I should start by pointing out that this is the smaller Mr. Buddy portable heater (there is a larger unit that produces about double the BTU output but uses two propane canisters rather than one). A few details, from the associated Amazon page:
- 4,000- to 9,000-BTU radiant heater for spaces up to 200 square feet
- Approved for indoor/outdoor use; clean-burning; nearly 100-percent efficient
- Auto shut-off if tipped over, if pilot light goes out, or if detects low oxygen levels
- Fold-down handle; swivel-out regulator; connects to propane tank (not included)
- Measures 9 by 14-1/5 by 14-2/5 inches; 1-year limited warranty
I would also mention that it uses either a single one-pound propane canister OR it can be used with a 20-pound tank but MUST use a specific extension hose made for use with the Mr. Buddy heaters as it has a built in regulator (because use of the extension cord bypasses the built-in regulator which can be very dangerous):
You’re also going to need a fuel filter with the above hose (I believe there is a hose that is more expensive but doesn’t need the fuel filter):
I still need to buy these accessories so I cannot comment on them right now.
There are a few other potential problems with using a 20-pound tank including some safety concerns (they’re repeated over and over again in the owner’s manual and elsewhere) such as ONLY and ALWAYS keeping the tank outdoors when using this heater, utilizing proper ventilation, and so on. READ THE MANUAL! Needless to say, if you expect to use the extension hose and a larger tank then plan how and where you will do so. While I’m thinking about it, a quality carbon monoxide detector is in order with anything that burns fuel indoors.
The first lighting was no big deal, though, it did take several tries to light the pilot the first time. I followed the directions and everything went well. I did notice a slight smell with the first run but according to the manual that was normal. Subsequent runs had no smell. To test it, I decided to run the heater for about an hour on low in our basement to see how well it would work in a large space, even though it’s only meant to heat up to 200 square feet. In fact, I had the heater sitting about ten feet away from me and I couldn’t feel the heat whatsoever. Get within a few feet and it was a different story… nice and toasty. 😉
The heater has two settings, high and low, along with a pilot knob position. I did notice that the knob had only one spot where it would go into each setting so you had to pay attention for the “click” and obvious release of the knob. Once I got the feel for it I understood.
One thing I did NOT like is the fact that the heater is either ON or OFF. There was no standby setting, which is understandable because you’re either burning propane or you’re not. What this means is that if you’ve decided the room has reached the desired temperature or you just want to conserve propane you have to turn off and then re-light the unit each time you need it again. This isn’t really a big deal expect for the fact that you have to babysit it for a good 30-60 seconds each time you light it.
On the other hand, the unit does not need any sort of supplemental power (via an AC cord or batteries) so you need stock nothing other than propane. 🙂
I haven’t tried my own tests but the manual says you can run the heater on a single one-pound canister for between three to six hours depending on whether you’re using the high or low setting. That may sound like a long time but I would suggest that it’s not. I can see running through one-pound canisters pretty fast, perhaps one or two a day on very cold days. As such, it’s prudent to add the accessories and a few 20-pound propane tanks just for this purpose, both of which I still need to do myself. Again, this heater isn’t for any long term preparedness, not at all. It’s for short term emergency situations of between a few days to maybe a few weeks if you stockpile enough propane.
I thought it was worth the money and is yet another means to keep my family from freezing should the need arise.
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