Mr Heater Portable Buddy Review - Watch Before You Buy!
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- Опубліковано 24 лис 2021
- In this video, I share with you a problem I found with my mr heater propane heater. I test it for propane leaks and talk mainly about (CO) carbon monoxide (odorless) and propane, which is also odorless with a rotten egg smell added called mercaptan. The first heater I tested was defective.
Please note: Read the safety precautions in the manual. There are things like clearances from combustibles, proper ventilation and CO detector alarms, and how Mr Heater says to check for leaks etc...
I smelled propane with the first heater while using it, so I tested it for leaks. I found a propane leak with the heater valve closed. It appears to be coming out the same place propane normally comes out when the valve is open. You should not have the tank attached when not in use anyway, so I really don't think I was in danger or anything. The second heater had the same smell, but there was no propane leak. I think the leak with the first heater was simply a defective heater. For most people the slight propane smell while using the heater, which mr heater said is normal, is not a problem. I think the smell is the bi-product of the odor added to propane burning off. Nevertheless, it should not leak when the heater valve is shut off.
I think it is actually one of the best propane heaters available, for emergency heat during a power outage, if you don't mind the smell. Some people claim they don't smell anything. I had two and both smelled.
If I am going to drive in the snow or be in very cold weather, I keep my mr heater buddy in the trunk just in case I need to stay warm should I get stuck in the snow etc... I leave canisters disconnected until needed of course. I hate the smell but would rather deal with that than freeze to death. I use my Olympian Wave heater in my home with the 20lb tank when the power goes out because, to me, it doesn't smell. I put the 20lb tank outside and bring hose through window.
You should use a CO (Carbon Monoxide) detector even though there is a ODS! Remember, Carbon Monoxide is odorless and can be deadly. If the ODS malfunctions for some reason, I would want the CO detector in place! I also use a propane detector.
Be sure to use proper ventilation and READ THE MANUAL! It is recommended to check for leaks with soapy water.
Mr Heater Buddy Manual:
www.mrheater.com/mhuniversity...
Mr Heater Portable Buddy 4,000-9,000 BTU
amzn.to/30RWe5u
Mr. Heater Buddy Series Hose Assembly - 10-ft., Model# F273704
amzn.to/3W0Jktn
Universal Propane Fuel Filter
amzn.to/3CO7y1g
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Carry Bag 9BX
amzn.to/3F7GjSh
Coleman Propane Fuel, 16 oz, Propane Camping Cylinde 4-Pack
amzn.to/30UsyEP
Propane and Natural Gas Leak Detector
amzn.to/3cLNEYb
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Battery Powered with LED Lights, CO Alarm (Battery only. Great for power outages!)
amzn.to/31xsk6v
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector with digital display (When unplugged, the battery only lasted a 1 to 3 days for me. You should also have one that only runs on batteries)
amzn.to/3FKxt9V
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector & Propane, natural gas, explosive gas detector with digital display (When unplugged, the battery only lasted a 1 to 3 days for me. You should also have one that only runs on batteries)
amzn.to/3FKCnDP
Misc. information:
propane.com/staying-safe-arou...
medlineplus.gov/ency/article/...
www.healthing.ca/other/propan...
www.heinepropane.com/is-a-pro...
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Disclaimer: The content provided by PreppingOver50 is for information only. I make no representation regarding the accuracy of the information on this site. In no circumstance shall I have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the site. You use this site at your own risk. The suggestions I have are for general education and information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. - Наука та технологія
I've been living in a Chevy van for 5 years and using one of these heaters every year. I never smelled any propane and would fall asleep with the heater on all the time. Well I'm still here and still using the heater. I trust this heater with my life.
Did you need your windows rolled down
Yeaaa..... not really a smart thing to do
Right on brother!
Close the windows all up and we will see you in the next life.
So remove the tank when you're not using it
Been using one for over ten years, works great and is a great buy.
What do you do for ventilation and still keep warm?
Its my understanding that the buddy mr heater requires at least 18 square inches of ventalation. If I still used one, I would crack a window open that much. The room should still warm up well enough.
@@LoneStarPrepping Thank you for responding. Bought this for our adult kids to get the prepared for shortages. I send them your video to learn.
Great video. I have one of these too. I’m a retired firefighter and what I believe you are smelling is the post combustion mercaptan which is the smell added to the propane. Of course in a furnace or water heater this exhaust is run up the vent pipe but in this case your room is the vent. 😊
I'm sure of it because I pick up no propane on meters. And I talk about the mercaptan in my description. I was a volunteer firefighter...
Excellent! Thanks you for your service. I was a volunteer before I went over to the paid side. Again. Great video.
retired chemistry teacher concurs. Nice call.
