Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU Review

Let’s Talk About Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU

Winter in my neck of the woods means my detached garage becomes an icebox, rendering it useless for projects unless I want to risk frostbite. I’ve tried various portable electric heaters, but they always fall short, struggling to make a dent in the frigid air. That’s why I started looking into propane heaters, and the Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU caught my eye with its promise of efficient, radiant heat without the need for electricity.

My main goal was to find a reliable, powerful heater that could quickly warm up my 500 sq. ft. garage so I could comfortably work on my projects. I wanted something that didn’t require me to run extension cords and trip over them. The Mr. Heater claimed to offer just that.

Upon unboxing, the heater had a sturdy, industrial feel, though the cracked gas knob was immediately disheartening. The weight felt appropriate for its size and intended use, hinting at robust construction except for that knob. I had hoped for a more seamless initial impression.

I considered the ProCom Heating MNSD200T 20,000 BTU and the Dyna-Glo IR18N 18,000 BTU propane heaters. I ultimately chose the Mr. Heater due to its higher BTU output and promise of no electricity needed. I was initially excited about the prospect of a truly off-grid heating solution.

My first impression was mixed. While the heater looked promising, the cracked knob and the negative user feedback I unearthed online (post-purchase, naturally) regarding gas leaks gave me pause. I hoped my experience would be better, but I prepared for the worst.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place in my uninsulated garage on a day when the outside temperature hovered around 35°F. Installation was straightforward, though rerouting the copper pilot line to access the pressure port (as the user feedback described) was already annoying. The Mr. Heater struggled to raise the garage temperature by more than 10 degrees even after running for an hour.

The unit fired up easily enough using a match, but the significant whoosh of ignition was unsettling. It did not inspire confidence. Furthermore, the advertised quiet operation proved to be untrue; it was louder than I expected, with a noticeable hiss from the burner.

Unfortunately, the user feedback I read prior to testing rang true. The plume of gas and flame after turning off the unit, whether via the knob or thermostat, was indeed frightening, filling the garage with the smell of propane. This was a major safety concern.

Extended Use & Reliability

I didn’t dare use the Mr. Heater for more than a few hours total, due to the persistent gas leak issue and the alarming “explosion” on shutdown. Reliability is non-existent if the unit is dangerous. It sat unused after the initial test, too risky to operate further.

The Mr. Heater showed no signs of wear and tear except for the pre-existing cracked knob, but its fundamental design flaw concerning gas leakage renders any durability assessment meaningless. I did clean the burner once, which was relatively easy.

This Mr. Heater drastically underperformed compared to my expectations. I expected a safe and efficient heating solution, but instead, I received a potentially dangerous product. It was a disappointment, to say the least.

Breaking Down the Features of Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU

Specifications

• The Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU boasts a 22,000 BTU per hour output, designed for use with liquid propane.
• It’s rated to heat up to 550 sq. ft. in buildings with 7 to 8 ft ceilings and weighs approximately 21.4 lbs, with dimensions of 14 x 1.25 inches.
• Features include match lit ignition, an adjustable thermostat, and construction with non-corrosive materials.
• No electricity is required due to its power pile thermocouple system.
• The unit is designed to be wall-mounted and includes the necessary brackets and hardware.

These specifications promise a powerful, self-sufficient heating solution. The high BTU output suggests rapid heating, and the lack of electrical requirements allows for placement anywhere with a propane connection. The non-corrosive materials hint at long-term durability, but the reality didn’t live up to these promises.

Performance & Functionality

The Mr. Heater failed to perform as advertised. While it did produce heat, its ability to effectively raise the temperature in my garage was lackluster, and the gas leak on shutdown is a major safety flaw. I found it unreliable and untrustworthy.

Its strengths are few, mostly revolving around its potential for efficient radiant heating, had it functioned correctly. The weaknesses are significant: the gas leak, the noisy operation, and the questionable build quality (cracked knob).

It vastly underperformed my expectations. I expected a safe, reliable, and efficient heater. What I got was a potentially dangerous and ultimately unusable product.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality, marred by the cracked knob upon arrival, raises serious concerns. While the heater has a robust appearance, the quality of materials used in key components seems questionable. The weight is reasonable, but the overall design doesn’t inspire confidence.

The heater’s design is simple enough, but the lack of proper safety mechanisms to prevent gas leaks makes it inherently not user-friendly. There’s no significant learning curve, but the risk associated with its use outweighs any ease of operation.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the inherent safety issues, assessing long-term durability is irrelevant. I can’t recommend using it long enough to find out. The unit seems easy enough to clean, but I wouldn’t recommend risking your safety to do so.

Repairing the Mr. Heater might be possible, but I wouldn’t trust myself or anyone else to fix a potential gas leak issue safely. It’s a write-off.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mr. Heater comes with a milivolt thermostat and the necessary brackets and hardware for wall mounting. Customization options are limited, as any modifications could potentially void the warranty (if it’s even worth pursuing, given the safety concerns) and exacerbate the gas leak issue.

The unit is theoretically compatible with standard propane fittings, but I wouldn’t recommend adding anything to it. It’s best left untouched and disposed of safely.

Pros and Cons of Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU