The Best Non-Electric Heaters for All Your Needs, Tested

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Keep the patio in use long after the days of summer have gone, make that cold bonus room toasty, and prepare for winter power outages with a non-electric heater.

Editor’s Note: Testing for this article took place in late 2023 and these products remain our current top recommendations for 2024 until we revisit this category. Stay tuned for our 2024 updates.

A midwinter ice storm has knocked out the power on your block, and the temperature on the thermostat is plummeting. With the power company sidelined by impassable roads, you are left to fend for yourself. Are you prepared? If not, get prepared by investing in a reliable non-electric heater to keep your family toasty when your HVAC system can’t.

Finding the perfect non-electric heater includes evaluating the types, figuring out the spaces it needs to heat, and determining how portable the unit needs to be. Keep reading to learn about these and other important shopping considerations, and check out some of the best non-electric heaters below. Each of these can help keep you all warm and fuzzy whether you have electricity or not. We did hands-on testing with most of these heaters (there was only one that we didn’t try ourselves) to learn their ins and outs, and we did the assembly ourselves, too. That gave us a better picture of how, when, and where these heaters function best.

1. BEST OVERALL: Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy Propane Heater
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
3. BEST COMPACT: Mr. Heater MH4B Little Buddy Propane Heater
4. BEST KEROSENE: Dyna-Glo 50,000 BTU Kerosene Forced-Air Heater 
5. BEST NATURAL GAS: Mr. Heater Vent-Free Blue Flame Natural Gas Heater
6. BEST PROPANE: Dura Heat TT-360 Propane 360-Degree Tank Top Heater
7. BEST FOR OUTDOORS: AZ Patio Heaters Hiland Portable Propane Patio Heater
8. ALSO CONSIDER: Sengoku HeatMate Kerosene Radiant Heater

Before You Buy a Non-Electric Heater

Before shopping for a non-electric heater, it’s important to understand the product’s limitations. A non-electric heater shouldn’t replace a home’s primary HVAC system. Attempting to use a non-electric heater as the main source of heat for a home presents several hazards. Gas heaters can produce high carbon monoxide levels in a home, which can cause illness and even death if not carefully monitored. Non-electric heaters also use an open flame and fuel, creating a potential fire hazard.

For these reasons, non-electric heaters should never be left unattended for long and should never be used in a confined space with sealed doors and windows. It’s also a good idea to have a separate carbon monoxide detector in the same room as the heater. Look for non-electric heaters that will shut off automatically when carbon monoxide levels in a room reach too high a level. If you’re looking for a primary heat source for your home, you’ll want to shop for an HVAC system.

How We Tested the Best Non-Electric Heaters

The non-electric heaters were all tested outdoors, and models approved for indoor use were tested indoors as well. We evaluated each one based on an established set of parameters, including assembly and setup, heating radius, portability, and performance.

• Assembly and setup: Some non-electric heaters require no assembly, while others can take a couple of hours. We evaluated the complexity of assembly and the quality of the assembly instructions. We evaluated how difficult it was to fuel or connect, empty, and access the fuel source.
• Heating radius: Those models safe for indoor use were tested in an 11-foot-long by 10-foot-wide office kept at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. All models were tested outdoors in approximately 40 to 55 degree Fahrenheit weather with light winds. We used a tape measure and incrementally stepped further from the heater to determine the heat radius.
• Portability: The heaters were moved into several locations throughout testing, from a garage to a back patio and, finally, a shop.
• Performance: We evaluated the number of heat settings and how effective each setting was while in use.

Our Top Picks

Whether it’s propane, kerosene, natural gas, indoor, or outdoor, our top picks include non-electric heaters to suit a variety of different needs. These heaters were put through the paces in our hands-on testing. They come from some of the best-known names in heaters and range in size from portable 3,800 British thermal units (BTU) models for camping to large 50,000 BTU heaters for industrial use.

