Best Indoor Safe Backup Heaters for Winter Power Outages
Ice storms and January cold snaps are when power outages hurt the most. A generator or battery station helps, but many families also keep a heater that runs with no electricity at all.
The heaters below are designed for indoor use with proper ventilation, and most include a low oxygen shutoff and tip over protection. That is very different from a patio or construction heater, which should never be used inside.
Before buying, check your local rules. Some cities and states restrict unvented kerosene heaters indoors, and every fuel burning heater needs a working carbon monoxide detector nearby.
Best Overall: Mr. Heater Big Buddy
The Mr. Heater Big Buddy is a go to emergency heater because it is rated for indoor use and runs on common one pound propane cylinders or a larger tank with the right hose and filter.
It has three heat settings up to 18,000 BTU, plus a low oxygen sensor and tip over shutoff.
It can warm a large room or a main living area while the power is out.
Mr. Heater Big Buddy Indoor Outdoor Propane Heater MH18B
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1,000+ reviews
Indoor safe propane heater with three heat settings, low oxygen shutoff, and tip over protection.
Shop on Amazon →Best Compact Pick: Mr. Heater Portable Buddy
The smaller Portable Buddy covers a bedroom or small living area with up to about 9,000 BTU from a one pound propane cylinder.
It shares the same safety features as the Big Buddy and is easy to move from room to room.
Many households keep one alongside a stash of cylinders as a simple outage kit.
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Propane Heater MH9BX
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1,000+ reviews
Compact indoor safe propane heater for small rooms, with low oxygen and tip over shutoffs.
Shop on Amazon →Best Whole Room Kerosene: Dyna-Glo Convection Heater
Dyna-Glo's indoor kerosene convection heater throws heat in all directions, which makes it good for warming a larger room evenly.
It runs for many hours on a full tank and has an automatic shutoff if it is knocked over.
Kerosene stores well, so this is a good fit if you prefer not to keep a lot of propane cylinders around.
Dyna-Glo Indoor Kerosene Convection Heater RMC-95C6
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1,000+ reviews
Round convection kerosene heater for larger rooms, with long run time and tip over shutoff.
Shop on Amazon →Best Radiant Kerosene: Sengoku HeatMate
The Sengoku HeatMate is a radiant style kerosene heater that pushes warmth forward toward where you are sitting.
It has an easy push start ignition and automatic safety shutoff, and its compact shape fits beside a couch or chair.
It is a well known model among people who keep kerosene heat on hand for storms.
Sengoku HeatMate Radiant Kerosene Heater
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1,000+ reviews
Radiant kerosene heater with push start ignition and automatic safety shutoff.
Shop on Amazon →Best Value Kerosene: Dyna-Glo Radiant Heater
Dyna-Glo also makes a radiant indoor kerosene heater that is a little more budget friendly while still offering a safety shutoff.
It focuses heat in one direction, which helps when you want to keep one room or one corner of the house warm.
Pair it with a proper kerosene can and fresh 1-K kerosene for best results.
Dyna-Glo Indoor Kerosene Radiant Heater WK11C8
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1,000+ reviews
Budget friendly radiant kerosene heater for one room, with tip over shutoff.
Shop on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use a propane heater indoors?
Only if it is specifically rated for indoor use, like the Mr. Heater Buddy series, and you follow the ventilation instructions and use a carbon monoxide detector. Never use outdoor propane heaters inside.
Are kerosene heaters legal indoors?
It depends on where you live. Some cities and states restrict unvented kerosene heaters in homes. Check local codes and your lease or insurance before buying one.
How long will a backup heater run during an outage?
Run time depends on the heat setting and fuel supply. Small propane heaters run a few hours per one pound cylinder on high, while kerosene heaters can run much longer on a full tank.
What fuel should I use in a kerosene heater?
Use clear 1-K grade kerosene from a dedicated container. Old, contaminated, or dyed fuel can cause smoke, odor, and wick problems.
Safety Tips for Heating During an Outage
- Use a CO detector. Run a battery powered carbon monoxide detector in the same room as any fuel burning heater.
- Crack a window. Indoor rated heaters still need some fresh air. Follow the manufacturer's ventilation guidance.
- Refuel outside. Fill kerosene heaters and swap propane cylinders outdoors with the heater off and cool.
- Never use outdoor heaters inside. Patio heaters, grills, and construction heaters are not built for indoor use and can produce dangerous carbon monoxide.