Top 7 Small Propane Heaters: Your Ultimate Guide!

Ted Curley
Journeymen wiremen at US Electric-International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

Hello, I'm Ted Curley, a licensed electrician with a wealth of experience in the electrical field. I've launched this platform to share my extensive knowledge and insights with you. My journey in the electrical field spans over a decade, during which I have cultivated a deep understanding and expertise in...Read more

Ted Curley
Journeymen wiremen at US Electric-International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

Hello, I'm Ted Curley, a licensed electrician with a wealth of experience in the electrical field. I've launched this platform to share my extensive knowledge and insights with you. My journey in the electrical field spans over a decade, during which I have cultivated a deep understanding and expertise in...Read more

Hey there! Are you in need of a compact and efficient heating solution for your space? Look no further! In this post, I’ll be sharing with you the ultimate guide to the top 7 small propane heaters on the market. Whether you’re camping, working in a garage, or simply need an extra source of warmth at home, these heaters are perfect for keeping you cozy. So, let’s dive right in and discover the best options out there!

1
Buddy Portable Propane Radiant Heater
✯ In summary ✯
BUY NOW Amazon.com
9.3
2
Big Buddy Portable Propane Heater
Reliable and convenient
BUY NOW Amazon.com
9.1
3
Mr. Heater Big Buddy Propane Heater
Reliable and versatile
BUY NOW Amazon.com
9.1
1

Buddy Portable Propane Radiant Heater

$89.37  in stock
Amazon.com
as of October 24, 2025 3:11 pm
9.3
In summary
The Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy propane heater is a portable and versatile option for heating both indoor and outdoor spaces up to 225 square feet. It provides a lot of heat output and comes with safety features, making it a reliable choice. However, some users have faced initial difficulty in starting the heater and the grid cage may allow smaller flammable materials to slip through.
Efficient and Convenient
  • Portable and easy to use
  • Provides a lot of heat output
  • Indoor-safe and certified for use indoors
  • Safety features such as tip-over sensor and low oxygen sensor
  • Can be used with both small and large propane fuel canisters
  • Quick and easy ignition with built-in piezoelectric igniter
  • Can be used in a variety of settings, including tents, garages, and outdoor spaces
Drawbacks
  • Initial difficulty in starting the heater and longer priming time than stated by the manufacturer
  • Grid cage is too wide apart, allowing smaller, flammable materials to slip through and potentially catch fire

The Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater is North America’s most popular portable propane heater. It is perfect for heating enclosed spaces like large tents up to 200 sq. ft. With a fold-down handle and a swivel regulator, this heater is both portable and versatile. It features an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and an accidental tip-over safety shut-off for added safety. This heater is great for emergency heat, camping, workshops, job sites, and more. Please note that this product cannot be sold in Canada and Massachusetts.

Stay Warm Anywhere
  • Portable propane heater
  • Designed for various indoor and outdoor spaces
  • Heats spaces up to 225 square feet
  • Uses propane gas as fuel
$89.37
in stock
as of October 24, 2025 3:11 pm
Amazon.com
2

Big Buddy Portable Propane Heater

 in stock
Amazon.com
9.1
Reliable and convenient
The 18,000 BTU Big Buddy Portable Propane Heater is a compact and powerful heating solution that is perfect for heating up to 450 sq. ft. It offers a variety of safety features, such as an automatic low oxygen shut-off system and tip-over safety shut-off. Although it does not come with a fan, this eliminates noise and disruption. However, it may be less efficient in larger spaces. Overall, this portable propane heater is a reliable and convenient choice.
The Perfect Companion
  • Compact and easy to transport
  • Powerful heating capability
  • No fan, reducing noise and disruption
  • Variety of safety features
Drawbacks
  • Drawbacks:
  • No fan included
  • Heating may be less efficient in larger spaces

The 18,000 BTU Big Buddy Portable Propane Heater is a compact and efficient heating solution that will keep you warm in any indoor or outdoor space. With its powerful heat output, it can easily heat up to 450 square feet, making it perfect for cold campsites or frozen lakes. The heater features hi-med-low heat settings, allowing you to customize the temperature to your liking. It also comes with a range of safety features, including an automatic low oxygen shut-off system and accidental tip-over safety shut-off, ensuring your safety while using the heater. With its portability and reliability, the Big Buddy is a must-have for any adventure.