This is true. It is called mercaptan. The problem is, when you smell it, you don't know if you are smelling a propane leak or left over mercaptan. That is why it is important to have alarm sensors for propane and CO. Also, that smell does cause problems with my breathing, and others' who have asthma.
@@Thescidude1 glad I read about this all.. I had a hoarse voice and burning eyes and invertigo,and headaches...
So what's the answer for those of us who need to use some kind of heater such as propane when there's no electricity available.. or is there any??
and I had problems with mr. Heater not starting when I was using a 12 ft hose attached to a 20 lb propane tank.. is that Mercaptan the stuff that's gumming up mr. Heater so it won't light.. and I put a fuel filter on it when I finally got it a few weeks later in the mail that they recommend on it and it's still wouldn't work half the time.. and I still get all these symptoms...
I put a 1 lb green propane bottle on Mr Heater and it would start and work but it's so expensive to use them and I still get the symptoms.. but not as bad ...after about an hour of using that I would put the 12-foot hose back on mr. Heater and sometimes it would light and work fine on a 20 lb tank of propane but on the next refill propane it won't work or shutdown when the propane tank was half full...
I'm using it in a camping van and had the two front windows open a couple inches but had to close them to about an inch so the rain wouldn't come in ,in that rain we had for weeks recently.. this van doesn't have a roof vent but the van I,m fixing up and going to move into does have a top vent also.. will that help at least with my symptoms but I'm real tired of this mr. Heater not working.. Does holding the pilot light down 30 seconds at the beginning make a big difference in not gumming up mr. Heater
Now I have it four feet from a 5ft long window that opens up to 4 in at the bottom of it.. the symptoms are not as bad but I still get them, especially the hoarse voice but the way my camping van is setup I'm sitting about 3 feet from the heater.. the other camping van I am moving into has more room also.. but the guy in the video was in a big room..
Have you heard of the Wave heater a lot of people are using in their Vans and RVs.. I'm wondering if that would work any better??
I sure would appreciate your help and any advice💖
My other question is how toxic are these fumes? Am I damaged for life in my brain and lungs Etc
The combustion products are CO2 and a little CO but also H2O. So venting is necessary to avoid massive condensation problems. Especially in an RV or tent. Thanks for the review!
Yes, this is true, but more importantly venting allows the heater to get enough oxygen because it uses oxygen to burn. Without enough oxygen, it will produce CO.
I used a Portable Buddy and a Big Buddy for 5 years inside without any problems. This was with a hose supplied indoor 20 lb. tank that is safe if leak checked on connection. I used a CO/fuel gas detector at all times. Never noticed any smell during operation.
If they were not safe to run a larger tank "attached", why would mr heater sell a hose for this? As to your point on having tank indoors... Yes, it u
Is illegal in some places. When I use mine, I have the tank outside of window and bring hose in through window. That way I am getting some ventalation as well.
I also fail to tell about how to make a peanut butter sandwitch. When in my video do I talk about me using my 20lb tank? Sounds a little like you try so hard to one up everything and show how smart you are. Now, try watching the video for a change. You expect an hour long video about every aspect? I didnt fail to bring it up. It wasnt part of my point.I said what the video was about in introduction. Try watching it.
Very useful information. I would have never thought about a carbon monoxide detector or explosive gas alarm when buying one of these heaters. I would have never even thought about proper ventilation either. Thank you for sharing your tests and knowledge.
Instructions always recommend some ventilation, even Mr Heater
Glad it was helpful!
READ ALL INTRUCTIONS THAT COME WITH THIS TYPE OF PROPANE HEATER IT CAN SAVE SAVE SAVE YOUR L I F E !!! The intructions state you MUST ventilate! It is safe to use indoors IF you follow the instructions. 😊
...as stated in my video.
I didn't know it would shut off automatically with a low O2 sensor built into it! Thank you.
I would still use a CO alarm in cases of that sensor failure.
I have this heater. Have had it now for 8yrs. Use it in our motor home. We stay in southern Az during winter months, so the furnace of motor home is usually more than we need for heat. It is connected to the motor homes outside propane. Can say it still works fine. Our carbon tester alarm has never gone off. And we have not experienced any ill effects from it. And today just got it back out of its box and hooked it up, Still working. I'd say it is one of the best investment we have made. When you divide cost to time used, way cheaper than any furnace you could buy. Our motor home is a class A 36'. And we use this as the primary heat source. The furnace is used maybe 3 times between Nov. and March.
I learned more in the first two minutes of your video than I have an hour of other's. This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!!
Thank you for the compliment! I appreciate it.
