A radiant heater for a drafty room, shop or cabin up to about 700 sq ft on either fuel. Radiant heat suits spaces where warm air escapes.
Amazon $209The Mr. Heater 20K Radiant Dual Fuel is the better gas wall heater overall, rated 4.2 to 4.0. The Mr. Heater 20K Radiant Dual Fuel leads on fuel and value. The Heatstar HSSVFRD20NGBT 20K Radiant wins on controls. The Mr. Heater 20K Radiant Dual Fuel costs $50.99 less ($209 vs $259.99).
A natural gas radiant heater for a mid size room or workshop that comes complete with blower and thermostat. Pay the premium if you would otherwise buy a fan kit.
Amazon $259.99Prices 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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Mr. Heater 20K Radiant Dual Fuel for fuel (runs on propane or natural gas vs natural gas only) and value ($10.45 per 1,000 BTU ($209, 20,000 BTU) vs $13 per 1,000 BTU ($259.99, 20,000 BTU)).
- Choose the Heatstar HSSVFRD20NGBT 20K Radiant for controls (thermostat, blower, electronic ignition vs thermostat, electronic ignition).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every vent-free gas wall heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Mr. Heater 20K Radiant Dual Fuel | Heatstar HSSVFRD20NGBT 20K Radiant |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 61 $10.45 per 1,000 BTU ($209, 20,000 BTU) | 46 $13 per 1,000 BTU ($259.99, 20,000 BTU) |
| Heat output 15% | 50 20,000 BTU/hr | 50 20,000 BTU/hr |
| Controls 20% | 75 thermostat, electronic ignition | 100 thermostat, blower, electronic ignition |
| Fuel 5% | 100 runs on propane or natural gas | 0 natural gas only |
| Warranty 30% | 100 5-year warranty | 100 5-year warranty |
Specifications
| Mr. Heater 20K Radiant Dual Fuel | Heatstar HSSVFRD20NGBT 20K Radiant | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat | ||
| Venting | Vent-free | Vent-free |
| Heat type | Infrared | Infrared |
| Maximum input | 20,000 BTU/hr | 20,000 BTU/hr |
| Heating area claim | 700 sq ft | 500 sq ft |
| Fuel and controls | ||
| Fuel | Dual fuel | Natural gas |
| Thermostat | Yes | Yes |
| Blower | No | Yes |
| Ignition | Electronic (battery) | Electronic (battery) |
| Needs an outlet | No | No |
| Oxygen depletion sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Weight | - | 27 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Released | 2018-10 | - |