Explore further:  Top 7 Basement Bedroom Heaters for Ultimate Coziness!
Stay warm on-the-go
  • 18,000 BTU per hour
  • Heats up to 450 sq. ft
  • Hi-Med-Low heat settings
  • Automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS)
  • Accidental tip-over safety shut-off
3

Mr. Heater Big Buddy Propane Heater

$122.23  in stock
Amazon.com
as of October 24, 2025 3:11 pm
9.1
Reliable and versatile
The Mr. Heater Big Buddy Pro Series Propane Heater, with its 4,000-18,000 BTU radiant heater, is a portable and lightweight option that provides a good amount of heat. It works well as a room heater and comes with a bonus feature of a fan. However, it is important to note that like all non-vented combustible heaters, there is a potential risk of carbon monoxide output, and propane can be a more dangerous indoor fuel compared to kerosene. Overall, it offers reliable performance.
Efficient and Powerful
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Provides a good amount of heat
  • Works well as a room heater
  • Comes with a fan (bonus feature)
  • Reliable performance
Drawbacks
  • Drawbacks of the Mr. Heater Big Buddy Pro Series Propane Heater, 18000 BTU, Red:
  • Potential risk of carbon monoxide output, like all non-vented combustible heaters
  • Propane can be a more dangerous indoor fuel compared to kerosene

The Mr. Heater Big Buddy Pro Series Propane Heater is the most popular portable propane heater in North America, and for good reason. With its 4,000-18,000 BTU heating capacity, it is perfect for heating enclosed spaces like cabins up to 450 sq. ft. The integrated fan increases the heating capacity, providing a blend of radiant and convection style heat. It is approved for indoor and outdoor use, and is nearly 100% efficient. The heater is also equipped with safety features such as the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and accidental tip-over safety shut-off, ensuring years of comfortable indoor safe heat.

Stay Warm Anywhere
  • 4,000-18,000 BTU radiant heater
  • Suitable for spaces up to 450 square feet
  • Approved for indoor and outdoor use
  • Clean-burning and nearly 100% efficient
  • Automatic shut-off at altitudes over 7,000 FT above sea level
$122.23
in stock
as of October 24, 2025 3:11 pm
Amazon.com
4

Portable Propane Radiant Heater, 15,000 BTU

$40.88  in stock
Amazon.com
as of October 24, 2025 3:11 pm
8.9
Efficient and Safe
The 15,000 BTU Single Tank Top Portable Propane Radiant Heater is an easy-to-install and efficient heating option. With a tip-over safety shut-off switch and the ability to run for up to 29 hours on high, it offers both safety and long-lasting heat. However, proper ventilation is necessary due to carbon dioxide production, and the tip-over safety feature may not be necessary for everyone.
Efficient Heating Solution
  • Easy installation and lighting
  • Provides effective and efficient heating
  • Tip-over safety shut-off switch for added safety
  • Can run for approximately 29 hours on high with a 20 lb tank
Drawbacks
  • Drawbacks:
  • Produces carbon dioxide, so proper ventilation is necessary
  • Accidental tip-over safety feature may not be necessary for everyone

The 15,000 BTU Single Tank Top Portable Propane Radiant Heater in Grey/Silver is the ideal solution for staying warm in various outdoor settings. With its easy and quiet operation, you can enjoy reliable heat at the job site, campsite, or while tailgating. The tip-over safety shut-off provides peace of mind, while the three heat settings allow you to adjust the temperature to your liking. This heater conveniently mounts directly to a 20 lb propane tank, making it easily portable. With a run time of up to 29 hours on high, you can stay warm and cozy for extended periods.

