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
9.8
Chosen by1,284
Safety Features
Portability
Noise Level

Most important from
12725 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
9.8
Chosen by1,284
Safety Features
Portability
Noise Level

Most important from
12725 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

Mr Heater 4000 to 18000 BTU 3 Setting Portable LP Gas Heater Unit with Dual Tank Connection for Indoor and Outdoor Use, Black/Red

Rating
9.6
Heating Capacity (BTUs
Fuel Type
Safety Features

Most important from
5496 reviews

Heating Capacity (BTUs
The adjustable heat output, ranging from 4,000 to 18,000 BTU, meets various heating needs.
Fuel Type
Adding a factory fan enhances its performance, and it's efficient in propane usage.
Safety Features
The safety mechanism is reliable, shutting off the heater even with slight tilting.

The Mr Heater 4000 to 18000 BTU Portable LP Gas Heater is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a versatile option for heating various spaces like garages, living rooms, and even outdoor patios. With its adjustable heating capacity ranging from 4,000 to 18,000 BTUs, it effectively covers an area up to 450 square feet. This is a solid feature for those needing customizable warmth, especially during chilly nights or emergencies.

One of the standout strengths of this heater is its safety features. It includes an automatic shutoff in case the unit tips over, which is particularly important for indoor use where stability might be a concern. Additionally, the low-oxygen safety shutoff ensures that the heater will turn off if carbon monoxide levels become unsafe, providing peace of mind while using it in enclosed spaces.

Portability is another strong point; weighing just 15 pounds, it is easy to move around. However, it requires propane tanks (up to 40 lbs) for operation, and those are not included in the purchase. This could be a downside for some users who may need to invest extra time and money into acquiring the necessary accessories like hoses and filters. As for noise levels, this heater operates quietly, making it suitable for bedroom or study environments without causing a disturbance. It is important to note that it does not have a built-in thermostat, which might be a limitation for those wanting more precise temperature control.

Rating
9.6
Heating Capacity (BTUs
Fuel Type
Safety Features

Most important from
5496 reviews

Heating Capacity (BTUs
The adjustable heat output, ranging from 4,000 to 18,000 BTU, meets various heating needs.
Fuel Type
Adding a factory fan enhances its performance, and it's efficient in propane usage.
Safety Features
The safety mechanism is reliable, shutting off the heater even with slight tilting.
#3

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater MH9BX 4,000-9,000 BTU Indoor-Safe Propane Radiant Heater For Campers, Workshops, Job Sites, Patios & More - Red, Black

Rating
9.4
Heating Capacity (BTUs)
Fuel Type
Safety Features

Most important from
30691 reviews

Heating Capacity (BTUs)
The Portable Buddy heater provides great heat, making it ideal for those who want to quickly warm up their space.
Fuel Type
Economical usage with a 20 lb. propane tank is recommended for extended heating sessions.
Safety Features
The heater's tip-over safety feature is excellent, offering peace of mind around children and pets.
Portability
It's easy to use and surprisingly lightweight, perfect for emergencies or everyday use in cold environments.

The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater MH9BX is a versatile and powerful indoor emergency heater, ideal for heating spaces up to 225 sq. ft. With an adjustable heating capacity ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 BTUs, it provides efficient and cozy warmth using propane as its fuel type. The heater's advanced infrared technology directly heats people and objects, creating a comfortable environment quickly. Its safety features are notable, including an improved tip-over safety switch and a low-oxygen safety shut-off system, ensuring reliable operation and peace of mind.

The Piezo igniter allows for quick ignition without the need for matches or lighters, contributing to its user-friendly design. Portability is enhanced by a fold-down handle, and the heater can run on a standard 1 lb. cylinder or adapt to a 20 lb. tank with an optional hose and filter, offering flexibility in fuel sources. Runtime is efficient, providing up to 6 hours of heat on the low setting and 3 hours on high, ensuring sustained warmth during emergencies.

One potential drawback is the runtime, which may require more frequent fuel changes for prolonged use. The heater operates with minimal noise levels, making it suitable for indoor use without causing disturbances. This heater is a reliable choice for those in need of a portable, safe, and effective heating solution for indoor emergencies.

Rating
9.4
Heating Capacity (BTUs)
Fuel Type
Safety Features

Most important from
30691 reviews

Heating Capacity (BTUs)
The Portable Buddy heater provides great heat, making it ideal for those who want to quickly warm up their space.
Fuel Type
Economical usage with a 20 lb. propane tank is recommended for extended heating sessions.
Safety Features
The heater's tip-over safety feature is excellent, offering peace of mind around children and pets.
Portability
It's easy to use and surprisingly lightweight, perfect for emergencies or everyday use in cold environments.

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