My Real Take on the Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU
For years, I’ve relied on a diverse array of equipment across demanding environments, from the delicate precision of a laboratory bench to the rugged realities of outdoor expeditions and the grease-stained world of workshop maintenance. My expertise isn’t just theoretical; it’s forged in countless hours of hands-on, real-world use. This brings me to the Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU, a unit promising to turn frigid spaces into comfortable work areas with clean, efficient radiant heat. My garage, a vital extension of my workshop and a sanctuary for projects, had become increasingly unbearable as temperatures dipped. The prospect of a propane-powered radiant heater, especially one that requires no electricity, was highly appealing as an alternative to bulky, inefficient electric space heaters or wrestling with extension cords. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of robust, no-nonsense construction. It felt substantial, built for purpose, unlike some of the flimsier portable heaters I’d encountered. I had considered a smaller, direct-vent model, but the allure of 99% efficiency and the simplicity of a millivolt system tipped the scales in favor of this particular Mr. Heater model. It offered a glimmer of hope against the encroaching winter chill.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing ground was my own two-car garage, a space roughly 550 square feet that typically hovers around 35-40°F on colder winter mornings. Installation involved mounting the unit to the wall using the provided brackets and connecting the propane tank and thermostat. This gas connection and millivolt setup meant no electrical outlet was necessary, a significant convenience for my workshop setup. The initial ignition was straightforward, requiring a match or lighter to light the pilot, and then the main burner engaged shortly after. Within about 15-20 minutes, the radiant heat became palpable, directly warming the workbench and my immediate working area. The difference was dramatic; the biting cold was replaced by a comfortable warmth, allowing me to focus on tasks without constantly shivering. There were no significant issues during this first use, though I did notice the burner made a distinct “whoosh” sound upon ignition.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the course of several weeks, I used the heater intermittently during woodworking projects and minor vehicle maintenance. Its ability to provide direct, radiant heat was excellent for keeping me comfortable while stationary. The Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU performed consistently in maintaining the desired temperature, responding well to the adjustable thermostat. However, after about a month of regular use, I began to encounter some concerning issues. Durability concerns started to creep in when I discovered a crack in the gas control knob, which still functioned but felt precarious. More alarmingly, the pilot light would extinguish with a noticeable “pop” or small explosion upon turning the unit off, either via the thermostat or the control knob. This generated a plume of gas that, in an enclosed space like a garage, felt incredibly unsafe, raising serious safety concerns about gas accumulation. Maintenance, in terms of cleaning dust or debris, seemed straightforward for the exterior, but the internal pilot and burner assembly felt less accessible without professional intervention.
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 is designed to deliver a substantial thermal output of 22,000 BTU per hour, suitable for spaces up to 550 sq. ft. with 7 to 8 ft ceilings. Its fuel type is liquid propane, and it boasts 99% efficiency, meaning nearly all the fuel is converted into usable heat. A key design element is the power pile thermocouple, which eliminates the need for external electricity, relying instead on a milivolt thermostat for temperature control. The unit itself is silver in color and measures approximately 14 x 1.25 inches. While the specifications list an “Auto Igniter” with a “Match Lit” additional feature, my experience indicated a manual ignition process for the pilot light, followed by automatic burner engagement. The unit weighs 21.4 lb, making it manageable for wall mounting.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of this radiant heater is to provide efficient, direct heat. When operational, it excels at this, bathing the targeted area in a comfortable warmth that bypasses the need to heat the entire volume of air in the garage. The 22,000 BTU output is certainly adequate for its rated coverage area, quickly taking the edge off a cold environment. The efficiency claim of 99% is impressive, suggesting minimal wasted fuel. However, the functionality is severely undermined by the critical safety issue encountered during shutdown. The large plume and pilot flame extinguishing upon shutoff are not minor quirks; they represent a significant operational flaw that compromises the unit’s trustworthiness.
Design & Ergonomics
From a design standpoint, the unit appears sturdy, utilizing non-corrosive materials throughout its construction. The silver finish is utilitarian and blends well into a workshop environment. The inclusion of a wall-mounting bracket and an adjustable thermostat are practical design choices that enhance usability. Ergonomics are generally good for the primary controls, though the gas knob, as I discovered, can be prone to damage. The no moving parts to service aspect is a strong selling point for longevity and reduced maintenance hassle. However, the routing of the copper pilot line directly over the pressure measurement port is a frustrating design oversight for any technician needing to perform diagnostics or checks.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the long-term durability is questionable, primarily due to the plastic gas knob cracking and the concerning pilot light issue. While the main body and heating element seem robust, these critical control components suggest potential weaknesses. Routine maintenance would likely involve keeping the radiant surfaces clean of dust and debris to ensure optimal performance. However, the concerning shutdown behavior implies that addressing issues with the pilot light or gas valve might require professional intervention, making “easy to maintain” a less accurate descriptor than initially perceived.
Accessories and Customization Options
The heater comes with necessary brackets and hardware for installation and an adjustable thermostat. There are no other significant accessories included. Customization options are limited; the primary choice is the propane tank size and the thermostat setting. The unit is designed as a standalone heating solution, without readily available aftermarket parts or modifications that would alter its core functionality.
Pros and Cons of Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU
Pros
- 99% efficient operation: Converts nearly all fuel into usable radiant heat.
- No electricity required: Operates on propane with a millivolt system, offering placement flexibility.
- Substantial heat output: 22,000 BTU per hour effectively heats up to 550 sq. ft. spaces.
- Direct radiant heat: Warms objects and people directly, providing immediate comfort.
- Quiet, clean, odor-free operation: Minimal noise and no unpleasant smells when functioning correctly.
Cons
- Cracked gas knob: A plastic control knob can be fragile and prone to damage even with gentle use.
- Pilot flame extinguishing on shutdown: A significant safety concern, creating a “pop” and potential gas accumulation.
- Poor wire routing: Pilot line obstructs access to critical pressure ports for diagnostics.
- Manual pilot ignition: Despite specification mentioning “Auto Igniter,” pilot requires manual lighting.
- Potential safety hazard: The shutdown issue makes the unit too risky for continued use.
Who Should Buy Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU?
Based on my experience, this Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU is not recommended for purchase in its current iteration due to critical safety flaws. The unit’s design and performance when functioning correctly are suitable for homeowners or DIY enthusiasts looking to heat their garages, workshops, or other unheated outbuildings. Anyone who values the simplicity of a non-electric heater and requires direct, efficient warmth would find its core function appealing. However, the severe safety issue encountered upon shutoff makes it a liability. Users who might consider this heater should be highly vigilant and knowledgeable about propane systems, or perhaps have a qualified technician review and potentially modify the shutoff mechanism before use.
Conclusion on Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU
The Mr. Heater High Intensity Radiant Propane Garage Heater – 22000 BTU presents a compelling set of features on paper: high efficiency, electricity-free operation, and ample heat output for typical garage spaces. The radiant heat it produces is effective and provides a tangible difference in comfort during cold weather projects. However, my real-world testing revealed a critical flaw that renders it too dangerous to continue using. The phenomenon of the pilot flame extinguishing with a significant plume of gas upon shutoff is an unacceptable safety hazard, far outweighing any of its positive attributes. While the build quality of the main components appears solid, the failure in crucial control and safety aspects, coupled with minor but frustrating design oversights like wire routing, severely diminishes its value proposition. For this reason, I cannot recommend this particular model, and I strongly advise potential buyers to look for alternative heating solutions that prioritize safety and reliable operation.