Mr Heater Big Buddy To A 20 LB Propane Tank

[@kevinthorrington2131]

Keep it covered when not in use so dust and dirt doesn’t get in the heating element. They are great little heaters.

[@glennhairell8889]

Bless you, I can’t believe how many reviews never mention this, and the diff between low pressure and high pressure connections. With the adapter for low pressure, using the quick connect… you do not need to worry about anything leaching out of your hose and clogging your heater

[@electromechanician]

Thanks for the feedback! Greatly appreciated!

[@kevola5739]

Having your pressure regulated at the tank should be safer in case of hose damage or a leak since you are dealing with low pressure towards the flame rather than high pressure toward the flame. Just my opinion of course.

[@jshepard152]

@@kevola5739 Agree. In an ideal world it would be regulated at the tank, like most heaters.

[@randmayfield5695]

I've been using my Big Buddy for two years now and really love it. Ive never needed it above the low setting. Keeps me warm and efficiently.

[@randyrussell6246]

I have a Big Buddy and two Buddy's that all have their own Mr Heater hoses hoses and 20lb tanks . Only the Big Buddy has a filter and after several years I have no problems. I also use my 20 lb tanks as donors to fill my 1lb bottles ......I do not swap my empty tanks for full one , I own my tanks and have them filled while I watch , I do not worry about contaminants in my tanks going into my heaters. I use a shit load of propane in my life and have for 45 years , ovens and range , turkey cookers, deepfryers, heating , shop and job sites , campers with its on heaters and water heaters and propane fridge and freezer , also small cook stoves and several lanterns. Torches for the grill and smoker and for work along with fork lifts . Lets say I am not afraid of propane gas ..........but I will say that I respect it like a loaded firearm ...just as I do a wood burning stove and fireplace or Electricity .....which by the way ypu can't count on ! Propane has truly given me and my family a better quality of life , as I seen it with my parents and grandparents growing up in the 60's and through my children and theirs until now. My love for wood and it's quality of our lives comes in close but thats another post for another day .

[@electromechanician]

Excellent comment!! I don't use propane to the extent that you do, but I've got my Big Buddy, a propane salamander, and a turkey frier and they all use it and I love it. I also prefer to refill my 20lb bottles. From what I understand the trade in units only have 15lbs in them and I want my tanks FULL! Thanks for the comment!!

[@JUSTSTROKEIT383]

I searched youtube over and over... Could not find any information about the 20lbs bottle adaptor. I then did a simple google search and found this video. Thank you!

[@WoodsWoman822]

You can attach 2 - 20 Lb tanks to the built in regulators on each side. If you dont use the Big Buddy hose you need to add a fuel filter to each side, regular hoses have oils and particals that can clog the heater, but the Big Buddy hoses are made so the filters aren't necessary.

[@electromechanician]

Right you are! Thanks for the comment!

[@archiestewartjr.3588]

Wow thanks for your comment! I'm literally sitting here just unboxing mine and I got the quick connect and ordered a fuel filter I didn't realize you didn't need one with the buddy quick connect. Was literally looking for this exact information. Thanks again! Cheers!

[@electromechanician]

@@archiestewartjr.3588 Thanks for the comment!! Glad to help!

[@billbarry2984]

I have one also, and on $18000 btu it's a bloody wood stove, just a tremendous piece of kit!!!

[@dannyheiple7469]

Granted you "ALLEGEDLY" do not have to use the filters..but..for no more than they cost, I use the filters for an added layer of protection 😊

[@MaritimeUnprepared]

I clogged my buddy heater after using it as a main heat source in my cabin for 2 months. I had a filter in place but it filled up and then leaked into the heater. If you are using yours a lot I would recommend frequent filter changes. Also the buddy heater puts a lot of moisture into your area. Great video 👍

[@KingdomUploader]

Can i assume you were not using the mr. heater style hose - theirs is not supposed to leech oil as others do, isn't that right?

[@overwatch2671]

The best portable heater that Mr. Heater makes. I have the refillable 1lb cylinders, but I also have the hose too. I use my Mr. buddy heater in the tree stand as well as the house and shop when it gets really cold. For me, electric heat doesn't do the trick. There are several hacks that can be done with this heater. I'm my opinion, the most versatile heater that money can buy.

[@wedge7j7]

I live in Northern California, and PG&E is thru the roof... S I've been running my Buddy heater in the living room to stay warm... Runs for 3-4 days on 20 lbs of propane...

[@jameslong1644]

24 hr day?

