Selecting the right portable propane heater can feel like a high-stakes decision. You need reliable warmth, whether you’re finishing drywall in a chilly garage or taking the edge off a brisk evening in a hunting blind. Two names consistently dominate the conversation: DEWALT and Mr. Heater. But here’s the catchthey’re designed for fundamentally different worlds. One is a powerhouse built for large, open spaces, while the other is a focused unit for personal comfort in enclosed areas. This isn’t just about brand preference; it’s about matching the tool to the task.
Understanding the core distinction between a forced air heater and a radiant heater is your first step. It dictates everything from the BTU output you’ll need to the environments where you can safely operate. We’re breaking down the DEWALT 70,000-BTU Outdoor Portable Forced Air Propane Heater and the Mr. Heater Buddy Portable 9000-BTU heater using only their actual specifications. No fluff, just a clear, feature-by-feature analysis to help you invest in the right heat source for your needs.
Head-to-Head: DEWALT vs. Mr. Heater at a Glance
Before we dive into the nuances of performance and safety, let’s establish a baseline. These two heaters occupy opposite ends of the portable propane spectrum. The DEWALT is a high-output, job-site beast, while the Mr. Heater Buddy is a compact, indoor-safe companion. Their specifications tell the story instantly.
| Feature | DEWALT 70,000-BTU Forced Air Heater | Mr. Heater Buddy 9000-BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Heater Type | Forced Air | Radiant |
| BTU Output | 70,000 BTU/HR | 9,000 BTU |
| Heating Area | Up to 1,750 sq ft | Up to 200 sq ft |
| Primary Use Case | Outdoor/Large Semi-Enclosed Spaces (Workshops, Job Sites) | Indoor Safe (Tents, Garages, Rooms) |
| Ignition | Battery-Powered (20V MAX) | Piezo Ignition |
| Run Time (Est.) | Up to 6 hours | Varies by tank size |
| Portability | Ergonomic handle for transport | Integrated carrying handle |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Heating Power & Performance Face-Off
This is where the rubber meets the road. The BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating is the universal language of heating power, but how that power is delivered changes everything.
DEWALT: The High-Volume Air Mover
The DEWALT’s 70,000 BTU rating is its defining characteristic. This is industrial-grade heat output designed for large, drafty spaces. It works like a hair dryer on a massive scale: a fan pulls in cold air, passes it over a heating element, and forcefully blows out warm air. This method is excellent for raising the ambient temperature of a big area quicklyup to 1,750 square feet, according to its specs. It’s the definitive workshop heater or jobsite heater for construction crews needing to thaw materials or work comfortably in an uninsulated building.
Its “Quiet Burn” technology is a noted feature, addressing noise levela common complaint with older forced-air models. While not silent, it aims to make prolonged use less intrusive. The run time is listed as “up to 6 hours,” a critical spec for planning fuel needs on a long workday.
Mr. Heater Buddy: Focused Radiant Warmth
At 9,000 BTU, the Mr. Heater Buddy operates on a different principle: radiant heat. Instead of warming the air, it heats objects and people directly in its path, much like the sun. This makes it incredibly efficient for personal use in a smaller, enclosed areaits stated 200-square-foot heating area is perfect for a tent, a small ice fishing shack, or the immediate vicinity of a workbench in a garage.
For the question of which portable propane heater is better for a garage, the answer depends entirely on your garage’s size and insulation. The Buddy is ideal for a standard one-car garage where you want to warm yourself, not the entire void. Its lower output also translates to a longer run time from a standard propane tank, though the exact “how long does a 20lb tank last on each heater” calculation favors the Buddy significantly due to its much lower fuel consumption.
Safety & Operational Features: A Critical Comparison
Safety is non-negotiable with any fuel-burning device. This is the most important section for any DEWALT vs Mr Heater safety features comparison. The technologies employed are dictated by their intended environments.
