Big Buddy vs Sunflower

[quackersmacker]

So my sunflower finally broke last year, apparently they are only made to handle 11 thermocouples, oh well. Does the big buddy put out the same amount of heat as a sunflower? I don't know what I should buy. Any suggestions, experiances, or opinions will help. Thanks for your time!

QS

[bak2MN]

From what ive heard about the Big buddy I am buying a double sunflower head next.

[ripstick]

Myself I would go with the sunflower. Reason is takes up less room in a portable. I will say that the big buddy does work well.

[GFNER]

I've got both, Big buddy puts out as much if not more than a sunflower and is supposedly safe to use indoors, but it's hard to beat the reliability and durability of a sunflower. If I had to pick just one it would be the sunflower.

[fishwater]

If I had to pick just one it would be the sunflower.

I agree. I'd rather fish with a Big Buddy, but I wouldn't not have a sunflower type as backup if a heater was important.

[jigging-matt]

I like the safety features of the Buddy heaters, but can't get away from the reliablity of the sunflowers.

[kensom]

I have both....Sunflower is hangin in the garage as a spare, much easier to carry one pound propane tanks in the sled for the Big Buddy than the big tank. Also don't need to worry so much about melting the tent as the Big Buddy is not as intense heat and the blower in the Big buddy circulates the heat. Sunflower is radiant heat so only whats in front of the refelector gets warm. Just my opinion for what it's worth!

[MN Mike]

Just picked up a new Big Buddy a few weeks ago, we've been running one in our fish trap Yukon for a few years now, always have had plenty of heat. We run a 11# propane bottle with a 5 foot hose or so, the little one pounders don't seem to keep up if your in cold weather and running wide open.

I see some sale prices on the Big Buddy's right now, I'd jump on it if you're looking, otherwise they seem to be $150 - $200 in the middle of winter.

Everything is HOT on a sunflower heater, if you run a portable, you'll probably burn some holes in it.

Mike

[MN Angler]

I used my sunflower for 10 years and it is a good heater. I don't believe the big buddy puts out as much heat as the sunflower but I may be wrong. I went with the big buddy last year and it worked great in my Yukon. A couple times with the sunflower I felt sick which was probably due to not enought ventilation in the shack. The big buddys have a safety feature which prevents this which is really cool. Also I am yet to burn something with the big buddy. The big negative for me is I am not able to cook over the big buddy which I did frequently with my sunflower. Both have their positives and negatives but I feel both are very good heaters.

[JeffB]

The price and durability of the sunflower has me sold.

[harvey lee]

I use both. They both have there place. I love the safety feature of the BigBuddy but I like the heat from the sunflower.

If I have my insulated portable, then the Buddy is fine.

[Jim Almquist]

I have both and my first choice will always be the Big Buddy simply because I love how quiet it is inside my Otter. I run mine off a 20 pounder with the low pressure hose and it works great.

[stick]

I made some little brackets to cook over my Big Buddy and it works great for cooking. It hooks over the protective grill. So, it's an option.

[7outof10]

big buddy all the way but have sunflower in the truck as back up had to use it 2 tiems in 2 years the head from the buddy is much cleener and i love that you can just push it up in the corner of the fish house and not worry at all but if is is going to milte the side of the house or any thing

[pascooter94]

big buddy for me also and I to run it off a 20lb tank and have had great luck.

but do have the sunflower in the truck.

[jimmyjames76]

Big buddy for me. If you get one, make sure you use the fuel filter with bulk tanks. Also, here's the heat output comparison:

Big Buddy - 18,000 BTU/HR Max

Sunflower Heater/Cooker - 14,000 BTU/HR Max

[Jeremy airjer W]

Big buddy, 10 pound tank, low pressure RV quick connect hose (no need for a filter with the low pressure hose!!!!), and a couple one ponders is the ticket.

I have never not had enough heat in my Otter Lodge even on some of the coldest days in the last couple of years. It will turn my Cottage into a portable sauna!

I like the fact that there is less odor, a low oxygen shut-off, a built in fan (6 D batteries will get you more than 8 hours of use), and the back stays cool so it can be pushed literally right next to the canvas.

I have owned the sunflower, buddy heater, and big buddy. I gave the sunflower to my father in law, sold the buddy, and couldn't be happier with the big buddy.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I too have a big buddy.. I had a sunflower for years and got sick and tired of repairing my fish after burning holes in it every 5-10 trips.. (ok, Im a clutz and I move a ton while fishing..).. I have yet to burn a hole in my house with my BB.

[DTro]

I had a sunflower for years and got sick and tired of repairing my fish after burning holes in it

I can honestly say that I’ve never burned a hole through a fish with my Cooker heater. In fact this is the first I’ve ever heard of it.

Sorry Deitz, could let that one slide by.

[Eric Wettschreck]

The first big buddy I had ended up being target practice sighting in the scope of my 7.62 Mauser. The big buddy I have now just runs with no problems.

I do have a sunflower in my porty, tho. Just in case. I use the big buddy all the time as the sunflower seems to give me a propane hangover. And, like Deitz, I've fixed enough burn holes, not on fish but on fish houses, from sunflowers to appreciate the safety factor of the big buddy.

I burn my fish in the frying pan.

[FishGUY]

I have both and only use the Big Buddy. It is quiet, will not make you sick, and takes up less space because you can put it up to the side of the house without problem.

[MuskieJunkie]

Big Buddy.

They actually put out a little more heat than a sunflower (18,000 BTUs vs 14,000).

Plus the heat is a lot more evenly distributed, you won't burn holes in your canvas, and they are quiet.

However they are more expensive and bulkier.

[pulleye16]

Depends on your all around use. Hers some pros and cons I've had with each:

BIG BUDDY:

-Safer, has low oxygen sensor built-in

-Able to use small propane tanks so easier if weekend warrier

-Also can hook-up to larger tanks with accessior cable

-the hole "unit" doesn't get warm when using

-auto-ignition

-Can't cook over

-More expensive

-Not as much heat (personal opinion of course)

SUN FLOWER

-Alot of heat (great for bigger shacks)

-Very reliable for many years of fishing

-Can cook over

-Usually works at all angles (for placement in fish house)

-NOT (as) SAFE, High heat and no low oxygen shut-off

-inexpensive

-Unit can be very warm after us

-No auto-ignition

My opinion is if you have the money go for the big buddy unless you like to cook out or if your hands get cold easily (sun flower is great for warming up your hands after using a tip-up)

[Jeremy airjer W]

-No auto-ignition

Mr. Heater Sunflower heaters can be purchased with an optional “Sparklite” ignitor (auto ignition). Mine had it.

[EBass]

I've had the BigBuddy for (I think 5) years now and not one issue. It heated the Otter Cottage and now heats the Otter Cabin just fine and I used it in the boat this past Sunday.

To me the only drawback is that the pilot light goes out with a gentle breeze.