The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX is the better propane heater overall, rated 4.5 to 3.6. The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX leads on safety, turndown and value. The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX costs $39.03 less ($89.97 vs $129).
The default choice for heating a ventilated tent, blind or small cabin on 1 lb cylinders, with the option to hook up a bigger tank later. Keep the 9 sq in of fresh air the maker requires.
Amazon $89.97A compact, push button alternative to the Portable Buddy for ventilated tents and cabins, with a slightly higher low setting. Keep the fresh air the maker’s manual requires.
Amazon $129Prices were last checked October 30, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
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 | Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX | Mr. Heater Buddy FLEX MH11BFLEX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.5/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 25% | 50 $10 per 1,000 BTU ($89.97, 9,000 BTU) | 39 $11.73 per 1,000 BTU ($129, 11,000 BTU) |
| Safety 30% | 100 CSA listed, low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff, flame-out shutoff | 50 low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff; no safety listing published |
| Warranty 15% | 100 3-year warranty | 100 3-year warranty |
| Turndown 15% | 79 turns down to 4,000 BTU | 39 turns down to 8,000 BTU |
| Ignition 10% | 100 push-button piezo ignition | 100 electric ignition |
| Fuel options 5% | 100 runs on 1 lb cylinders or a bulk tank | 100 runs on 1 lb cylinders or a bulk tank |
| Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX | Mr. Heater Buddy FLEX MH11BFLEX | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Heat output | 4,000 to 9,000 BTU | 8,000 to 11,000 BTU |
| Type | Portable | Portable |
| Use | Indoor (ventilated) | Indoor (ventilated) |
| Heats up to | 225 sq ft | 275 sq ft |
| Thermostat | No | No |
| Fan | No | No |
| Fuel and power | ||
| Fuel | 1 lb cylinder or bulk tank | 1 lb cylinder or bulk tank |
| Hose included | No | No |
| Ignition | Push-button piezo | Electric |
| Power needed | None | Batteries |
| Safety | ||
| Safety listing | CSA | None published |
| Low-oxygen shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Tip-over shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Flame-out shutoff | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Dimensions | 14.25 x 9 x 15 in | 13.5 x 9 x 14.25 in |
| Weight | 10.6 lb | 11 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2009-06-01 | 2019-08-22 |
