Choosing the best gas powered heater depends on where you need heat — indoor rooms, garages, patios, or job sites. Below is a quick summary of five top-rated gas heaters that cover portable, wall-mounted, infrared, and large-output unit styles to fit different spaces and fuel types.
| Product | Type | Fuel | BTU Range | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX | Portable Radiant | Propane | 4,000–9,000 | Up To 225 Sq. Ft. |
| Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG | Unit Heater | Natural Gas | 80,000 | Up To 2,000 Sq. Ft. |
| Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 | Infrared Wall Heater | Natural Gas | 30,000 | Up To 1,000 Sq. Ft. |
| GasOne PH-8000 Patio Heater | Outdoor Patio | Propane | 50,000 | Large Outdoor Areas |
| Mr. Heater 3-Setting Portable LP | Portable Dual-Tank | Propane | 4,000–18,000 | Up To 450 Sq. Ft. |
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX
The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX is a compact propane radiant heater designed for small spaces like campers, workshops, and patios. It uses infrared technology to heat objects and people directly rather than relying solely on air temperature.
- Heat Output: Adjustable 4,000–9,000 BTU for areas up to about 225 sq. ft.
- Safety: Enhanced tip-over safety switch that audibly engages if the unit is tipped or shaken.
- Ignition: Piezo igniter for match-free lighting without batteries.
- Use Cases: Suitable for indoor-safe use in well-ventilated small spaces and outdoor covered areas.
This unit prioritizes portable radiant warmth and simple operation. Its safety features and direct heating method make it practical where localized heat is needed without heating an entire room.
Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG
The Big Maxx MHU80NG is a high-capacity natural gas unit heater intended for large garages, warehouses, and commercial spaces. It delivers substantial forced-air heat via a dedicated blower.
- Heat Output: 80,000 BTU, coverage up to approximately 2,000 sq. ft.
- Installation: Includes angle brackets and LP conversion kit; requires hard piped natural gas or proper ventilation based on category venting.
- Electrical: Operates on 120 V, low amp draw (2.3A).
- Clearance Requirements: Minimum clearances apply, including 8 ft. from the floor to base of unit for safe mounting.
This heater emphasizes high-output, continuous heating for large indoor areas where fixed installation and ducting or venting compliance are acceptable considerations.
Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 30,000 BTU
The Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 is a natural gas infrared wall heater that radiates heat to objects and people, similar to sunlight. It is intended as a wall-mounted solution for larger rooms and attached garages.
- Heat Output: 30,000 BTU suitable for spaces up to about 1,000 sq. ft.
- Infrared Heating: Radiant heat warms surfaces first, creating a feeling of immediate warmth.
- Fuel: Natural gas ready; conversion may be restricted by model specifications.
This model is useful where even, radiant zone heating is preferred over convective blowers, and where a wall-mounted fixed solution is desirable for long-term space conditioning.
GasOne PH-8000 Outdoor Patio Heater
The GasOne PH-8000 is a heavy-duty propane patio heater built to warm patios, terraces, and commercial outdoor seating. It focuses on ambient radiant heat and portability via wheels.
- Heat Output: 50,000 BTU aimed at larger outdoor seating and gathering areas.
- Design: Portable with wheels for repositioning; built for outdoor ambient comfort.
- Application: Suited for cafes, backyards, terraces, and other outdoor venues where open-air heating is desired.
This heater emphasizes outdoor ambiance and area coverage, providing radiant warmth for groups and allowing more flexible seating arrangements in cooler weather.
Mr. Heater 3-Setting Portable LP
The Mr. Heater 3-Setting Portable LP is a versatile propane heater offering three heat levels and the option to connect to larger tanks for extended run time. It combines portability with higher maximum output.
- Heat Settings: 4,000, 9,000, or 18,000 BTU with up to 450 sq. ft. coverage at peak output.
- Fuel Flexibility: Designed for standard propane tanks and can be set up with dual-tank connection for longer use.
- Safety & Ignition: Piezo sparking mechanism and an automatic tip-over shutoff.
This heater balances portable convenience and higher output for medium-sized outdoor or semi-enclosed spaces, and it suits users who may need variable heat levels and extended runtime options.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Gas Powered Heater
Selecting the right gas powered heater requires evaluating fuel type, installation needs, heat delivery method, safety, and intended use area. The following considerations help match features to your application.
1. Fuel Type And Availability
Propane vs. Natural Gas: Propane heaters provide portability and are common for patios and temporary setups. Natural gas units are better for permanent installations with a gas line and provide continuous supply without tank changes. Confirm local fuel availability and connection type before choosing.
2. Heat Output And Coverage
BTU Rating: Choose BTUs based on room or area size. Small rooms and tents often need under 10,000 BTU, mid-size garages 18,000–30,000 BTU, and large commercial or warehouse spaces tens of thousands of BTU. Outdoor heaters require higher BTU to counteract ambient loss.
3. Heat Delivery Method
Radiant vs. Convective: Infrared (radiant) heaters warm objects and people directly and are efficient for spot heating. Forced-air or blue-flame convective heaters warm the air and are better for whole-room heating. Choose based on whether you need targeted warmth or overall ambient temperature rise.
4. Portability And Installation
Portable Units: These are convenient for temporary use, patios, and camping; they often use propane tanks. Permanently Mounted Units: Require installation, venting or clearances, and may need professional hookup, but they deliver higher continuous output.
5. Safety Features And Certifications
Look for tip-over switches, oxygen depletion sensors (ODS), automatic shutoffs, and certified indoor-safe labeling when using heaters in enclosed spaces. Check manufacturer clearance recommendations and local building codes for permanent installations.
6. Ignition And Controls
Piezo or electronic igniters reduce the need for matches. Thermostatic controls and multiple heat settings improve comfort and efficiency. For large units, fan/blower speed control can affect heat distribution.
7. Efficiency And Operating Costs
Compare BTU output relative to fuel input and intended run time. Natural gas may reduce refill logistics, while propane portability gives flexibility. Consider insulation and space sealing, which can reduce required BTUs and operating costs.
8. Environmental And Venting Considerations
Natural gas and propane combustion produce byproducts; adequate ventilation is essential for indoor or enclosed spaces. Vent-free units may have restrictions in some jurisdictions; always verify local codes and manufacturer guidance.
9. Intended Use Case Comparisons
- Small Indoor Or Camper Heat: Choose compact radiant units with indoor-safe labels and ODS protection.
- Medium Garages And Workshops: Consider portable high-output propane or 3-setting units that balance mobility and power.
- Large Commercial Spaces: Fixed natural gas unit heaters with adequate BTU capacity and proper venting are appropriate.
- Outdoor Patios: Heavy-duty propane patio heaters with wheels or fixed outdoor-rated models provide ambient comfort.
10. Maintenance And Longevity
Regular maintenance includes checking connections, cleaning burners and reflectors (for radiant models), and inspecting hoses and valves. For fixed units, follow annual professional service schedules to ensure safe, efficient operation.
Use these criteria to compare models by BTU needs, heating method, fuel type, safety features, and installation constraints to determine the most appropriate gas powered heater for your situation.