I have the Big Buddy. Been awesome but be careful with using the rubber hose to a full size propane tank. Without the extra filter, particles from the hose will clog the heater jets.
@11binfantryfollowmeus.army95 There's only one hose that doesn't require a fuel filter... I have listed that hose below... The new hoses still require a fuel filter F273704
Love the big buddy hate the little buddy suffering from moisture in lines ime thinking bad design 3 one doing this funny run same gas on big buddy no issues any one else with this issue filter makes it worse. It's not the gas same gas on big buddy
My wife and I love our Mr Buddy and Big Buddy heaters. We found both of them on sale at Wally World. We got our Mr Buddy for $49 and the Big Buddy for $99.
Over the years I have all of these Mr. Heater Buddy heaters and just last week I found the Mr. Heater Flex on sale for $99 so I snagged one of these too. I use them all, just not all at once. Thanks for the comparison video.
I have two little buddy heaters, 4000-9000btu, I have created a stand with fan, I heat 600sf off of it. It's all in the air distribution, I also have run it off of a 100# (25gal) bottle, it heated for a month and a half, off of my 10 gal propane tanks (rv) I can run it for almost 3 weeks. Trick is, drain it out after each use, do not let propane sit in your hoses, and always use filters! I bought both of mine for $59.00 three years ago... Also don't forget your can of compressed air to blow out the lines if they get clogged....
@@gardeninggirlct I have had to do it twice, I called the factory because one stopped working, if you get a can of compressed air that you use to clean keyboards wit, and ultra thin Qtips, first put the tube from the compressed air down the pilot tube and blow a couple blasts, then stick the Qtip down and soak up the good, do that several times until it comes out clean, and a small piece of sand paper to get the black off the flame sensor. Then it should start back up.
I purchased the Big Buddy Heater about 5 yrs ago. Overall this is a great heater. What I have learned is the tip-over switch (Part X461) lasted about 5 yrs and I had to replace mine and a neighbor's part (same age) recently. The other thing I want to give a heads-up on is storage. I stored my buddy heater in a shed where the temperatures would vary between seasons (cold and hot), I think this caused the plastic parts to become brittle, thus when accessing the switch part the tabs to hold the frame disintegrated, so if I were to purchase a new buddy heater again in the future I will store it in a temperature-controlled room like my basement.
Back in 2009 Kentucky was hit by a massive ice storm. Power was out for 15 days. Everyone in my neighborhood had to go stay with family members or hotels. Me and my family was eating hot food and watching DVD movies in our PJs. We had a great time just being together. Can't wait till the next power outage 😊
Funny… I have the big buddy heater and today I picked up the flex. I’ve used the bug buddy heater in my 1k square foot garage during the winter when I’m working. It heats it to close to 60 degrees. I have the hose attachment and I keep 10 20lb propane tanks on standby. For those who want to stay safe with storage of propane I bought the lifetime deck storage container and I store my propane away from my house in the storage container. I picked up the flex from sportsman’s warehouse today for $120 on sale with an additional 10% coupon. Thanks for the video and review.
I might be up too late, but this is the first time I recall hearing you say your name EVER in a video. I thought you just went by Riverside Homestead... I must have watched 40+ videos from you by now and you only say welcome to the channel or something. LOL! On to the topic. I own all except the one that heats 180* around. I've used the buddy and big buddy heater in my camper (26ft) and found the buddy can get the job done normally in 15-30mins. It will take the chill out and keep you comfortable except in extremely cold temp, like minus temps. Then I would bust out the big buddy. Especially for extreme blizzards and high crosswinds in the mountains(At top in countryside). The small buddy heater from the start of vid, Ive used in emergency in my vehicle for the rare chance of it breaking down in a winter situation, which happened to me. I kept it inside just in case and it kept me from frostbite as I waited 4 hrs to be towed in a dead car on the side of a highway... Alone or with family or friends, guess how calming it is to be a prepper in that crap situation? Yes you have to crack a window and make sure it wont tip or touch someone, but you look like a hero as everyone is kept warm in a crap situation. I had 0/0 on prediction scale that my car would crap out that day. It was just one of many things I owned, just in case.
We've got two Mr. Buddy heaters ...paid $79.99 for the first and $89.99 for the second d. Love them both. I refill the "green") tanks from a 25lb. It's simple and easy. You only need a $7.00 adapter and a scale that measures in ounce increments. Weigh a new full tank and match the weight in you refill.
Great video thank you. For any naysayers about the buddy heater, I have been using one in my semi truck for 10 years. They are very safe I am also a firefighter and I totally trust them. Number 1. Read your manual. You need to crack something open, a window, or vent for a minimum of 9 square inches that is not a lot but that's what you have to do. Number 2. For those of you who say you started it with a 20 lb bottle and then it didn't work after that, it says game the manual that you will need to use a filter for any type of bottle that requires a hose. If you plugged it up take a vacuum cleaner and vacuum everything out and use a Q-tip to clean out the pilot.
Last year, we were at my grandson's first high school baseball game of the season. IT WAS COLD! I had never seen this heater, but several other families had theirs running and I got a quick education. I went out the next week and bought the Big Buddy heater from Home Depot. I have heated our garage several times so the GK's can play ping-pong on cold days. I'm glad I bought the bigger size for this reason. We use a little wagon to load our chairs and supplies for the games and this will fit perfectly so should not be size issue to take along. Also, I like the use of the paint grill for heating up water for hot chocolate. Txs for the tip! I also bought the extension hose with a filer (I found a good selection at Farmer's Supply) so I could use the 20lb tank. Ordered the fan that attaches to the back of the heater on-line. It was a perfect fit (never really understood why they stop selling them on the heaters automatically) and runs off batteries or an adapter (also @ F'sS). It blows the heat away from the front and is really worth it in my opinion. Thanks for the video comparison! Can't wait for baseball season to begin here in a couple of weeks!
Got a lil confused at the end there. Saying you bought a fan but then said about batteries. So im assuming you know the big buddy has a built in fan just have to put batteries or buy the power-pack.
I think you glossed over one accessory that is important. That being the 12-foot regulator and hose with the quick connect fitting. I bought the Big Buddy as a backup heat source for my home when the power goes out. I have a 100lb tank outside the house by a window. The regulator connects to the tank. so now I have low pressure propane from the tank, through the window, then to the heater. I don't want the short, high pressure, hoses inside the house. I enjoy your reviews and mods. Thank you. 👍👍👍
I bought a Big Buddy just before we had the subzero front sweeping across the country. I paid $149 at Tractor Supply and at the time wondered if I had spent too much, they also had the Buddy heater for $99. Luckily we didn't lose power but I'm glad I have it for peace of mind.
I have the big buddy heater and had taken it on a hunting trip for the cabin. It heated our cabin up to temp in 30 mins. It also has a built in electric fan. Runs on D batteries or a typical DC charger. 2 - 1lb tanks lasted us the whole 3 days.
off grid here. Have 2 lil buddys (too many fumes) Have 3 Big buddys, no fumes, tons of heat! Love the big buddy. We put it on a 100 pound tank to last awhile..
Big Buddy 3 temp settings is best for me I live in a 28-foot RV and it has served me well. Using the 12-ft proprietary Mr Heater hose with no filter it's worked flawless for 7 years straight. I did buy a second for a backup. I've looked at the other ones and I can see there purpose but the three-way setting is more than versatile for most applications small or large.
I have two Mr Big Buddy Heaters for emergency heat for my home. I have a small home so two Big Buddy’s should do the trick! I also have 12 small tanks and 4 big tanks on hand to use with them in case of emergencies.
On my second portable buddy - left the first one in my hunting blind over the winter and the mice took over - quite the fire when I turned it on - lol. I also have a lil buddy I carry in the truck. I know it is tipsy, but I would rather take the chance than freeze to death.
We have 4, every size. My hubby takes the one with the round burner and the smallest one hunting. I bought the other two when they came out. We love them all. The large one uses more fuel, but heats a larger area
I have the Little Buddy. Used to have the Mr. Buddy but I left it at a jobsight and it was taken. I want a Big Buddy. I love this line of heaters. I had mine for yrs and never had a problem at all. Even if you have no other need for them at all they are well worth the money just to have for power outages and emergencies.
Just bought a Mr.Heater Big Buddy. I used it last week when it was really cold. It worked Great! I wish i had one last year when i lost power in texas.
You're so awesome Cohen 👌 I'm one of those people that I love to learn something new everyday. I always share your videos. Got my niece in Ohio to start preppin sending her your videos. Even with a bazillion followers, you should still do a Mr Heater give a way. Do a sticker and a t shirt with the mountains and what you say at the end of every video 👍 God bless you and your family and your furbabies. May y'all be blessed this coming New Year 👑🙏🏻💞✝️🐾🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯
I bought my Mr Big Buddy (with 2 cylinder) couple years ago. I got it for $80! It also has a fan built in it. Easy to use & prepared for winter outages.
Thank you, 4 years ago I purchased a Big Buddy ($99 back then), then I got all the extras, hoses, dryers. Put everything together and then put it all back in the box for when needed. Would like to get the LIL Buddy for the boat and fishing in winter. Happy New Year. See you in the New Year. God Bless and stay safe.
I was lucky enough to get a mr. buddy on sale and then used my visa prime points..it was free. I haven't had to take it out of the box. I live in Florida and even though it got down to 11 degrees where I live, I used my electric blankets and a couple dogs to keep me warm. It was all good. I know I need to get it out of the box to try it out so I'm not trying to do it in an emergency. I loved the video where you cooked with it. I bought one of those paint things to go along with my Mr. B and the hose and about 50 propane 1 pounders before I knew you could use the bigger ones! DOH!!
I love my normal buddy heater that I got at Costco with the filter and hose for $80... I rigged a single blade thermal stove fan to it, and run it off a 7.5 gallon tank... it goes and goes and goes and is awesome.
I love early mornings to watch the sunrise! This little thing has a great heat output th-cam.com/users/postUgkxAvrAfikbUEMthp3AZ6iX5FKdiHfzy_RP . I sit in my rocker, warm, and watch the sunrise! It's great for travel as well. Just stow and go. Love this thing! For hunters, I've heard that they also make a little hood so that it focuses the heat a bit more if you have to sit further away. Just a heads up. It's so easy and quick to set up and get going.
I have the Big Buddy. I plan on using it in my garage, camp trailer, and in cases of power outages. I had cause to use it for the first time this last week when our power went down in an ice storm. It worked great. The two things that I see so many posts on, are the use of the fans on top, and the lines coming from a large tank. And I am confused by them both. I bought two types of fans, one has dual fans, and the other has a pivotal head. I haven't really noticed much improvement on the heat circulation. So, I don't know if I am expecting too much, or am not using them correctly. The hose attachment for a larger tank posts, leave me confused as well. People say that material from some hoses will clog the pilot light. They promote the use of a fuel filter with the hose. Other people, and MR. Heater say that the hoses sold by Mr. Heater will not. I have bought two types of hoses. The screw on type, and a quick connect/disconnect style. Both are from Mr. Buddy. I suppose the add-on filter couldn't hurt. I have also bought the Carbon Monoxide alarm, even though Mr. Buddy says you don't need to worry. Anyway, thanks for your informative video's. I learn from each one. Happy New Year to you and yours.
watch this one to see how the fan should be running! th-cam.com/video/_i1wm4EUfZU/w-d-xo.html you may have a crappy fan, there are good ones and bad ones... i will do a video by many requests... on how to hook up hose, how to operate everything... for those who have never used anything before and need a extra visual for confidence... keep an eye out for that one...
Thank you sir. I appreciate the tips and recommendations. I also purchased a few of the buddy heater you referred from Costco for my kids when they went on sale. 5 days after you mentioned it they went off of the sale so i was able to save money. It's better to be safe and ready. With these storms hitting across the country it's a nice feeling to know we have a means to stay warm.
Amazon had the Flex on sale yesterday (1/1/25) for $79.88. It was 57% off. I went ahead and ordered one. I checked the price today (1/2/25) and it went back up to $128.96.
