10 Best Propane Heaters For Indoor Use 2025 in the United States

The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater MH9BX is a versatile propane heater that delivers between 4,000 and 9,000 BTUs, making it suitable for spaces up to 225 square feet. This heater excels in several areas including its powerful radiant heat output and the advanced safety features it incorporates, such as a reliable tip-over safety switch and a low-oxygen shut-off system, which enhance safety in indoor settings.

The Piezo igniter ensures quick and hassle-free ignition without the need for external matches or lighters, adding to its user-friendly design. Its portability is another strong point, with a lightweight build and fold-down handle that make it easy to move around. Moreover, this heater offers flexible fuel options, connecting easily to a 1 lb. cylinder or adapting to a 20 lb. tank with an optional hose and filter.

Users will appreciate its fuel efficiency, providing up to 6 hours of heat on the low setting and 3 hours on high, ensuring prolonged warmth without frequent refills. However, one potential drawback is the absence of a built-in thermostat control, which means users need to manually adjust the heat settings. Additionally, while it is marketed as indoor-safe, adequate ventilation is still essential to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide. This heater is best suited for small indoor spaces like bedrooms, home offices, and garages, as well as outdoor areas such as patios and job sites. Its combination of safety, portability, and efficiency makes it a reliable choice for those in need of a flexible heating solution.

The Mr. Heater 18,000 BTU Big Buddy Pro Series Portable Propane Heater is a solid option for those looking to heat indoor and outdoor spaces up to 450 square feet. One of its greatest strengths is its versatility, with a heating range from 4,000 to 18,000 BTUs, making it suitable for various environments—from garages to living areas. Its clean-burning, nearly 100% efficiency is a bonus for users concerned about indoor air quality. Safety features are impressive, including auto shut-off if tipped over, pilot light extinguishes, or low oxygen levels are detected, which adds peace of mind, especially for indoor use. The heater is also portable, which means it can easily be moved to different locations as needed.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Although the heater is designed for indoor use, it still requires proper ventilation, which could be a limitation in certain scenarios. Additionally, operating at high altitudes (above 7,000 feet) can cause the heater to shut off, potentially frustrating users in mountainous areas. While the adjustable thermostat control is a useful feature, the recent removal of the fan on some models may affect performance, especially in larger spaces where air circulation is needed.

Another point to note is the requirement for D batteries to operate, which might be an inconvenience for some. Finally, the warning against using unauthorized accessories can be a concern for those looking to customize or extend functionality.

The Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy is a compact propane heater that offers 3800 BTUs, making it suitable for heating small spaces up to 95 square feet, such as tents, campers, or small rooms. Its standout feature is its safety; it includes an automatic low oxygen shut-off system and a tip-over switch that will cut off the heater if it falls over, ensuring safe indoor use. It's designed with portability in mind, weighing just 1 pound and requiring no assembly, which makes it easy to transport and set up wherever needed.

This heater uses a simple on/off button for ignition and operates on a 1-pound disposable propane cylinder (not included), providing up to 5.6 hours of heat on a single cylinder. However, it lacks a thermostat control, so you can't set a specific temperature, and it requires a minimum ventilation area of 4 square inches to operate safely, which might be limiting for some users. It also cannot be used in moving vehicles or with unauthorized accessories, which may restrict its applications.

This heater is ideal for those in need of emergency heat or for use in small, enclosed outdoor spaces like tents, porches, and sheds. It receives strong customer reviews, reflecting its reliability and effectiveness.