Choosing the right electric heater often comes down to BTU capacity, installation needs, and intended use. Below is a concise comparison of five electric heaters that cover portable, garage, wall-mounted, PTAC, and pool heating applications.
| Product | Type | BTU Range / Output | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Heater MH9BXRV Buddy | Portable Radiant | 4,000–9,000 BTU | Small rooms, RVs, indoor/outdoor use |
| AQUASTRONG Inverter Pool Heat Pump | Pool Heat Pump | 55,000 BTU | Large pools up to 16,000 gallons |
| Dura Heat EWH5510 | Forced-Air Garage Heater | 17,060 BTU | Garages, workshops up to 750 sq. ft. |
| Cooper & Hunter PTAC | PTAC Unit / Heat Pump + Electric | ~13,500–14,700 BTU heat; 3.5 kW electric backup | Hotel rooms, apartments, packaged terminal needs |
| Cadet Com-Pak Twin | Electric Wall Heater | 10,236 / 7,677 BTU (multi-watt) | Wall-mounted supplemental heating for rooms |
Content Navigation
- Mr. Heater F232017 MH9BXRV Buddy Grey Indoor-Safe Portable RV Radiant Heater
- Aquastrong Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump 55,000 BTU
- Dura Heat EWH5510 Electric Forced Air Heater With Remote Control 17,060 BTU
- Cooper & Hunter 15,000 BTU PTAC Air Conditioner & Heat Pump With 3.5kW Electric Heater
- Cadet Com-Pak Twin Electric Wall Heater With Thermostat 10,236/7,677 BTU
- Buying Guide: How To Choose Electric Heaters By BTU And Application
Mr. Heater F232017 MH9BXRV Buddy Grey Indoor-Safe Portable RV Radiant Heater
This portable radiant heater offers 4,000 to 9,000 BTU output suitable for spaces up to 225 square feet. The unit is marketed as nearly 100% efficient and approved for indoor/outdoor use, making it useful for RVs and enclosed patios. Safety features include auto shut-off if tipped over, pilot light outage, or low-oxygen detection. The manufacturer notes potential automatic shutoff at altitudes above 7,000 feet. The heater’s radiant design targets people and objects directly rather than heating large volumes of air, which is beneficial for quick spot warming in small spaces. Clean-burning fuel and portability are emphasized in the product features.
Aquastrong Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump 55,000 BTU
The AQUASTRONG unit is a high-capacity electric pool heat pump rated at 55,000 BTU and designed for pools up to 16,000 gallons. It offers dual-mode heating and cooling, precise temperature control (47–104°F for heating), and WiFi/app control with scheduling. The inverter technology provides variable frequency operation and a reported high COP (coefficient of performance) for improved efficiency compared to fixed-speed electric heaters. The features highlight rapid heating for large pools and energy-saving adaptive frequency conversion. This product is suited to users seeking extended swim seasons and remote control of pool temperature.
Dura Heat EWH5510 Electric Forced Air Heater With Remote Control 17,060 BTU
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The Dura Heat EWH5510 is a hard-wired 240V forced-air heater with a 17,060 BTU rating, intended for larger spaces up to approximately 750 sq. ft. It requires professional installation and connection to a 30A circuit. Features include a remote control, adjustable thermostat, and an LED display with settable temperatures from 45–99°F. As a hardwired unit, it is positioned as a permanent garage or workshop heating solution rather than a plug-and-play portable option. The product emphasizes widespread warmth through forced-air distribution and includes installation and wiring requirements in its feature set.
Cooper & Hunter 15,000 BTU PTAC Air Conditioner & Heat Pump With 3.5kW Electric Heater
This PTAC packaged terminal unit combines a heat pump with an optional 3.5 kW electric heater and lists heating capacities around 13,500 BTU for heat-pump operation and electric backup for colder conditions. The unit uses R-32 refrigerant and is designed for 208–230V operation. Included accessories noted in the listing are a wireless smart kit, remote, and power cord with a reset breaker. The product highlights suitability for residential, commercial, or hotel applications where a wall-sleeve installation is standard. Features indicate that wall sleeve and grille may be required but are sold separately for new installations.
