Do you require a portable heating solution to keep you warm while camping outdoors? If so, then a portable propane heater is what you should purchase. This is because it is friendlier to the environment to use propane heaters as compared to using oil heaters or burning wood.
You also won’t have any reason at all to worry about how you will get the campfire smell out of your clothes when using propane heaters. The best thing about portable propane heaters is that they can be used both indoors and outdoors. For outdoor use, these portable propane heaters are suitable for use by campers.
With these propane heaters, you can still feel comfortable while camping out in the cold weather. What’s more, they are also cheaper. We have, therefore, taken our time to review the top propane heaters that are available in the market to help you get the best portable propane heater.
If you have been looking for a portable propane heater that can serve you well during the cold camping season, then you have come to the right place. Here are the best portable propane heaters that we have reviewed for you.
Image | Product | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Editor’s Pick | Mr. Heater MH18B, Portable Propane Heater | ||
 Alternative Pick | |||
 Budget Pick | |||
 Upgrade Pick | |||
 Also Great Pick |
Advantages of Using Portable Propane Heaters
Propane is usually one of the most economical and versatile fuel choices. This is why using propane heaters is one of the most popular options for campers who need some source of heat while they are outdoors. Here are the advantages of using portable propane heaters over other conventional heaters.
a. Energy efficiency: Propane heaters use significantly less energy as compared to conventional heaters. They are, therefore, ideal to be used as a source of heat in campsites where fuel is a very precious commodity that should be used up efficiently. If you are using a portable heater that does not have a built-in fan, then you should purchase a camping fan to boost its heat distribution efficiency.
b. Safety: Most propane heaters are designed with security features that make them safe to use. Features like “tip switches” work to shut-off the gas flow in case the heater gets knocked over thereby preventing fire outbreaks. Some propane heaters also have oxygen level sensors that detect the level of oxygen and automatically shut the heater down when the level of oxygen is too low.
c. Quiet and Clean Operation: Propane heaters usually operate without making any noise. This is because they have no moving parts. They are also clean as they do not produce any dirty flames. This means that they are eco-friendly.
Features and Qualities to consider when Buying a Portable Propane Heater
There are so many portable propane heaters you can choose from. However, if you aspire to get the best one that will serve you well, then here are important qualities that you should look for.
a/ Ignition System
Every propane heater must have a way of igniting the fuel so that heat is produced as the fuel burns. Some propane heaters come with integrated ignition systems while others come with the manual ignition system. Integrated ignition allows you to turn on the heater and the fuel is automatically ignited. For a manual ignition system, you will ignite the fuel yourself.
You should go for a propane heater with an automatic ignition system. This is because operating such a heater is safer and easier.
b/ Portability
When buying a propane heater, you want it to be very portable so that you can easily move it around. You, therefore, need to go for a propane heater with carrying handles to allow you move it around easily. Some portable propane heaters also have wheels or castors that make moving them around easy.
c/ Safety Features
Since propane is a flammable fuel, propane heaters are therefore potentially dangerous. If the heater malfunctions, an accident can occur. To ensure that you are safe when using a propane heater, you need to buy one that has several inbuilt safety features. One of such safety features should be “anti-tip over switch.” This switch automatically switches the heater off in case it gets tipped over. This helps to prevent fire outbreaks.
d/ Heat Output
This is an important feature to consider. When choosing a portable propane heater, go for one with a high heating capacity that is capable of heating the space that you want to heat. The BTU output of the heater should be able to cover the area you want to heat.
1. Mr. Heater MH18B Propane Heater
As a camper, one of your main priorities is to keep your tent warm during those cold camping nights. You can take your heating to a new level with the Mr. Heater Propane Heater, also known as The Big Buddy. This MH18B portable heater has a high heating efficiency because it combines convection-heated air with radiant heat. It also has several desirable features that make it our first pick.
The Big Buddy has a heating capacity of 18000BTU/HR. It can, therefore, heat up to 400 square feet of space. It’s, therefore, suitable for heating even the largest tents. Mr. Heater MH18B Propane Heater is also fuel efficient. It can run on a 20-pound tank for up to two weeks without the need to refill the tank.
When it comes to your safety, this Portable Propane Heater will be your biggest buddy. This is because it has an anti-bump safety feature that is super sensitive. This feature is meant to automatically turn the heater off in case anyone accidentally knocks into it or hits it. This feature will stop the heater from overheating and malfunctioning after someone has stepped onto it or knocked it over.
On the front of this heater, there is also a thick wire cage that serves as another major safety feature. This grille will protect you or any other person from getting accidentally burnt on the heating element. Another safety feature that this device has is the built-in low oxygen sensor. This sensor automatically shuts-off the heater whenever it detects low oxygen levels. A safe, reliable and confident operation is, therefore, guaranteed.
Pros
Cons
2. Outland Firebowl Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit
If you find our first pick to be a bit expensive and you still want a portable propane heater that will give you a great “campfire” experience to keep you warm, then Outland Firebowl Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit is the best alternative.
The Outland Firebowl Deluxe is a propane fire pit that is certified and is perfect for use outdoors. It is designed to offer you with an easy alternative to traditional campfires that are usually labor intensive. It has a heat capacity of 58000 BTU that makes it to rival a natural campfire.
