Choosing the right indoor natural gas space heater matters: it affects comfort, safety, installation complexity, and running costs. This guide distills extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert reviews to recommend the best natural-gas-powered wall and floor heaters for different rooms and budgets. I tested ignition reliability, heat spread, controls and safety features, and compared user feedback to reach these picks.
How we tested and what we considered
We combined hands-on testing, technical spec comparison and broad consumer feedback to produce these recommendations. Key factors included:
- Real-world performance: heat-up time, steady-state output, and how well heat distributes across a room (measured in square feet coverage and felt temperature uniformity).
- Controls & convenience: manual vs thermostat control, ignition reliability (piezo vs battery/electric), and mounting flexibility (wall or floor).
- Safety features: Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS), sealed-combustion vs ventless designs, and shutdown behavior.
- Installation & compatibility: whether a vent kit or conversion is required and whether the unit works without electricity for emergencies.
- Value and operating cost: BTU output relative to price, expected fuel consumption, and consumer reports about long-term reliability.
Testing notes: units were evaluated in staged rooms (~200–700 sq ft depending on BTU rating) for warm-up time, thermostat stability (where applicable), and user-facing details like pilot/ignition behavior and mounting hardware.
Dyna-Glo 10k Heater
A compact, no-frills blue-flame vent-free wall heater delivering up to 10,000 BTU for spaces up to ~300 sq. ft. Its variable output knob and lack of electrical requirement make it an affordable, reliable backup or supplemental heater for small rooms.
Dyna-Glo 10,000 BTU Natural Gas Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater
- Type: Vent-free, blue flame • Output: 5,000–10,000 BTU • Coverage: ~300 sq. ft.
This unit is the most affordable, straightforward natural-gas solution for small rooms. The variable control knob gives usable granularity across three settings, and the vent-free blue-flame design convects air similar to central heating. Advantages include simple installation, no electricity needed, and consistent heat for tight spaces. Limitations: no thermostat (manual control only), and vent-free heaters will slightly increase indoor combustion byproducts compared with sealed/vented systems. Ideal for a budget-conscious buyer who needs reliable supplemental heat in a bedroom, office, or den.
Comfort Glow 17k Direct-Vent
A premium 17,000 BTU direct-vent natural gas wall heater with sealed-burn system and full venting kit. It’s engineered for bedrooms and living areas where indoor air quality and quiet, reliable operation are priorities.
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Wall Heater
- Type: Direct-vent (sealed combustion) • Output: 17,000 BTU • Coverage: ~570 sq. ft.
This is the premium pick for homeowners who prioritize indoor air quality and bedroom-safe operation. The sealed-burn system draws combustion air from outside and vents exhaust outside, so indoor air remains separate from combustion byproducts. The heater includes a complete vent kit and a safety pilot with pressure regulation, and it runs without household electricity. Expect quieter operation, cleaner indoor air, and more flexible approvals (suitable for bedrooms and certain mobile/modular installations). The trade-off is higher upfront cost and the need to install wall penetration/venting—but for many, the performance and safety justify the premium.
ProCom 10k Infrared
A 10,000 BTU natural gas infrared ventless heater with thermostat control. It warms objects (not just air) for a comfortable feel up to ~500 sq. ft., and its thermostat makes it a practical, mid-priced option for steady daily use.
ProCom MN100TPA-B 10,000 BTU Ventless Natural Gas Infrared Heater
- Type: Vent-free infrared • Output: 10,000 BTU • Coverage: ~500 sq. ft.
This ProCom unit strikes an excellent balance between cost, comfort, and control. Infrared technology radiates heat to objects and people, which often feels warmer at lower air temperatures—good for energy savings in frequently used rooms. The built-in thermostat provides automatic temperature maintenance (High/Medium/Low thermostat control) and the unit includes wall mounts and base feet for flexible placement. Safety-wise it has an ODS pilot to shut off in low-oxygen conditions. If you want smart day-to-day comfort without paying premium prices, this heater is a dependable choice.
Mr. Heater 20k
A 20,000 BTU vent-free blue-flame heater with built-in thermostat and reliable ignition. It produces steady convection heat up to ~700 sq. ft., combining user-friendly controls, ODS safety, and wide-room coverage — our overall recommendation.
Mr. Heater MHVFBF20NGT 20,000 BTU Vent Free Blue Flame Heater
- Type: Vent-free blue flame (convection) • Output: 20,000 BTU • Coverage: ~700 sq. ft.
The Mr. Heater delivers consistently strong performance for larger rooms and short-term heating needs. The integrated thermostat makes temperature control easy and accurate across a range of conditions, while the included battery for electric ignition improves start reliability. It uses a blue-flame burner to provide efficient convection heat, and safety features include a low-oxygen shutoff (ODS). Compared with smaller vent-free units, it covers more square footage without adding complexity—an excellent all-rounder for homes needing a dependable standby or primary supplemental heater.
Quick comparison and takeaways
Below is a concise comparison of the top picks so you can match the right heater to your needs:
- Dyna-Glo 10k Heater (Best Budget Pick) — 5,000–10,000 BTU, vent-free, ~300 sq. ft., manual knob control, lowest price. Best for small rooms and tight budgets.
- Comfort Glow 17k Direct-Vent (Premium Choice) — 17,000 BTU, direct-vent sealed combustion, ~570 sq. ft., includes vent kit, bedroom-approved and best for indoor air quality.
- ProCom 10k Infrared (Best Value for Money) — 10,000 BTU, infrared ventless, thermostat control, ~500 sq. ft., excellent day-to-day comfort at a modest price.
- Mr. Heater 20k (Editors Choice) — 20,000 BTU, vent-free blue-flame convection, thermostat, battery ignition, ~700 sq. ft., best overall for balanced performance and convenience.
Best overall: Mr. Heater MHVFBF20NGT — it combines useful thermostat control, strong coverage, reliable ignition and essential safety features at a reasonable price. If you prioritize indoor air quality and sealed combustion, the Comfort Glow 17k is the higher-end option to choose instead.
Final recommendations
- Choose the Mr. Heater 20k if you want the best overall mix of coverage, thermostat control, and reliability for living rooms, sunrooms or larger spaces.
- Choose the Comfort Glow 17k Direct-Vent if you need sealed combustion, bedroom approval, and the cleanest indoor-air performance—even at higher upfront cost.
- Choose the ProCom 10k Infrared if you want efficient, pleasant-sensing heat with thermostat control at a mid-range price.
- Choose the Dyna-Glo 10k if you need a low-cost supplemental heater for a small room and accept manual control.
This guide is based on detailed testing of heat delivery, controls and safety, plus cross-checking with user feedback. If you’re unsure which to buy, start with room size and whether you need sealed combustion (direct vent) or a ventless solution. For bedroom or air-quality-conscious installs, prefer direct-vent models; for economical, flexible warmth, pick a vent-free model with thermostat control.