First storm watch · 25 winter products rated · prices re-checked weekly through January

SnowPrep Find my blower
Propane heaters05 of 7 heatersGarage and ice-shanty pick

Mr. Heater · MH9BX

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX

The indoor-safe propane radiant heater for the garage, the ice shanty and the power outage: 9,000 BTU on a 1 lb cylinder, with a low-oxygen shut-off.

Check price on Amazon Spec sheet

Amazon link · we earn a commission if you buy · $155 MSRP · Amazon price not shown · verified Sep 25, 2026

Why it scores 7.5

Reliability7.5
Performance8.0
Usability7.0
Value7.5
Support7.0

Reliability 30% · Performance 25% · Usability 20% · Value 15% · Support 10%. Bars run from 5 to 10.

Known issue · Pilot will not stay lit once the oxygen sensor or thermocouple picks up dust, and it needs the fuel filter when run off a 20 lb tank or the regulator gums upPopUpPortal troubleshooting thread · owner thread

Built from 3 sources: 2 owner threads, 1 spec page.

Take it home if

  • Runs 3 hours on high, 6 on low, from a 1 lb cylinder
  • Oxygen depletion sensor and tip-over shut-off
  • Folds shut and weighs 10.6 lb

Walk past if

  • Pilot will not stay lit once the ODS or thermocouple gets dusty
  • Needs the hose filter when run from a 20 lb tank
  • Non-returnable on Amazon as a hazmat item

Spec sheet

Manufacturer ratings, not our measurements.

Heat output
9,000 BTU max (4,000 BTU low)
Coverage
About 225 sq ft
Run time
3 h on high, 6 h on low, from a 1 lb cylinder
Fuel
1 lb propane cylinder, or a 20 lb tank with the hose and filter
Weight
10.6 lb
Safety
Oxygen depletion sensor, tip-over shut-off
Warranty
1 year

Alternatives

The nearest in its class, then the nearest rival among heaters.