Heater

[hoggsback]

Anyone use a Coleman catalytic heater? Does it give off enough heat for a two man portable? I bought this instead of a buddy heater and now am thinking about getting a buddy instead. Any advice?

[metrojoe]

Sorry can't help you with the Coleman, but I did get to use my new buddy this past weekend and it kept my Fish Trap Pro toasty on low. My son sat in there most of the time but he was shedding layers. The Mr Heaters were on sale last week at Home Depot for $40, but I'm hearing people are having trouble finding them now.

[gspman]

I have a 2-man (Nordic by Polar Sport) and used the Little Buddy (9,000 btu) last year and it wasn't enough heater. I now have the Big Buddy (18,000 btu) and that seems like enough for me. Used it this weekend at the Brawl and it was extremely warm in the portable and I wasn't using the built in fan which would have made it even more warm. So I'd go 18,000 btu or more if I were you.

gspman

[Tripleplay]

I've got a Fishtrap Guide and I use a Buddy and it definitely heats the house. I do sit it in the sled between the seats and I don't know if I've ever turned it on the high setting.

It is going to depend on the size of your two man house. Mine is smaller and the Buddy covers it, if I had a house that was taller and longer I think the Big Buddy would be a necessity. (My Buddy wasn't enough for my new 4' by 8' deer hunting stand this past fall so a Big Buddy is definitely on the list for next season.)

I don't know the Coleman you are thinking about, but the Buddy is 9,000BTU's so use that as a guide if you don't get somebody with some actual experience with that heater.

[smmurphy]

Colman is onl around 5000 BTUs, so I don't think it would work for you. I use a big buddy in a 7.5 x 7.5 X 6.5 portable that keeps it plenty warm.

[tafadzwa]

I bought a Coleman heater (ProCat I think?) about 3 years ago that still works fine. It depends how warm you want it. I use it in a two man portable and it is perfect for keeping my hands warm. There are others that heat up much more, but it does the job.

[tonyjor]

I have the coleman that looks kinda like a coffee mug and sits on top of the 1# cylinder. It's pretty much a bulky handwarmer. Go with a sunflower-style heater and if you don't want to risk burning anything, go with a buddy heater. I currently use the smaller one for my suitcase 2-man and on high in these temps, I'm in a shirt and jeans.

[croixeyes]

I used to use the colman catalytic heater when I had a 1man fish trap.It doesnt give off much heat.Sunflowers gave me a headache from the propane.The ceramic heaters are the way to go,they are quiet and burn propane very efficent.Buddy and big buddy are the most popular ceramics out there but there are others.I think Harbor tools caries a ceramic that has 2 settings 8000 and 12500btu .Fits on top of a propane tank for around 40bucks.I use one that Home depot sold a few years ago 11000 btu keeps my 3man polar sport toasty until the temps drop 10 below.Just another option...

[hoggsback]

Thanks all for the input. I think I will take the ProCat back and look for a Buddy heater. I wish I could find one for $40 bucks though! :-)

[smmurphy]

I saw the Big Buddy heaters on sale at the Gander in St. Cloud for $99, and compared to the 119 - 129 that they are usually priced at it is a good deal.

[Juan Grande]

I'm not sure if Mr.Heater makes two units, but the one I have gives off too much heat for my small two man portable. I turn it on the lowest setting and it's 80 degrees in my house in 5 minutes. I usually end up turning it on and off to keep the temp. at a comfortable level.

I also have one of those Coleman heaters that screw onto the top of a one pound tank. Mine barely gives off enough heat to warm my hands up. I think think I need something in between the two...

[ozzie]

i recently picked up the little buddy for my fish trap pro and couldn't be happier!!! The lowest setting keeps it toasty and at the end of the fishing stint I am not out of it as I was with the Mr. Heater. I have also used it in the pull behind and we actually use it instead of the heater/fan that is in the house saves on propane and you don't need to listen to the fan kicking on.

[oil painter]

I think the buddy heaters are great dfor the reasons already stated no noise, fumes and safe! plus if you lay them flat [i use a 5lb.tank u can warm up soup etc. gave away my sunspot cause of the propane head I always got!! never had one with the buddy!!

[Captain B.R.K]

Quote:

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Thanks all for the input. I think I will take the ProCat back and look for a Buddy heater. I wish I could find one for $40 bucks though! :-)

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Well put! I think you'll be happy you decided to go with a Mr.Heater Buddy. I've had one since the 2nd year they came out and have been VERY happy I made the purchase. At 1st I wondered why but now it has been my primary heater over the last 2 years.

A propane tank and sunflower heater sometimes gets to be more weight than I'd like on the ice.