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A gas heater burns natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, propane or butane to produce heat. The heat it produces then passes through an exchanger and makes warm air that keeps an area warm and toasty.
Australia has 2 main types of gas heaters – flued and unflued. A flued gas heater has a pipe that takes the pollutant gases outside to keep the air in your house clean, while an unflued gas heater releases its pollutants into the home – ventilation is required (e.g. a door or window open) in this case. A flued gas heater is not portable, while an unflued heater can be portable.
When choosing a gas heater, consider if you want a flued or unflued model. You should also factor in the gas type the heater uses, brand and safety features.
The team at Finder has evaluated different gas heaters from brands like Rinnai, Mr Heater, Regency and Companion to help you pick the best model for your household. We consider customer reviews, ratings, and product features when picking the best option for each category.
Australian states and territories have different laws regarding the safe installation and use of gas heaters. Be sure to check the laws that apply where you live before buying a gas heater.
The Rinnai Dynamo Natural Gas Heater DY15N is our pick for the best overall gas heater you can buy online. On Appliances Online, this has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 80 reviews.
The Rinnai Dynamo Natural Gas Heater DY15N offers low emissions technology that is less than half the Australian Standard and boasts a fully thermostatic 'set'n'forget' operation for maximum convenience. The dual programmable timers allow you to easily adjust the temperature in the morning and evening, while a child lock provides extra peace of mind. The economy mode also helps you keep energy costs low and even comes with a 1.5m hose/cord for easy installation.
With its low setting at 6.0mj and high setting at 15mj, this heater can also effectively heat different climates. It can heat up to 32m3 in very cold climates, 38m3 in cold climates, 52m3 in cool climates and 59m3 in mild climates. It is a little bit more expensive than competitors, but satisfied customers said it's worth the money.
Today's Rinnai Dynamo Natural Gas Heater DY15N deals
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For heaters, Rinnai was ranked 11th for value for money, 1st for performance, 3rd for ease of use, 4th for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.
12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
We recommend the Rinnai Avenger 25 Convector Portable Natural Gas Heater AV25SN3 as the best portable option. It has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
This portable gas heater boasts a robust 8.2kW power capacity, allowing it to quickly and effectively heat up large rooms. Plus, it incorporates low-emission technology and an impressive 5.8-star energy rating to help you save on running costs. Moreover, the heater offers an economy mode, a clean filter light, and an electronic thermostat control, ensuring user-friendliness and efficiency.
Additionally, the heater is equipped with various protective features, including a child lock, flame failure function, and a tilt switch that detects accidental knockovers. It also comes with a power failure feature and an overheating switch for added security. The memory function is another convenient feature that remembers your preferred temperature settings.
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For heaters, Rinnai was ranked 11th for value for money, 1st for performance, 3rd for ease of use, 4th for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.
12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
For people who want a fueld option, we recommend Rinnai's EnergySaver Flued LPG Heater + Flue Kit K309FTL. An efficient gas heater, this has earned a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
This model features zero emissions, making it ideal for those with allergies or other respiratory issues. It also has an inbuilt humidifier tray, allowing you to adjust the level of humidity in your home for added comfort. Plus, it has a pre-heat mode that will warm your room for up to 1 hour before you program it.
Customers adore all of the features this fueled heater has to offer. It has a digital temperature and time display, as well as clean filter light, economy mode to reduce energy costs, and dual digital timers so you can program mornings and evenings separately. The model is built to last with flame failure that automatically shuts off the gas if the flame goes out, and in case of a power failure or blackout, the gas valves will shut down automatically as well.
How do Australians rate Rinnai's heaters?
92% of surveyed Australians recommend Rinnai
4
Value for money
4.3
Overall
4.4
Performance
4.4
Ease of use
4.1
Cleaning and maintenance
4.1
Product features
How Rinnai compares
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For heaters, Rinnai was ranked 11th for value for money, 1st for performance, 3rd for ease of use, 4th for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.
12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
The Rinnai Enduro 13MJ is a true pocket rocket in the heating world. Its compact dimensions, measuring just under 50 x 50 x 25cm, belie its impressive capability to warm areas of up to 51 square metres. This makes it a perfect fit for studio and 1-2 bedroom apartments with limited space.
With a remarkable 5.8 energy star rating and an economy mode, this heater keeps rooms comfortably warm without causing a dent in your wallet. Moreover, it comes with a delay on and off timer, enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness. Safety is also a priority, as the heater is equipped with a child lock feature for added protection.
However, note that the Enduro 13MJ is an unflued heater requiring proper installation ventilation. Due to government regulations, it is unavailable in some states, such as Victoria and Tasmania.
