DeWalt Forced Air Propane Heater (170,000 BTU/HR)

First impressions and setup

Cold mornings on a framed shell are where forced‑air propane heaters earn their keep. The DeWalt 170K propane heater arrived ready for work: handle attaches with four screws, the 20‑ft hose and regulator thread onto the valve with no fuss, and the recessed controls are protected enough that I don’t worry tossing it in and out of the truck. It does require 120V power for the fan and ignition, so plan on a heavy‑gauge extension cord and a GFCI source.

Startup is straightforward. With the tank valve opened slowly, I set the heater to low and the thermostat to a mid setting. The continuous electronic ignition lights the burner without the usual “wait and hold” dance of older units. From a cold start, I had full flame in a couple of seconds. Shut‑down is equally simple: turn the control to off and let the fan coast down.

At 20.6 lb, it’s easy to carry one‑handed by the big handle, and the 20‑ft hose gives you flexibility to park the cylinder well away from the heat stream. The hose does stiffen up in sub‑freezing temps (as they all do), so be mindful of routing so it doesn’t act like a spring and tug on the heater.

Heat output and real‑world coverage

The heater is rated 125,000–170,000 BTU/hr with two output settings. On high, it delivers the classic “torpedo heater” blast—strong, directional, and immediate. In a partially insulated 3‑bay garage, I could feel usable warmth several car lengths in front of the nozzle within minutes. It excels at spot heating people and materials directly in its line of fire; corners and far reaches warm more slowly. A small circulation fan helps distribute that heat and smooth out hot and cold pockets.

The onboard thermostat (25°F–95°F) cycles the burner to maintain a set point. It’s not laboratory‑grade—there’s some swing as the burner cuts in and out—but it’s good enough for jobsite comfort and, importantly, saves fuel by avoiding constant full‑tilt burning. Placing the heater so it’s not immediately re‑sucking its own hot plume improves the thermostat’s behavior and avoids short‑cycling.

As for fuel, DeWalt’s example runtimes of roughly 13 hours on high and 17 hours on low with a 100‑lb cylinder tracked with my experience over a long winter day of mixed output. That big cylinder isn’t optional if you expect steady high‑fire in sub‑freezing weather; a 20‑lb grill tank will chill and lose pressure quickly at these BTU rates. If you must use smaller cylinders, plan on more frequent swaps and reduced output as the tank frosts.

Noise: improved, but still a shop‑level roar

DeWalt’s Quiet Burner Technology does take the edge off the screech many older torpedo heaters make. Compared side‑by‑side with an aging competitor, the tone is lower and less piercing. That said, it’s still a forced‑air combustion device moving a lot of air. Expect shop‑vac levels of noise while the burner is lit and the fan is at speed. It’s perfectly fine for a jobsite or open shop; not something you’ll want to hold a quiet conversation over.

Controls and usability

Two recessed knobs run the show: one selects output (low/high/off), the other sets the thermostat. The simplicity is welcome—gloves on, no problem. The thermostat dial has broad markings, not precise degrees, and the “feel” is more functional than refined. I would love a variable output regulator rather than just two heat levels, but the thermostat compensates enough to avoid constant babysitting.

The safety system is up to modern expectations: continuous electronic ignition that monitors flame, a high‑limit shutoff, and tip‑over protection. I experienced clean restarts every time the thermostat called for heat, even when the cylinder was getting light.

Build quality and serviceability

The split‑barrel design is not just a spec‑sheet bullet. Removing a few screws lets you open the shell to clean out dust, check wiring, or replace the igniter. On heaters that inhale jobsite grime, that matters. The steel body is appropriately stout without being overly heavy, and the powder coat took a winter’s abuse with only minor scuffing. Recessed controls, again, are a thoughtful touch—less likely to get smashed by bouncing materials in the trailer.

Plan on routine maintenance. A quick blast of compressed air through the intake and burner at the end of the week keeps performance consistent. Periodically inspect the hose for abrasion and the regulator for signs of icing or damage.

Safety and ventilation: not optional

This is a ventless, propane‑fired heater intended for outdoor use or open, well‑ventilated jobsites. It produces carbon monoxide and consumes oxygen. That means active ventilation is mandatory. In a garage or shell, I crack overhead doors and set a fan to exchange air; I also keep a CO monitor in my kit and use it religiously. If you need “clean” indoor heat without venting, you’re shopping for a different class of heater entirely.

Keep generous clearance in front of the nozzle and be mindful of what’s downrange—this unit’s heat cone will soften plastics and bake finishes in short order. Don’t point it at parked cylinders, wiring spools, window film, or anything that can deform or ignite.

A stability quirk you should plan around

One behavior worth calling out: on smooth surfaces, the heater can slowly “creep” or rotate under fan torque and vibration. I observed this on slick poly sheeting and polished concrete—the barrel can pivot a few degrees over time, and on plastic it can slide. It’s not dramatic, but it’s enough to change where that hot plume is aimed if you set it and walk away. The mitigation is simple:

• Set the heater on a rubber mat, plywood with a rubber pad, or directly on textured concrete.
• Use the frame’s feet to your advantage—chock them lightly with wood blocks to prevent rotation.
• Aim it carefully at non‑combustible targets and re‑check alignment periodically.
• Never operate unattended, and keep the cylinder out of the heater’s line of fire.

These steps are basic jobsite heater practice, and with them in place I had no further surprises.

Fuel economy and operating costs

At the top end, a heater in this class burns a lot of propane—that’s the tradeoff for fast, volumetric heat. DeWalt’s runtime guidance is realistic, and the thermostat helps stretch a cylinder over the day. If you’re running all day in severe cold, consider manifolded cylinders or a larger tank to maintain pressure and avoid mid‑day trips for refills. Always open tank valves slowly to protect the regulator, and store cylinders upright and outside.

Where it shines, where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Big, usable heat fast; ideal for framers, roofers, concrete crews, and open shops.
- Reliable ignition and smooth thermostat cycling reduce fussing.
- Solid build with serviceable split barrel and protected controls.
- Manageable weight and long hose improve placement and safety.
- Noticeably quieter tone than older torpedo heaters.

Tradeoffs:
- Still loud; hearing protection is a good idea indoors.
- Only two heat settings; finer modulation would be welcome.
- Thermostat is coarse and influenced by placement.
- Can creep/rotate on slick surfaces; needs mindful setup.
- Requires 120V power—plan cord management accordingly.

The bottom line

The DeWalt heater does exactly what a 170,000 BTU jobsite torpedo should: it turns cold, unwelcoming spaces into workable environments quickly and predictably. The combination of high output, a simple thermostat, and respectable build quality makes it a dependable tool for crews who understand the basics of propane heat and ventilation. Noise is improved but present, the controls are glove‑friendly, and service access is better than most.

I would recommend it—with clear caveats. For contractors and experienced DIYers who need temporary heat in ventilated spaces and are willing to set it up on a stable surface, keep clearances, and monitor CO, it’s a strong performer and a good value. If you’re looking for something to run unattended in tight indoor areas, or you want whisper‑quiet operation, this isn’t the right tool. Used as intended, though, the DeWalt 170K propane heater is a capable, hard‑working heater that earns its spot on the job.