[@autopeep24]

The filter you mentioned at the beginning is for catching oils and debris flakes from a rubber or PVC hose.

[@hhice1488]

The purpose of the filters is to catch any all that may Leach from the hose or any particulates that may come from the propane. Especially if you use a a generic hose that Mr heater didn't make

[@electromechanician]

Obviously the filter is to catch particulates as is any filter, but assuming Mr Heater makes a better hose? I've worked as an engineer in the manufacturing industry most of my life and we made the $500 model and the $200 model on the same machines and the same assembly lines. Only difference was paint color and decals.

[@chrissmits3215]

Do I still need a filter if I have the quick connect ?

[@jshepard152]

@@electromechanician Perfect example of how knowing something about one industry will lead you astray in another. Cheap generic hoses are full of plasticizers, which keep the hose soft and pliable. That's not an issue on most heaters, because most heaters are regulated at the tank, leaving only low pressure in the hose. But Buddy heaters are not regulated at the tank. They're regulated at the heater itself, leaving high pressure in the hose. Under high pressure, standard hoses will leach plasticizers in the form of an oily residue that will clog up your heater unless you buy filters and replace them regularly. The manufacturer sells a hose that is purpose built for this heater. It has low plasticizer content, thus it does not leach oil and does not require a filter. It's Mr. Heater part #F273704. Your paint color and decal story notwithstanding, these hoses actually are different.

[@electromechanician]

@@jshepard152 I'm using the regulated hose in the video.

[@raytaylor3961]

Finally got the answer I was looking for! Thanks!

[@electromechanician]

Happy to help.

[@john99776]

The tilt out connections have their own regulators at the heater. They are for using one pound bottles, which don't need filters because there's no hose or plasticizers in the setup. On the other hand, the quick connection port doesn't have a regulator at the heater, because it's made for using a buddy hose, which has a regulator at the 20 pound tank end. Since the tank end regulator keeps the hose at low pressure, it won't leach contaminants - so a filter isn't needed with it, either. PS If you want to use an unregulated, generic hose from a 20 pound tank to one of the tilt out, regulated connectors, better use a filter at the heater end of the hose - otherwise the high pressure in the hose can leach contaminants into the heater. PPS Don't use a regulated, generic hose on the tilt out connectors, as 2 regulators in series would mess with the pressure and flow rate.

[@electromechanician]

Say it louder for those in the back! I've been arguing with people in these comments since I made this video!!

[@marcoperez4712]

Great video, have the same big buddy and regulated hose for the larger tank. I have the older version heater with the fan built in and bought the ac adapter to save on batteries. Keeps my garage workshop nice and warm while I'm working in there. Great heater.

[@electromechanician]

Thanks for the comment!

[@robert4480]

ac adapter??? where?

[@seragoodwin1329]

Does the big buddy with the fan have this quick connect on it?

[@marcoperez4712]

@@seragoodwin1329 yes, it has it on the same side as in the video , just make sure you use the "Mr Heater" regulated hose and not a generic hose to prevent clogging.model f271803

[@louklouk4495]

thank you for this useful video just bought propane heater and it has this connector trying to find connector for it.

[@laragreene8328]

tHERE ARE "SOME" Mr Heater/big buddy hoses that dont need a filter. They are listed on Mr Heater website. But there are some of their earlier made hoses that you have to use a filter with. Its all explained and listed on their website. Unfortunately they still sell both type hoses. ...................I bought my mr buddy hose before I found out and mine is the older type that needs a filter. I cant find the newer ones in my area.I'll have to order one.

[@donaldadkins2203]

That a regulator in the buddy heater and you do not need to add another regulator

[@electromechanician]

I think your missing my point. This hose, that's specifically made to go into the quick connect on the heater, is made to allow you to connect a bigger tank with no other equipment. No filter, just this hose. They literally built the quick connect into the heater for this. The other "adapter" style hoses were an afterthought.

[@TinyGoHomes]

I use little buddy with a hose and it goes forever.

[@VideoByPatrick]

How long hose with quick disconnect ? Oh, 20 feet. Thanks

[@controlsfreak6328]

They made them in several lengths.

[@diyonthefly]

The quick connect is convenient but I will not run anything without a filter. Disassembly is time consuming to clean all the lines from oil that will eventually clog the heater. Also My big buddy has a built in fan. Great feature, not sure why its not offered on any of the others.

[@jshepard152]

It won't clog with a regulated hose. Oil leaching into the system is a result of high pressure in the hose line. With the regulator at the tank, the hose is under low pressure.

