Top 8 Ventless Propane Heater Reviews and Buying Guide 2024

Are you looking for an indoor heater that doesn’t require any chimney or vent pipe to operate? Or maybe you are considering a more energy efficient heating solution that’s cheaper than conventional heaters.

For a variety of reasons, ventless propane heaters have become way popular in the recent years. Homeowners who don’t have chimneys or preinstalled gas lines on their property prefer these vent free heaters for convenience as well as reduced cost.

In this comprehensive guide, we are going to break down exactly what defines a good ventless heater and how to choose the best one according to your needs.

Top 8 Ventless Propane Heaters

So, first of all, we are going to take a quick look at the most popular ventless wall heaters and free-standing heaters, and what makes them so great.

Mr. Heater F299730 Ventless Propane Heater 

This free standing heater from Mr. Heater works great in large rooms, such as garages and basements. If you’re looking for a quality propane heater that can heat up to 750 square feet of space without bankrupting you, this might be a good option.

Rinnai FC824P

If you live someplace where it gets extremely cold in the winter, the Rinna FC824P might be a good option for you. This is a highly cost-efficient ventless heater that can easily heat up to 1,500 sq. ft of space in a matter of minutes.

Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Blue Flame Propane Heater

This wall mounted heater requires no power, making it perfect for the freezing nights even if the power goes out. The best part is, you can place it anywhere in your house using a foot-mounting kit, or you can simply mount it on a wall.

For people looking for a propane heater for spaces like a cabin in the woods, Dyna-Glo is a great option.

ProCom Dual Fuel Stove

Even though it’s not an infrared heater, the Pro Com Dual Fuel Stove has a lot to offer. For starters, it can run on both natural gas as well as propane, depending on what’s available to you.

It features the Piezo Ignition that is a flame-free, push-button way to light the heater. This makes it perfect for people who don’t want the hassle to bring lighters or matchbook every time they want to switch on the heater.

Mr. Heater Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater

Want to buy a propane heater for your next camping trip? As the name suggests, Mr. Heater Buddy is a propane heater perfect for someone who needs a portable heating source. It can be safely used to warm up a rooftop tent, ground tent, camper, or an RV trailer.

Mr. Heater Blue Flame Natural Gas Heater

If you are looking for an effective heating solution for a space that never seems to warm well, you may give this one a try. Mr. Heater Blue Flame heater comes with adjustable temperature levels so you can heat up different rooms at different temperatures.

ProCom InfraRed Wall Heater

The great thing about infrared heaters is, they work exactly like the sun’s radiant heat. As a result, the ProCom InfraRed wall heater warms people and objects first in any given space. Plus, it comes with a wall-mounting bracket so you can hang it up on a wall for better circulation.

Comfort Glow GCH480 Propane (LP) Cabinet Heater

The Comfort Glow is not an indoor heater per se but it is a utility heater that can be used in emergencies. Many customers have raved about it coming in handy to warm up a garage or a basement during long power outages, so this might be worth looking into.

Reviews of the Best Ventless Propane Heaters

Now that you have familiarized yourself with the most highly-rated ventless propane heaters in the market, it’s time to dig in deeper.

#1 Mr. Heater F299730 Ventless Propane Heater

This model from Mr. Heater claims to heat up to 750 sq. ft., which is quite good considering its heat output. However, it’s not the best because a lot of propane heaters that come with 30,000 BTU can heat up larger spaces than that.

The F299730 doesn’t have the best stock fittings either, and it doesn’t have a fan by default. But this is comparatively inexpensive so the budget-savvy customers seem to love it. If you live in North America, you may need to buy a CSA-certified indoor heater, and this one delivers on that front.

If you are specifically looking for a propane heater that comes with legs and wall-mounting hardware, then Mr. Heater F299730 could be worth considering. However, the fittings (elbows) included with this heater are not very strong, so you may want to buy good-quality fittings separately.

For those who don’t know, there are two types of vent-free propane heaters: infrared and blue flame. This model F299730 is a blue flame heater, which means it doesn’t radiate out the heat like an infrared heater.

As a result, you can put it into a narrow area because its heat will rise and warm the space from the ceiling down. It will warm the objects and people present in that space first, leading to faster heating of the room.

Pros

• Inexpensive, compared to heaters with similar features9.8 EER
• Legs and wall-mounting hardware included

Cons

• Weak fittings
• Restricted in California and Canada

#2 Rinnai FC824P Vent Free Propane Heater

Rinnai is considered one of the most trusted brands when it comes to propane powered HVAC systems. Their FC824P ventless heater promises to heat up to 1,000 square feet of space, and judging by the customer reviews, it delivers on that promise.

