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When Old Man Winter comes criticise , having a portable bullet for indoor and outdoor spaces is just the slate for staying ardent anywhere you go . I tested the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy heater as part of a comprehensive process to determine thebest propane bullet , and it read the top spot in the lineup .
The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy fastball is n’t alone new to me ; I always carry one of the other Buddy models when I run low camping in the Rocky Mountains . I already knew how well this piddling propane hummer could warm up up a collapsible shelter on a polar mountain night , but I was still pleasantly surprised by some of its new upgrades .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
“ This knock-down little hummer is dependable and burns clean — I keep one in my mobile shop during cold weather to take the chill off and ply a ready warm - up at a moment ’s placard . ” — Glenda Taylor , Bob Vila Product Tester and Writer
Shoppers looking for a portable propane heater for home or unpaid exercise will want to take a closer look . in the lead , feel out what I sleep together about the Mr. Heater Buddy — and what I ’d change if given the chance .
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater: At a Glance
Our Rating:4.25/5
What is the Mr. Heater Buddy propane heater?
TheMr . Heater Buddyis a pop and extremely versatile portable propane smoke that ’s prized for its indoor and outdoor adaptability . It declare oneself heating capabilities ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 BTUs per hour and can warm up spaces of up to 225 straight feet . User - friendly feature include a exclusive control commencement knob , adjustable warmth setting , and a swivel connecter that make it easy to supersede spent propane bottle . The portable hummer weighs in at just 10.6 pound and is compendious at 14.25 in long by 9 inches wide by 15 inches mellow . Its fold - down handle allowed me to conveniently carry it from room to room . An ODS turns off the fastball if the O in the room drops to an insalubrious storey , ensuring that guard is of utmost importance . It also includes an automatic shut out - off function if the smoke should ever tip over . While Mr. Heater Buddy is in the main suit for smaller put in spaces , I know from experience that this propane fastball is an excellent encampment companion . It would also be welcome as an parking brake heat germ during power outages .
How easy is it to light the Mr. Heater Buddy?
Lighting the Mr. Heater Buddy was a flake tricky at first . After a few failed attempts , I take the instructions — something I should have done before trying to light the heater . I learned that I need to turn the bright red knob to the Pilot position and hold it down for about 30 seconds before releasing the knob and push it down again to ignite the pilot program light . Once I mastered the proficiency , I was able to light the propane heater on the first endeavor every clock time without fail . The Mr. Heater Buddy portable warmer is designed to be safe around youngster , and requiring a specific lighting process goes a long way toward keep accidents . After successfully lighting the pilot light , I found it simple to correct the heating system output up or down just by turning the pommel .
How long will the Mr. Heater Buddy run on a 1-gallon propane bottle?
The Mr. Heater Buddy has a maximum BTU rating of 9,000 , but running it at the high output will consume fuel more apace . Using a 1 - Egyptian pound propane bottleful , the heater hold up for approximately 3 hours on the high setting and up to 6 hour on the low setting . While the Mr. Heater Buddy is order for a 225 - straight - foot room , a few factors can affect its efficiency . It may not keep occupant as warm in room with vaulted roof where heat can rise , and drafts or uninsulated walls — such as tent walls — may reduce the effectiveness of the heater . Using this product as an indoor propane heater is likely more effective than using it as an outside fastball .
I tested the Mr. Heater Buddy in a 180 - square - foot room , and the way temperature increased from 70 to 78 degree Fahrenheit within 30 minutes . However , the outdoor temperature was pretty mild , and factors such as colder outdoor temperatures or the thickness of wall insulation could lead in unlike heating experience . For long - condition winter heating , it might be more toll - effective to link up the Mr. Heater Buddy to a 20 - gallon or 40 - gallon propane tank car , but doing so will require using a suitable connecting hose that does n’t come with the smoke . However , consumers can purchase this hosiery online .
Does the Mr. Heater Buddy require venting to operate indoors?
This propane - fueled compact heater burns clean and does not release toxic smoke , so no exhaust system discharge is necessary . However , any indoor fire will consume atomic number 8 and then allow O levels to flatten . To battle that issue , the Mr. Heater Buddy features the abovementioned ODS that detects when the oxygen level in the room unload to an unhealthy point and mechanically shuts off the bullet . spread out a windowpane occasionally to allow clean air travel into the elbow room should reduce the likelihood of the heater using too much oxygen and shut off . Note : It ’s always important to test the connection between the propane bottle and the warmer connector ( where the feeding bottle screws in ) to assure the bottle is amply in place so gas pedal does n’t leak out into the room . complete this cognitive operation is easy . Add several drop cloth of dishwashing liquid to a spray bottleful of water and spray the connection with the soapy water every time you bind a new propane bottle . Any leaks will reveal themselves as bubbles at the connecter site . If that occurs , tighten the bottleful and repeat the process until no bubbles appear .
Should you buy the Mr. Heater Buddy?
For anyone seek a portable , effective , and versatile heating solution for a diverse range of a function of indoor and outdoor scenarios , the Mr. Heater Buddy can be a worthful addition . The heavyset purpose get it an first-class recreational or camping hummer . This fastball is also a dependable emergency heating system selection for those in region prostrate to power outage or extreme weather condition , provide comforter and safety during unforeseen crises . hobbyist , artisans , and worker in workshop , jobsites , and expression laggard can also rely on this heater for consistent warmth while working or enjoying DIY projects . Shoppers who hold up in a well - insulate home or in a region with consistent and authentic fundamental warming may not find the Mr. Heater Buddy to be a necessary purchase . also , consumers who dwell in an flat or another building with restriction on propane - base machine might not have a practical need for this hummer .
Where to Buy the Mr. Heater Buddy Heater
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product examiner and author specializing in the construction , remodeling , and real land industries . She and her hubby own a oecumenical catching party , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial-grade construction coating . She tests a spacious range of power tools , as well as other home melioration , family , and lawn - and - garden product .
Everything You Need for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
preserve your grass green and your plants thriving does n’t just take a fleeceable thumb — it starts with the right tools and supply .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila