The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX is the better propane heater overall, rated 4.5 to 3.9. The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX leads on warranty, safety and fuel options. The ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU wins on turndown. The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX costs $80.02 less ($89.97 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.
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 $89.97For 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 $169.99Each 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 | ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.5/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Value 25% | 50 $10 per 1,000 BTU ($89.97, 9,000 BTU) | 54 $9.44 per 1,000 BTU ($169.99, 18,000 BTU) |
| Safety 30% | 100 CSA listed, low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff, flame-out shutoff | 90 CSA listed, low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff |
| Warranty 15% | 100 3-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
| 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 | ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Heat output | 4,000 to 9,000 BTU | 6,000 to 18,000 BTU |
| Type | Portable | Portable |
| Use | Indoor (ventilated) | Job sites and garages |
| 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 | CSA |
| Low-oxygen shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Tip-over shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Flame-out shutoff | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Noise | - | 32 dB |
| Dimensions | 14.25 x 9 x 15 in | 15 x 11.3 x 21.7 in |
| Weight | 10.6 lb | 14.6 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
| Released | 2009-06-01 | - |
