We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Indoor Emergency Heater 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dreo Space Heater, Portable Electric Heaters for Indoor Use with Thermostat and Remote, 2024 Upgraded, Digital Display, 12H Timer, 5 Mode, 1500W PTC Ceramic Fast Safety Heat for Office Bedroom Home

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,245
Safety Features
Portability
Noise Level

Most important from
15217 reviews

Safety Features
The internal tip-over switch works perfectly, ensuring safety.
Portability
The heater is small but powerful, easily moved from one room to another.
Noise Level
The brushless DC motor is whisper quiet, making it perfect for maintaining a peaceful environment.

The Dreo Space Heater is an excellent choice for indoor emergency heating needs, especially if you're looking for something portable and user-friendly. With a heating capacity of 1500 watts, it can quickly heat up spaces up to 200 square feet, making it suitable for bedrooms, offices, or small living rooms. The heater uses electric power, which eliminates the need for fuel, making it a cleaner and more convenient option for indoor use.

Safety is a major highlight, with features like a tilt-detection sensor, overheat protection, and flame-retardant materials. These features ensure that the heater is safe to use around kids and pets. It's also ETL certified, adding an extra layer of reassurance. Portability is another strong point. Weighing only 3.04 pounds and equipped with a handle, it's easy to move from room to room. The heater includes a remote control and a 12-hour timer for added convenience.

The noise level is impressively low at 34dB, so it won't disturb your peace while it's running. However, there are a few drawbacks. The heater is limited to indoor use and might not be suitable for larger spaces due to its 200 sq.ft. heating coverage. Additionally, while the remote control adds convenience, it requires batteries, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users. The heater comes with a 12-month warranty, extendable to 30 months with registration, which is a nice touch for long-term peace of mind. In short, the Dreo Space Heater is a well-rounded, safe, and efficient option for small to medium-sized indoor spaces, offering a good balance of power, safety, and convenience.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,245
Safety Features
Portability
Noise Level

Most important from
15217 reviews

Safety Features
The internal tip-over switch works perfectly, ensuring safety.
Portability
The heater is small but powerful, easily moved from one room to another.
Noise Level
The brushless DC motor is whisper quiet, making it perfect for maintaining a peaceful environment.
#2

18,000 BTU Big Buddy PRO Series Heater

Rating
9.7
Heating Capacity (BTUs)
Fuel Type
Safety Features

Most important from
5279 reviews

Heating Capacity (BTUs)
A reliable and efficient way to heat larger spaces like garages, workshops, or outdoor areas. It heats quickly and runs quietly, making it convenient for both work and relaxation.
Fuel Type
Works with small propane cylinders or larger tanks for flexible fuel options. Just ensure proper ventilation when using indoors.
Safety Features
Great safety features like a low-oxygen shut-off and tip-over protection provide peace of mind during use.
Portability
Performs very well as an emergency heater. It's lightweight, portable, and reliable, putting out a good amount of heat and functioning well even in old, drafty houses.
Noise Level
A reliable and efficient way to heat larger spaces like garages, workshops, or outdoor areas. It heats quickly and runs quietly, making it convenient for both work and relaxation.

The Mr. Heater 18,000 BTU Big Buddy Pro Series Portable Propane Heater is a solid choice for both indoor and outdoor environments, making it a versatile option for emergency heating. With a heating capacity ranging from 4,000 to 18,000 BTUs, it can effectively warm spaces up to 450 square feet, which is great for keeping larger rooms cozy. Its clean-burning propane fuel type ensures nearly 100% efficiency, which is a significant advantage for those looking to minimize fuel waste. The heater features adjustable heating levels and safety mechanisms such as auto shut-off if tipped over or if it detects low oxygen, providing peace of mind during use.

Portability is another key strength; weighing just 11 pounds, it is easy to move around, making it suitable for different areas like a garage, home office, or patio. However, potential users should be aware of some limitations. While it's approved for indoor use, it is essential to ensure proper ventilation, especially in smaller spaces, as it may shut off at high altitudes (over 7,000 feet). Furthermore, the recent removal of the fan in some models due to import tariff changes might impact the heating efficiency and noise level, as the fan initially helped distribute heat more evenly.

The Mr. Heater Big Buddy Pro Series is a dependable and portable heater that meets various heating needs but requires attention to safety and ventilation guidelines during use.

Rating
9.7
Heating Capacity (BTUs)
Fuel Type
Safety Features

Most important from
5279 reviews

Heating Capacity (BTUs)
A reliable and efficient way to heat larger spaces like garages, workshops, or outdoor areas. It heats quickly and runs quietly, making it convenient for both work and relaxation.
Fuel Type
Works with small propane cylinders or larger tanks for flexible fuel options. Just ensure proper ventilation when using indoors.
Safety Features
Great safety features like a low-oxygen shut-off and tip-over protection provide peace of mind during use.
Portability
Performs very well as an emergency heater. It's lightweight, portable, and reliable, putting out a good amount of heat and functioning well even in old, drafty houses.
Noise Level
A reliable and efficient way to heat larger spaces like garages, workshops, or outdoor areas. It heats quickly and runs quietly, making it convenient for both work and relaxation.
#3

Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Liquid Propane Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater, White

Rating
8.5
Heating Capacity (BTUs)
Fuel Type
Safety Features

Most important from
1172 reviews

Heating Capacity (BTUs)
Heats the entire house rapidly, reaching comfortable temperatures in under five minutes with an automatic shut-off feature once the desired heat is achieved.
Fuel Type
Requires a propane tank, which may present storage challenges depending on your space conditions.
Safety Features
Heats the entire house rapidly, reaching comfortable temperatures in under five minutes with an automatic shut-off feature once the desired heat is achieved.
Portability
Build quality is solid, instilling confidence for emergency preparedness even if the unit isn't used regularly.

The Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Liquid Propane Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater is a solid choice for anyone needing reliable indoor emergency heating. It uses liquid propane as fuel, which means it doesn't require electricity to run—great for power outages. Its heating capacity ranges from 24,000 to 30,000 BTUs, making it capable of warming spaces up to 1,000 square feet. The adjustable heat settings allow you to customize the warmth to your comfort, which is helpful for varying room sizes or preferences.

Being a wall-mounted unit, it saves floor space and stays out of the way, though it limits portability since you can't easily move it around. The blue flame technology heats the air via convection, which mimics a central heating system, offering efficient and even warmth.

This heater presents a practical and efficient option for emergency indoor heating where wall mounting is suitable and propane is available. It is recommended to verify safety features and operational details to ensure it meets your specific needs before relying on it fully.

Rating
8.5
Heating Capacity (BTUs)
Fuel Type
Safety Features

Most important from
1172 reviews

Heating Capacity (BTUs)
Heats the entire house rapidly, reaching comfortable temperatures in under five minutes with an automatic shut-off feature once the desired heat is achieved.
Fuel Type
Requires a propane tank, which may present storage challenges depending on your space conditions.
Safety Features
Heats the entire house rapidly, reaching comfortable temperatures in under five minutes with an automatic shut-off feature once the desired heat is achieved.
Portability
Build quality is solid, instilling confidence for emergency preparedness even if the unit isn't used regularly.

Buying Guide for the Best Indoor Emergency Heater

Choosing the right indoor emergency heater is crucial for ensuring safety and comfort during unexpected power outages or extreme weather conditions. When selecting an indoor emergency heater, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure it meets your needs and is safe to use indoors. Here are some key specifications to look out for and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
Heating Capacity (BTUs)Heating capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), indicates how much heat the heater can produce. This is important because it determines how effectively the heater can warm up a space. For small rooms or spaces up to 200 square feet, a heater with 5,000-10,000 BTUs is sufficient. For medium-sized rooms up to 400 square feet, look for heaters with 10,000-20,000 BTUs. For larger areas, you may need a heater with 20,000 BTUs or more. Choose a heater with a BTU rating that matches the size of the area you need to heat.
Fuel TypeIndoor emergency heaters can use different types of fuel, such as propane, kerosene, or electricity. The fuel type is important because it affects the heater's efficiency, cost of operation, and safety. Propane and kerosene heaters are portable and can provide heat even during power outages, but they require proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Electric heaters are safer for indoor use but depend on electricity, which may not be available during emergencies. Choose a fuel type that aligns with your needs and the availability of resources during an emergency.
Safety FeaturesSafety features are critical when using an indoor emergency heater to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation. Look for heaters with features such as tip-over protection, which automatically shuts off the heater if it is knocked over, and overheat protection, which turns off the heater if it gets too hot. Oxygen depletion sensors (ODS) are also important for fuel-burning heaters, as they shut off the heater if oxygen levels drop too low. Choose a heater with multiple safety features to ensure safe use in your home.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the heater from one location to another. This is important because you may need to use the heater in different rooms or take it with you if you need to evacuate. Portable heaters are typically lightweight and have handles or wheels for easy transport. If you anticipate needing to move the heater frequently, choose a model that is easy to carry and maneuver.
RuntimeRuntime indicates how long the heater can operate on a single fuel tank or charge. This is important for ensuring continuous heat during an emergency. For fuel-burning heaters, check the size of the fuel tank and the heater's fuel consumption rate to estimate runtime. For electric heaters, consider the battery life if it has a battery backup. Choose a heater with a runtime that matches the duration you expect to need heat during an emergency.
Noise LevelNoise level refers to how much sound the heater produces while operating. This is important for maintaining a comfortable and quiet environment, especially if you plan to use the heater in a bedroom or living area. Heaters with fans tend to be noisier, while radiant heaters are usually quieter. If noise is a concern, look for heaters with a low decibel rating or those specifically designed to operate quietly.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now