Open flame heaters span propane and natural gas blue flame units, wood pellet patio heaters, and ventless models designed for indoor spaces. Below is a concise comparison table of the five selected models to help you scan features at a glance.
| Product | Fuel / Type | Key Capacity / Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove Heater | Electric (Flame Effect) | 1,000 sq. ft. infrared; 3D flame effect, side windows |
| Mr. Heater MHVFBF20LPT Blue Flame Vent Free Propane Heater | Propane (Blue Flame) | 20,000 BTU; ODS safety; thermostat, battery ignition |
| Atlas Authentic Wood Pellet Patio Heater | Wood Pellet (Outdoor) | Smokeless flame tech; portable with wheels; outdoor use |
| ProCom ML300TBA-B Ventless Propane Blue Flame Space Heater | Propane (Blue Flame) | 30,000 BTU; thermostat control; wall or floor mount |
| ProCom MN300HBA-B Ventless Natural Gas Blue Flame Heater | Natural Gas (Blue Flame) | 30,000 BTU; manual control; oxygen depletion sensor |
Content Navigation
- Duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove Heater
- Mr. Heater MHVFBF20LPT 20,000 BTU Blue Flame Propane Heater
- Atlas Authentic Wood Pellet Patio Heater – Smokeless Flame
- ProCom ML300TBA-B Ventless Propane Gas Blue Flame Space Heater
- ProCom MN300HBA-B Ventless Natural Gas Blue Flame Heater
- Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Open Flame Heater
Duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove Heater
This Duraflame unit is an electric fireplace stove that replicates an open flame appearance using a 3D flame effect and glowing logs. It is intended as a supplemental heater for indoor spaces up to 1,000 sq. ft., using infrared heat rather than combustion.
- Design: Glass door, side viewing windows, and brick-style back panel for decorative appeal.
- Heating Mode: Infrared supplemental heat, useful for local zone heating to lower overall thermostat settings.
- Ambiance Controls: Adjustable flame brightness creates realistic visual effect without actual combustion.
Because it is electric, this model provides flame-like ambiance without the ventilation, odor, or combustion products associated with true open flame heaters. It is suited to users prioritizing visual flame effects with lower installation complexity.
Mr. Heater MHVFBF20LPT 20,000 BTU Blue Flame Propane Heater
The Mr. Heater MHVFBF20LPT is a vent-free blue flame propane wall heater designed to warm enclosed spaces up to about 700 sq. ft. It uses combustion to produce heat, so it operates with the characteristics of an open flame appliance while incorporating safety systems.
Call 888-896-7031 for Free Local HVAC Quotes – Compare and Save Today!
- Output: Up to 20,000 BTU with a built-in thermostat for temperature control.
- Ignition: Battery-powered electronic ignition for convenient startup (battery included).
- Safety: Includes an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) automatic shutoff to reduce risk if ventilation is insufficient.
- Application: Suitable for cold rooms, additions, sunrooms, garages, and cabins where vent-free combustion is permitted.
This model is appropriate when direct combustion heating is desired without venting infrastructure, but users must follow local codes and ensure adequate ventilation when operating vent-free propane units.
Atlas Authentic Wood Pellet Patio Heater – Smokeless Flame
The Atlas Authentic pellet patio heater delivers a real flame experience outdoors using compressed wood pellets. Its design focuses on a cleaner, lower-smoke flame suitable for patios, gardens, and campsite areas.
- Smokeless Technology: Engineered for low-smoke combustion to reduce visible smoke and odor compared to traditional open burning.
- Portability: Built-in wheels and a straightforward assembly make it convenient to relocate on outdoor surfaces.
- Use Case: Intended for outdoor heating where open flame ambiance and direct radiant heat are desired.
As a solid-fuel appliance, the Atlas unit requires fuel handling and outdoor clearance. It offers an open flame focal point without needing gas hookups, but it must be used on compliant outdoor surfaces away from combustibles.
ProCom ML300TBA-B Ventless Propane Gas Blue Flame Space Heater
The ProCom ML300TBA-B is a compact ventless blue flame propane heater producing up to 30,000 BTU. It is built for small to medium spaces where robust combustion heat is required with flexible installation options.
Call 888-896-7031 for Free Local HVAC Quotes – Compare and Save Today!
- Thermostat Control: High/Medium/Low thermostat settings for adjustable heat delivery.
