When it comes to choosing a portable propane heater, two brands that stand out are Dyna Glo and Mr. Heater.
Both companies offer a wide range of models, making it tough to decide which one suits your needs best.
In this article, we'll delve into the differences and similarities between these two popular brands, helping you make an informed decision.
Dyna Glo Overview and Key Features
Dyna-Glo is a brand known for producing a wide range of heating and grilling products.
Their range encompasses indoor and outdoor solutions, ensuring users get effective warmth in varied conditions.
Some of the standout features of Dyna Glo heaters include:
- Safety mechanisms: Their units have safety features such as oxygen depletion sensors (ODS) and tip-over switches to ensure safe operation.
- Efficient heating: Dyna-Glo heaters often feature advanced burner technology that ensures maximum heat dispersion.
- Portable options: Several of their heaters are designed for portability, allowing users to transport them to different locations easily.
- Durability: Many Dyna-Glo products are made with quality materials and craftsmanship to ensure longevity and reliability.
Mr. Heater Overview And Key Features
Mr. Heater is a renowned brand, particularly for their portable propane heaters.
They are a preferred choice for many looking to heat spaces like workshops and garages or even for outdoor activities like camping.
Some of their key features include:
- Safety first: Like Dyna Glo, Mr. Heater has several built-in safety features, such as an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and tip-over shut-off.
- Versatility: They offer heaters suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, from small personal heaters to large, commercial-grade units.
- Hose and filter options: Many heaters can connect to larger propane tanks for longer use. They also add a filter system to prolong heater life.
- Easy ignition: Mr. Heater products often feature one-touch ignition systems, making them easy to start in various conditions.
Dyna Glo Vs. Mr. Heater: Key Differences
Diving into the specifics, let's compare Dyna Glo and Mr. Heater to highlight their key differences.
Upfront Cost
Dyna Glo heaters tend to be more expensive, ranging from $100 to $3,470.
Mr. Heater's models, on the other hand, can cost between $60 to $1,900
However, pricing can also vary depending on specific model, size, and BTU output.
It is worth comparing the costs of similar models to find the best deal for your needs. Below, we've compared the cost of each available heater type.
| Heater Type | Dyna Glo | Mr. Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Gas | $140-$300 | $230-$640 |
| Propane | $140-$330 | $60-$400 |
| Kerosene | $130-3,470 | $300-$1,560 |
| Gas | $100-$500 | Not Available |
| Electric | $111-$500 | $90-$370 |
| Forced Air | $100-$3,470 | $80-$820 |
| Garage | $111-$500 | $525-$1,120 |
| Radiant | $215-$440 | $60-$1,900 |
| Convection | $100-$160 | $100-$175 |
| Tank Top | $70-$100 | $60-$210 |
| Wall Heater | $140-$330 | $225-$390 |
| Patio | $100-$500 | $200-$1,900 |
| Portable | $100-$150 | $200-$1560 |
| Cabinet | $130 | $200 |
Output Levels
Dyna Glo and Mr. Heater offer propane heaters with different BTU or Wattage output levels, catering to various room sizes and heating requirements.
For example, Dyna Glo offers 6,000 to 30,000 BTU wall heaters, while Mr. Heater provides various options, such as 10,000 to 30,000 BTU.
You will need to consider the size of your space and heating needs when choosing a heater.
We've summarized the available BTU or Wattage for each heater type in the table below.
| Heater Type | Dyna Glo | Mr. Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Gas | 6K-10K BTU | 10K-50k BTU |
| Propane | 6K-10K BTU | 10K-500K BTU |
| Kerosene | 50K-650K BTU | 50K-210K BTU |
| Gas | 25K-300K BTU | Not Available |
| Electric | 1.5K-7.5K Watts | 1.5-5.3K Watts |
| Forced Air | 40K-650K BTU | 38K-400K BTU |
| Garage | 1.5K-10K Watts | 6.4K-36.6K Watts |
| Radiant | 50K-250K | 10K-125K BTU |
| Convection | 25K-200K BTU | 25K-200K BTU |
| Tank Top | 15K-40K BTU | 15K-45K BTU |
| Wall Heater | 6K-30K BTU | 10K-30K BTU |
| Patio | 41K-48K BTU | 18K-48K BTU |
| Portable | 7.5K-10K BTU | 18K-125K BTU |
| Cabinet | 18K BTU | 18K BTU |
Fuel Type
Both brands offer heaters that run on propane, natural gas, electricity, and kerosene, ensuring various heating options.
The vast availability makes them excellent for spaces with or without access to electrical power or even during power outages.
