Brand | Mr. Heater |
---|---|
Special Feature | Portable, Low-Oxygen Safety Shutoff, Adjustable Temperature, Flame Resistant, Tip-Over Protection |
Color | Red |
Form Factor | Pedestal |
Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Outdoor, Indoor |
Product Dimensions | 18.5"D x 18"W x 11.4"H |
Recommended Uses For Product | Office, Garage, Desk, Patio, Home |
Mounting Type | Floor Mount, Wall Mount |
Room Type | Living Room, Home Office |
Heating Coverage | 400 sq ft |
Burner type | Radiant |
Fuel Type | Propane |
Number of Speeds | 3 |
Manufacturer | Mr. Heater |
Model | Big Buddy Pro Series |
Item Weight | 11 pounds |
Country of Origin | China |
Item model number | F274800 |
Batteries | 4 D batteries required. |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Manufacturer Part Number | F274800 |
Special Features | Portable, Low-Oxygen Safety Shutoff, Adjustable Temperature, Flame Resistant, Tip-Over Protection |
- 6 VIDEOS
Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
Mr. Heater Big Buddy Pro Series Propane Heater, 18000 BTU, Red
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Mr. Heater |
Special Feature | Portable, Low-Oxygen Safety Shutoff, Adjustable Temperature, Flame Resistant, Tip-Over Protection |
Color | Red |
Form Factor | Pedestal |
Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Outdoor, Indoor |
|
| ||||
|
|
About this item
- 4,000- to 18,000-BTU radiant heater for spaces up to 450 square feet. Approved for indoor/outdoor use; clean-burning; nearly 100-percent efficient
- When operating the heater at altitudes over 7,000 FT above sea level the heater may shut off. Maximum Hours Of Operation- 220.0
- Auto shut-off if tipped over, if pilot light goes out, or if detects low oxygen levels
- Low, medium and high heat level control knob for steady temperatures; connects to propane tank (not included). Note- Due to recent governmental changes to import tariffs, Mr. Heater has removed the fan on some models of the Mr. Heater Big Buddy (MH18B).
- THE USE OF UN-AUTHORIZED ACCESSORIES/ATTACHMENTS WITH THIS HEATER ARE EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED, MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY, AND WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
Frequently bought together
Compare with similar items
This Item Mr. Heater Big Buddy Pro Series Propane Heater, 18000 BTU, Red | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $129.99$129.99 | $167.99$167.99 | -14% $119.99$119.99 Typical: $139.99 | -39% $129.99$129.99 List: $213.67 | -6% $149.99$149.99 List: $159.99 | $149.99$149.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it Mar 26 - 28 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Mar 28 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Heat output | 4.7 | — | 4.5 | 4.5 | — | 4.6 |
Safety Features | 4.6 | — | 3.8 | 4.7 | — | 4.6 |
Maneuverability | — | — | 4.3 | 4.2 | — | 4.4 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | The Great American Wilderness | thermoflow | Lifestyle by Focus | Amazon.com | Lifestyle by Focus |
power source | gas powered | Gas Powered | Gas Powered | Gas Powered | gas powered | Gas Powered |
heating method | Radiant | Radiant | Radiant | Radiant & infrared, | Radiant, Convection | fan & forced air, Convection |
heating coverage | 400 sq ft | 225 square feet | 450 square feet | Radiant & infrared, | 450 square feet | 450 square feet |
heat output | 18000 btus | — | 18000 btu per hour per foot per fahrenheit | 18000 btus | 18000 btus | 18000 btus |
weight | 11 pounds | — | 14.6 pounds | 15.1 pounds | 15 pounds | 1 pounds |
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
- Mr. Heater MH18B Portable Propane Heater, RedFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26
- Mr Heater 4000 to 18000 BTU 3 Setting Portable LP Gas Heater Unit with Dual Tank Connection for Indoor and Outdoor Use, Black/RedAmazon's Choicein Outdoor HeatersFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26
- Mr. Heater MH9BX-Massachusetts/Canada approved portable Propane HeaterAmazon's Choicein RV Heaters & FurnacesFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26
- Mr. Heater Big Buddy Indoor/Outdoor Portable Propane HeaterAmazon's Choicein Indoor Propane Space HeatersFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26
