Customer Reviews

Mr. Heater® Portable Buddy

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I got the opportunity to borrow one of these for a Snow camping trip last winter. It was the greatest piece of equipment we brought. Not only is it safe, it kept the tent toasty on low, in the teen degree weather. It also kept the tent warm enough that the snow would sluff off the tent roof every 5 minutes all night, keeping my tent the only one still standing by morning. I would suggest hooking it up to a 5 gallon propane tank if snow camping. But in the early spring and fall the small tanks are fine to take the chill off before bed. I bought my own the moment we returned. I cant believe it took me this long to have one of these in the camp box.

This heater has a larger ceramic radiator that my previous heater buddy. The screw connection for a propane bottle rotates out at 45 degrees for easy access and a magnet holds the bottle against the main heater body. Any jostling or vibration jumps the bottle around and the hinge that allows 45 degree rotation does not seem very strong. So, I reccomend transporting the heater without a bottle attached. The 'Tip switch' safety that turns the heater off seems overly sensitive. The heater may not work unless on very level ground. In spite of this, I like this unit. I have used it in a tent at -50F and stayed comfortable.

When I saw this item, I called Mr.Heater's 800 number to ask if this is a new model being produced, since I could not find it at their web site. The customer service person went to the Amazon's web page displaying the F273400 model and told me that it is the original model produced circa 2000 and is no longer being made. Therefore, I plan to purchase the newer model MH9B at the lower price of $77.99.