Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Features
- Lighting It Up
- Heat Output and Runtime
- Tip-Over and Low-Oxygen Shutoff
- Who It’s For
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
Introduction
When the temperature drops, a small radiant heater can make a cold shop, blind or tent a lot more comfortable. Our editors put the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX to work. This is a refresh of our original Mr. Heater Portable Buddy review.
Features
The handle folds down to save space. The 1 lb propane cylinder threads in on the side, and the connection swivels out so you don’t have to move the heater to change bottles. There are two spots on the back to hang it on a wall, a guard over the front, and the ceramic element with the pilot below it.
Lighting It Up
Turn the knob to pilot, push and hold. With a fresh cylinder, give it a few seconds so the gas starts flowing. Once the pilot is lit, switch to low and then high as the element heats up.
Heat Output and Runtime
Mr. Heater rates the Portable Buddy at 4,000 or 9,000 BTU per hour and up to 225 sq. ft. of heat. On a 1 lb cylinder, Mr. Heater lists about 3 hours on high and 6 hours on low, which matches what our editors said in the video. Mr. Heater also says it can connect to a 20 lb cylinder with an optional hose and filter.
In the video, our editors used a heat gun to show where the heat goes. Most of it comes off the top front, so it works well on the floor or on a bench. That area gets hot, so keep your hands clear.
Tip-Over and Low-Oxygen Shutoff
Knock it over and it shuts off. Our editors demonstrated it, and you can hear it click. It also has a low-oxygen shutoff, and Mr. Heater describes it as indoor safe. It’s also very quiet, with no fan noise. Always follow the owner’s manual, especially on fuel connections.
Who It’s For
Hunters, campers, and anyone working in a small shop who doesn’t need forced air. See more jobsite heater reviews and our propane-powered gear. For current details, visit Mr. Heater’s Portable Buddy page.
Final Thoughts
The Portable Buddy is quiet, simple to light, easy to carry, and has the safety shutoffs you want in a small propane heater. Our editors liked it a lot for small spaces.
FAQ
How many BTUs is the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy?
Mr. Heater rates it at 4,000 or 9,000 BTU per hour.
How long does a 1 lb propane cylinder last?
Mr. Heater lists about 3 hours on high and 6 hours on low.
Can it run on a bigger propane tank?
Mr. Heater says it can connect to a 20 lb cylinder with an optional hose and filter.
Does it shut off if it tips over?
Yes. It has a tip-over shutoff and a low-oxygen shutoff.
How much space will it heat?
Mr. Heater rates it for up to 225 sq. ft.
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