Best Ventless Propane Heaters for 2024

Ventless propane heaters are an excellent heating choice for spaces that don’t have an installed gas-hookup or a chimney vent. 

Using a ventless propane heater gives you access to reduced costs and decreased energy draw without you needing to make structural changes to accommodate it.

So, if you’re looking for a convenient and easy-to-install heating option, read on to find out what factors you should consider when buying and reviews of some of the best models on the market.

Our top picks for the best ventless propane heater

So you don’t have to trawl the internet looking for the best ventless propane heaters out there, we’ve put together some quick but informative reviews of the models that caught our attention:

1. Mr. Heater Corporation F299730 Ventless Propane Heater

The Mr. Heater Corporation F299730 is a 30,000 BTU ventless propane heater that has the capacity to heat up to 750 square feet. 

The F299730 is a convection-based blue flame heater. This means that it takes a little longer to heat up, but the heat it projects is not directional. Blue flame heaters are better suited to smaller rooms because furniture placement isn’t such an issue.

When it comes to safety, the F299730 is CSA-certified and comes with an oxygen depletion sensor. This sensor will turn the heater off if the room’s oxygen drops below a certain level. 

The F299730 also comes with a high limit safety shut-off that monitors the heater’s temperature and turns it off before it overheats. The model comes with a simple variable thermostat that runs from one (lowest heat) to five. The manufacturer lists the fuel consumption rate as 1.389 lbs per hour.

Reasonably compact at 11.2 x 27.2 x 27 inches and weighing in at 36.2 pounds, the F299730 can be wall-mounted or placed on a pair of sturdy legs. 

What we like:

• Mounting option – The F299730 can be placed on the floor or wall-mounted.
• CSA-certified – This model meets the Canadian Standards Association standard for quality.
• Safety sensors – The F299730 comes with both an oxygen depletion sensor and a high limit safety shut-off.

What we don’t like:

• No fan – The lack of a fan to circulate the heat means the F299730 takes a little longer to warm a room.

While it isn’t going to win any stylish design awards, the F299730 is a practical and versatile heater. It works well in smaller spaces and has all the safety features you’d expect from a CSA-certified product.

2. ProCom MNSD3TPA-BB Dual Fuel Ventless Infrared Gas Space Heater

The ProCom MNSD3TPA-BB can run on both natural gas or liquid propane using ProCom’s patented dual-fuel technology. When running on natural gas, this model has an output of 20,000 BTUs or 18,000 BTUs when running on propane. That’s enough to heat around 700 square feet reliably.

The simple thermostat has five heat settings and a push-button Piezo ignition for easy lighting. To keep users safe, the MNSD3TPA-BB comes with an oxygen depletion sensor that automatically shuts off the unit if it detects a lack of oxygen or the presence of carbon monoxide.

While the MNSD3TPA-BB can be wall-mounted, it does come with a pre-installed base and a fan to help circulate the heat. This particular model also comes in three sizes with different heat outputs: 10,000, 20,000, and 30,000 BTUs.

What we like:

• Comes with a blower – The addition of a fan increases the speed at which this blue flame heater warms a room.
• Fuel options – The MNSD3TPA-BB can run on both natural gas and propane for extra flexibility. 
• Carbon monoxide – In addition to an oxygen depletion sensor, the MNSD3TPA-BB also monitors carbon monoxide and shuts off if they rise.

What we don’t like:

• Fiddly – Reviewers report that the push-button Piezo ignition can be a little temperamental. 

If you need a ventless heater that can use a natural gas hookup and use propane in a pitch, then the MNSD3TPA-BB Dual Fuel is a study and effective room warmer.

3. Dyna-Glo Liquid Propane Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater

A lot of the ventless propane heaters on this list, especially those with the more complicated thermostats, require electricity. This particular Dyna-Glo model doesn’t require electricity, which makes it ideal for heating a completely disconnected cabin or a room with no outlets.

It also makes it an excellent option for back-up heating in case of an emergency situation. The igniter is powered by a battery.

At a compact 20.94 x 10.08 x 24.02 inches and wall-mounted, the Dyna-Glo is very unobtrusive. The total BTU output is 20,000 BTUs, which is enough to comfortably heat 700 square feet. The variable control knob has three heat settings which change the output to 16,000, 18,000, and 20,000 respectively. 

