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 2.7. The ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU leads on turndown, value and safety. The Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater MH4GC costs $106.99 less ($63 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.
Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater MH4GC
#14 in PortableFull review
For golfers and spectators who want a little radiant warmth in an open cart. The maker restricts it to outdoor use.
Amazon $63$63
Which should you buy?
- Choose the ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU for turndown (turns down to 6,000 BTU vs one heat setting), value ($9.44 per 1,000 BTU ($169.99, 18,000 BTU) vs $15.75 per 1,000 BTU ($63, 4,000 BTU)) and safety (CSA listed, low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff vs low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff, flame-out shutoff; no safety listing published).
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 | Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater MH4GC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 25% | 54 $9.44 per 1,000 BTU ($169.99, 18,000 BTU) | 17 $15.75 per 1,000 BTU ($63, 4,000 BTU) |
| Safety 30% | 90 CSA listed, low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff | 60 low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff, flame-out shutoff; no safety listing published |
| Warranty 15% | 0 1-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
| Turndown 15% | 95 turns down to 6,000 BTU | 0 one heat setting |
| 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 1 lb cylinders only |
Specifications
| ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU | Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater MH4GC | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Heat output | 6,000 to 18,000 BTU | 4,000 BTU |
| Type | Portable | Portable |
| Use | Job sites and garages | Outdoor only |
| Heats up to | 450 sq ft | 100 sq ft |
| Thermostat | No | No |
| Fan | No | No |
| Fuel and power | ||
| Fuel | Bulk tank | 1 lb cylinder |
| Hose included | Yes | No |
| 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 |
| Flame-out shutoff | - | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Noise | 32 dB | - |
| Dimensions | 15 x 11.3 x 21.7 in | - |
| Weight | 14.6 lb | 6 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Released | - | 2015-01-26 |