Mr Heater Buddy Portable Propane Heater MH9BX - Review & Specs

Fold-down carry handle for easy storage, piezo ignition, ceramic burner tile, swivel-out regulator to easily connect and disconnect the propane tank. Approved for indoor/outdoor use, clean burning, nearly 100% efficient.

Available in red or gray. Optionally sold with carry bag. A hose, for use with remote propane tanks up to 20 lbs, is available (sold separately)

Also available: Other products in this line include the Little Buddy (up to 3800 BTU/hr) and the Big Buddy (up to 18,000 BTU/HR.)

A compact indoor/outdoor rated propane heater, the Mr Heater Buddy Heater is al dependable source of heat that doesn't require electricity, with a track record of reliability. .

Safety Features

As noted in the specs above, the Mr Heater Buddy Heater has three important safety features which set it apart from its competition:

• Oxygen depletion sensor - the unit will shut off it it detects low oxygen levels.
• Automatic tipover shutoff - the heater will shut off if tipped over.
• Pilot light shutoff - the heater will shut off if the pilot light goes out.

How to Use:

If you're ever used a propane grill, you will find using the Buddy Heater's a cinch.

The Buddy Heater uses standard 1 lb (16.4 oz) propane cylinders that work with a No. 600 valve connection. These are readily available in your local hardware or outdoor store.

The propane cylinder screws in. You need to give it a little push to break through the seal on a new cylnder. Be sure to keep the heater and the propane cylinder upright while operating.

The piezo ignition doesn't require any batteries to operate. Once you have attached the propane cylinder, just push down on the knob and turn to the "light" setting. Once the flame ignites, adjust for the heat setting you want. (BTW, the unit is sold with a hang tag on the knob explaining how to do this.)

Performance:

A favorite of RV'ers, campers and outdoor sportsmen, the Buddy Heater generates up to 9000 BTUs of heat (at the "high" settng) per hour in a compact unit, weighing just under 10 lbs. It's also great for spectator sports in cold weather, or to keep handy in the event of an emergency.

The manufacturer states that the Buddy Heater will run for 1-6 hours on a 1 lb propane cylinder. However in real life, most people find the Buddy Heater will run for about 4 hours on a one lb cylinder of propane at the low heat setting. It does burn through propane pretty quickly, so if you plan to be using it a lot you may want to consider buying the hose and filter to use with a refillable remote 20 lb propane tank. The filter is optional but highly recommended.

Important Precautions

Although approved for use indoors, the propane Buddy heater is not as innocuous as your average electric space heater. Is it "safe" to use indoors? Yes, but there are precautions you need to take:

• Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions - We can't stress this enough.
• The surface gets very hot - Don't use around young children, pets or vulnerable adults without adequate supervision.
• Keep heater far away from combustible materials when in use
• You will need ventilation - Although the Buddy heater has an oxygen depletion shutoff, you still need to have some airflow where the device is being used. The manufacturer recommends an opening with a minimum of 18 sq inches - tha's a a 4.5" x 4.5' opening, or an 18" wide window that's open 1 inch.
• Burning gas generates carbon monoxide - Have a carbon monoxide detector handy - one that uses batteries or has a battery backup, since you probably won't be near a power source.
• Never bring refillable propane tanks indoors - this is a general propane safety rule.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy - The Buddy heater does create a flame (on the burner tile). While thousands of people use these heaters every day without incident, we feel it's best to be safe, and recommend keeping a fire extingusher on hand.

Tips for Use

• Because of the angle of the ceramic tile, be sure the heater is on a flat surface or if anything tilted very slightly fowards while lighting. If it's tipped backwards, the pilot won't be able to reach to light the propane.
• At altitudes greater than 7000 feet above sea level, you may have trouble keeping this heater lit. This is normal, and not much you can do about it except to wait 5 minutes and try to relight.
• For longer life of your heater, cover it when not in use. Dust will damage the heating element.
• While very easy to light and use, you will get the most out of this heater and save yourself a lot of headaches if you read the manufacturer's instructions for use and maintenance!

Summary

Versitile, compact and reliable - the Buddy heater is a best in class propane heater, with an excellent track record of dependability and safety as long as you follow the manufacturer's recommendations.. We took a few notches off because using it indoors safely isn't quite as simple as product promos imply,, but we still give it with a good solid 4.8 stars.

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