Chilly deck parties and cold campsite nights require a heater for a comfortable experience. Mr. Buddy Heater is your best companion for such events since it’s a portable, compact, and lightweight option that uses propane as fuel. Although It’s among the best camping heaters, how long can it run on a 20 lb (9.07 kg) tank so you can be prepared before leaving home?
Mr. Buddy Portable heaters run between 35 and 110 hours on 20 lb (9.07 kg) tanks. The duration depends on the heating heat needed in British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour and the heater’s model. Thus, lowering heat settings is the best way to extend this duration.
In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss how long the different Mr. Buddy heater models can run on a 20 lb (9.07 kg) tank. I’ll also talk about these models and how the different heat settings in BTU affect their heating durations. Let’s get started!
Different Mr. Buddy Heater Models
There are many different models of Mr. Buddy heaters, and not all of them will run for the same amount of time. In addition to considering the model of your heater, you also need to consider the heating setting when determining how long it will run.
Mr. Buddy heaters come in three basic heat settings:
- Low: 4,000 BTU
- Medium: 9,000 BTU
- High: 18,000 BTU
The higher the heat setting, the shorter the duration. As a result, you can use your Mr. Buddy heater for a longer time by reducing the heat setting to low or medium.
Now that you know how heat settings affect the heater’s duration, let’s look at each model individually and see how long they run on 20 lb (9.07kg) tanks.
How Long Does Mr. Buddy Heater MH9BX Last?
The MH9BX buddy heater runs on the 4,000 and 9,000 BTU settings. Therefore, you can only set it to low and medium heat.
It has a capacity of 225 square feet (20.9 square meters). This means it can heat a small room or an RV.
A single 20 lb (9.07 kg) tank lasts 110 hours on the low setting. On the other hand, if you use it on the medium setting, a 20 lb (9.07 kg) tank will only power the heater for 35 hours.
If you own this model, you should time it based on your event’s duration. For instance, you can set it to high heat if you want to use it in an outdoor setting, like a lakeside party that will last less than 35 hours. Otherwise, go for the low heat setting if your event will exceed 35 hours so the heater doesn’t go off and leave you in the cold.
The Mr. Heater MH9BX is suitable for indoor and outdoor use since it uses clean energy and is almost 100 percent efficient. Therefore, it’s an option that will not waste your fuel by being inefficient.
How Long Does Mr. Buddy Heater MH11BFLEX Last?
This model operates from 6,000 to 11,000 BTU heat settings. It’s, therefore, larger than the first model we discussed. This Buddy’s heater is suitable for heating up to 275 square feet (25.55 square meters).
The MH11BFLEX model’s 20 lb (9.07 kg) tank duration is shorter than the MH9BX model. It runs for 70 hours when set to low heat (6,000 BTU). On the other hand, it lasts 40 hours in its high heat setting (11,000 BTU).
This means you should go for the low heat setting if you’re planning to use this heater for an extended period.
The Mr. Heater MH11BFLEX is your go-to option if you want a manual heater suitable for indoor use. Apart from being easy to install, this heater is also efficient and won’t waste your fuel.
How Long Does Mr. Buddy Heater MH12HB Last?
The MH12HB buddy heater is larger than the above models. It has 6,000 and 12,000 BTU heat settings, making it supply more heat within the space. The slightly high heat setting capability also means this model consumes more fuel hourly.
The MH12HB buddy heater can supply heat sufficiently up to 300 square feet (27.87 square meters). Therefore, it’s your go-to option if you want to heat a space exceeding 275 square feet (25.55 square meters).
On its low heating setting (6,000 BTU), this heater can run for 72 hours powered by a 20 lb (9.07 kg) tank. However, it can operate for 36 hours if you set it to the high heat option (12,000 BTU).
The MH12HB heater has a considerably low duration than the first two models. This is evidence that setting your heater to high heat reduces its duration and vice versa.
How Long Does Mr. Buddy Heater MH18B Last?
The MH18B buddy heater is slightly larger than the models we’ve covered above. It uses the 4,000, 9,000, and 18,000 BTU heat settings. This makes it a versatile option for use in areas with varying degrees of coldness.
The MH18B model is suitable for spaces up to 450 square feet (41.81 square meters). This adds to its benefits since, apart from varying heat settings, it can heat a larger area than the previous models.
The MH18B heater’s low setting (4,000 BTU) gives it a runtime of about 110 hours on a 20 lb (9.07kg) tank. If you set it to the medium heat option ( 9000 BTU), its runtime will be approximately 48 hours. Lastly, the high heat setting (18,000 BTU) will only give you 24 hours of runtime.
The Mr. Heater MH18B is your go-to option if you want higher heating capacity. With an 18,000 BTU heating, you can rest assured of sufficient heat in your room.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Mr. Buddy Heater
When on the market for a new buddy heater, you want to get an option that will serve you efficiently for an extended period. However, with the many models and brands available, it might be challenging to identify the best heater.
The following are critical factors you should consider when making your purchase:
The Size of Your Room or Outdoor Space
Size is a crucial factor when looking for a Mr. Buddy heater. These heaters have different capabilities in terms of how far they can heat. Although heat travels by radiation, the heater’s ability to generate enough heat to warm a particular space is vital.
Mr. Buddy heaters are available in different sizes, and you can identify the appropriate size for your needs by looking at the square footage that each model can efficiently heat.
For instance, the MH9BX model is your go-to option if you need a heater for an outdoor activity or a small room not exceeding 225 square feet (20.9 square meters). Otherwise, if your room exceeds 225 square feet (20.9 square meters), you should go for higher models.
The Level of Coldness in the Environment
Mr. Buddy heaters have different heat settings, from low to high. These heat settings come in handy in different conditions.
A high heat setting is suitable for extremely cold environments, while a low heat setting is ideal for mildly cold conditions.
Therefore, you should consider the level of coldness in your environment when making your purchase to ensure you get a heater with an appropriate heat setting.
For instance, the MH18B model has a high heat setting of 18,000 BTUs, making it ideal for very cold regions.
If you plan to go overlanding, Mr. Buddy heater might be a good choice for sleeping in a tent. To learn more about heater safety in a tent and whether it is worth investing in, click on the link to read my other guide for more information if it’s safe to sleep with a Mr. Buddy heater in your tent.
Final Thoughts
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy heaters are your go-to if you want a portable option for your outdoor activities. These heaters have longer runtime, between 35 and 110 hours, when connected to the 20 lb (9.07 kg) tank. Thus, they can serve you for a long time, both indoor and outdoor, before recharging.