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For heaters, Rinnai was ranked 11th for value for money, 1st for performance, 3rd for ease of use, 4th for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.
12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
The Bromic SupaHeat II Indoor Flueless LPG Gas Heater is our choice for the best cheap option. This model has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on eBay and 5 stars on Harvey Norman.
This heater is a real gem, being compact, lightweight, and exuding a sleek design while boasting an impressive room heating capacity of 80sqm. It is a combination of convection and radiant heating technologies, ensuring a cozy atmosphere throughout your home. Plus, with a powerful 21MJ power output and an impressive 5-star energy rating, you can rest assured that it won't break the bank when it comes to gas costs.
Customers have been delighted with its heating capacity, sturdy build, and the excellent value it offers for its price. The electronic battery ignition makes starting the heater a breeze, and the high and low heat settings grant you effortless temperature control. Safety-wise, the Supaheat II operates on LPG and has an automatic tilt-off switch for added peace of mind. It's essential to note that, according to Harvey Norman, it's not available in Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia.
We picked the Omega Altise OABRFNGBM Brigadier Radiant / Convector Heater as the best choice for large areas. On Appliances Online, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The Omega Altise OABRFNGBM Brigadier Radiant / Convector Heater is an impressive and versatile heating solution that provides both radiant and convection heating, allowing you to warm up an area of up to 90sqm with ease. The sleek black marble finish adds a luxurious touch to any room, while the safety features, such as the tip-over switch, oxygen depletion sensor, and flame failure shut-off, give you peace of mind.
For outdoor gas heating, we recommend Vivicreate's Gas Heater as the best model to get. This has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
This powerful device comes with a propane gas tank that can be safely housed in the unit and three fire levels that make it easy to manage. The four wheels make it easy to move around the home, and the ignition is included, so you don't need an extra battery. The anti-dumping design also offers automatic gas cut-off protection if the heater gets knocked over, keeping your home safe.
Customers praised the product's portable design and excellent value for money. It's easy to use and provides warmth in small outdoor areas. It's pretty powerful, but the heater might struggle if used in larger areas.
When it comes to the best option for energy efficiency, we picked the Rinnai Granada 252 Radiant Convector LPG 252L, which has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Bing Lee.
With three heat settings and a 2-speed fan, this versatile heater is well-equipped to cater to all your indoor heating needs. Plus, its outstanding 5.9-star energy rating ensures substantial savings on gas costs.
Perfectly designed for portability without compromising on power, the Granada 252 is an excellent choice for heating areas up to 52sqm. On low settings, it boasts an output of 8.5MJ per hour, while on high, it reaches an impressive 25MJ per hour. Safety is a priority, featuring a tilt-switch-off function, dress guard, sensors, and a flame failure device to give you peace of mind. However, it is important to note that it lacks a child lock. Despite this, the Granada 252 is among our top picks for the best energy-efficient heaters online.
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For heaters, Rinnai was ranked 11th for value for money, 1st for performance, 3rd for ease of use, 4th for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.
12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we selected Mr. Heater's MH11BFLEX Buddy Flex Heater as the best gas camping heater available online.
The Mr. Heater MH11BFLEX Buddy Flex Heater is an excellent choice for outdoor heating. This omni-directional heater produces 11,000 BTUs of radiant heat and features high wind resistance technology to ensure your warmth is not disturbed by gusts of air. The variable output control allows you to adjust the heat to best suit your needs and efficiently manage fuel consumption, while the patented overheat safety shutdown technology ensures your safety.
This heater also comes with accessory controls making operation a breeze! And with its quick connect gas and accessory system, you can hook it up in no time. Customers said the build feels flimsy but doesn't really affect its performance. Overall, it's an excellent option for 1-2 people wanting a heater when they camp.
We also chose the Rinnai Avenger 25 Convector Portable Natural Gas Heater AV25SN3 as the best option for bathrooms.
With an impressive power of 8.2kW, this portable gas heater rapidly warms up large rooms as well as smaller ones like a bathroom, making it an ideal choice. It incorporates low-emission technology and boasts an impressive 5.8-star energy rating, contributing to significant savings on running costs. Moreover, the Avenger 25 offers an economy mode, a clean filter light, and a user-friendly electronic thermostat control for added convenience.
When it comes to safety, this heater is well-equipped with features like a child lock, a flame failure function, and a tilt switch that detects accidental knocks. Additionally, it includes a power failure feature and an overheat switch for added security. The memory function is another practical feature that remembers your preferred temperature settings for your ease of use.
Requires professional help, which adds up to the cost
Buy now
Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability
If you prefer gas log fires, you might want to check out the Illusion Luminar 1000 Inbuilt Gas Log Fire.
