Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BRV Big Buddy Grey Indoor-Safe Portable RV Propane Heater (4,000 , 9,000 And 18,000 BTU)

7 reviews for Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BRV Big Buddy Grey Indoor-Safe Portable RV Propane Heater (4,000 , 9,000 And 18,000 BTU)

1. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Vinny P. – October 28, 2018

   ~~~~~~ My updated review, written 3 days after receiving a replacement unit promptly from Amazon: ~~~~~~This review now has a star rating of 3 stars, replacing my earlier star rating of 1 star. The 3-star rating is the average of my original 1 star review and my updated review, in which the replacement heater earned 5 stars. You will see more details about the reason for the change in star rating in my update below.First, let me tell you up front that I am a big fan of the Mr. Heater Buddy heaters. I have owned an MH9BX model since early 2013, and have used it regularly for heating in my meditation dome for 9 months each year, and it has always worked great, and it continues to work great even now, more than 5 years later. In fact, I left a glowing 5-star review for the MH9BX here on Amazon a few years ago.As I have related in the text of my original review (to be found below this section), I ordered a Big Buddy MH18B/BRV from Amazon in late October. The heater arrived here within 2 days, but unfortunately (as related in great detail in the earlier section of my review, shown below), the heater turned out to be defective when I fired it up. Being a scientist and an engineer, and being a bit stubborn, I subjected the heater to a five more test runss before deciding that it was indeed defective. I then notified Amazon of that fact and returned the defective heater, and perhaps because it was a Prime item and I am an Amazon Prime member, Amazon managed to get a new replacement unit to me by noontime the next day (amazing job, Amazon, thank you!)!I have now been using the replacement MH18B/BRV heater for 3 days in my meditation dome, and I can report that it works perfectly; it seems to be just as well-behaved, stable, reliable and robust as my older Buddy MH9BX heater. I have used it both without the internal electric fan (which is the most common mode of operation for me), and with it, and it works fine in both modes.One final note before closing this update section:Please note that WHENEVER I operate a propane heater anywhere indoors, including using the Mr. Heater Buddy and Big Buddy heaters in my meditation dome, I always have installed and operating, on a nearby wall, a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector with an alarm and digital readout. I consider this essential. BTW, in all of my 5.5 years of operating my older Mr. Heater Buddy heater model MH9BX in my meditation dome, I have NEVER seen the digital readout on the carbon monoxide detector budge above zero (0.0)!~~~~~~~~~~~~ My original 1-star review for the original defective heater ~~~~~~~~~~~~First, let me tell you up front that I am a big fan of the Mr. Heater Buddy heaters. I have owned an MH9BX model since early 2013, and have used it regularly for heating in my meditation dome for 9 months each year, and it has always worked great, and it continues to work great even now, more than 5 years later. In fact, I left a glowing 5-star review for the MH9BX here on Amazon a few years ago.Recently, I decided to sideline the MH9BX and to replace it with the larger Big Buddy MH18BRV model, which, on the maximum heat setting, can produce 18,000 BTU of heat, twice the amount of heat that the smaller MH9BX model can produce, simply so that when I walk uphill the the meditation dome at 3 AM on really cold mornings, it would hopefully raise the interior temperatures from below freezing to 72 degrees F much more rapidly.So, I ordered the MH18BRV here on Amazon a few days ago, and it arrived here on Oct. 27. I immediately unpacked the unit, read the instruction manual, and installed it, using the same 20 lb. propane tank fuel hose (Mr. Heater Hose Assembly #F273702) and fuel filter (Mr. Heater Fuel Filter #F273699; and yes, I replace the fuel filter periodically)) that I have always used with my older MH9BX unit, which has always worked perfectly.Then, as soon as the sun went down and night came on, I tested the unit. It worked great for the first few minutes, with the sole exception that there was a significantly greater quantity of blue flames extending beyond the perimeter of the ceramic heater tiles than the manufacturer’s user manual says is acceptable and safe, and there was also a somewhat worrisome blue flame peeking out and leaking out at times from behind the left side (as viewed from the front) and top corner of the metal frame of the left-side burner tile, but I assumed that the slight to modest amount of flame-over (aka over-flame) was merely a temporary artifact of the initial break-in process, and that these unwanted extraneous flames around the edges of the tiles would disappear as time passed.Well, after about 4 minutes of