The Dyna-Glo has a built-in oxygen depletion sensor that shuts the unit down if it detects carbon monoxide or a lack of oxygen.

What we like:

• Small and compact – The Dyna-Glo is a great choice if you need a heater for a smaller space.
• No electricity needed – Without the need for electricity, this model is great for off-grid spaces or as an emergency heater.
• Carbon monoxide sensor – The oxygen depletion sensor turns off the heater if it detects carbon monoxide or low oxygen levels.

What we don’t like:

• Feet and fan come separately – The Dyna-Glo does have a fan to circulate heat and feet so it can be floor mounted, but these are sold separately.

If you need a small and unobtrusive heater to heat a space of 700 square feet or smaller and don’t have any access to electricity, then the Dyna-Glo is an excellent choice.

4. Rinnai FC824P Vent-Free Propane Gas Heater

The Rinnai FC824P is an excellent choice if you are looking for a propane heater that comes with a host of safety features. With dimensions of 3 x 10 x 20 inches and weighing in at 31.8 lbs, the FC824P is one of the larger heaters on this list. Its size is somewhat offset by its slimline profile. 

The BTU output of the FC824P ranges between 8,000 and 22,000, which is enough to quickly heat around 1000 square feet. The thermostat is digital and programmable, allowing you to increase the heat in two-degree increments. 

The FC824P is a blue flame heater, but it does come with a built-in fan that has two speed options. It also has a tilt sensor, an oxygen depletion sensor, child locks, and an automatic shut-off if your power goes out. The front panel of the FC824P also remains cool to the touch during use.

If something does go wrong, the unit comes with a 3-year warranty on parts and onboard self-diagnostics.

What we like:

• Safety conscious – Child locks, a cool front panel, tilt sensors, an oxygen depletion sensor, and an automatic shut-off make the FC824P an extremely safe heater.
• Digital thermostat – Unlike some of the models with simpler thermostats, the FC824P can be adjusted by degrees.
• Durable –  The FC824P comes with a 3-year warranty and onboard self-diagnostics for easier maintenance.

What we don’t like:

• No gas hose – You have to buy a gas hose and connector separately for the FC824P.

If you’re safety-conscious or looking for a heater suitable for use around children, then the plethora of safety features built into the FC824P make it a great choice.

5. Bluegrass Living B18TPIR-BB Propane Vent Free Infrared Gas Space Heater

The Bluegrass Living B18TPIR-BB heater comes in three different sizes that put out 10,000, 20,000, and 30,000 BTUs. This allows you to pick and size and heat output to suit your particular needs.

Ignition is taken care of by a simple push-button Piezo, and the heat can be adjusted by a simple 1-5 dial thermostat. All of the B18TPIR-BB units come with an oxygen depletion sensor that automatically shuts off the heater if the oxygen in the room drops.

There are multiple mounting options for the B18TPIR-BB as it comes with a wall mounting bracket and feet to mount the unit to the floor. The B18TPIR-BB comes with an installed blower that helps to circulate the heat.

The entire unit comes with a one-year warranty on all parts.

What we like:

• Multiple mounting options – The B18TPIR-BB comes with both feet and a wall mounting bracket.
• Multiple sizes – There are different sizes of B18TPIR-BB available to suit the size of space you are looking to heat.

What we don’t like:

• Powered blower – For the blower to work, it needs to be connected to a standard 120V household outlet.

If you’re looking for a heater with various size options to suit different spaces, then the  B18TPIR-BB offers you that flexibility.

6. Comfort Glow GCH480 Propane Cabinet Heater

The Comfort Glow GCH480 isn’t particularly suitable for living spaces. However, if you’re looking for a ventless heater to heat outdoor entertainment space or a functional setting, like a garage, then the GCH480 is an excellent choice.

As a cabinet heater, the GCH480 has dimensions of 13.25 x 13.75 x 23 inches and weighs in at 16.75lbs. The unit runs off a 20 lb liquid propane cylinder tank that fits neatly into the back of the heater. Chunky casters make it easy to move the heater around.

