bit-tech Shopping: Mr. Heater MH9B Portable Buddy Propane Heater

Rating: 6

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Good for short duration heating of small spaces, ease of use, Portable

Weaknesses: Generates odor indoors

Summary: Bought this on sale at the end of the season for half price, so fairly good deal. The unit takes either small 1-lb propane canisters by Coleman directly or the 20-lb propane tanks using an adaptor hose. The unit has a low and a high switch. Upon ignition, the white ceramic in front of the unit glows orange. I used it on one cold winter night in my room which is probably 10 x 15. It was ok in keeping the room temperature from getting too low, but not enough to make me sweat. What I didn't like is the odor it generated. It's supposed to be safe for indoor use with the 1-lb canister (you're supposed to keep the 20-lb tanks outdoors with the hose, if you want to use the unit indoors). It probably is not generating dangerous fumes, but there was definitely burnt odor that I smelled. Because I was using the 1-lb canister, it probably lasted only about 3 hours. Still, an ok unit for the price and use.