10 Best Portable Gas Heater 2025 in the United States

The Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BRV Big Buddy is a versatile and powerful portable propane heater, designed to heat areas up to 450 square feet. Its three adjustable heat settings (4,000, 9,000, and 18,000 BTU) allow for customizable warmth, making it suitable for various environments such as campers, garages, and porches.

This heater runs on propane, either from a 1-pound cylinder or a larger 20-pound tank with a hose (not included), providing flexibility based on your needs and duration of use. The unit's portability is enhanced by its easy-grip handle and lightweight design at just 11 pounds. For safety, it includes features like an Automatic Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and a tip-over shutoff, ensuring it operates safely indoors and outdoors.

Users should note that it requires 4 D batteries for operation, which adds to the running cost. The piezo sparking mechanism ensures reliable startups, but having to purchase additional hoses and propane tanks might be seen as inconvenient. Energy efficiency is decent, running up to 3.6 hours on the low setting, but the high setting drains fuel quickly in about 1.8 hours. The Big Buddy is excellent for those needing a portable and adjustable heating solution with solid safety features, though initial setup and operational costs should be considered.

The Mr. Heater MH540T is a powerful portable propane heater designed for outdoor activities like camping, hunting, and tailgating. One of its key strengths is its impressive heating capacity, offering up to 45,000 BTUs with three adjustable heat settings (high, medium, and low). This allows users to customize the warmth to their preference, making it versatile for different weather conditions. The 540-degree radiant coverage is another standout feature, providing wide-reaching heat by combining a 360-degree burner and a 180-degree swivel bracket, effectively warming both people and objects directly around it.

Safety is a priority with this heater, featuring a tip-over safety shut-off that automatically turns the heater off if it’s knocked over, preventing accidents. Additionally, the secure, leak-free connection ensures dependable and safe operation. In terms of ease of use, it boasts a push-button TE valve for quick ignition and also offers a manual match-lit ignition as a backup. However, it’s important to note that this heater is for outdoor use only, which limits its versatility.

Portability is a major plus, as it’s lightweight at just 5.5 pounds and doesn't require any assembly, making it easy to move and set up. On the downside, because it uses propane, it may not be the most energy-efficient option compared to electric heaters. The Mr. Heater MH540T is an excellent choice for those needing a reliable and powerful source of outdoor heat, particularly for active outdoor enthusiasts.

The Kohree Propane Heater is a solid choice if you need a portable heating solution for outdoor spaces like patios, garages, or camping areas. It runs on a standard 20 lb propane tank without requiring electricity, making it reliable during power outages or in places without power access. With three heat settings (6,000, 12,000, and 18,000 BTU), it can warm up to 450 square feet, allowing you to adjust the heat to your comfort level and potentially save fuel.

Safety is well-covered with features like tip-over protection, a low-oxygen shutdown system, and flame failure protection, which help prevent accidents in outdoor environments — just be sure to use it in a ventilated space. The heater is also quite portable, thanks to its lightweight design, carry handle, and locking casters that make it easy to move and secure in place.

On the downside, it is designed strictly for outdoor use, so indoor use is not recommended due to ventilation needs. While it is quiet and windproof, it requires propane refills, which adds to ongoing costs. If you want a fast, efficient, and safe way to heat outdoor areas without electricity, this Kohree propane heater fits those needs well.