Big Buddy Heater (unwelcome?) Surprise
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2024
- Replaced a well used Big Buddy heater with a new 2022 model and found an unwelcome surprise. Otherwise this is a great heater that I have reliably used for almost a decade.
Official Statement from Mr. Heater
"Due to recent governmental changes to import tariffs, Mr. Heater has removed the fan on some models of the Mr. Heater Big Buddy® (MH18B). We apologize for the inconvenience and confusion this has caused some customers. Please feel free to contact Mr. Heater Technical Service with any questions by phone at (800)-251-0001 or email on the Contact Us form."
Find this and more on Amazon (affiliate links)
Big Buddy Heater: amzn.to/3NDvuJO
Fan Back: amzn.to/3UAuxnX
AC Adapter: amzn.to/3E3R9Yr
20+ pound propane tank adapter hose: amzn.to/3T5gLII
Propane tank hose filter: amzn.to/3NDWnxg
It's 2023, and my big buddy has a fan.
Where did you get it?
Scheels has them w/ fans
Jan. ‘24. No fan
I just bought a Big Buddy heater at Walmart yesterday & it still has the fan 👍🏼
We've been heating our large 5th wheel the last few months with our Big Buddy. We use the 12 ft hose with a quick disconnect (like on air hoses) on the heater end and a regulator on the tank end (Mr. Heater F271803). I like that hose because no filter is required, and if it leaks, it's a very low pressure leak instead of a tank pressure leak.
if you dont use a filter it voids the warranty
@@steveb7932 WRONG. That is the hose that is recommended for use with a 20 pound tank. The hoses were reformulated to not leach oil into the propane. No filter needed.
There is a label inside on the quick. disconnect side that lists that hose.
It is still recommended to use a filter.
I got the same hose, and works great. For a 20lb tank.
I just bought one yesterday advertised with the fan and it is functional
I have a big buddy heater that I have been using since 1993 . No problems .
I also bought 2 more big buddy heaters 2 years ago for $100 each . All have battery area and fan .
What good does it do to switch backs. If no fan what good is batteries gonna do ?
So, I just purchased the Big Buddy heater. It did not come with the back cover with the battery or AC/DC option. If I purchase the back cover with those options, it will operate with the AC/DC option ??
I just bought mine a few weeks again from Amazon and it came with a fan. But wished the fan pushed more air.
Is this a good heater to put in the back of my truck to keep warm? Does it steal oxygen though?
Ive been using a buddy heater since last winter and the carbon monoxide detector has detected 0% CO in the room I use it in. This year I bought a 30k BTU Mr Heater to supplement house heat during single digit temps to keep the NG bill down. Propane is more expensive than natural gas, but is more efficient at heating, so we'll see how it works out.
Hi, could you please give us an update when you have a chance? My concern with the 30k btu units is I don't think they are rated as "indoor safe", but I could be wrong. Still, I've been tempted to try one inside and see if any Carbon monoxide readings can be detected.
@@Rick-the-Swiftthey ARE indoor safe. Get a co meter and you’ll find out
I just bought one today 11/12/23 and it has a fan. I got it a Lowe's so I don't think it's old stock. Maybe they started including the fan again?
I find that the fan will heat the room about 4 degrees higher than without. We can't but the one with the fan here in Massachusetts but can right across theline in Rhode Island.
just bought one 12/22 and it had a fan, but some one gave me a thermal fan , which works great and moves a ton of air
Well I just bought one today nov 5th 2023 and it has the fan just like your old one .
What went wrong with it that you feel the need to throw it away? I hear they plug up but can be easily cleaned. I just bought one only to find out the got rid of the fan too. Oh well!
Just got mine this week 03/2024 and has the switch/batteries for fan.
I believe Lowes and Tractor Supply have the ones with the fan.
Just bought one at tractor supply and it has the fan
hooray!
Bought it from Sams club this week. Had a fan. Guessing due to economies of scale, they ALL have built in fans but only certain models are sold with the fan back depending on the retailer. It’s a paywall.
UPDATE
You have the California Massachusetts version. They legally aren’t allowed a fan, so they just delete the switch and battery cover.
I just bought one of these a couple of days ago in Jan. 2024 and mine has the fan switch and the opening for the D-cell batteries that run the fan.
if the new one doesn't come with a fan what good is adding a "fan back" to it
the fan back is now sold separately so if you don't want the fan/blower then it can be skipped. Just don't buy the big buddy heater assuming the fan/blower function is still included out of the box
got to get the pro for the fan
Just got one. Has a fan Nov. '23
Glad to hear you found one with the fan!
Nice video...Why is a filter required when heating from a 20 lb propane container and not small 1 lb container??
You don't if you purchase the correct hose from mr heater. Other hoses leach out oil from the manufacturing process which will require a filter.
The reason u need a filter with greater than a 1 pound bottle is the fact that the long line adapter hose breaks down inside and a filter is needed so the broken down material does not enter the Mr Heater.
I just purchased a big buddy at Wal-Mart in WI 2 days ago and it has a fan. Instruction book is copyright 2020 but the box didn't appear 2 years old. I think there is some local laws in certain states that prohibit the use of the fan, hence the no-fan version. Great video, love that it is an easy switch for those that get a non-fan version!
Here's my theory on why they really stopped producing the fan units: it's more complicated, thus more expensive and more components which can fail. In reality most people who buy these things already have a fan plugged into their shop that will blow the heat around. In this theory, having a fan built inside the unit doesn't really make it anymore efficient. In a room, warm and cold air will quickly swap around and an actual airflow or breeze will be created simply from the unit radiating heat into a cold room. I find the best placement for a fan is high in the room blowing the heat back down toward the floor, and having a fan built in is in no way desirable for me, but hey, different folks, different strokes.
Take care everyone
The difference in price could also be like vacuum cleaners and cars. Vacuums can be made with cheaper parts such as plastic and sell for less over those made with metal parts, or higher grade steel and sell for much more. Buying the same model car stripped or loaded - same thing. If in CA, there may be certain regulations which require items, or restrict the fan for safety. purposes.
I have one with the fan, but the fan was basically useless. I use box fans to move the heat around.
Well, I think the point is without electricity, you can still use this fan with batteries. But yes, you can also use a thermal fan.
My heater is 100% correct, got 3 months ago, fan works. Going to use heat power fan, about $30.00
Just picked one up with the fan for $47 at Walmart. Had to jump it seemed like a great price. I shoulda bought both
i got that same heater but no fan so i ended up installing 12 vlt computer fan and a little power bank for power , the one u can charge a cell work awesome with a little custom work and angle on the fan i feel the wind up tp 10ft away
Thank you for your video. I purchased a big buddy a month ago and with the cold front coming in mind. We lost power and I started it up and the fan blew for a while and then started acting up, cutting in and out. Wondering if you have run into this problem and if so what can I do to fix it. Thank you again
There are two versions now. One has a fan - the "Pro." It also has electronic ignition.
They didn't remove the fan, they sell two different models. My new buddy has a fan because u choose the fan model
My 2024 has the built in fan and removable cover that holds four D size batteries for the fan.
these are catalytic heaters. they are perfectly safe to use in the home. they have built in O2 safety switch aswell
These are not catalytic, it has an open flame. There is no catalyst. The screens are porous tile
I’ve been using my Heater Buddy hooked to a 20 Lb tank in my living room since it’s cooler now. I keep the house furnace on 68 degrees then add a little heat to my living room with it.
I have the Big Buddy heater too but it’s for a back up. Wow I never heard of the back panel change in 2022. I bought mine in 2020.
Instructions say 20# tank has to be outside for my unit
@@notidentified4031 oh I don’t read directions. I do check for leaks with soapy water. I’ve been using my Buddy heaters indoors for years with no issues.
I believe it’s the 20# tank and long hose that may be the manufacturer’s concern. The instructions are incomplete, at best. My unit works well with 1 or 2 1# canisters. I may get another or bite the bullet for a generator. Any recommendations re: the latter? Thanks
Bought a new one today in Calgary Alberta, it has a fan. Thanks for the heads up though. Everything these days is getting crappier.
Buyer beware
If the unit doesn't come with a fan, then why would you need the old fanback ?
The fan helps circulate the heat
just bought a new one from tractor supply 2 days ago with blower but has new ignitor I hate
Filtered hose is no longer needed. The hoses were upgraded to ones that don't leach oil.
F271803 with regulator is for a 20 pound tank. F271802 is for a regulated system like an RV.
My big buddy heater says for outdoor use only. Some people say you can use it indoors without a problem but I don’t know
Different models?
That was a great idea that you did.
I just bought this heater at Cabela's (Bass Pro Shop) and it has the back for batteries and fan switch. There was a slip inside the manual to cover for some sort of American legal stuff. That might be the workaround they have now.
I can get my pilot light lit in my big buddy, but when I let off of the knob the pilot goes out. Any ideas? Thanks
Jus seen a deal heater hose,power adapter for fan i better go back and get it i was really lookin at it because of the fan option
I went to Walmart yesterday to check out some portable electric heaters. Amongst the different brands sat an 18000 BTU Buddy heater with the built-in fan for 119 dollars. I grabbed it and went to the camping section to buy the 1 pound propane tanks for it. In that department I saw other Mr. Buddy heaters. Apparently, that Buddy heater I found Amongst the electric heaters was stored in the wrong area. The unit was new, unopened, and obviously a couple of years old because they no longer come with fans in that unit. Boy, did I luck out as I was looking for an electric heater for one of my bedrooms, which only has one forced air vent and needs some supplemental heat. I decided to buy Buddy for an emergency and especially since it had that fan.
