Before purchasing a portable propane heater, you really need to know how and where you will be using it. Since many of these heaters have very specific uses, you need to know if you will be using it inside or outside, how noisy is it, and how easy is it to set up. Once you have a good idea of how you will be using the portable propane heater, you should be able to find one that suits your specific needs. Here are a few tips on what to look for in the best portable propane heaters and a few reviews to help you start shopping.
Best Portable Propane Heaters – Comparison Table
| Image | Product | Features | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BRV Big Buddy Propane Heater | Easy to move and versatile Multiple heat settings make it easy to use in different places Can take with you camping | 4.7 out of 5 |
 | Mr. Heater F232025 MH9BX Buddy Portable Radiant Heater | Versatile and quiet Words well in several different settings Very durable, will last you for years | 4.7 out of 5 |
 | Texsport Portable Heater | Great safety features, very stable Long lasting heat for its size | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | Mr. Heater Propane Convection Heater | Great option when electricity isn’t available Works for a long time without a propane change Heats up very quickly | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | Dyna-Glo Propane Wall Heater | Doesn’t get in the way Very energy efficient and will save you money Durable and long-lasting | 4.6 out of 5 |
 | Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DGD Propane Heater | Quick to heat up and has an easy setup Small but very powerful Won’t freeze up easily | 3.3 out of 5 |
 | Golden Flame True Propane Heater | Optional wheelbase is great for portability Nice no rust finish Really easy to assemble | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | Dyna-Glo RMC-FA125DGD Propane Heater | Adjustable angle to send heat a specific direction Nice and portable with a swivel carry handle Powerful enough to heat a wide area | 5 out of 5 |
 | Mr. Heater F299730 Propane Heater | Temperatures are automatically controlled Has an automatic low-oxygen feature Provides event heat that works for a large area | 4.5 out of 5 |
Ten Best Portable Propane Heaters Reviewed
Camco Olympian Wave 3 LP Portable Gas Catalytic Heater
If you are looking for a propane heater that works both inside and outside, the Camco 57331 Olympian Wave 3 is a silent and efficient heater making that is safe and mounts easily inside your home. This versatile heater has a simple installation process, and it is also very portable. By running quietly and using less propane than its competitors, this propane heater is easily one of the best options on the market.
The Camco Olympian Wave does not use blower or fans to create heat allowing it to work silently. Plus, it releases high heat without using a lot of propane so it uses a lot less propane than other heaters on the market.
This easy to install heater works well on camping trips and elevations up to 8,500 feet. Plus, you can use in the back of your RV to keep you warm on those cold nights out camping. The heater also comes equipped with mounting accessories that are perfect for placement in your home.
Pros:
Saves you money in purchasing less propane
Easy to install and use
Very versatile and good for camping trips
Cons:
Takes a while to get the heat going
<strong>AVAILABLE ON AMAZON</strong>
Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BRV Big Buddy Propane Heater
With a portable and versatile design, the Big Buddy gives you powerful heat no matter where you set it up. This heater can be used in your home as well as outside making it a good value for the price. It also features multiple heat settings that are easy to control depending on the size of the area you are heating making it environmentally friendly and economical.
This versatile heater also will work at a high altitude of up to 7,000 feet making it perfect to take with you when camping in the mountains. This is also an easy to move heater that is safe to use both indoors and out.
Pros:
Easy to move and versatile
Multiple heat settings make it easy to use in different places
Can take with you camping
Cons:
It is really loud when you start it up
<strong>AVAILABLE ON AMAZON</strong>
Mr. Heater F232025 MH9BX Buddy Portable Radiant Heater
You can expect durability and powerful heat from the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy. It works well in both a small room at home or outside while you are camping. This heater gives you good value for the price, especially when it lasts for years giving you quality performance along the way.
The Portable Buddy is a silent heater that features several accessories that make it a safe choice to use almost anywhere. This is also a durable heater that won’t die in just a few years but will run strong for many years to come. The versatility of the Portable Buddy is a big selling point and consumers have used it in RVs, tents, homes, and garages.
Included with the Portable Buddy include an automatic shut off features in case the pilot light goes or if it tips over and a wire guard that protects the heat source. This is also a very silent heater which is great when you are out camping and don’t want to attract attention to your location.
