If you live in a cold climate, you know first-hand the importance of reliable heat during the winter and colder months. This is especially the case when you are working in an area more prone to the elements from outside leaking in like a garage. These areas also can have issues with power failures during the harshest months.
The purchase of a non-electric heater is a really good idea. In this article, we will help you decide which are the best non-electric space heaters for your purposes.
- List of the TOP 6 Non-Electric Space Heaters in 2023
- 1. Mr. Heater MH18B – Best Portable Propane Heater
- 2. Mr. Heater MH9BX – Best Indoor-Safe Radiant Heater
- 3. Sengoku HeatMate – Radiant Forced Air Heater
- 4. Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG – Best Mobility Heater
- 5. Sengoku HeatMate – Best Radiant Kerosene Heater
- 6. Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free – Best Natural Gas Heater
- Different Types of Non-Electric Space Heaters
- Benefits and Drawbacks of Non-Electric Space Heaters
- Safety Tips for Non-Electric Heaters
List of the TOP 6 Non-Electric Space Heaters in 2023
1. Mr. Heater MH18B – Best Portable Propane Heater
Mr. Heater MH18B is one of the best indoor heaters that don’t require electricity. It has an affordable price and also power and ability to heat a greater size area. This device is also built for safety, including safety features like auto-shutoff. This function is designed to turn the heater off if it is tipped over or if there is a failure of the pilot light.
The MH18B can be used in indoor and outdoor settings and can heat areas up to 450 square feet. With a compact design, this is a lot of power in a small easy to use package. This heater fails to work well at altitudes above 7000 ft. This, however, is mostly due to its safety features which include a low oxygen level sensor.
The unit comes in a black and red design and has a 3 setting control module. The settings on it are low, medium, and high. These are to be able to control your comfort level within the range of the heater. It produces up to 18,000 BTUs which is a great result for a non-electric portable heater.
Pros:
- Portable and compact model
- Effective indoor and outdoor
- Loaded with safety features
- Simple 3 setting switch controls
Cons:
- Propane tank not included
2. Mr. Heater MH9BX – Best Indoor-Safe Radiant Heater
Mr. Heater MH9BX is capable of heating up a space of 225 square feet indoors or outdoors. This non-electric propane heater is nearly 100 percent efficient. The Buddy heats at a rate between 4000 and 9000 BTU and has a max run time of 3 hrs.
The unit is small and portable and includes a fold-out carrying handle. It is a durable design made from steel, nickel, and plastic. It is also quite user-friendly with a simple four-setting control interface.
The MH9BX has quite a few important safety features, for example, the auto-shutoff function that kicks in if it is tipped over. If the pilot light goes out it also shuts off automatically. Low oxygen levels will also cause the device to turn off. This is a contributing factor to the heater not working well in altitudes above 7000 ft.
Pros:
- User-friendly controls
- Compact with great mobility
- Burns at a very high efficiency
- Very safe design
Cons:
- Compact design sacrifices a little bit of power
- Functions poorly above 7000 ft
3. Sengoku HeatMate – Radiant Forced Air Heater
Sengoku HeatMate kerosene space heater is a very versatile model with a built-in fan the circulates the heat output efficiently throughout the space. This unit is extremely versatile due to it being able to operate as a portable.
It has several safety features including an overheat shutoff protection and flameout sensor. The device is very efficient at spreading the heat it outputs due to its special wave design. It is ideal as a portable heater to heat industrial and outdoor constructions as it can heat up to 1,750 square foot area.
Overall this unit is a compact and efficient design. It is CSA certified for multi-fuel use with fuel types kerosene, diesel, fuel oil, and jet A and JP-8. However, the manufacturer recommends using kerosene for the most optimal burn and a long-lasting product life.
Pros:
Propane Heaters
- Wave-technology spreads heat quickly and evenly
- Very little noise pollution from the blower
- Overheat Shutoff Protection and other safety features
- Portable
Cons:
- To strong for smaller indoor spaces
4. Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG – Best Mobility Heater
Another powerful option for a non-electric space heater is Dyna-Glo Cabinet Heater. It outputs anywhere from 6000 to 18,000 BTU and can heat an area up to 600 square feet. Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG is great for use in a warehouse or garage-like setting as it has four casters on the bottom and side carry handles.
This is a great space heater for larger workspaces due to its highly mobile design. It comes with a few safety features including a front safety grill and an oxygen depletion sensor. Dyna-Glo heater can provide heat on its lowest setting continuously for an impressive 64 hours without electricity.
Pros:
- Very mobile with wheels and carry handles
- Lightweight
- Can heat a relatively large area
- Can last up to 64 hrs on one tank
Cons:
- Propane tank not included
- Casters made of plastic
5. Sengoku HeatMate – Best Radiant Kerosene Heater
One of the more efficient and powerful portable kerosene heaters is the Sengoku HeatMate Radiant Kerosine Heater. This is a compact device at only 27 lbs but also has a powerful output with a heating range of up to 400 square feet.
