Mr. Heater MH12T Single Tank-Top Propane Heater

by Mr. Heater

Product Features

• Mounted directly to a 20-pound propane cylinder and requires no electricity
• Uses manual ignition, and reaches its full heat output in seconds
• Safety shutoff
• Mounts directly to 5- to 20-pound propane cylinders (not included)
• Adequate ventilation must be provided; 1-year limited warranty

Product Details

Product Manual [725kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 12.7 x 8.9 x 8.2 inches ; 2.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00005LEXJ
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: F273100
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,320 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen)
  • #83 in Home & Kitchen > Heating, Cooling & Air Quality > Space Heaters

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

If you're looking for simplicity and convenience in an outdoor-only heater, the Mr. Heater MH12T 8,000-14,000 Btu single tank-top propane heater may be the answer. As the name implies, this unit mounts directly to the top of a five- to 20-pound propane cylinder (sold separately). To allow you to choose between conserving fuel or kicking out more heat, the MH12T has three settings, Hi (14,000 Btu), Med (12,000 Btu), and Lo (8,000 Btu). The heater shuts off automatically with loss of flame. Do not use in unventilated areas. One-year limited warranty.--Josh Dettweiler

What's in the Box
Heater (replacement safety shutoff with orifice assembly, thermocouple lead, plenum assembly, grid screen assembly, replacement regulator with soft nose POL, wire faceguard, knurled lock nut, reflector, replacement regulator H-M-L w/S.S., tank union T/C, orifice)

Five Tips for Buying a Heater
Choosing a space heater is a matter of sifting through a bewildering array of types, power ratings, and fuel sources. Let's break it down a little to make the process easier.

What are the different types of space heaters?

• Radiant heaters emit infrared radiation that directly warms the objects in front of the heaters (rather than the surrounding air). If you only need heat by a desk or in a small section of a room, a radiant heater is quiet and will use very little power.
• Forced-air heaters use a fan to blow air that has been warmed by metal or ceramic heating elements. A forced-air heater is appropriate for quickly heating up a small- to medium-sized room, but can be noisy.
• Convection heaters draw cold air from the floor; the air is warmed by heating coils and emitted from the top of the heater. A convection heater is appropriate for quickly heating up a small- to medium-sized room, but also can be noisy.
• Radiators work by heating oil enclosed in a reservoir, gradually heating the surrounding air. If heating speed isn't an issue, you might want to opt for a radiator. These are extremely quiet and effective--perfect for bedrooms.

Should I buy an electric or a combustion model?
If you want a heater that will be available in emergencies, or that can heat areas larger than a single room, choose a "combustion" model--one that is powered by a gas or fuel like propane, kerosene, natural gas, or diesel. Which fuel type you choose depends largely on convenience and local availability. For example, diesel would be appropriate for a heater you take with you on long car trips.

How powerful a heater do I need?
Heaters are rated by BTU, which stands for British Thermal Unit (the amount of heat needed to heat one pound of water by 1 degree F). To find out how many BTU you need:

• Calculate the volume of the space to be heated by multiplying square footage by height.
• Multiply that number by 4 if your insulation is poor, 3 if it's average, or 2 if it's good.

The resulting number is a ballpark figure for how many BTU you'll need.

Do space heaters cost a lot to operate?
As a general rule, electric space heaters are more expensive to use than combustion models. To ensure energy efficiency, a thermostat is a must-have feature for any heater. For radiant heaters, models with a 360 degree heating surface can heat larger spaces. If you need a forced-air heater, models with ceramic elements tend to be more efficient.

Are space heaters a fire hazard?
Space heaters are implicated in about 25,000 residential fires every year. To ensure proper safety, always follow the manufacturer's usage instructions and fill out the warranty card to receive informational updates from the manufacturer. Also, look for extra safety features such as an automatic shutoff switch that can shut down the unit if, for example, it gets upended. In addition, choose a model where the heating element is adequately enclosed within the unit.

