Buying guide for best indoor-safe propane heater
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If you want to keep your electric bill down in the winter, an indoor-safe propane heater can help. The best thing about indoor-safe propane heaters is that they use an external fuel source, meaning you don’t need to connect them to a power source. That makes them highly portable and practical for various settings, including camping, picnics, living rooms, RVs, backyards, offices and well-ventilated areas.
Before buying an indoor-safe propane heater, there are a handful of factors to consider. Primarily, it’s crucial to ensure the heater can heat the area you want it to. It should also have a sturdy build if you're going to use it outdoors and — most importantly — multiple safety functions, especially for indoor use.
Be advised that, even if a propane heater is designed to be safe for use indoors, you must carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never leave your propane heater running unattended (for instance, always shut it off before going to bed). You should also install a carbon monoxide detector wherever the heater is located and ensure the space is well ventilated. (For more information, see our section below on how to safely use one.)
We researched indoor-safe propane heaters to find the very best, and our top pick is the versatile Camplux Propane Heater, which offers three heating modes and can be used indoors and out.
Which indoor-safe propane heater is best?
Camplux Propane Heater Indoor and Outdoor
Best of the Best
Heating Capacity: 18,000 Btu | Heats Areas Up To: 450 sq ft | Number of Heat Settings: 3 | Run Time: 69 hr | Weight: 14.6 lb
If you want a propane heater with a high heating capacity and an extended run time, you won’t be disappointed with the Camplux Propane Heater. It offers three heating modes (low, medium and high) with a heat output of 6,000, 12,000 and 18,000 Btu, respectively, and can warm areas as big as 450 square feet.
The dual safeguard feature includes an auto-off function that activates if the heater detects low oxygen levels or if it unexpectedly tips over. It connects to 20-pound propane tanks with the included gas regulator and hose, and the durable casters have brakes, making it easy to move around. It can run for up to 69 hours on the lowest setting, and you can adjust the gas knob to set it to your preferred heat setting.
It’s one of the most versatile heaters, suitable for various indoor and outdoor environments, such as camping, backyards, construction sites, well-ventilated garages, living rooms and offices.
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater
Best Bang for the Buck
Heating Capacity: 9,000 BTU | Heats Areas Up To: 225 sq ft | Number of Heat Settings: 2 | Run Time: 5.4 hr | Weight: 8.88 lb
The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater is the best option for those who want the lightest indoor-safe propane heater that still packs plenty of heat. Its coverage zone of 225 square feet makes it an excellent choice for small- to medium-size spaces, and you can adjust the heat setting from 4,000 to 9,000 Btu.
The simple button operation makes it convenient to start this heater quickly, and the fold-down handle makes it easy to pick it up and move it around. The swivel regulator connects to a 1-pound cylinder, and the advanced sensor can detect low oxygen and automatically power off the heater for safety. It can run for up to six hours on the lowest setting, but if you want more heat output, you’ll get around three hours on the highest setting.
The heat output on this affordable model isn’t as good as some of the more robust indoor-safe propane heaters on our list. However, the portable design makes transporting it in a vehicle more manageable, and the heat output is sufficient for heating smaller spaces, such as living rooms, garages and reduced outdoor workspaces.
Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy
Best for Small Spaces
Heating Capacity: 3,800 Btu | Heats Areas Up To: 95 sq ft | Number of Heat Settings: 1 | Run Time: 5.6 hr | Weight: 1 lb
The best thing about the Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy is its compact build that lets you toss it into a bag and take it with you on the go. It’s a convenient option for those who want something to heat spaces of up to 95 square feet, making it suitable for garages and camping.
It weighs just 1 pound, making it super portable. Its maximum heat output is 3,800 Btu, which is more than enough to heat small spaces adequately, and it can run for up to 5.6 hours on a 1-pound cylinder. The cross-thread protection system and accidental tip-over safety function keep you safe at all times, and the heater is pointed at a 45-degree angle.
Given its compact and lightweight design, this model is far and away the best choice for travel and heating small indoor or outdoor areas. However, if you’re looking for greater heating capacity, consider other options that offer greater Btu output.