But what makes this Rinnai space heater different from its counterparts is the enhanced safety features. It comes with a tilt switch which immediately and automatically disables the propane gas supply, in case the heater gets disconnected or falls over.

It also has an in-built oxygen depletion sensor that keeps a track of oxygen levels across all the rooms. If it detects that oxygen is getting dangerously low in a specific room, the heater will switch off by itself. Due to its higher heat output, the Rinnai FC824P can quickly heat up a room sized from around 1,000 to 1,500 sq. ft. With 99% efficiency, this vent free heater is one of the safest propane heaters in the market.

The programmable thermostat makes it a breeze to adjust the heat settings. If you are looking for a powerful vent free heater for your basement or warehouse-turned-into-home, this Rinnai model could be an excellent investment for you.

Most customers love the fact that it quickly warms up rooms that are a bit harder to heat otherwise. The Rinnai FC824P also seems to work very well in spaces with lots of windows and drafts blowing in.

Pros

• Extremely kids-friendly due to enhanced safety features
• It runs noiselessly4
• Wall-mounting equipment is included

Cons

• It’s the most expensive vent free heater on this list

#3 Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Blue Flame Propane Heater

This Dyna-Glo propane heater warms the air the same way as a central heating system, so you can expect an even temperature inside your home; there would be no cold spots.

The majority of customers have reported that this is a very reliable heater in emergency situations, like during week-long power outages. And since it can heat up a room sized upto 1000 sq. ft., Dyna-Glo might be a good option for warming up a garage, cabin, basement, warehouse, or workshop.

If you’re looking for a low-cost but good-quality vent free heater that’s made in America, you may want to give this one a try. This heater burns with 99.9% efficiency, and since propane is cheaper than gasoline and electricity, you will save a lot.

One thing you need to note is, this particular heater comes in two models: with Thermostat, and with Manual Adjustment Knob. If you decide to buy this Dyna-Glo heater online, confirm with the seller as to which model you want to buy.

The Thermostat model has on-and-off cycles, and pilot features that adjust automatically according to the temperature in the room. The Manual Knob model comes with 5 settings and allows you to control the size of the flame.

Pros

• Built-in oxygen depletion sensor automatically switches off the heater if carbon monoxide is detected
• Wall-mounting hardware is included

Cons

• Base legs (for floor mounting) are not included in the price
• Restricted in California and Canada

#4 ProCom Dual Fuel Stove

This dual fuel, vent-free heater from ProCom is made in America, and is considered one of the sturdiest heaters in its price range. As the name suggests, it can run on both kinds of fuel – natural gas as well as propane, depending on what you have access to.

If your garage, home, or cabin is up to 1,100 sq. ft., and you’re looking for an economical way to keep it warm in the frigid weather, the ProCom Dual Fuel Stove is worth looking into. It obviously needs no venting to an outside chimney or duct, and it is super easy to install.

This model comes with a built-in oxygen depletion sensor and a battery-operated Piezo ignition. The low-oxygen sensor will automatically shut off the heater if it senses carbon monoxide. The Thermostat makes it easy to tweak the temperature according to your comfort.

In addition, it comes in a really stylish black finish with an open-front that lets you peek into very real-looking flames. If you’ve always wanted a fireplace without actually having to spending a small fortune on one, the ProCom Dual Fuel Stove could be a great heater for you.

All being said, please remember that this is an inexpensive heater, meant to warm up to about 1,000 sq. ft. If you prefer that your electrical appliances should last a decade or longer, you might want to consider other options on this list.

Pros

• Has an automatic cycle on-and-off setting that will always keep the room at your preferred temperature
• With 25,000 BTUs, it can warm up a room within a few seconds
• Very economical compared to other vent free heaters

Cons

• Cheaply made
• Assembling the stove can be challenging
• It has an open-front, so it might not be safe if you have pets or small children running around

#5 Mr. Heater Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater

Looking for a small, portable ventless heater for your garage or greenhouse projects? Buddy by Mr. Heater just might be one of the most versatile little heaters on this list and for a good reason.

First of all, Mr. Heater is one of the oldest and well-recognized brands in the air heating systems industry. Secondly, the Buddy has been certified safe for both indoor and outdoor use which is rare for portable gas heaters.

Buddy holds a 1lbs. propane tank only so you will need to feed it gas if you are a heavy user. Due to this small tank, you can only run this heater for 3-6 hours, regardless of the setting. But if portability is what you’re looking for, this is to be expected.

Some people feel a bit apprehensive about using a propane heater inside an enclosed space like a tent or an RV. But Buddy comes with a low-oxygen shut-off system that will automatically and immediately shut the heater down in case of a fire accident or carbon-monoxide.

