ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU
#5 in PortableFull review
For ventilated garages, workshops and job sites where a rolling 18,000 BTU cabinet heater beats a tank top. The manual rules out homes, RVs and living quarters.
Amazon $169.99$169.99
The ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU is the better propane heater overall, rated 3.9 to 3.6. The ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU leads on safety. The Avenger 22BF-A00 18,000 BTU wins on value. The Avenger 22BF-A00 18,000 BTU costs $34.80 less ($135.19 vs $169.99).
Prices were last checked November 11, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Avenger 22BF-A00 18,000 BTU
#9 in PortableFull review
A plain 18,000 BTU cabinet heater for patios and open work areas. It is sold as an outdoor heater, so use it that way.
Amazon $135.19$135.19
Which should you buy?
- Choose the ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU for safety (CSA listed, low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff vs low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff; no safety listing published).
- Choose the Avenger 22BF-A00 18,000 BTU for value ($7.51 per 1,000 BTU ($135.19, 18,000 BTU) vs $9.44 per 1,000 BTU ($169.99, 18,000 BTU)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every portable propane heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU | Avenger 22BF-A00 18,000 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 25% | 54 $9.44 per 1,000 BTU ($169.99, 18,000 BTU) | 71 $7.51 per 1,000 BTU ($135.19, 18,000 BTU) |
| Safety 30% | 90 CSA listed, low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff | 50 low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff; no safety listing published |
| Warranty 15% | 0 1-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
| Turndown 15% | 95 turns down to 6,000 BTU | 95 turns down to 6,000 BTU |
| Ignition 10% | 100 push-button piezo ignition | 100 push-button piezo ignition |
| Fuel options 5% | 50 runs on a bulk tank only | 50 runs on a bulk tank only |
Specifications
| ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU | Avenger 22BF-A00 18,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Heat output | 6,000 to 18,000 BTU | 6,000 to 18,000 BTU |
| Type | Portable | Portable |
| Use | Job sites and garages | Outdoor only |
| Heats up to | 450 sq ft | 450 sq ft |
| Thermostat | No | No |
| Fan | No | No |
| Fuel and power | ||
| Fuel | Bulk tank | Bulk tank |
| Hose included | Yes | - |
| Ignition | Push-button piezo | Push-button piezo |
| Power needed | None | None |
| Safety | ||
| Safety listing | CSA | None published |
| Low-oxygen shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Tip-over shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Noise | 32 dB | - |
| Dimensions | 15 x 11.3 x 21.7 in | 15 x 10 x 22 in |
| Weight | 14.6 lb | 18.4 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |