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Gas heater reviews

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Last updated: 11 April 2024
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Fact-checked

Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers, verifiers and subject experts. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE.

Portable gas heaters are unflued models needing only a gas bayonet outlet and (usually) a power point to plug into, but need an open window or door so as to vent the noxious gases. 

Flued gas heaters require a flue kit and space to put the kit so they can vent noxious gases outdoors. Each deliver quick, efficient warmth, and lots of it – but they're not right for everyone. See our buying guide for advice on whether this type of heater is a good option for you, and find out how we test gas heaters.

If you are heating a small space, you might be better off looking at our electric heater reviews. For large spaces, reverse-cycle air conditioners can be a more energy-efficient and cost-effective option in the long term, and of course offer cooling in summer as well.

Once you know what type you need, select the filter 'type' below to begin your search.

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Our gas heater reviews will tell you which heaters:

  • heat up the room quickly
  • distribute heat evenly
  • are the easiest to use, and
  • use the least standby energy.

This review includes several previously tested models that are now discontinued; to see them, select the filter under 'Related products' at left.

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Brand

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List of brands we tested in this review.

    Price

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    Recommended or typical retail price. You can often get a better price by shopping around.

    enter value/s in increments of 1 between 399 and 2299

    Recommended products

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    Member only

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    Type

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    Portable or flued heater type. Portable are unflued and need a window or opening somewhere in the room. Flued require installation of a flue kit so the noxious gases can escape from the room.

      Running costs / 2hours

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      This is the amount it costs to run the heater based on full blast (highest setting possible) at 4c/MJh.

      enter value/s in increments of i between 0.59 and 2.06

      Heat output (kWh)

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      Most heaters declare the heat output in Kilowatt Hours (kWh). Roughly speaking, 1 kW = 10 square metres of room heating. So if you have a 3 x 4 m room (12 sqm), you'll need a has heater with at least 1.2 kW heating output (12sqm / 10).

      enter value/s in increments of i between 2.9 and 8.2

      Claimed maximum room size (sq m)

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      Our results table shows the maximum recommended room floor size (assuming a standard ceiling height of 2.4m) in a cool climate. But as well as room size, consider the climate where you live. A model might heat 57m² in a cold climate but 87m² in a mild climate. 

      enter value/s in increments of i between 37 and 113

      Required minimum room size (sq m)

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      Unflued gas heaters must have a stated minimum room volume to ensure they aren't used in a room that's too small, where their waste gas output might be at too high a level. SA, Victoria and WA have further restrictions on the use of this heater type — check with a gas plumber or retailer. We've converted the minimum volume to a minimum floor area in square metres, assuming standard ceiling height of 2.4m.

      enter value/s in increments of i between 14 and 70.5

      Highest gas consumption MJ/h

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      Note that models in different size ranges can’t be directly compared because heaters with different capacities are designed for different room sizes. Compare each heater against others in the same gas consumption range: small or 11–15 MJ/h, medium or 18–21 MJ/h and large or 25 MJ/h +.

      enter value/s in increments of i between 11 and 33

      Size

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      Based on the kW heat output. Room sizes are classified as follows: Small = 29 - 52sqm. Medium = 64 - 90sqm. Large = 65 - 113sqm. There are discrepancies in sizing due to the self regulation of the industry.

        Included in this review

        Members-only access
        • Overall score
        • Buy now
        • Running costs
        • Heat output kWh
        • Recommended
        • Heating score
        • Ease of use score
        • Standby power score
        • Measured gas input (MJ/hr)
        • Heat output (MJ/hr, measured input x 90%)
        • Variance between input and output
        • Flame failure safety system
        • Oxygen depletion safety system (ODS)
        • Filter clean warning
        • Good points
        • Bad points
        • Price
        • Brand
        • Model
        • Type
        • Size
        • Availability
        • Gas consumption MJ/h
        • Remote control
        • Timer
        • Child lock
        • Heat settings
        • Number of fan settings
        • Star rating
        • Claimed maximum room size (sq m)
        • Required minimum room size (sq m)
        • Measured dimensions (cm, W x H x D)
        • Weight (kg)
        • Length of power cord (m)
        • Length of gas hose (m)
        • Convection or radiant
        • Origin
        • Warranty (yrs)
        • Contact

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