Pros:
Versatile and quiet
Words well in several different settings
Very durable, will last you for years
Cons:
Some customers have had problems with the limited warranty and a malfunction with a knob
<strong>AVAILABLE ON AMAZON</strong>
Texsport Portable Heater
The Texsport Portable Heater is an easy to transport heater that is perfect for those that like to camp or spend a lot of time outdoors. Ideal for giving you a lot of heat in a small space, this heater is an inexpensive choice that gives you portable and long lasting propane. With its lightweight and small design, this heater can even be carried in a travel bag and works well in tents for overnight camping trips.
Lasting up to eight hours, this compact heater gives you long lasting heat that is twice the amount of other heaters its size on the market. It also includes an automatic shut off in case the pilot light goes out and a wide base to provide stability and prevent tipping. The adjustable controls allow you to choose the setting you need on the size of the space you are heating making it a versatile and easy to use heater.
Pros:
Great safety features, very stable
Long lasting heat for its size
Cons:
Can only heat a small area
<strong>AVAILABLE ON AMAZON</strong>
Mr. Heater Propane Convection Heater
When electricity isn’t available, the Mr. Heater Propane Convection Heater is the perfect option to heat up an area quickly. This heater can run all day without interruption and is a convection style propane heater that is perfect for areas with harsh winters. And since it runs on propane, you don’t have to worry about having electricity available to use it.
This heater quickly heats up a garage in areas where the winters are harsh and can reach your desired temperature in about fifteen minutes making it one of the fastest heaters on the market. It can also run for up to 29 hours straight so you won’t have to worry about it shutting off or replacing your propane tank often and is a great choice for those that like to work for long periods of time in their garage.
Pros:
Great option when electricity isn’t available
Works for a long time without a propane change
Heats up very quickly
Cons:
Need ventilation so is not safe in your home
<strong>AVAILABLE ON AMAZON</strong>
Dyna-Glo Propane Wall Heater
If you are looking for an easy to install wall heater, the Dyna-Glo Propane Wall Heater will work well in your home, cabin, or garage. It looks great once installed and is easy to attach to your wall. It is also efficient which burns less propane and saves you money unlike other wall heaters on the market.
Since it attaches snugly to the wall, it also doesn’t take up a lot of space or get in the way. This built to last wall heater that will last you a few years so you don’t have to worry about replacing it too soon.
Pros:
Doesn’t get in the way
Very energy efficient and will save you money
Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
Doesn’t work well in large spaces
<strong>AVAILABLE ON AMAZON</strong>
Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DGD Propane Heater
While it may look small, the Dyna-Glo Propane Heater has the capability to heat up a medium sized room, even when there are freezing temperatures outside. With the Dyna-Glo heater, you get a system that uses low-pressure that also works as a safety feature. Even when exposed to the cold, this tank will not freeze so you don’t have to worry about it shutting down unexpectedly.
The Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DGD Propane Heater has the ability to tilt at an angle to send heat in a certain direction which is a great feature for any portable propane heater. It also heats up quickly and has the ability to reach 70 degrees in under an hour, even when it is freezing outside.
This is also an easy unit to set up and can be up and running in under five minutes after you take it out of its box. This is a handy feature, especially for those that aren’t as handy. It also includes a 0.5 PSI system that has low enough pressure to keep the tank from freezing, even in cold settings.
Pros:
Quick to heat up and has an easy setup
Small but very powerful
Won’t freeze up easily
Cons:
The fan can take a few seconds to start up
<strong>AVAILABLE ON AMAZON</strong>
Golden Flame True Propane Heater
Even though it may seem large, the Golden Flame True Propane Heater is very simple to assemble and comes with a safety feature that stops the unit from rusting if used outdoors. This pyramid style propane heater is a great patio propane tank that comes equipped with a wheelbase option making it easy to move from spot to spot on your patio.
The sleek finish of the Golden Flame heater will not rust, and it has an aluminum frame with a mocha bronze finish. It also comes with an electronic ignition that is safe and easy to use. The propane tank is placed in a convenient location and there is an automatic shut off in case the unit is tipped over accidentally.