Mr. Heater Buddy: Built for Indoor Safety
The Mr. Heater Buddy is explicitly designed to be indoor safe. This claim is backed by two key features common to modern CSA Certified indoor propane heaters:
- Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS): This is the cornerstone of indoor safety. If oxygen levels in the room drop to an unsafe level, the sensor automatically shuts off the heater to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
- Tip-Over Switch: If the heater is knocked over, this switch immediately cuts the fuel supply, preventing a fire hazard.
These features make it suitable for use in well-ventilated indoor spaces like garages, tents, and cabins. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for ventilation, a point underscored by resources like the OSHA authority guide on environmental safety.
DEWALT: Forced Air & Outdoor Focus
The DEWALT portable propane heater is clearly designated as an “Outdoor Portable Forced Air” unit. This classification is vital. Forced air heaters of this type are generally not equipped with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) because they are designed for use in open or very well-ventilated areas like construction sites, under canopies, or in open garages with doors up. They produce a high volume of combustion gases that must be able to dissipate freely. Safety relies on the user adhering to its outdoor/semi-enclosed use designation. It features a stable base and an ergonomic handle for secure transport, but its safety paradigm is different: it’s built for open spaces where ventilation is not a constraint.
Portability, Fuel & Ideal Use Cases
Portability means more than just having a handle. It encompasses size, weight, fuel type, and how seamlessly the unit integrates into your activity.
Fuel Logistics and Run Time
Both heaters connect to a standard propane tank, but the experience differs.
- DEWALT: Its massive 70,000 BTU appetite means it will consume fuel from a 20lb tank rapidly. The listed “up to 6 hours” of run time is a key planning metric for contractors. Its cordless capability via a 20V MAX battery (sold separately) for ignition is a clever touch, eliminating the need for an outlet on a remote site.
- Mr. Heater Buddy: Its 9,000 BTU output is far more frugal. A standard 20lb tank will last for many hours, even days of intermittent use, making it a favorite for camping and weekend projects. The question of how long does a 20lb tank last on each heater isn’t close; the Buddy wins on endurance for its class.
Defining the Best Use Cases
Choosing the winner depends on the battlefior jobsite, or campground.
The DEWALT is your go-to for:
- Large, open, or semi-enclosed construction sites (best portable heater for construction sites).
- Heating a large workshop or uninsulated garage (1,500+ sq ft).
- Drying out materials or thawing equipment quickly.
- Outdoor events where you need to heat a substantial covered area.
The Mr. Heater Buddy excels at:
- Personal heating in a tent, ice shack, or deer blind.
- Taking the chill off a small to medium-sized garage or shed while you work.
- Providing emergency heat in a power outage for a single room.
- Any scenario where indoor safe, focused radiant heat is required.
For a broader look at options in each category, our guides on the best portable propane heaters and the best indoor-safe models offer more context.
Final Verdict & Recommendations
So, which one should you buy? The answer is refreshingly clear because these tools are not direct competitors. Your specific need dictates the choice.
Choose the DEWALT 70,000-BTU Forced Air Heater if: Your primary need is to heat a very large, drafty, or open space quickly. You’re on a construction site, in a massive workshop, or dealing with an uninsulated industrial space. You prioritize high-volume air movement over indoor air quality safety features, as you’ll be using it in a ventilated setting. The 6-hour run time and battery ignition are practical perks for professional use.
Choose the Mr. Heater Buddy 9000-BTU if: You need safe, portable heat for smaller, enclosed areas. Your use cases include camping, garage workbenches, small cabins, or power outages. The Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and tip-over switch are mandatory features for your indoor or tent use. You value fuel efficiency and long run times from a single propane tank for activities like ice fishing or hunting.
There is no universal “best.” There’s only the best tool for your specific environment and task. The DEWALT is a strategic asset for large-scale comfort. The Mr. Heater Buddy is a tactical tool for personal warmth. Assess your square footage, ventilation, and primary activity. Match the heater’s core design to that profile, and you’ll stay warm, safe, and productive.
