DeWalt Cordless Portable Radiant Propane Heater

First impressions

Cold mornings on a jobsite call for heat that shows up fast, and this DeWalt propane heater does exactly that. It’s a compact, 14-pound, radiant unit with a high-velocity fan, an LED work light in the handle, and three USB ports—useful add-ons powered by any DEWALT 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT battery. Heat comes from propane, ignition from a AAA cell, and safety systems include tip-over shutoff and an oxygen depletion sensor. I’ve used it in a well-ventilated garage, on a small trailer build, and outdoors for event work. It’s not the cheapest way to get warm, but it’s effective, sturdy, and thoughtfully laid out.

What stands out

Two heat settings—6,000 and 12,000 BTU—cover a lot of ground. On low, it takes the edge off a 1–2 car garage. On high, it brings meaningful comfort to a 200–300 sq ft space within minutes, especially with the fan running. The integrated fan is the differentiator here: instead of relying solely on radiant heat, it pushes warm air forward, reducing cold spots and warming hands and tools faster.

Heating performance

Radiant heaters are efficient at warming people and objects directly, and this one does that well. With the fan off, it behaves like a traditional radiant unit—quiet, focused warmth. Turn the fan on and you get better room mixing; it’s not a furnace, but it noticeably speeds up perceived warmth.

• Low (6,000 BTU): Good for maintaining comfort in a small shop bay or keeping frost at bay. For me, this setting is the sweet spot for sustained use, particularly if you’re within 6–8 feet.
• High (12,000 BTU): Great for preheating a cold workspace or for open-air tasks. It outputs serious heat, but expect faster propane consumption.

Noise-wise, the fan isn’t whisper-quiet. I’d call it a steady jobsite whirr—audible during light tasks, not a problem when saws or compressors are in play. If absolute silence matters, running radiant-only is a practical option.

Power and accessories

The LED work light baked into the handle is more than a novelty. It’s bright, wide, and perfectly aimed for working on a bench or checking fasteners without grabbing another light. The three USB ports are handy for topping off a phone or a headlamp. These features pull from your 20V battery, not propane, and they don’t run the ignition—more on that later.

Battery draw feels reasonable. I can run the fan and light on and off through a workday on a 5.0Ah pack. Still, if you’re not already invested in DeWalt 20V batteries, factor in the cost. The heater works fine as a propane-only unit, but you’d be leaving its best trick—the fan—on the table.

Fueling options and runtime

You can clip on two 1-pound cylinders under the side covers or connect a 20-pound tank via an optional hose. The dual 1-pound setup keeps the footprint tidy and portable. For quick jobs or short events, it’s perfect. On low, I’ve seen roughly seven hours from two fresh 1-pound cylinders. On high, that window narrows significantly, so plan accordingly.

For longer sessions, a 20-pound tank is the way to go. DeWalt’s own runtime data suggests you’ll get on the order of 72 hours at low from a full 20-pounder. I didn’t run it continuously to zero, but my experience aligns with the idea: a standard grill tank makes this heater a multi-day solution without constant cylinder swaps.

Safety features

This unit is CSA listed and includes an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS), a thermoelectric safety valve, and a tip-over shutoff. In practice, the tip-over protection works as expected; set on a stable surface, the heater feels planted, but if it’s bumped or jostled hard, it shuts down cleanly.

A few practical notes:
- Ventilation matters. Even with ODS, I use it with a cracked garage door and a CO detector in the space.
- Not for sale/use in Massachusetts or Canada; treat as outdoor-only in those jurisdictions. Always check local codes and follow the manual.

Build quality and ergonomics

At around 14 pounds with compact dimensions (10.5 x 15.75 x 14 inches), it’s hefty enough to feel stable, yet easy to carry by the integrated handle. The frame and shell feel robust for jobsite use. The side covers that hide the 1-pound cylinders snap closed with plastic tabs; they work, but they’re the least confidence-inspiring part of the build. Time will tell how those latches hold up to repeated use, especially in cold weather.

The propane connections are straightforward, though on my unit one side needed a bit more care to line up before closing the cover. It’s not a showstopper, but it’s something I now do deliberately rather than rushing.

Setup and usability

Startup is simple: connect propane, crack the valve, hold the control to prime, press ignition, and keep it depressed briefly until the thermoelectric valve holds. The electronic ignition is reliable, and the included AAA cell works out of the box. The heat control is a basic two-position setup, which is fine—6,000 and 12,000 BTU cover most needs.

One quirk: the ignition uses its own AAA battery rather than pulling off the 20V pack. Functionally it’s fine, but it introduces another battery to maintain. I now pull the AAA out when storing the heater for long stretches to avoid corrosion.

Who it’s for

• Tradespeople and DIYers already on the DEWALT 20V platform who will use the fan and light.
• Mobile contractors working from small trailers or box trucks who need fast, directed heat.
• Vendors and outdoor hobbyists who want a portable, high-output heater with a built-in light and USB power.

If you need whisper-quiet operation or plan to run exclusively on 1-pound cylinders at high output all day, this may not be the perfect fit.

Wish list and shortcomings

• Ignition power source: I’d prefer ignition to run from the 20V battery. The AAA works, but it’s another point of failure and maintenance. If you leave a cell in for months, corrosion can become a headache—remove it during storage.
• Fan noise: Acceptable on a jobsite, noticeable in a quiet space. A low-speed mode would be welcome.
• Plastic latch durability: The side-cover tabs are the only part that feels “consumer-grade.” They’ve held so far, but long-term durability is an open question.
• Battery not included: Fair, but worth noting. The fan/light/USB are the best features; without a DeWalt battery, you miss them.
• Documentation clarity: I’d love a prominent quick-start card emphasizing ventilation, CO safety, and a reminder about removing the AAA for off-season storage.

The bottom line

As a portable heat source with jobsite-friendly add-ons, this DeWalt heater is a strong performer. The radiant element throws real warmth, the fan accelerates heat distribution, and the LED and USB ports turn it into a more complete “workstation” heater rather than just a fire-in-a-box. Runtime on dual 1-pound cylinders is respectable on low, and the option to jump to a 20-pound tank makes it viable for extended use.

Recommendation: I recommend this heater for anyone already invested in DeWalt 20V batteries who needs a rugged, portable propane heater with active heat circulation. It’s effective, safe when used as directed, and thoughtfully designed for real work. If you’re not on the DeWalt platform, don’t want any fan noise, or you’re sensitive to latch longevity and the separate AAA ignition battery, there are simpler radiant-only heaters that cost less to own. But for mixed indoor-outdoor, jobsite, and event use where the fan and light matter, this is the one I’d bring.