Mr. Heater Buddy
Quick Verdict
Quickly heating small enclosed spaces (tents, car campers, ice-fishing shacks, workshops, tailgates, garages); emergency backup heat; basecamp/car-camping use for families or small groups
Backpacking/ultralight use, exposed windy or rainy outdoor use, poorly ventilated or unsupervised indoor settings, and continuous all-night heating
Key Specifications
About This Gear
This compact heater can keep your tent toasty on chilly nights. It's safe and efficient, but it does require a well-ventilated area due to the combustion process.
Pros & Cons
Synthesized from expert reviews and user feedback
What People Love
6 positive findingsHigh heat output (up to 9,000 BTU) that rapidly warms ~225 ft² spaces
Everyone agreesSafety-oriented design with tip-over shutoff and oxygen depletion sensor (ODS)
Most reviewersFuel-efficient; low and high burn rates stretch 1 lb canister runtime (~3 hr high, ~6 hr low)
Most reviewersPortable build with fold-down handle and durable metal cage; survives bumps and tips
Most reviewers
Things to Consider
7 considerationsConsumes propane rapidly on high (short runtime on 1 lb canisters)
Most reviewersNo built-in fan; heat is radiant and can remain near/above the unit, reducing even warming
Most reviewersLimited controls—only high/low with no thermostat or gradual settings
Some reviewersRelatively heavy and bulky for backpacking (~10.6 lb)
Most reviewers
Weather & Conditions
How this gear performs across different environments and seasons
Temperature Range
Performs best in moderate to cold temps; tested effective down to around -10°F; struggles in wind and rain
Weather Performance
Climate Suitability
Excels In
- cold, calm conditions
- heated tents, campers, and small enclosed shelters
- emergency backup heating during outages
Limitations
- not suitable for fully exposed windy or rainy conditions
- may shut off above ~7,000 ft due to ODS
- requires ventilation and will produce condensation in enclosed spaces
What People Are Saying
Aggregated insights from expert reviews and user feedback
Users overwhelmingly praise its fast, reliable heat, solid build, and simplicity; common negatives are fast fuel consumption on high, wind sensitivity, and limited controls.
What Users Love
- easy setup
- durable build
- powerful heat
Common Concerns
- runs through propane quickly
- wind-sensitive
- no fan/limited controls
- solid metal cage and housing survive drops and tipping; no widespread reports of early failure
true to size
1-year limited warranty; few widespread complaints about service or warranty handling
Expert Reviews
Named the MH9BX our top pick; praised for near-100% efficiency and full safety shutoffsRead full review →
Care & Maintenance
Keep your gear performing at its best with these tips
Maintenance Tips
Keep it in top condition- store dry
- check for leaks with soapy water before use
- clean pilot orifice with a pin if sputtering
- use an inline filter when connecting to a larger tank
- disconnect propane and let cool before storing
Watch Out For
Known issues to monitor- pilot light or piezo igniter failure (rare)
- clogged pilot orifice/regulator when attaching large tanks with rusty gas
- rust/corrosion if stored wet or left exposed to rain
Alternatives to Consider
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this gear