The thermostat for the GCH480 has three settings that control its output, 6K, 12K, and 18K BTUs. It also comes with an oxygen depletion sensor and a one-year warranty.

What we like:

• Contained cylinder – The 20 lb liquid propane cylinder tank that powers the unit can be stored inside it.
• Easy to move – The durable casters on the bottom of the unit make it easy to maneuver.

What we don’t like:

• Industrial – The GCH480 isn’t really designed for use in living quarters. 

If you need a heater that you can use to heat a functional space, like a garage, workshop, or shed, the GCH480 is an excellent choice. However, it’s not really designed for use inside a home.

7. SignitePro CA20000BL Indoor Vent Free Blue Flame Propane Heater

The SignitePro CA20000BL is both powerful and convenient. The 20,000-BTU output is sufficient to quickly heat an area of around 700 square feet. That output is controlled by a thermostat with five heat settings. 

Ignition is controlled by a simple push-button starter, and safety is handled by an oxygen depletion sensor with an automatic shut-off.

The CA20000BL comes with both feet and a wall-mounting bracket, so you have some versatility in where you place your heater. 

What we like:

• Safety first – The oxygen depletion sensor means the CA20000BL shuts off if oxygen levels drop.
• Mounting flexibility – The CA20000BL comes with the option for floor mounting with feet or a wall mounting option. 

What we don’t like:

• Low altitude – The CA20000BL won’t operate at altitudes above 4500 feet.

A simple but effective heater, the CA20000BL’s 20,000-BTU is more than sufficient to quickly heat a small space, so long as you aren’t at a high altitude. 

8. Pleasant Hearth VFS2-PH30DT Ventless Dual Fuel Stove

Most of the other heaters on this list are very functional in their design aesthetic. The VFS2-PH30DT, by comparison, is designed to mimic a traditional wood stove, ideal if you want to maintain a rustic look for a cabin or similar space. 

The VFS2-PH30DT puts out 30,000 BTUs of heat, controlled by a simple five-step thermostat. This is more than suitable for heating a space of around 1,100 square feet. The VFS2-PH30DT can run on either propane or a natural gas hookup because it is dual fuel. 

However, if you are using propane to fuel it, the VFS2-PH30DT does require a 100-lb tank or larger with a 2-stage adjustable regulator. It also comes with an oxygen depletion sensor and automatic shut-off. 

What we like:

• The look – The VFS2-PH30DT is designed to look like an old-world iron wood-burning stove.
• Powerful – 30,000 BTUs of heat is more than enough to quickly warm up a space of up to 1,100 square feet. 

What we don’t like:

• Requires a big tank – If you’re powering it with propane, the VFS2-PH30DT requires a minimum of a 100-lb tank and a 2-stage adjustable regulator.

With dimensions of 31 9/10 x 14 2/5 x 28 3/10 inches, the VFS2-PH30DT isn’t exactly slimline or portable. However, if you’ve got a particular look that you’d like to maintain, then its aesthetic might more than make up for that. 

Ventless propane heaters: a buyers guide

Now that you’ve seen some of the ventless propane heaters that we think are the best on the market, here are some factors to consider before buying one of your own:

Why choose ventless over vented

Most propane heaters require venting, meaning they vent excess combustion gasses outside of your home through a vent or chimney. 

The downside of vented heaters is that they lose heat through their vent or chimney, making them less thermally and fuel-efficient. If you don’t have a vent already in place, installing a vented heater requires you to also install a flue or chimney, which can be time-consuming and expensive. 

A ventless heater vents excess combustion gasses directly into the room they are installed in. They are designed to be more efficient to minimize the amount of gas released, so they are generally more fuel-efficient.

A ventless propane heater’s primary benefit is that installing one doesn’t require you to add-in a chimney or have a natural gas hookup. This makes them a flexible and convenient option for heating garages, cabins, outdoor entertainment space, RVs, and sheds.

Blue flame or infrared

Ventless propane heaters come in two types, blue flame or infrared, and each has its pros and cons.