Best Overall

Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy Propane Heater

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Product Specs

• Dimensions: 13.25 inches tall by 13.25 inches wide by 8 inches deep
• BTUs: 4,000 to 9,000
• Fuel: Propane

Pros

• It’s lightweight and portable, even with the 1-pound propane bottle attached
• With swivel regulator, uses 1-pound gas cylinder or connects to a larger tank through a hose
• High heat output works well inside or outside, and can be adjusted for maximum comfort

Cons

• Emits a slight hum of the pilot light and some odor from the propane
• Starts creating a popping noise when the propane begins to run out

Take heat where it’s needed with this portable propane heater from Mr. Heater. The Buddy weighs just 10.6 pounds but packs a punch with a maximum output of 9,000 BTUs, which is enough to heat a 225-square-foot room or the inside of a large tent. With its rugged design and large handle, the Buddy can be transported almost anywhere. It also has a bevy of safety features, including a low oxygen shutoff and a tip-over shutoff. Power and portability make the Buddy an excellent option for a wide variety of heating needs.

Let’s start by saying that the tip-over shutoff works. Testing started inside a somewhat crowded garage, and the heater got tipped over. It shut off immediately and no propane leaked. As far as performance, this heater puts out an impressive amount of heat for its size. We used it in a small office and nearly got cooked out.

The weight, even with the 1-pound propane bottle attached, is light enough to be portable. We used the swivel regulator to attach a hose to a 20-pound tank. Of course, the heater loses some of its portability when it has a 20-pound tank attached.

This heater worked inside or out and got tested in a garage, a living room, on a patio, and in a shop. The only issue was the slight odor from the propane and a light hum from the pilot light. Once the propane started to get low, the heater got noisier, emitting a popping noise in the few minutes before the propane ran out.

Get the Mr. Heater MH9BX non-electric heater at Amazon or The Home Depot. 

Runner-Up

Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater

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Product Specs

• Dimensions: 91.3 inches tall by 32.12 inches in diameter
• BTUs: 46,000
• Fuel: Propane

Pros

• Puts out a good amount of heat and offers some output adjustability
• Lightweight and easy to move around a patio or deck thanks to 2 small wheels on base
• Attractive enough design to leave out during warm months
• More affordable when it’s compared to similar large outdoor models

Cons

• Height puts heating radius up a little too high for most uses

This relatively affordable outdoor gas heater boasts a 9-foot heating radius thanks to its height. However, in hands-on testing, we found the height put that heating radius a bit high for most uses. With some adjustability, this heater puts out 46,000 BTUs. The heat is comfortable, and the attractive design feels upscale in the backyard.

Assembly took about 30 to 45 minutes and included filling the base with water or sand (we chose water). You can use the included tools, but a ratchet wrench of your own will help when tightening down all the screws and covers. The body is made of durable stainless steel that had no problem weathering a blustery rainstorm (or two).

The heater stays maneuverable with two small wheels on the base. At 91.3 inches tall, this model towers above most of the competitors. In this instance, we’re not sure the height really helped; during testing, we found that it was so tall that we couldn’t feel the heat quite as well in colder temperatures. It still radiated that full 9 feet, but heat rises, which meant that those of us on the shorter end of the spectrum couldn’t feel the warmth when farther away from the heater.

Get the Amazon Basics non-electric heater at Amazon.

Best Compact

Mr. Heater MH4B Little Buddy Propane Heater

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Product Specs

• Dimensions: 12 inches tall by 9.75 inches in diameter
• BTUs: 3,800 per hour
• Fuel: 1-pound propane cylinders

Pros

• Portable and lightweight, so it’s ideal for travel and outdoor use
• Easy 2-step setup process gets heat pumping quickly for instant warmth
• Despite its compact size, it produces quite a bit of heat for a smaller space

Cons

• Easier to tip over than other designs, so its tip-over shutoff is an important safety feature
• Only offers a single heat setting
• Can only be used with 1-pound propane bottles

The small size and weight of this heater are ideal for taking it along on a cool-weather camping trip or an outdoor picnic in brisk autumn air. It can even warm up a chilly garage workshop. The Little Buddy measures just 12 inches high and 9.75 inches in diameter and weighs just 5.85 pounds, which is small enough to fit into most backpacks. With its ability to pump out 3,800 BTUs of heat per hour, this little heater can warm up to 95 square feet of space. It runs off of a standard 1-pound propane canister, which lasts between 5 and 6 hours. Safety features include a low-oxygen supply shutoff and an accidental tip-over shutoff.