Like all good portable heaters, this one also has a tip-over shut-off feature, which means the heater will automatically shut down if it falls over. One thing you’d need to keep in mind is, Buddy can get hot to the touch, especially at the front guards. The manufacturer has mounted the ceramic burner tile with shock-absorbing insulation, so it will last longer and will be easy to replace.

In addition to a fold-down handle for easy storage, it is also equipped with a high-temperature wire guard to keep you safe from the heated surface. But as we said, this heater can get really hot especially if you are running it constantly so you’ll need to be careful.

If you are looking for a small garage heater unit for sporting events, tailgating, or camping, Mr. Heater’s Buddy could be a smart buy.

Pros

• Fold-down handle makes it easy to fit into super small spaces
• Very easy to operate, no installation needed
• One of the most affordable vent free heaters on the market

Cons

• Its small fuel tank means Buddy can run for 3 hours only at maximum BTU.
• If you use it at altitudes above 7000 FT above sea-level, Buddy may shut–off automatically.
• Its exposed flame might pose a danger if you have pets or small children around

#6 Mr. Heater Blue Flame Natural Gas Heater

This Mr. Heater Natural Gas Heater might be a good option for people who have a natural gas line connected to their homes. As all the heaters on this list, this one also works great in the event of power outage.

And in case you’re wondering why so many of our choices are from the brand Mr. Heater, then, well, we can’t help it. When it comes to indoor heating solutions, Mr. Heater seems to have cracked the code.

This Natural Gas Heater is another good option from this brand, especially if you are looking for easy-to-install and mount features.

Unlike most natural gas heaters in the market, this one doesn’t need to be vented to a chimney or a duct. However, you’ll still need a little bit of air circulation for this, so we won’t recommend this for super small spaces like, say, a shed.

It comes with a low oxygen shut-off sensor that will automatically switch off the heater as soon as it senses carbon monoxide or low oxygen levels. It also has a 5-setting temperature control and 99.9% fuel efficiency, making it a great option to heat a big garage or basement up to 750 sq. ft.

Pros

• A Mr. Heater Adaptation Kit is included to make installation super easy
• Auto shut-off feature for when the pilot light is out or the heater tips over
• Fold-down handle to help reduce the storage space

Cons

• The temperature control knob may become stuck
• May not be the safest option for an extremely enclosed and small space

#7 ProCom InfraRed Wall Heater

The ProCom InfraRed Wall Heater comes in two variants: Natural Gas, and Liquid Propane. Regardless of which model you choose, it is a vent free heater equipped with infrared heating technology.

The infrared heating rays work like the rays of sun, and warms objects and people present in the room first. This ProCom ventless propane heater has a push-button piezo ignition and manual controls, and it also comes with a cool-touch cabinet.

The Piezo Ignition feature means you just have to push a button to light the heater – no electricity needed. The 6000 BTU variant can warm up to 150 sq. ft. of space. Like all the other heaters in this list, this one also comes with an oxygen depletion sensor and an automatic shut-off feature for if the heater falls over or it senses carbon monoxide.

If you prefer Thermostat setting instead of manual control, this ProCom Wall Heater will be a disappointment. To get a closer look at this heater, you can check out this short video.

Pros

• Heats up the room very quickly and maintains the preferred temperature regardless of the weather outside
• It operates at 99.9% efficiency so you know you’ll get your money’s worth out of the propane

Cons

• Can be noisy
• The Manual temperature control feature can feel outdated if you’re used to Thermostats.
• The temperature knob can feel difficult to rotate.

#8 Comfort Glow GCH480 Propane(LP) Cabinet Heater

The Comfort Glow Cabinet Heater might not be the best in quality and build, but many customers have said that it can work great in a pinch. For example, one Amazon customer reported that this heater came super handy when his home in Philadelphia had no power for 4 days due to an ice storm.

And remember, this ventless heater is meant to heat up an area sized up to 450 sq. ft. only, so it may not work as efficiently in a large garage or basement. In addition to the automatic shut-off and low oxygen depletion sensor, it has 4 sturdy wheels which make it very easy to move about.

To give you an idea, the 20 lbs propane tank capacity of this heater means you can run this heater for up to 64 hours on low temperature setting, 32 hours on medium, and 16 hours on high.

Pros

• Protective grill in front, making it safe if you have small children and pets
• It works great for short-term emergencies

Cons

• According to the manufacturer, this heater is not meant for indoor use
• The customer support is not the best

Ventless Propane Heaters Buying Guide

Now that you know about the best vent free heaters that market has to offer, let’s talk about your needs. In order to choose a heating solution that best meets your expectations, you need to consider a few factors before you take out your credit card.

