Gas Heater Buyer's Guide

Our range of portable cabinet heaters is ideal as a primary heat source or as a top-up for central heating in chillier rooms. The good news is that you don't have to spend a fortune on a gas heater to raise the temperature effectively.

In this guide, we hope to answer the most frequently asked questions and to provide an understanding of what you are buying.

Types & Styles

Infrared Radiant Heaters

Probably the most recognisable gas heater on the market today. These types of heaters have been available since the early seventies. The size of the units is smaller than their seventies cousins. However, the principles are still the same today.

The infrared heater predominantly uses radiation generated by very hot heating panels.

Infrared heaters can be easily recognised by the fine-pored ceramic plates that turn to an intense red colour when glowing. 

The heat is generated by a gas burner that burns the gas oxygen mix inside the ceramic plates at a temperature of around 900°C. 

The benefit of an infrared heater is that its heat is perceived as stronger and more direct, particularly when you are positioned in front of it. Especially when feeling cold, people get a fast, pleasant heat response from an infrared heater.

On top of that, it is easily recognisable if an Infrared Heater is switched on as the heat is visible to the human eye thanks to the red, glowing ceramic panels.

Heat outputs range from as low as 1kW to an impressive 4kW. 

Catalytic

Gaining in popularity, gas catalytic heaters offer a well-balanced ratio between radiation and convection heat. The hot surface works at a much lower temperature so that the radiation is softer. 

A catalytic heater burns gas at a lower temperature because of the catalytic panel made of aluminium fibres which give the heater its name. The catalytic panel is coated with catalysers and allows the gas oxygen mix to burn without emitting any flames. 

The benefit of the Catalytic Heater is very high wind resistance, as there is no flame that can be blown out. 

As catalytic heaters have no flame and they don't emit a strong direct heat, there is an extremely limited risk that an object covering the heater or positioned very close to the heater will get damaged or catch fire. 

Catalytic heaters also have a low CO₂ emission. These properties make the heaters user-friendly as the power can be easily adjusted, and the product operates silently.

They are commonly used in shops, hospitals, garages and site huts.

Heat outputs range from 1kW to 3kW.

Living Flame

Living flame heaters are the next generation of portable gas heaters with more pleasing coal or log effect real flame burner, which looks stunning.

The traditional Provence or the modern contemporary Manhattan quickly became a focal point for many living rooms, kitchens and conservatories.

These heaters not only look good, but they also retain the impressive heat outputs and portability of their more traditional cousins.

Heat outputs from 1kW to an impressive 3kW.

What type of gas cylinder do I need?

All portable gas heaters for domestic use work of butane gas (LPG), widely available nationwide from Calor Gas.

For Mini Infrared Radiant Gas Heaters, a 7kg Butane Calor Gas cylinder is required. These are blue in England, Scotland and Wales. Heaters are supplied with a 21mm clip-on regulator.

In Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, a 5kg Butane Calor Gas cylinder is required. These are yellow. Heaters are supplied with a 35mm jumbo clip-on regulator.

Standard Infrared Radiant & Catalytic Gas Heaters, a 15kg Butane Calor Gas cylinder is required. These are blue in England, Scotland and Wales. Heaters are supplied with a 21mm clip-on regulator.

In Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, an 11.34kg Butane Calor Gas cylinder is required. These are yellow. Heaters are supplied with a 35mm jumbo clip-on regulator.

Living Flame Gas Heaters, a 15kg Butane Calor Gas cylinder is required. These are blue in England, Scotland and Wales. Heaters are supplied with a 21mm clip-on regulator.

In Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, an 11.34kg Butane Calor Gas cylinder is required. These are yellow. Heaters are supplied with a 35mm jumbo clip-on regulator.

How long will a gas cylinder last?

A very common question! As with most gas heaters, it depends on what heating setting you choose to use. Most heaters these days have three heat settings; however, some have a fully adjustable control from low to high.

Heaters with 3 settings - 1 to 1.4kW, 2 to 2.8kW and 3 to 4.2kw depending on the model.

Heaters with fully adjustable heat control – 1 to 3.4kW depending on the model.