operation at the 9,000 BTU heat level setting (this uses the left tile only), I increased the power level to the highest heat setting of 18,000 BTU (and yes, the control knob was in the full detent position each time). After about 6 minutes (total runtime by now had been 9 to 10 minutes since start) at the high heat setting, the quantity of flames extending well beyond the edges of the two heater tiles grew quite significant, and there were also bluish flames appearing from behind the metal frame of the heater tiles, particularly toward the top of the left tile, and then in short order I started to hear a burbling sound and a frequent loud popping sound (that is, minor explosions) as unburned gas leaked out from behind the tiles around the edges and then ignited violently (aka “exploded”).I immediately approached the unit, being careful to stay far from the flames that were now extending well beyond the tiles and out of the front and top of the grill, and squatting well to the side of the unit for safety reasons, turned off the control knob. Phew! That had been a bit scary!I then, over the next 24 hours, tried firing up the heater three more times, each time with a cool-down period of at least 3 hours between tests, but each time, after about 6 to 10 minutes of operation at the high power (18,000 BTU) setting, the quantity and size of the flames leaking beyond the edges of the tiles grew excessive, and then, if I allowed the unit to remain on even longer, the fireworks grow worse and worse over the next 2 minutes, until I was forced to turn off the unit.BTW, I also performed some test runs in which I tried to operate the unit only at the 4,000 or 9,000 BTU settings (these settings use the left burner tile (as viewed from the front) only), but the same problems as noted above always occurred after about 5 to 10 minutes of runtime, and in each case, the fireworks (flames where there should not have been flames) and attendant explosive popping sounds grew so violent that I was forced to turn the unit off.I wish to stress, once again, that these tests were conducted using the same Mr. Heater fuel hose and Mr. Heater fuel filter (and yes, I have occasionally replaced the fuel filter over time) and 20 gallon propane tank that I have successfully used for years to supply propane gas to my older MH9BX heater, which has always worked flawlessly.Incidentally, all tests except for the final test were run using the hose/fuel filter from the 20 gal. propane tank attached to the propane inlet port located directly under the red control (on/off/heat level) knob switch, and with nothing at all attached to the propane inlet port on the other side of the unit. Then, for the final test run — since some Amazon reviewers for this product had stated that when operating the unit on a hose from a 20 lb propane tank, it was important to hook up a 1 lb. propane tank to the other propane inlet port in order to block it; that is, to keep it from leaking propane — I hooked up a 1 lb. propane tank to the unused propane inlet port, just to see if this might perhaps help to improve the so-far rather disappointing and fiery performance of the device, but this special runtime condition did not help to improve matters at all. (BTW, I eventually checked with the manufacturer about the issue/question addressed in this paragraph, and their engineer assured me that each of the two propane inlet ports on the device contain their own internal pressure regulator, which also act as check valves, and thus, they assured me, there is absolutely no need to block or seal the unused propane inlet port when operating the device on a hose from a 20 lb. propane tank.)I finally gave up on the unit, accepted the fact that it was defective and dangerous to use, and notified Amazon this morning that the unit was defective, and asked them to send me a replacement unit (same model, the MH18B/BRV), and I will be packing up the current MH18B/BRV unit for return to Amazon via UPS pickup.In the meantime, I have once again hooked up to the propane fuel hose (and fuel filter) to my old reliable Mr. Heater Buddy MH9BX, and it is working flawlessly, and I will continue to use it until the replacement MH18B/BRV unit arrives here from Amazon.Based upon the fact that I have found a number of other 1 or 2 star reviews here on the Amazon page from the past 20 months that tell much the same tale of woe as mine, I can only guess that Mr. Heater not only has some assembly line quality problems on the MH18B/BRV production line, but that they are not performing sufficient QA/QC testing on each unit after it rolls off the production line and prior to packaging. They really need to improve the quality standards on their production line, and they need to drastically beef up their post-production QA/QC testing of the finished units.I am hoping that the replacement MH18B unit that Amazon is in the process of shipping to me will be okay and that it will perform just as well as my older MH9BX unit has done over the past 5+ years! If it works out, I will post an update to this