I have had a dual burner tank mount Mr. Heater for over 24 years. At first I had Carbon Monoxide detectors all over the place, opened a window a bit for ventilation, and was genuinely afraid of it. But after a couple of years I believe in it. Once the element starts burning bright orange with no signs of blue flame its good to go. I will run it an hour or so to warm up the house and then shut it down. Keep in mind this isn't even for indoor use, it's to heat a shop, or something like that. I'm still alive, with very little brain damage. I'm a firm believer in propane burning clean once the quartz elements get up to temperature. We also have a gas stove and oven running on Natural Gas. There's no venting for that either. The gas dryer isn't vented either in the garage, but for some reason they require the water heater to be vented to the outside. I will run the bathroom vent fans while running the heater on high though. They blow air out of the house so air has to be drawn in from outside to replace the air they're blowing out. So in a sense I am venting the house while I'm heating it
LOL, Your gas water heater has a pilot flame, you keeping the fan running in the bathroom is taking out all your heat that you made out (heat goes up) as well as your electric bill.
The reason they want the gas water heater vented to the outside is because the burner is large and produces a lot of carbon monoxide and you will be sleeping when this Cycles on and off and would not recognize you were being poisoned, the other appliances like your stove is being used while you're awake and you would likely realize if you were being poisoned.
Thank you so much for the review and especially mentioning your mild asthma. This is exactly what I've been wondering about as I, too, have the asthma/allergy issues that are easily triggered!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank You, very much. Well detailed video, food for thought. Just purchased Mr.Heater Buddy, I am now well informed (I am over 50, 67 & love to learn new things, always like to be prepared for the unexpected).
Glad it was helpful!
Great video...nice that you protect your wife and yourself.
I worked at a resort in the Poconos in PA before I retired. We had some calls a week because they had a fireplace w/o a chimney. It was usually from the pilot and we would turn off the gas for the time those guests were there. I didn't have too much faith in the sniffer gizmo but if it made the guest happy we "tested" it and let them decide for themselves.
Been using it for 3 years,,,absolutely no problems..is in my living room with plenty of ventilation without opening a window,,,so that is not a factor..it will run for over 36 hours straight on a 20 tank with hoses,..the tank is over 12 ft away so no scare with gas explosion..I added the fan to force heat forward and I am extremely happy with it's results..I'm a fan of it!!!!!
I understand. My wife loved it. I thought it heated really well, but the propane smell got to me. Does yours smell at all?
Absolute no smell with one exception..it was the smell of propane when my hands got a little on them.then I smelled them for hours even though I washed them...and was downstairs in my man cave,,over 20 ft away from it..the wifey didnt complain either.she loved the heat...
My wife smells it, but it doesnt bother her. Mr heater said some smell is normal. Oh well...
Thanks for that. I kept wondering what well ventilated meant. I couldn't understand opening a window in a room you were trying to heat.
@@LoneStarPrepping I just used mine in a cabin for a week. I smelled burning propane as the propane pressure got really low and the grill was no longer bright orange. The bottom 1/3rd of the propane tank had a frost ring around it. On high, connected to a 20 pound BBQ propane tank, there was no detectible smell the entire time it was running.
The Buddy is a great all-around portable propane heater. One of the very best.
I agree, if you don't mind the smell. Most people will deal with smell rather than freeze, of course. I get that, but I can't because of asthma.
@@LoneStarPrepping w
Yeah, asthma sucks. Fortunately what little smell there is has never bothered me. I remember my grandparents house had natural gas space heaters and you could always smell a little bit of natural gas. It was never a big deal then either. When it's cold and you need a heat, the Buddy is a great way to go.
Used a Big Buddy in my 20x20(ish) garage for last 10 years, it's insulated to new home standards and pretty airtight. After the heater has been on in this enclosed space for roughly 5 hours I get Co2 readings off the detector . Totally expected since it's a fuel burning appliance being used in an enclosed space. The instructions that came with my unit clearly warn of this.
CO2 or CO?
I have used a Mr buddy for years and love it.
Getting a bit chilly now with snow rapidly approaching. Finally have a lid on my deck and the wife likes to sit out there for a smoke. Checking reviews on products found you and really liked what you provided. Through, covered concerning issues and really like your delivery style. Subscribed to see what else you have covered but really liked this one as a starter. Thank you
We have a screened in porch ,
up in NW Montana , we use the Big Buddy heater to heat it ! Works great . The Big Buddy has two burners and holds two , one pound bottles . But we use the 20# tank with the long rubber hose .
Thank you
I just purchased one of these heaters without thinking about either of these possible issues. You have made me aware of the possible hazards with using a heater indoors. Thank you so much
This is safe indoors. But, you should ALWAYS have a co2 detector in the room.
@@pennylaur7687With 18 square inches of window nearby open ( no mosquito? )
I dont have many mosquitos when its 20 below zero. Also, my window only needs to be cracked 1/2 inch to get 18 inches. And, if this were an issue, I would rather deal with the bugs than freeze. I have 2 bug lights that will take em out in no time!