- Mounting Options: Includes hardware for wall mounting and base feet for floor placement.
- Profile: Slim, modern look intended to blend into residential interiors while delivering strong heat output.
This model is suited to users who need higher-capacity ventless heating from propane with thermostat control. As with all vent-free combustion devices, check local regulations and ensure appropriate indoor air quality considerations.
ProCom MN300HBA-B Ventless Natural Gas Blue Flame Heater
The ProCom MN300HBA-B is a natural gas counterpart designed for homes with natural gas service. This ventless blue flame heater provides up to 30,000 BTU and operates without electrical power using piezo ignition.
- Fuel: Natural gas only, requiring a gas line and proper connection.
- Controls: Manual control with three heat settings and Oxygen Depletion Sensor for safety.
- Operation: No electrical supply needed, which can be advantageous in power-outage scenarios.
Natural gas ventless units supply direct heat through combustion. Installation should follow manufacturer instructions and local codes, and rooms must be appropriate for ventless operation.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Open Flame Heater
When selecting an open flame heater, consider several technical, safety, and practical factors to match the appliance to your space and needs.
Fuel Type And Availability
Propane vs. Natural Gas: Propane offers portability and is common where gas lines are absent; natural gas requires a connection but often has lower ongoing fuel cost. Both produce real combustion flames and require safe connections.
Wood Pellet / Solid Fuel: Wood pellet patio heaters provide authentic flame ambiance outdoors and avoid gas hookups, but they require pellet storage and handling.
Electric Flame Effect: Electric units mimic flames visually without combustion. Choose electric when indoor combustion is restricted or for low-maintenance ambiance.
Ventless vs. Vented
Ventless (Vent-Free): Delivers high efficiency and direct heat to a room without flues. Check local codes—some jurisdictions limit or prohibit vent-free indoor combustion. Ensure adequate ventilation and use ODS-equipped models.
Vented/Outdoor Models: Outdoor heaters and vented indoor units remove combustion byproducts outside, improving indoor air quality but requiring chimneys or outdoor operation.
Heating Capacity And Room Size
Match BTU output or stated coverage area to your room. For example, 20,000–30,000 BTU units are aimed at medium to large rooms, while electric or infrared inserts often list square footage coverage like 750–1,000 sq. ft.
Safety Features
- Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS): Automatically shuts off if oxygen levels drop—essential for vent-free combustion units.
- Overheat Protection and Tip-Over Switches: Important for portable units and electric inserts.
- Proper Clearance: Adhere to minimum clearances to combustibles and follow installation guides.
Controls, Ignition And Convenience
Electronic or battery ignition simplifies startup compared to standing pilot lights. Thermostatic control allows temperature regulation and can improve comfort and fuel efficiency. Remote controls and adjustable flame brightness add convenience and ambiance control.
Installation And Maintenance
Professional Installation: Gas hookups, interior ventless appliances, and wall-mounted heaters commonly require certified installers to ensure safe connections and code compliance.
Maintenance: Combustion units need periodic inspection of burners and vents; pellet heaters require ash removal and pellet feed checks. Electric units have lower maintenance but may need occasional cleaning of vents and fans.
Indoor Air Quality And Regulations
Real flame combustion produces water vapor, CO2, and trace gases. Ventless units intentionally release combustion products into living space, which can affect humidity and air quality. Check state and local building codes for restrictions on vent-free appliances and obtain permits if required.
Outdoor Use Considerations
For patios and gardens, choose units rated for outdoor use with stable bases and weather-resistant components. Keep clearances from overhead structures and use on non-combustible, level surfaces.
Comparison Perspectives
Cost-To-Operate: Natural gas often costs less per BTU than propane in many regions; electric heaters depend on electricity rates but avoid fuel delivery and storage.
Portability: Propane and pellet units can be moved; fixed natural gas or hardwired vented appliances are more permanent.
Ambiance vs. Heat: If visual flame atmosphere is the primary goal, electric flame-effect units provide safe, year-round ambiance. If heat output with real combustion is the priority, choose blue flame propane/natural gas or pellet heaters while attending to ventilation and safety.
Use this guide to weigh fuel, installation, safety, and maintenance factors against your heating goals and local regulations before selecting an open flame heater for indoor or outdoor spaces.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money. - Check for Rebates
Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.