Cadet Com-Pak Twin Electric Wall Heater With Thermostat 10,236/7,677 BTU
The Cadet Com-Pak Twin is a wall-mounted electric heater offering selectable wattage options corresponding to roughly 10,236 or 7,677 BTU depending on voltage and settings. It is a complete unit with integrated thermostat control intended for supplemental room heating. The design emphasizes easy installation into a standard wall can and includes a high-temperature safety shut-off. Multi-watt configurations allow adaptability to different electrical supplies and heat needs. The listing highlights its suitability for delivering consistent wall-mounted warmth while retaining safety features.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Electric Heaters By BTU And Application
Selecting an electric heater based on BTU requires matching the unit’s output to the space and use case. Below are key considerations and comparative perspectives to guide a purchase decision.
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Understanding BTU And Heating Needs
- BTU Measures Heat Output: British Thermal Units (BTU) indicate how much heat a device produces per hour. Higher BTU equals more heating capacity.
- Room Size Estimation: A rough starting point is 10–20 BTU per square foot for indoor spaces, adjusted for ceiling height, insulation, and climate.
- Spot vs. Whole-Room Heating: Radiant or infrared heaters (lower BTU) heat people and objects directly; forced-air and PTAC units (higher BTU) warm room air more evenly.
Compare Types: Portable, Forced-Air, Wall, PTAC, Pool
- Portable Radiant Heaters: Best for quick spot heating in small spaces or RVs. Look for compact BTU ranges and safety features like tip-over and ODS (oxygen depletion sensor).
- Forced-Air Electric Heaters: Provide rapid air circulation for garages and workshops; choose higher BTU outputs when heating larger open areas.
- Wall-Mounted Units: Good for supplemental room heat; multi-watt or multi-BTU options offer flexibility for different circuit capacities.
- PTAC / Packaged Units: Offer combined cooling and heating with heat-pump efficiency and electric resistance backup—appropriate for units that require through-wall installation.
- Pool Heat Pumps: Rated in BTU for water heating; choose capacity based on pool volume, desired temperature rise, and climate. Inverter-driven units are more efficient.
Installation And Electrical Considerations
- Power Requirements: Verify voltage and amperage: portable plug-in heaters need standard outlets; forced-air and PTAC often require 208–240V hardwiring or specific plugs.
- Professional Installation: Hardwired garage heaters and PTAC installs typically require licensed electricians and may need sleeves, breakers, or dedicated circuits.
- Location & Clearance: Maintain manufacturer-recommended clearances from combustibles and ensure proper ventilation for any indoor-rated units.
Energy Efficiency And Operating Costs
- COP and Inverter Tech: For pool heat pumps, COP and inverter-driven compressors improve efficiency and lower operating costs versus fixed-speed electric heating.
- Electric Resistance vs Heat Pump: Electric resistance heaters convert all input to heat (simple but can be costly at high outputs). Heat pumps move heat and often deliver more BTU per kW consumed in moderate climates.
- Thermostats & Controls: Programmable thermostats, remote controls, and app interfaces help reduce runtime and improve comfort management.
Safety Features And Certifications
- Required Safety Protections: Tip-over shutoff, overheat protection, and low-oxygen detection (for combustion units) are essential for occupied spaces.
- Listings & Approvals: Look for UL/ETL listings and manufacturer guidance on indoor/outdoor approval and altitude limitations.
Comparison Perspectives For Buyers
- Small Indoor/RV Users: Prioritize compact radiant units with low BTU ranges and ODS safety features; consider portability and fuel type compatibility.
- Garage/Workshop Owners: Seek forced-air electric heaters with higher BTU ratings and hardwired installation for even coverage and quick warm-up.
- Whole-Room Or Hospitality Use: PTAC units combine cooling and heating with built-in electric backup—match BTU to room volume and installer requirements.
- Pool Operators: Use BTU alongside COP, pool volume, and seasonal temperature targets; inverter heat pumps deliver strong efficiency for large pools.
- Wall-Mounted Supplemental Heat: Choose units with multiple watt settings or multi-BTU ratings to fit existing wiring and provide consistent room comfort.
Final Selection Checklist
- Calculate required BTU based on space size and insulation.
- Confirm electrical supply (voltage, breaker capacity) before purchase.
- Decide between spot heating and whole-room coverage.
- Review safety features and altitude or indoor-use restrictions.
- Check installation requirements and whether professional installation is necessary.
- Consider long-term operating efficiency: resistance vs heat pump technology.