We've sat through two cold fronts without heat and decided it was time for a backup. Tractor Supply had the Big Buddy on sale for $100 and we grabbed it. I think it's perfect for an emergency heat source as well.
I have the budy and the flex with the cooker. Have had the flex for years and came in handy during the texas ice storm. I bought the flex with the cooker as a secondary heater and cooker back up to my butane single burner. They all work great. The flex is a bit much for my needs but I'd rather have a bit to much then not enough.
I got a great deal on a Big Buddy. I'd been thinking about a Chinese Diesel heater for my shed. My wife overheard me and bought me a Big Buddy. I thanked her, but propane in a metal shed will cause rain. So, she called to do a return. They said keep it and did a refund. So, I've got a diesel heater for the shed and backup heat for the house. I did have to buy the Mr Heater hose for a 20 lb tank. I also have 3 28k kerosene heaters, 80 lbs of propane and 20 gallons of kerosene. This is MN, no heat is life or death.
My Portable Buddy works great, but, I don't like it being only a high pressure system. Works fine with the one pound bottles, but, the preferable way using an external 20# tank is having to use a hose that is subjected to the high pressure from the tank to the PB heater, and, using a filter is really mandatory. The BEST way to feed a BB is by using the regulated at the tank/quick disconnect hose that attaches to the QD fitting on the left side of the BB heater. Instead of the 120 to 140 PSI propane coming from the 20# tank, then to the built-in regulator, the QD hose system only has an 11" of water pressure = 0.397 PSI which is basically nothing. THIS is the reason I'm replacing my PB with the BB so indoor use will be MUCH SAFER with the less than a .5 PSI hose pressure.... I'll still use my LB with the one pound cans, but, for serious inside home heat, the BB will be preferred....
Great review, thankfully I live in a cave house in the mountains, meaning that even when it's snowing outside, I dont need a fire, unless of cours it's purely for entertainment purposes.
I purchased a big buddy off Amazon for 75 beans. It's the 4k-8k btu unit. I connected a 5 gallon tank. I can run it continuously for 72hours on the low setting. It resides in a Montana 3150rl 5th wheel. With it running and a small ceramic heater in the bedroom; the RV furnace doesn't kick on. It's parked on the Olympic Peninsula. A great little heater. Added the heat activated fan. It crapped out in 2 weeks.
I have 2 Mr Heater products. A Buddy for my motorhome; a big buddy for the living area in my small house. Both of them are great. I use 30 lb Propane tanks with a filter.
I have two of the smaller Mr. Buddy heater. Need some info... one came with a hose (bought it at Costco) and one didn't. I have 20 lb tanks to run these but not sure how to hook it up... do I need a filter or the other bulbous apparatus that I keep seeing? Very confused.... please do a video on how to hook these up to 20 lb propane tanks. Thanks
Great informative video! I currently own 3 of the standard Mr Buddy heaters. I really want to purchase the Flex with Side Burner combo. I could see myself using it quite often, even if only using the Side burner, at times.
This is exactly the video I have been hoping to find. I was very confused about which model is the best for my needs. TY for this info. I'm leaning toward Mr Buddy Flex and the adaptable cooker.
I have the big buddy and definitely glad I bought that one, I camp in my ice hub alot in South Dakota ice fishing. I had both burners on in -50° temperatures and it was still a little chilly but if it wasn't for both burners I would have had to cut my trip short. I also have the little buddy for my one man ice shack and it works great but you're right it is a little top heavy and once ice starts forming around the bottom of the little bottles it will push it out of it's base and fall over, that's definitely the biggest downside of the little buddy. Some times the big buddy is a pain to start in really cold conditions as well , also helps having a fan circulating the air in the ice shack or you will develop a condensation problem.
I got the Big Buddy Pro. I use it as the primary heat source in my home office. I usually crank it up to 18,000 BTU and it gets warm right away, then turn it down to 4000 BTU and stay comfortable all day.
I recently bought a flex heater at Sportsmans warehouse for 135.00 on sale for the holidays. The aux hose is also sold at the same store for about 35.00. If your buy the filter and regulator you can run it on a 40lb bottle.
good review. i have the buddy heater, single can. i sometimes hook it up to a BBQ tank. i like it. as mentioned before, we use them in the blinds and tree stands.
I use the big buddy to heat my woodworking shop. Useing it on high when it's really cold a 35lb tank will last about a week, but that's at the high setting
I have the big buddy heater, and upgraded to the flex for ice fishing. It was a pain in the butt to get it running from the start. Took 40+ minutes to get the pilot light to stay lit. Worked alright after that but this winter was a different story and I couldn't get it to stay lit once. Took it apart and cleaned it wasn't even dirty still didn't work. Hooked propane tank up to the big buddy and worked just fine. So long story short the Flex was not a good upgrade for me still do t know what's wrong..
I have both. Almost never touch the big buddy. Love the small and light portable buddy. Plus I'm stingy with propane. Never turn it up over 4000 btus anyway...
I did get the paint grid for holding the fan that runs off of the heat and a pot for boiling or cooking soup. And I am thinking of buying another one. I have the Mr. Buddy
Mr Heater has NO competition in the market. Government regulations have given them a monopoly. So, it’s awesome that you love not having any other choice 😂😂😂
When it stops working, just buy another one! ☝️ Mr Heater has NO competition so you have no other choices. They will build garbage and you are forced to buy it.
I just picked up the little buddy heater at Bass pro Here in Alberta 🇨🇦...Was 110 got it for $ 79.00 bucks Canadian..Good for my Hunting blind or for emergency in my truck if things go south..
I have the mr buddy & I’ve used it for about 4 years great tool I would never give it up. But because of the way thing’s are today I just got the buddy flex and cooker & I mean just got it a week ago. FYI ace hardware had the Best prices I paid 149.00 for the flex & 119.00 for the cooker. I’m in Montana.
I live in N. Texas. Have a 30 x 30 shop out back with central 'heat' and air. In the summer the AC is awesome to keep it comfortable but in the winter the electric heat just doesn't cut it and runs the bill WAY high. Decided it was time to get something more off the grid just in case the S-Hits-The-Fan and power goes out so I can heat the CAVE and if needed the house. Bought a Portable Buddy in early November from Cabela's with Mr Buddy's filter and 12' hose. It was great for keeping me warm while down working and watching YT but at 900 Sq. Ft it didn't quite do enough when the COLD weather hit to warm a larger area. Then got the Big Buddy with filter and their hose and THAT did the trick. Depending on the weather I can do one, or both and the big buddy gives the higher heat options. AND filling 20 lb. tanks locally at the station rather than doing tank exchange saves a ton! Here, tank exchange is currently 20$ to 25$ for 15 lbs. but refilling is about 16$ for a full 20 lbs. I have not run the electric central heat in the shop (I have a separate meter just for it) yet this year and I am toasty even though the recent mid-teen temps. My electric bill for the 'CAVE' is about 30% lower so far this winter using these and so far a tank is lasting 3 weeks average. Thanks for this review! Next up, Little Buddy!
I have a Big Buddy at our cabin and was surprised that he didn’t mention the battery powered or DC adapter fan that is built in. I use it to start heating the living room until I can get the wood stove up to heat. I also use it connected to a 20 lb tank outside the cabin rather than the small bottles. This way I can light it and let the wood stove die down overnight.
Just bought a flex my small buddy heater gave out went to buy a new one but everything was sold out except for the flex it was only 149. At true value hardware store. Love it so far.
I have the Mr buddy just live it got me through rhe night last week when my furnace stopped working and I was 30 below 0 no it was cool in the room but did keep us from freezing
Many, Many Thanks Cohen for all you do to keep us informed! 😊Please know that I have been researching these heaters for sometime now and found the written descriptions hard to understand. So, your presentation today, really made things clear!! My concern now, however, is storage of the propane! Where I live it gets in the triple digits in the summer! For safety sake, I don’t want any fires or explosions! Do you have any propane storage suggestions for Hot summers?
I store my tanks outside. I have a little tool shed & I place them where it’s the NE inside the shed. I also live southern state where we have hot summers so they be just fine. Never put them near the house or garage.
Thxs for taking the time to reply! When I can afford to buy or build a shed will do so. In the meantime, I am considering buying a trash can and burying it in the ground for storage and doing so with several others for use as root cellars as the house gets too hot! It is suggested that I put cement bricks around the trash can(s) and leave the lid(s) above ground. So that water will not seep in.
My Mr buddy lasts about a month of regular burning on low with a 20pd propane tank and a hose. Make sure you had a Grey cylinder oil filter inline with the tank hose. Like you have in the video.
I don't need tip over. I have a shelf I put them on. I tried the oil radiator - fine, if you want to wait hours for the room to heat up? The old stuff is the best stuff. If it comes to no power, I bought a My Patriot heater/stove that uses 6 hour canisters. Safe for indoor use. 3 at a time. I will shut myself in a room and use it to keep warm. Added bonus, you can cook on it.
How to hook up a Mr. Heater to a 20 lb. propane tank, step by step: th-cam.com/video/vvN3YJXFcuY/w-d-xo.html
What is that metal tray looking thing for? that you had on the end of your video.
@@billkincer4256 Found at most hardware stores, look around the paint tray area.
We’ve had the Mr Buddy portable heater for years and we absolutely love it!!
Thanks TamT
I have the Big Buddy. Been awesome but be careful with using the rubber hose to a full size propane tank. Without the extra filter, particles from the hose will clog the heater jets.
Use the Mr. Heater hose and that problem goes away...
New hoses dont clog anymore…
@11binfantryfollowmeus.army95 There's only one hose that doesn't require a fuel filter... I have listed that hose below... The new hoses still require a fuel filter
F273704
Get rid of the cheap hose.🤣 Been using mine 5 yrs my big buddy only needs dusting no issues no repairs
Love the big buddy hate the little buddy suffering from moisture in lines ime thinking bad design 3 one doing this funny run same gas on big buddy no issues any one else with this issue filter makes it worse. It's not the gas same gas on big buddy
Hey man.. why is it so cold that I can see your breath when you have like five heaters in that little room? 🤣
My wife and I love our Mr Buddy and Big Buddy heaters. We found both of them on sale at Wally World. We got our Mr Buddy for $49 and the Big Buddy for $99.
$74 and $134 here at Walmart
Which do you prefer ? Obviously heating area probably matters more but I ask cause I hear the big buddy doesn’t cause condensation.
Over the years I have all of these Mr. Heater Buddy heaters and just last week I found the Mr. Heater Flex on sale for $99 so I snagged one of these too. I use them all, just not all at once. Thanks for the comparison video.
Thanks for sharing, you bet!
I have two little buddy heaters, 4000-9000btu, I have created a stand with fan, I heat 600sf off of it. It's all in the air distribution, I also have run it off of a 100# (25gal) bottle, it heated for a month and a half, off of my 10 gal propane tanks (rv) I can run it for almost 3 weeks. Trick is, drain it out after each use, do not let propane sit in your hoses, and always use filters! I bought both of mine for $59.00 three years ago...
Also don't forget your can of compressed air to blow out the lines if they get clogged....
How do you blow out lines please?
@@gardeninggirlct I have had to do it twice, I called the factory because one stopped working, if you get a can of compressed air that you use to clean keyboards wit, and ultra thin Qtips, first put the tube from the compressed air down the pilot tube and blow a couple blasts, then stick the Qtip down and soak up the good, do that several times until it comes out clean, and a small piece of sand paper to get the black off the flame sensor. Then it should start back up.
Or use lighter@@jimjr6919
I purchased the Big Buddy Heater about 5 yrs ago. Overall this is a great heater. What I have learned is the tip-over switch (Part X461) lasted about 5 yrs and I had to replace mine and a neighbor's part (same age) recently. The other thing I want to give a heads-up on is storage. I stored my buddy heater in a shed where the temperatures would vary between seasons (cold and hot), I think this caused the plastic parts to become brittle, thus when accessing the switch part the tabs to hold the frame disintegrated, so if I were to purchase a new buddy heater again in the future I will store it in a temperature-controlled room like my basement.
Thank you, Colin. You're probably the best prepper on YT. Great tips and practical content.