Blue Flame Heater	Infrared Heater
Blue flame heaters use convection to heat a room by heating the air. They often come with a fan to help circulate the hot air faster. The heat from a blue flame heater typically rises above the unit, rather than being projected from it.	Infrared heaters project infrared radiation, similar to the sun’s rays, out in front of them. They heat objects rather than the air. Furniture placement is important when installing an infrared heater, as the radiation they project can damage items in front of them, or cause them to fade.
When installing a blue flame heater, you don’t have to worry about furniture placement as much, as the heat tends to go up rather than out. However, you won’t feel the blue flame heater’s effect as quickly as an infrared unit.	Compared to a blue flame heater, you’ll feel the effects of an infrared heater much faster, but its heat is very directional, so you won’t get the benefits unless you’re stood in front of it.

Choosing a heater to your fit needs

When it comes to buying a heater, one of the primary factors to consider is the output and the size of the area you want to heat. 

Most manufacturers will give their heater’s output in BTUs and provide a rough estimate of how many square feet that output will heat. 

Once you have a good idea of how large an area you want to heat, you’ll need to find a heater that throws out enough BTUs to be effective in that space. 

This equation works equally well for both ventless and vented propane heaters. However, when it comes to ventless heaters, it is worth putting them in a space that can be properly vented to stop the buildup of condensation and the potential growth of mold.

Features to  consider

When it comes to buying a ventless propane heater, there are a couple of common features that are worth looking for:

1. An oxygen depletion sensor: If you are using a ventless propane heater in a sealed environment without proper ventilation, a combination of oxygen used up by combustion and the release of excess gasses can make the oxygen level drop dangerously. Most ventless propane heaters will come with an oxygen depletion sensor that monitors the oxygen levels around the unit and turns it off if they drop below a minimum safe level.

2. A digital thermostat: Many of the more basic ventless propane heaters will come with a simple dial thermostat. This can make it challenging to get the exact level of warmth you want. A more complex digital thermostat allows you to set a specific temperature, and the heater will automatically maintain that temperature.

3. Tilt sensors: If you plan to have your ventless propane heater mounted on the floor, you’ll want it to have tilt sensors that automatically turn it off if it gets knocked over. 

4. Mounting options: Getting a propane heater with multiple mounting options makes it much easier to fit it into your room. Most models will come with a base or feet and a wall mounting bracket. 

Frequently asked questions

Here are some quick answers to the most common questions asked about using a ventless propane heater:

How does a ventless propane heater work?

All propane heaters work by burning propane gas to produce heat. Ventless models are designed to minimize excess combustion gasses as they release them into the room in which they are installed. This makes them more energy-efficient and means they don’t require a chimney to work safely.

Is a ventless propane heater safe to use?

Yes, as long as you take the proper precautions. As with any heating solution that uses combustion, you need to ensure that you have adequate ventilation. 

This is especially true for ventless propane heaters as they do vent small amounts of excess combustion gasses into the room around them. 

Most propane heaters come with an oxygen depletion sensor that automatically turns them off if the oxygen level falls.

How much propane does a ventless heater use?

The amount of propane used by a particular heater will depend on a number of factors:

• The BTU output of the heater. The higher the BTUs, the more fuel it will use.
• The size of the heater itself. The bigger the heater, the more fuel it burns.
• What temperature setting you are running the heater at.
• What size of the room you are trying to heat.
• What the ambient temperature and weather conditions are.

How do you install a ventless propane heater?

One of the significant benefits of ventless propane heaters is how easy they are to install. If you plan on using legs or a base, you can simply place it on the floor, connect the propane, and it’s ready to go.

Wall mounting a propane heater just means adding the extra step of attacking the wall mounting bracket before fitting the heater to it.

One factor to consider when installing your ventless propane heater is how close it is to your furniture. This is especially important with an infrared heater which projects heat out directionally in front of it.

A final note on ventless propane heaters

A ventless propane heater is a great way to heat a room without making structural changes to accommodate an outside vent or chimney. They warm up indoor spaces quickly, with minimal fuss and are a relatively clean way to heat your home.

We’ve listed some of the best ventless propane heaters on the market, so, if you follow our buying guide, you’ll know exactly what to look for when buying a ventless propane heater and how to install and operate it safely. 

If there’s a heater you think should have made our list, we’d love to hear about it in the comment section below.