[@kingforaday8725]

Just went to get the Big Buddy at Northern Tools for $119. Right by the front door was a stack of these with a sign for $99! I thought it might be a Black Friday deal but its not listed as being one. Its not the pro version with a fan. Lowes and Home Depot have the pro version for $139. Is the fan worth $39?

[@chadmyers5942]

Tsc has the model with the fan for $99 just picked one up today

[@electromechanician]

I don't have the fan version, but this thing radiates REALLY well! I'm sure the fan could help, and $39 isn't TOO bad....

[@1crazynordlander]

I had never heard of a LP Gas filter until I saw a video showing the smaller Mr. Heater units and the hose that connects to the one pound tank fitting. There is no filter that I see in this hose setup for the Big Buddy. I have both but haven't opened the hose attachment yet. The problem I had was the one pound tanks frosted up as they emptied and could not provide enough pressure to keep the flame going. I will try the 20 pound tank and regulator hose quick couple setup the next time I have to use it.

[@jshepard152]

That's because most heaters are regulated at the tank. With a regulator at the tank, the hose is under low pressure, and oil will not leach from the hose at low pressure. Buddy heaters are regulated at the heater, leaving the hose under high pressure. So, you either need a regulator to bring pressure down in the hose, or a fancy Mr. Heater part # F273704 hose, which does not leach oil even under high pressure.

[@davidmeeker7481]

Yeah. I been doing it for 10 years. They have attachments so you can run a stove, lantern and heater all from the same 20 lb bottle.

[@KingdomUploader]

Mr. Heater site wants $65 for theirs -but- their hose composition is such that it will not leach oil that seems to be clogging up people's fuel lines. IDK what type material this off-brand hose is made of. If you have used this setup a lot over the past year, are your pipes clogged? You at least have low pressure running through the hose, which helps, but afaik - it's the quality of the hose that's the main contributer to the oil leeching problem. Just thought i'd ask, thanks

[@VideoByPatrick]

Do you need regulator for the quick release hose ?

[@electromechanician]

The one I bought has it built into the hose.

[@dorothymartin8557]

I have read that if using a 20 pound bottle you should run the hose through the wall and put the cylinder outside in case of leak??

[@jshepard152]

That's what many people recommend.

[@dorothymartin8557]

​@@jshepard152Thanks.

[@roymurray2516]

You don't need a filter with that low pressure hose im getting the same setup

[@howarddeheer8295]

I have been told it's a law with 20# and bigger bottles you are to have them outside some thing you might want to check on. Even though we all have had them inside

[@popedwards8986]

How do you check for any leaks at connection at the quick connection at the heater.

[@electromechanician]

Smell and/or soapy water in a spray bottle.

[@johndowney4461]

I get 5 days on low with a 30lb tank and 15+ days with a 100 lb tank and I run 24 7 in northern Alberta i only use electric heater at -40

[@calobriley7310]

I have two Mr heaters one a big buddy and one the small one both won’t stay lit on 20lbs tanks… I don’t understand why I have the Mr heater hose and filter set up. It acts like it has to much pressure.

[@electromechanician]

I would suggest getting this hose with the regulator and quick connect like the one I used in the video. I think there's a link in the comments. Thanks for the comment.

[@brewcrew5854]

i just got the little ones i am pretty sure no quick connect though do u spray soapy water at the union to confirm no leakage ? i also wonder if u gotta open propane valve real slow like on grill so as to not trigger the regulator shut off mechanism ? thanks !

[@electromechanician]

I just opened the tank like normal. If you're concerned with leaks smell and soapy water 100%.

[@popedwards8986]

Soapy water sounds good!

[@Alexander-dt8sk]

Does the 20, lb bottle feed run through the regulator on the Buddy or is that just in the small bottle circuit?

[@jondoe431]

Can you bring the 20lb tank into the house and use it safely..i got the Mr Heater 12' hose it isnt the quick connect one..thanks

[@jshepard152]

The caution against bringing the big tank indoors is a standard safety warning that many people choose to ignore. You have to decide for yourself. If I was bringing a 20 lb tank indoors I would connect it to the heater outside and make darn sure it was not leaking before I brought it in.

[@muserwood]

Is it safe/recommended to have a 20 lb refillable tank in the house?

[@electromechanician]

I would probably say no, but I've done it many times in a pinch.

[@akgobears]

Problem with the quick connect hose is you cannot put a filter on that....Buddy heaters have a habit of gumming up and not working so ya got to take it apart to fix that problem....Ya need a filter

[@electromechanician]

With the regulated hose you do NOT NEED A FILTER!!