- Mr. Heater Portable Big Buddy Propane Heater with 10-Feet Propane Assembly and 18B Big Buddy Carry Bag Bundle (4 Items)FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26
From the manufacturer
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Heavy-duty safety wire guard for added tile protection and rugged durability while traveling |
Low, medium & high heat settings |
Dual ceramic burner tiles with shock absorbing insulation |
Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars
7,764
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
26,097
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
984
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
4,597
|
4.4 out of 5 stars
992
|
BTU | 3,800 BTU | 4,000 / 9,000 BTU | 6,000 / 12,000 BTU | 4,000 / 9,000 / 18,000 BTU | 8,000 - 11,000 BTU |
Heats up to | 95 sq. ft. | 225 sq. ft. | 300 sq. ft. | 450 sq. ft. | 275 sq. ft. |
Run time | 5.6 hours | 5.4 hours on low / 2.4 hours on high | 3.6 hours on low / 1.8 hours on high | 10.8 hours on low / 4.8 hours on medium / 2.4 hours on high | 3.5 hours on low / 2 hours on high |
Ignition | Piezo | Piezo | Electric | Piezo | Electric |
Tank Size | 1 lb. cylinder | 1 lb. cylinder | 1 lb. cylinder | (2) 1 lb. cylinders | 1 lb. cylinder |
20 lb. tank hook up option | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Swivel regulator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Indoor safe | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Product Description
The Most Popular Portable Propane Heater in North America. This patented radiant 4,000-18,000 BTU Liquid Propane heater connects directly to two 1 lb. cylinders and is the perfect solution for heating enclosed spaces like cabins up to 450 sq. ft. An integrated fan increases the heating capacity of this unit, blending radiant and convection style heat to give you the best of both worlds. Two swivel regulators give you the ability to adapt usage from disposable cylinders to a remote gas supply with the purchase of a single hose and filter. To light the unit, simply push and rotate the knob. The built in Piezo sparking mechanism will take care of the rest. With the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and accidental tip-over safety shut-off, you can be sure that you will enjoy years of comfortable indoor safe heat.*WE ARE NOT ABLE TO SELL THIS PRODUCT TO CANADA AND MASSACHUSETTS* **Please note when operating the heater at altitudes over 7,000 FT above sea level the heater may shut off.**
Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B0002WRHE8 |
---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #29,243 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #28 in Outdoor Heaters |
Date First Available | October 23, 2004 |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
What's in the box
Product guides and documents
Looking for specific info?
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, temperature and ease of use of the heater. For example, they mention it works well, is easy to set up and use, and is highly portable. That said, opinions are mixed on performance, ignition, and smell.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the heater. They say it works well, produces good heat, and is dependable. Customers also mention that it's well-put together and a great heater at a good price.
"...Durability wise the heater is a well built unit that has been running every night of the week in my garage for the last 5 weeks, and there's not..." Read more
"...It works with those disposable 1lb propane tanks; I also purchased the quick-connect hose adapter to allow me to connect it to a standard "grill..." Read more
"...So while an electric heater may be more convenient and aesthetically pleasing, this guy dominates for uses like power outages, quick "spot..." Read more
"...When replaced, this works like a charm. Very happy with support. Quick to respond. Booger works like a charm now. Puts out a lot of heat...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the temperature of the product. They mention that it is a very good heat source, easy to set up, and heats right up. It works great to warm up the garage in the winter, and it keeps them toasty. Customers also appreciate the large heating capacity.
