The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX and the ROVSUN RS-HCG18K 18,000 BTU are evenly matched, rated 4.5 and 4.5. The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX leads on fuel options. The ROVSUN RS-HCG18K 18,000 BTU wins on value and turndown. The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX costs $28.02 less ($89.97 vs $117.99).
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 low cost 18,000 BTU cabinet heater for well ventilated garages, sheds and patios, with tip, low oxygen and flame out shutoffs. The maker requires good ventilation indoors.
Amazon $117.99Prices 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 | ROVSUN RS-HCG18K 18,000 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Value 25% | 50 $10 per 1,000 BTU ($89.97, 9,000 BTU) | 80 $6.55 per 1,000 BTU ($117.99, 18,000 BTU) |
| Safety 30% | 100 CSA listed, low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff, flame-out shutoff | 100 SGS listed, low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff, flame-out shutoff |
| Warranty 15% | 100 3-year warranty | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
| Turndown 15% | 79 turns down to 4,000 BTU | 95 turns down to 6,000 BTU |
| Ignition 10% | 100 push-button piezo ignition | 100 push-button piezo ignition |
| Fuel options 5% | 100 runs on 1 lb cylinders or a bulk tank | 50 runs on a bulk tank only |
| Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX | ROVSUN RS-HCG18K 18,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Heat output | 4,000 to 9,000 BTU | 6,000 to 18,000 BTU |
| Type | Portable | Portable |
| Use | Indoor (ventilated) | Indoor (ventilated) |
| Heats up to | 225 sq ft | 450 sq ft |
| Thermostat | No | No |
| Fan | No | No |
| Fuel and power | ||
| Fuel | 1 lb cylinder or bulk tank | Bulk tank |
| Hose included | No | Yes |
| Ignition | Push-button piezo | Push-button piezo |
| Power needed | None | None |
| Safety | ||
| Safety listing | CSA | SGS |
| Low-oxygen shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Tip-over shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Flame-out shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Noise | - | 32 dB |
| Dimensions | 14.25 x 9 x 15 in | 17.7 x 15 x 21.9 in |
| Weight | 10.6 lb | 16.5 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | - |
| Released | 2009-06-01 | - |