I appreciate that! It is Cohen😉
Went to an estate sale last summer and got a Mr buddy heater for $20! Propane tanks for $1 a piece! It was worth the wait in the line outside
Yes it was, nice!
Small propane tanks are $9.87 for two at Walmart!!
Back in 2009 Kentucky was hit by a massive ice storm. Power was out for 15 days. Everyone in my neighborhood had to go stay with family members or hotels. Me and my family was eating hot food and watching DVD movies in our PJs. We had a great time just being together. Can't wait till the next power outage 😊
Remember to ALWAYS use the Filter when hooked to large bottles
Filter not needed if you buy the special 10FT Mr buddy hose for it, part number ends in 04!😁😁😁
Funny… I have the big buddy heater and today I picked up the flex. I’ve used the bug buddy heater in my 1k square foot garage during the winter when I’m working. It heats it to close to 60 degrees. I have the hose attachment and I keep 10 20lb propane tanks on standby. For those who want to stay safe with storage of propane I bought the lifetime deck storage container and I store my propane away from my house in the storage container. I picked up the flex from sportsman’s warehouse today for $120 on sale with an additional 10% coupon. Thanks for the video and review.
You bet, thanks for sharing Jason! Sounds like you got a good deal
How big is your deck storage unit? How many 20lb tanks does it hold? Thanks much!
@@mskulagal it fits 7 20lb tanks. It’s the lifetime 130 gallon deck storage
I might be up too late, but this is the first time I recall hearing you say your name EVER in a video. I thought you just went by Riverside Homestead... I must have watched 40+ videos from you by now and you only say welcome to the channel or something. LOL! On to the topic. I own all except the one that heats 180* around. I've used the buddy and big buddy heater in my camper (26ft) and found the buddy can get the job done normally in 15-30mins. It will take the chill out and keep you comfortable except in extremely cold temp, like minus temps. Then I would bust out the big buddy. Especially for extreme blizzards and high crosswinds in the mountains(At top in countryside). The small buddy heater from the start of vid, Ive used in emergency in my vehicle for the rare chance of it breaking down in a winter situation, which happened to me. I kept it inside just in case and it kept me from frostbite as I waited 4 hrs to be towed in a dead car on the side of a highway... Alone or with family or friends, guess how calming it is to be a prepper in that crap situation? Yes you have to crack a window and make sure it wont tip or touch someone, but you look like a hero as everyone is kept warm in a crap situation. I had 0/0 on prediction scale that my car would crap out that day. It was just one of many things I owned, just in case.
Thanks for sharing and yes, I'm glad to hear you had it with you in the car situation!
We've got two Mr. Buddy heaters ...paid $79.99 for the first and $89.99 for the second d. Love them both. I refill the "green") tanks from a 25lb. It's simple and easy. You only need a $7.00 adapter and a scale that measures in ounce increments. Weigh a new full tank and match the weight in you refill.
I’ve never heard anyone using a scale to weigh a tank. You just refill it until it stops filling up itself lol. Done it 10000 times
Great video thank you. For any naysayers about the buddy heater, I have been using one in my semi truck for 10 years. They are very safe I am also a firefighter and I totally trust them. Number 1. Read your manual. You need to crack something open, a window, or vent for a minimum of 9 square inches that is not a lot but that's what you have to do. Number 2. For those of you who say you started it with a 20 lb bottle and then it didn't work after that, it says game the manual that you will need to use a filter for any type of bottle that requires a hose. If you plugged it up take a vacuum cleaner and vacuum everything out and use a Q-tip to clean out the pilot.
Last year, we were at my grandson's first high school baseball game of the season. IT WAS COLD! I had never seen this heater, but several other families had theirs running and I got a quick education. I went out the next week and bought the Big Buddy heater from Home Depot. I have heated our garage several times so the GK's can play ping-pong on cold days. I'm glad I bought the bigger size for this reason. We use a little wagon to load our chairs and supplies for the games and this will fit perfectly so should not be size issue to take along. Also, I like the use of the paint grill for heating up water for hot chocolate. Txs for the tip!
I also bought the extension hose with a filer (I found a good selection at Farmer's Supply) so I could use the 20lb tank. Ordered the fan that attaches to the back of the heater on-line. It was a perfect fit (never really understood why they stop selling them on the heaters automatically) and runs off batteries or an adapter (also @ F'sS). It blows the heat away from the front and is really worth it in my opinion.
Thanks for the video comparison! Can't wait for baseball season to begin here in a couple of weeks!
Got a lil confused at the end there. Saying you bought a fan but then said about batteries. So im assuming you know the big buddy has a built in fan just have to put batteries or buy the power-pack.
I think you glossed over one accessory that is important. That being the 12-foot regulator and hose with the quick connect fitting. I bought the Big Buddy as a backup heat source for my home when the power goes out. I have a 100lb tank outside the house by a window. The regulator connects to the tank. so now I have low pressure propane from the tank, through the window, then to the heater. I don't want the short, high pressure, hoses inside the house. I enjoy your reviews and mods. Thank you. 👍👍👍
Can you list the product part number or a link to quick connect, regulator and hose (if it is a special hose)? I'm new to this staff. Thanks
I bought a Big Buddy just before we had the subzero front sweeping across the country. I paid $149 at Tractor Supply and at the time wondered if I had spent too much, they also had the Buddy heater for $99. Luckily we didn't lose power but I'm glad I have it for peace of mind.
Glad to hear and I don't think you overpaid
It only has to work once to be worth it
I have the big buddy heater and had taken it on a hunting trip for the cabin. It heated our cabin up to temp in 30 mins. It also has a built in electric fan. Runs on D batteries or a typical DC charger. 2 - 1lb tanks lasted us the whole 3 days.
off grid here. Have 2 lil buddys (too many fumes) Have 3 Big buddys, no fumes, tons of heat! Love the big buddy. We put it on a 100 pound tank to last awhile..
Thank you
I have the Mr Buddy heater. I picked it up at Walmart. It was on sale for $35.00. Thank you for ALL the GREAT Tips.
That is awesome!