ProCom ML100TBAHR Ventless Propane Space Heater
Simple Yet Solid
Heating Capacity: 10,000 Btu | Heats Areas Up To: 300 sq ft | Number of Heat Settings: 5 | Run Time: 84 hr | Weight: 16 lb
The ProCom ML100TBAHR Ventless Propane Space Heater is a terrific mid-tier indoor-safe heater for heating areas as large as 300 square feet. Its robust build makes it suitable for various settings, including construction sites, ice houses, hunting and yard shacks.
This heater comes equipped with a 10-foot hose and regulator for easily connecting it to a 20-pound propane cylinder. The oxygen depletion sensor turns the unit off as soon as it detects low oxygen, and the control knob lets you adjust heat output to one of five settings.
Although it’s not as durable as some of our other top picks, this heater is an excellent choice for almost all occasions. You can use it while camping, relaxing on your patio, working in the garage or indoors, such as in your basement or family room.
Heat Hog 18,000 Btu Indoor/Outdoor Propane Heater
Portable Convenience
Heating Capacity: 18,000 Btu | Heats Areas Up To: 450 sq ft | Number of Heat Settings: 3 | Run Time: 4.7 hr | Weight: 17.41 lb
The Heat Hog is an impressive indoor-safe heater given its compact size. It has a maximum heating capacity of 18,000 Btu, making it suitable for construction sites and other outdoor settings. The coverage zone is broad at 450 square feet, and the unit itself weighs just 17.41 pounds.
There are three heat settings to choose from. And although the highest setting produces greater heat output, the lowest mode offers up to 4.7 hours of heating. The dock keeps fuel warm, boosting efficiency, and the 45-degree adjustable head lets you direct heat where you want. The carry handle makes it easy to transport, and the tip-over switch is a most-needed safety feature.
This model offers a solid balance of portability and heating capacity, making it the best option for traveling to camp sites. Its rugged exterior is also ideal for environments such as garages and construction areas.
How we analyzed
The best indoor-safe propane heaters have considerable heat output, a rugged build, and safety features. We analyzed five of the bestselling heaters based on specs, design and customer reviews. The best heaters adequately heat medium-sized indoor and outdoor areas and are easy to start and carry around.
Key features to consider
Heating capacity
Btu ratings
Btu stands for British thermal units and is an indicator of heating capacity. The higher the Btu, the more heat a heater can produce in any given space. Most indoor-safe propane heaters support a Btu range of 4,000 to 18,000. A heater with a 4,000 to 9,000 Btu range is ideal for smaller spaces of up to 250 square feet, while one with a Btu as high as 18,000 can adequately heat areas as large as 450 square feet.
Adjustable settings
Most indoor-safe propane heaters offer two or three heat settings with different heat output. However, some heaters have a thermostat knob that offers variable heat settings to let you set your preferred output.
Our top picks: Heating capacity
- Camplux Propane Heater Indoor and Outdoor and Heat Hog 18,000 Btu Indoor/Outdoor Propane Heater: Both of these heaters have a maximum heating capacity of 18,000 Btu, which is enough to heat spaces as big as 450 square feet.
- Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater: This heater has a 9,000 max Btu, which is excellent for medium-sized spaces as large as 225 square feet.
- Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy: It only packs 3,800 Btu, so we recommend this model for smaller spaces of up to 95 square feet.
- ProCom ML100TBAHR Ventless Propane Space Heater: With 10,000 Btu, this ProCom heater is terrific for spaces as large as 300 square feet.
Safety features
Oxygen-depletion sensor
Most, if not all, indoor-safe propane heaters have a built-in oxygen-depletion sensor. It automatically shuts off the unit for safety when it detects low oxygen levels. A heater burning fuel such as propane can begin to produce carbon monoxide when oxygen levels are low, which can be fatal in poorly ventilated areas.
Tip-over protection
Accidents happen, and because of their upright design, an indoor-safe propane heater can be easy to knock over. Most heaters are equipped with a tip-over switch that automatically shuts off the heater, preventing a potential hazard.
Our top picks: Safety features
- Camplux Propane Heater Indoor and Outdoor, Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater, Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy, ProCom ML100TBAHR Ventless Propane Space Heater and Heat Hog 18,000 Btu Indoor/Outdoor Propane Heater: All of our top picks are equipped with an oxygen-depletion sensor and an auto-off function that activates if the heater is tipped over.
Portability
Wheels
Indoor-safe heaters can be pretty bulky, but luckily many have four or five caster wheels, which make them easy to push and slide around. This feature makes it effortless to move the heater from one room to another.