[@wim0104]

good to know, but I have other camping equipment to take advantage of the adapter hose I do need to add the heater to my grid-is-out prep list...

[@kishbrowning4531]

So to be clear if we go this route the filters aren't required? Using only the "big buddy hose" with regulator is sufficient? Great info and thanks

[@electromechanician]

Correct. Because the pressure is already regulated down it doesn't break the hose down like high pressure gas does. That's how I understand it anyway.

[@kinderliving1]

Hmm, I've done everything you said, and it seemed quite easy hooking it up, but for the life of me, I can't get the pilot light to light. It sparks but doesn't light. It was working okay on the small tanks, but I was going through them quickly. So now I'm trying the 20lb tanks. Any suggestions?

[@GlenGault-s4b]

Hold the pilot down for longer to purge all the air from the hose, then turn to spark

[@gusto5430]

I just purchased one and have to use it because I'm wondering what the triple A battery is for? I also noticed in the back it requires the big batteries. I've been trying to search for a video or any information explaining what the batteries are for and if it's required. Could you answer this question for me please

[@electromechanician]

@gusto5430 mine doesn't require any batteries at all, so I'm not sure. Maybe Google your exact model number and try to find a manual.

[@gusto5430]

@electromechanician i finally figured it out. I have the latest version of the Big Buddy Pro. The battery is inserted at the bottom of the heater, and it's for igniting the pilot. I gotta say, I am very pleased with this heater. I have it in my RV, and it kept it toasty all night. Thank you, guys, for your help.

[@john99776]

The triple A is needed for the pilot igniter. The D batteries will power the fan. Or use an AC to DC adapter for the fan.

[@johncummings8788]

My Big Buddy did not have the male quick connect end. Do you know if there is a quick connect male fitting that could be screwed into the 1 lb propane tank feed?

[@johncummings8788]

Found it . I didn't realize there were 2 sides for propane install. One side doesn't have the quick connect

[@richardpope9985]

I purchased an off brand hose just like the one you have there, and it has already clogged up my heater. I suspect you will experience the same. I going to go with a Mr. Heater brand hose and a filter that connects to the 1lb bottle connection. Is that hose an actual Mr. heater brand ?

[@electromechanician]

@@richardpope9985 I'm not sure. You got the one with the regulator on the bottle end?

[@Dez2891]

Great vid. I just got the hose. Hooked it up but it wont light the pilot. It just sparks. My 1lb tanks work fine. Any thoughts?

[@charliemahoney2912]

12 feet of air in the hose. Just keep clicking and it will come

[@Dez2891]

@@charliemahoney2912 that makes a lot of sense. Thank you

[@charliemahoney2912]

I just went through the exact thing last night. Your welcome

[@tanabrown3449]

I cool weather tent camp in WV. That’s the only time I use my Little Mr. Buddy heater. Do I NEED the filter to hook it up to the 20lb tank? Yes, I am female and don’t know a lot about these things. I’ve heard both, I need to, I don’t need to. I need advice. Thank you.

[@electromechanician]

@tanabrown3449 if you use the hose I use in the video, the hose with the regulator at the tank, no, you don't need a filter.

[@tanabrown3449]

@@electromechanician thank you. 😊

[@raytaylor3961]

Do you think the line for big buddy needs a filter. I got little buddy on line with a filter can't see where you put one if you could.

[@electromechanician]

If it's the regulated hose with the quick connect it definitely doesn't need a filter.

[@johnr5545]

Thanks god bless

[@johnpichcuskie8461]

I bought My Big Buddy Heater years ago and it had a fan built in, did they change that?

[@electromechanician]

Yeah, all of the ones I've seen have no fan. There could a model with a fan, but I've never seen it.

[@jshepard152]

The green model at Tractor Supply has a fan. The regular model and the regular Big Buddy do not.

[@hudman2012]

"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." cost me less than $100 shipped from ebay, you can used any kind of fuel even waste oil

[@electromechanician]

Nice! Are the fumes very bad?

[@Eggmanrocks]

is there a 24 feet hose you can use with the big buddy heater can you still use one if not

[@lcra9254]

Where is that link to the correct hose please?

[@jshepard152]

The manufacturer sells a 10 foot hose that does not leach oil and does not require a filter. It's Mr. Heater part # F273704. There is also a 12 foot regulated hose that does not require a filter. Mr. Heater part # F271803. ALL other hoses need a filter, and they will eventually clog up your heater without one.

[@damonharrington2948]

I have seen on other Mr Buddy heater videos that you CANNOT run the 20 lb tanks inside of your home like the 1 LV canisters. Is this the case?

[@jshepard152]

It's a standard safety warning that many people ignore. You have to decide for yourself. If I was bringing a 20 lb tank indoors I would make darn sure it was not leaking before doing so.

[@electromechanician]

Great advice!!

[@donaldadkins2203]

The filter keeps the oil from the hose and keeps the rubber out of the heater

[@electromechanician]

Absolutely, when you're using the unregulated hose. With the hose I'm using that has the regulator at the tank, no filter necessary.

[@antwioneatterberry7589]

What's the name of the cord you use!!!

[@electromechanician]

amzn.to/3Ph9lTP

[@antwioneatterberry7589]

And let me see if I'm understanding you rite. I don't need a filter when I have this type of cord right and thank you for the video I must have looked at it about 10 times I just want to be safe I'm about to look at it right now LOL

[@electromechanician]

@@antwioneatterberry7589 the way I understand it, the filter is to keep parts of the hose that could leach out at high pressure from getting into the system. This has a regulator right at the bottle so there is no high pressure.

[@aramirez3753]

How many hours give me the 20 pounds tank?

[@electromechanician]

That's really gonna depend on how high you set it. I didn't actually test that, but I'm beginning to think I should. You're probably not gonna get what they claim.

[@davidpedder9048]

Place the heater under a celling fan that can run in reverse.

[@davidmillan9813]

you dont have the fan option on the rear

[@electromechanician]

Not on this model. I'm told they make one though.

[@dustydawson8977]

I use kerosine myself, way more BTU, equal $ amount I can run longer on kero,and way more heat

[@electromechanician]

Oh yeah, BTU per dollar is hard to beat kerosene! Im just not a big fan of the smell, but I've got some kerosene powered heaters.

[@dustydawson8977]

​@@electromechanicianI'm an old man, worked in oil fields in Texas for a long time, the smell has never bothered me. But there are fragrances to take that away, but if it's burning right there's really no smell with K1 kerosine, I get clear k1 at the gas station here, I'd never buy that from the store. $10 a gallon, I don't think so

[@electromechanician]

@dustydawson8977 I was a roustabout here in Illinois for a few years myself! Granted, we get alot more salt water than we do oil, but still!

[@mrsphebus_906]

I have the same set up but mine won’t start what am I doing wrong

[@electromechanician]

Not sure? I didn't have any issues. Just turned the propane on, and started it. It took a little bit to get the gas through the hose the first time.

[@AuntLALA]

Uhhhh mine doesnt look anything like that. Might be why the pilot keeps going out lol

[@seragoodwin1329]

Does anyone know if the big buddy heater that has the fan "forced air" still have this quick connect? Is the hose used in this video the specific "mr heater big buddy" hose so i can safely use without a filter?

[@Something2Consider]

I have the big buddy with the fan, and it does have the quick connect. If I recall, it's on the left hand side of the unit.

[@jamiegriffith7082]

Same question about the hose. Heater specifies a certain hose but not avalible in my area F273702 so can you use a different hose on the quick connect

[@chrissmits3215]

I bought the quick connect so I don't need a filter ...is this correct? I tried the filter and I couldn't get it to run on high

[@jshepard152]

You don't need a filter if it's Mr. Heater part # F271803. That hose is under low pressure, so it will not leach oils.

[@animallovefest143]

Question: When turning it off, should you turn it off at the tank or the heater? I've seen videos saying that you should turn the tank off first and let it burn out before turning off the heater so you are clearing the hose. But, I don't want to go outside every time I want to turn the heater off, unless it will be off all day. Last night I got a little too warm and wanted to turn it off, but didn't want to go outside in the middle of the night. Especially, knowing that more than likely I would need to turn it back on once it cooled down. Thoughts and/or suggestions?

[@electromechanician]

There's nothing wrong with just turning it off at the heater. I would say turn it off at the tank if you're gonna be disconnecting the hose from the tank so there's no gas trapped in it, but besides that it shouldn't matter and it's definitely not gonna hurt anything.

[@animallovefest143]

@electromechanician Thank you so much! I gave it a try yesterday and didn't see any issues 😀

[@buckscountyautospa6008]

Better off turning it off at the heater first. Otherwise you’ll have to re prime the hose with propane the next time you use it. My method is to turn it off at the heater and then turn it off at the tank. The opposite when starting it again and it will fire on the 1’st or 2’nd click every time.

