Discover the top new gas heaters combining power, efficiency, and versatility to keep your living spaces warm and comfortable. This guide explores five standout gas heaters suitable for various needs, including tankless water heaters and space heaters using natural gas and propane. Below is a summary table highlighting the key features to help you quickly compare these units before diving into detailed reviews.
| Product | BTU Output | Heating Area | Fuel Type | Installation | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinnai RX199iN Condensing Tankless Water Heater | 199,000 | Multi-fixture, up to 7 at once | Natural Gas / Propane | Indoor & Outdoor | Smart Sense gas control, UEF .98 |
| ProCom MN300TPA-B Ventless Infrared Space Heater | 30,000 | Up to 1,400 sq. ft. | Natural Gas | Wall mount or floor | Thermostat control, modern slim design |
| Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx Natural Gas Unit Heater | 80,000 | Up to 2,000 sq. ft. | Natural Gas | Indoor with venting | Includes LP conversion kit |
| Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy Radiant Heater | 4,000-9,000 | Up to 225 sq. ft. | Propane | Portable | Tip-over safety switch, piezo igniter |
| Rinnai CX160iN High Efficiency Tankless Water Heater | Up to 9 GPM flow | Multiple appliances | Natural Gas / Propane | Indoor & Outdoor | 97% thermal efficiency, recirc. kit option |
Rinnai RX199iN Condensing Smart Sense Tankless Water Heater
The Rinnai RX199iN is a compact yet powerful tankless water heater designed for both indoor and outdoor installation with versatility in fuel type, accepting either natural gas or propane. Its Smart Sense gas control system optimizes burner performance to deliver reliable hot water on demand, supplying up to 11.1 gallons per minute—enough to feed seven fixtures simultaneously.
This condensing model boasts a high energy efficiency factor of UEF .98, greatly reducing utility costs. The heater features an intuitive interface and a convenient Quick Flush function for easy maintenance. For outdoor installation, the required RX-OVC vent cap ensures safe operation.
ProCom MN300TPA-B Ventless Natural Gas Infrared Space Heater
The ProCom MN300TPA-B is a sleek, efficient infrared heater using natural gas to deliver up to 30,000 BTUs capable of warming areas up to 1,400 square feet. Its thermostat control offers three heat settings (High, Medium, Low), allowing users to tailor warmth to their comfort.
Designed for both aesthetics and function, this ventless heater can be wall-mounted or placed on the floor using included base feet. Its compact infrared technology produces radiant heat, directly warming people and objects rather than just air, increasing heating efficiency in home or office environments.
Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx Natural Gas Unit Heater
The Mr. Heater Big Maxx F260560 is a high-output natural gas unit heater delivering 80,000 BTUs to heat areas up to 2,000 square feet efficiently. Designed for garage, workshop, or large room use, it requires minimal electrical power while providing robust heating performance.
This model includes two angle brackets for mounting and a liquid propane conversion kit for fuel flexibility. Its compact design allows easy installation with category 1 vertical or category 3 horizontal venting options. Note that thermostat, hose, and regulator are not included.
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX Radiant Propane Heater
The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX provides lightweight, portable radiant heating with adjustable BTU output from 4,000 to 9,000. It uses advanced infrared technology to warm objects and individuals directly in enclosed spaces up to 225 square feet, ideal for campers, workshops, patios, and job sites.
Safety features include an improved tip-over switch that promptly shuts off the unit if accidentally knocked over. Its durable Piezo igniter allows reliable, match-free ignition. This propane heater requires no batteries or external flames, enhancing convenience and safety for indoor use.
Rinnai CX160iN High Efficiency Plus Tankless Water Heater
The Rinnai CX160iN offers a highly efficient solution for endless hot water with a maximum flow of 9 gallons per minute. Suitable for indoor or outdoor installation, it supports natural gas or propane fuel sources with Smart Sense gas control for optimal combustion.
It features an exceptional thermal efficiency rating of 97%, cutting energy usage costs significantly. An optional conversion kit for recirculation further improves water management and energy savings by reducing wait times and minimizing wasted water.
Buying Guide for Selecting the Best New Gas Heater
Choosing the right gas heater depends on multiple factors ranging from the intended space size to fuel type and installation preferences. Below are key considerations to ensure you select a heater suited to your needs.
Heating Capacity and BTU Output
Identify the size of the area you want to heat and match it with the unit’s BTU rating. Higher BTUs mean more heating power, but an oversized heater can lead to wasted energy. For small to medium rooms, heaters around 30,000 BTUs suffice, while larger spaces demand upwards of 80,000 BTUs.
Fuel Type: Natural Gas vs. Propane
Natural gas heaters connect to existing pipelines and typically incur lower costs but require professional installation and venting. Propane heaters offer portability, convenient for outdoor or temporary use, but need fuel tank refills. Some models support both fuels for versatile applications.
Installation Options and Venting Requirements
Consider where you plan to place the heater: indoor, outdoor, wall-mounted, or portable. Ventless models minimize installation complexity but may require specific room sizes for safety. Tankless water heaters often need specialized ventilation or ventilation caps for outdoor use.
Energy Efficiency and Operational Costs
High-efficiency models like condensing tankless water heaters reduce energy consumption and utility bills by heating water on demand or using infrared technology to heat objects selectively. Look for thermal efficiency ratings or Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) values to compare energy performance.
Safety Features
Essential safety features include oxygen depletion sensors, tip-over shutoff switches, and secure ignition systems. These help reduce risks of carbon monoxide buildup or fire, especially for indoor or portable heaters. Verify compliance with safety certifications.
Controls and Usability
Thermostat controls, adjustable heat settings, and easy ignition mechanisms enhance user experience. Some advanced heaters offer digital interfaces or WiFi control modules for remote operation and monitoring.
Space and Portability
Larger unit heaters are ideal for garages and workspaces, while compact infrared or radiant heaters fit smaller rooms or portable scenarios. Consider weight, mounting options, and design aesthetics to match your space requirements.