Thanks for the info. I have two of the Portable Buddy's in my Amazon cart but never thought of getting a leak detector.
Thank you very much for your thoughtful review!
You really went for the extra mile by comparing to a a different unit. Making a purchase thanks to your video!
Thank you.
I am researching heaters for my tiny camper and came across your video. This is very informative thank you so much! Now in late 2022/early 2023, there’s talk about banning propane stoves. All propane gives off toxins that are carcinogenic. I’m talking about the stoves we have in mobile homes and houses. Our town does not have natural gas but uses propane which is piped directly into the house. They are saying that having the pilot lights lit all the time is causing a lot of illness including asthma in children. So there you have it -it is very toxic stuff if you’re going to be breathing it and no matter how safe you handle it there will always be toxins released.
It would be helpful to list primary sources for your information. Thank you.
Thanks for putting in the time and effort to make this video. Seems like a decent little heater
You bet
Thanks! Your video actually dealt with the questions that I had! I am also getting the combo carbon mono/gas detector that you provided the link for.
Great to hear!
Great job. I had a Mr. Heater that was in storage for over the summer. When I reattached the bottle, there was a very large leak at the o-rings where the bottle swings out to install it.
I would suggest to not install the bottle and start the heater up inside the house.
Great idea aboit the testers.
Can you get new O-rings?
Love my Buddy heater. Love the smell of clean burning propane. Hank Hill approves of this message.
LOL LOL 😆😆😂😂😂😂
have a great day Hank Hill
I have one of theses in my boat. I never have the boat, fully closed when using it. Typically, I fire it up as soon as I put the propane tank in if, and so far after two winters, no problems. I don't have those gadgets, but when it comes to propane, when a flame is visible, it's a good thing.. It's when it's not burning, that's a problem. I follow the same way with the onboard propane stove. Great video.
Best Video about this Mr buddy heater I wish you bought it before me and made this video so I would avoid buying it, too bad I bought mine when it first came out. I have no allergies but I don’t like strong smell of gas and this heater smells bad, same situation as me, the gas smell doesn’t bother my wife but me I can’t take it, I am too sensitive when it comes to smell. But my solution was to get Top Tank Propane heater from Harbor Freight which works great surprisingly. Mr buddy heater is great if you’re not sensitive to bad smell.
I understand. Interesting about your new heater. More info would be nice.
What a great detailed review my friend. Very easy to listen to and very thorough testing. You sold me my friend!
Thank you!
This exactly why I bought mine and a dual fuel generator. I also bought the flame king refillable 1 lb tanks I have two and a few of the 14oz tanks. I love to use this heater in my garage when I work on the car. I have a few Colman tanks which you can refill but I don’t refill them as it’s not safe. I just refill the flame king ones as they are designed for refilling. This is just for anyone that’s thinking of refilling the 1lb colmans.
Thank you for such a thorough and informative review, sir.
Thanks for your time and information, I have used these units for many years.
Great to hear!
I've never registered even the smallest amount of CO with my Mr Buddy. Some smell, but hardly noticeable and usually only when I am connecting/disconnecting and I feel 90% of the smell is from the cylinders/tanks, not the Mr Buddy. I suggest getting a 20# cylinder, with a hose and filter, and keeping the cylinder outside. That way when you have to change cylinders, the smell is outside, plus you will greatly reduce how many times you are loading/removing 1# cylinders, which should also help a lot with the smell.
My body reacts to propane exhaust just like yours does and I had similar problems, causing me countless hours of running around Texas buying and returning Little Buddy heaters.
My ultimate solution was to build a dedicated station in each room with its own exhaust hood and gravity vent to the outside.
I have the big buddy for my RV. It gets cold in the desert, but I don’t like using the heater in the trailer. The Big Buddy is more efficient. Only thing I noticed was condensation forms in the windows. I really like it.
I forgot to mention that in the video. We got condensation on the windows in the car.
Thank you for this info. Very interesting. Not quite as safe as what everyone thinks. I have had one for several years, but have not had to use it. I always get this nagging feeling about its safety. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing
I was expecting something different. You were actually quite good at your presentation. One thing I saw that you didn’t mention at all was your CO detector plugged into the wall outlet while your wife did the unboxing. It was located perfectly at just above ankle height. CO displaces normal breathing air from the floor up, not from the ceiling down because CO is heavier than air. Thanks for the excellent review
I find it interesting how newer homes are required to have a CO detector, at least where I live, but they are installed on the ceiling. What you said is correct. That is why you typically see them installed near the floor in RVs.
THANKS SOO MUCH for the info on it leaking while not on......
I DIDNT KNOW thought you were not supposed to leave a tank on the little buddy!!!