Product Description

Mr. Heater Single Tank-Top Propane Heater is mounted directly to a 20-pound propane cylinder and requires no electricity. It uses manual ignition, and reaches its full heat output in seconds as well as made of rugged durable materials. This has an safety shutoff which facilitates easy installation.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

111 of 111 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well made, durable, reliable. Like a Zippo!, December 5, 2003

By 

David L. Vasser (Charlotte, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mr. Heater MH12T Single Tank-Top Propane Heater (Kitchen)

I got a Mr. Heater Single unit about 8 years ago as a backup source of heat after hurricane Hugo knocked out our power for three weeks. It is still working fine and has come in real handy during infrequent ice storms and winter power failures.

My dad liked my single a lot so he bought a Mr. Heater Double to heat a big 3 car garage sized shop. He liked it but now thinks that a single would have worked fine as the double gets that big area heated in no time and keeps it really toasty.

My single unit works far better than gas logs to heat up a room. It does make a hissing sound that is not too loud but barely audible. A single will knock the chill off a large room in no time. A tank of propane will last about 30 to 36 continuous hours if you keep it set on low. I think this is a great alternative to other auxilary heat sources like Kerosuns or a fireplace. With an asthmatic child in our family, a kerosene heater is out of the question for us. This burns clean, creates no odor, smoke or soot. There's no maintenance, no wicks or anything like that. You can store it indefinitely untouched and then pull it out and fire it up with no preparation. I will buy another one if mine ever wears out.

I have recommended Mr. Heater to lots of my friends and family and have no reservation about recommending one to you. If you can't decide whether you need a single, double or triple I suggest trying the single first. Then if you aren't happy step up to the double or triple. It is really amazing how much heat a Mr. Heater Single generates!

It is rare to find a really good product that is durable and an excellent value. Mr. Heater is one of those rare finds. They are the Zippo lighter of auxillary space heaters in my opinion.

60 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great / Long Burning Furnace, January 6, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Mr. Heater MH12T Single Tank-Top Propane Heater (Kitchen)

I use one in my wood shop and it really works well. In fact I am here to get another. Heats a mostly uninsulated standard two car garage from 30 to 65 degrees in about 30 minutes. A standard 20lb propane cylinder will keep this guy going for about 30 hours. In summary, I would recommened this product.

I also have a small Patton fan that I cautiously use to blow air across the back of this unit. The fan circulates and distributes the heat. If you live in the north, you might want to get the double or triple unit.

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lotta Heat, Great for Decks, October 29, 2006

By 

Obi (Alaska USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mr. Heater MH12T Single Tank-Top Propane Heater (Kitchen)

I live in the South, and in November each year I like to build a temporary enclosure for my deck. Last year I tried to rely on a firepit and electric heater for warmth--big mistake. This year I have the Mr. Heater--big bonus.

I've owned and operated the Mr. Heater for a few days now, and I can tell you that it <u>really</u> puts out the heat. If you're used to plug-in heaters you buy at Wal-Mart, you'll be blown away by the heat this thing puts out. 8,000 BTU's is incredible (that's the lowest setting). There just isn't anything comparable in its class.

I've never used propane before, so I was hesitant (there's just something about all that compressed lethel gas that gives me pause). But, it has been easy.

1. Buy the Mr. Heater and READ the manuel.
2. Go to Home Depot, Lowes, etc. and purchase a 20lb. propane tank. At the time of this writing, it costs about $48 for a filled tank (since you're a first-time buyer).
3. There's a threaded pipe part of the Mr. Heater that you press into the companion pipe on the propane tank; twist the nut on the Mr. Heater into the propane tank. Use a wrench to tighten.
4. On the propane tank is a faucet-like handle that you turn to open the gas flow.
5. Turn the Mr. Heater nob to the Medium dot.
6. Press in the Ignition.
** I recommend checking for leaks by using some soapy water. Please do this--only takes a minute. **
7. Use a match or candle lighter placed with a flame where it says.
8. It will immediately ignite; hold in the ignition for up to 30 seconds and release.

Voila. You've got instant heat--and it's instant! To turn off, just turn the Mr. Heater nob back to Off. Also, very important, it's a good idea to "close" the gas flow from the propane tank, so just turn that faucet to the closed position.

Refills are currently about $17. Just take the tank in, and at Home Depot, the used propane tank is swapped out for one that's already filled.

It's that easy! As one reviewer noted, it's not completely silent. There is a low hiss (from the propane release), but it hasn't bothered me at all. An excellent heater.