Big Buddy 3 temp settings is best for me I live in a 28-foot RV and it has served me well. Using the 12-ft proprietary Mr Heater hose with no filter it's worked flawless for 7 years straight. I did buy a second for a backup. I've looked at the other ones and I can see there purpose but the three-way setting is more than versatile for most applications small or large.
I have two Mr Big Buddy Heaters for emergency heat for my home. I have a small home so two Big Buddy’s should do the trick! I also have 12 small tanks and 4 big tanks on hand to use with them in case of emergencies.
Sounds great! Thanks for sharing
On my second portable buddy - left the first one in my hunting blind over the winter and the mice took over - quite the fire when I turned it on - lol.
I also have a lil buddy I carry in the truck. I know it is tipsy, but I would rather take the chance than freeze to death.
We have 4, every size. My hubby takes the one with the round burner and the smallest one hunting. I bought the other two when they came out. We love them all. The large one uses more fuel, but heats a larger area
😀👍
I have the Little Buddy. Used to have the Mr. Buddy but I left it at a jobsight and it was taken. I want a Big Buddy. I love this line of heaters. I had mine for yrs and never had a problem at all. Even if you have no other need for them at all they are well worth the money just to have for power outages and emergencies.
I don't have one, but would like one. Looks like the Mr. Buddy 4,000 -9000 would be best for me.
Just bought a Mr.Heater Big Buddy. I used it last week when it was really cold. It worked Great! I wish i had one last year when i lost power in texas.
Thanks for sharing Arthur, glad you have it now
It will work for about 5 more times. Then the lame plastic knob breaks. Just go buy another one ☝️
Mr. Buddy! Hands down, Mr. Buddy! Get one...I have 2.
Thanks Jerry
You're so awesome Cohen 👌 I'm one of those people that I love to learn something new everyday. I always share your videos. Got my niece in Ohio to start preppin sending her your videos. Even with a bazillion followers, you should still do a Mr Heater give a way. Do a sticker and a t shirt with the mountains and what you say at the end of every video 👍
God bless you and your family and your furbabies. May y'all be blessed this coming New Year 👑🙏🏻💞✝️🐾🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯
thanks so much! ok i will have wife make a shirt! she designs them .... I will post in community post when it is ready :)
@Riverside Homestead Life
Awesome, sounds like a plan
👑🙏🏻💞✝️🐾🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯
I bought my Mr Big Buddy (with 2 cylinder) couple years ago. I got it for $80! It also has a fan built in it. Easy to use & prepared for winter outages.
Great deal!
We've been using the Mr Buddy portable heaters for years. Always bails us out during a winter storm power outage.
Excellent video. Very well spoken and full of information.
Thank you, 4 years ago I purchased a Big Buddy ($99 back then), then I got all the extras, hoses, dryers. Put everything together and then put it all back in the box for when needed. Would like to get the LIL Buddy for the boat and fishing in winter. Happy New Year. See you in the New Year. God Bless and stay safe.
Sounds good! Happy New Year to you Joey!
Tje Mr big buddy kept the entire family warm during the ice storm in 2009 ppwer outage. Just one kept our 1 floor house warm. Definitely a winter must
I was lucky enough to get a mr. buddy on sale and then used my visa prime points..it was free. I haven't had to take it out of the box. I live in Florida and even though it got down to 11 degrees where I live, I used my electric blankets and a couple dogs to keep me warm. It was all good. I know I need to get it out of the box to try it out so I'm not trying to do it in an emergency. I loved the video where you cooked with it. I bought one of those paint things to go along with my Mr. B and the hose and about 50 propane 1 pounders before I knew you could use the bigger ones! DOH!!
I love my normal buddy heater that I got at Costco with the filter and hose for $80... I rigged a single blade thermal stove fan to it, and run it off a 7.5 gallon tank... it goes and goes and goes and is awesome.
I love early mornings to watch the sunrise! This little thing has a great heat output th-cam.com/users/postUgkxAvrAfikbUEMthp3AZ6iX5FKdiHfzy_RP . I sit in my rocker, warm, and watch the sunrise! It's great for travel as well. Just stow and go. Love this thing! For hunters, I've heard that they also make a little hood so that it focuses the heat a bit more if you have to sit further away. Just a heads up. It's so easy and quick to set up and get going.
I have the big buddy heater. I have had it for 15 years. It is great in the hunting blind and for emergency heat.
I want to get some very good sleeping bags for e stream temps in case needed thanks
I have the Big Buddy. I plan on using it in my garage, camp trailer, and in cases of power outages.
I had cause to use it for the first time this last week when our power went down in an ice storm. It worked great. The two things that I see so many posts on, are the use of the fans on top, and the lines coming from a large tank. And I am confused by them both.
I bought two types of fans, one has dual fans, and the other has a pivotal head. I haven't really noticed much improvement on the heat circulation. So, I don't know if I am expecting too much, or am not using them correctly.
The hose attachment for a larger tank posts, leave me confused as well. People say that material from some hoses will clog the pilot light. They promote the use of a fuel filter with the hose. Other people, and MR. Heater say that the hoses sold by Mr. Heater will not. I have bought two types of hoses. The screw on type, and a quick connect/disconnect style. Both are from Mr. Buddy. I suppose the add-on filter couldn't hurt.
I have also bought the Carbon Monoxide alarm, even though Mr. Buddy says you don't need to worry.
Anyway, thanks for your informative video's. I learn from each one. Happy New Year to you and yours.
watch this one to see how the fan should be running! th-cam.com/video/_i1wm4EUfZU/w-d-xo.html
you may have a crappy fan, there are good ones and bad ones...
i will do a video by many requests... on how to hook up hose, how to operate everything... for those who have never used anything before and need a extra visual for confidence... keep an eye out for that one...
@@RiversideHomesteadLife Thank you!
I have 2 . Big buddy and little buddy. Love them.
Have Big Buddy and the Buddy ! Love them both!
Thanks Rick!
Thank you sir. I appreciate the tips and recommendations. I also purchased a few of the buddy heater you referred from Costco for my kids when they went on sale. 5 days after you mentioned it they went off of the sale so i was able to save money. It's better to be safe and ready. With these storms hitting across the country it's a nice feeling to know we have a means to stay warm.
Good stuff!
Amazon had the Flex on sale yesterday (1/1/25) for $79.88. It was 57% off. I went ahead and ordered one. I checked the price today (1/2/25) and it went back up to $128.96.
Just bought one off amazon for 85
We've sat through two cold fronts without heat and decided it was time for a backup. Tractor Supply had the Big Buddy on sale for $100 and we grabbed it. I think it's perfect for an emergency heat source as well.
We have the lil buddy and the Big buddy for emergency heat
I have the budy and the flex with the cooker. Have had the flex for years and came in handy during the texas ice storm. I bought the flex with the cooker as a secondary heater and cooker back up to my butane single burner. They all work great. The flex is a bit much for my needs but I'd rather have a bit to much then not enough.
Great video! Thanks for the comparisons. Super information.
Thank you Carol!
I got a great deal on a Big Buddy. I'd been thinking about a Chinese Diesel heater for my shed. My wife overheard me and bought me a Big Buddy. I thanked her, but propane in a metal shed will cause rain. So, she called to do a return. They said keep it and did a refund. So, I've got a diesel heater for the shed and backup heat for the house. I did have to buy the Mr Heater hose for a 20 lb tank. I also have 3 28k kerosene heaters, 80 lbs of propane and 20 gallons of kerosene. This is MN, no heat is life or death.
My Portable Buddy works great, but, I don't like it being only a high pressure system. Works fine with the one pound bottles, but, the preferable way using an external 20# tank is having to use a hose that is subjected to the high pressure from the tank to the PB heater, and, using a filter is really mandatory. The BEST way to feed a BB is by using the regulated at the tank/quick disconnect hose that attaches to the QD fitting on the left side of the BB heater. Instead of the 120 to 140 PSI propane coming from the 20# tank, then to the built-in regulator, the QD hose system only has an 11" of water pressure = 0.397 PSI which is basically nothing. THIS is the reason I'm replacing my PB with the BB so indoor use will be MUCH SAFER with the less than a .5 PSI hose pressure.... I'll still use my LB with the one pound cans, but, for serious inside home heat, the BB will be preferred....
Got all the information I needed. Thank you friend
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
GOD BLESS YOU!
Great review, thankfully I live in a cave house in the mountains, meaning that even when it's snowing outside, I dont need a fire, unless of cours it's purely for entertainment purposes.
I purchased a big buddy off Amazon for 75 beans. It's the 4k-8k btu unit. I connected a 5 gallon tank. I can run it continuously for 72hours on the low setting. It resides in a Montana 3150rl 5th wheel. With it running and a small ceramic heater in the bedroom; the RV furnace doesn't kick on. It's parked on the Olympic Peninsula. A great little heater. Added the heat activated fan. It crapped out in 2 weeks.
I have 2 Mr Heater products. A Buddy for my motorhome; a big buddy for the living area in my small house. Both of them are great. I use 30 lb Propane tanks with a filter.
Sounds great, thanks Stephen!
I have two of the smaller Mr. Buddy heater. Need some info... one came with a hose (bought it at Costco) and one didn't. I have 20 lb tanks to run these but not sure how to hook it up... do I need a filter or the other bulbous apparatus that I keep seeing? Very confused.... please do a video on how to hook these up to 20 lb propane tanks. Thanks
Great informative video! I currently own 3 of the standard Mr Buddy heaters. I really want to purchase the Flex with Side Burner combo. I could see myself using it quite often, even if only using the Side burner, at times.
You should!
This is exactly the video I have been hoping to find. I was very confused about which model is the best for my needs. TY for this info. I'm leaning toward Mr Buddy Flex and the adaptable cooker.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks Theresa
Just got a deal on a wall tent with stove Jack and grabbed a kni co tundra wood stove. Can’t wait to try it out!
I have the big buddy and definitely glad I bought that one, I camp in my ice hub alot in South Dakota ice fishing. I had both burners on in -50° temperatures and it was still a little chilly but if it wasn't for both burners I would have had to cut my trip short. I also have the little buddy for my one man ice shack and it works great but you're right it is a little top heavy and once ice starts forming around the bottom of the little bottles it will push it out of it's base and fall over, that's definitely the biggest downside of the little buddy. Some times the big buddy is a pain to start in really cold conditions as well , also helps having a fan circulating the air in the ice shack or you will develop a condensation problem.
I got the Big Buddy Pro. I use it as the primary heat source in my home office. I usually crank it up to 18,000 BTU and it gets warm right away, then turn it down to 4000 BTU and stay comfortable all day.
Hop on Cabelas and search for reconditioned units. Got a big buddy for $79 this year , used it during our 30-40 below and worked great.
Great tip, thanks Steve
I recently bought a flex heater at Sportsmans warehouse for 135.00 on sale for the holidays. The aux hose is also sold at the same store for about 35.00. If your buy the filter and regulator you can run it on a 40lb bottle.
Just bought big Buddy yesterday will be trying this weekend
Hope you enjoy
I have the Little Buddy heater. I haven't used it much. It's come in handy though when I've needed portable heat.
Excellent video! You've helped me make a decision and have earned my subscription.
good review. i have the buddy heater, single can. i sometimes hook it up to a BBQ tank. i like it. as mentioned before, we use them in the blinds and tree stands.
Thanks for the info!
I use the big buddy to heat my woodworking shop. Useing it on high when it's really cold a 35lb tank will last about a week, but that's at the high setting
Great review of all the different heaters. I’m looking for a heater for power outages and will go by your suggestion.
Big buddy. Is my fave r
Versatile. For little use or more use
Yes I do have a Mr buddy heater next to the large one
I got two of the big buddies to heat my folks house in case of, with this last cold blast, was planning on hooking em up to 100 pounders.
I have the buddy heater and would like to also get the flex with cooker
I have the big buddy heater, and upgraded to the flex for ice fishing. It was a pain in the butt to get it running from the start. Took 40+ minutes to get the pilot light to stay lit. Worked alright after that but this winter was a different story and I couldn't get it to stay lit once. Took it apart and cleaned it wasn't even dirty still didn't work. Hooked propane tank up to the big buddy and worked just fine. So long story short the Flex was not a good upgrade for me still do t know what's wrong..