Glad I could help
Been using these for years, no problems
Thank you for great video, I wanted to use this in my van and I was hesitant, but I decided it is not worth my life, just got a better sleeping bag.
Thank you for this video! I was searching for that Infos since I bought that heater and noticed that smell. I was afraid to turn it on. Sadly I can't buy these detectors you use in Germany, I bought one and it doesn't even detect the propane when I holded the pilot and propane came out. What do you think about 80% isobutan 20% Propan bottles? Will it smell less or do I damage my heater?
I have no idea. Sorry. I will be doing another review on a propane heater I think will be superior to mr heater... check back or hit notifications.
Thanks for taking the time to do this review!
My pleasure!
I started using a Mr Heater about three winters, I am now on my second one, it's running right now in fact. The first one ran for a bit longer then one winter so around 4 plus months, almost nightly ... on mostly it's second setting , low.... The first one has the typical pilot light issue. It lights but won't stay lit. I just picked up another, I may repair the first one soon. My point is, I use a 20 lb tank with the adapter hose / fitting. I do so to save money and time and.. you can cut the tank valve off and not have to connect / disconnect when not in use ! Safety first.. Keep in mind venting is important but so is keeping the unit clean, free of dust, away from walls or other flammable materials.. and... they put out moisture... so airing the space is super important.. daily to keep your space nice and dry,.... otherwise you run a risk of growing MOLD !!!!! Be smart.. Just do things right !
Thanks for taking the time to make this video
My pleasure!
I have one of those and use it to supplement my main heat. I’ve never had a problem with it. It’s a good heater imo. I went with the 20lb adapter to save money.
B sure and use a filter
@@j.b.9895 , reduncy when it comes to having your heater last.
Thanks for the safety review and sharing of gadgets you use. 🔥
You bet
I love my Mr hunter heater. Good video, I always make sure I use it in a well fentilated area. Cheers
Same here!
appreciate the extra mile you went for the test and the detailed information.. great review. You are appreciated 💯💯
I appreciate that!
Thank you very much for your knowledge and real testing. Not just a "Yeah I like it or Nah I don't like it" type of video
Thanks for watching!
Excellent review... very helpful. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the information...safty first...safty always.
Thank you for all your efforts! I feel more informed on what to look or in this case smell for. 😏🙏
Glad I could help.
Well done demonstration. Appreciate.
Since you don't hook it up until you are ready to use it , any minor leak will be consumed when you light it. I have 2 of these and have used them when needed with no problem.
I worked 40 years in a refinery and am very familiar with the properties ok gasoline, kerosene diesel, propane and other fuel oils. They all give off a minor odor when burned.
Having the meters is a good idea.
Best test video 🤙🏽
Thanks 👊🏼
These units are great never have any issues.
Thanks from Hutto, Texas 16, January, 2024. Freeze will go for another day or two and I just got this delivered from Walmart.
Great! Be sure to read warnings in manual... vent and CO alarms and test for leaks at connection points. I'll be posting a video soon about the current freeze and power outage... stay tuned.
Does using the leak detector you used remove the need to put soapy water on the connections like I've seen others do?
That was the reason I bought it, but I am not an expert on this. I thought it would be better than soap and water, but It would be best to ask a licensed plumber or someone who deals with natural gas and propane. The sniffer could malfunction and you would think things are fine... who knows... soap and water is pretty fullproof, I suppose.
My furnace died about a week ago (today is 1/24/24) and temps got to - 1 or 2F. Between electric space heaters and a Buddy heater we were fine. I have 3 of the double heaters and one that takes a single propane bottle. I only used the single unit and it was on low 90% of the time. If you need to you can attach a hose to a 20 pound propane tank. When I set up my back-up heating plan Buddy heaters were the centerpiece. It worked perfectly. No regrets.
Good to here you were okay...
Been using one of these for 20years have never had a problem
Got one of these and love it
I have used these heaters in 3 different houses. I have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in the houses. Never had an alarms go off. Never use these in a bedroom or sleeping area. Also as a propane tank gets close to empty there will be a smell. This tells you the tank needs changing. Common sense rules here. I love these heaters and they work well when used correctly.
Thanks for sharing
These heaters are fantastic. Work even better with a fan.
I thought they had a built in fan. Or do you mean another fan? It gets cold here where I live. I want to buy one of the larger ones here soon as an extra source of heat.
They do not come with fans. I think they had one that did at one point, though.
@@Daniel_Antonio_Arellano782 an external fan is what I am referring to. I have a little fan powered by a usb cord that I place slightly above and behind the Mr Buddy unit. It circulates the heat much more efficiently.
@@LoneStarPrepping not referring to a fan that the unit comes with. I use it with an external fan and it works great
Thank you for this review. I am also sensitive to smells. Wish I had watched this before purchasing my small Buddy Mr Heater. I cannot tolerate the smell and therefore cannot use my heater.
