direct vent propane heaters without electricity recommendations?

I’m looking at small direct vent propane heaters that don’t require electricity. Probably in the 8k to 15k btu range. I’ve found the Empire DV215 and a Martin MDV12. The Martin looks a lot nicer but requires a 9 1/16″ hole which seems crazy, how do you even drill a hole that big? The Empire has very mixed reviews that I’ve seen. Anyways, which are good brands/models and which should we stay away from?

I installed a new Williams 14k direct vent unit in my fish house last year. Very happy with it and I picked it over the Empire unit for its size and overall reviews. The dealer I bought it from sells both and said the Williams have less issues.
Its nice looking and the included thermostat is an added bonus.

Reef W wrote:

how do you even drill a hole that big?

jigsaw

Menards has the Williams 14k unit on sale for $629.99. I installed the 22k unit in my new skid house last year. Works great. Mine was technicially new construction and was framed in as so. I believe you can do a round hole for a renovation install. You can read the install instructions online.

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I’m a direct vent guy but remember they are not as efficient as fan forced units. I would go bigger than you think you need. My 8×16 plus V has a 20000btu that works great but I wouldn’t go smaller. I’m super tight foam top to bottom. If you watch eBay you might see the discontinued Orbis units from time to time. Empires are top of the line but I prefer wall mount to save space. You can buy fan units made for them and they help a ton when the generator is in use.

Jason wrote:

I installed a new Williams 14k direct vent unit in my fish house last year.

gizmoguy wrote:

Menards has the Williams 14k unit on sale for $629.99.

Thanks, I’ll check out Williams too.

3rdtryguy wrote:

Empires are top of the line but I prefer wall mount to save space. You can buy fan units made for them and they help a ton when the generator is in use.

I’m pretty sure the ones I looked at were wall mount but I’ll check again. Availability of a fan kit is probably a good thing to consider even if I don’t plan on using it now, thanks for pointing that out.

I made 4 computer fan brackets to mount above and under my 14k wall mount unit. They work great and the fans will run for 3-4 days on a deep cycle battery. I dought if my heater runs more than 15 minutes an hr to maintain my 7’x12′ house.