Best Cheap Gas Heater for Home and Outdoor Use

Finding an affordable gas heater that delivers reliable warmth without breaking the bank requires comparing output, safety, fuel type, and portability. Below is a concise comparison of five budget-friendly gas heaters that suit small rooms, patios, garages, or campsites. Use the table to scan key specs before reading detailed product sections and a practical buying guide.

Product	Type	BTU / Output	Coverage	Key Feature
Mr Heater 4000–18000 BTU Portable LP	Portable Propane Heater	4,000 / 9,000 / 18,000 BTU	Up to 450 sq. ft.	Dual tank connection, 3 settings
Mr Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX	Indoor-Safe Propane Radiant	4,000–9,000 BTU	Up to 225 sq. ft.	Infrared radiant heat, tip-over safety
MOZODAWN 2 in 1 Propane Heater & Stove	Portable Heater / Stove Combo	Up to 13,000 BTU	Small outdoor areas, tents	2-in-1 cooking + heating
ProCom MN300TPA-B Ventless Infrared	Wall / Floor Natural Gas Infrared	30,000 BTU	Up to 1,400 sq. ft.	Thermostat control, wall mount
Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 Wall Heater	Natural Gas Infrared Wall Heater	Up to 30,000 BTU	Up to 1,000 sq. ft.	Infrared radiant heating

Mr Heater 4000 To 18000 BTU 3 Setting Portable LP Gas Heater Unit

Check Price on Amazon

This portable propane heater offers three heat levels (4,000, 9,000, 18,000 BTU) to match various spaces and conditions. The manufacturer specifies a heat range up to 450 square feet, making it suited for larger patios, garages, and job sites. The unit supports standard propane tanks and can connect to larger tanks via an additional hose and filter.

Controls are simplified with a single control start knob and a piezo spark for ignition. Built-in safety includes an automatic shutoff in the event of tip-over. The design emphasizes portability and adjustable output for multi-use scenarios like camping, porches, or sheds.

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater MH9BX 4,000-9,000 BTU

Check Price on Amazon

The Portable Buddy MH9BX is a compact indoor-safe radiant propane heater designed to warm objects and people directly using infrared technology. Output ranges from 4,000 to 9,000 BTU, with a stated coverage of up to 225 square feet—useful for small rooms, campers, and enclosed workspaces.

Safety features include an improved tip-over switch and a durable piezo igniter for match-free starts. The radiant approach heats surfaces rather than air, which can feel efficient in drafty or open spaces. Controls are straightforward, supporting easy operation in mobile or temporary setups.

MOZODAWN 2 In 1 Propane Heater & Stove 13000 BTU

Check Price on Amazon

This unit combines heating and cooking in a single portable package, rated to a maximum of 13,000 BTU with 360-degree radiant heating. The stainless steel threaded interface and high-quality heating element are highlighted for durability and corrosion resistance.

Designed for outdoor use such as camping, tents, or patio gatherings, the product includes an adjustable output control and a carry handle for transport. The multi-function design is intended for users who need both a small heater and a cooking surface in one compact unit.

ProCom MN300TPA-B Ventless Natural Gas Infrared Space Heater

Check Price on Amazon

The ProCom MN300TPA-B is a ventless infrared natural gas heater with a maximum output of 30,000 BTU and thermostat control for High/Medium/Low settings. It can be mounted on a wall or placed on the floor with included base feet, targeting larger rooms up to 1,400 square feet.

No electricity requirement is noted for operation; ignition uses a piezo system. The product includes an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) and manual control options. As a ventless unit, proper installation and adherence to local codes and ventilation are essential to safe use.

Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 30,000 BTU Natural Gas Infrared Wall Heater

Check Price on Amazon

The Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 employs infrared technology to radiate heat to objects and people, similar to sunlight. Rated up to 30,000 BTU, the heater is specified for coverage up to 1,000 square feet and is designed for natural gas supply.

The design emphasizes direct radiant transfer for efficient warmth in targeted areas. Installation is wall-mounted, and the unit is intended to operate with natural gas as supplied—fuel conversion is not permitted per manufacturer notes. Infrared heaters typically provide rapid surface warming without moving large volumes of air.

Buying Guide: Choosing A Cheap Gas Heater

When selecting an economical gas heater, compare multiple dimensions to match usage, safety, and cost objectives. Below are the key considerations and perspectives to weigh before purchase.

1. Fuel Type And Availability

• Propane (LP): Common for portable units and camping. Portable models like Mr. Heater Buddy and MOZODAWN use standard propane cylinders. Consider tank size, refill access, and the potential for dual-tank connections if extended run time is needed.
• Natural Gas: Best for fixed installations with a permanent gas line. Models like Dyna-Glo and ProCom are natural gas units that usually require professional installation and are suited for homes or garages with supply available.

2. BTU Output And Coverage

• Match BTU rating to the space size. Low-output units (4,000–9,000 BTU) serve small rooms, campers, and tents. Mid-range and high-output units (13,000–30,000 BTU) suit larger patios, garages, or open living spaces.
• Remember that stated square-foot coverage is an estimate and depends on insulation, ceiling height, and outdoor exposure.

3. Portability Versus Permanence

• Portable Heaters: Ideal for temporary or mobile heat needs; must consider stability and tip-over safety. Portable heaters often use small propane cylinders.
• Permanent Heaters: Wall- or floor-mounted natural gas heaters provide continuous heat without cylinder changes but typically need professional setup and must comply with local code.

4. Heating Method: Radiant vs Convection

• Radiant (Infrared): Heats objects and people directly; fast perceived warmth in open or drafty spaces. Examples include Mr. Heater Buddy, ProCom, and Dyna-Glo.
• Convection: Heats air and circulates warmth; better for heating entire enclosed rooms uniformly. Some portable units combine radiant and convective effects.

5. Safety Features

• Look for tip-over shutoff, oxygen depletion sensors (ODS), and flame failure protection for indoor or enclosed use.
• Ventless appliances must be monitored for indoor air quality; consider carbon monoxide alarms and follow manufacturer installation rules.

6. Ignition And Controls

• Piezo igniters provide match-free starts without batteries. Digital displays and thermostats offer finer temperature control on some models.
• Simple single-knob controls are easier for portable use, while thermostat-equipped units allow set-and-forget operation for stationary heaters.

7. Installation, Codes, And Venting

• Natural gas and ventless heaters may require adherence to local building codes and professional installation. Check clearance, venting requirements, and room size restrictions.
• Portable propane heaters are often plug-and-play but should be used according to manufacturer guidelines regarding indoor use.

8. Efficiency And Operating Cost Perspectives

• Higher BTU does not always mean higher efficiency. Compare how heat is delivered (radiant vs convection) and the duty cycle required to maintain comfort.
• Consider fuel costs and refill logistics. Natural gas may be less expensive per unit energy in permanent installations, while propane provides portability at potentially higher operational costs.

9. Multi-Function And Value Adds

• Some models, such as the MOZODAWN 2-in-1, provide cooking functionality which can add utility for camping or emergency preparedness.
• Extra features like digital displays, adjustable thermostats, or dual tank connection options can improve convenience and lower total cost of ownership in real-world use.

10. Safety Equipment And Accessories

• Consider carbon monoxide detectors, propane regulators, hoses with filters for larger tanks, and protective guards or casters for portable units.
• For wall-mounted or ventless systems, ensure adequate clearance and consider a professional inspection after installation.

Use the product summaries and buying guide to determine which combination of portability, BTU output, fuel type, and safety features align with the spaces you intend to heat. Compare specs, installation requirements, and user scenarios to identify the most suitable low-cost gas heater for your needs.