Below, we've specified the available fuel type of each brand.
| Fuel Type | Dyna Glo | Mr. Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Gas | Yes | Yes |
| Gas | Yes | No |
| Propane | Yes | Yes |
| Kerosene | Yes | Yes |
| Electricity | Yes | Yes |
Heating Efficiency
Dyna Glo and Mr. Heater are both reputable for their heating prowess.
The Dyna Glo range of heaters, according to sources, are optimized for altitudes up to 5,000 ft.
While these heaters can function beyond this altitude, they aren't optimized for such environments.
Notably, the Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Wall Heater can efficiently heat an area as expansive as 1,000 sqft.
Mr. Heater's Big Maxx series offers robust heating for garages.
The MHU80NG model outputs 80,000 BTU per hour, heating up to 2,000 sq. ft. without insulation and 2,500 sq. ft. with R13 wall and R38 ceiling insulation.
You might also like: How Long Will A Mr. Heater Run On Low?
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for both brands. They feature safety measures such as Oxygen Depletion Sensors (ODS) and tip-over switches.
The ODS helps prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, while the tip-over switch automatically turns off the heater if it's knocked over.
Warranty
For Dyna-Glo heaters, buyers can activate their warranty by registering on the GHP Group Inc website.
The warranty duration varies, typically spanning 1 to 3 years, depending on the model.
In contrast, most Mr. Heater products come with a 1-year limited warranty.
Exceptions include the Mr. Heater Unit Heaters with a 3-year warranty and factory-reconditioned heaters, which have a 90-day warranty.
These limited warranties mainly cover part replacements and exclude servicing. Likewise, defects from wear or customer negligence aren't covered.
Registration for Mr. Heater's warranties can be done through this page.
Customer Reviews and Complaints
We've researched customer reviews and complaints on various platforms, and here's what we found out.
What People Are Saying About Dyna Glo
Dyna Glo portable propane heaters have been praised for their reliability and effectiveness in heating spaces like workshops, garages, and outdoors.
Users often comment on the heater's ability to quickly heat their workspaces, providing warmth even on the coldest days.
However, some customers have experienced issues with the pilot light not staying lit or difficulty lighting the unit.
Continue reading: My Dyna Glo Propane Heater Won’t Light—Why? What To Do?
Despite these setbacks, many customers appreciate Dyna Glo for their ventless design, with the downside of it not being for sale in California or Canada.
The Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Natural Gas Vent Free Wall Heater has been highlighted as a great natural gas option.
See this Dyna-Glo Natural Gas Heater on Amazon.
What People Are Saying About Mr. Heater
Mr. Heater's portable propane heaters enjoy a reputation for being a popular choice among campers, van dwellers, and woodworkers.
Customers often mention that their Mr. Heater units are easy to use and provide consistent warmth.
Like Dyna Glo, Mr. Heater users sometimes face problems with their units not lighting correctly.
The safety precautions that must be taken when using propane-fueled heaters are also a noteworthy concern.
Nevertheless, Mr. Heater still earned a solid reputation among users.
For instance, many recommend the Mr. Heater F260550 Big Maxx Natural Gas Unit Heater.
See this Mr. Heater Natural Gas Unit on Amazon.
Pros and Cons of Dyna Glo Vs. Mr Heater
Let's take a balanced look at Dyna Glo and Mr. Heater, examining the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision for your heating needs.
Pros of Dyna Glo
- Wide range of models for varied needs.
- Tested up to 5,000 ft for reliability
- Equipped with multiple safety features.
Cons of Dyna Glo
- Some models may use more fuel than anticipated.
- Expensive
Pros of Mr. Heater
- Extensive heating capacity options
- Efficient insulation adaptability
- Strong reputation for producing reliable and durable products.
Cons of Mr. Heater
- Some of the models are relatively large, requiring more space for installation
- Specific models may require professional installation
Also read: How To Vent A Mr. Buddy Heater
The Verdict: Should You Choose Dyna Glo Or Mr. Heater?
When determining between Dyna Glo and Mr. Heater for a portable propane solution, both brands have their merits.
Dyna Glo stands out for its wide range of models tailored to diverse needs, tested reliability up to altitudes of 5,000 ft, and an emphasis on safety.
However, their products tend to be more expensive, and specific models might consume more fuel than expected.
On the other hand, Mr. Heater boasts impressive heating capacities and has built a reputation for consistent reliability and durability over the years.
However, their models might demand more installation space, and some would benefit from professional installation.
In short, the best one for you depends on your needs, how much you want to spend, and where you'll use it.
Always stay safe using these heaters, and check the warranty before buying!