Propane heaters are very handy in case of emergencies in the winter. If there are power outages, you won’t be able to use your electric heaters. And this can be deadly. Thus, it’s important to have a vent free propane heater. And our best list includes propane heaters which have built-in thermostat and blower.
But are propane and gas heaters safe? There are several concerns with the use of a ventless gas heater. Carbon dioxide combustion and depleted oxygen levels are among the many concerns. That is if you buy unreliable heater brands. Thus, it’s important to only buy gas heaters from trusted and known brands.
So let go of the stigma that propane heaters are dangerous. What’s the best vent free propane heater? Scroll down to see our best picks. We’ll also toss in a few tips on how to safely use propane wall heaters.
Our Top Picks for the Best Vent Free Propane Heater With Thermostat and Blower (A Product Review)
Electric heaters are more popular in a lot of households. But these units will be useless in times of blackouts. So it’s nice to always have a back up in your homes!
These propane and gas heaters will let you enjoy warm air in the middle of a dark and cold night.
1. Bluegrass Living- Best for Large Rooms
This heater is stingy on propane use and quite economical.
It does not need electricity and it’s very stingy on propane gas use. It’s one of the more economical choices for ventless heaters. It heats a room rather efficiently and you don’t need to crank it up to the highest setting to feel the warmth.
The thermostat is quite accurate too. And it operates quietly so you would not be interrupted in your sleep. You’d also have peace of mind since this heater is very safe to use. With the built-in oxygen depletion sensor, it can automatically turn off once the unit senses that oxygen levels are depleting.
Features
- 20 000 btu
- 950 sq ft area
- 5 temperature settings
- Push-button piezo ignition
- 1 year limited warranty
- Comes with wall mounting bracket
Pros
- Has automatic shut off
- Made in the USA
- Oxygen depletion sensor ods
- Energy efficient
- Easy to use
- Can get really hot
- Adjustable thermostat
Cons
- The gas inlet is in an awkward position
Why you should buy this propane wall heater
It’s an energy-efficient heater that has several safety features too.
2. Mr. Heater- Best Vent Free Heater for the Office
This blue flame propane heater uses battery-powered ignition.
Getting Mr Heater fired up is rather easy with its battery-powered ignition, you’ll be able to warm up your space in no time. It also produces clean heat so no need to worry. It makes use of natural convection to distribute hot air in the room.
It’s easy to set up. But you might encounter challenges when handling this heater. It’s a bit slippery so you really need to have a good grip. Other than that, it’s easy to put together. And ensure that you buy the right fittings. This vent free heater does not come complete with all that you need for the setup. And make sure you buy from an authorized dealer.
Features
- Forced air
- 23.75 x 11.25 x 27 inches
- 30 000 btu
- One year warranty
- 750 square meters
- Comes with wall mounting hardware, thermostat, and legs
Pros
- Oxygen depletion sensor ods
- Has an automatic overheat protection
- Provide clean warm air
- Easy to ignite
- Easy to install
- Easy to use
Cons
- Does not come with a hose and regulator
- Not for use in Canada
Why you should buy this propane wall heater
It’s an ideal vent free heater for the office that gives off sufficient heat.
3. Dyna Glo- Best Infrared Ventless Heater
This propane heater uses infrared heat technology that can warm up a room fast.
Infrared technology works by warming the object first, then the air. It’s pretty much similar to how the sun works. It heats efficiently that you’ll find the high temperature too toasty. You will feel warmly comfortable even with the low and medium setting.
This heater is easy to set up and easy to ignite too. You can enjoy the warm air in a jiffy. This vent free heater is also ideal for your home office or a small room.
Features
- Radiant and infrared fan-forced heat
- 18 000 btu
- One year warranty
- 700 square feet
- 1-year warranty
- Comes with wall mount
- 5 heat settings
Pros
- Oxygen depletion sensor ods
- Easy to ignite
- Can get really hot
- Customizable heat settings
Cons
- Does not come with legs and fans
Why you should buy this propane wall heater
This heater is an ideal supplemental heating source for small space sheds and cabins.
