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

The Mr. Heater MH9BX is a portable propane radiant heater delivering between 4,000 and 9,000 BTUs, suitable for heating small spaces up to about 225 square feet. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry with its fold-down handle, and runs up to about 5.6 hours on low heat with a propane tank (sold separately). Safety is a strong point here—the heater automatically shuts off if tipped over, if the pilot light goes out, or if it senses low oxygen levels, which adds peace of mind for indoor or outdoor use.

This model is primarily designed and approved for outdoor use, so careful attention to ventilation is essential if used indoors to avoid dangerous buildup of gases. It lacks a built-in thermostat for precise temperature control, and ignition is manual via pilot light, which means no push-button start. Additionally, it may stop working properly at high altitudes over 7,000 feet. The heater does not allow unauthorized accessories, which could void the warranty and affect safety.

The heater works well as a portable, efficient heater for small outdoor areas or well-ventilated indoor spaces but requires caution indoors due to ventilation needs and limited temperature control. For those seeking a simple, reliable propane heater mainly for outdoor or occasional indoor use where ventilation is good, this model could be a solid choice.

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.

The Mr. Heater MHVFRD20LPT is a solid choice for indoor propane heating, especially for spaces like cold rooms, sunrooms, or cabins up to about 500–700 square feet. It provides a strong 18,000 BTU output using infrared radiant heat, which means it warms objects and people directly rather than just heating the air. This makes the warmth feel natural and comfortable. One big plus is that it doesn’t need venting, making installation easier and suitable for indoor use where ventilation might be limited.

The heater includes an automatic low-oxygen shut-off sensor, a key safety feature that prevents dangerous gas buildup, giving you peace of mind while running it indoors. The built-in thermostat lets you control the temperature easily, and the electronic ignition allows quick, one-handed startup, so you don’t have to fuss with matches or complicated settings. It’s fairly fuel efficient, running nearly 22 hours on a standard 20 lb propane tank at full power.

The unit is wall-mounted and weighs about 25 pounds, so while it’s not the most portable heater, it stays out of the way once installed. The main downsides are that it covers medium-sized areas rather than large rooms, and since it’s a wall-mounted unit, it requires some initial setup and a dedicated propane source nearby. The warranty is limited to one year, which is average but something to consider. If you need a vent-free, dependable propane heater with good safety features and straightforward controls for indoor spaces of moderate size, this model is a good fit.