The Illusion Luminar 1000 Inbuilt Gas Log Fire is a remarkable product that will provide you with the warmth and comfort of a traditional fireplace and an elegant and modern look.
The fire features realistic logs made of ceramic fibre that can be operated with just a single switch, allowing you to easily create an inviting atmosphere. The efficient gas burner produces a stunning flame designed to provide maximum energy efficiency and reduce your gas bills in the long run.
The Illusion Luminar 1000 Inbuilt Gas Log Fire also comes with a range of safety features, including an oxygen depletion sensor and thermocouple for added protection. It is more expensive than traditional gas heaters, but its construction and design make it an excellent long-term investment.
How did we pick this list?
20 Brands considered
58 Products compared
11 Best products chosen
Why you can trust our picks
For this list, we looked at hundreds of gas heaters on retailers like Amazon, The Good Guys, Appliances Online and Bing Lee. We considered models from the following brands:
Aquamax
BIO
Braemar
Bromic
Companion
Coonara
Devanti
Gasland
Gasmate
Maxon
Illusion
Sydney Gas Fires
Escea
Realflame
Mr Heater
Omega Altise
Regency
Rinnai
Stovax
Thermomate
We narrowed down our choices based on customer ratings and reviews (as of July 2023). We also considered each model's key product features, including size coverage, value for money and safety functions. We came up with what we believe are the 11 best gas heaters available online.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.
Find how you can save on gas costs & see which providers are offering cheap rates for your state NSWVICQLDSA
Flued vs unflued gas heaters
Australian gas heaters come in 2 main types: flued and unflued.
Flued gas heaters
Flued gas heaters have a pipe (flue) to take gases outside so the air in your room stays clean. Since installation is required, there are extra costs involved and you won't be able to move your heater from room to room. You can often use an existing fireplace to place your heater and take advantage of the chimney.
Pros
Emissions are directed outside rather than into the room
Better for spot heating
Can be used in small rooms
Suitable for allergy sufferers, asthmatics and people with respiratory issues
Cons
More expensive
Requires installation which adds more cost
Not as energy-efficient
Needs gas filter installation
Unflued gas heaters
An unflued gas heater is a portable heater that can either use a gas bottle tucked into the back or can be connected to a gas point in your home. Most of the gas turns into heat. This lets it heat up a room quickly. As the gas isn't flued or filtered out of the home these are recommended for larger living areas rather than single, small room such as bedrooms or studies.
Some states in Australia have regulations over where unflued gas heaters can be placed. Check first before purchasing.
Gas emissions go back into the room, so ventilation is crucial
Illegal to use in small and enclosed spaces
Produces carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide
May irritate respiratory issues or allergies
What type of gas heater is best?
The best gas heater for you is one that suits your home and your needs. Here are a few key features to consider before choosing your gas heater:
Room size
The heater you buy should adequately heat the room size it's in. As a guide, 1kWh can heat around 10 square metres (sqm).
Be aware that it's illegal to use unflued heaters in smaller rooms. Check your state's regulations before shopping.
Gas type
Gas heaters run on either LPG or natural gas. Choose the option that your home is installed with.
Price
Unflued heaters tend to cost from $400-$1,500. Flued heaters are more expensive ranging from $1,200-$2,200. The price will depend on size, quality and extra features.
Gas consumption
The higher the MJ/h (megajoule) rating the more gas will be used for faster heating. Flued heaters have input of up to 30MJ. Unflued heaters have a maximum input of 25MJ.
Safety features
Common safety features include a child safety lock and tilt switch which shuts the unit down if it's tipped over. These are particularly handy if you have young children or pets.
Extra features
Popular features you may enjoy for convenience include a remote control, thermostat, timer, electronic ignition and filter-clean warning.
Before purchasing, be sure to check out the gas safety regulations for your state for information around ventilation for gas appliances.
Victoria has banned the sale of some gas heaters, and unflued heaters must use liquid petroleum gas (LPG).
Gas heaters should be serviced regularly by a certified gas fitter.
Check that the heater you want to purchase has been certified for use by the Australian Gas Association.
To ensure proper airflow, clean filters (if applicable) regularly.
Ensure kids, pets and any flammable objects stay at least 1 metre away from gas heaters.
Do not leave a gas heater on overnight or in a room that you sleep in.
When choosing a flued gas heater, ask a certified gas fitter to complete the installation.
As well as having a smoke alarm, consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm for any type of gas heater you purchase.
Frequently asked questions
The average lifespan of a gas heater is around 10-15 years. Of course, this will depend on the quality and maintenance of the appliance. Keeping up with annual servicing and following regular maintenance tips can help you get more out of your gas heater and ensure it works efficiently for longer.
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to which type of heater is the least expensive to run. Generally speaking, gas heaters are cheaper than electric models for heating large spaces. However, the actual cost depends on a number of factors, such as the price of electricity and gas in your area and the size of your space.
Yes, gas heaters can be safely used in the bedroom if installed and maintained correctly. It is important to ensure that your heater has the appropriate safety features, such as a flame failure device and an oxygen depletion sensor.
A faulty and poorly installed gas heater can possibly cause carbon monoxide poisoning. You can use CO detectors and ensure your gas heater is working properly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
While modern gas heaters offer a ton of safety features, you still shouldn't leave your gas heater on when you go to bed.
If your room isn't well-ventilated or doesn't have air vents, it is best to keep a door or window open to allow better airflow.
We've found that convection gas heaters are the cheapest to run. On average, they'll set you back $248 during the Australian winter.
They can be. As technology advances gas heaters become more economic. The Omega Altise Briganger, Rinnai Avenger 25 and Rinnai Granada 252 mentioned on our list all boast energy ratings of 5.8 stars or higher.
That said, there is always going to be a variety of heaters on the market and you'll find some that are more efficient than others.
Most gas heaters can consume 13 to 30 megajoules per hour. The amount of gas used depends on how large your room is and how strong your heat setting is. Generally the larger the room the more gas is required to heat it up. If you're using a small 45kg LPG tank a 30MJ gas heater can run for 3 hours per day for 24 days.
Best rated gas heater brand award breakdown
Total Score
Overall rating
Value for Money
Features & Functionality
Performance
Safety
Bosch
8.17
4.48
4.16
4.4
4.4
4.48
Rinnai
8.16
4.47
4.37
4.43
4.45
4.33
Braemar
7.81
4.17
4.28
4.39
4.28
4.33
Paloma
7.58
4.14
4.43
4.11
4.29
4.25
Cannon
7.56
4.09
4.16
4.14
4.14
3.98
Other
7.53
4.08
4
4.08
4.25
4.17
Real Flame
7.52
4.17
4.09
4.09
4.26
3.96
Everdure
7.46
4.07
3.97
4.1
4.1
4.07
Brivis
7.16
3.88
4.03
3.85
3.94
4.21
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info.
Previous Retail Awards
Best Rated Gas Heater Brand 2019: Rinnai
According to customers, Rinnai is the best gas heater brand in Australia with 97% of surveyed owners recommending the brand. The Japanese manufacturer received the highest overall score with high ratings for safety, temperature consistency and build quality.
Overall rating
Recommended
Build Quality
Value for Money
Quietness
Heating Speed
Temperature Consistency
Safety
Rinnai
4.2
97%
4.24
3.82
3.92
4.18
4.26
4.49
Bosch
3.94
100%
3.7
3.86
3.88
3.92
3.65
3.85
Braemar
3.9
100%
4.1
3.8
3.3
3.55
3.5
3.95
Aurora*
3.5
50%
4.17
3.33
3.33
3.5
3.67
3
Bonaire*
3.83
100%
2.83
3.33
3.67
3.67
3.33
4.17
Brivis*
4.07
89%
4.31
3.88
3.63
4
4.21
4.06
Bromic*
4
100%
4.5
3.5
5
3.75
5
3.75
Cannon*
4
100%
3.7
3.7
3.8
3.5
3.9
3.9
Coonara*
3.83
100%
3.5
3.33
3.5
3.33
4
3.33
Everdure*
4.38
67%
4.25
4.5
4.13
4.38
4.25
4.5
Gasmate*
4
100%
3.75
4.5
4.5
3.75
4.5
3.5
Jetmaster*
3.17
33%
3.67
2.17
2
2.67
3.17
3.33
Nectre*
3.5
100%
3.75
4.5
3.25
4
5
3.5
Omega Altise*
3.33
3.67
3.75
3.5
3.5
3.17
4.33
Paloma*
4.19
100%
4.44
4.13
4.06
4.25
4.13
4.25
Real Flame*
3.8
100%
3.2
3.4
3.2
3.1
2.6
3.3
Regency*
3.5
67%
4
3.5
3.33
3
3.83
3.5
*Brand did not meet the sample threshold to qualify for the award
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2019, Roy Morgan. Metric out of 5 stars unless otherwise indicated. Methodology and more info.
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in best guides. Using tested methodology, Ericka has been helping Australians choose the right product across hundreds of categories since 2020. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila. As well as being passionate about helping people save money when shopping for their latest purchases, Ericka has a background in writing about property investment, personal finance and health. When not writing best guides, you can find her lost in the pages of a good book or experimenting with watercolour painting.
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