Buddy Heater Run Time | 1-lb & 20-lb Tanks

I believe that the Mr Buddy Heater is one of the best indoor portable propane heaters for emergency preparedness. I have one and can attest to its performance. One common question is about the Buddy Heater run time. How long will it last (low – high) with a 1 pound or 20 pound propane tank…

( jump to heater run times )

Mr Heater Buddy & Big Buddy

MH9BX (4,000 – 9,000 BTU) Indoor-Safe
(view on amzn)

MH18B (4,000 – 9,000 – 18,000 BTU) Indoor-Safe

For the cold winter season, evaluate your emergency backup heat sources. Run through the scenario of a power outage. Especially one that might last longer than just a few hours!

One product that I discovered (and purchased) is the ‘Mr Heater Buddy’ (pictured above). I have found them to be quite effective (and portable) for winter preparedness emergencies, and peace of mind!

It’s a portable propane heater – and is indoor safe. You might use it for emergency heating at home. Or portable use in a cabin, garage, workshop, trailer, RV, greenhouse, porches, patios, hunting blinds, etc..

(See below for how long it will run on a 20 pound tank or 1 pound cylinder of propane)

Regardless of whether you heat with oil, natural gas, LP, or electric – chances are that somewhere in the heating system is a component that requires 120-volt electrical power to operate. Susceptible to power outage.

Examples include a blower fan, pumps (oil pump, water circulation pumps), electronic igniter, thermostats, etc.. When the power goes out, so will your furnace.

The Power Might Be Out Longer Than You Think

Common power outage scenarios include severe weather during winter. Heavy snow. Wind. Ice storms. Trees and limbs come down – and power goes out.

A power outage during a winter storm (especially an ice storm) will often last longer than you might expect due to the poor weather conditions and getting crews out there to begin repairs (getting through the snow and ice, cutting trees, limbs, repairing lines, etc.).

The sheer number of repairs may take the power company a long time to catch up.

The ‘Mr Heater Buddy’ portable heater will function without electricity and will operate during a power outage.

Safe for Indoors

It is listed safe to use indoors (VERY important!).

It is a very efficient catalytic type heater. Although it’s essentially 100% efficient, I highly advise being equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. Also, sleeping in space heated by any type of fuel combustion is always potentially risky. I would not sleep without a CO detector nearby, regardless.

This is the CO detector that I use:
Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup
(view on amzn)

[ Read about: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ]

Lots of BTU’s

The Mr Heater Buddy really cranks out the heat!

Two models – one up to 9,000 BTU, the other up to 18,000 BTU.

Attach 20 lb Propane Tank

In addition to 1 lb propane bottles, the heater can optionally connect to a barbecue grill style ’20 pound’ propane tank for a long lasting fuel source.

You might consider using the following adapter hose with a larger tank because the 1-lb propane bottles are much more expensive (although convenient for quick portability!).

Hose Attachments for 20-lb propane tank:

(view on amzn)

This fits only the Big Buddy (18,000 BTU model),
>> 12-Foot Propane Hose with Regulator

This fits both the Buddy (9,000 BTU model) and Big Buddy (18,000 BTU),
>> 10-foot No-Leach Hose Model# F273704

UPDATE: You can also refill your own 1lb cylinders with the following adapter: 1# bottle refill adapter

If you do use a 20 pound (BBQ) tank, it is recommended to keep that tank outdoors. You might snake the hose through a window. Stuff a towel in the crack (to keep cold air from getting in) as you close the window on the hose.

[ Read: How To Tell How Full (or Empty) Your Propane Tank Really Is ]

Safety Features

Safety features include:

– Automatic low oxygen shutoff
– Accidental tip-over safety shutoff
– 100% efficient

Note: When operating the heater at altitudes over 7,000 FT above sea level the heater may shut off. (low oxygen shutoff)

Some common questions asked about this heater:
(answers below)

Buddy Heater run time on low?

How long will a Buddy Heater run on a 1 lb tank?

How long will a Big Buddy Heater run on a 20 lb tank?

Mr Heater Buddy (4,000 – 9,000 – 18,000 BTU)

>> MH18B (up to 18,000 BTU) Indoor-Safe
(amzn)

The 18,000 BTU model will accept two 1-lb propane bottles.
See reference above for 20-pound tank adapter.

Typically, you will not leave this heater on all the time. So the propane fuel consumption numbers listed here may actually last longer.

The use-case scenario may be to heat up the room (area) and then shut off the heater until needed again. Saves lots of fuel this way. The better insulation you have in your home, the longer it will take to cool down again.

During an emergency, you are better off to ration your fuel and survive in a cooler home while wearing layers of warm clothes – rather than blowing through your fuel wearing a T-shirt…

NEW: I love this Heater Buddy carry bag cover for portability. It will fit two extra 1-pound cylinder propane tanks, the hose, and other accessories.

Portable Carry Bag
(amzn)

(This article has been updated with more information, including big buddy and little buddy heater run-times, and re-published for your interest.)

There are LOTS of great comments below.

[ Read: The Best Heavy Duty Extension Cords For A Generator ]