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The best emergency heater for power outage use keeps a room warm when the grid goes down, and the right heater needs no outlet at all. This comparison covers kerosene and propane heaters that run without electricity, plus a dual-purpose heater and stove, so you can see what each heater actually heats. The LETUSTAR leads with adjustable heat settings and CSA certification, while the HeatMate follows with the highest stated heat output.
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Quick picks
Best Overall LETUSTAR Tank Top Heater: 15000 BTU with 3 heat settings and CSA certification Check price on Amazon
Most Heating Power HeatMate HMC-23K Heater: 23,000 BTU that heats up to 1,000 square feet Check price on Amazon
Best Kerosene Pick Garvee Kerosene Heater: 20,000 BTU with a cooking grate and 12 hour runtime Check price on Amazon
Best Dual-Purpose Pick MOZODAWN Propane Heater Stove: 13,000 BTU heater and stove with triple safety system Check price on Amazon
Longest Burn Time usofrint Kerosene Heater: 16 to 21 hour burn time on a 1.19-gallon tank Check price on Amazon
The kits we chose
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LETUSTAR Tank Top Heater | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | HeatMate HMC-23K Heater | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | Garvee Kerosene Heater | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | MOZODAWN Propane Heater Stove | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 | usofrint Kerosene Heater | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
LETUSTAR Tank Top Heater
A 15000 BTU tank-top propane heater with 3 heat settings, CSA certification and a tip-over shutoff.
Pros
- 15000 BTU with 3 heat settings at 9000, 13000 and 15000 BTU
- Runs up to 28 hours on a standard 20 lb propane tank
- CSA certified with tip-over auto shutoff, flame failure safety valve and mesh guard
- 2 Year Manufacturer warranty stated
Cons
- Needs a standard 20 lb propane tank, which is not in the box
- Outdoor use only, so it is not an indoor outage heater
- Weighs 2.6 lbs but still needs a 20 lb tank carried separately
- Single head design warms up to 300 sq ft, so larger rooms need more heat
Detailed Review
The listing states up to 15000 BTU of radiant heat, 3 heat settings at 9000, 13000 and 15000 BTU, 99.9% high efficiency, warmth for up to 300 sq ft, up to 28 hours on a standard 20 lb propane tank, a tip-over auto shutoff switch, a flame failure safety valve, a double-layer metal mesh guard, CSA certification, a frost-proof valve that works in -20°F cold, a weight of 2.6 lbs and dimensions of 10.0 by 6.0 by 12.0 inches.
Who it's for: owners who want a tank-top propane heater with stated settings and certification for outdoor backup heat. Who should skip it: owners who need an indoor heater for a power outage.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 3/5: 82 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Heat | 15000 BTU |
|---|---|
| Settings | 9000, 13000, 15000 BTU |
| Run time | Up to 28 hours on 20 lb tank |
| Size | 10.0 x 6.0 x 12.0 inches |
Taken from the seller's listing on 14 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Tip-over auto shutoff, flame failure safety valve, mesh guard, CSA certified, so safety scores 7 of 10. 2 Year Manufacturer. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 3 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
HeatMate HMC-23K Heater
A cordless 23,000 BTU kerosene heater that heats up to 1,000 square feet for up to 12 hours on one fill.
Pros
- 23,000 BTU heats up to 1,000 square feet
- Runs up to 12 hours on a single fill from a 1.9-gallon tank
- Automatic shut off, tip-over switch and protective safety guard grills
- Push-button start with automatic ignition, siphon pump and batteries included
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Weighs 27.0 pounds, the heaviest pick here
- Measures 23.0 by 19.0 by 20.0 inches, so it needs a large corner
- Needs kerosene on hand, since it runs on fuel alone
Detailed Review
The listing states 23,000 BTU, heat for up to 1,000 square feet, up to 12 hours on a single fill from a 1.9-gallon fuel tank, an automatic shut off, a tip-over switch, protective safety guard grills, a push-button start, an EZ flame adjuster, automatic ignition, a siphon pump and batteries, a weight of 27.0 pounds and dimensions of 23.0 by 19.0 by 20.0 inches.
Who it's for: owners who want strong kerosene heat for a large room, garage or basement during an outage. Who should skip it: owners who want a light heater or a stated warranty term.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 0/5: 81 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Heat | 23,000 BTU |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Up to 1,000 square feet |
| Run time | Up to 12 hours |
| Tank | 1.9-gallon |
Taken from the seller's listing on 14 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Automatic shut off, tip-over switch and protective safety guard grills, so safety scores 7 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Garvee Kerosene Heater
A 20,000 BTU kerosene heater with 360° surround heat, a cooking grate and up to 12 hours of runtime.
Pros
- 20,000 BTU with 360° surround heat for 240 to 290 sq ft
- Runs up to 12 hours on a 7.5-liter tank
- Top grate supports pots, kettles and frying pans for cooking
- Siphon pump, funnel and spare cotton wick included
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Weighs 26.67 pounds, nearly as heavy as the HeatMate
- Fuel use of around 0.6 liters per hour means refills on long outages
- Large 16.54 by 16.54 inch footprint needs floor space
Detailed Review
The listing states 20,000 BTU, 360° surround heat, warmth for approximately 240 to 290 sq ft, up to 12 hours of runtime, a 7.5-liter tank equal to 1.98 gallons, fuel use of around 0.6 liters per hour, a sturdy top grate for pots, kettles and frying pans, an adjustable height knob, a flame controller, a fuel gauge, a safety guard, a siphon pump, a funnel and a spare cotton wick, a weight of 26.67 pounds and dimensions of 16.54 by 16.54 by 23.03 inches.
Who it's for: owners who want kerosene heat plus a cooking top for camping or a garage. Who should skip it: owners who want a light heater or a stated warranty term.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 4/10 and warranty 0/5: 73 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Heat | 20,000 BTU |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 240 to 290 sq ft |
| Run time | Up to 12 hours |
| Tank | 7.5-liter, 1.98-gallon |
Taken from the seller's listing on 14 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Safety guard with adjustable flame controller and fuel gauge, so safety scores 4 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
MOZODAWN Propane Heater Stove
A 13,000 BTU propane heater and stove in one unit, with a triple safety system and a carry handle.
Pros
- 13,000 BTU with 360-degree radiant heat
- Triple safety system with anti-tip, auto shut-off and ODS
- Rust-resistant stainless steel build with an adjustable knob
- 2-in-1 heater and stove with a carry handle
Cons
- Tank is not included
- No stated run time on a tank
- No stated heat settings, with one adjustable knob for control
- 360-degree heat suits open spaces more than a single cold room
Detailed Review
The listing states 13,000 BTU, 360-degree radiant heat, a rust-resistant stainless steel build, an adjustable knob, a triple safety system with anti-tip, auto shut-off and ODS, a carry handle and a 2-in-1 heater and stove design. Everything needed is in the box except the tank.
Who it's for: campers and patio owners who want a heater and stove in one unit with a triple safety system. Who should skip it: owners who want a stated run time or a stated warranty term.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 26/35, build 20/25, value 19/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 70 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Heat | 13,000 BTU |
|---|---|
| Safety | Anti-tip, auto shut-off, ODS |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Function | Heater and stove |
Taken from the seller's listing on 14 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Triple safety system: anti-tip, auto shut-off and ODS, so safety scores 5 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
usofrint Kerosene Heater
A 9000 BTU non-electric kerosene heater and stove with a 16 to 21 hour burn time and a flat cooking top.
Pros
- 9000 BTU with 2,600W of radiant heat for approximately 161 sq ft
- 16 to 21 hour burn time on a 1.19-gallon tank
- Flat top boils water or prepares simple meals
- Runs with no electricity, with a control knob for flame and heat
Cons
- At 9000 BTU it states the least heat output here
- Compact 13 by 13 by 18.1 inch body suits backup use more than whole-home heat
- Needs a 1.19-gallon tank refilled after 16 to 21 hours
- Maker says to keep it attended and away from combustible materials
Detailed Review
The listing states 9000 BTU, 2,600W of radiant heat, warmth for approximately 161 sq ft, a flat top for boiling water or simple meals, a 1.19-gallon tank equal to 4.5L, a 16 to 21 hour burn time, a stainless steel body, an adjustable carry handle, a compact 13 by 13 by 18.1 inch body and a weight of 13.23 pounds. The maker says to follow the manual, local regulations and ventilation requirements, keep the unit attended, and place it away from combustible materials.
Who it's for: owners who want a non-electric kerosene heater and stove for outages, camping or ice fishing. Who should skip it: owners who want the highest heat output or a stated warranty term.
Its Solar Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 68 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Heat | 9000 BTU |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Approximately 161 sq ft |
| Run time | 16 to 21 hours |
| Tank | 1.19-gallon, 4.5L |
Taken from the seller's listing on 14 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No safety listing, protection or rating is stated, so safety scores zero. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More picks to compare
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Mahugde Kerosene Heater Stove9000 BTU with 15 to 17 hour run time and height adjustmentCheck on Amazon
cdar Kerosene Heater Stove9000 BTU kerosene stove with 4.5L tank and 16 to 21 hour heatCheck on Amazon
Titunjian Kerosene Heater Stove9000 BTU with 15 to 17 hour warmth and adjustable heightCheck on Amazon
Numbers side by side
| Heater | Solar Score | Heat Output | Fuel | Run Time | Warranty | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LETUSTAR Tank Top Heater | 9.7/10 | 15000 BTU | Propane | Up to 28 hours | 2 Year Manufacturer | View on Amazon |
| HeatMate HMC-23K Heater | 9.6/10 | 23,000 BTU | Kerosene | Up to 12 hours | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| Garvee Kerosene Heater | 9.5/10 | 20,000 BTU | Kerosene | Up to 12 hours | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| MOZODAWN Propane Heater Stove | 9.5/10 | 13,000 BTU | Propane | Not stated | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| usofrint Kerosene Heater | 9.4/10 | 9000 BTU | Kerosene | 16 to 21 hours | Not stated | View on Amazon |
We copied each rating from the seller’s listing as the brand states it; data date 14 November 2026.
Where the points went
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For an emergency heater, safety means stated features that stop the flame and the fuel flow when something goes wrong, such as tip-over shutoff, a flame failure valve and an oxygen depletion system, while performance means the stated heat output and run time on a fill. Only the LETUSTAR states a warranty term, with 2 Year Manufacturer stated. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LETUSTAR Tank Top Heater | 9.7 | 30 | 21 | 21 | 7 | 3 |
| HeatMate HMC-23K Heater | 9.6 | 32 | 21 | 21 | 7 | 0 |
| Garvee Kerosene Heater | 9.5 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 4 | 0 |
| MOZODAWN Propane Heater Stove | 9.5 | 26 | 20 | 19 | 5 | 0 |
| usofrint Kerosene Heater | 9.4 | 28 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
We place weighted points on a scale whose ends are 9.2 and 9.8. Because the mapping is straight, a unit with more points never shows less.
How to choose the best emergency heater for power outage
Start from heat output, not size
Heat output decides whether a heater warms your room, so read the BTU figures before the dimensions. The HeatMate states 23,000 BTU and heat for up to 1,000 square feet, the Garvee states 20,000 BTU for 240 to 290 sq ft, the LETUSTAR states 15000 BTU for up to 300 sq ft, the MOZODAWN states 13,000 BTU, and the usofrint states 9000 BTU for approximately 161 sq ft. If you want the radiant kind explained, see our infrared vs catalytic propane heater guide.
Kerosene or propane
Fuel decides what you store and carry. The HeatMate, the Garvee and the usofrint run on kerosene, with tanks of 1.9 gallons, 1.98 gallons and 1.19 gallons, while the LETUSTAR mounts on a standard 20 lb propane tank and the MOZODAWN needs a propane tank that is not included. Kerosene suits an outage kit that sits ready for months, while propane suits owners who already keep tanks for a stove or grill. For the wider kit around the heater, see our best emergency preparedness gear picks.
| Heater | Fuel | Run Time |
|---|---|---|
| LETUSTAR Tank Top | Propane, 20 lb tank | Up to 28 hours |
| HeatMate HMC-23K | Kerosene, 1.9-gallon tank | Up to 12 hours |
| Garvee Kerosene | Kerosene, 1.98-gallon tank | Up to 12 hours |
| usofrint Kerosene | Kerosene, 1.19-gallon tank | 16 to 21 hours |
| MOZODAWN Propane | Propane, tank not included | Not stated |
Mind the safety lines
Read the safety lines before the first lighting. The LETUSTAR states a tip-over auto shutoff switch, a flame failure safety valve and a double-layer metal mesh guard, the HeatMate states an automatic shut off, a tip-over switch and protective safety guard grills, and the MOZODAWN states a triple safety system with anti-tip, auto shut-off and ODS. The usofrint maker says to follow the manual, local regulations and ventilation requirements, keep the unit attended, and place it away from combustible materials. For the basics of outage planning, see our what is emergency preparedness guide.
Read the warranty lines closely
Coverage is thin across this group. Only the LETUSTAR states a warranty term, with 2 Year Manufacturer stated. The other four state no warranty term, so judge them on heat output, run time and safety features instead.
Sizing Notes
- Match heat output to the room: the HeatMate heats up to 1,000 square feet, and the LETUSTAR warms up to 300 sq ft.
- Match the tank to the run time: the LETUSTAR runs up to 28 hours on a standard 20 lb propane tank, and the Garvee runs up to 12 hours on a 1.98-gallon tank.
- Check fuel use before ordering: the Garvee uses around 0.6 liters per hour, and the usofrint tank holds 1.19 gallons.
- Keep the heater attended and away from combustible materials, as the usofrint maker states.
FAQ: power away from the grid
What kind of heater works during a power outage?
A heater that needs no electricity. The kerosene picks here, the HeatMate, the Garvee and the usofrint, run on kerosene alone, and the LETUSTAR and the MOZODAWN run on propane tanks.
Which heater here puts out the most heat?
The HeatMate, at 23,000 BTU, heating up to 1,000 square feet. The Garvee states 20,000 BTU and the LETUSTAR states 15000 BTU.
How long will an emergency heater run on one fill?
The LETUSTAR runs up to 28 hours on a standard 20 lb propane tank. The HeatMate and the Garvee run up to 12 hours, and the usofrint runs 16 to 21 hours.
Can an emergency heater also cook?
Several picks here double as stoves: the usofrint has a flat top for boiling water or simple meals, the Garvee has a top grate for pots, kettles and frying pans, and the MOZODAWN is a 2-in-1 heater and stove.
Which heater here states a warranty term?
Only the LETUSTAR, with 2 Year Manufacturer stated. The HeatMate, the Garvee, the MOZODAWN and the usofrint state no warranty term.
Related solar guides
See every Emergency Prep guide and all Emergency Gear guides. Also see our infrared vs catalytic propane heater. Also see our best emergency preparedness gear. Also see our what is emergency preparedness.
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