"...for heat levels, a stable base and most importantly it kicks the heat out fast.Get it for the heater but don't expect the fan to help." Read more
"...It's lightweight, portable, and reliable. It puts out a good amount of heat, and functions well as a room heater in our old, drafty house...." Read more
"Heats up a shop 1500 sq feet great! Several people we know were so impressed they have purchased one for themselves...." Read more
"...On low/med it puts out a lot of heat. On high it puts out a TON of heat. I was actually not expecting this at all...." Read more
Customers find the product easy to use. They mention it's easy to start, set up, and turn on. The hose with quick connect and regulator is easy and convenient. It's well designed, sturdy, and easy to carry and set up. Customers also say it'll give off great heat and perform as advertised.
"...The instruction manual is well layed out and tells it like it is, if you cannot understand this manual then you should not be using the heater, it's..." Read more
"...Easy to start, a few good settings for heat levels, a stable base and most importantly it kicks the heat out fast...." Read more
"...never owned one of these units before I was surprised at how easy it is to use...." Read more
"...Easy to operate and carry." Read more
Customers find the product highly portable and easy to carry. They say the fan runs strongly on 4 D-cells and the heater is very easy to set up and light. Customers also mention that the bottles can be legally transported and are easy to take in and out. Overall, customers are satisfied with the portability of the product.
"...The heater feels well made and puts out a good bit of heat. I use mine consistently for long stretches at a time and it works without issue...." Read more
"...Easy to start, a few good settings for heat levels, a stable base and most importantly it kicks the heat out fast...." Read more
"...It's lightweight, portable, and reliable. It puts out a good amount of heat, and functions well as a room heater in our old, drafty house...." Read more
"...2. Portable. It's not the smallest thing in the world but it's certainly portable...." Read more
Customers like the safety of the product. They mention that it has excellent safety features, and is safe to use indoors. Some say that the heater has reasonable safeguards, and that there is no fire hazard when set on a wooden surface. They also mention that the safety cut-off feature works well.
"...For the price range, features, durability, safety features and portability it is a no brainer purchase...." Read more
"...3. Safe (thus far). If you'd read bullet 1 and 2 you'd know I wouldn't be around to write this review if it weren't safe for indoor use...." Read more
"...and as long as you are careful following the directions, it is a safe and reliable unit that will last you for many years with proper care and..." Read more
"...Yes it runs on propane. It is safe indoors. Highly recommend CO2 detectors, at least 2the give a digital readout...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the heater. Some mention that it lasts a long time, with the 2 fuel tanks it last all night. However, others say that it went out after about 5 minutes, the fan on it died two hours after they turned it on, and that it only operates half as long.
"...(leaky valves, clogged filters, shutting down, fumes, regulator freezing, and more)..." Read more
"...It's lightweight, portable, and reliable. It puts out a good amount of heat, and functions well as a room heater in our old, drafty house...." Read more
"...The down-shot being, because it only uses one tank, it only operates half as long... I blew through (2) 16.4 oz cans every night when using the 'Big..." Read more
"...the most part the parts are available to do repairs and keep your heater running for years." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ignition of the product. Some mention that it's smooth and readily ignites, while others say that it blows out the flame on windy days.
"...Use both inputs if you're using small canisters. The runtime would be aggravatingly short with only 1 canister...." Read more
"...is the control knob of the Big Buddy, it's very smooth and ignites readily, it's also responsive and seems like it is better quality than the..." Read more
"...Also, I've read complaints regarding the pilot flame not starting...." Read more
"...Let up valve and activated piezo sparker. Pilot flame ignites on first try!..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the smell of the product. Some mention that they've never once smelled any fumes, while others say that there is some smell but not anything excessive.
"...There is no smell with this heater, it puts off pure heat with no weird odors...." Read more
"gives off a kind of electric smell" Read more
"...I did not detect any odor or fumes when using the heater...." Read more
"...but not least, Kerosene is a mess and if you spill even a few drops it stinks...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
I used this heater for indoor emergency heat during that October 2011 outage, and again this year during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, when we were without power / heat for two weeks (and again, treated to a snowstorm). Have not used this heater for regularly heating my home, or for any other purpose such as heating a garage, heating any outdoor area, etc. So my review is based on use as a residential heating appliance in emergency situations.