4. Rinnai FC824P- Best Safest Vent Free Heater
This is one powerful safe heater perfect for families with younger children.
It’s packed with power, it has a premium price and yet it’s easy to maintain. You’ll also have peace of mind since it’s very safe to use.
One, it features a child lock. So your inquisitive and curious little ones won’t be able to pry it open. And since the body of the unit stays cool, there are fewer worries should your mini-me touch the heater.
Two, this heater has a tilt switch that you can use to disable the gas supply. And three, it has a self-diagnostic so it’s easier to maintain. And of course, the oxygen depletion sensor shut it off when the carbon monoxide gas increases in space. It keeps the oxygen levels in check.
Features
- 3 x 10 x 20 inches
- Forced air
- 24 000 btu
- 1000 square feet
- 3-year warranty
- Electric ignition
- Equipped with a tilt switch, child lock, and self-diagnostics
Pros
- Cabinet stays cool to touch
- Easy to use
- Programmable thermostat
- Has several safety features
- Easy to maintain
- Oxygen depletion sensor
Cons
- This heater is too much for a small space
Why you should buy this propane heater
This heater is one of the safest heater brands on our list. Yet it’s packed with a lot of power. And it’s great for families with younger children.
5. Big Buddy from Mr. Heater- Best Mini Ventless Heater
It’s like a mini heater that looks like a portable mini radio.
Big Buddy is a ventless heater ideal for small areas. Despite being a small unit, it’s sturdy and solid. And like the bigger brands, it’s quite powerful.
If the unit falls over, the heater automatically shuts itself down. And if the oxygen depletes in space, the pilot light goes off. So you know when carbon monoxide is starting to increase in your room.
This portable heater makes use of a pilot light. Though there is a caged wire in front of the ceramic heating element, it’s not recommended for use around children or even animals. And since it uses a pilot light, you have to be extra mindful when using this. You should also turn it off before you sleep or if you’re going to leave the room.
Features
- 4 000 btu to 18 000 btu
- 300 square feet
- Equipped with rubber legs
- Operates with a pilot light
Pros
- Heats up fast
- Portable and compact
- Tip-over protection.
- Anti-slip rubber legs
- Can be used as hand warmers
Cons
- Not for use around kids or animals
Why you should buy this heater
It’s portable and can be your personal heater.
6. ProCom MG10TBF- Best Dual Fuel Heater
This dual fuel heater is perfect for rooms that are of small size.
It’s also equipped with the basic built-in safety features you’d find with a larger capacity heater. It automatically shuts off whenever oxygen gets too low.
Since it’s dual-fuel, it can use either propane gas or natural gas. And you can also set the thermostat to the temperature that you’re comfortable in. It can also be used for emergency cases in your RV unit or whenever a small space needs a heat source.
Features
- 10 000 BTU
- 19 lbs
- Blue flame technology
- 1 year limited warranty
- 300 square feet
- Comes with wall mounting bracket
- Push-button ignition
Pros
- Oxygen depletion sensor
- Sturdy and durable
- Can be used as an emergency heat source in RV units
Cons
- Only for small areas
Why you should buy this heater
This heater is dual-fuel so it‘s handier for emergencies
7. Mr. Heater Corporation- Best for Narrow Spaces
This blue flame heater is the brand’s more powerful model.
We have another Mr heater making it to our top list. And the Corporation is a more suitable propane heater for an area with a max size of 1000 square feet. And it can be conveniently mounted on your walls.
Like other models of the brand, it makes use of convection heat. Meaning, this heater warms the air instead of a heating element. Thus, it’s ideal to place in narrow spaces since the air tends to go up.
And whenever the oxygen levels start to drop, this gas heater will automatically shut off the system.
Features
- 23.75 x 11.25 x 27 inches
- Forced air
- Propane fuel
- 30 000 btu
- 750 – 1000 square feet
- Comes with thermostat, legs, and mounting hardware
Pros
- Automatic oxygen shut off system
- Easy to use
- Easy to hook up
- Overheat protection
- Operates quietly
Cons
- Restricted in Canada
Why you should buy this wall heater
If you’re keen on buying a heat source from Mr. Heater, this is their more powerful model.
8. ProCon ML1PHG- Best Versatile
This heater heats up quickly and is very handy in emergencies.
It uses infrared technology that heats up rather quickly. It can cover 500- 700 square feet so it’s a perfect heating solution for garages and sheds too. It’s also nice to have one in your home in case of emergencies and power outages.
It has an electric ignition that starts off these heaters rather quickly. So you won’t get frostbites in case of power outages in the winter,
Features
- 10 000 btu
- Push-button ignition system
- Assembled in the USA
- 700 sq ft
- Manual control
- Oxygen depletion sensor
- 5 heat settings
- 1 year limited warranty
- Infrared heating technology
Pros
- Can be mounted on walls or floors
- Ignites quickly
- Energy efficient
- Customizable temperature
Cons
- Not for large spaces
Why you should buy this wall heater
This vent free heater is the perfect heating solution for small spaces
9. Avenger FDT1IRA -Best Reliable Thermostat
This dual fuel ventless propane wall heater is very reliable.
It has a dependable thermostat that ensures you have consistent heat. And since it uses gas or propane, it’s very handy in case one type of fuel runs out. So you’re sure you still have a source of heat whenever propane is not available.
It’s also easy to install. Its size is suitable for an average size living room. You can enjoy cozy heat while watching your favorite films on a cold night.
Features
- Assembled in the USA
- Radiant and infrared technology
- Uses natural gas or propane gas
- 10 000 btu
- Blue flame
- 5 heat settings
- Electronic push ignition
- 1 year limited warranty
- 500 square feet
- Comes with wall mounting bracket
Pros
- Dependable thermostat control
- Dual fuel
- Easy to mount
- Oxygen depletion sensor
- Ignites quickly
Cons
- Not that quiet
Why you should buy this ventless wall heater
It’s dual fuel so you can use either gas or liquid propane.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Propane Wall Heater
As we have mentioned above, it’s critical to buy propane wall heaters from reliable brands. But something ls and you risk setting your homes in flames.
Here are some factors to consider when buying propane wall heaters.
1. Safety features
These safety features will render ventless heaters safe for indoor use.
- Oxygen depletion sensor
Ventless propane heaters have a risk of combustion due to the lower oxygen and increased carbon dioxide and monoxide levels. So to avoid this, you have to buy propane heaters that have an automatic oxygen depletion sensor. This safety feature will automatically turn off the heater once it senses that oxygen is dropping.
- Tip-over protection
Smaller ventless propane heaters have a risk of tipping over. And these supplemental heat solutions often come with legs to make them more stable.
- Covers or caged wires
Another safety feature that you have to look for is the cover or cage wires. Vent free heaters should have either one of these. This will ensure that your clothes or anything else won’t catch fire. It avoids items from getting into contact with the heating element too.
- Overheat protection
Some units can produce high heat. An overheat protection will ensure that your homes won’t be caught in flames once propane wall heaters get too hot.
2. Restrictions
Some ventless heaters such as Mr. Heater are banned in some countries like Canada. So before making a purchase, make sure that your country or location allows the use of ventless propane wall heaters.
3. Btu
The BTU measures the heat output of these heating systems. A higher btu is capable of heating a large space. Ideally 30 000 btu is better for a large room.
4. Accessories
Not all vent free heaters come with all the necessary hardware and accessories that you need for the setup. Some may lack legs or a fuel hose. And when buying these fittings, you also have to buy from reputable dealers.
5. Features
A vent free propane wall heater with a thermostat ensures that you can enjoy consistent heating options. If you have kids and pets, go for ventless heaters that have surfaces that are still cool to touch.
So you have to read the labels carefully to see what features are included.
6. Price
Whatever your budget is, you have a choice from premium to budget vent free heaters. More often, the higher the price, the higher the btu.
Advantages of a Propane Heater
Why get vent free heating systems? Keep reading.
1. Clean air
One of the main advantages of a vent free heating system is that it gives off clean warm air. Propane doesn’t leave any byproducts and traces. So it’s not harmful to you and the environment. It also won’t leave any mess in your homes since it burns clean. That’s why it’s ideal for indoor use.
2. Use the same fuel
You can power up all the appliances in your homes using only the same fuel, propane. This fuel is suitable for powering up both expensive and cheaper appliances.
3. Cheaper
Vent free heaters have a more affordable price than vented and electric heaters. It’s a more economical choice for a supplemental heating solution.
4. Easy to startup
Most ventless propane heater models are powered up by electronic ignition. This makes the healing process faster. Thus, it’s very reliable during emergencies.
Conditions for Using Propane Heater With Thermostat
When using liquid propane for your vent free heaters, some conditions must be met. This will ensure that it’s indoor safe.
1. Enough ventilation
Since propane needs air and oxygen to work, your room must have enough ventilation.
2. Not ideal if you live in areas above 4500 in elevation
If you are in high elevated areas, the oxygen depletion sensor may not work reliably. Thus, you should practice extra caution when using a vent free heart in high altitudes. Or better yet, not use one at all.
Vented vs Ventless Propane Wall Heaters
Vented Propane Wall Heaters
- Vented propane heaters are more popular than the ventless models. Vented propane heaters vents gas to the outside of your homes via vent pipe.
- A major advantage of this model is that it prevents harmful gases from entering your home.
- But the downside is, you can also lose heat through the vents.
- And this can cause a spike in your utility bills.
- And since you’re throwing out gases into the outside air, it’s less eco friendly.
- It also involves laborious installation. It involves boring a hole into your walls.
- And you might need to commission a professional to install one in your home. So that means added cost.
Ventless Propane Wall Heaters
- Vent Free propane wall heaters do not have a vent viper. So no need to install or bore a hole in your walls.
- That means there is also no heat loss.
- So it is more economical and can save you on utility bills.
- Vent free heating systems are also cheaper than vented ones
- But the downside is it also vents gas in the same room. But this can be remedied by buying reliable units with a higher burning efficiency. And safety features also keep the oxygen levels in check.
- Some vent free wall heater models require more mindfulness to use.
FAQs
Which is a better fuel -propane or natural gas?
Propane gives off cleaner air and does not leave any traces. It’s also easier to store and safer. However, some areas may not have access to propane. If that’s the case, ventless heaters that are dual fuel is your best option. These units can use either propane or natural gas for fuel.
Do you need ventilation when using a propane heater?
Yes. It won’t function efficiently if there is not enough ventilation.
Is a vent free propane heater safe?
Yes. as long as you have proper ventilation and you are not located above 4500 elevations, they are relatively safe. Just ensure to buy from reliable brands and always read the manufacturer’s label. Some brands may have more restrictions.
Do ventless propane heaters smell?
No, there should not be any smell if they are functioning properly. If there is a smell, contact your manufacturer immediately.
Why does a vent free heater need ventilation?
A Vent free heater needs oxygen because it consumes oxygen. It also emits heat using oxygen. So if there is not enough ventilation, it will emit carbon dioxide instead.
Conclusion
Electric heaters are more popular choices. But they won’t be able to provide heat in case of a blackout. And it’s dangerous to stay in a space without a heater in the winter.
That’s why you need a vent free propane wall heater with a thermostat and blower. This type of heater will come in very useful when there isn’t any electricity. And when you buy from reliable brands, it’s safe for indoor use.