DeWalt 20V MAX 70,000 BTU Cordless Forced Air Propane Heater

Cold mornings, warm workflow

Cold mornings on the jobsite put the DeWalt 70k BTU cordless propane heater to the test for me. I wanted something I could drop near the work, fire up quickly, and move as the day and wind shifted. This unit delivers on that brief with a straightforward setup, satisfying heat output, and the option to run completely cordless or from an extension cord.

Setup and first impressions

Out of the box, assembly is really just connecting the included hose and regulator to a propane cylinder, checking for leaks, and either plugging into AC or snapping in a 20V battery. The controls sit recessed into a protected pocket, which is smart—nothing to snag on in the truck. At 20 pounds with a centered, comfortable handle, it’s compact and easy to carry one-handed alongside a tank. The split-barrel design shows DeWalt thought about service and cleaning down the road; you can access the internals without fighting a dozen awkward fasteners.

Dimensions are tidy enough (roughly 16 x 18 x 12 inches) to tuck behind a seat or on a shelf, and the overall build feels jobsite-ready: metal shroud, solid regulator, and hardware that tightens positively without feeling flimsy.

Heat output and coverage

This is a 70,000 BTU forced-air “torpedo” style heater, rated for up to 1,750 square feet. In practice, coverage depends heavily on your space and airflow. In a drafty garage with the door cracked for ventilation, it created a workable warm zone quickly within about 10–15 feet downwind of the nozzle and took the edge off a two-car space in short order. Outdoors, you’ll feel the stream of heat distinctly in front of the barrel; it’s not magic in the wind, but it does cut the chill for crews working within its cone.

The adjustable heat control is useful. Instead of blasting at full tilt all day, I dialed it back once the area warmed and let the thermostat keep things steady. That saved propane and helped avoid the too-hot/too-cold rollercoaster some fixed-output heaters cause. Start-up is quick—spark, fan, ignition—and it was consistently reliable in repeated cycles.

Noise and comfort

DeWalt’s “Quiet Burner” tech won’t make it silent—it’s still moving a good volume of air—but the tone is easier to live with than many torpedo heaters. The high-pitch whine is subdued, and conversation at a few feet is very possible. If you’ve avoided forced-air propane in the past because of noise, this one is friendlier than average.

Corded vs. cordless: where the battery matters

The propane does the heating; the battery (or AC) powers the fan and ignition. That’s important because it means battery consumption is modest compared to what a 70k BTU electric heater would demand—this isn’t drawing heat from the battery. I used both power methods:

• Cordless shines when outlets are far away or snow/ice complicate cable runs. Snap in a 20V MAX or 20V/60V FLEXVOLT pack and go. It’s fast, safe, and avoids draping cords in walkways.
• Corded is nice for all-day sessions near power. Plug it in and never think about the battery again.

If you plan on constant cycling in cold, keep a charged spare battery on hand or default to corded operation. The dual-mode flexibility is this heater’s ace—no dead battery panic, no mandatory cord.

Controls and usability

The recessed control panel has a clear on/off and heat adjustment. Ignition is electric and clean—no fumbling with a lighter in the wind. The thermostat logic works well enough to maintain a comfortable band without frequent fiddling, and the unit refires reliably when called for heat.

A couple of practical tips:
- Keep the heater pointed downwind when possible; the heat stream is more effective and less likely to blow back.
- Propane tanks can frost up in sustained, high-output use. If you’re running full bore in sub-freezing weather, consider stepping up from a 20-pound cylinder to a 40- or 100-pound tank to reduce freeze-off.
- Use the included regulator and avoid adding restrictive fittings that can starve the heater at higher settings.

Safety and ventilation

Safety features include an overheat/high-temperature limit shutoff and a cETL listing. Controls are tucked away and the barrel guard adds a layer of protection around the hot zone. That said, there’s no tip-over switch and no oxygen depletion sensor (ODS), and the heater is rated for outdoor use. If you bring it into a garage or tented area, you must ensure ample ventilation and adhere to clearance requirements. I treat forced-air propane heaters like I treat a running engine: only in well-ventilated spaces, CO detector nearby, combustibles kept clear, and never left unattended.

Maintenance and durability

Dust and jobsite debris can accumulate around the intake and inside the barrel over time. The split-barrel design makes periodic cleaning simple, and the metal housing holds up well to bumps and scrapes. I appreciate the protected controls—less chance of a broken knob or smashed switch when sliding it into a truck bed. After several weeks of use, mine shows only cosmetic scuffs and still lights on the first try.

Fuel and runtime

DeWalt rates runtime up to:
- 6 hours on a 20-pound tank
- 12 hours on a 40-pound tank
- 30 hours on a 100-pound tank

Those are “up to” numbers and depend on heat setting and ambient conditions. My experience tracks with that pattern: full power drains a cylinder faster, and throttling back once you’re up to temperature extends runtime dramatically. If you expect an all-day heat load in the cold, a 40-pound tank strikes a nice balance between portability and freeze resistance.

What I’d change

• Add a tip-over safety switch and an ODS for broader use cases. I understand the outdoor-only rating, but added safety margin is always welcome when heaters migrate into semi-sheltered spaces.
• Include a clear decal near the control panel spelling out “Outdoor Use, Ventilation Required.” It’s in the manual, but a quick visual reminder on the unit would help on busy jobsites.
• Offer a bundled battery/charger kit option. While many users already own 20V packs, a ready-to-run package reduces friction for first-time buyers.

How it stacks up

Compared to traditional corded torpedo heaters, the DeWalt cordless design is liberating. The ability to drop it anywhere without hunting an outlet is a genuine advantage, especially on new builds before permanent power, in barns, or for outdoor events. It’s also quieter than several generic torpedoes I’ve used in this size range. You’re paying for the convenience and build quality—and for crews already on the DeWalt 20V platform, that cost makes sense.

One note on availability: this specific model has been listed as discontinued in some channels. If you see it in stock, it’s still a relevant, capable heater. If not, keep an eye out for its closest current equivalent with the same core features: cordless/corded operation, thermostat, and comparable BTU output.

Who it’s for

• Jobsite crews who need portable heat in partially open or unfinished spaces
• Trades working remote or temporary setups where outlets are scarce
• Homeowners warming an open garage bay with the door open and good airflow
• Outdoor event setups that benefit from quick, targeted heat

Who should look elsewhere:
- Anyone needing an indoor-rated heater with ODS and tip-over protection for enclosed spaces
- Users prioritizing the absolute quietest operation over forced-air output
- Those who want a plug-in-only solution and don’t care about cordless flexibility

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 70k BTU cordless propane heater for pros and serious DIYers who value mobility, quick setup, and the option to run without an outlet. It heats effectively for its class, is quieter than many torpedo heaters, and the dual power options make it adaptable to just about any jobsite scenario. Lack of ODS and a tip-over switch keeps it firmly in the outdoor-only category, so it’s not the right tool for enclosed indoor heating. But used as intended—with proper ventilation and clearances—it’s a dependable, efficient way to chase the cold off your work area.