This is a great option during an emergency. The kerosene tank is capable of outputting heat for up to 14 hrs containing 1.2 gallons per cycle. The downside of Sengoku HeatMate is that you may need to carry replacement parts if you are using it as a mobile unit. The wicks and batteries are known to wear out and this heater cannot run without them.
Sengoku HeatMate also has many safety features including an auto shut off. It has a push-button starter that increases its ease of use and is suitable for use in your home as it burns fuel efficiently.
Pros:
- Lasts up to 14 hours on just over a gallon of fuel
- Lightweight and easy to travel with
- Adaptable to any use whether it be indoor or outdoor
- Powerful heater ranging up to 400 square feet
Cons:
- Parts wear out quickly, especially wicks and batteries
- Not the most durable design, built with lower-cost materials
6. Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free – Best Natural Gas Heater
Mr. Heater Blue Flame Natural Gas Heater offers a substantial 30,000 BTU of heat that can heat about 1000 square feet in a matter of minutes. Hence, it is exceptionally suitable for use in large living spaces.
The heater features a clean, blue-flame burner to create powerful heat convection currents in your whole room, spreading heat to all corners in the room. Along with this, it includes a CSA-certified low-oxygen shut-down system for your safety and an incredible thermostat with six-dial settings for heat control.
With a battery-powered ignition system, you can start your heater with just a push of a button, even during a power outage. What’s more, Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU heater is also quite easy-to-install. You can either place it directly on the floor or mount it on the wall according to your needs.
Pros:
- Adjustable thermostat
- Automatic low-oxygen shut-off safety feature
- Includes legs and wall-mounting hardware for installation
- Battery-powered ignition
Cons:
- Does not include a blower fan
- Bulky design
Different Types of Non-Electric Space Heaters
Two types of non-electric heaters differ based on their fuel source. These are propane driven heaters and kerosene driven heaters. There are several differences between the two of them and they both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Propane space heaters are incredibly useful for indoor and outdoor usage depending on the style. Different models can be used solely for wither indoor or outdoor usage. The primary disadvantage of propane is that is a gas that does not burn efficiently at higher altitudes.
Propane at average altitudes, however, is a very clean-burning and efficient fuel source that is capable of producing heat for long periods. Although it is not as powerful as some of the kerosene burning heaters, propane will get the job done in garages, workshops, and on the go.
Kerosene Heaters
Of the two styles, kerosene burning space heaters have a higher capacity for power. These units can produce a heat range of over 1000 square feet and still burn quite efficiently. They also have a functional advantage over propane at higher altitudes.
Because kerosine is a liquid instead of gas, it is not as detrimentally affected by higher altitudes. There is still the issue, however, of less oxygen in those regions to combine with the fuel. Even kerosene cannot burn in areas with limited amounts of oxygen. A disadvantage of kerosene is that it is slightly harder to ignite than propane and requires additional parts like wicks to get a burn going.
Natural Gas Heaters
Natural gas heaters are the most commonly used heaters in all of the US. Although they work quite similarly to propane heaters, there are a few stark differences between them.
Firstly, you need a permanent gas line connection for your natural gas heaters, which dramatically limits your heater’s portability. Besides this, you will need professional help to install your heater to your gas line properly.
On a positive note, natural gas heaters cut down frequent trips to fill your tank. They are also extremely efficient and create powerful convection currents for fast heating. If all this was not enough, natural gas heaters are more eco-friendly and cost-friendly than many heaters in the market.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Non-Electric Space Heaters
There are many benefits and also some drawbacks of owning and operating a non-electric space heater. The main drawback would be the acquisition and maintenance of fuel supply. The benefits are numerous, mainly being that they remove a level of dependence on electricity.
Benefits:
- Great for emergency use when electricity is unavailable
- Many heaters are portable and versatile
- Can be used in areas where electricity is inaccessible
- Great for outdoor work in winter
Drawbacks:
- Require periodic refueling
- Devices vary in indoor and outdoor compatibility
Safety Tips for Non-Electric Heaters
Although most of these units are built with numerous safety features and shut-off switches it is still crucially important that you follow the instructions and safety guidelines while operating your heater. The heaters will shut off if they are accidentally tipped over most of the time, but this does not mean that you should not take due care in placing them in an area with little to no foot traffic or possibility of being knocked over.
To assure safe use of your non-electric space heater you should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Do not use device around any flammable materials
- Use heater on a clear and level surface
- Do not use in an area with heavy foot traffic or risk of tipping
- Only use the proper fuel source for the heater
- Follow instructions pertaining to outdoor/indoor usage
