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 3.3. The ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU leads on safety. The WELLUCK ZRA18M 18,000 BTU costs $7.04 less ($162.95 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.
WELLUCK ZRA18M 18,000 BTU
#12 in PortableFull review
For buyers short on storage space who want an 18,000 BTU heater for outdoor or well ventilated indoor spaces. The seller limits indoor use to well ventilated areas.
Amazon $162.95$162.95
Which should you buy?
- Choose the ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU for safety (CSA listed, low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff vs low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over 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 | WELLUCK ZRA18M 18,000 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 25% | 54 $9.44 per 1,000 BTU ($169.99, 18,000 BTU) | 57 $9.05 per 1,000 BTU ($162.95, 18,000 BTU) |
| Safety 30% | 90 CSA listed, low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff | 50 low-oxygen shutoff, tip-over shutoff; no safety listing published |
| Warranty 15% | 0 1-year warranty | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
| Turndown 15% | 95 turns down to 6,000 BTU | 95 turns down to 6,000 BTU |
| Ignition 10% | 100 push-button piezo ignition | 50 ignition not stated (neutral score used) |
| Fuel options 5% | 50 runs on a bulk tank only | 50 runs on a bulk tank only |
Specifications
| ThermoMate PHF18B 18,000 BTU | WELLUCK ZRA18M 18,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Heat output | 6,000 to 18,000 BTU | 6,000 to 18,000 BTU |
| Type | Portable | Portable |
| Use | Job sites and garages | Indoor (ventilated) |
| Heats up to | 450 sq ft | 450 sq ft |
| Thermostat | No | No |
| Fan | No | No |
| Fuel and power | ||
| Fuel | Bulk tank | Bulk tank |
| Hose included | Yes | Yes |
| Ignition | Push-button piezo | - |
| Power needed | None | None |
| Safety | ||
| Safety listing | CSA | None published |
| Low-oxygen shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Tip-over shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Noise | 32 dB | - |
| Dimensions | 15 x 11.3 x 21.7 in | 17.72 x 14.18 x 23.23 in |
| Weight | 14.6 lb | - |
| Warranty | 1 year | - |