Powerful and Portable Heating Solution
  • Mounts directly to a 20 lb tank for easy portability
  • High-medium-low regulator: 15,000-12,500-10,000 BTUs
  • Tip-over safety shut-off switch
  • Approximate 29 hour run time on high with a 20 lb tank
  • Easy match lit pilot
5

Flame King GS4200EP Propane Tank Top Heater

$64.95
$50.59
 in stock
Amazon.com
as of October 24, 2025 3:11 pm
7.8
Final Verdict: Reliable and Versatile
The Flame King GS4200EP 13,000 BTU Propane Tank Top Heater is a great choice for outdoor jobs, construction sites, campsites, and heating purposes. It provides efficient heating and is equipped with safety features for added protection. However, some users have reported that it may not blow heat as strongly as other heaters and can feel somewhat fragile and awkward to ignite.
Efficient and Portable Heating
Drawbacks
  • May not blow heat out as strongly as some other heaters
  • Feels somewhat fragile and awkward to ignite

The Flame King GS4200EP 13,000 BTU Propane Tank Top Heater is a versatile heating solution, perfect for outdoor jobs, construction sites, campsites, thawing, and heating purposes. With its built-in safety features including a Safety Fuel Shutoff, Fire Detection System, Safety Tilt Shutoff, and Exterior Grate Guard, you can rest assured that you and your family will be protected. This heater easily mounts on a 20-40lb propane cylinder (sold separately) and can quickly connect to a standard tank via the QCC connection. While it may not blow the heat out as strong as some other models on low, once you put it on medium or high, you’ll be in business. It’s reminiscent of the indoor wall gas/propane heaters people used to use in their houses. It’s perfect for keeping a 32’x12′ shop warm even in colder temperatures, and it’s recommended for use in the Southern USA. However, some users have found it to be somewhat fragile and awkward to ignite. Overall, it’s a reliable heater that gets the job done.

Efficient Outdoor Heating Solution
  • Safety Fuel Shutoff
  • Fire Detection System
  • Safety Tilt Shutoff
  • Exterior Grate Guard
  • Mounts on 20-40LB Propane Cylinders
  • Quick and Easy Connection to Standard Tank via QCC Connection
$50.59
$64.95
in stock
as of October 24, 2025 3:11 pm
Amazon.com
6

GASPOWOR Portable Propane Heater/Cooker

 out of stock
Amazon.com
7.8
The GASPOWOR Multi-Use Portable Propane Heater/Cooker is a versatile and easy-to-use outdoor heating and cooking solution. Its lightweight design and multi-use functionality make it perfect for various outdoor activities. However, users should be cautious of the unstable frame for cooking and the heat reflecting primarily upwards.
Convenient Dual-functionality
  • Portable and easy to transport
  • Can use both small and large propane tanks
  • Includes a long adapter hose for convenience
  • Multi-use function as a heater and cooker
Disadvantages
  • Drawbacks:
  • Unstable frame for cooking, could potentially lead to accidents
  • Reflecting heat primarily upwards instead of outwards

This GASPOWOR Multi-Use Portable Propane Heater/Cooker is a versatile and convenient choice for all your outdoor heating and cooking needs. It comes with an 8.8 FT high-pressure propane converter hose, allowing you to easily connect it to either small one-pound green tanks or larger barbecue-sized tanks. The heater head fits into the included wire frame, which can be positioned to act as a heater or a cooking surface. While the frame may be a bit unstable for boiling pots, it is perfect for heating food on the protective grill. This heater is not only great for camping and hunting trips, but also for heating indoor spaces like shipping containers. It quickly raises the temperature even in below-freezing conditions. Plus, it can also be used as an outdoor space heater on your back deck. Don’t miss out on the current sale on Amazon!

