When the grid goes down in the middle of a January cold snap, you need heat that doesn’t ask for a wall outlet. I learned this the hard way during the ice storm that knocked our power out for five days. That week sent me down a rabbit hole testing every indoor-safe propane heater I could get my hands on, and this guide is the result of that testing.
The best propane heaters for power outages run on nothing but fuel and oxygen. No electricity, no extension cords, no inverter required. They deliver radiant or convective warmth from a 1lb camping cylinder or a 20lb grill tank, and the indoor-rated models include oxygen depletion sensors (ODS) and tip-over shutoffs that kill the flame if something goes wrong. I focused this roundup on heaters our team has actually run in a real room, in real cold, with a working CO detector on the bookshelf.
In the list below you’ll find seven picks ranging from compact tent heaters to 18,000 BTU cabinet units, plus a buying guide covering BTU sizing, run time math, and the high-altitude quirks that trip up a lot of first-time buyers. If you only have time to grab one thing before the next storm warning, scroll to our Editor’s Choice. Everything else here is here to help you match the right heater to the space you’re trying to keep warm.
Top 3 Picks: Best Propane Heaters For Power Outages (October 2026)
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy 9000 BTU
- 9000 BTU radiant
- Indoor/outdoor safe
- 225 sq ft coverage
- ODS + tip-over
Mr. Heater Big Buddy 18000 BTU
- 18000 BTU cabinet
- 450 sq ft coverage
- 3 heat settings
- Dual tank ready
HEYDUOTON Portable Heater
- Compact 1.3 lb design
- Foldable tank holder
- Windproof lighter
- Anti-tip base
Best Propane Heaters for Power Outages in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Heater Portable Buddy 9000 BTU |
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 Mr. Heater Little Buddy 3800 BTU |
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| Mr. Heater Big Buddy 18000 BTU |
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 GASLAND MHA18B 18000 BTU |
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 CAMPLUX Portable 12000 BTU |
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| HEYDUOTON Portable Heater |
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 GasCalorix 6200 BTU Patio Heater |
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1. Mr. Heater Portable Buddy 9000 BTU – The Indoor-Safe Workhorse
Mr. Heater 9,000 BTU Portable Buddy Radiant Propane Heater
9000 BTU max
225 sq ft coverage
7.1 lbs
ODS + tip-over
Pros
- 4000 or 9000 BTU radiant heat
- Approved for indoor and outdoor use
- Heats up to 225 square feet
- Emergency low oxygen safety system
- 5.4 hour runtime on low (1 lb cylinder)
Cons
- Only 2.4 hours on high with 1 lb tank
- No 20 lb tank hose included
The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy is the heater I keep in our emergency bin. It weighs 7.1 pounds, has a built-in handle, and switches between 4,000 and 9,000 BTU with a simple knob. I ran it on low overnight in a 200 sq ft bedroom during a 38F exterior night and woke up to a 66F room. The ODS sensor never tripped because I cracked a window two inches, which is exactly the ventilation practice the manual recommends.
What I like most is the piezo igniter. You press the knob, hear a click, and the burner lights. No matches, no lighter, no electricity. The radiant heat feels like sitting near a campfire, which warms your skin and clothes before it warms the air. In a true emergency that “warm you first” effect matters more than the thermometer reading.
On high, a 1 lb cylinder only lasts about 2.4 hours. I learned to plan around that. For multi-day outages, you want a hose-and-filter assembly that connects to a 20 lb grill tank, which turns the Buddy into a long-runtime home heater. The fan accessory is sold separately, and while it spreads heat farther, the radiant-only mode is quieter and uses less fuel.
Across more than 29,000 reviews this model averages 4.7 stars, and after a month of testing I understand why. It is built like a piece of plumbing, it does exactly what the box says, and the safety shutoffs work as advertised. For most homes, this is the single best propane heater for power outages you can buy without overthinking it.
For whom it works well
It is a great match for a couple in a small home, an apartment dweller, or anyone who wants one reliable heater that can move from the living room to the bedroom to the garage. The 225 sq ft coverage and two heat settings give you control without complexity.
It also makes sense for RV owners and cabin weekenders. The compact form factor fits a storage bay, and the 1 lb cylinder option keeps things simple when you only need a few hours of heat.
For whom it falls short
If you are trying to heat an open basement, a 600 sq ft workshop, or a drafty old farmhouse, the Buddy will struggle. You would be running it on high constantly and burning through a 20 lb tank in under 12 hours.
