Big Buddy Heater

[GRGS]

Just wondering if a Big Buddy heater would heat a 10 x 12 x 6+ ft wall size shack and how long would the two small propane bottles last. Temps would be around 20 to 30 degrees outside.

Thank you for your help

[Alex Delarge]

It would heat it fine but probably not with the 1#ers. From what I hear the green bottles aren't able to run the unit on high and most people hook up to 20# tank. Look into it if you plan on running 1# tanks. I have the reg Mr. heater without the battery/fan, it runs 1#ers fine but I hook up to 20# in my permy.

[MG39]

The answer to that question would depend on how well the shack is insulated.
Your best bet would be the Big Buddy with the blower, that runs on a couple of "D" batteries.
You can forget about the small propane bottles. Go with a 30# tank. Make sure you have small vents on both ends of the shack in the eaves. 
I use the Big Buddy without the blower in my smelt shack, but it's only 5 x 8 and I only have to run it on low, once the shack is warmed up.

I don't know what you have for lights but I have LED and have a small solar panel facing South East. I bought a controller on line for about $12. I used to have to keep changing batteries but with the panel and controller, I use the same battery all year. Rig yourself a toggle switch for your lights, no need to keep connecting your cables anymore, the controller takes care of it.
Good Luck!

[GRGS]

This is great info and thank you again for all the help!

[hookngal]

I got a Big Buddy heater for Christmas.
Used it for the first time 2 weekends ago.
Didn't have batteries in it for the blower
While running it, it would keep shutting off..
I'm assuming it was because I didn't have the blower on??

[gonephishin]

I run my big buddy in my 2 man clam and it’s like a sauna!!

Don’t bother with the 1lbers, get a low pressure regulated hose (don’t need a filter with that) and a quick connect fitting. If you use a regular hose (not low pressure regulated) you’ll need to use the mr heater filter, I believe.

I also picked up a 1 gallon cylinder on amazon, and even though they’re expensive... it’s so much better than hauling the 20 pounder around.

Hose:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0753BKSYC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516716479&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=charbroil+low+pressure+hose&dpPl=1&dpID=41AwzkWJ3ML&ref=plSrch
 
Fitting:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000AMC5WY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516716538&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mr+heater+quick&dpPl=1&dpID=31DMhFzXCEL&ref=plSrch

[gonephishin]

I got a Big Buddy heater for Christmas.
Used it for the first time 2 weekends ago.
Didn't have batteries in it for the blower
While running it, it would keep shutting off..
I'm assuming it was because I didn't have the blower on??

I run mine without the fan all the time. It does blow out very easily if there is much of a draft in my shanty, though.

I also have problems with the thermocouple freezing up, and that’ll prevent the pilot from lighting. I have to preheat the heater with my lantern.

Gotta love a heater that doesn’t like to start when it’s cold! Hahaha

[MG39]

I got a Big Buddy heater for Christmas.
Used it for the first time 2 weekends ago.
Didn't have batteries in it for the blower
While running it, it would keep shutting off..
I'm assuming it was because I didn't have the blower on??

Those heaters have a safety oxygen sensor, I'll bet that's your problem. Drill a couple of small holes in in back of the shack behind  the heater for a vent. If it's a pop up, put a  section of pvc pipe through an opening to the heater for an air vent.

[cuttingspeed]

I have a Clam shelter, two small bottles(bring three to make sure) should last most of day on low setting. Plenty warm!

[gauge]

I totally agree, I too have a reg. Mr. Buddy.
On low setting heats up the Fish 3 and keeps the kids very comfortable.
2 bottles a day and I have plenty
Plus great way to cook hotdogs

[METOVT]

I have the big buddy and use it in my Polar 4 T. Don't really run the blower as it is hot enough on low. Use the small propane tanks and usually last an outing and a half. When I'm outside I normally shut the heat off. I've run it in my house when we lost heat and it worked well on high.

[The Rusty Crab]

I've used mine in a 6 x 12 pop up uninsulated, used it spring camping in the gash. I've had mine since my kids were small and didn't want them uncomfortable. They are now teens and we still use it. 1 pounders 20 pounders no filter beaten hard alot of the plastic is broke. My last trip it wouldn't start brought it home and cleaned it good fired right up. Those things are amazing and heat those size shacks with ease. My fan hasn't worked for 10 years or more.

[cap]

I'm curious about those larger heaters that are made to hold the two green tanks, one on each side. I have the smaller version that runs on one bottle and use a 20 pound tank and hose...do you have to hook up two 20 pounders to run the larger ones, or do you have to put a y fitting in the hose?

[The Rusty Crab]

I'm curious about those larger heaters that are made to hold the two green tanks, one on each side. I have the smaller version that runs on one bottle and use a 20 pound tank and hose...do you have to hook up two 20 pounders to run the larger ones, or do you have to put a y fitting in the hose?

You do not need anything. Each place that holds a tank has it's own check valve that's activated when you screw a tank or hose to it

[cap]

so if I hook up a single green tank or 20 pounder and hose to just one side, all the burners will be supplied with gas and fired while the other other side's input is just closed off?

[The Rusty Crab]

so if I hook up a single green tank or 20 pounder and hose to just one side, all the burners will be supplied with gas and fired while the other other side's input is just closed off?

You are correct and exactly how I use mine

[Grumpy]

All good info here.
   I have the middle sized, I think it's just called the Mr Buddy heater .
  It has only 1 heating element, but it's larger size than the 2 individual elements in the big buddy.
     Very little to no fumes though as mentioned these heater still must be vented.
   I have run mine for 3 years now in my outdoor shop all from a 30-pound tank flawlessly.
   If you do use the one pound portable tanks you must have at least two whereas while one is being used it will become frosted heavily and lose pressure.
   Have the other tank in a warm location and if it's very cold never let these small one pound cylinders get to be outdoor temperature or they often will not work at all.
  For a full day's outing I would recommend a minimum of three or four of the one pound tanks so you can rotate and keep them warm as the one being used frosts heavily and loses pressure