Selecting the right propane heater can be the difference between a productive, comfortable workspace and a frustrating, cold one. Two models that consistently appear in searches for high-output portable heat are the Mr. Heater 60,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Space Heater and the InoKraft Maxheat MH85. Both promise serious warmth for demanding environments, but their approaches and features diverge in key areas. This head-to-head analysis cuts through the marketing to help you decide which powerhouse is the right fit for your garage, workshop, or job site.
Head-to-Head Product Overview & Specs
At first glance, these are both forced-air propane heaters designed for large, well-ventilated spaces. The core difference is immediately apparent in their naming: the Mr. Heater offers a variable BTU (British Thermal Unit) output, while the InoKraft boasts a higher maximum output and a smart thermostat. This fundamental distinction shapes their entire user experience.
| Feature | Mr. Heater MHC60FAV | InoKraft Maxheat MH85 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum BTU Output | 60,000 BTU (Variable 30k-60k) | 85,000 BTU |
| Key Technology | Variable heat control, adjustable heating angle | Smart 25-95F Auto On/Off Control |
| Primary Use Case | Construction sites, barns, ventilated spaces | 1-2 car garages, workshops, patios, construction sites |
| Included Accessories | 10 ft hose and regulator | 10 ft hose and regulator |
| Power Source | Propane | Propane + 115V outlet for fan/controls |
| Ignition Type | Manual (based on standard operation) | Auto (implied by smart control system) |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Notice the ignition type difference. The Mr. Heater likely uses a manual piezo ignition, a standard, reliable method. The InoKraft’s “smart” system suggests an automatic ignition that engages when the thermostat calls for heat. This is a significant convenience factor, especially for maintaining a set temperature in a greenhouse or workshop overnight.
Heating Performance & BTU Analysis
Raw BTU (British Thermal Unit) numbers tell only part of the story. How that heat is delivered and controlled matters just as much for real-world performance and your heater cost per hour.
Mr. Heater: Manual Control & Flexibility
The Mr. Heater MHC60FAV operates on a variable scale from 30,000 to 60,000 BTU. This gives you direct control over the flame intensity. Need a gentle warmth to take the edge off? Dial it down to 30k. Need to blast a cold space quickly? Crank it to 60k. The adjustable heating angle is a practical feature for directing warmth exactly where it’s needed, whether at your feet in an ice shanty or across a wide workshop floor. Its performance is straightforward and powerful, relying on your input to manage fuel consumption and temperature.
InoKraft: Automated Efficiency & Higher Output
The InoKraft Maxheat MH85 takes a more modern, hands-off approach. Its 85,000 BTU output is substantial, rated for spaces up to 3,200 sq. ft. The game-changer is the Smart 25-95F Auto On/Off Control. You set a desired temperature, and the heater’s intelligent thermostat manages the rest. It ignites when the ambient temperature drops below your setting and shuts off when the target is reached. This optimizes fuel efficiency dramaticallyno more forgetting to turn down the heat and wasting propane. For consistent, set-it-and-forget-it comfort in a garage or insulated space, this automation is a major advantage.
When considering cold weather performance for applications like ice fishing, the Mr. Heater’s manual, high-output blast might be preferable for rapid heating of a small, uninsulated shelter. For maintaining a steady temperature in a 2-car garage over several hours, the InoKraft’s automation likely wins on both comfort and fuel economy.
Safety Features & Certifications Compared
Safety is non-negotiable with any fuel-burning appliance, especially for indoor-adjacent use. Both heaters are designed for “well-ventilated” areas, which is critical to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Always ensure adequate airflow.
- Mr. Heater: The product description emphasizes its use for ventilated sites. While specific sensors aren’t listed in the provided features, forced-air heaters of this type typically include basic safety shut-offs. For confirmed safety tech, you must consult the manufacturer’s official specs. This is a crucial step for any indoor safe propane heater claim.
- InoKraft Maxheat MH85: This model explicitly lists CSA certification, overheat auto-shutoff, and Tip-Over Safety Switch protection. The CSA mark is a key indicator of tested safety standards. The Tip-Over Safety Switch is vital for portable units, instantly cutting fuel if the heater is knocked over. It also promotes “odor-free operation,” suggesting clean combustion.
A critical missing entity in many propane heater comparisons is the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS). While not mentioned in the provided data for either model, an ODS is a fundamental safety feature for radiant-style indoor heaters. Its absence in these forced-air listings is notable and underscores that these are primarily for industrial/commercial-style ventilated spaces, not living areas. For safety guidelines in work environments, refer to this official source on heat exposure.
Portability, Use Cases & Ideal Scenarios
Both units are portable, featuring handles and included hoses for a standard 20lb propane tank. Their ideal scenarios, however, split based on control style and output.
Mr. Heater MHC60FAV: The Job-Site Workhorse
This heater is built for active, dynamic heating needs. The “large glove-friendly handle” speaks directly to use on a cold construction site or in a barn. Its variable control and adjustable angle make it perfect for:
- Spot-heating specific areas of a large, open workshop.
- Quickly warming a ventilated job site before crews arrive.
- Use in drafty, semi-enclosed spaces like barns or loading docks where constant manual adjustment is expected.
Its a straightforward tool. You control the heat directly, making it versatile for unpredictable environments.
InoKraft Maxheat MH85: The Garage & Workshop Commander
The InoKraft shines in scenarios where you want maintained, consistent warmth. Its smart thermostat and higher output make it ideal for:
- Heating a 1-2 car garage or home workshop to a comfortable working temperature and maintaining it.
- Patio or outdoor shelter heating during events, with less need to constantly adjust the knob.
- Situations where fuel efficiency over a long heater runtime per tank is a priority, thanks to its cycling auto-shutoff.
The requirement for a 115V outlet limits its “portability” compared to a purely propane-powered unit, but for most garage and workshop settings, this isn’t an issue. Its designed for semi-permanent placement.
So, which propane heater is better for a garage? If your garage is insulated and you want a stable temperature, the InoKraft’s automation is superior. For a drafty, unfinished space where you need raw, directed power, the Mr. Heater is a strong contender. For the niche of Mr. Heater vs InoKraft for ice fishing, the Mr. Heater’s pure propane operation (no outlet needed) and directable heat might have the edge in a portable shanty.
Final Verdict: Which Heater Should You Buy?
This isn’t about one being universally “better.” It’s about which tool is right for your specific job.
Choose the Mr. Heater 60,000 BTU Forced Air Heater if:
- You need simple, robust, manual control over a wide BTU range.
- Your primary use is on construction sites, in barns, or other well-ventilated industrial spaces.
- You value the flexibility of an adjustable heat direction and don’t mind managing the thermostat yourself.
- You want a proven workhorse with a reputation for durability in tough conditions.
Choose the InoKraft Maxheat MH85 if:
- Your main goal is heating an insulated space like a garage or workshop to a set temperature and maintaining it efficiently.
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and the convenience of an automatic thermostat.
- You need higher maximum output (85,000 BTU) for very large spaces up to 3,200 sq. ft.
- Explicit safety certifications like CSA and features like a Tip-Over Safety Switch are important deciding factors for you.
Both represent solid choices in the portable workshop heater category. The Mr. Heater is the classic, manual transmissiondirect control and simplicity. The InoKraft is the modern automaticset your comfort level and let it handle the details. For those interested in another high-output option with different features, our Thermomate PHF18B review explores another player in this competitive space.
Your decision ultimately hinges on control versus convenience, and the specific environment you need to heat. Assess your space, your need for automation, and your typical use duration. That will point you clearly to the heater that will keep you productive and comfortable through the coldest projects.
