Winter is on the horizon, and that means it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to heat your small cabin or small living space. And soon!
You could always use an electric heater, but they can be expensive, not to mention they use a lot of energy. That adds up on the electric bill. So, why don’t you consider using a propane heater instead?
The best propane heater you can find will not only save you money, but it’s a more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly way to heat your home.
If you’re thinking about investing in a propane heater but don’t know where to start, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re discussing some of the basics about using propane heat and listing some of the best on the market for you to choose from.
Keep reading to learn more.
What Is a Propane Heater?
Propane gas heaters work much like a camping stove. You will use a propane tank sized according to your heater. It will have an ignition switch similar to the one you use for cooking while camping.
Propane heaters vary in size, construction, and type, including indoor and outdoor models. They are rated by BTUs, which stands for British Thermal Units. This rating measures the heat output according to the square footage of an area to be heated.
Safety Considerations
Especially if you’re using an indoor propane heater, you’ll need to be aware of some safety considerations before lighting it up.
Propane produces carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless, and extremely harmful gas. It’s imperative to use your propane heater according to the manufacturer’s specifications up to and including proper ventilation in your home.
Most propane heaters are designed with a tip-over mechanism to prevent the unit from falling over. This can be a dangerous fire-hazard, so if your unit does NOT have this feature, it’s important to keep it in a safe spot where it won’t be disturbed.
Benefits of a Propane Heater
Most propane heaters are portable, making them extremely versatile for heating various spaces.
Besides, that, there are advantages of heating with propane as well. We already mentioned the cost savings on your energy bill. And, because propane is a clean burning fuel, you won’t be bombarded with toxic fumes like those associated with wood, oil, and coal.
Propane vs Electric Heat
Propane can be used to power a variety of home appliances, including your cooking range and clothes dryer. And besides the fact that you’ll be saving money on your electric bills, propane heat is actually more efficient than electricity as well. That means your space will heat up in less time and remain warm for longer when compared to using electric heat.
What Is the Best Propane Heater for Your Small Cabin?
Now that you know a little more about propane heat and how it can work wonders for your home heating bill and personal comfort this winter, let’s look at some propane heater reviews.
Mr. Heater Little Buddy
This portable propane heater will heat up to 95 square feet of indoor space for just over five hours. It has an angled and articulated head, allowing you to project warm air where you need it most.
Dyna Glo Propane Cabinet Heater
The Dyna Glo Propane Cabinet Heater is great for small spaces up to 500 square feet. It has three burners that each generate 6000 BTUs, and each burner can be shut off individually. You’ll enjoy three heat settings including low, medium, and high.
Dyna Glo RMC-LPC25DG Convection Propane Heater
This handy little device can heat up to 600 square feet with a radiating head that circulates a full 360-degrees for added comfort. While it won’t win any interior decorating contests it does kick out a significant heat. You can adjust the BTUs from 15-25,000.
Camco Olympian Gas Catalytic Heater
The Camco Olympian propane heater is great as a secondary source of heat. It can heat up to 130 square feet of open space with up to 6000 BTUs. It includes a safety shut-off valve in case of emergency.
Mr. Heater Forced Air Propane Heater
For such a small heater, you’ll be surprised to learn that you can heat up to 1500 square feet with a powerful 30-60,000 BTUs per hour. This heater is practical for both indoor and outdoor use.
If you’re familiar with older models with the horizontal cylinder design you might be worried about the jet engine sound these can produce. It used to be something you had to deal with if you wanted heat in a hurry. Mr. Heater did a great job reducing noise levels with this heater while still retaining incredible heat output.
Comfort Glow GCH480
This portable heater easily moves from room to room with four rolling casters. It also features a built-in oxygen depletion shutoff valve and a self-contained propane cylinder. You’ll enjoy the three-plaque heating system with adjustable settings to achieve your preferred temperature quickly and easily.
Mr. Heater Blue Flame
The Mr. Heater Blue Flame propane heater is a versatile unit that can either be installed or mounted to a wall or left freestanding. It offers an easy to use thermostat and quick start electronic ignition.
With 30,000 BTUs, this heater will warm up to 750 square feet in no time. It’s perfect for supplemental heat in a larger area or to heat your entire cabin on a cold winter day.
Mr. Heater MH18B Big Buddy
One of the most efficient propane heaters on the market is the Mr. Heater Big Buddy. With three temperature settings and up to 18,000 BTUs, this heater will warm a 400 square foot space in about an hour. You’ll appreciate the accidental tip-over shutoff and swivel regulators for easy installation. This is also a great option for heating your garage.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best propane heater to heat your small space doesn’t have to be overwhelming and expensive. Just keep these tips in mind when you start shopping so that you’ll know what to look for.
And, remember, propane heaters can produce moisture and condensation in your home. Check out our blog post on dehumidifiers so you can shield your home against mold and illness.
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