Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Propane Heater, 4,000 to 9,000 BTU, Indoor-Safe
The Portable Buddy is the propane heater people keep for winter power outages, ice fishing, hunting blinds and cold garages. It heats up to 225 square feet on a 1 lb propane cylinder and has two safety shutoffs, a low-oxygen sensor and a tip-over switch, which is why it is certified for indoor use in the USA when you follow the ventilation rules.
Where it fits
- Emergency heat for one room during a winter power outage
- Hunting blinds, ice shanties, tents and work sheds
- Garages and workshops on cold mornings
Key specs
- Heat output: 4,000 or 9,000 BTU per hour
- Heats: Up to 225 square feet
- Runtime on a 1 lb cylinder: About 3 hours on high, 6 hours on low
- Fuel: 1 lb disposable propane cylinder; a 20 lb tank with an approved hose (sold separately)
- Safety: Oxygen depletion sensor and tip-over automatic shutoff
- Ignition: Push-button piezo
- Certification: CSA certified for indoor use in the USA (outdoor use only in Canada)
- Maximum elevation: About 7,000 feet; the safety sensor may shut it off above that
- Weight: About 10.6 lb
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty from Mr. Heater
What's in the box
Heater. Propane cylinder not included.
How it compares
Radiant heaters like the Buddy warm the people and objects in front of them rather than blowing air, so they work silently and need no electricity. That is exactly what makes them useful when the power is out.
What owners and reviewers say
“This little beauty pumps out solid heat.” Troy, verified buyer, Tractor Supply
“Works great for my hunting needs and as a back up supplement heat to power outages.” LKN SUN, verified buyer, Tractor Supply
Questions people ask
Is the Buddy heater safe to use indoors?
Mr. Heater certifies it for indoor use in the USA with adequate ventilation: the manual calls for an opening of at least 9 square inches near the ceiling and another near the floor. Keep a working carbon monoxide alarm nearby, use only the low setting in a bathroom, and note that it is not approved for use in a home in California.
How long does a 1 lb cylinder last?
About 3 hours on high and 6 hours on low.
Can I connect it to a 20 lb propane tank?
Yes, with an approved Mr. Heater hose. Some hoses also require an inline fuel filter; check the manual for the hose you buy.
Does it have a fan?
No. It heats by radiant heat, which is quiet and needs no batteries or power.
