Portable Indoor Propane Heaters: Best Model Reviewed
If you need a little help finding a portable heating solution for indoor spaces, that is safe, affordable and very efficient, portable indoor propane heaters tick all the boxes!
As the temperatures drop and the warm days of summer fade, it is time to think about how to keep some warmth inside when the temperature drops.
There are many heating options available to you for your home or outbuilding. Let's focus on portable heating units that are not dependent on electricity.
Benefits of Propane Heaters
There are many advantages to propane heaters over electric heaters. Budget-conscious homeowners are more aware of the rising fuel and energy prices. Let's look at the main benefits.
- Popular emergency heat source
- Low initial purchase cost
- Affordable ongoing running cost
- Efficient energy source
- Clean burning, low pollution
- Use portable containers anywhere
- Propane refills available in gas stations and hardware stores
Propane is a portable fuel source that is safe, readily available, relatively low cost and can be used in many appliances.
Heaters that run on propane are generally portable and provide owners with a handy backup heat source in case of a power outage or emergency situation.
Reviewing Portable Indoor Propane Heaters
Indoor propane heaters offer a better alternative to traditional electric heaters. They are less expensive to heat the room and can be used quickly.
Many indoor propane heaters are portable and compact enough to be used outdoors for heating or camping.
It can be difficult to choose the right indoor propane heater among all of these models. Here are some key features to keep in mind.
- Heating Capacity: Each model has a heating capacity. This is usually expressed in British Thermal Units (BTU). The heating capacity will increase the higher the rating.
- Size: Compact versions are available for smaller outputs. You can get a larger output by choosing larger models. But remember that larger models can be more difficult to transport or carry.
- Reliability: Because it's a fuel-powered machine some parts are susceptible to failure. You need to make sure your machine lasts a long time and is not susceptible to failure. This is usually dependent on the quality of the parts and build quality.
We have reviewed the top indoor propane heaters at reasonable prices. Each heater has been described in detail with their pros and cons, so you can easily distinguish them.
The Best Indoor Propane Heater
You may have noticed that there are some properties that are the same for all products but have different values.
These include size, heating capacity and portability. You need to look at all these aspects and choose the best product for you.
It isn't an easy task so we have provided a buying guide below. This buying guide covers all the important parameters as well as their importance for various applications.
This will allow you to quickly prioritize the features you require and find the right heater for you. Before you make a purchase, please read our buying guide.
These are the main features of an indoor propane heater you should be aware of before purchasing one.
1. Heating Capacity
The heating capacity is important because the primary purpose of an indoor propane heater's indoor heating system is to heat up the room. The BTU (British Thermal Units) is the standard unit for describing the heating capacity.
You will find indoor propane heaters with heating capacities ranging from 8000 BTU to 68000 BTU in many stores. You should also consider the heating area, as it can affect the heating power.
2. Size
As an indoor device, its size is important. Similar to indoor devices, it is important to choose a compact device that does not take up too much space and doesn't clutter your storage.
However, smaller devices often lack power. If you require more power, it is best to choose a larger option.
Before you make a decision, ensure that you have checked the space and power requirements of the room before making a final choice.
3. Portability
If you want to use your indoor propane heater in multiple locations, the portability is a must.
You can have the indoor propane heater in different rooms within the house. You might also need to transport it on the job site in a controlled environment.
If you're planning to travel in the cold, you can use it as a heater for camping. The heater's size and weight will have a significant impact on the heater's portability.
It will not fit if the heater is too large. However, it will be easier to transport a larger device.
4. Reliability
There are many parts to an indoor propane heater that could fail, making it incompatible with other heaters or even useless. You must confirm the reliability of your indoor heater to ensure it doesn't fail over time.
Reliability is heavily dependent on the quality of the heater's build and the quality parts used to make it. It is impossible to determine the durability of every part.
However, the warranty period provided by the manufacturer can be a good place to start. You can have the parts replaced or repaired free of charge during this warranty period.
Note: As a Sylvane affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Recommended Model: Dyna-Glo HeatAround 360 Portable Propane Heater
We recommend this model for a number of reasons, but mainly because it has a good track record among customers and is reliable, safe and provides sufficient heat to keep you warm when you need it.
This great, compact heater can be used indoors or outdoors as needed for providing extra, 360 degree heat inside on extra cold days or nights or as an emergency heat source if the power goes out.
