can create the perfect cozy temperature according to space and your needs. It is suitable for rooms up to 450 Square Feet. 

The safety features are exceptional and include tip-over protection, automatic shut-off, and an ODS ( Oxygen Depletion Sensor). It is CSA-certified for peace of mind that it meets all the safety requirements. 

The cabinet design is fast and effective in delivering radiant heat to space. It comes with the regulator and hose so there is nothing else to spend money on, apart from the tank and the propane. The Piezo ignition makes starting it quick and easy. No electricity is required to operate this unit. 

The cylinder sits inside the cabinet making it neat and portable. You can move the unit to wherever you need instant warmth. The casters make moving even easier. It also has handles to improve portability. 

This heater has a lot going for it and there are many reasons it is such a popular choice. It is well worth considering if you want a budget-friendly heater that works well and is portable. 

2. Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Heater

If you want a propane space heater that you can use anywhere this versatile option from leading brand Mr. Heater is a top choice. It is one of the most highly rated heaters on the market and a top-seller. It is a compact robust unit that you can use indoors or outdoors. This makes it highly versatile. 

It has variable heat options from 4000 to 9000 BTU so you can heat a space as large as  225 square feet. It is extremely efficient which will save you money on operating costs. 

Mr. Heater is a trusted and popular brand and they make products that not only offer value for money but also reliability and durability. This unit is solidly built and will last you for many winters. 

It is portable so not only perfect for home use but can be taken with you for outdoor adventures such as camping, tailgating, and fishing. Use it indoors or simply take it outside if you want to enjoy the evenings without freezing. The light compact design makes this easy. 

It sports an easy-start Piezo ignition and user-friendly controls. All the safety features are there including tip-over protection, auto shut-off, and ODS. 

We like this propane space heater for many reasons including the price, the versatility, and the tough design and build. It is a handy unit to have. 

3. Gasland MHA18BN Propane Radiant Heater

This is a smart-looking compact radiant propane heater that pushes out up to 18000 BTU. The design makes it light and portable so you can move from room to room when necessary. This is made even easier thanks to the convenient handles and the wheels. Moving the unit is no hassle. 

Safety features are all present including tip-over protection and ODS. The power is enough to warm a room up to 450 square feet quickly and comfortably. There are three heat options to choose from, low, medium, and high. This will allow you to create the ideal comfort for space. 

It works quietly so will not disturb you and it is efficient, saving you on propane costs. It offers great value for money. Adding to the versatility of this unit, it can also be used outside if necessary. 

4. Mr. Heater MH18CH Radiant Cabinet LP Heater

Cabinet heaters are extremely fast and effective. The  MH18CH is a powerful radiant heater that delivers up to 18000 BTU. It has three heat settings for the perfect environment and reduced propane usage. 

Mr. Heater products are known not only for reliability but also for their durability. This unit is made from quality steel and built to last. They are one of the most popular brands of propane heaters. This model comes at a fair price and should last you many years. 

It is CSA certified and has all the necessary safety features. It will heat an area as large as 450 square feet. The heater is economical to operate and has a good run time. It does not need electricity to operate. 

The Piezo ignition means no stress when firing the heater up. It comes with everything you need to operate including the regulator and hose. The propane tank will have to be purchased separately unless you already have one. 

It comes with a 1-year warranty. The design is such that it emits rapid radiating heat quickly and effectively.  It is user-friendly and a good-looking heater. 

5. ProCom Heating INC ML060HPA Liquid Propane Gas Infrared Wall Heater

Sometimes a compact wall heater is what you need and this is a winning option. ProCom is an established brand and this is a unit that many people rave about. It is easy on the pocket,  small and neat, and gets the job done. 

It delivers 6000 BTU so is ideal for smaller spaces up to around 150 sq. Ft. It has an easy-start Piezo ignition so getting it going is quick and simple. It is vent-free so easy to install and position. What is great is that it is wall mounted so it is out of the way. 

Installation is a breeze and you only need basic skills and tools to get it into place. It comes with the bracket needed for wall mounting so there are no extra costs. 

The infrared heat warms objects and people quickly and effectively. You can expect fast soothing warmth. It has all the expected safety features as well as a cool-touch exterior. This is perfect if you have children or pets. 

The controls are manual and it is user-friendly. Another big plus is the affordable price tag. This is a great option for smaller spaces that need a bit of extra heat in winter. It stays out of your way while it quietly warms the room. 

What to look for when buying a propane space heater

Before investing in a propane space heater, here are a few things to think about. 

Size and weight

If you want one for a large room only then this is not a big factor. If, however, you want the unit to be portable, you need to look for one that is small and light. Handles and wheels or casters are also handy if you have a larger unit that you still want to move. 