I understand. I ended up buying the Olympion Wave Heater. It uses propane, but I dont smell anything because of the way it works. I have review on my channel.
I used a Mr Buddy Heater when my house furnace went out for a week until it was repaired. I didn’t vent the room and my Carbon monoxide detectors did not go off. Later I research carbon monoxide detectors and learn they won’t go off until extremely high levels are detected. To the point where you better get out of the house immediately.
I didn’t detect any moisture in my house during this week I used it but the repairman said there was a lot of moisture in the air ducts in the attic where the furnace is.
Thats why I like a digital one. I can read the levels. The heaters can produce moisture.
Thank you I been looking into this , what do u suggest? My son has bad asthma w machine so now I’m nervous
I would not recommend this heater for him. You might ask a doctor before trying it.
Same here. Appreciate this review!
I just brought one using it in my vehicle, was reluctant, I'm still alive. Good product 😀👍
I did a video on using this in a car you may want to watch. Follow all safety instructions in manual and use CO alarm and vent well.
Thanks for the very informative review!
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful. Will be testing mine
Did it work?
Thank you for your helpful video, you answered a lot of questions on my mind.
You are welcome!
I listened to your video. You had some interesting points. I have a candle heater n the smell and oxygen being taken really bothers me. I did some research bec I also have a Mr. Buddy. I looked up the gas tester and found a video where the gentleman talked abt the propane companies putting a particular smell that stays at the bottom of the tank and is meant to alert you that the tank only has 5% left hopefully to prevent people from running it so low they get air in their lines. You may want to get the 10’ cord for fuel and attach your Mr. Buddy to a 20 gal tank so you don’t keep running to the bottom of the 1 # can. I hope this is the solution and that you’re able to stay warm and happy.
Thank you for your comment. I saw a video saying the same thing. That "smell" is meant to alert you if there is a propane leak at anytime, not a warning when low.. Some say that it tends to be concentrated when about to run out. For me, it smells from the very start and continues to smell. I have a 20lb tank, and it did not help. We got rid of the Mr heater and now have an Olympion Wave propane heater. There is no smell. We love it. I did a review on that heater as well.
Great video! Very cool! THANK YOU!
Thanks for watching!
I have been using double element version, for several seasons. In a couple different winter climate areas. Always got a little fuel smell in the air, up next to the Canadian border, LP, wood, etc, in winter. Apparatus has on occasion,
kept my raggedy old butt from turning into a ‘berg, have also suffered equipment failure, more than once. Most of problems
Originated with 20lb tank, hose, filter combination. Lots of UA-cam walking through lots of problems/
Solutions. Theory’s on
Light-off, shut-down sequence abound. I continue to use this unit, not sure that I ascribe to any one set of problems/ analysis/solutions, but, I would strongly recommend familiarize oneself, before you head off into the mountains, dependent.
If you are, as I am, going to
Rely on your mechanical
Capabilities, self sufficiency,
Resourcefulness, be aware
There are layers of fix, not too deep, that are going to require more than a SwissArmy knife.
Another aspect one should be aware of, is that it’s very
Easy to melt the toes off your brand new many hundred dollar hiking boots,
Attempting to dry, while still
Leaving icicles hanging off the heels. Get out there and do so, still! Not go, is not an option!
You got a sub from me , great video and straight to the point!
Been using them since they came out for warming deer and duck blinds while hunting and they work very well in keeping us warm.
I did use them in my home in the Texas freeze of 2021 in two bedrooms and left the doors open and we had no issues. the C02 alarm in each room and in the bedroom hallway never alerted us.
Good tips, thanks for the video.
CO2 is what you exhale. CO is carbon monoxide.
I use it in my large 6 man tent four times when the temp was going to drop into the mid 30s. I cross ventilated with about twice the recommended vent space. The heater raised the temp from mid 30s to mid 40s. That is all I need it to do while in my below zero sleeping bag. I felt extremely safe. However, it used a bottle and a half per 8hrs. Meaning I had to get partially out of my sleeping bag and change tanks in the early morning. I ran it on high the 1st 15 mins to heat up the area, then ran it on low through the night. Never noticed any smell, likely because I was overkill on venting to be safe. I hope this helps someone decide.
What size tank are you using. I like the idea of cross ventilating.
@@LoneStarPrepping The 1lb Coleman bottle that the Buddy heater is made for. I suppose you could use a larger tank via a hose. Just have to make certain your fittings are tight.
@@ltwig476 Thats what I would do. Checking connections is pretty easy.
Aren’t tents really well ventilated as a general rule?