[@animallovefest143]

@buckscountyautospa6008 Thank you. I have been doing it that way also. However, last week, when I went to disconnect for a propane refill... I turned it off at the heater, went outside to disconnect the tank, and got a good burn on my hand when too much gas came out of the line. First, time that has happened! It burned like a ...!!! So, now whenever I am "refilling" the propane, I turn it off at the tank first and let it burn out and clear the line before disconnecting. I haven't had any issues reconnecting and starting up within one to two tries on the pilot. Otherwise, I turn off at the heater during regular use. But that was super scary for me. Maybe this will help someone else and avoid my mishap. Thank you again for your comment and trying to help 😊 Christina & The Animal Love Fest ❤️🐶😽😽💋

[@electromechanician]

@@animallovefest143 yeah, you've gotta relieve that pressure before disconnecting the tank for sure! Just for turning the heater off though I leave the tank on mostly. May not be "right", but it works. If I'm gonna transport it I always turn the tank off.

[@derickmassey3988]

What’s the fuel filter needed?

[@electromechanician]

The way I use it there isn't a filter needed, but if you use the high pressure hose that connects to the same spot as the little tanks they recommend a filter because high pressure propane can break the rubber down and that can clog the system.

[@ricksorber9562]

If you attach it where the small bottle screws on will both sides of the heater work or would you need a hose to the other side too?

[@electromechanician]

It'll run with just 1 bottle, so I assume it would work with a hose connected just to the one side, but that's not the hose I used. I used the quick connect hose with the built in regulator.

[@ricksorber9562]

​@@electromechanicianI just checked. With a bottle on the left side, the left burner burns on low and medium settings. The right side doesn't light. I think you need the second bottle for that. I haven't had it out in about 3 years though so I could be wrong about that.

[@electromechanician]

@@ricksorber9562 interesting. I know with the quick connect hose that I use in the video booth sides work.

[@martinrioux7464]

What it the parts number for the house

[@BingoBongoMan]

why does Mr Heat wants you to use a filter if you're using the regular connector but no filter if you use the quick connector?

[@michaelstone3069]

Oil from inside the hose will eventually clog the jets.

[@1Williams]

In that example, the hose is under higher pressure and oils will be desolved and brought forward with the gass. If the regulator is on the start of the cable (bottle end) the hose will be under low pressure and not pull the oils out of the line. The quick connect cable they sell has a regulator.

[@BingoBongoMan]

​@@1Williams Thank you for your response. After posing the question, I continued my research and shortly thereafter I discovered the same answer as you wrote. Nevertheless, I think it's good to have this question and answer here for the benefit of others. Additionally, it's worth emphasizing that when connecting a hose to a Mr. Heater, you should either use the specific rubber hose designed by Mr. Heater to prevent oil sweat into the system or opt for a regular hose with a filter. Alternatively, if using a quick connect hose, ensure that the heater has a low pressure valve right after the tank valve. Attempting to connect a quick connect hose to a Mr. Heater, such as the Portal, with additional adapters may not work, as the quick connect hose already has low pressure gas at the exit, which won't trigger the built-in low-pressure valve in certain heaters like the "portable." I returned my full size big buddy heater with quick connector and chose the Portable heater because of its size. I wish the portable buddy had also a quick connector like big buddy!

[@TheMagumba]

So quick disconnect doesnt need filter?

[@electromechanician]

Correct, because the pressure is already lowered and doesn't break down the hose.

[@robertwhite3752]

It says the quick disconnect doesn’t need a filter “IF” it’s the Mr. Buddy quick disconnect hose. So is this just a gimmick to make you by their brand?

[@robertwhite3752]

@@electromechanicianfrom my understanding there’s already a pressure regulator built into the Mr. Big Buddy, and if you add another pressure regulator it will foul things up? Have you heard this?

[@electromechanician]

@@robertwhite3752 using the hose with the regulator on it bypasses the built in regulator. The hose is made for exactly this purpose.

[@electromechanician]

@@robertwhite3752 the fact is you don't need filter IF the hose has a regulator. At high pressures propane can damage the hose causing bits to flake off and get into the system. This hose is regulated, low pressure, no filter.

[@rogerorr4879]

108 hours run time. I think not. Where are your run times?

[@electromechanician]

I quoted the manufacturer.

[@bpd231martinko9]

I get about 24 hours with a 20 on low setting, been using mine since 2008. 108 hours sounds a little fantastical.

[@pache2112]

I got 36 this weekend! Called Mr heater, and they said it should be at least 100 so something is wrong with mine! Trying to figure it out!!

