Finding the right portable propane heater can be a game-changer for staying warm in a chilly garage, a drafty workshop, or a cold-weather camping trip. Two names consistently rise to the top of the conversation: Mr. Heater and CAMPLUX. Both brands have carved out significant space in the market, but they cater to distinctly different needs. This isn’t just about brand preference; it’s about matching the right tool to your specific job.
One is a high-powered workhorse built for large, open spaces, while the other is a compact, versatile buddy designed for personal warmth. We’re putting the Mr. Heater 60,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Space Heater (model MHC60FAV) head-to-head with the CAMPLUX Portable Propane Heater to see which one deserves a spot in your gear. The choice often comes down to your primary use case: raw heating power versus ultimate portability and indoor safety features.
Head-to-Head Product Overview
At first glance, these two heaters seem to belong to different categories entirely. The Mr. Heater MHC60FAV is a forced-air propane space heater, a powerful unit designed to move a massive volume of warm air. It’s the kind of heater you see on construction sites or in large barns. The CAMPLUX, on the other hand, is marketed as a portable propane heater or “buddy heater,” a radiant-style unit that provides focused, personal warmth, much like a campfire.
This fundamental difference in design philosophy dictates everything from their BTU output to their intended environments. The Mr. Heater is a solution for heating air in a large, well-ventilated area. The CAMPLUX is a solution for heating you and a small immediate space, with a stronger emphasis on being indoor safe for use in tents, RVs, or well-ventilated garages. For a broader look at options in this category, check out our guide to the best portable propane heaters available.
| Feature | Mr. Heater MHC60FAV | CAMPLUX Portable Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Heater Type | Forced Air Space Heater | Radiant “Buddy” Heater |
| Primary Model Number | MHC60FAV | Not specified (commonly CPH3010-type) |
| Key Design | Large handle, adjustable heating angle | Easy-grip handle, built-in LED light |
| Best For | Large, open, ventilated spaces (workshops, barns, sites) | Personal/small space warmth (camping, tents, tailgating) |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Heating Power & Performance Comparison
This is where the divergence is most apparent. The BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating tells you the raw heat output, and the numbers here tell a clear story.
The Mr. Heater MHC60FAV operates on a variable scale from 30,000 to a substantial 60,000 BTU. This immense power is meant for rapidly taking the chill out of a large, unfinished space. Think of a two-car garage, a workshop, or a construction site. The forced-air fan actively circulates the warmed air, preventing it from simply pooling near the ceiling. It’s designed for volume heating, not subtlety.
The CAMPLUX portable propane heater delivers a consistent 12,000 BTU from its ceramic plate burner. This is a classic output for a radiant buddy heater. It provides focused, radiant warmth that heats objects and people directly in its path, similar to the sun. It’s exceptionally efficient for its size, offering up to 6 hours of warmth from a single propane cylinder, making it ideal for overnight camping or a long tailgating event.
Runtime and Fuel Compatibility
Fuel logistics matter, especially for portable use. The Mr. Heater model includes a 10-foot hose and regulator, clearly intended for connection to a standard 20 lb propane tank. This setup is perfect for semi-permanent or long-duration use in a fixed location like a workshop. You’re not meant to move it frequently.
The CAMPLUX offers superior fuel flexibility. It’s compatible with both disposable 1 lb propane cylinders and refillable 20 lb tanks (though the hose for a large tank is not included). This dual compatibility is a major win for campers and tailgaters who might use small cylinders for short trips but want the option to connect to a larger tank for a base camp or ice fishing hut.
Safety Features & Certifications: The Critical Divide
Safety is the non-negotiable core of any propane heater review. Both units incorporate essential safety mechanisms, but their design and certification speak to different risk profiles and intended environments.
The CAMPLUX heater’s description explicitly highlights its automatic shut-off systems. It features both a tip-over switch and a low oxygen shut-off system, commonly called an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS). This Low Oxygen Shut-Off (LOSP) is the critical feature that allows it to be marketed for indoor use in well-ventilated areas like tents, RVs, and garages. It continuously monitors the oxygen level and will shut the unit off if oxygen drops to an unsafe level, helping to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
The Mr. Heater MHC60FAV’s provided feature list does not mention an ODS or tip-over switch. Its product description explicitly states it is “Perfect for well ventilated construction sites, barn [sic].” This language strongly indicates it is not certified for indoor or enclosed space use. It is a high-BTU, open-area heater that requires significant, active ventilation. Always consult an official safety source for guidelines on proper heater use.
