The Mr. Heater Big Buddy MH18B rates 3.9 among portable propane heaters; the Mr. Heater MH15T Single Tank Top rates 2.6 among tank top ones. The Mr. Heater MH15T Single Tank Top costs $182.49 less ($57.77 vs $240.26).
For heating a ventilated cabin, ice shack or large tent that a 9,000 BTU Buddy can’t keep warm. Give it the 18 sq in of fresh air at floor and ceiling the maker requires.
Mr. Heater $240.26For job sites, ice fishing and outdoor work where a simple, repairable 15,000 BTU tank top from a known maker is worth a little more. Use it only with plenty of fresh air.
Amazon $57.77Prices 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.
These two sit in different type classes (portable and tank top), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Mr. Heater Big Buddy MH18B | Mr. Heater MH15T Single Tank Top |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Value 25% | 29 $13.35 per 1,000 BTU ($240.26, 18,000 BTU) | 32 $3.85 per 1,000 BTU ($57.77, 15,000 BTU) |
| Safety 30% | 50 low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff; no safety listing published | 50 tip-over shutoff, flame-out shutoff; no safety listing published |
| Warranty 15% | 100 3-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
| Turndown 15% | 100 turns down to 4,000 BTU | 48 turns down to 10,000 BTU |
| Ignition 10% | 100 push-button piezo ignition | 0 lit by hand |
| Fuel options 5% | 100 runs on 1 lb cylinders or a bulk tank | 50 runs on a bulk tank only |
| Mr. Heater Big Buddy MH18B | Mr. Heater MH15T Single Tank Top | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Heat output | 4,000 to 18,000 BTU | 10,000 to 15,000 BTU |
| Type | Portable | Tank top |
| Use | Indoor (ventilated) | Job sites and garages |
| Heats up to | 450 sq ft | 375 sq ft |
| Thermostat | No | No |
| Fan | No | No |
| Fuel and power | ||
| Fuel | 1 lb cylinder or bulk tank | Bulk tank |
| Hose included | No | No |
| Ignition | Push-button piezo | By hand |
| Power needed | None | None |
| Safety | ||
| Safety listing | None published | None published |
| Low-oxygen shutoff | Yes | - |
| Tip-over shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Flame-out shutoff | - | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 17.1 lb | 3.3 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