Carrying Handle
Not all indoor-safe heaters have a handle, as some are relatively heavy. However, the most compact and portable models have a carrying handle at the top that makes travel convenient. With a carrying handle, you can effortlessly pick up a heater and move it to another room or pack it up in the trunk of a vehicle.
Compact design
The more compact an indoor-safe propane heater is, the more practical it is for traveling. While all propane-safe heaters are portable to some degree, some are compact enough to travel in a car quickly and some can even be stored in a bag.
Weight
Some indoor-safe propane heaters look rather heavy, but they’re actually surprisingly lightweight. Most models weigh under 20 pounds, so they’re relatively easy to pick up and move around. Most weigh 10 to 20 pounds, but the most compact and lightweight heaters can weigh as little as just 1 pound.
Our top picks: Portability
- Camplux Propane Heater Indoor and Outdoor: It features five caster wheels with brakes and an easy-carry handle.
- Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater and Heat Hog 18,000 Btu Indoor/Outdoor Propane Heater: These models do not have wheels but are compact enough to be carried around comfortably with just the top handle.
- Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy: It has a small handle but it’s small enough to lift from the body.
- ProCom ML100TBAHR Ventless Propane Space Heater: It doesn’t have wheels or a handle, making it the least portable of our top picks.
Run time
Heat setting
The run time of an indoor-safe propane heater primarily depends on what heat setting you set it at and for how long. The specification of any heater will indicate the run time when the heater runs only at its lowest setting. For example, if a heater has two heat settings, high and low, and the specifications indicate a run time of six hours, the unit can run for a maximum of six hours if it operates the entire time at the low setting.
Fuel quantity
Run time also largely depends on how much fuel you have. Run time indications assume you’re using a full tank of propane. If you start with only half a tank, naturally you’ll have much less run time to work with.
Our top picks: Run time
- Camplux Propane Heater Indoor and Outdoor: With sufficient fuel, this heater can last up to 69 hours on its lowest settings.
- Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater: On its low setting, this heater provides up to 5.4 hours of heating time.
- Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy: Despite its miniature design, this heater offers an impressive 5.6 hours of heating time.
- ProCom ML100TBAHR Ventless Propane Space Heater: Even better than our favorite pick, this heater can provide a whopping 84 hours of run time.
- Heat Hog 18,000 BTU Indoor/Outdoor Propane Heater: It offers the lowest run time at just 4.7 hours.
Safety tips for using an indoor-safe propane heater
While propane heaters that are designed for indoor use are perfectly safe, they do come with some risks — namely carbon monoxide poisoning and fire — if not used properly. Here are some precautions you can take to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully: Never assume you know how to safely use your propane heater. Always read the included manual to ensure you’re operating it correctly. And if it says it’s for outdoor use only, never operate it indoors.
- Ventilate your space: Always crack a window or door to allow fresh air to circulate.
- Don’t put anything on top of it: As tempting as it may be to use its surface as a shelf or to dry your clothes on top of it, this could quickly spell trouble.
- Place it in a safe spot: Be sure your propane heater is placed on an even noncombustible surface and not in a high-traffic area where it can easily be knocked over.
- Don’t put it near flammable objects: Keep your heater at least 3 feet away from curtains, furniture, towels, etc. to avoid a fire.
- Never leave it unattended: It’s easy to leave a room and forget your heater is on. Get in the habit of always turning it off when you walk away, and be sure to turn it off before going to bed.
- Don’t spray chemicals or other substances around it: To avoid a fire, air fresheners, hair sprays, perfumes, deodorants and the like should not be used while it’s in use.
- Keep pets and children at a safe distance: For their safety, make sure pets and children stay about 3 feet away from your propane heater.
- Invest in carbon monoxide detectors: While many propane heaters come with oxygen-depletion sensors, it’s still a good idea to plug in carbon monoxide detectors wherever you’re using it.
- Clean it regularly: Wipe it down and use a vacuum to suck up any dirt or dust to ensure it’s working properly.
- Check for orange or yellow flames: Your heater’s flame should only be blue. If it’s any other color, turn it off immediately.
- Funny smell? Turn it off: If you notice an odd smell, don’t ignore it. Turn off the heater and have it evaluated by a professional.
