As Canadian job sites turn cold, battery started propane heaters are back on many shopping lists. Two names come up most: the DEWALT 20V MAX cordless forced air propane heater (DXH70CFAV) and the Milwaukee M18 forced air propane heater (0801-20). This guide compares them using DEWALT Canada’s product page, a RONA listing, ToolGuyd and Pro Tool Reviews. Torque Digest did not test either heater.

DEWALT DXH70CFAV

DEWALT Canada’s page names the heater at 70,000 BTU, but the image text on the same page and the label on the unit in DEWALT’s own photo read 68,000 BTU. Buyers should treat the exact rating as unclear until DEWALT corrects one of them.

RONA’s Canadian listing adds the practical details: a maximum heating area of 1,700 sq ft, compatibility with 20-lb. propane tanks, and up to 13 operating hours per tank. It measures 19” W x 11” D x 14” H and weighs 22 lb assembled. RONA lists electric ignition and an overheat shut-off, and states that the heater has no tip-over switch, no oxygen depletion sensor and no thermostat or variable heat settings.

DEWALT lists factory installed high limit switches, a thermoelectric safety valve and CSA certification. It runs on 20V MAX or 20V/60V MAX FLEXVOLT batteries, comes with a hose and regulator, and carries a 1-year limited warranty. Neither DEWALT Canada nor RONA showed a price when we checked, and RONA listed it as an order by visiting a selected store item.

Milwaukee M18 0801-20

ToolGuyd’s coverage of the Milwaukee heater lists an adjustable output of 30,000 to 70,000 BTU, up to 1,700 square feet of coverage from Milwaukee’s fact sheet, and over 8 hours on an M18 XC 5Ah battery, with an AC extension cord option. It came with a fuel regulator and a 10-foot hose, measured 21” long x 18.5” tall x 10.5” wide, and was priced at $229 as a bare tool in the US.

Pro Tool Reviews notes the Milwaukee heater has been unavailable for some time but not officially discontinued, so stock is the first thing to check.

Bar chart of heat output in BTU: Milwaukee 0801 adjustable from 30,000 to 70,000, DEWALT DXH70 at a single 70,000 rating

The Milwaukee bar shows its adjustable range from ToolGuyd. The DEWALT bar shows the 70,000 BTU figure in the page title; RONA lists no variable heat settings.

Safety notes from the sources

ToolGuyd reports Milwaukee’s warnings: the heater is not for confined spaces, vehicles or recreational spaces, should be kept at least 7 feet from the propane tank and combustibles, and should be used only in a properly ventilated area. RONA lists the DEWALT heater for outdoor use. Follow the manual for your heater and local site rules.

Who it suits

  • Crews already on DEWALT 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT: the DXH70CFAV uses packs you own and is listed at a Canadian retailer. Check the 70,000 versus 68,000 BTU question and the lack of a tip-over switch against your site rules.
  • Crews on Milwaukee M18: the 0801-20 offers adjustable output from 30,000 BTU, which helps on mild days, and an AC cord option. Confirm a dealer can actually supply one.
  • Contractors heating open, ventilated areas: both list up to 1,700 sq ft. Size your tank supply around RONA’s figure of up to 13 hours per 20-lb. tank for the DEWALT.
  • Homeowners: both sources describe ventilated, open area use. Neither is presented as a heater for enclosed living spaces, so look for a product made for that.