Some are extremely compact and can even be taken with you if you go camping or to other outdoor activities. The larger ones are designed to be used in a given space but can be moved if necessary. A wall-mounted option will naturally be fixed in place and only used where it is set up. 

Safety

It is good to have safety concerns when using a propane space heater indoors or anywhere for that matter. Fortunately, the modern designs are extremely safe provided you use them correctly. 

There are a few features that are a must. Tip-over protection is important. If the unit gets knocked over it should shut off automatically. An oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) is also essential if you use the heater indoors. It will shut down if the oxygen levels drop dangerously low. 

If you have pets or children, it is beneficial to have one with a cool-touch exterior. 

Always have some ventilation if you use a propane space heater indoors. 

Ignition type

The last thing you want is to hassle with getting the propane space heater started. Most quality models come with electronic ignition. Piezo is one of the leading options. This makes it simple and fast to start your heater. 

Variable heat settings

Sometimes you will need a little warmth and other times you will need a lot of heat. This depends on the temperature and the size of the room. You want to ensure that the heater has enough power to heat the space you plan to use it in. Heat is measured in BTU (British Thermal Units). A larger room will need more power. 

You also want to be able to adjust the heat according to your needs. It should have two or three settings so you can create the perfect cozy environment. 

Durability

You want to invest in a propane space heater that will not fall apart after a winter or two. Look at the reputation of the company that makes the heater, the materials they use, and the quality of the workmanship. 

We only looked at products that were highly rated by customers so you can be sure they are all quality products. The more solidly built and ultra-durable heaters will naturally cost a bit more but many of the more affordable options are still very well made and last a long time. 

Cost

Propane space heaters are an affordable way to heat up a room and most heaters are great value for money. The larger heaters with more features might cost a bit more. There is something to fit all budgets. 

Style

Some heaters work very well but do not look great. This is fine if they are to be used in a garage or outdoors. If you plan to use the heater indoors you want something that looks good and fits in with the style of your home. 

They come in a range of designs from basic and compact, to sleek and modern. Find one that works with your taste and style. 

FAQs

What are the different types of propane space heaters?

Not all propane space heaters are the same. There are several designs and technologies they employ to get the job done. 

Here are the main options:

Radiant/Infrared Heaters

This is the most common type as they work quickly and are highly effective. These emit heat in much the same way as the sun. This means that they heat objects and people directly. This ultimately heats the air as well but importantly, it keeps people warm. The main benefits are that they are economical and fast. 

Blue Flame or Circulating Space Heaters

These have a flame that warms the air and a fan to circulate the heat. 

Forced Air Space Heaters

These are normally used in large cold areas such as garages, construction sites, or outdoors. They are effective but some can be noisy. They would generally not be suitable for indoor use. 

Portable or Wall Mounted Heaters

The benefit of portable heaters is that they can be moved from room to room. You can pick them up or roll them if they have wheels to wherever heat is needed.  They are generally light and compact. 

Wall-mounted heaters save a bit of space and are designed to be used in a specific room or area. Some do come with legs so you do have more options. 

Vented or Vent-Free Heaters

It is important to understand the difference. A vented heater requires a vent going outside the house and is a bit more effort and probably expensive to install. Vent-free heaters are safe to use indoors and require no exterior vents and no professional installation. 

Can I use any heater indoors and outdoors? 

While there are many versatile options that can be used in both, some are designed only for indoor use or to be used only outside. It depends on the design and construction of the heater so it is best to check this out first if you want that versatility. 

Is a space heater economical to use? 

A: Yes, they are one of the more economical options to use. Propane is relativity inexpensive and the costs to warm a single room are generally better than a larger system that warms the whole house. 

Is a space heater noisy? 

Most rely on radiant heat and make almost zero noise. Some models use a fan to circulate the heat and these will make a small amount of noise but the better ones are relatively silent. 

Do I need electricity to run my propane space heater? 

Again, this depends on the model. Most are designed to work without the need for electricity but some models particularly those with a powerful fan will need to be plugged into an electrical outlet.

Do I have to service or maintain my heater? 

Maintenance is not necessary. It is important to keep it clean. When it is cool, wipe it down with a cloth and warm soapy water. Dry the unit after cleaning. 

Every few months, check that all connections and the regulator are free of rust or corrosion and that all hoses are securely connected and in good repair.  

Final Thoughts

And there you go. There is everything you need to know in order to confidently buy a propane space heater. We have reviewed some of the best models on the market and there is something to suit everyone. Consider your environment and how and where you want to use the heater to help you select the very best option for your needs. You can’t go wrong with any of the models we have reviewed.