Big Problem'
Using the 20# tank it takes 15 minutes
to bleed the in hose and ignite the pilot.
Do you need batteries to run the fan?
No if you use the AC adapter
This is the only model you can buy now if you live in Canada or Massachusets.
Hello again On the Workbench
Thank you for another Great Video 👍 I don't have one of these heaters. But I do like the idea 💡 When replaced the fan back did you have rig up the wiring? Again thank you
No wiring required the fan back is self contained, it's a quick switch.
@@OnTheWorkbench Thank you 😊
I use a usb cord that has a male insert and hook connect to power bank ,the ac plug converts ac to dc , so a plug from battery bank is same thing and rechargeable.
So, this can run on D batteries only too?
It works with d batteries or a DC power adapter
@@OnTheWorkbench That’s amazing! I did not think a heater existed that takes batteries.
For the fan
Indoor use is fine
If the box says so
Couldn't watch this due to the 30 second ad at the start and then a second ad was starting and I said screw this. I will watch a video without the ads. I do have adblocker for youtube and it is not working all the time.
We put a heat powered fan on ours.
They were sued due to patent infringement for the included fan. Sams club pulled stock to ship back. Got mine before pulled.
I have one love it ,older style
If it doesn’t have a fan then grab a little desk top fan and put it behind it and have it running
The fan feauture is an extra--there is currently no fan on the standard Big Buddy's.
It seems there are several versions availble, both with and without the fan, your mileage may vary by retailer. If a fanless version is purchaed an add-on can be bought to ad the fan to it. Previously the fan was standard on all models.
Yeah, I just bought a big buddy heater and you just showed me it so yeah I saw the back of it and we don’t have the batteries or the flip switch. Yeah I would’ve if I known that I probably would’ve bought it but thanks so much appreciate it.
:D :X This is just the other version of it! HAHAHA There is the California/Canada version with the fan, and there is the "usa" version without it. really unneeded stress cause the fan wont do much other than grinding batteries. A btu is a btu
Mine has the fan , but it’s very noisy.
They are making the heater with the fan again Walmart sells them
The ones with fans are about 20 bucks or so more.
THEY DID AWAY WITH THE BATTERY OPTION FOR A WHILE, BECAUSE OF THE EXPLOSIVENESS OF CERTAIN TYPES OF BATTERIES 😮
inport laws my ass they realized they can get another 50 or 60 bucks out of the customer if they didnt sell the fan with the heater
I can’t get mine to stay lit. It worked for 3 days.
Then I read a comment. Turn on the gas really slowly and let the hose pressurize for 5 minutes. Solved the problem.
It came with a battery
I just received a Big Buddy from Amazon (12/22). It has the fan. I've tried it with and without the fan. I can't tell any difference. In my opinion the fan offers little to no benefit. You are much better off using a heat powered fan or some other fan with adequate cfm. The integrated fan doesn't have enough cfm to justify it's existence.
They mess up with this
Use the green cylinders you’ll soon stop using this heater it’s financially unsustainable. You shouldn’t be surprised when they remove valuable options in the product to save money and not reduce the cost its there by increasing profits, with some vague story about regulations, which they probably had something to do with implementing. But they are nice enough to sell you $3 worth of parts for half the cost of the entire unit that’s right nothing to see here. You might want to think of it this way you see the price on an individual unit and think oh well I guess that’s the way life is. Corporations look at it in hundreds of thousands of units Now generating more profit, times how many they make, and you have a significant amount of extra profit, Mr. Bigglesworth
I complement the channel for not being a total shill for the product, I own two of these they both work just fine as you stay away from those green bottles
"I had a propane heater, but it burns too quickly. After discovering the Chinese portable diesel heater, I have been using it for several years now and it has proven to be safer, more reliable, and more efficient over time." Once you tried it you're not going to go back it's a secret
lol not even remotely the same type of use for that product. No one wants to have a diesel tank on the outside of their house for backup heat, many houses made of cement on bottom levels etc. Complete apples to oranges comparison
Will not work above 8000 ft
I bought one last week and the store manager said the LAW has changed ! You can NOT use it indoors . If something happens not insured . Box says OUTDOORS Only !!! So I returned it !!!!
Thousands of people use them inside every day. They're perfectly fine. It's been tested over and over again. Buy a co2 alarm just in case, but you'll be fine.
My Swepco bill has gone up over 30% in a year ( thank you, Creepy Joe). It sounds like propane is less expensive. ? Comments?
You say " my old heater went bad"....why did you just fix it....or was it a cheap ass piece of Chinese junk also (?)
Use a rechargeable 6V trail camera battery. Fits easily in the side compartment and lasts forever. No plugs. No D cell batteries.