I have an old double buddy heater and I just bought the newest one just after Christmas because of power outages
I have the Costco 59 dollar Buddy heater and love it. Thanks to this awesome chanel. Now I want the Big Buddy model but can't afford it 😟
Good choice!
I have both. Almost never touch the big buddy. Love the small and light portable buddy. Plus I'm stingy with propane. Never turn it up over 4000 btus anyway...
I did get the paint grid for holding the fan that runs off of the heat and a pot for boiling or cooking soup. And I am thinking of buying another one. I have the Mr. Buddy
Thanks Jeanne
I have 2 Mr Buddy heaters. I love them. They do put out a lot of heat
Thanks Robin!
Mr Heater has NO competition in the market. Government regulations have given them a monopoly. So, it’s awesome that you love not having any other choice 😂😂😂
💯‼👍👏🏻 thank you. And I wanted to wish you and your family is very happy healthy New Year🥳
thank you Carol.... and you aswell
I got MR heater because of you, thanx
Me too and the paint holder
Glad to hear Adrianna, thanks for sharing!
When it stops working, just buy another one! ☝️ Mr Heater has NO competition so you have no other choices. They will build garbage and you are forced to buy it.
I got 2 Mr heater the big one for 25 lbs propane and a smaller one
I just picked up the little buddy heater at Bass pro Here in Alberta 🇨🇦...Was 110 got it for $ 79.00 bucks Canadian..Good for my Hunting blind or for emergency in my truck if things go south..
I have the big buddy. It has never failed me even at altitude.
I called the Mr Big Buddy. And I have used a 30pd tank for yrs. I never leave it on over night. Or leave alone. ✨😊
I have the mr buddy & I’ve used it for about 4 years great tool I would never give it up. But because of the way thing’s are today I just got the buddy flex and cooker & I mean just got it a week ago. FYI ace hardware had the Best prices I paid 149.00 for the flex & 119.00 for the cooker. I’m in Montana.
Thanks Richard
I live in N. Texas. Have a 30 x 30 shop out back with central 'heat' and air. In the summer the AC is awesome to keep it comfortable but in the winter the electric heat just doesn't cut it and runs the bill WAY high. Decided it was time to get something more off the grid just in case the S-Hits-The-Fan and power goes out so I can heat the CAVE and if needed the house. Bought a Portable Buddy in early November from Cabela's with Mr Buddy's filter and 12' hose. It was great for keeping me warm while down working and watching YT but at 900 Sq. Ft it didn't quite do enough when the COLD weather hit to warm a larger area. Then got the Big Buddy with filter and their hose and THAT did the trick. Depending on the weather I can do one, or both and the big buddy gives the higher heat options. AND filling 20 lb. tanks locally at the station rather than doing tank exchange saves a ton! Here, tank exchange is currently 20$ to 25$ for 15 lbs. but refilling is about 16$ for a full 20 lbs. I have not run the electric central heat in the shop (I have a separate meter just for it) yet this year and I am toasty even though the recent mid-teen temps. My electric bill for the 'CAVE' is about 30% lower so far this winter using these and so far a tank is lasting 3 weeks average. Thanks for this review! Next up, Little Buddy!
Thank you
I have 2 of the big buddy heater with the built in fans really works great 👍
Thanks Steve!
What model has the fans??
Great job, we appreciate your video.
That is by far the coolest dog in the world
Great video.
I have the Buddy, it works great. I use it with the 1 lb and 20 lb tank
I have a Big Buddy at our cabin and was surprised that he didn’t mention the battery powered or DC adapter fan that is built in. I use it to start heating the living room until I can get the wood stove up to heat. I also use it connected to a 20 lb tank outside the cabin rather than the small bottles. This way I can light it and let the wood stove die down overnight.
EXCELLENT,
very informative video.
Thanks for the great research,
so I did not have to.
You bet, thanks George!
Just bought a flex my small buddy heater gave out went to buy a new one but everything was sold out except for the flex it was only 149. At true value hardware store. Love it so far.
It’s a tank !
That’s right ! Your Buddy gave out because they are built like throw away garbage. Just buy another one for $150 😂😂😂
I have the Mr buddy just live it got me through rhe night last week when my furnace stopped working and I was 30 below 0 no it was cool in the room but did keep us from freezing
good to have one! better than freezing!
@@RiversideHomesteadLife sure is but am glad the furnace was fixed the next morning lol
LOVE your reviews on this product. Thank you for doing this video!
Thank you. Leaning towards the Big Buddy
Many, Many Thanks Cohen for all you do to keep us informed! 😊Please know that I have been researching these heaters for sometime now and found the written descriptions hard to understand. So, your presentation today, really made things clear!! My concern now, however, is storage of the propane! Where I live it gets in the triple digits in the summer! For safety sake, I don’t want any fires or explosions! Do you have any propane storage suggestions for Hot summers?
I store my tanks outside. I have a little tool shed & I place them where it’s the NE inside the shed. I also live southern state where we have hot summers so they be just fine. Never put them near the house or garage.
Thxs for taking the time to reply!
When I can afford to buy or build a shed will do so. In the meantime, I am considering buying a trash can and burying it in the ground for storage and doing so with several others for use as root cellars as the house gets too hot! It is suggested that I put cement bricks around the trash can(s) and leave the lid(s) above ground. So that water will not seep in.
My Mr buddy lasts about a month of regular burning on low with a 20pd propane tank and a hose. Make sure you had a Grey cylinder oil filter inline with the tank hose. Like you have in the video.
Yes 👍
@@RiversideHomesteadLife thx for a good vid. May God Bless you and yours!
I don't need tip over. I have a shelf I put them on. I tried the oil radiator - fine, if you want to wait hours for the room to heat up? The old stuff is the best stuff. If it comes to no power,
I bought a My Patriot heater/stove that uses 6 hour canisters. Safe for indoor use. 3 at a time. I will shut myself in a room and use it to keep warm. Added bonus, you can cook on it.
I have all of them except the flex. My favorite is the little buddy
I got Big Buddy, but I've never used it, still in the box for emergency
👍