Selecting the right portable propane heater can be the difference between a comfortable workspace and a frustrating, chilly experience. Two popular models, the InoKraft Maxheat MH85 and the Mr Heater Buddy, represent very different approaches to portable warmth. One is a high-powered forced-air unit for large spaces, while the other is a compact radiant heater for personal zones. This head-to-head analysis cuts through the marketing to help you decide which one truly fits your needs.
Well dissect their heating performance, safety certifications, and ideal use cases. Whether you’re heating a garage workshop or a small tent, understanding the core differences in BTU (British Thermal Unit) output and safety technology is critical. Let’s get into the details.
Head-to-Head Product Overview & Specs
At first glance, these two heaters serve different masters. The InoKraft Maxheat MH85 is a powerhouse designed for substantial, open areas. The Mr Heater Buddy is a focused, personal heating solution. Their specifications tell the story of their intended environments.
| Feature | InoKraft Maxheat MH85 | Mr Heater Buddy |
|---|---|---|
| Heater Type | Forced Air Propane Heater | Portable Radiant Heater |
| Max BTU Output | 85,000 BTU | 9,000 BTU |
| Coverage Area | Up to 3,200 sq. ft. | Up to 200 sq. ft. |
| Key Features | Smart 25-95F Auto On/Off Control, Adjustable heat direction, 10 ft hose included, Requires 115V outlet | Compact, portable design |
| Primary Use Cases | 1-2 car garages, construction sites, workshops, patios | Small rooms, tents, personal spaces |
| Safety Certifications | CSA Certified | Information not specified in provided data |
| Warranty | 1-Year Manufacturers Warranty | Information not specified in provided data |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
The table highlights a fundamental divergence. The InoKraft is for volume heating, while the Mr Heater Buddy is for spot heating. Your choice begins with the square footage you need to manage.
Heating Performance & BTU Comparison
Heating capacity is the most critical spec. It dictates what you can realistically warm up.
InoKraft Maxheat MH85: The High-Output Workhorse
With an 85,000 BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating, the MH85 is built for speed and scale. It promises to warm spaces up to 3,200 square feet in about five minutes using a heavy-duty forced air fan. This isn’t subtle warmth; it’s a broad, rapid heat blast ideal for taking the deep chill out of an uninsulated garage or workshop before you start working. The smart thermostat (auto 25-95F on/off control) is a significant efficiency feature. It maintains your set temperature automatically, which should help manage propane consumption over long sessions.
Mr Heater Buddy: Focused Radiant Warmth
The Mr Heater Buddy operates at 9,000 BTU. This is classic radiant heater territory. Instead of blowing hot air around a large area, it emits infrared heat that warms objects and people directly in its path. It’s perfect for a 200-square-foot zonethink sitting at a desk, inside a small ice shanty, or in a tent. The heating is immediate and personal but doesn’t circulate to heat an entire room evenly.
So, which is better for garage heating, InoKraft or Mr Heater? For a standard one or two-car garage, the InoKraft’s forced air system and massive BTU output make it the clear contender for overall space heating. The Buddy could work if you’re only heating a immediate workbench area, but for the whole garage, the MH85 is designed for the job.
Safety Features & Certifications Deep Dive
With any fuel-burning appliance, safety is non-negotiable. This is where details matter, and certifications provide peace of mind.
InoKraft MH85 Safety Profile
The provided data states the MH85 is CSA (Canadian Standards Association) Certified. This is a rigorous third-party safety certification respected in North America. It also features:
- Overheat auto-shutoff
- Tip-over protection
- Odor-free operation (when used as directed in well-ventilated spaces)
Its design for “well-ventilated” indoor and job site use is crucial. While powerful, it still requires fresh air exchange. The inclusion of a 10-foot hose allows for safer placement away from a large propane tank.
Mr Heater Buddy Safety Considerations
The provided product data for the Mr Heater Buddy does not list specific safety features or certifications. Many portable radiant heaters in this category, including other Mr Heater models, commonly feature an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and a Low-Oxygen Shutoff as critical safety components. These are essential for any heater marketed for indoor or enclosed space use. Always verify the current model’s specifications for these features before purchase, especially if considering it as the safest portable propane heater for tents.
When evaluating heater reviews, always prioritize mentions of specific safety tech like ODS and third-party certifications like CSA. Don’t assume; verify.
Portability, Use Cases & Ideal Scenarios
“Portable” means different things for these two heaters. Portability isn’t just about weight; it’s about the entire setup and utility.
InoKraft Maxheat MH85: Job-Site Mobility
This heater is portable in the sense that it has a handle and can be moved between locationslike from a garage to a patio or across a construction site. However, it requires a 115V power outlet for the fan and thermostat, and it’s designed to connect to a 20lb propane tank or larger via the included hose. Its ideal scenarios are semi-permanent or task-based:
- Pre-heating a two-car garage or workshop on a winter morning.
- Providing temporary heat in a large, open construction area.
- Taking the edge off a patio during a cool evening gathering.
Its a solution for when you need to heat a large volume of air quickly and efficiently, and you have access to power and a sizable propane source.
Mr Heater Buddy: True Grab-and-Go Warmth
The Buddy embodies the classic camping heater or tailgating heater. Its compact size and lower fuel consumption (typically from 1lb cylinders) make it genuinely easy to transport and deploy. This is the heater you throw in the car for specific scenarios:
- Ice fishing in a small shanty (a common query for Mr Heater Buddy vs InoKraft Maxheat for ice fishing the Buddy wins for small enclosures).
- Heating a tent or pop-up shelter.
- Adding spot warmth to a drafty room or a workspace under a desk.
For true, off-grid portability without needing electricity, the Buddy’s form factor is hard to beat. The question of propane heater with longest run time per tank often favors smaller BTU units like the Buddy when using a standard 1lb cylinder, though exact runtime depends on the heat setting.
For a broader look at options in this versatile category, explore our guide to the best portable propane heaters available.
Final Verdict: Value, Price & Who Should Buy
Choosing between these heaters isn’t about picking the “better” one universally. It’s about matching the tool to the task.
Buy the InoKraft Maxheat MH85 If:
- You need to heat a large, open area like a 2-car garage, workshop, or job site (1,500+ sq. ft.).
- You value automated temperature control for fuel efficiency and consistent comfort.
- You have reliable access to a 115V outlet and can use a large propane tank.
- Third-party safety certification (CSA) and a stated 1-year warranty with support are important to you.
- You prioritize rapid, forced-air warmth over silent operation.
Buy the Mr Heater Buddy If:
- You need focused, radiant heat for a small room, tent, ice shanty, or personal space (~200 sq. ft.).
- True, electricity-free portability is your top priority.
- You plan to use convenient 1lb propane cylinders for short durations.
- Your primary use is recreational (camping, tailgating, ice fishing) or supplemental room heating.
Value is defined by solving your specific problem. The InoKraft commands a higher price point, justified by its industrial-grade output, smart features, and certification. The Mr Heater Buddy offers accessible, simple warmth for personal use.
For those specifically seeking an indoor safe, vent-free option for living spaces, it’s vital to consult resources like the OSHA authority guide on heat exposure and always follow manufacturer instructions for ventilation. Our dedicated resource on the best indoor-safe models can also provide further guidance.
Your decision hinges on scale. Need to conquer the cold in a big space with powerful, automated heat? The InoKraft Maxheat MH85 is your tool. Looking for a reliable, portable companion to warm your immediate surroundings for hobbies or small spaces? The Mr Heater Buddy remains a classic choice. Assess your square footage, power access, and portability needsthe right heater will become obvious.