An easy way to work the kW hours is to use the following equation:-

Number of hours burn time = 14 x cylinder size (15kg) ÷ Power output of heater (e.g. 4.2kW)

For example, a 14 x 15kg gas cylinder ÷ 4.2kw = 50 hours on a maximum heat setting.

This is for guidance only and can vary dramatically depending on the heat settings chosen.

Are they easy to ignite?

Yes, they are easy to ignite.

Traditional cabinet style gas heaters generally have a piezo ignitor that does not require batteries; however, you may have to press this more than once for the heater to ignite.

The more expensive stove type/living flame gas heaters are supplied with an electronic igniter and will require a battery to power it; however, they are much easier to use.

Are they portable?

Yes, very! All heaters incorporate either 4 or 5 directional casters, allowing the heater to move from room to room easily.

What happens if the gas blows out?

All gas heaters, regardless of cost, are supplied with an integrated pilot, which will cut the supply of gas to the burner if it is blown out (Flame Supervision Device).

In addition, all gas heaters are supplied with oxygen depletion devices which will automatically turn the heater off if oxygen levels drop to a dangerous level.

It is strongly recommended that any gas appliance used indoors should be used in conjunction with a Carbon Monoxide Alarm.

Are there any rooms a portable gas heater should not be used in?

• Where highly flammable or combustible materials are used or stored.
• In bathrooms or shower rooms.
• In bedrooms, tents or any type of sleeping accommodation.
• In rooms smaller than the size specified in the manufacturer's instructions.

Does the gas heater require ventilation?

The room in which the gas heater is being used must be well ventilated to ensure that the gas heater is receiving an adequate supply of fresh air to ensure property operation of the appliance.

You should always read and follow the instructions in the owner's manual.

Do gas heaters cause condensation?

Water vapour is a natural emission produced by a cabinet heater. Providing the correct amount of ventilation into and out of a room will prevent condensation from becoming an issue. Please refer to the Users instruction manual for recommended levels of ventilation.

Can my heater produce carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas that can be produced if the gas heater is not working correctly. It is difficult to recognise as it has no colour, smell or taste.

Symptoms of exposure to Carbon Monoxide:

• Headaches
• Dizziness 
• Nausea 
• Breathlessness 
• Collapse 
• Loss of consciousness

CO symptoms are similar to those of flu, food poisoning, viral infections and fatigue. That's why it's quite common for people to mistake this very dangerous poisoning for something else.

Other signs that could point to CO poisoning:

• Your symptoms only occur when you are at home and seem to disappear when you leave home.
• Others in your household (including pets) are experiencing similar symptoms, and they appear at a similar time.

If you suspect you're gas heater is producing carbon monoxide,

• Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and leave the house.
• See your doctor immediately or go to the hospital - let them know that you suspect CO poisoning. They can do a blood or breath test to check.
• Switch it off and do not use it again until a competent person/gas installer has checked it.

Do I need to service my gas heater?

Yes, it's essential to check that your portable heater is safe for use and complies with all relevant safety legislation.

As with all gas appliances, we recommend getting your portable gas heater serviced on a regular basis by a qualified technician, in line with the instructions provided by the manufacturer. 

In addition to this, we advise that the appliance's regulator be replaced every 10 years to ensure that it's functioning correctly. We also suggest that the hose be inspected regularly for signs of cracking or general wear and tear. Your hose needs to be replaced a minimum of every five years. However, if any signs of damage appear, it should be replaced immediately.

Useful Safety tips

• Always turn your portable heater off before leaving your property or going to bed.
• Ensure all the component parts of your heater are well maintained, including the regulator hose and hose connectors.
• Do not use aerosols or flammable cleaning liquids/sprays in close proximity to the heater.
• Avoid sitting or standing too close to the heater.
• Always ensure that the room is well-ventilated, and open a window if it becomes stuffy to allow fresh air to circulate.
• Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully.
• Ensure that the position of your heater is away from any flammable materials and is not blocking any escape routes.
• Never place clothes or other items over your heater.
• Do not move your heater whilst it is in use.