The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX rates 4.5 among portable propane heaters; the VEEVOVOK SKT-72 15,000 BTU rates 3.2 among tank top ones. The VEEVOVOK SKT-72 15,000 BTU costs $45.98 less ($43.99 vs $89.97).
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 buyers who want the cheapest 15,000 BTU tank top for patio or campsite use and can live without published specs. Use it only outdoors.
Amazon $43.99Prices 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.
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 Portable Buddy MH9BX | VEEVOVOK SKT-72 15,000 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.5/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 25% | 50 $10 per 1,000 BTU ($89.97, 9,000 BTU) | 52 $2.93 per 1,000 BTU ($43.99, 15,000 BTU) |
| Safety 30% | 100 CSA listed, low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff, flame-out shutoff | 40 tip-over shutoff; no safety listing published |
| Warranty 15% | 100 3-year warranty | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
| Turndown 15% | 79 turns down to 4,000 BTU | 50 lowest setting not published (neutral score used) |
| Ignition 10% | 100 push-button piezo ignition | 50 ignition not stated (neutral score used) |
| 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 | VEEVOVOK SKT-72 15,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Heat output | 4,000 to 9,000 BTU | 15,000 BTU |
| Type | Portable | Tank top |
| Use | Indoor (ventilated) | Outdoor only |
| Heats up to | 225 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 | - |
| Power needed | None | None |
| Safety | ||
| Safety listing | CSA | None published |
| Low-oxygen shutoff | Yes | - |
| Tip-over shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Flame-out shutoff | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Dimensions | 14.25 x 9 x 15 in | 8.27 x 3.94 x 12.2 in |
| Weight | 10.6 lb | 2.5 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | - |
| Released | 2009-06-01 | - |
