Collection: Martin Heaters

Martin Propane Heaters & Direct Vent Wall Heating

A Martin propane heater offers dependable indoor heating without relying on household electricity. Manufactured by Bismar Inc., Martin's direct vent wall heaters use sealed combustion systems, built-in thermostats, and piezo ignition to provide adjustable heat for cabins, cottages, workshops, and other outdoor living spaces.

At The Cabin Depot®, we carry Martin propane and natural gas heaters in 8,000, 11,000, and 20,000 BTU models. 

Whether you're looking for a compact heater or a higher-capacity unit with a glass-ceramic viewing window, our heating collection includes several options to suit your needs. Browse our available models to find the right fit for your property.

About Martin Direct Vent Heaters

Martin is a heating equipment brand manufactured by Bismar Inc. Its permanent direct vent heaters are designed to provide indoor warmth using either liquid propane or natural gas, depending on the model.

Instead of drawing combustion air from the room, Martin's sealed direct vent system supplies air from the outdoors and sends exhaust gases outside through an exterior wall.

Our Martin wall heaters share several practical features:

• Non-electric operation: Piezo ignition and built-in thermostatic controls allow heating without a household electrical connection.
• Adjustable heat: Hi-Lo thermostatic controls regulate output within the model's operating range.
• Direct vent design: Combustion air and exhaust are handled through an exterior-wall vent system.
• Die-cast aluminum construction: The front grill provides a durable exterior and allows heated air to circulate into the room.
• CSA certification: Our Martin models are certified for use in the United States and Canada.

These features make Martin heaters worth considering for permanent heating installations where available power, wall space, and fuel supply influence equipment selection.

Find the Right Martin Propane Heater by Model

Martin propane wall heaters come in three primary heating capacities. Each offers a different combination of physical dimensions and heat output, while the 11,000 and 20,000 BTU models also have viewing windows.

Heating areas are approximate manufacturer estimates. Actual requirements depend on insulation, ceiling height, local climate, and building construction.

Martin Heater Features That Make a Difference

The BTU rating is only one part of choosing a Martin propane heater. The way each model controls heat, operates without electricity, and uses fuel can be just as important.

Built-In Thermostatic Control for Adjustable Heat

Martin's direct vent models use built-in Hi-Lo thermostatic controls. The heater can automatically adjust its heat output within the model’s operating range, instead of running at full capacity all the time.

For example, our Martin MDV8P has a maximum input of 8,000 BTU/hr and can operate down to 2,900 BTU/hr. The MDV20P offers a wider heating range, from 6,000 to 20,000 BTU/hr.

This allows the heater to respond to changing heating needs without requiring a separate electrical thermostat.

Heat That Doesn't Depend on Grid Power

Martin direct vent heaters use piezo ignition and do not require household electricity for normal operation.

That makes them particularly useful for remote cabins, seasonal properties, and homes where maintaining heat during an electrical outage is a priority.

The heater still requires a suitable gas supply and proper installation, but its basic heating function is not dependent on an electrical outlet.

Thermal Output and Propane Consumption

Martin's direct vent models have an 80% thermal efficiency rating. This means their heat output is lower than their maximum fuel input.

At maximum continuous operation, the propane models also have different fuel consumption rates:

These figures represent maximum continuous operation, not average daily propane use. Actual consumption depends on heating demand, thermostat operation, and runtime.

Martin vs. Newport Propane Heaters

Martin and Newport both offer direct vent propane heaters that can provide heat without household electricity. 

However, their designs serve different needs. Martin focuses on permanent wall heating with several BTU capacities, while the Newport Explorer is a compact fireplace-style heater designed for cabins, RVs, tiny homes, and marine applications.

For a cabin or workshop requiring higher heating capacity, our Martin propane wall heaters offer several sizes and built-in thermostatic control. 

The 8,000 BTU MDV8P is our smallest Martin model, while the 20,000 BTU options provide greater output for spaces with higher heating needs.

Solid Front or Glass-Ceramic Window?

Martin offers two front designs within its 11,000 and 20,000 BTU ranges. The standard models, including the MDV12P and MDV20P, feature solid die-cast aluminum fronts.

The MDV12VP and MDV20VP include glass-ceramic viewing windows that allow you to see the flame.

The viewing window changes the heater's appearance, but it does not increase the BTU rating or approximate heating area.

For a utility room or workshop, the standard solid-front model may be sufficient. In a cabin living area, the viewing-window version may be preferable if you want the appearance of a visible flame.

Installation Details to Check Before Ordering

A Martin propane wall heater is intended for permanent installation, so it is essential to confirm that the building can accommodate the required venting and clearances.

Martin direct vent heaters are designed for installation through an exterior wall. Martin direct vent heaters accommodate exterior walls between 4-1/2 and 12-5/8 inches thick.

Before ordering, verify:

• Wall location and thickness: Make sure the exterior wall accommodates the heater's vent system and allows for proper vent termination.
• Required clearances: Allow at least 7 inches from the floor, 6 inches on either side, and 24 inches above the heater, following the model's installation instructions.
• Gas supply: Connect the heater to the correct fuel source using appropriate pressure regulation and fittings.
• Installation elevation: Installations above 2,000 feet may require adjustments to the heater's rated input.
• Included components: Each Martin heater comes with a vent installation kit, wall template, and manual, although additional materials may be needed depending on the installation.

We recommend having a qualified installer review the manufacturer's instructions and applicable local requirements before installation.

Martin Propane vs. Natural Gas Heaters

Our Martin collection includes both propane and natural gas wall heaters, with similar heating capacities and features across the two fuel types.

The model numbers make it easy to tell them apart. Propane models end in P, while natural gas models end in N. Models with a glass-ceramic viewing window use VP or VN, depending on the fuel type.

If your property has an existing natural gas connection, one of our natural gas models may be the better fit. For cabins and off-grid properties that rely on propane tanks, we offer dedicated propane versions.

Just make sure you choose the model designed for your fuel supply. Martin propane and natural gas heaters are not interchangeable.

Find Support & A Partner You Can Trust With The Cabin Depot®

A permanent gas heater is equipment you'll depend on beyond the initial purchase, so access to product information and support matters.

At The Cabin Depot®, we provide detailed Martin heater specifications, including heating capacity, fuel consumption, dimensions, clearances, and installation components.

Purchasing our equipment also comes with access to:

• The Cabin Depot® technical support for troubleshooting requests
• Martin manufacturer warranty support for warranty-related inquiries
• Product-specific manuals and installation information where available

We can help you review the available models before purchasing and direct you to the right support resources when questions come up.

Shop Martin Propane Heaters for Your Cabin or Home

Whether you're looking for a compact 8,000 BTU unit or a 20,000 BTU Martin propane wall heater with a viewing window, our collection offers several options for permanent indoor heating.

Review your product specifications, check your building's heating and installation requirements, and browse our Martin heaters to choose the configuration that fits your space.

You can also visit our indoor gas heating collection for additional permanent heating options.