![Enerco Mr. Heater MH18B Big Buddy Indoor/Outdoor Propane Heater [Misc.]](https://x.shopsavvy.com/https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41Gd7y28G4L.jpg)
TLDR Review: Mr. Heater Big Buddy
Verdict
The Enerco Mr. Heater MH18B Big Buddy is a solid choice if you need portable, reliable propane heat for spaces up to about 440 sq ft, especially in emergency or backup situations. It delivers impressive heat output with several critical safety features and versatile fuel options. However, don’t expect the fan to move a lot of air, and be prepared for moderate propane consumption at high settings. Battery replacement quirks and some reports of unreliable ignition or safety incidents suggest you should confirm parts availability and monitor usage carefully. If strong fan airflow or foolproof ignition reliability is a top priority, you might want to explore other portable propane heaters with more robust fan systems and standard battery setups. Overall, this heater is best for those who prioritize heat output and safety features over extra comfort like powerful airflow. For an alternative with more user-friendly ignition and possibly better fan performance, you could look at other popular propane heaters in the market, but the Big Buddy remains a trusted go-to for many emergency and outdoor heating needs.
- Top pro:
- Heats spaces up to 440 square feet effectively, raising temperatures from around 53°F to 76°F in 5 to 7 hours on the highest setting.
- Top con:
- Propane consumption is quite rapid on the highest setting; a 20-pound tank lasts about 20 hours, but 1-pound cylinders run out in about 2 hours each, which can get expensive or inconvenient.
Pros
- •Heats spaces up to 440 square feet effectively, raising temperatures from around 53°F to 76°F in 5 to 7 hours on the highest setting.
- •Can warm adjacent rooms to around 65°F, providing decent multi-room coverage.
- •Quiet operation with multiple safety features, including automatic shutoff for low oxygen, tip-over, and CO detection, adding peace of mind.
- •Versatile for both indoor and outdoor use, making it great for patios, workshops, and emergency heating.
- •Compatible with either small 1-pound propane cylinders or larger 20-pound tanks with included hose and an optional fuel filter.
- •Durable and reliable over multiple years, with many users praising consistent performance and ease of setup.
- •Excellent as a backup heater during power outages and emergencies, offering solid warmth when you need it most.
- •Fan-equipped models include electronic ignition for easier starts, and the fan can run on batteries or an optional power adapter.
- •Supports refillable fuel options, reducing ongoing costs compared to disposable canisters.
Cons
- •Propane consumption is quite rapid on the highest setting; a 20-pound tank lasts about 20 hours, but 1-pound cylinders run out in about 2 hours each, which can get expensive or inconvenient.
- •The built-in fan is underwhelming—producing minimal airflow only on the highest heat setting and only over one side of the heater, offering little noticeable breeze.
- •Fan requires four D batteries for operation, which adds ongoing replacement costs and can feel not worth the weak airflow benefit.
- •The electronic ignition model needs a special AAA battery with an uncommon broad negative base that isn’t compatible with most common brands, making replacements tricky to find.
- •Power cord for the fan is not included, and the adapter for larger tanks plus fuel filters are often sold separately, which can be an annoying extra cost or hassle.
- •Some users experience difficulty keeping the heater lit, with frequent shutdowns or pilot outages, leading to frustration in reliability.
- •Serious safety concerns were reported by a few users, including an unexpected fire incident, raising questions about long-term dependable safety despite built-in features.
- •The heater sometimes leaves partially used propane in the tank due to incomplete combustion on one burner side, which is inefficient and wasteful.
- •Official accessories do not always guarantee improved reliability or performance, and warranty support may be limited or uncertain.
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from 6 retailers in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen Nov 24, 2024.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Price | Last seen | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| $109.48 | Nov 24, 2024 may have changed | ||
| $117.00 | Nov 24, 2024 may have changed | ||
| $129.76 | Nov 24, 2024 may have changed | ||
| $139.30 | Nov 24, 2024 may have changed | ||
| $159.99 | Nov 24, 2024 may have changed |
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