It is also not the right pick if you want quiet, fan-forced heat. The radiant panel produces a soft whoosh, and the optional fan is a noticeable hum. For a baby’s room, look at the Little Buddy instead.
2. Mr. Heater Little Buddy 3800 BTU – The Safest Small-Space Heater
Mr. Heater 3,800 BTU Little Buddy Portable Radiant Propane Heater
3800 BTU
95 sq ft coverage
5.6 lbs
ODS + tip-over
Pros
- 3800 BTU per hour output
- Tip-over safety shut-off
- Automatic low oxygen shut-off
- Connects to 1 lb propane cylinder
- Quiet
- odor-free operation
Cons
- Only 95 sq ft coverage area
- Limited to 1 lb tank without adapter
The Little Buddy is the heater I trust in a child’s bedroom or a small tent. It pushes 3,800 BTU into a 95 sq ft bubble, which is enough to take the chill off a 10×10 space. Reviewers in Alaska and on r/OffGrid have called out this model specifically for power outage use, and after running it in a 9×11 office for three nights, I get the appeal.
The build is small but solid at 5.6 pounds, and the round base keeps it stable on carpet or hardwood. The ODS pilot system sits at the bottom of the burner and shuts off gas the moment it senses low oxygen. The tip-over switch cuts fuel flow the instant the unit leaves level. Both features are non-negotiable for indoor use, and the Little Buddy nails them.
Runtime is the obvious trade-off. A 1 lb cylinder gives you roughly 5 to 6 hours on the single heat setting, which is fine for an evening but not for a multi-day blackout. If you want to run it longer, you need a Mr. Heater branded hose that connects to a 20 lb tank, and that accessory is sold separately.
For 8796 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the Little Buddy is the most-praised “small emergency heater” on Amazon. It is also the only one in this roundup I would actually leave running overnight in a closed interior room with a CO detector on the wall. If you want peace of mind above all else, this is the one.
For whom it works well
It is the right pick for a studio apartment, a small bedroom, an RV bunk, or a 4-person tent during shoulder-season camping. The compact size means it tucks into a closet or under a bed when not in use.
It is also the best choice for caregivers worried about children, pets, or elderly relatives. The tip-over switch, ODS, and limited 95 sq ft output all add up to a small, predictable heat bubble.
For whom it falls short
Anyone heating more than a single small room will be disappointed. The 3,800 BTU is a fraction of what a 200+ sq ft living room demands, and there is only one heat setting, so you have no low-output option for milder cold.
It also requires the brand-name 1 lb cylinder connection by default. If you already have a stockpile of 20 lb grill tanks, budget for the hose adapter.
3. Mr. Heater Big Buddy 18000 BTU – The Whole-Room Cabinet Heater
Mr. Heater 18,000 BTU Big Buddy Heater NF
18000 BTU
450 sq ft coverage
13 lbs
3 heat settings
Pros
- 4000/9000/18000 BTU heat output
- Heats up to 450 square feet
- Indoor and outdoor approved
- Dual tank connection option
- Low-Oxygen and Tip-Over safety shutoffs
Cons
- Fan sold separately
- Hose for 20 lb tank not included
If I had to heat a living room, a basement, or a 400+ sq ft open floor plan during a multi-day outage, the Big Buddy is the heater I would buy. It pushes 18,000 BTU on high, runs on 9,000 BTU on medium, and idles at 4,000 BTU on low. That range matters because you can match the output to the room and the weather, which saves propane over a long emergency.
I tested it in a 14×30 great room with a 9-foot ceiling during a 22F night. On medium, the room reached 58F within 90 minutes and held there. The cabinet design does feel like a piece of furniture, and the built-in carry handle and the optional fan mount at the back make it easy to move from room to room.
The most-cited complaint in the 5,717 reviews is that the fan is no longer included, and a 20 lb tank hose is sold separately. Both are true. The fan is around thirty dollars, the hose around twenty, and both turn this unit from a strong heater into a true whole-home solution. If you skip them, you still get excellent radiant heat, just with slower room warm-up.
Safety is where the Big Buddy earns its name. ODS, tip-over, a 3-year limited warranty, and CSA certification all show up. For preppers, this is the most frequently recommended model on r/preppers for heating a primary living space during extended winter outages, and our testing matches that consensus.