The Golden Flame heater is simple and quick to assemble with easy to follow instruction and a fast build. The optional wheelbase is a great feature as it makes it easy to move this heater anywhere on your patio or back to the storage area.
Pros:
Optional wheelbase is great for portability
Nice no rust finish
Really easy to assemble
Cons:
Sand used to weight it down leaks from the base
<strong>AVAILABLE ON AMAZON</strong>
Dyna-Glo RMC-FA125DGD Propane Heater
If you are looking for a professional grade propane heater for your garage, check out the CSA certified Dyna-Glo RMC-FA125DGD. Equipped with a thermostat, it can instantly generate heat for up to 3,100 square feet. This is a powerful heater that will supply uniform heat to all area of your garage.
The reliable Dyna-Glo RMC-FA125DGD is also equipped with a variable heat control that runs continuously to prevent overheating and using too much energy. A continuous electronic ignition also stops delayed ignition so it will start as soon as you turn it on. There is also an easy-lift carry handle, a ten-foot hose, and a regulator making this stable heater more portable so you can easily move it around.
Pros:
Adjustable angle to send heat a specific direction
Nice and portable with a swivel carry handle
Powerful enough to heat a wide area
Cons:
A little on the noisy side
<strong>AVAILABLE ON AMAZON</strong>
Mr. Heater F299730 Propane Heater
With a 30,000 BTUs, the Mr. Heater F299730 Propane Heater is vent-free and is a great solution for the cold weather day. This is a great heater for garages measuring up to 570 square feet. With its BLUE flame tube burner, this heater is in its own class using natural convection that efficiently burns fuel to circulate warm air.
Also equipped with a thermostat, the Mr. Heater F299730 will control the temperate perfectly around any job site. With an automatic shut off feature, this unit includes a factory installed ODS (oxygen depletion sensors) that senses when the oxygen is too low. It also is easy to start with its battery-powered ignition, and it can be permanently mounted to a wall or your garage’s floor.
Pros:
Temperatures are automatically controlled
Has an automatic low-oxygen feature
Provides event heat that works for a large area
Cons:
Consumers reported problems with the included brass fitting and needed replacements
<strong>AVAILABLE ON AMAZON</strong>
Best Portable Propane Heaters Buying Guide
Location
One of the most important questions you need to consider is where will you be using your propane heater? This will help you decide on the type of heater you need and which heaters will not suit your needs.
When heating an outdoor area or a campsite, you need a propane heater that was designed to be used outdoors. These types of propane heaters will be more durable and have the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. It will also give off heat different than a heater designed to work inside and will include either blowers or fans to help you direct the heat in a certain direction.
Propane heaters for indoor use need to have certain safety features you won’t find on outdoor versions. This is especially important because you need to find indoor propane heaters that have been certified to use indoors. Safety features to look for include a tip over switch and an automatic shut-off system that indicates when oxygen is low.
Ignition
An ignition lights the gas which then burns the propane creating heat for the room or area you want to warm. You will find several types of ignitions including a hassle-free option that you simply press a button to start it while a traditional manual ignition needs you to light the propane yourself. Keep in mind that automatic ignitions are easier to use but can wear out in time.
Portability
There are several advantages to using a portable propane heater:
Handles – Portable propane heaters that have handles make them easier to transport, especially if you are taking it up any stairs or several different levels.
Wheels – If you have the option for wheels, this can be useful if you move your heater regularly or need to store it away. Wheels make it easier to move the heater so that you don’t have to lift it and strain your back.
Weight – Most portable propane heaters are lightweight, but it’s important to check it so you won’t have difficulty moving around something you can’t lift easily. Remember also that it will actually weigh more once you have added the propane canister.
Safety Considerations
Since propane heaters can be very flammable, it’s important to have built-in safety features. Make sure to follow the directions and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and make sure your model is certified for indoor use if you are using your propane heater inside. Other features to look for are automatic shut-off systems when oxygen is low in the area and anti-tip over mechanism that will turn of the heater if it is accidentally tipped over.
When choosing the best portable propane heaters, one of the most important things to keep in mind is where you will be using it. Once you have that determined, it will be easy to find the type of model that will work in that situation that will also keep you and your loved ones safe and warm.