@@monicageorgson4870 Yeah, I way over vented to be on the safe side. I have only been tent camping for a few years. I zipped open the very top of the front flap and tide the rain cover down close to the tent, except one side left a little loose to get the cross vent. But yeah, I could have likely closed the tent up and been just fine and cozy. I think next season I will invest in a battery carbon monitor and close the tent up more. I hate the confinement of the closed up sleeping bag.
I just bought one from Lowe’s, i plan to put it in my garage. My electric water heater is in there, and it’s gonna get down to about 1 degree next week. Need to keep it warm in there
Sounds like a good idea.
I have used kerosene heaters and a Mr Heater Buddy for 2 years with no problems. I have CO2 detector and LP and a smoke detector. If it gives a bad smell something is wrong and so you need to figure it out and fix it.
We used one of these buddy heaters in our RV many years ago as many folks recommended them. I gave it a good try but could still smell fumes and odors despite having a window cracked open and the CO and smoke detectors on high alert. We just didn't like the smell. Eventually moved into one of those diesel combustion heaters that exhaust to the outside. Lots of heat and no danger of fumes. That buddy heater just sits in the storage as a backup.
I understand. I couldn't take the smell for the longest time, but Im getting a little more use to it now.
The fumes are rough on me in a shooting house even with ventilation.
Thank you for doing this. You just earned yourself a subscriber
Thank you for watching and subscribing!
Very good video we'll share And thank you so much for leaving the links on the devices that you used
Thank you!
Would one of these heaters be of any use for outdoor use in winter id it was positioned fairly close to you and it wasn’t windy? 😊
Sure! I would be careful about being in a dusty area...
Very good video. No nonsense and I like that.
Its funny how you said your wife is ok with it but you are not. Its the other way around for us. We plan to keep it for the just in case day. Better to deal with smell than to freeze. Love your videos.
For me, its not just the smell. It effects my lungs and eyes. Otherwise I would have kept it and just dealt with the smell if I needed to get warm.
Another great video. I bought one of these after the Dallas storm last winter. It's still in the box. I doubt I'll be able to send it back. Thanks for the pointers to the detectors and for making the video.
My wife has no problem at all with it... Maybe test it along with detectors? You may have no issues!
@@LoneStarPrepping I'll do that. Thanks!
Great video. Well done. I use one in my garage occasionally when i work at the workbench for an hour or two. I do remove the canister as the directions said. Just the same, I'd like to test it. Thanks for linking the test unit.
I’m a 45 year auto tech, I have one of those leak sniffer’s for r134 that stupid thing was alway buzzing, never found a AC leak with it, I’d be using a co 2 tester, and my hose to smell for gas lol I’m very old school 😂or lite😮no
Have owned 14rvs in the last 45 years , everyone had propane heaters I bought and used. Kept 2 carbon monoxide detectors in every RV,
not once in 45 years did my monoxide detectors ever read above O.
Great video! I got one for my birthday a couple years ago. We ran it in our rv all day. It was really cold out. It kept us warm, but my wife and I both hated the smell as well. Its been in the attic ever since.
I agree. We could not deal with the smell. Ill be posting a video, soon, on a propane heater that does not smell... at least to us...
@@sassylady2001 I bet they are. I sent mine back. Now someone else csn deal with the smell.
Run mine in a hunting shack . No smell what so ever ?????
On a slighty off topic. I purchased a LG gas stove and I could smell a slight hint of gas when I went in my kitchen. I called my local gas company and they came out with their fancy $1000.00 sniffer and didn't detect anything or smell anything. I asked a few others to smell and they said they didn't smell gas.. So I purchased the same sniffer you have and turned the stove around and it found something in one of the connection on the stove and it wasn't my gas line I connected. I tightened the fitting and smell went away.. OH and I also have that gas detector you have and before I bought the sniffer I put the gas detector right on the back of the stove and it read 27ppm after around 10 minutes. not explosive levels but we both must have sensitive NOSE sniffers to be able to smell at that low of 27 PPM
I've been been running a Mr. Heater in my cabin for years during winter for extra heat for years i have 2 carbon monoxide detectors one high one low 2 feet off the floor as carbon monoxide gas is heavy and rises from the floor up. I have never had one alarm go off. I do how ever will not sleep with it on. I consider it a safe heating option in times of need....
Thanks for sharing
I bought that exact model a few years back. Started using it in my 25' trailer as the weather started to cool. An hour a night, then 2, then 3.
Bottom line, the "sensor" in my head went BEFORE the Buddy Heater sensor went off!
PS: I made a "tool" from a 1 1/4 nail to be able to refill those 1 lb. tanks from my RV tanks.
Carbon monoxide is produced all the time when oxygen is burned up and thats why you need a good carbon monoxide monitor. Good review i really love mine.
Thats why it is important to ventalate the room. You need to feed it fresh oxygen while using it. There is a low oxygen sensor that will shut the heater off if the oxygen gets below 18% but you should have a CO detector anyway.