Understanding Certifications: CSA International
A key entity often missing from casual comparisons is the certification body. Look for marks from organizations like CSA International. These certifications mean the heater has been independently tested to meet rigorous North American safety standards. For any heater used in a semi-enclosed space, this certification is a vital layer of assurance beyond the manufacturer’s claims.
Portability, Design & Use Cases
Portability isn’t just about weight; it’s about the entire packagesize, handles, and intended mobility.
The CAMPLUX is built for true portability. Weighing 9.4 lbs, it features an easy-grip handle and even includes a built-in LED light on the handle for use in dark environments like a tent or a power-outage scenario. Its simple, one-knob control with a piezo igniter means no batteries or external flames are needed. It’s ready to go. This makes it the quintessential camping heater or tailgating companion.
The Mr. Heater, while it has a “large glove friendly handle,” is in a different class. It’s a heavy-duty appliance meant to be moved to a job site and then positioned. Its “adjustable heating angle” is a professional feature for directing the powerful airflow where it’s needed mosttoward a work area or away from flammable materials. Its portability is about job-site utility, not recreational convenience.
Where Each Heater Excels
- Mr. Heater MHC60FAV: Unfinished garages, large workshops, construction sites, barns, drying out damp spaces quickly. It’s the best portable heater for garage spaces that are more like open sheds.
- CAMPLUX Portable Heater: Camping tents, ice fishing shelters, RV patios, small well-ventilated garages (as a personal spot heater), tailgating parties, and emergency indoor heat with proper ventilation. It directly answers the question of which is better Mr. Heater or CAMPLUX for camping?
For those specifically seeking a heater certified for indoor living spaces, our dedicated guide on the best indoor-safe options dives deeper into models with comprehensive safety certifications.
Price, Value & Final Recommendation
Value is determined by how well the product solves your specific problem. A cheaper heater that can’t heat your space is poor value. A more expensive heater with power you’ll never use is a waste.
The Mr. Heater MHC60FAV represents value in raw power and durability for industrial/commercial-light tasks. You’re paying for a high-capacity forced-air system that includes a hose and regulator. It’s an investment for someone who needs to heat large volumes of air reliably.
The CAMPLUX represents value in versatility, safety, and convenience for personal and recreational use. The inclusion of critical indoor safety features like the ODS and tip-over switch, combined with dual fuel compatibility and a useful LED light, creates a complete package for the adventurer or homeowner needing supplemental spot heat.
Warranty and Customer Service Considerations
When comparing Mr. Heater vs CAMPLUX, consider the manufacturer’s support. Mr. Heater, as an established brand in the heating space, typically offers robust warranty terms and has a longer track record for customer service. CAMPLUX, while growing rapidly, may have a different support structure. Always check the specific warranty details for the model you’re purchasing at the time of sale, as these can change.
The Final Verdict
Your decision hinges on a single question: What are you primarily heating?
Choose the Mr. Heater 60,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Space Heater (MHC60FAV) if: You need to heat a large, open, and always well-ventilated area like a construction site, barn, or massive workshop. Your priority is maximum BTU output and moving a lot of air quickly. You understand it is not for use in living spaces or enclosed areas.
Choose the CAMPLUX Portable Propane Heater if: You need safe, personal warmth for camping, tailgating, or a small garage workspace. The critical Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and tip-over switch for indoor propane heating safety are your top priorities. You value fuel flexibility, true portability, and a simple, self-contained design.
For the vast majority of users seeking a portable propane heater for recreational or personal supplemental heat, the CAMPLUX’s focused safety features and appropriate power level make it the more suitable and safer choice. For the professional or homeowner with a large, drafty, industrial space, the Mr. Heater’s brute force is the right tool. Both are excellent at their specific jobs, but they are not interchangeable. Match the tool to the task, and you’ll stay warmand safeall season long.