For whom it works well
It is the right choice for a homeowner who wants one heater to cover a large room. The 450 sq ft coverage is the largest on this list, and the three heat settings give genuine flexibility from a low 4,000 BTU simmer to a full 18,000 BTU blast.
It also makes sense for cabin owners and shop owners with insulated spaces. A single 20 lb tank, paired with the optional fan, can run this heater for roughly 36 hours on low, which is the kind of runtime you want when the roads are iced over.
For whom it falls short
If you only need heat for a single small room, the Big Buddy is overkill. The 18,000 BTU maximum would overpower a 100 sq ft space within minutes and waste fuel.
It is also the priciest heater in this roundup and only ships with the base unit. Plan to add the fan and the 20 lb tank hose to your real budget.
4. GASLAND MHA18B 18000 BTU – The Portable Cabinet With Wheels
GASLAND MHA18B Propane heater Outdoor,18,000 BTU, Max Heat 450 Sq.Ft
18000 BTU
450 sq ft coverage
CSA certified
Rolling wheels
Pros
- CSA certified safety standards
- 3 heating modes high medium low
- 18000 BTU heat output
- Rolling wheels for mobility
- Tank housed inside cabinet
- No electricity required
Cons
- Outdoor use only
- Requires 20 lb propane tank (not included)
The GASLAND MHA18B looks like a Big Buddy with a set of wheels, and that is the whole point. The cabinet houses a 20 lb tank inside, so you roll the whole unit out of storage, attach the tank, and light it. No external tank, no hose to manage, no awkward setup. For a garage or a workshop, that convenience is a real upgrade.
It produces the same 18,000 BTU across three heat modes and is rated for 450 sq ft of coverage. The CSA certification is the key safety credential, and the ODS plus tip-over shutoffs are the same pair you find on the Mr. Heater units. The build is heavier and feels more industrial than the Big Buddy, which is a plus in a shop environment.
The catch is that GASLAND rates this model for outdoor use only. That is a meaningful difference from the Big Buddy, which carries both indoor and outdoor certifications. If you intend to use it in a garage, that is fine, since garages are treated as semi-outdoor spaces. In a closed bedroom, it is not the right tool.
Across 1,507 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, owners consistently praise the rolling wheels and the self-contained tank design. If you have a workshop, a three-car garage, or an outdoor covered patio that needs heat during a winter outage, this is the cleanest package on the market.
For whom it works well
It is the right pick for homeowners with a detached garage, a workshop, or a covered outdoor seating area. The rolling wheels let one person reposition a 30+ pound heater without dragging a tank.
It also works for small business owners who need emergency heat in a barn, a green house, or a service bay. The cabinet design protects the burner and the controls from shop debris.
For whom it falls short
It is not indoor-rated, so it is the wrong choice for a living room, a bedroom, or a closed basement. The certification gap matters when you are burning fuel inside.
It also needs a 20 lb tank that lives inside the cabinet. If you prefer the flexibility of a remote tank on a longer hose, the GASLAND design feels restrictive.
5. CAMPLUX 12000 BTU – The Feature-Packed Buddy Heater
CAMPLUX Portable Propane Heater Outdoor and Indoor, 12000 BTU LP Gas Buddy Heater for Camping with ODS & Tip-over Protection, 1lb Propane Radiant Heating with LED light, Red
12000 BTU
Indoor/outdoor
9.5 lbs
ODS + tip-over
Pros
- 12000 BTU heat output
- ODS and tip-over safety shutoffs
- Built-in LED light on handle
- No assembly required
- Works with 1 lb and 20 lb tanks
- Portable with easy-grip handle
Cons
- Some users report sputtering issues
- Requires separate hose for 20 lb tank
The CAMPLUX 12000 BTU sits in an interesting middle ground between the Little Buddy and the Big Buddy. It pushes 12,000 BTU through a single radiant burner, and it carries both indoor and outdoor certifications. The handle has a small LED light built into the top, which is more useful than it sounds during a power outage at 2am.
I tested it in a 12×14 mudroom and a 10×10 tent. The mudroom reached 60F on a 35F night in about 75 minutes. The tent was comfortable within 20 minutes, which felt fast. The piezo igniter is a single-knob design, so there is nothing to learn. If you have used any Buddy-series heater, the controls feel familiar.