Great for warming patios or porches when the family gets together outside, or heating a shed or garage or workshop.
The Dyna-Glo HeatAround 360 weighs just 6.57 (single tank model), or 8.75 pounds (dual tank model). It features easy-grip handles to make moving it easy from place to place.
Its small size and low weight make it highly portable and easy to transport, so it's great for taking on camping trips, or fishing or hunting trips to warm a tent, trailer or RV.
Big on safety, this model features an oxygen depletion sensor along with a tip-over shut-off switch, for peace of mind during use. The HeatAround is rated for indoor use, making a versatile heat source that can be used in complete safety.
This model arrives fully assembled for simplicity. It includes swivel regulators so it's a simple task to attach the 1-pound propane gas tanks. Equipped with a piezo ignition, lighting is quick and easy.
Heating coverage ranges from 250 sq ft to 450 sq ft.
With adjustable heat settings, you’ll enjoy just the right level of cozy heat without the bother of batteries or need for electrical power.
Want to know more? Click the image link above right to see unit this on sale at Sylvane. It's the best online store for all heating and cooling appliances with competitive prices and the best after-sales service you'll find anywhere!
Portable Propane Heaters: Are They Safe?
A number of older propane heating units have been reported as having problems and malfunctioning, causing severe damage to their owners. This can happen when these heating appliances get old or weren't maintained correctly throughout their life, or have been misused.
Older heaters can be inefficient in burning fuel, and produce more carbon monoxide than is safe.
This is not necessarily a life-threatening danger in an environment that is well ventilated. However, it can cause serious health problems if you inhale a lot of this particular gas over time.
Carbon Monoxide Dangers
Carbon monoxide is a component of exhaust gas from engines as well as a by-product of burning petrochemical based fuel.
The effects of excessive inhalation can be similar to those that are experienced by anyone who tends to spend a lot time on the roadside, or works in an enclosed building where badly ventilated gas engines are running.
Because this gas is made up of smaller molecules, they can easily be absorbed into the bloodstream, displacing oxygen molecules. Inhaling large amounts of carbon monoxide can lead to oxygen starvation in major organs, including the brain.
If no fresh oxygen is breathed in, a person overcome by carbon monoxide fumes may eventually die. Suicides are committed by connecting a hose to a car's tailpipe and running it into the car, closes all windows and sitting inside with the engine running leading to unconsciousness and eventual death.
This danger can be avoided by ventilating the room properly, despite it being normal during cold weather to keep all doors and windows closed to keep the heat in. Good ventilation will allow carbon monoxide to exit the room, thus preventing its build-up.
Portable Propane Heater Care
You can avoid this situation by keeping your heater in top condition. As it ages, get it checked by a professional to ensure it is still burning gas efficiently. Make sure the heater is clean and the vents are unobstructed.
Children should be kept away from the heater, even if it is not being used. If anything spills on it, it should be cleaned immediately.
To remove light debris and dust from the burners, you can lightly brush them with a soft brush. However, don't use wire brushes or bristles as the burners could become damaged.
Safety First
There are a number of things that you can do to increase the level of safety in your home.
For instance, a carbon monoxide alarm can be a life-saving investment for your family, especially if you use ventless propane heaters that have no way to vent any carbon monoxide gas that may be produced in older models to the outside.
Because carbon monoxide has no color or odor, it can be difficult to determine if there is any of this gas present in the room. If there is, one revealing sign is that you may feel drowsy or have a headache coming on.
These symptoms can be caused by a number of things, but an older, unvented portable propane heater emitting carbon monoxide gas is a likely suspect.
If you are in any doubt, open all doors and windows and turn off the heater. It may be necessary to get outside to breathe fresh air. If anyone has lost consciousness, get medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
An indoor propane heater is a great option for getting through cold winter nights and days, especially if there is a power outage.
It can provide warmth and comfort when there is no power to run your central air system or any electric heaters.
While there is something about a warm open fire in winter that is very relaxing, open log or coal fires can be a lot of work and are messy.
Indoor propane heaters can provide a similar experience, but at a lower cost and with greater safety. There are currently a number of choices regarding propane heaters, but rather than get confused, we have recommended a single model that has good customer feedback and a proven track record.
Last Updated: Sep 16, 2021