When it comes to camping, staying warm during colder months can be a challenge. A camping battery powered heater can make all the difference, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. In this guide, we’ll look at three popular heaters: Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU, Mr. Heater Big Buddy Pro Series Propane Heater, and Mr. Heater MH4B. We’ll compare these heaters on weight, dimensions, indoor and outdoor use, fuel efficiency, gas type, and heating capacity.
1. Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU
Weight and Dimensions
- Weight: 9.5 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 14.25 x 9 x 15 inches
This heater is relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry during camping trips. It strikes a good balance between portability and heating power.
Indoor and Outdoor Use
The MH9BX Buddy is approved for both indoor and outdoor use, making it versatile for camping tents or outdoor seating areas. It comes with an automatic shut-off if it tips over or detects low oxygen, making it a safe choice for indoor use.
Fuel Efficiency and Gas Type
This heater runs on propane, which makes it highly efficient. It consumes 0.044 gallons of propane per hour on the low setting and 0.099 gallons per hour on high. It requires a 1 lb propane cylinder, but it can also be adapted to a larger tank with a hose and filter.
Heating Capacity
The MH9BX Buddy can heat spaces up to 225 square feet. It has two settings, 4,000 and 9,000 BTUs, giving you flexibility to adjust based on the weather.
2. Mr. Heater Big Buddy Pro Series Propane Heater
Weight and Dimensions
- Weight: 17 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 18.5 x 12 x 19 inches
The Big Buddy is larger and heavier than the MH9BX, but it delivers more heating power, making it suitable for larger spaces. Despite its size, it’s still portable enough for most camping setups.
Indoor and Outdoor Use
Like the MH9BX, the Big Buddy is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It comes with similar safety features, including a tip-over switch and low oxygen shut-off system, ensuring it’s safe to use in enclosed spaces like tents and cabins.
Fuel Efficiency and Gas Type
This heater also runs on propane and is designed to work with two 1 lb propane cylinders, or it can be hooked up to a 20 lb propane tank for extended use. Its fuel consumption is approximately 0.099 gallons per hour on low and 0.220 gallons per hour on high, offering decent fuel efficiency considering its size.
Heating Capacity
The Big Buddy can heat areas up to 450 square feet, which makes it ideal for large tents or outdoor gatherings. It offers three heat settings—low, medium, and high—with output ranging from 4,000 to 18,000 BTUs.
3. Mr. Heater MH4B
Weight and Dimensions
- Weight: 5.85 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 11 inches
The MH4B is the lightest and most compact option on this list, making it perfect for campers who need a lightweight and portable heating solution. Its compact size is ideal for those on the move.
Indoor and Outdoor Use
This heater is designed for outdoor use only, which limits its versatility compared to the MH9BX and Big Buddy. While it’s great for warming up during outdoor activities, it lacks the safety features needed for safe indoor operation.
Fuel Efficiency and Gas Type
The MH4B uses propane and runs on 1 lb propane cylinders. It’s extremely efficient, using just 0.044 gallons of propane per hour, which makes it an excellent choice for shorter camping trips or when fuel efficiency is a priority.
Heating Capacity
With a maximum output of 3,800 BTUs, the MH4B is designed to heat smaller areas, typically up to 95 square feet. It’s not suited for larger groups or big tents, but it works well for personal use or smaller outdoor spaces.
Comparison Overview
| Heater Model | Weight | Dimensions | Indoor/Outdoor Use | Fuel Efficiency | Gas Type | Heating Capacity |
| Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy | 9.5 lbs | 14.25 x 9 x 15 in | Indoor/Outdoor | 0.044 gal/hr (low), 0.099 gal/hr (high) | Propane | 225 sq. ft. |
| Mr. Heater Big Buddy Pro Series | 17 lbs | 18.5 x 12 x 19 in | Indoor/Outdoor | 0.099 gal/hr (low), 0.220 gal/hr (high) | Propane | 450 sq. ft. |
| Mr. Heater MH4B | 5.85 lbs | 11 x 11 x 11 in | Outdoor only | 0.044 gal/hr | Propane | 95 sq. ft. |
Which Camping Battery Powered Heater is Right for You?
When choosing the best camping battery powered heater, it all comes down to your specific needs:
- Portability: The Mr. Heater MH4B is the lightest and most portable. It’s ideal for those who prioritize mobility and have limited space.
- Indoor/Outdoor Flexibility: The MH9BX Buddy and Big Buddy both work indoors and outdoors, making them the most versatile options.
- Heating Capacity: The Big Buddy has the highest heating capacity at 450 square feet, making it perfect for larger areas. If you’re heating a smaller space, the MH9BX Buddy is a great middle ground, while the MH4B is best for personal or compact spaces.
- Fuel Efficiency: For longer trips, the MH9BX Buddy and MH4B are more fuel-efficient on their lower settings. The Big Buddy consumes more fuel but also heats larger spaces.
Ultimately, the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy strikes a good balance between portability, indoor/outdoor flexibility, and heating capacity. However, if you need to heat a large area, the Big Buddy is your best option. For solo campers or those seeking a lightweight, compact heater, the MH4B is a solid choice.