Choosing the right heater for your home or office is a daunting process. There are so many different types and sizes of heaters, it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you.
The best ventless propane heaters on the market are those manufactured by Rinnai and Dyna-Glo, which are known for their high quality, efficient heating capabilities, and safety features.
In this blog post, we’ll go over the five best ventless propane heaters on the market. We’ll discuss the features and benefits of each one, so you can make an educated decision and find the right heater for your needs.
My #1 Choice for Ventless Propane Heater
After comprehensive research on multiple ventless propane heaters and their features, it will be safe to say that Dyna-Glo Blue Flame Ventless Propane Heater is the best of all.
It is my #1 choice because It is affordable, energy-efficient, and has a range of options to choose from, including a manual and thermostat control, wall mounting, and floor installation.
The customers are also satisfied with its quality and it never fails to deliver on the promise of quality, efficiency, and versatility.
5 Best Ventless Propane Heaters Compared
Here are the best ventless propane heaters along with their prices and ratings.
| Name | Price | Rating |
| Rinnai FC824P Ventless Propane Heater | $923 | 4.5/5 |
| Dyna-Glo 30,000 Blue Flame Ventless Propane Heater | $208 | 4.8/5 |
| Mr Heater F232000 Ventless Propane Heater | $74 | 4/5 |
| Comfort Glow GCH480 Ventless Propane Heater | $213 | 3.8/5 |
| Heat Hog Portable Propane Heater | $119 | 3.9/5 |
#1 Rinnai FC824P Ventless Propane Heater
Key Features:
- For indoor installation only
- The installation is easy and flexible
- No ductwork required; saves cost on that
- Provides consistent heating throughout
- Comes with a residential warranty of 12 months
- Portable ventless propane heater
- It has the following safety features: flame failure device, overheat protection, an oxygen sensor, and a tip-over protection
Rinnai’s ventless indoor space heater produces 24,000 BTU of heat per hour. That’s enough to heat multiple large rooms!
It is a premium solution for warming up rooms and spaces inside a house.
The FC824P is a room/indoor space heater with an efficient heater fan, a ceramic burner, and a protective power fuse.
Caution: If the 5-amp fuse blows, the heater will not operate until it is replaced.
The fan heaters in Rinnai’s ventless convectors evenly spread heat to each part of the room. This feature makes sure the large spaces are evenly warmed, which eventually maximizes cost savings.
This ventless heater is on top of our list because Rinnai is one of the most sought-after brands in propane-powered HVAC systems, and it lives up to its name.
What makes the Rinnai FC824P the best choice amongst all ventless propane heaters is that it can quickly heat a room of between 1,000 and 1,500 square feet, thanks to its higher heat output.
It is also one of the safest propane heaters on the market, with 99% efficiency.
This heater is super quiet, which is an added benefit because you get warm air coming out of the walls with minimal noise.
| Pros | Cons |
| It is noiseless | The MOST expensive ventless propane heater |
| Dead simple to install | |
| Safe to use around kids | |
| Super efficient (99%) | |
| Comes with wall mounting equipment |
#2 Dyna-Glo 30,000 Blue Flame Ventless Propane Heater
Key Features:
- Blue flame technology integrated
- Comes with manual control and a thermostat feature
- It has a floor installation option (base legs can be purchased separately)
- Has upgraded circulation system
- For indoor use
- 6.85 kg only
- Gives 30,000 British Thermal Units
- Comes in white color
- Can be wall-mounted
Ventless wall-mounted propane heaters of Dyna-Glo make an excellent choice for safe, indoor heating. Their cutting-edge ventless technology eliminates the need for a chimney to throw out fumes. These heaters are perfect for use around the house, in a cabin, or in the storage shed.
They are an excellent choice for everyday heating and emergency situations when the power goes out because they do not require electricity to operate. This means you get to save on electricity bills, too.
It distributes heat in a manner similar to the central home heating system but uses blue flame heating technology instead. It ensures the heat is evenly distributed in all parts of the room. This Blue Flame Wall Heater operates on natural gas only and has a 99.9% efficiency rating.
Not only is it energy-efficient, but it is also super affordable as well.
The ventless heater comes in two models: a thermostat and a manual knob. The thermostat model has on-and-off cycles as well as pilot features that automatically change based on the ambient temperature. The manual knob model has 5 settings for controlling the size of the flame.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy on the pocket | Base legs need to be bought separately |
| Can be wall mounted and installed on the floor | Restricted in California and Canada |
| Comes with a manual knob and thermostat control |
#3 Mr Heater F232000 Ventless Propane Heater
Key Features:
- For indoor and outdoor use
- Comes with a handle for easy grip
- Has both low and high heat settings
- Runs on a 1lb propane cylinder which is attached to it (but you can connect it to larger tanks with a hose)
- Safety feature for dangerously low oxygen levels
- Shuts off when tipped over
- A heating capacity of 4,000 – 9,000 BTU
- Ideal for spaces of up to 225 square feet
You can heat spaces up to 225 square feet with this 4,000 – 9,000 BTU liquid propane heater. It is directly connected to a 1 lb. liquid propane cylinder.