This little heater is incredibly handy, lightweight, and quiet; we barely noticed it was there. Hunters could use it in a blind without announcing their presence. Assembly and setup were simple, too. All it took to get going was connecting the propane and pressing the igniter button. We happened to have the 20-year-old predecessor to this little guy. While the current Little Buddy doesn’t put out quite as much heat, it’s much safer and quieter. It’s a good thing it has the tip-over shutoff because the 8-inch base is easy to knock over. The downside is a single heat setting and the fact that it can only be used with 1-pound propane bottles.

Get the Mr. Heater MH4B non-electric heater at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or The Home Depot.

Best Kerosene

Dyna-Glo 50,000 BTU Kerosene Forced-Air Heater

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Product Specs

• Dimensions: 16.7 inches tall by 32 inches wide by 11.7 inches deep
• BTUs: 50,000
• Fuel: K1 kerosene, #1 fuel oil, #1 diesel, #2 fuel oil, #2 diesel, jet A, JP-8

Pros

• Puts out a lot of heat, even beating a wood stove in our test
• Powerful fan circulates the heat well throughout decent-size spaces
• Can run off of 7 different fuel types, including diesel

Cons

• Has 1 heat setting only, so flexibility of temperature isn’t its strong suit
• It’s loud and can be disruptive to normal conversation
• Cannot be used without electricity, which is required by the fan

Pumping out 50,000 BTUs of heat through its cannon-shaped design, this kerosene heater from Dyna-Glo is helpful when it comes to warming up spaces that a home’s HVAC system doesn’t service, like garages and large sheds that function as workshops. A powerful blower allows it to heat up to 1,200 square feet of unheated space, and its ample 5-gallon tank can provide heat for up to 14 hours. A convenient fuel gauge lets the user know how many hours of fuel are remaining. There’s a large handle that lends to easy transport of this heater, which weighs about 27 pounds. Safety features include overheat shut-off protection and a flameout sensor.

This heater is no joke. We tested it in an 800-square-foot uninsulated shop in 50 degree Fahrenheit weather. We already have a wood stove in the shop but wanted to see how the Dyna-Glo compared. This heater single-handedly made more heat than the wood stove. Not only that, but the powerful fan pumped the heat through the space much more efficiently. The owner’s manual specifies that this heater can be used with seven fuel sources, including diesel. Kerosene is the recommended choice because it burns cleaner, but it’s nice to know you have options.

There were a couple of downsides, however. First, we tested the very base model, which has only one heat setting. The second con—this heater is loud. You can’t have a nice quiet conversation while it’s going. Finally, the fan requires electricity, so it’s not useful for power outages.

Get the Dyna-Glo non-electric heater at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Natural Gas

Mr. Heater Vent-Free Blue Flame Natural Gas Heater

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Product Specs

• Dimensions: 27 inches tall by 23.75 inches wide by 11.25 inches deep
• BTUs: 30,000
• Fuel: Natural gas

Pros

• Can be mounted to the wall or placed on the floor for portability, offering versatility
• Built-in thermostat enables easy temperature control
• Available in a propane version for those without a natural gas hookup

Cons

• Must be used in a well-ventilated area or it will shut off

For raw heating power, it’s tough to beat this natural gas heater. With 30,000 BTUs, this convection heater can make a 1,000-square-foot space feel toasty. In addition to being powerful, it’s versatile and can be mounted to the wall or sit on the floor. Features include a thermostat that enables easy temperature control and an automatic low-oxygen shut-off valve.

Shoppers will also be attracted to its design. With its narrow profile, fireplace looks, and visible flames, this is a heater that can be displayed in almost any living area. For those without a natural gas hookup, the Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU heater is also available in a propane version.

Get the Mr. Heater natural gas heater at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or Appliances Connection.

Best Propane

Dura Heat TT-360 Propane 360-Degree Tank Top Heater

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Product Specs 

• Dimensions: 20 inches tall (bottom of bracket to top of grill) by 9.25 inches diameter
• BTUs: 40,000
• Fuel: Propane

Pros

• Produces a lot of heat while being compact enough to move around easily
• Simple installation on the collar of a 20-pound propane tank with just 1 set screw
• Tip-over switch shuts off the flow of propane if the tank tips over

Cons

• A nightmare to light with matches, so we suggest using a barbecue lighter and patience

Dura Heat’s TT-360 propane heater is a great choice for anyone who keeps a 20-pound bottle of propane or two around the home (like under a grill). It features a bracket that atta