The vent-free heater to buy when you want a blower and thermostat in the box on propane. It costs more up front but needs no add on fan.
Amazon $319.99The Heatstar HSSVFBF30LPBT 30K Blue Flame rates 4.4 among vent-free gas wall heaters; the Williams 3003822 Direct Vent Furnace rates 2.7 among direct vent ones. The Heatstar HSSVFBF30LPBT 30K Blue Flame costs $970.01 less ($319.99 vs $1,290).

A strong value pick for heating a small home or cabin on natural gas with no power needed. Add the wall thermostat for automatic control.
HVACDirect $1,290Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different venting classes (vent-free and direct vent), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own venting peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Heatstar HSSVFBF30LPBT 30K Blue Flame | Williams 3003822 Direct Vent Furnace |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 60 $10.67 per 1,000 BTU ($319.99, 30,000 BTU) | 83 $43 per 1,000 BTU ($1,290, 30,000 BTU) |
| Heat output 15% | 100 30,000 BTU/hr | 67 30,000 BTU/hr |
| Controls 20% | 100 thermostat, blower, electronic ignition | 0 manual control, push button ignition |
| Fuel 5% | 0 propane only | 0 natural gas only |
| Warranty 30% | 100 5-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Heatstar HSSVFBF30LPBT 30K Blue Flame | Williams 3003822 Direct Vent Furnace | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat | ||
| Venting | Vent-free | Direct vent |
| Heat type | Blue flame | Furnace |
| Maximum input | 30,000 BTU/hr | 30,000 BTU/hr |
| Heating area claim | 750 sq ft | - |
| Efficiency | - | 66% AFUE |
| Fuel and controls | ||
| Fuel | Propane | Natural gas |
| Thermostat | Yes | No |
| Blower | Yes | No |
| Ignition | Electronic (battery) | Push button |
| Needs an outlet | No | No |
| Oxygen depletion sensor | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 30 lb | - |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1 year |