Finding the right propane heater can feel like a high-stakes decision. You need reliable warmth, solid safety, and a design that fits your specific space. Two models that often come up in the search are the InoKraft Maxheat MH85 and THE BOSS Propane Heater. At first glance, they seem to serve different mastersone a powerhouse for large, open areas, the other a cozy companion for intimate gatherings. But which one is the right tool for your job? This head-to-head review cuts through the marketing to compare their real-world performance, safety, and value.
We’re breaking down every critical aspect, from raw BTU (British Thermal Unit) output to the nitty-gritty of portability and warranty. Whether you’re heating a drafty workshop or extending your patio season, understanding these differences is key. Let’s get into the details.
Head-to-Head Product Overview & Specs
Right away, the core difference is apparent. The InoKraft Maxheat MH85 is a forced air heater built for serious, large-scale heating jobs. THE BOSS is a radiant-style portable heater designed for personal, outdoor comfort. This fundamental distinction in heating technologyforced air versus radiantdictates nearly everything about their use cases.
Forced air heaters, like the MH85, use a fan to blast warm air across a space, making them ideal for quickly raising the temperature in a large, enclosed area like a garage. Radiant heaters, like THE BOSS, emit infrared heat that warms objects and people directly in their path, perfect for spot heating on a patio or in a tent.
| Feature | InoKraft Maxheat MH85 | THE BOSS Propane Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Heater Type | Forced Air | Radiant |
| Primary Use Case | Large indoor/workshop spaces (garage, job site) | Outdoor personal spaces (patio, tent, deck) |
| BTU Output | 85,000 BTU | Up to 6,000 BTU |
| Heated Area | Up to 3,200 sq. ft. | Personal/spot heating |
| Heat Control | Smart 25-95F Auto On/Off Thermostat | 3-Level Manual Adjustment |
| Portability | Portable handle, requires 115V outlet | Lightweight, compact, battery-operated LED |
| Special Features | Adjustable heat direction, 10 ft hose included | Built-in LED lighting for ambiance |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Heating Performance & BTU Analysis
This is where the rubber meets the road. The BTU output tells the story: 85,000 BTU versus 6,000 BTU. It’s not just a difference in scale; it’s a difference in purpose.
InoKraft Maxheat MH85: The Workshop Dominator
With 85,000 BTU, the MH85 is engineered for volume. It claims to heat spaces up to 3,200 square feet, making it a contender for large two-car garages, workshops, or construction sites. Its forced air fan promises rapid warmth in about five minutes, distributing heat evenly across a wide area. The smart thermostat is a game-changer for efficiency. Set your desired temperature between 25F and 95F, and it automatically cycles on and off to maintain it. This prevents energy waste and provides consistent, hands-off comfortcritical for long projects in the garage.
THE BOSS: The Patio Personalizer
At 6,000 BTU, THE BOSS is about immediate, directed warmth. It’s designed to heat up quickly and create a cozy bubble around you, your family, or your guests. The three heat levels let you fine-tune the intensity based on the evening’s chill. This is classic radiant heater performance: great for taking the edge off a cool patio but not for raising the ambient temperature of a large, open area. For real world performance, think conversation pits, camping tents, or a small deck, not an open barn.
A key missing entity in most propane heater comparisons is fuel consumption. While not specified in the provided data, a simple rule applies: higher BTU equals faster propane use. The MH85 will consume fuel from a standard 20lb tank much faster than THE BOSS. For extended runtime, the MH85 may require a larger tank or more frequent swaps, a crucial consideration for all-day job site use.
Safety Features & Certifications Compared
Safety is non-negotiable, especially with fuel-burning appliances. Both models highlight important protections, but their approaches reflect their intended environments.
Both heaters proudly carry CSA certification, a critical benchmark for product safety in North America. This independent testing provides a baseline of confidence. They also share two vital automatic shutoff features:
- Tip-over safety switch: Cuts power if the unit is knocked over.
- Low Oxygen Shutoff (ODS): Monitors oxygen levels and shuts down the heater if they drop to an unsafe point, helping to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Safety Nuances
The InoKraft MH85 adds an overheat auto-shutoff and is explicitly “designed for well-ventilated spaces.” This language is key. While it can be used indoors (like a garage or workshop), it must have significant ventilationthink open doors or windows. It’s not for sealed living spaces.
THE BOSS is clearly marketed for “outdoor use.” Its safety features are tailored for that: preventing accidents on uneven patios or in tents. Using any propane heater indoors requires extreme caution and adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions and official source guidelines on ventilation. For an indoor safe propane heater designed for living spaces, you’d need a different category of product entirely, like a vented wall unit.
Portability, Design & Ease of Use
Portability means different things for a job site heater versus a patio accessory. The design choices here are perfectly aligned with each product’s mission.
The InoKraft MH85 is “portable” in the sense that it has a handle and can be moved, but it’s a robust tool. It requires a 115V power outlet for its forced air fan and connects to a propane tank via the included 10-foot hose. This setup is ideal for a semi-permanent location in a garage where you have power, or for moving between spots on a job site with generator access. The adjustable heat direction is a smart touch for targeting airflow.
THE BOSS wins on pure grab-and-go convenience. It’s lightweight, compact, and its radiant design means it doesn’t need electricity for heatingjust for its optional LED mood lights. The comfortable handle makes it truly easy to carry from the deck to the garden. The simple twist ignition and three heat settings make operation effortless, even in the dark (aided by those soft LED lights).
Noise level is another often-overlooked factor. Forced air heaters like the MH85 have a fan, which creates operational noise. This might be irrelevant in a noisy workshop but could be intrusive in a quieter setting. Radiant heaters like THE BOSS are virtually silent, a major plus for peaceful patio conversations or camping.
Final Verdict: Best Use Cases & Value
So, which is better, the InoKraft Maxheat MH85 or THE BOSS? The answer depends entirely on your definition of “better.” This isn’t a budget vs premium heater debate; it’s a right-tool-for-the-job analysis.
Choose the InoKraft Maxheat MH85 If:
- You need to heat a large, open, well-ventilated space like a 2-3 car garage, workshop, or barn.
- Your priority is rapidly raising the ambient air temperature for comfort during work.
- You value automated, set-and-forget operation with a thermostat.
- You have access to a standard electrical outlet.
It represents strong value as a best garage heater for serious DIYers or professionals. The 1-year warranty and noted customer support add peace of mind for a tool in this class. For other large-space applications, our guide on the best propane heaters explores more specialized options.
Choose THE BOSS Propane Heater If:
- Your primary need is outdoor comfort on a patio, deck, or while camping.
- You want silent, radiant heat for personal warmth, not for heating the air.
- Ultimate portability and battery-operated features (lights) are important.
- You prefer simple, manual control over automated systems.
It offers excellent value for extending your outdoor living season comfortably and safely. It’s the social heater for chilly evenings.
For those seeking a middle grounda forced air heater with a different feature set or price pointit’s worth looking at alternatives like the thermomate propane heater for another perspective on performance.
Your decision hinges on the space. Need to conquer the chill in a vast, unfinished area? The MH85’s brute force is your ally. Want to create a warm, inviting nook outdoors? THE BOSS’s focused radiance is the perfect fit. Assess your square footage, your power access, and your primary activity. Then, choose the heater engineered to match.
