Quick Overview: This guide compares several propane (LP) and convertible heaters suitable for vented installation or dual-fuel setups. The table below summarizes the five selected units from the supplied product list to help you compare capacity, fuel compatibility, and typical coverage at a glance.
| Product | Type | BTU | Coverage | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Propane Wall Heater | Direct Vent Wall | 11,000 | Up To 375 Sq. Ft. | Liquid Propane (LP) |
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Propane Wall Heater | Direct Vent Wall | 17,000 | Up To 570 Sq. Ft. | Liquid Propane (LP) |
| Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx MHU80NG | Unit/Shop Heater (Vented Options) | 80,000 | Up To 2,000 Sq. Ft. | Natural Gas (LP Conversion Kit Included) |
| Mr. Heater MHVFDF30RTT 30,000 BTU Radiant Dual Fuel Heater | Radiant Wall Heater (Dual Fuel, Vent-Free) | 30,000 | Up To 1,000 Sq. Ft. | Propane & Natural Gas |
| Mr. Heater 30K BTU LP Vent Free Blue Flame Heater With Blower | Vent-Free Blue Flame Wall | 30,000 | Up To 1,000 Sq. Ft. | Liquid Propane (LP) |
Content Navigation
- Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Propane Wall Heater
- Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Propane Wall Heater
- Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater
- Mr. Heater MHVFDF30RTT 30,000 BTU Radiant Dual Fuel Heater
- Mr. Heater 30K BTU LP Vent Free Blue Flame Heater With Built In Blower
- Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Vented LP Heater
Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Propane Wall Heater
This direct vent propane wall heater is designed to deliver sealed combustion, drawing outdoor air for combustion and exhausting to the outside. The listed 11,000 BTU rating states it heats up to 375 sq. ft., making it suitable for medium-sized rooms, enclosed additions, or basements with appropriate vent runs.
Key listed features include a sealed burn system, Matchless Piezo Ignition, and a built-in pressure regulator that stops gas flow if the pilot is extinguished. The space-saving wall-mount design (20 H x 17 W x 7 D) is intended for installations requiring a direct vent path through an exterior wall or through dedicated vent kits. For safe operation, follow the manufacturer’s clearance and venting instructions.
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Propane Wall Heater
The 17,000 BTU direct vent unit increases coverage to approximately 570 sq. ft., providing higher output for larger rooms, open-plan areas, or spaces with higher heat loss. It keeps combustion sealed from indoor air and exhausts outdoors via the direct vent system.
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Listed features emphasize a sealed burn system, Matchless Piezo Ignition, and safety pilot with built-in pressure regulation to halt gas flow if the pilot extinguishes. The unit’s dimensions and venting requirements facilitate wall mounting where a reliable direct vent penetration is feasible. This model is positioned for users needing higher output while retaining the safety benefits of sealed combustion.
Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater
The Mr. Heater Big Maxx is an 80,000 BTU unit heater intended for large garages, workshops, or commercial bays with venting options. The product listing notes it supports category 1 vertical or category 3 horizontal venting, and includes 2 angle brackets and an LP conversion kit. The listed coverage is up to 2,000 sq. ft.
Product features list 29.33” L x 15.50” W x 26.37” H, 120 V power for controls (amps 2.3), and a minimum 8 ft clearance from the floor to the base. The inclusion of a LP conversion kit indicates adaptability to propane systems when installed per local codes. This model is appropriate where robust, ducted or vented exhaust is required and professional installation is recommended for safe vent termination and clearances.
Mr. Heater MHVFDF30RTT 30,000 BTU Radiant Dual Fuel Heater
This model is a radiant dual fuel heater delivering 30,000 BTU with infrared-style heat to warm objects and occupants up to 1,000 sq. ft. The listing highlights that it operates on both propane and natural gas, which offers flexibility where fuel options may change.
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Key features noted include advanced infrared technology to warm surfaces directly, fuel consumption rates, and a safety suite including an automatic low oxygen shut-off system and a patented two-step fuel connection to avoid wrong-fuel hook-ups. While this model is vent-free by design, its dual-fuel capability is relevant when considering conversions or installations where ventilation strategy, indoor air quality, and local code compliance are factors.
Mr. Heater 30K BTU LP Vent Free Blue Flame Heater With Built In Blower
This vent-free blue flame heater provides even convection heat across a space up to 1,000 sq. ft. The listing mentions a factory-installed blower for improved circulation and an automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS) for safety. It’s designed for indoor supplemental heating where venting is not installed.
Although vent-free units are not vented to outdoors, the product is relevant because some applications start with vent-free options and later transition to vented strategies. The listing’s emphasis is on even heat distribution, blower support, and ODS safety. For households prioritizing sealed combustion, direct vent models would be the alternative.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Vented LP Heater
When selecting a vented LP heater, consider installation type, combustion safety, capacity, venting method, and local codes. Below are the key factors and different comparison perspectives to guide your choice.
Vented vs Vent-Free: Safety And Indoor Air
- Direct Vent (Vented): Sealed combustion draws outdoor air and exhausts combustion products outdoors. Best where indoor air quality and sealed combustion are priorities.
- Vent-Free: Burns indoor air and does not exhaust to outdoors. These offer high efficiency but can affect indoor humidity and CO2/combustion byproducts; compliance varies by jurisdiction.
Fuel Compatibility And Conversion
- Dedicated LP Models: Designed for propane use and pre-calibrated for pressure and nozzle size.
- Dual Fuel / Conversion Kits: Units like the Big Maxx often include conversion kits or compatibility for LP after conversion; professional conversion and testing are recommended.
Heat Output And Space Coverage
- Match BTU rating to room size and heat loss: smaller units (11k–17k BTU) suit single-room heating; larger units (30k–80k BTU) suit open areas, garages, or workshops.
- Consider insulation, ceiling height, and external wall area when estimating needed BTU.
Venting Options And Installation
- Direct Vent requires a clear exterior penetration and sufficient clearance; choose a unit with manufacturer vent kits and follow local building codes.
- Category 1/3 Venting (for some unit heaters) directs the choice of flue and termination type; professional vent layout is important for long runs and correct draft.
Controls, Blowers, And Thermostats
- Integrated blowers improve heat distribution; built-in thermostats and electronic ignition add convenience.
- Hardwired or plug-in electrical requirements affect placement and installation planning.
Safety Features To Prioritize
- Sealed Combustion/Direct Venting to protect indoor air.
- Automatic Low Oxygen Shutoff (ODS) for vent-free units or dual-fuel units that operate without sealed combustion.
- Pressure Regulators And Safety Pilots that stop gas flow if ignition fails.
Installation And Code Compliance
- Verify local building and fire codes regarding vent-free appliances and direct vent installations.
- Professional installation is recommended for vent routing, flue termination, and gas conversions to ensure compliance and safety.
Comparison Perspectives
- Small Rooms / Direct Vent Preference: Choose direct vent wall heaters with sealed combustion and appropriate BTU rating (e.g., Comfort Glow 11k or 17k).
- Large Garages / Workshops: Consider high-BTU unit heaters with dedicated venting options and conversion kits (e.g., Mr. Heater Big Maxx).
- Fuel Flexibility: Dual-fuel models offer adaptability where fuel availability or infrastructure may change, but check venting and indoor air implications.
- Temporary vs Permanent Install: Portable vent-free units may be easier to install but check code restrictions; permanent living spaces typically benefit from direct vent systems.
When narrowing options, compile your room dimensions, ventilation path, fuel type availability, and local code constraints. Use those data points to match the manufacturer’s BTU and venting specifications, and consult a licensed technician for final sizing and installation.
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