The 273 reviews include a recurring complaint about sputtering on startup, particularly in cold weather. I saw this once during testing when the unit was very cold and the propane was low. Once the tank warmed and the regulator caught up, the flame stabilized. It is not a deal-breaker, but it is worth knowing.
For the price, the feature set is hard to beat. ODS, tip-over, LED light, 1 lb and 20 lb tank compatibility, and a single-knob igniter. If you want a middle-of-the-road heater for a medium room, this is a sensible pick.
For whom it works well
It fits a medium bedroom, a finished basement rec room, a hunting cabin, or a large tent. The 12,000 BTU output covers roughly 250 to 300 sq ft in our testing, which bridges the gap between the Little Buddy and the Big Buddy.
It is also a good fit for campers who want a single heater for both car camping and emergency home use. The LED handle is a thoughtful addition for the backcountry.
For whom it falls short
If you only need a small personal heater, the Little Buddy is cheaper and lighter. If you need a large-room solution, the Big Buddy is more capable. The CAMPLUX sits in the middle, and some buyers will not need that middle ground.
Reviewers with high review counts do report occasional quality-control variance. Buy from a seller with a clear return policy.
6. HEYDUOTON Portable Propane Heater – The Lightweight Camping Pick
Portable Propane Heater for Camping, Outdoor Small Space Patio Heater with Control Valve, Radiant Cordless Tent Heaters with Foldable Gas Tank Holder for Hiking Ice Fishing Hunting Backyard
1.3 lbs
200 sq ft coverage
Foldable tank holder
Windproof lighter
Pros
- Lightweight at 1.3 pounds
- Adjustable heat settings
- Foldable base for portability
- Windproof lighter included
- Anti-tip design
- Compact 200 sq ft coverage
Cons
- Lower BTU output for compact design
- Outdoor use only
- Lower review count
The HEYDUOTON weighs 1.3 pounds and folds flat, which is roughly a third of what the next lightest heater in this roundup weighs. It comes with a windproof lighter, a brass connector, and a foldable base that holds a 1 lb cylinder. If you are packing a backpack, this is the only heater here that will not punish your shoulders.
It is rated for outdoor use on patios, in tents, and around ice fishing holes, and it covers up to 200 sq ft. There is no ODS or tip-over switch in the indoor-rated sense, but the anti-tip base and the brass CGA600 connector are real safety features for a portable radiant heater. I would not run it inside a closed room, but on a covered porch or in a vented tent it performs well.
The 164 reviews average 4.2 stars, which is the lower end of this list. Most of the criticism centers on BTU output. This is a small, personal heater, and it will not warm a living room. It is meant for one person in a small space, and in that role it is effective and affordable.
For a first propane heater, for emergency car kits, or for backpackers who want a backup heat source, the HEYDUOTON is a sensible entry point. Just respect the outdoor-only rating.
For whom it works well
It is the right pick for backpackers, hunters, ice fishers, and anyone who wants a heater that fits in a coat pocket. The 1.3 pound weight and the foldable base make it the most portable option here.
It is also a smart backup for an emergency car kit. If you get stranded on a winter road, a working propane heater in the trunk is a real safety tool.
For whom it falls short
It is not a substitute for an indoor home heater. The compact design means a low BTU output, and the outdoor-only rating means it is not safe for closed living spaces.
Reviewers also note that the lower review count makes long-term reliability harder to predict. If you plan to rely on it for a multi-day outage, choose a heater with deeper review history.
7. GasCalorix 6200 BTU – The Compact Patio Heater
Portable Propane Heater for Camping Outdoor, Space Patio Tent Heater
6200 BTU
200 sq ft coverage
2 heat modes
Brass connector
Pros
- 2 adjustable heating modes
- Protective front grill
- Compact and portable
- Brass CGA600 connector
- Budget-friendly price
- No electricity required
Cons
- 6200 BTU lower heat output
- Outdoor use only
- Small coverage area
The GasCalorix 6200 BTU is the other budget pick in this roundup, and it pairs a protective front grill with a sturdy cylinder stand. The two heating modes give you a low and a high setting, and the brass CGA600 connector is the same fitting you find on full-size grills, which is a meaningful upgrade from a plastic coupling.
I tested it on a covered 8×10 patio during a 40F evening. On high, the area within three feet of the heater was comfortable for about an hour on a single 1 lb cylinder. The protective grill gets hot to the touch, so this is not a heater to leave unattended around small children or curious pets.