The size-to-BTU ratio is enhanced with a fold-down handle to provide maximum heating while taking up minimum space.
Once you purchase a hose and filter, a swivel regulator allows you to switch from a disposable cylinder to a remote gas supply.
Simply turn the knob to the pilot and push it to light the unit. The rest will be handled by the integrated Piezo sparking mechanism, which makes life a breeze.
The Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and accidental tip-over safety shut-off will keep your spaces warm for years to come.
One major downside is that Mr. Heater has sales restricted in Canada and Massachusetts.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Distribution restricted in Canada and Massachusetts |
| Safety switch for tip over and low oxygen level | Not safe for kids and pets |
| Comes with a propane cylinder | |
| Can be used indoors and outdoors |
#4 Comfort Glow GCH480 Propane Cabinet Heater
Key Features:
- Heat Output: 18,000 BTU
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Can heat spaces up to 450 sq ft.
- Turns on with a push button
- Heat controls available
- Not for indoor use
The Comfort Glow GCH480 ventless propane heater is one of the best products when it comes to utility heaters. It comes with a 20-pound propane (LP) cylinder tank that fits neatly in the back — and it doesn’t even show.
It has manual heat settings of 6K, 12K, and 18K BTU. It includes an ODS safety shut-off. The cabinet heater can be easily moved thanks to its four sturdy wheels.
Besides that, it is fairly easy to install, and with the push ignition, you can light it easily. The heating is also on par and warms outdoor places like garages at acceptable temperatures during harsh weather.
The tank capacity is also sufficient and the customers have shared that even after multiple hours of use, the gas in the tank goes down fairly slowly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be moved around because of the wheels | Not for indoor use according to the manufacturer |
| Long heating times | |
| Safe to use |
#5 Heat Hog Ventless Propane Heater
Key Features:
- For both indoor and outdoor use
- Comes with a sturdy handle for grip
- Has manual heat settings
- Safety shut-off for low oxygen
- Safety switch for tip over
- Heat output: 9,000 BTU
- Heats rooms up to 225 square feet
Heat Hog’s 9,000 BTU portable propane heater is an amazing heating partner for indoor and outdoor activities. This long-lasting indoor safe portable space heater requires no electricity and runs quietly on a 1lb cylinder or a 20lb propane tank.
Heat Hog is a unique type of portable heater that can provide up to 4.7 hours of heat per tank max on the lowest setting.
With it, you can even adjust the heat angle and direct it to where it is most needed. Heat Hog’s tiltable feature allows you to direct where the radiant heat goes.
It has a heating angle 33° larger than that of a standard portable propane heater. This way you get to heat a larger space.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | The customer support is not good, according to customers |
| Affordable | |
| Comes with safety switches | |
| Ideal for indoor and outdoor use |
What Is a Ventless Propane Heater?
A ventless propane heater, also known as the ‘blue flame heater,’ is a type of space heater that uses propane fuel to heat a room without needing a chimney or other ventilation system. It uses propane and oxygen to generate heat.
Propane is a highly efficient and clean burning fuel source, making it an ideal choice for indoor heating. Unlike traditional gas heaters, ventless propane heaters do not require an external vent or chimney to operate safely.
These heaters are typically installed in a room or area that does not have access to a chimney or other ventilation systems, such as a garage, RV, or basement.
They have two essential components: an indoor heater and an outdoor propane tank that work together to heat up a room and make it comfortable to sit in.
How Does a Ventless Propane Heater Work?
A ventless propane heater works by burning propane gas while using oxygen (of the room it is inside) to produce heat energy.
This type of heater is typically used in areas where traditional heating methods are impractical or impossible. The ventless propane heater operates by burning the propane gas in a sealed chamber. This chamber is designed to prevent the release of any fumes into the room.
As the gas is burned, it produces heat which is then circulated through a fan system. This fan is designed to circulate warm air throughout the room.
In addition, the fan helps to evenly distribute the heat, ensuring that all areas of the room are heated evenly.
The ventless propane heater is designed to be 99.9% efficient and cost-effective. The heat produced by the heater is often much lower than that produced by traditional heating systems, meaning that you can save money on energy bills.
Additionally, the heater can be operated without the need for additional ventilation, allowing you to keep your home warm without needing to worry about additional ductwork or chimneys.
This makes the ventless propane heater an ideal choice for those areas where traditional heating systems are not feasible.
What’s even better about ventless propane heaters is that they burn all of the gas, unlike wood or pellets that do not completely burn down, and you are left to deal with the ash and smoke. With them, you do not have to deal with the residue.
Is a Ventless Propane Heater Safe?
Ventless propane heaters are an increasingly popular choice for heating indoor spaces. They are safe to use if properly installed and maintained according to manufacturer instructions. The key safety considerations for ventless propane heaters are proper ventilation, installation, and maintenance.
Proper ventilation is essential, as the exhaust from the heater must be vented outside in order to prevent the build-up of dangerous carbon monoxide and other combustion gasses.
Proper installation is also important, as the heater must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper functioning and to prevent the risk of fire or explosion.
Lastly, regular maintenance is vital, as it will ensure the heater is working as efficiently and safely as possible.
Ventless propane heaters are safe when used correctly, but it is important to remember that these heaters pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if not properly vented. It is, therefore, important to ensure that the heater is installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
One of the safety issues the ventless propane heater poses is that it depletes the oxygen from the room it is in, as it does not use oxygen from the outdoors.
This is a major safety concern because it brings down oxygen levels in a room during winter, and during this time, the room is already not ventilated to let air in.
The experts, therefore, recommend not running the heaters for more than a couple of hours because this can increase the levels of carbon monoxide in a room, and it can be hazardous to human health.
Can You Use a Ventless Propane Heater Indoors?
Ventless propane heaters should not be used indoors if there isn’t a good ventilation system in the room. They produce carbon monoxide, which is an odorless and colorless gas that can be dangerous if inhaled in large quantities. When used indoors, carbon monoxide can quickly accumulate to dangerous levels. Therefore, ventilation is key.
As mentioned above, a ventless propane heater takes up the oxygen of the room it is in to function properly, so it depletes the room of its natural oxygen. Along with that, it brings up the carbon monoxide levels of the room, making it hazardous to breathe in.
Unless there is no proper ventilation system in the room, it is not safe to use a ventless propane heater inside a room. If there is sufficient ventilation in the room, then a ventless propane heater is safe for use.
Pros of Ventless Propane Heaters
These are the pros of ventless propane heaters:
Cost-effective: Ventless propane heaters are typically more affordable than traditional heaters, which makes them budget-friendly. You don’t have to invest a fortune to buy them.
Energy-efficient: They are also typically more efficient and can provide more BTUs (British Thermal Units) of heat per hour than traditional heaters. They are almost 99.9% efficient as they throw all the heat they produce into the room they are installed. Along with that, they save up on electricity bills (400%), too.
Easy installation: Ventless propane heaters are also very easy to install and can be moved around or stored away easily when not in use. They save up installation costs too, which is a huge bonus and another factor for their increased popularity.
No outside ventilation required: Ventless propane heaters do not require venting to the outside, unlike traditional heaters, which can increase the cost of installation and reduce room air quality.
Cons of Ventless Propane Heaters
These are the cons of ventless propane heaters:
Safety Risk: Ventless propane heaters can be dangerous when not used properly. Since they do not vent gasses outside, they can create an unsafe buildup of carbon monoxide and other harmful gasses within the home.
Besides that, they deplete the oxygen in a room, which can cause breathing issues in people.
Humidity: The gasses and moisture are recycled back into the space because the fireplace doesn’t produce smoke. This causes humidity issues in some homes, and such places can become a breeding ground for molds that pose a great threat to human health.
Unpleasant Odor: Many users report a strong and offensive odor when using ventless propane heaters, and many homeowners do not like it.
Cost: Ventless propane heaters are usually more expensive than other propane heating options.
Difficulty Lighting: Ventless propane heaters can be difficult to light and require frequent cleaning and maintenance.
How-to: Choose the Best Ventless Propane Heaters
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s dig into the features that make ventless propane heaters stand out from the rest.
#1 Size
Choose a model that is designed for the size of your room. Make sure to check the maximum BTU rating for the heater and compare it to the size of your room. This will show you the maximum heating capacity of your heater and if it will be sufficient to warm up your space.
#2 Installation
Ventless propane heaters are designed to be wall-mounted or free-standing. Choose the type that best fits your space and make sure that you install it correctly.
#3 Safety Features
Look for safety features. Ventless propane heaters come with a variety of safety features, such as oxygen depletion sensors and automatic shut-off switches. Choose one with the features that best fit your needs.
#4 Heating Efficiency
Check for efficiency. To do that, look for heaters with an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating of at least 80%.
This will help ensure that you are getting the most efficient heating from your heater. If you decide to go for a higher BTU for the heater, the price will go higher.
Ideally, you should aim for around 40 BTU per square foot. To get a more accurate size for your ventless propane heater, you can use a Heating BTU calculator.
#5 Price
Consider the cost. Ventless propane heaters can range from very cheap to quite expensive. Consider your budget and make sure to choose a heater that fits your needs and is within your budget.
#6 Thermostat
The thermostat feature helps the heater to automatically control the temperature. It allows you to program your home’s heating temperatures to match your schedule, lowering your overall energy bills.
If you want to save fuel, it may be best to purchase a propane heater with a thermostat setting (rather than a manual).
Final Thoughts
This brings us to the end of the blog on ventless propane heaters, and we hope the detailed guide will help you make educated purchasing decisions.
They’re easy to install, efficient, and economical heating options which is what makes them an ideal choice for many homeowners.