First things first, if you are wondering why choose a ventless propane heater, instead of a vented one, here’s a quick lowdown on that:

• Vent pipes work both ways, which means they also allow the hot air to escape. As a result, vented heaters are not super energy efficient.
• Installing a vented heater is a lot of work. You’d need to drill holes through the wall in order to install it. This mean you’d need to call an HVAC specialist to install the heater (unless of course you are a pro).

With that out of the way, let’s get back to the important factors you need to consider when buying a vent free heater.

Ignition Mechanism

There are two main ways to light up a propane heater: automatic and manual.

The automatic ignition, also known as the piezo ignition means the heater will ignite automatically as long as it is running. This obviously is much more convenient than manual ignition. However, manual ignition mechanisms are more reliable and long-lasting.

Heating Capacity

The heating capacity of a heater is determined by its BTU rating. BTU stands for British Thermal Units. The higher this BTU, the better your heater will be in terms of durability and quality.

In this list, you must have seen propane heaters with BTU ranging from 4,000 to 30,000. The top of the line ventless heaters have a rating of 18,000 to 40,000 BTU.

When you are looking at the BTU of a heater, consider your budget and how large of a space you need to heat. The higher the BTU, the more expensive it will be. Ideally, you need about 40 BTU per sq.ft. You can use our Heating BTU calculator to get a more accurate size of your ventless propane heater.

Style and Design

How do you want the ventless heater to fit into the room? Would you rather it blends perfectly into the décor, or would it be okay if the heater sticks out like a sore thumb?  Even if you are buying the heater for your garage, you may want to pick a color and size that fits the space.

You may also want to consider unique features like a fold-down handle that helps reduce the storage space and allows you to carry the heater easily. Or a remote control feature for operating the heater easily.

Safety Features

We always recommend buying a heater that has an auto-shut-off feature as well, for when the heater tips over, or the pilot light comes off, or if there is carbon monoxide in the room.

All the ventless propane heaters on this list have this automatic shut-off feature and the low oxygen detection sensor.  Some heaters also have a cool-to-touch surface, which means you won’t get a burn if you touch the heater when it’s running.

Most quality ventless heaters are now equipped with Flame Out Protection to prevent gas buildup, this means the heater shuts down if the flame goes out.

Thermostat Feature

We often feel like a thermostat doesn’t always get the credit for how remarkable it is. It gives you the ability to set your home’s cooling and heating temperatures according to your family’s schedule, and reduce your overall energy bills.

So, when you are buying a propane heater, it might be best to choose one with a thermostat setting (instead of manual) if you want to save fuel. We recommend choosing a heater with thermostat options ranging from 60°F to 68°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Install a Ventless Propane Heater?

If you have decided to buy a portable propane heater for your camping trips or workshops, you won’t need to worry about the installation. But if are considering a wall-mounted propane heater for your home, here’s how to proceed:

Choose a surface to mount the heater

When installing a vent free propane heater, you may want to place the propane tank outside the room, considering the inherent risks. It’s always best to place the unit as far away from you as possible for safety reasons.

But the location of the propane tank will also affect the location of the heater. For all of these reasons, we suggest installing the ventless heater on the back wall of the garage.

If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can contact an HVAC specialist to help you install it. But if you’d rather DIY the whole thing, consider watching a few helpful videos on YouTube first.

Mount the heater

Once you have chosen the best location for your heater, half your work is done. Installing a ventless wall-mounting heater is very easy; all you have to do is screw the mounting brackets over the wall and slip the unit into it.

If it’s a free standing unit, just place the heater on its legs at one of the corners of the wall. Then hardwire or plug the unit, as necessary, and voila! Your propane heater is ready to warm you up.

Is It Safe To Use A Vent Free Propane Heater?

Absolutely! However, like almost every HVAC unit, a propane heater should also be operated with care. Just follow the below safety tips and you will be fine:

• Make sure the heater you have your eye on meets the standards of safety and performance in your state and country.
• Never ever use flames or candles near your vent free heater; it causes the oxygen levels to deplete dangerously faster.
• Also remember the safety guidelines regarding storing and using propane gas.
• Never store the propane tank inside your home; always keep it outdoors.
• The vent free heaters obviously don’t have an in-built venting system, so make sure the space you’re using the heater for has enough venting to expel the exhaust gases.
• Buy a carbon monoxide alarm to help you keep track of the oxygen levels. Most of these heaters have one built-in, but it never hurts to be extra careful.
• Get the heater maintained and inspected by a professional at least once a year.

Wrapping it Up

Ventless propane heaters generate clean heat, and they warm up any space – big or small – pretty quickly. These are excellent solutions for both outdoor and indoor heating, even if you live somewhere so remote where electricity routinely plays hide and seek! We hope this guide will help you choose the best ventless propane heater according to your needs.