[@OCA1111]

Thanks!

[@Tom-x3m9g]

I just use a 30. Dollar Hercules fan because it's variable speed.

[@Rubi747HVY]

What about a filter?

[@electromechanician]

You don't need a filter with the regulated hose. Low pressure gas doesn't break the hose down like high pressure gas does. This is made specifically to connect to the quick connect on the heater.

[@RoyElliott-g5x]

Awesome thanks

[@electromechanician]

You bet! Thanks for the comment!!

[@scottfergusson8411]

Still need the filter if running a hose.

[@jshepard152]

No, not if your hose is the official 12' regulated hose. The hose will not leach oil because it's under low pressure.

[@electromechanician]

Exactly right!!

[@davidbennett5905]

Some of the Big Buddy’s have a built in fan

[@jshepard152]

Yes, but they are relatively hard to find these days. Tractor Supply has them. They're green.

[@cu3350]

That would either be the older style heater or the new pro line heaters.

[@ChristopherBond-s5q]

They don't sell that filter and stores and only order it online unless there's some stores that have at that I haven't been and I've been everywhere looking for one of those stupid filters.Then i'm gonna just go without it

[@willisblevins4190]

The heater should have a fan in it I have 2 heaters and a fan is built in it run on batteries or Electricity

[@electromechanician]

From what I understand they make models with and without the fans. Mine has no fan.

[@18dmedic]

The Big Buddy that we had purchased from our local Walmart here in Bangor Maine this past Tuesday 19 Dec 23 while our power was still out of the major storm that hit on Monday has a red switch on the top rear right side just below the handle and that switch turns on the fan that runs off 4 D cell batteries. We had it running for about 4 hours on the medium setting with the fan going and the temperature in our kitchen had gone up to 70 degrees within an hour and stayed there. Our kitchen is about 120 sqft and the heat was also starting to be felt in the room next to the kitchen as well. We had lost power for just under 30 hours and the first night it was still warm outside and inside and by the morning our 3rd floor bedroom dropped from 70 to 66. Tuesday night was gonna be a lot colder and so we needed to get some heat going in our apartment. Very lucky we found this Big Buddy. We already had some one pound bottles on hand.

[@CatsAreNiceMeow]

Nice! It seems like your better off getting a 20 pound tank. Thanks for the idea! Does this or any heater run on batteries only?

[@electromechanician]

This one is propane only, I haven't seen any battery operated.

[@CatsAreNiceMeow]

@@electromechanician Thank you for responding!!

[@briantruax1682]

Only the 1 Mr buddy with the built in fan uses 6 volt DC or 4 D battery's n switch for fan is on top right of the unit

[@CatsAreNiceMeow]

@@briantruax1682 Oh wow! So you can run the heater on just batteries? That’s great. Thanks.

[@briantruax1682]

@@CatsAreNiceMeow you need the propane too , the battery's operate the built in Fan or the DC 6 volt plugged in to outlet

[@trebsr]

But u don’t have a filter?

[@jshepard152]

Filter not needed with the regulated hose.

[@kenmckay7106]

Don't need a regulator ones built in on heater but you do need filters you need to filter the crap out of the hose .use filters or it will plug up

[@electromechanician]

Not if you use the regulated hose. That's the whole point of this hose with the quick connect. Low pressure gas doesn't eat away at the hose like high pressure. This is literally made for this heater. That's why they put the quick connect in it in the first place.

[@tjwoodbury2838]

You say Amazon has these Buddy Heaters for $134 and Walmart and True Value have them for $70. Walmart also has a 15 ft hose for $20, without Quick Connect of course but that's an unnecessary add-on. All in all it is a good system but if we're talking about efficiency then let's talk thriftiness also

[@electromechanician]

You're only kinda right. The ones you're talking about at Walmart and True Value for $70ish are the Buddy, not the Big Buddy. Literally half as many BTUs. As for the hose, the one you're talking about is the unregulated hose that requires the filters. Let's compare apples to apples if we're gonna compare. The Big Buddy at Walmart right now online is $119 and the regulated hose is anywhere from $20 to $50 depending on length. The 12' version is $45. There's a huge difference between the Buddy and the Big Buddy. Thanks for the comment.

[@electromechanician]

I threw a short up on here to explain. kzbin.infoK3W6mw7ArwM?si=HkzKmLUkiNSW3E10

[@ryanlawley5960]

You say, "let's talk about thriftiness." I say, "let's talk about attention to detail." You are comparing the price on 2 totally different items than what he did in the review video..