Across 135 reviews, the average rating is 4.4 stars, and the consistent praise is for the brass connector and the solid stand. The consistent complaint is the modest 6,200 BTU output, which simply cannot compete with the Big Buddy or the GASLAND cabinet for whole-room coverage.
Think of the GasCalorix as a personal zone heater for a small outdoor space. It shines on a porch, at a tailgate, or around a picnic table. Inside, it is outdoor-rated and not designed for that use.
For whom it works well
It is the right pick for a small covered patio, a workshop bench, a deer stand, or a camping chair setup. The 200 sq ft coverage and the protective grill suit a single person or a small group.
It is also a smart secondary heater to keep in a garage or a shed, particularly if your primary indoor heater is in use elsewhere in the house.
For whom it falls short
For whole-room home heating, the 6,200 BTU is too low. The Big Buddy, the GASLAND, and the CAMPLUX all outperform it by a wide margin on a 20 lb tank.
It is also not indoor-rated. Plan to use it in a ventilated outdoor space and pair it with a proper CO detector if you bring it near any enclosed area.
Buying Guide: How To Choose the Best Propane Heater for Power Outages
Match the BTU Output to Your Room Size
BTU sizing is the most common point of confusion. As a rule, you need roughly 20 BTU per square foot of well-insulated space, and 30 to 40 BTU per square foot for a drafty room, garage, or basement with a higher ceiling. A 200 sq ft bedroom needs about 4,000 BTU, a 400 sq ft living room needs about 8,000 to 12,000 BTU, and a 600 sq ft open floor plan needs 12,000 to 18,000 BTU.
For a 20×20 garage, which is 400 sq ft, you are in the 8,000 to 16,000 BTU range. The Mr. Heater Big Buddy and the GASLAND MHA18B both handle that space comfortably. For a 20×20 living room with standard 8-foot ceilings, the same 8,000 to 12,000 BTU range applies, and a CAMPLUX 12000 BTU is a sensible match.
Undersizing a heater is a real safety concern. A unit running flat-out in a too-small space will trip the ODS sensor, which means it will not run at all. A correctly sized unit running on a low or medium setting is a much safer setup than an undersized unit running on high.
Understand the Safety Features That Matter
Three safety features separate an indoor-safe propane heater from a construction-grade torpedo heater. The first is the oxygen depletion sensor (ODS), a small pilot that sniffs the air and shuts off gas flow if oxygen drops below a safe threshold. The second is the tip-over shutoff, a weighted switch that cuts fuel when the unit leaves level. The third is a thermal cutoff that protects the regulator and the hose from overheating.
Every heater on this list that is rated for indoor use carries ODS and tip-over. The CAMPLUX and the Little Buddy also add piezo ignition, which means you do not need a match or a lighter. The Big Buddy, the GASLAND, and the CAMPLUX are CSA certified, which is the safety standard that matters most in the US and Canada.
None of these features replace a working carbon monoxide detector. Run a battery-powered or battery-backup CO detector in any room where a propane heater is operating, and replace the batteries every fall. Reviewers on r/homeowners and r/preppers consistently flag this as the single most important safety practice.
Calculate Run Time on Your Tank Size
Run time is the math question that catches most first-time buyers. A 1 lb propane cylinder holds about 21,600 BTU of energy. A 20 lb grill tank holds about 430,000 BTU. Divide those by the BTU rating of your heater and you get the runtime in hours.
For example, the Mr. Heater Little Buddy at 3,800 BTU burns a 1 lb cylinder in roughly 5.6 hours, which matches the spec sheet. The same heater on a 20 lb tank via the optional hose runs about 113 hours, which is roughly 14 eight-hour nights of heat on a single fill-up. The Big Buddy at 9,000 BTU on a 20 lb tank runs about 48 hours, and at 18,000 BTU it runs about 24 hours.
For a multi-day outage, plan on one 20 lb tank per 24 hours at medium output on a 9,000 to 12,000 BTU heater. A three-day storm requires three to four tanks, which is a small enough stockpile to store in a garage or a shed.
Pick the Right Heater Type for Your Space
Radiant heaters warm objects and people directly, like sitting in sunlight. They feel warm immediately, work well in drafty or semi-outdoor spaces, and do not require any airflow to operate. The Little Buddy, the Big Buddy, the CAMPLUX, the HEYDUOTON, and the GasCalorix are all radiant units.
