Best Propane Heater for Pole Barn

Choosing the right heater for a pole barn requires balancing heat output, coverage area, ventilation needs, and fuel type. The table below summarizes five propane-capable heaters and a compact supplemental option suited to pole barns, workshops, and large outbuildings.

Product	Type	BTU / Coverage
ProTemp 125,000 BTU LP Propane Heater	Forced Air / Direct	125,000 BTU / Up To 3,125 Sq Ft
Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater F271390	Forced Air	125,000 BTU / High-Output Coverage
Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG (With LP Conversion Kit)	Unit Heater (Convection/Forced)	80,000 BTU / Up To 2,000 Sq Ft
ProTemp 80,000 BTU LP Propane Convection Heater PT-80V-LPC	Convection	80,000 BTU / Up To 1,800 Sq Ft
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX	Radiant / Supplemental	4,000–9,000 BTU / Up To 225 Sq Ft

ProTemp 125,000 BTU LP Propane Heater | For Warehouses, Garages, Barns and Workshops up to 3125 Sq feet (PT-125V-GFA-A)

Check Price on Amazon

This high-output forced air propane heater is designed for large open spaces, offering 125,000 BTU and a rated airflow up to 12,000 CFM. It is built with matched direct-drive motors and blades to optimize airflow and heating distribution. The unit includes powder-coated steel guards for improved durability in workshop or barn environments.

Key listed features to consider: high airflow for faster space warm-up, energy-efficient motor drawing as little as 1.6 amps, and a durable exterior for harsher environments. This style works well in pole barns where rapid warm-up and circulation are important, especially if ducting or forced-air distribution can be used.

Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater F271390

Check Price on Amazon

The Mr. Heater F271390 is a forced-air propane heater that emphasizes robust heat output with user-friendly features. It includes Quiet Burner Technology to reduce operating sound and ships with a 10-foot hose and regulator for easier propane connection. A high-temperature limit switch provides an extra safety layer.

Relevant features for pole barns: high BTU output for large spaces, forced-air design for even distribution, included hose/regulator for installation convenience, and safety features suitable for intermittent or continuous job-site use. This unit is commonly chosen where quick, high-volume heating is necessary.

Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater, 80,000 BTU, Black

Check Price on Amazon

The Big Maxx MHU80NG is a robust unit heater with an 80,000 BTU rating and packaged accessories that include angle brackets and a liquid propane conversion kit. It is designed for unit-mounted installation with category 1 vertical or category 3 horizontal venting options.

Notable product features: covers approximately 2,000 sq. ft., 120 V power for fan and controls, and LP conversion capability when natural gas isn’t available. For pole barns where ceiling or wall mounting is preferred and venting can be arranged, this type of unit heater offers reliable convection/forced heating and easier thermostat integration.

ProTemp 80,000 BTU LP Propane Convection Heater| For Garages, Barns and Workshops up to 1800 Sq feet (PT-80V-LPC)

Check Price on Amazon

This ProTemp convection heater is CSA certified and designed for steady, distributed heating across medium-large spaces. At 80,000 BTU it is suited for barns up to about 1,800 sq. ft. and operates with a standard 20 lb propane tank connection for portable or semi-permanent setups.

Key features include CSA safety certification, even heat distribution via convection, compatibility with common propane tank sizes, and construction suitable for job sites and workshops. This model is appropriate where hanging or wall mounting is possible and a gentle, consistent heat is preferred over blast-style forced air.

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater MH9BX 4,000-9,000 BTU Indoor-Safe Propane Radiant Heater For Campers, Workshops, Job Sites, Patios & More – Red, Black

Check Price on Amazon

The Portable Buddy MH9BX is a compact radiant propane heater with 4,000–9,000 BTU output designed for spot heating. While not intended to heat an entire pole barn, it serves well as a supplemental unit to warm work zones, benches, or localized areas inside a larger building.

Features relevant to supplemental heating: powerful infrared radiant heat for direct warmth, improved tip-over and low-oxygen safety switches, and a piezo igniter for reliable startup without batteries. Use this unit to reduce the need for full-space heat when only small areas require comfort or to provide immediate warmth while larger systems run up to temperature.

Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Heater For A Pole Barn

Selecting a heater for a pole barn requires evaluating space, ventilation, usage patterns, and installation constraints. Below are key considerations and comparison perspectives to guide a purchase decision.

1. Heat Output (BTU) And Coverage

Match heater BTU capacity to the barn’s volume, not just floor area. Insulation levels, ceiling height, and open doors affect required BTUs. As a rule of thumb, larger uninsulated pole barns often require higher BTU units or multiple heaters to maintain a comfortable temperature.

2. Forced-Air vs Convection vs Radiant

• Forced-Air Heaters (high CFM): Provide rapid warm-up and better whole-space distribution—good for large barns or intermittent use.
• Convection Heaters: Provide steady, even heat and are quieter; better for continuous operation and areas that retain heat.
• Radiant Heaters: Heat objects and people directly; efficient for spot heating and where you want targeted warmth without heating all air volume.

3. Fuel Supply And Conversion

Confirm whether the unit is designed for propane (LP) or natural gas. Some units include or support conversion kits for LP. If natural gas piping is not available, ensure LP compatibility and plan for safe propane tank storage and hose/regulator sizing.

4. Venting And Installation Requirements

Unit heaters and forced-air appliances may require vertical or horizontal venting and clearance space. Ceiling or wall mounting impacts airflow. Verify manufacturer clearances, vent categories, and whether powered exhaust fans are needed for optimal performance.

5. Safety Features

Look for CSA/UL listings, tip-over protection (for portable units), low-oxygen shutoff, high-temperature limit switches, and thermostatic control compatibility. In barns with animals or stored materials, safety features mitigate fire and CO risks.

6. Durability And Environment

Powder-coated steel guards, corrosion-resistant components, and sealed controls matter in dusty, humid, or corrosive barn environments. Consider protective placement away from dust or livestock waste accumulation.

7. Noise And Operational Considerations

Forced-air units tend to be louder; Quiet Burner Technology and lower-speed motors reduce noise. For barns used as workshops, noise can be a significant factor. Also evaluate power draw for fans and whether a dedicated circuit is required.

8. Fuel Efficiency And Operating Costs

While specific costs vary, higher-efficiency motors and appropriately sized units reduce run-time and fuel consumption. Matching heater output to actual needs and using zoned heating strategies (supplemental radiant heaters) can lower propane use.

9. Installation Flexibility And Accessories

Consider included accessories like regulators, hoses, mounting brackets, and conversion kits. Thermostat compatibility and control accessibility influence day-to-day use and system automation options.

10. Zoning And Hybrid Approaches

For very large pole barns, using a combination of a central high-BTU forced-air heater with supplemental radiant units or portable convection heaters allows targeted comfort and reduces total fuel consumption. This hybrid approach supports both quick warm-up and energy-conservative maintenance temperatures.

Comparison Perspectives

From a distribution perspective, forced-air models (e.g., ProTemp 125k, Mr. Heater 125k) excel at rapid, whole-space heating. From a steady-state comfort perspective, convection units (e.g., ProTemp 80k) provide stable ambient temperatures. For spot or task heating, radiant units like the Portable Buddy are efficient.

From an installation perspective, unit heaters with venting options (e.g., Big Maxx MHU80 with conversion kit) are more flexible when permanent mounting and thermostat control are required. From a safety and certification standpoint, CSA/UL-listed units provide added assurance for commercial or multi-use barns.