[@baleycasady7438]

$680 for 32 days on 20 pound tanks non stop $960 for 32 days running 1 green can at a time non stop Expensive

[@jshepard152]

I'm not sure where you get those numbers. A buddy heater will run 92 hours / 3.8 days on low with a 20 lb. cylinder that costs $15-20. That's less than 8 tanks per month to operate the heater 24 hours per day. Eight tanks x $20 each is $160. High setting would cost a little more than double, $360. And that's running every minute of every day for a month. Personally, if my power goes out and my family is cold, I'll be happy to spend $15-20 for almost 4 days of heat.

[@baleycasady7438]

@@jshepard152From my calculator. It's called math!

[@jshepard152]

@@baleycasady7438 Right. I showed the correct math. Where's yours?

[@baleycasady7438]

@@jshepard152 Hello 👋, Thanks for the Reply , my Mr Big Buddy uses 1 green can on low in 4 hours. The next 5 green cans lasted the same 4 hours all in a 24 hour day. They don't last long. It has been way below negative 28 degrees fahrenheit where I live. So i use 6 cans a day easily at $5 a green can @ Walmart. (Note: The green cans seem to freeze while in use). A bigger 1 gallon tank ( like for your BBQ grill) is $98 with no exchange or $58 with exchange as of 2024. My patterns not off my lines are more straight my angles are more square I do it right the first time. I don't just speak to be herd I speak because I know and I can predict the future! My Math is dead on ball sack ! Expensive

[@chrislange3462]

​@@baleycasady7438The 1lb ones are crazy expensive, but a 20lb refill here is $25. So that is a lot better

[@joecamp5026]

I think you are wrong about a couple of things. First the 20lb tank has oil in it and that is why you need a hose and filter. Second it does have a fan in it. Mine has a place for 2d cell batteries or a cord to plug it in and a switch to turn on the fan. Maybe check yours out a little better

[@chrislange3462]

From what I've read, the hose, or at least some hoses, leak oil, hence the need for a filter. The hose with quick connect doesn't, hence no separate filter. Also, they originally had the fan, then they were sold with no fan for a while, then they introduced the 'pro' with the fan again and electric ignition. So people could very well have both versions, I have one of each.

[@electromechanician]

Mine has no fan. They've made more than one version.

[@joecamp5026]

I've had 2 and both had fans

[@electromechanician]

@@joecamp5026 cool.

[@redwarhorse1]

just do a 40lb

[@electromechanician]

Definitely work!!

[@brettbain1]

There is a fan on them

[@electromechanician]

I don't think so, they don't even have electricity going to them.

[@brettbain1]

@electromechanician I was right there was a fan you can see on the back where they have covered it with a plate . Google it

[@WoodsWoman822]

True, some models of Big Buddy, have a fan that runs on batteries, but not all.

[@brettbain1]

@WoodsWoman822 yes they have now stopped making them now

[@WoodsWoman822]

True, but they are still being Sold on Amazon and Walmart.

[@ericfryer2160]

Click bait. Lol. You didn't show any run times, and I'll telling you right now that you are not getting 108 hours of run time on a 20# tank. Roughly 74-82 hours on a 20# tank depending on how well the tank was refilled. And that is on low setting with the portable Buddy.

[@archiestewartjr.3588]

How do you actually test it? The manufacturer says 103 hrs at 4000 BTUs. I mean if you keep it at that temperature it would make sense. I can get almost 3 days straight off a 7 gal tank for my trailer furnace. That's for 72 hrs straight. Longer if it doesn't drop under 30° F too much. I got almost a week one time. It averaged 27° that week. So this unit is smaller and uses less propane off the top so 100+ hrs isn't absurd at all

[@elbertdubose5162]

The only negative is the oil in the lpg will build up if it does not burn out and cause a line blockage 3 years before a blockage happened the lpg you get may never cause a problem just clear the blockage but there are to many videos how use the simplest one if you need it.

[@Snarfelle]

The manual says 220 hours off of 2 20lb tanks not a single tank

[@tripolex2015]

Is NOT WORKING VERY DANGEROUS

[@broneo2165]

106 hour?? Bullshit

[@electromechanician]

It says 108, actually. Obviously, that's the manufactures claim, I've never tested to see, but it'll definitely run a LOT longer on a 20lb bottle than 2 1lb bottles.

[@billbertagnoli4226]

Heater and 20 lb. Tank are not To be used in the same room..

[@tripolex2015]

It doesn’t work properly