In my experience, this heater performs very well, and I can't think of anything that I think needs to be changed or improved. It's lightweight, portable, and reliable. It puts out a good amount of heat, and functions well as a room heater in our old, drafty house. I did not detect any odor or fumes when using the heater. Nonetheless, as with any non-vented combustible heater, one must be careful because ALL such heaters will output carbon monoxide, and you need to make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in the room you will be using it.
I prefer to use this heater with the 1lb disposable propane bottles (the heater uses two of them at a time). It makes the heater much more portable. But more importantly, I have come to understand that it is very dangerous to bring a 20lb propane tank indoors, because of the risk of leakage (propane is a gas that is heavier than air, and it will invisibly pool on the floor and could ignite if it encounters a source of ignition, such as a gas stove pilot light, or a furnace pilot light, etc.) I had never realized the lingering danger that propane presents to indoor use. Outside, or in certain indoor locations that have lots of venhilation, such as barns, sheds, etc., you can count on the fact that the propane will dissipate before it becomes a danger; the same is not true in most residential houses.
In truth, even a 1lb bottle of propane can be a risk indoors, it's just a lesser risk due to the lesser amount of potential leakage. It's no fault of the heater, it's just a fact with propane as a fuel source, and one must really understand this when making decisions about these types of heaters.
By contrast, with something like a kerosene heater, you sometimes hear comments about how it might smell (I think mostly this is due to either a faulty or old heater, or improper operation/maintenance). But at least with kerosene, it will not give off vapors that can spontaneously ignite and explode, and you can be pretty sure that, so long as you are following proper procedure and refueling outdoors when the heater is cool etc., it's not going to explode on you. Propane is, in my opinion, a more dangerous indoor fuel, because you are at possible risk of mechanical failures (e.g. leaking valves on even the 1lb propane bottles, or some internal leak in the heater).
I would not run either a propane or a kerosene heater at night while I'm sleeping.
Anyway, taking into consideration the above points about propane, the Big Buddy heater does what it's supposed to do, and does it very well. With two 1lb bottles of propane attached, we could use it to heat up the kitchen in the AM to take the chill off, have breakfast, and get the kids dressed. Then I would turn off the heater, store it outside (just in case it started leaking), and bring it back inside in the evenings to use for a few hours when the house started getting cold after the sun went down, to eat dinner and get the kids ready for bed. I would run it mostly on high or medium, and that's enough to heat a large room in our drafty old house. Using the heater in this manner, I would burn two 1 lb bottles per day.
As a short term fuel, the 1lb bottles are great. But as a longer-term fuel source, it would be expensive. I do have the connector hose to connect it to the 20lb tank, which works great and I have done that a few times (leaving the 20 lb tank outside on the porch and leaving the door open a crack to allow the hose into the house to connect to the heater). But the more I learned about propane, the more hesitant I became about using it like this, even with the tank outside. My concern is a leak somewhere along the rubber hose, or again, maybe somewhere within the heater, and connected to a 20lb tank that could dump a lot of propane inside the house that could ignite if it lingers and finds a source of ignition. I wouldn't hesitate to use this heater outdoors or in any of those garage/barn type of situations, where it would be great and you wouldn't have the same concerns about leaking propane.
I'm giving this 5 stars because I do think this heater performs great for its intended purpose. It's far superior to a kerosene heater in terms of its portability and transport for things like outdoor sporting activities, etc. It's clean (as clean as it can be anyway), reliable heat. But I wrote all of the concerns I had about the fuel source generally, so that one could make an informed purchase decision.
For an emergency home heater, I also picked up a kerosene heater. It's good to have two options, as fuel can be difficult to find (as I found out during our 2 week outage!) and those of us without a lot of outdoor storage space would have difficulty safely storing enough propane (I don't have a garage or shed, where I would preferably store the propane, so I keep it in one of those weatherproof plastic outdoor boxes you can buy for gardens supplies etc.).