It is also very lightweight and portable to allow you to set it up easily without requiring any tools. When you buy the Outland Firebowl Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit, you are assured of long-lasting durability. This is because it features a steel construction that has a protective enamel finish and powder coatings to enable it to handle the high temperatures. The burners and fasteners are also made of stainless steel.
Your safety and satisfaction are also assured since The Outland Firebowl Deluxe is CSA approved. Its design and manufacturing standards are also approved through testing by independent experts. You can use it with a 20lb propane tank that you can buy separately. By using it, you won’t need to worry yourself so much about . It burns smokeless and clean to give out enough heat that will keep you warm during any cold camping night.Pros
Cons
3. Dyna-Glo Propane Tank Heater
A low-cost portable propane heater like Dyna-Glo Propane Heater can also get the job done regarding keeping you warm while you are outdoors. If you are on a budget, then this portable propane heater is the best option for you to help you take the chill out of your campsite or tent.
It has several features that make it a “Hot Buy” when looking for a portable propane heater. It has a Hi-efficiency heat reflector that is made of steel that makes it deliver an outstanding heating performance. That’s not all; it has 3 heat settings to give you control on the amount of heat you want it to deliver.
The greatest thing about this portable heater is that you can use it right out of the box. It does not require any assembly. It also comes with a Quick Connect POL with a hand wheel to allow for easy connection to the tank.
In terms of safety, Dyna-Glo has your safety in mind. This is because Dyna-Glo propane Heater has a tip switch to shut-off the gas flow in case the heater gets knocked over. This will help to keep you safe in case you are using it inside your tent.
This portable propane heater also has a double mesh burner to enable it to withstand heavy winds. It’s, therefore, perfect for use as a campfire as it can operate reliably even in very challenging conditions. In terms of its heating capacity, this heater produces up to 15000 BTUs. It can heat up an area of up to 15 ft radius.
Pros
Cons
4. AZ portable Patio Heaters
For those looking for a portable propane heater that not only delivers heat but also has a visual appeal that will create a certain wow factor, then AZ portable Patio heater is what you should have.
AZ Patio Heaters Patio Heater is different from other portable heaters in that it does not have that utilitarian machine look. It has a glass column that rises from the waist level to a height of about 7 feet. The glass is clear to offer a fascinating visual appeal when it displays a column of flame. The dynamic and stylish design of this heater will make you forget that it is a heating appliance in the first place.It has a high heating capacity of 40,000 BTU. This will allow you to enjoy the night out under the stars even during the coldest nights. The best thing about AZ Patio Heaters Patio Heater is that it comes with wheels to facilitate easy mobility. Why don’t you start considering yourself lucky if you have this heater because easy mobility is one of the features that are desirable in portable propane heaters?
In terms of durability, don’t let the visual appeal of this heater fool you to think that it is just designed to look beautiful with little attention put on durability. This heater is very durable since it has a sturdy frame that is made of stainless steel.
If you are worried about safety because of your kids, then you won’t have to be worried when you have this heater. This is because it has a pyramid structure that makes it very stable. It is therefore very unlikely to fall. The flame is usually inside the quartz glass tube.
The metal grills will therefore not get too hot to be touched. So it will be safe to touch the grills without getting your hands burned. It also comes with an anti-tilt feature to shut the unit off in case it falls over.
Pros
Cons
5. Mr. Heater Portable Propane Heater
This is another superb option for you. If you are looking for the best portable propane heater, Mr. Heater Portable Propane Heater is worth being considered. It is perfect for use outdoors because of its forced air operation. Capable of heating an area of 1500 square feet, Mr. Heater Portable Propane Heater has one of the highest heating capacities.
This heater has safety features like thermoelectric safety valves and high limit switches so that you can feel comfortable while using it at your campsite. It also comes equipped with the Quiet Burner Technology. This means that it operates quieter than most propane forced air heaters.
Operating this heater is also economical since it is fuel efficient. It is capable of operating for up to 14 hours on a 20lb propane tank. It is also clean burning as it does not produce any sooty flames. Just like all Mr. Heater products, this heater is made of stainless steel and has rugged construction to make it very durable.
This heater comes with a 10ft hose and a regulator so that you can connect it to a propane tank. Its regulator fits on most propane tanks. It also has a heavy duty fan that is of high output. This facilitates the circulation of warm air to increase heating efficiency.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict
A portable propane heater is a great choice for providing you with heat while you are outdoors. However, when using a propane heater, there are two important safety precautions that you should always adhere to.
The first safety precaution is that before you go to sleep, ensure that you switch off your propane heater. You should avoid leaving the heater on and unattended. The second safety precaution you should keep in mind is that you should use your propane heater in an area that is well ventilated.
Here is the bottom line. There are several portable propane heaters to choose from. We hope that these Indoor safe propane heaters review will provide you with everything you need to know when choosing the best portable propane heater. When it comes to our pick, we would like to recommend that you go for Mr. Heater Portable Propane Heater.
We recommend it because it circulates heat more efficiently due to a built-in blower fan. Its safety features are also amazing to ensure that you are safe when using it. However, if you don’t like our pick, then feel free to choose from the other ones.