Efficient and versatile heating
  • Multi-use functionality
  • Portable and lightweight design
  • 18,000 BTU heating capacity
  • Suitable for various outdoor activities and settings (camping, garage, patio, tent, hunting, fishing, boating, RVs)
  • Propane fuel-powered (fuel not included)
7

Portable Propane Patio Heater: 18000BTU Gas Radiant

 out of stock
Amazon.com
7.3
Overall, the Propane Patio Heater is a reliable choice
The Propane Patio Heater is a versatile and efficient heating solution that provides good heat and is easy to assemble. It is portable and can be used in various settings, but there have been some reports of damage upon arrival and persistent odor even after outdoor use.
Stay Warm Outdoors
  • Provides good heat
  • Easy to assemble
  • Portable and can be used in various settings (indoor, garage, camping, shop)
  • Comes with a rear piece to secure the propane tank
Potential Drawbacks

The Propane Patio Heater is a versatile and efficient heating solution for outdoor and indoor spaces. With adjustable warmth ranging from 6000 BTU to 18000 BTU, it can keep you warm in areas up to 450 square feet for up to 88 hours. It runs on a 20lb propane tank, making it perfect for areas without electricity. Safety is a priority with this heater, as it is designed with protective features. However, some reviews mention concerns about the craftsmanship and assembly instructions, so it is important to take note of these potential issues. Overall, this heater provides effective heating and is suitable for open spaces, but it is advisable to ensure that you receive a brand new, undamaged product.

Powerful and Portable Heating Solution
  • Adjustable warmth from 6000 BTU to 18000 BTU
  • Works with a 20lb propane tank
  • Provides uninterrupted heating for up to 88 hours
  • Suitable for rooms up to 450 square feet

My pick for the best indoor propane heaters in 2023!

Your guide to finding the perfect small propane heater for all your heating needs

  • Safety features: Safety should always be a top priority, especially when dealing with propane heaters. Look for models that have built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off valves, tip-over protection, and oxygen depletion sensors. These features ensure that the heater will turn off in case of any accidents or if oxygen levels drop too low, providing you with peace of mind
  • Heating capacity: Consider the heating capacity of the propane heater you are interested in. The size of the space you intend to heat will determine the BTU (British Thermal Units) rating you need. Look for heaters with adjustable settings so you can easily control the temperature and ensure it suits your specific needs. It’s essential to choose a heater that is powerful enough to effectively heat your desired area
  • Portability and ease of use: Small propane heaters are often used in various locations, so it’s important to choose one that is portable and easy to move around. Look for models that are lightweight, compact, and have handles or wheels for easy transportation. Additionally, consider the ease of use, including features like an ignition button or user-friendly controls that make it convenient to operate the heater
Ted CurleyJourneymen wiremen at US Electric-International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

Hello, I'm Ted Curley, a licensed electrician with a wealth of experience in the electrical field. I've launched this platform to share my extensive knowledge and insights with you. My journey in the electrical field spans over a decade, during which I have cultivated a deep understanding and expertise in various roles. Let me take you through my journey and my passion for electricity and space heaters. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line at ted.curley@tedreviews.com

More Posts

8 Comments
Show all Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. I personally prefer electric heaters over propane heaters due to safety concerns. However, I can understand the convenience and portability of propane heaters for outdoor use.

  2. Thank you for putting this together! I completely agree with your top pick, the Buddy Portable Propane Radiant Heater. It’s been a reliable companion during camping trips.

  3. I recently purchased the Flame King GS4200EP Propane Tank Top Heater and it has been fantastic. It provides great heat output and the tank top design is really convenient.

  4. The prices of these heaters vary quite a bit. Could you provide some insights into the value offered by each product?

  5. Have you considered reviewing the latest models of these heaters? It would be great to know if there are any new features or improvements.

  6. I’m looking for a propane heater for camping. Can you recommend one that is lightweight and easy to transport?

  7. Great roundup! I appreciate your expertise in selecting these top propane heaters. It makes my decision-making process much easier.

  8. I think the Dyna-Glo RMC-LPC25DG 15,000 BTU Propane Heater would be a great addition to this list. It has really good reviews and is quite popular.

Leave a reply

Tedreviews.com
Logo