1. It is friggin hot and fast. I rarely use central heat, and, as such, my house can be in the 50's during the winter. On high, this usually gets my "game room" of about 450 sq. feet to "sweating level" in 15-20 minutes. Put it on low and keep the door shut and it'll keep the room nice and warm. It heats up my master bedroom MUCH faster than a 1500 watt space heater (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002Q4EYEQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage) and it's half the size.
2. Portable. It's not the smallest thing in the world but it's certainly portable. It's saved me on some deceptively cold camping trips, and I will grab it on the cold mornings (if it's in another room) and put it next to the shower for a comfortable exit. Your portability is obviously going to be negated if you have it attached to a 20 lb. canister.
3. Safe (thus far). If you'd read bullet 1 and 2 you'd know I wouldn't be around to write this review if it weren't safe for indoor use. I've put a carbon monoxide detector in the room while the heater was in use, just for fun, and it never rises above normal levels. I've forgotten to turn it off after some of those cold morning showers and left it in my bathroom to burn out. House is still intact. It's VERY difficult to move it (while it's on) without engaging the safety cut-off feature. So it'd be impossible to knock it over and have it continue running. With the grated covering you'll be protected from all but the most determined attempts at destruction.
4. Relatively efficient. If you're concerned about power outages you obviously aren't going to rely on a space heater to keep you warm in those times. Electric heaters are ridiculously power hungry especially if you have a wattage concern (as in a power outage). I have a 300 AH/300 Watt small solar system and I'd never consider running an electric heater during outages. Only a generator would suffice and even then you're talking about 1 appliance eating 50 percent or more of a typical output. Propane (unlike gas) has an indefinite shelf life and a 20lb tank could run this for 30 or 40 hours on high. I only use 20 lb tanks if I know it'll be running for awhile. I get through an Alabama winter on 12-16 1 pound tanks. At ~5 bucks for 2 you're looking at roughly the same expense as 3 hours/day/3 months with an electric heater. So while an electric heater may be more convenient and aesthetically pleasing, this guy dominates for uses like power outages, quick "spot heating" (ie. bathroom), and camping.
Gripes.
The 4 D batteries for the fan/blower seems super excessive to me. It really doesn't even blow that well and I never use it. It doesn't add much in my opinion. If you're in an enclosed room, the heat will get to you anyhow. If you do use it, you'll probably forget to turn it off and kill the batteries in one sitting (as it's a completely separate switch/mechanism from the "fire"). D batteries aren't the cheapest thing in the world.
The side compartments are a little tricky to get open sometimes. It's tough to screw in the small canisters to the inputs unless you're at a perfect angle.
It doesn't seem like It fully burns the small canisters. Every time it runs out, I'll see the fire flicker, go out, and then smell propane for a few minutes.
TIPS/Hints
Get a filter hose if you intend to use 20 lb tanks.
Use both inputs if you're using small canisters. The runtime would be aggravatingly short with only 1 canister.
Usually, a flickering, uneven, and noisy flame means you're running low on propane.
If you run out your tank it's going to be icy/cold.. that's just physics.
Overall this is an amazing product which is very versatile and useful in lots of situations. Would certainly buy again or recommend to anyone.
Top reviews from other countries
Fear not, Amazon sells the Big Buddy with fan and it works just fine. Just don't go pay 340$ for it. I insist on the fan given all the contraptions I had to assemble in the past to push my old Buddy heater heat forward. This time, it's built-in and no need for bungie cord or standing fans with powerpacks.
The portable heater uses 1 lb cans that you can refill, that's a big plus. Construction is sturdy but I'm a tad disapointed at all the plastic in the back. I guess it is to be expected these days. Just don't expose it to extended sunshine and careful not to yank the propane chamber doors.
About the fan: my advice would be to purchase multiple sets of Panasonic eneloop AA rechargeables (with compatible charger) and use battery converters to inflate them up to D-size. You'll be good for 4-5 hours of forward heat movement from one charge.
Great product that I will keep around for years.