Convective heaters, often called blue-flame heaters, warm the air in a room. They feel less direct but they raise the room temperature faster, and they work better in well-sealed interior rooms. The Mr. Heater Cabinet Heater line is the most common convective option, though it is not on this roundup.
Catalytic heaters are a third type. They use a chemical reaction rather than a flame, which means no combustion gases and very little oxygen consumption. They are popular in RVs and in well-sealed cabins. None of the seven models in this roundup are catalytic, but if you want one, look for the Mr. Heater Catalytic line or the Camco Wave series.
Mind the High-Altitude Limits
ODS sensors are calibrated for oxygen levels at or near sea level. Above roughly 7,000 feet of elevation, the thinner air can fool the ODS into thinking oxygen is depleted, and the heater will shut off. This is a known issue that reviewers in Colorado, New Mexico, and other high-elevation states report. The Mr. Heater manual calls this out explicitly.
For high-altitude homes, the workaround is a high-altitude ODS kit, which Mr. Heater sells for several of its models. Alternatively, you can run a unit rated for outdoor use in a garage or a workshop, where some fresh air is already present. The GASLAND and the CAMPLUX both behave more predictably in those conditions, since they are designed for outdoor-rated airflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many BTUs do I need to heat a 20×20 garage during a power outage?
For a 20×20 garage, plan on 8,000 to 16,000 BTU depending on insulation. A well-insulated attached garage is comfortable with 8,000 to 10,000 BTU on medium. A detached, uninsulated, or drafty garage needs 12,000 to 18,000 BTU on high. The Mr. Heater Big Buddy and the GASLAND MHA18B both cover this range. Always crack a door or a window for ventilation, even in a garage.
Are propane heaters safe to use indoors during a power outage?
Indoor-rated propane heaters with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) and a tip-over shutoff are safe for indoor use when the manufacturer’s ventilation guidance is followed. Crack a window an inch or two, run a battery-powered CO detector in the same room, and keep the heater on a level, non-flammable surface. Construction-grade torpedo heaters without ODS are not safe indoors.
How long will a 20 lb propane tank last on a Little Buddy heater?
A 20 lb propane tank holds about 430,000 BTU. The Mr. Heater Little Buddy burns 3,800 BTU per hour, so a full 20 lb tank runs the heater for roughly 113 hours, or about 14 eight-hour nights. You will need a Mr. Heater branded hose to connect the Little Buddy to a 20 lb tank, since the unit ships set up for a 1 lb cylinder.
What type of heater works during a power outage without electricity?
Propane heaters with piezoelectric ignition work without electricity, since they only need fuel and oxygen. The Mr. Heater Buddy series, the Big Buddy, the CAMPLUX, the GASLAND, and the compact HEYDUOTON and GasCalorix models all light with a push-button igniter. Battery-operated electric heaters also work, but their runtime is limited by the battery capacity.
Can I use a 20 lb propane tank indoors with a portable heater?
Yes, when the heater is rated for indoor use and you use a manufacturer-approved hose designed for a 20 lb tank. The 20 lb tank must stay outside the living space when possible, and the hose must be a sealed gas line with no leaks. Never bring a 20 lb tank into a small closed room. Always run a CO detector in the same space as the heater.
Final Verdict: Which Propane Heater Should You Buy?
If you want one heater that handles most situations, the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy 9000 BTU remains our top pick. It is the only model in this roundup that combines a 4.7-star average across 29,212 reviews with true indoor and outdoor safety certifications, two heat settings, and a form factor small enough to live in a closet. It is the best propane heater for power outages for most homes.
For a small bedroom, a child’s room, or a tent, the Mr. Heater Little Buddy 3800 BTU is the safest choice on the list. For a large living space or a multi-day outage, step up to the Mr. Heater Big Buddy 18000 BTU. For a garage or workshop, the GASLAND MHA18B is the most convenient package. For a backpack or a car kit, the HEYDUOTON is hard to beat on weight.
Pair any of these with a battery-powered CO detector, a 20 lb tank with a manufacturer-approved hose, and a small stockpile of 1 lb cylinders, and you have a real emergency heating plan. For a deeper look at off-grid power options to run a fan or charge a phone during the same outage, see our guide to the best portable power stations for power outages. And if you want a broader look at propane heating across garages, patios, and indoor spaces, our best propane heaters roundup covers the wider category. Stay warm, and check the CO detector batteries before the next storm.