review with my updated report and relevant notes!I must also mention one more somewhat disconcerting thing that occurred regarding this heater. Once I had realized that the unit was not performing properly (as related above), I re-read the printed manual one more time just to be sure that I had not missed any setup points (I had not), and then, wanting to be absolutely sure, I visited the manufacturer’s website for the Mr. Heater Big Buddy products, because I wished to download a user’s manual in digital format, hoping that it might contain some additional information. Well, when I finally reached the page on the site for downloading the manuals for the MH18B/BRV, it asked me to enter the serial number for the unit, so that the site could ensure that it was downloading the most appropriate version of the manual for me. Well, to my consternation, each time that I entered the serial number for the unit (to be found at the lower part of the large label to be found on the lower rear of the cabinet/housing), I received a warning message from a pop-up window on the screen, advising me that I had entered an invalid serial number, followed by a message from the website advising me that since the serial # that I had entered was invalid, I should, as an alternative, download the generic manual for the model MH18B. I tried re-entering the serial # for my device four more times, and each time I continued to receive a message from the site advising me that the SN was invalid. Well, that is reassuring (yes, I am being sarcastic…. . .)!BTW, a brief note on my background and credentials: as you may already now if you have read any of my other techie-type reviews of tech-type products here on Amazon, I am a scientist and an engineer (EE, with some additional university training in ME), and I have a graduate degree in the sciences, and thus I have a great wealth of experience, accrued across a great many years, in working with and using all kinds of mechanical, electrical, electronic and also gas-powered gizmos.And now, a closing note to the manufacturer: All that I can say is thanks for all the flames, explosive sounds and fireworks that my MH18B emitted, but unfortunately, the reality is that I did not order a fireworks machine from Amazon, and rather, I had ordered a propane gas heater that I had assumed would be as well-behaved and smooth-running as my older Big Buddy MH9BX unit! Hopefully the replacement unit that Amazon is sending to me will work okay!Finally, in closing, a few technical notes:1) A note on nomenclature, for those readers who might have really sharp minds and likewise, really sharp eyes:You may have noticed that in my report above, I have used the model numbers MH18B, MH18BRV and MH18B/BRV interchangeably to denote the model number for the unit. This was done deliberately, and for the following reason:When I first ordered the device from Amazon, I ordered a Mr. Heater Big Buddy MH18BRV. However, when the unit arrived, I noted quickly that both the box and the unit were labeled as “MH18B”. I called Amazon, and they advised me that this was perfectly okay, and that the MH18B unit that they had shipped to me was indeed the exact same model as the MH18BRV that I had ordered; they told me that the manufacturer uses both model numbers, that is MH18B and MH18BRV, interchangeably, and that both models are identical, and that I should not worry about the sometimes-confusing nomenclature/naming convention.2) The printed user manual that accompanies this unit is seriously deficient in some ways, as follows:a) it does not note clearly and explicitly that the use of the internal air circulation fan in the unit is optional, and that the unit will function fine without it. It should state clearly that this is the case.b) it does not state clearly and explicitly that if the user is operating the device on a 20 lb. propane tank with the fuel line feeding one of the propane fuel inlet ports, there is no need to attach anything to the other propane inlet port, because each propane fuel inlet port has its own internal pressure regulator, and these regulators also act as check valves to prevent leakage of propane fuel from the other port.c) instead of the front cover of the user manual showing the applicable model number for the manual as MH18B, it should read MH18B and MH18BRV; in order to be truly accurate.3) Please note that all of my initial runs of the heater, and all of my followup test runs, were done without the use of the internal electric fan, the use of which is optional.4) Please note that WHENEVER I operate a propane heater anywhere indoors, including the Mr. Heater Buddy and BigBuddy heaters in my meditation dome, I always have installed and operating, on a nearby wall, a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector with an alarm and digital readout. I consider this essential. BTW, in all of my 5.5 years of operating my older Mr. Heater Buddy heater model MH9BX in my meditation dome, I have NEVER seen the digital readout on the carbon monoxide detector budge above zero (0.0)!

2. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   TimU – November 14, 2022

   This heater works okay if you buy the may accessories that don’t come with it.They don’t include anything but the heater in the box.To work efficiently you need to buy 4 “D” call batteries or the power block so the fan will work. (D cell batteries don’t last long).I also suggest the 20 lbs hose adaptor if you plan on using this heater. It isn’t the most economical heater I’ve used when on the Hi setting.

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Mad Cow – November 25, 2022

   Pros – With a CO monitor and plenty of ventilation, it kept my Gazelle T4 8’x8′ 3 season tent warm (comparatively) on low heat when the temps fell to 2 degrees F. Ran it at night for 6 days straight for about 10 hours each before the 20lb tank died about 2 hours early on the last night. Made camping/sleeping in frigid temps very bearable. D cell batteries for the fan worked for at least 2 days/20 hours. 20lb tank hose worked perfectly and was easy to connect. Unit is very light. Power adapter and/or spare D cell batteries (2 per use) can be stored in one of the two 1lb tank spaces.Cons – the fan made a screeching noise when it turned it on for the third night. Was afraid it was the fan bearings but changed the batteries just in case. Noise went away. Fourth night when I tried turning it on it wouldn’t stop screeching. Tried the AC adapter for S&G, no luck. Fan bearings were shot. Ran the heater the last three nights without the fan on and had noticeably more cold areas in the tent – especially down low. Currently working with support to get a new fan assembly. Hopefully they come thought.Summary – Great heater for small spaces. Fan might be an issue for extended use and is pretty anemic even when it is working. Use the large tank hose with the quick disconnect for long term use or high heat output. Overall a great thing to have when you need more heat and a circulation fan as compared to the Hunter or Portable versions.12/14/22 Update – contacted support and they responded quickly and more than willing to help. I provided my serial number and they sent me a new back panel with integral fan. 4 screws and the panels were swapped out. Fan isn’t the best quality but hopefully the replacement lasts a bit longer.

4. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   J. Wade – December 12, 2022

   Easy to set up and connecting the hose to a propane tank was okay (had some issues at getting the hose to connect and twist on the first time). Once connected, the easy of it lighting was so much better than I expected. The heater puts out a constant amount of temp to heat. I keep mine on low and it keeps my RV easily at 70°. I do keep a window cracked for ventilation, but it does an outstanding job. Highly recommend this. It will work great in garages, emergency heating for a house or as a constant source (provided that there is a window cracked for ventilation), as a travel heater in a RV, and so much more. Has a tip over emergency shut-off switch to prevent fires from starting. There are 3 heat settings as well, low, medium and high (which uses both panels at once). This is a great product for the price and a good investment to have if the power happens to fail..at least you and your family/pets will stay very warm.

5. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   agsb – December 29, 2022

   Product was easier to light and run than my previous product. I really did like all the safety features.What I didn’t like was the owners manual as it was hard to read and lacked adequate illustrations of where the battery compartment was. It took me the better part of a day to find it. Once I found it it worked like a charm.

6. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Justin Smith – July 18, 2023

   Love this thing. Great during power outages. Or while working the garage. Heats up the space really quickly. Best heater purchase. Light wait. Doesn’t use a bunch of gas.

7. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   jones – July 28, 2023

   This is my second in the Buddy Series. Really like these heaters. I won’t use the batteries with this since the only structural problem mentioned is the fan being dangerous. I just use a regular fan not the one integral to the heater. Be sensitive to the ignition. You need to wait until the propane fills the ignition tube with gas. It’ll take a couple of tries. Great for bathrooms!!