Finding the right propane heater for a tiny house requires balancing heat output, safety features, and installation constraints. The table below summarizes five propane heaters suited for small spaces, highlighting type, BTU range, and best-use scenarios to help narrow choices quickly.
| Product | Type | BTU | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1 | Infrared Vent Free Wall Heater | 6,000–30,000 | Large tiny houses / whole-space radiant heat |
| Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX | Portable Radiant Heater | 4,000–9,000 | Small rooms, spot heating, portable use |
| Mr. Heater MHVFBF20LPT | Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater | 20,000 | Thermostat-controlled room heating |
| ProCom ML300TBA-B | Ventless Blue Flame Heater | Up to 30,000 | High-output wall or floor install |
| Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free Radiant | Radiant Wall Heater | 30,000 | Supplemental heat for larger tiny homes |
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Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Infrared Wall Heater
This Dyna-Glo unit is a vent-free infrared wall heater designed for liquid propane. It uses infrared technology to radiate heat directly to objects and occupants, similar to how sunlight warms surfaces. The variable output ranges from 6,000 to 30,000 BTU/hr, with claimed coverage up to about 1,000 sq. ft., making it suitable for larger tiny houses or open-plan layouts where radiant heat is preferred.
Key considerations based on the listed features: it is liquid propane ready (no conversion allowed) and intended as a wall-mounted vent-free solution. Infrared operation favors fast, directed warmth but requires attention to clearance from combustible materials and indoor ventilation practices consistent with vent-free appliances.
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX
The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy is a compact radiant propane heater offering 4,000–9,000 BTUs. Its portable design and low-end output make it appropriate for small sleeping lofts, studio-style tiny houses, or targeted spot heating. The unit claims effective coverage up to 225 sq. ft., dependent on insulation and ambient conditions.
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Safety and convenience features from the product listing include an improved tip-over safety switch that audibly engages if disturbed and a Piezo igniter for matchless start-up. The portable form factor allows temporary placement and storage, but users should follow manufacturer guidance for indoor-safe operation and local code regarding vent-free portable heaters.
Mr. Heater 20,000 BTU Blue Flame Heater
This blue flame vent-free wall heater delivers up to 20,000 BTU, intended to heat rooms up to approximately 700 sq. ft. It includes an electronic thermostat for temperature control and a battery-powered ignition system for convenient starts. The listed automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS) is a standard safety feature for vent-free installations.
For tiny houses, this model suits owners seeking programmable thermostat control and steady whole-room heating without ductwork. Installation planning should verify that vent-free operation and ODS functionality meet local building codes and indoor air quality expectations.
ProCom 30,000 BTU Blue Flame Heater
The ProCom blue flame heater is a ventless propane unit with a maximum of 30,000 BTU and a compact modern profile for wall-mount or floor placement. The thermostat offers High/Medium/Low settings to modulate heat output, and the design emphasizes a slim footprint suitable for limited wall space in tiny homes.
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According to the features, it supports different mounting options with included hardware and offers a choice of thermostat-controlled operation. Its high output can warm larger tiny homes or open lofts, but ventilation and occupancy levels should be considered when operating vent-free appliances.
Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free Radiant
This vent-free radiant wall heater provides up to 30,000 BTU using multiple burner tiles to produce infrared-style radiant warmth. The product notes high efficiency and indicates potential coverage up to 1,000 sq. ft., which may be more than necessary for many tiny houses but may serve well in larger tiny-home footprints or very cold climates.
Fuel efficiency details are provided (fuel consumption rate), and the design is positioned as a supplemental or primary heat source. As with other vent-free radiant units, users must account for clearance, indoor air quality, and local code restrictions when considering installation inside a tiny house.
Buying Guide: Choosing A Propane Heater For A Tiny House
Selecting a propane heater for a tiny house depends on space, ventilation, safety features, and desired heating behavior. Below are practical factors and comparison perspectives to guide a technically informed purchase.
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Heat Type And Distribution
- Radiant/Infrared: Heats objects and people directly. Good for targeted warmth and quick comfort in open or lofted tiny houses. Examples: Dyna-Glo IR, Mr. Heater 30,000 Radiant.
- Blue Flame: Heats the air first, providing more uniform whole-room heating. Suits enclosed tiny house layouts with thermostat control. Examples: Mr. Heater 20,000 BF, ProCom.
- Portable Radiant: Small, movable units ideal for spot heating and intermittent use. Example: Mr. Heater Buddy.
BTU Capacity Relative To Tiny House Size
- Estimate heat load based on square footage, insulation, ceiling height, and climate. Tiny homes often need 5,000–20,000 BTU depending on insulation and region.
- A higher BTU unit can heat faster or larger spaces but increases fuel consumption and may be oversized for compact layouts.
Vent-Free Vs. Vented
- Vent-Free (Ventless) heaters are efficient and simple to install but operate within the living space. They rely on ODS and produce combustion byproducts indoors; verify code allowances and indoor air quality implications.
- Vented systems exhaust combustion gases outside and are preferred where indoor air quality and moisture control are high priorities, though typically more complex to install.
Safety Features And Certifications
- Look for ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor), tip-over protection (for portable units), and reliable ignition systems.
- Check third-party certifications and compliance with local building codes for indoor gas appliances.
Installation And Space Constraints
- Wall-mount vs. floor models: wall units save floor space but require structural planning and clearances.
- Confirm fuel type and regulator compatibility. Some units are liquid propane only and do not allow conversion.
- Consider proximity to sleeping areas and lofts where CO and ventilation issues are more critical.
Operational Costs And Fuel Consumption
- Compare listed BTU and fuel consumption rates to estimate runtime from typical tank sizes used in tiny houses.
- Higher efficiency (vented or well-modulated burners) can reduce propane use over time but may have higher initial installation needs.
User Scenarios And Recommendation Factors
- If you need portable, temporary heat, choose a compact radiant model with tip-over protection like the Mr. Heater Buddy.
- If you want thermostatic whole-room control, a blue flame vent-free wall heater with thermostat is appropriate for sealed tiny houses.
- If your tiny house has an open layout and you prefer quick radiant warmth, consider an infrared vent-free radiant unit with appropriate clearance.
Installation, Venting, And Local Codes
- Before purchasing, verify local codes for vent-free propane heaters inside living spaces. Some jurisdictions restrict or prohibit vent-free appliances in primary living areas.
- Engage a licensed technician for permanent wall-mounted installations and gas connections to ensure safe operation and compliance.
Comparative Checklist
- Size Of Space: Match BTU to heated volume, not just square footage.
- Air Quality: Prefer vented solutions if indoor ventilation is limited or occupants have respiratory sensitivities.
- Control Needs: Determine whether a thermostat or simple on/off control suffices.
- Portability: Evaluate whether temporary or fixed heating is desired.
- Fuel Source Compatibility: Confirm liquid propane readiness and regulator requirements.