Love my little buddy heater
Great video thanks for doing this !!! I've used the same Little Buddy ice fishing for over 10 years and never had a smell in the shack unless the bottle runs out. If I was to use it in a air tight Ice Castle or Permanent ice house I'd definitely have a Carbon Monoxide detector. You hear to many horror stories of families never waking up ice fishing !!!!
The reason they add the smell is so you can be warned of something wrong such as empty tank or leaks. I think the smell is the bi-product of that chemical when burned. Many dont smell it but that doesnt mean its not there. I have been in the same room with heater running and some people smelled it and fewer did not. CO is odorless, so if it were me, I would use a detector.
Basically, any "ventless" gas appliance is going to put at least some nasty combustion by-products into your living space. Always crack a window and have a carbon monoxide detector if you run one of these in any kind of enclosed space. The Mr. Buddy is not supposed to replace an electric space heater or get used constantly all winter. It is for short term emergencies, ice fishing, a hunting cabin, etc. It works very well for those tasks.
Good video , thanks for sharing ,God bless !
I totally agree with you.. I'm glad I saw you do this test and your reactions to this heater because I had similar physical problems with it because I have allergies. too..
I had lung problems, my voice was hoarse,I had headaches, I had vertigo.. my eyes burned.. I just wrote the company and told them they had adangerous heater and they should be compensating people that are irritated by it because they rated it as indoor use and one of the best propane heaters around... and oh so safe..
I bought one because a friend recommended it and actually let me borrow his overnight to test but he only uses the 1 lb green. propane bottles and he gave me one with it.
It seemed to work fine..
So I bought one but the little green 1lb propane bottles only last for maybe five hours which doesn't help when they run out... it's way too expensive..
So they say you can hook it to a 20 lb propane tank so I got a brand new one, I got the hose that they recommend that are from mr. Heater and they say that their hoses won't gum up the heater from the oils in the hose... totally wrong...
I hooked a 20 lb propane tank with the hoses to mr. Heater and it won't even start... I went online and saw a few videos that said oh yeah they gum up and that you can take them apart and use alcohol or something and a Q-tip to clean them ..well I'm not going to take it apart, I am not that mechanically inclined ..so my idea was I'll just hook a 1 lb green propane bottle to it and maybe that will burn it off so I left it on for an hour and a half cuz I got busy and then I thought well maybe it'll work now maybe it burned it off... so I reattached it to the 20 lb propane tank... I was using it in my camping van like my friend did.. I had windows open 2 inches even though it says it has an oxygen sensor so if the oxygen gets too low it will shut off.. apparently that doesn't work either .
the thing is that if you use a 20 lb propane tank you have got to And I stress have got to get the fuel filter which they recommend but they don't say is an absolute necessity which it is.. all though it doesn't work well either.
when that tank was empty I got it filled and no problems... I got it refilled and it wouldn't start so I used the 1 lb green propane bottle to burn it off I think I had to do it twice that time before it would start.
When it ran out I got it refilled again and it shut off after about three and a half gallons.. but it didn't feel empty I brought it to gas refiller again and the guy said it still had at least a gallon and a half left in it..
I filled it in I brought it home hooked it up to the hoses and fuel filter and it works fine..
I got it refilled today but it wouldn't start again.. I had to run to the store before it closed and I hooked it the 1 lb propane bottle I'll leave it for an hour that seems to be what it needs to burn off that oil and junk..
So after an hour I'll hook it back up to the 20 lb tank with a hose and the fuel filter and see if it works.. either way I'm going to take this stupid thing back because it's not and I stress not a good heater and is dangerous to your health...
I use the Olympion Wave 8 heater for home use because it doesnt smell, but there is a time I would use mr heater and deal with the smell. I will be posting a video about when I would use it soon.
@@LoneStarPrepping Which one is better
@@wannellalawson4001 You should take a look at my video about my Olympion Wave Heater. I like that heater better, but it is expensive, heavier, and bigger... not so mobile. We still use Mr Heater for certain situations, though.
Thank you for the information.
You bet!
Wanna know something else that might blow your mind? Take that detector (detects the presence of: methane, propane, butane, ethanol, ammonia, gasoline, naphtha, etc.) and put the detector tip in the air ABOVE the heater while it’s running. It will alarm. So, it seems even with the propane burning through the catalytic burner, there is still incomplete combustion to the point where burnable gasses are detected in the exhaust.
I tried this on one of these same Mr. Buddy heaters.
Does not mean that it’s not safe to use. It’s just information to know. As always, with ANY appliance that burns hydrocarbons, use a carbon monoxide detector with it.
I know.. I did that as well... I didnt mention it in the video because I figured it was normal.