need new heater

[bmc2b]

i have a voyager and need a new heater. is a buddy portable ok, or should i get the big buddy? i used to use the heater/cooker but it broke. i already have the long hose to hook to my 20lb tank. thanks.

[mdhmdh]

I'd get another heater/cooker, the buddies don't warm things up real well when its really cold or windy out and mine goes out alot of times with the house open and the wind blowing in.

[Northland Sportsman]

I also have a voyager and use a buddy heater. It works well most days, but I will use another heater when it gets really cold. I agree that a heater/cooker will put out more heat but will also get you with the fumes. I don't like the fumes at all, so I go w/ the buddy style heaters. A big buddy should be plenty warm for that house.

[Squirtis]

I only have the Guide size with a portable buddy heater. The first year I had it I was on Mille Lacs when it was -20 and it kept us moderately warm. The next year in -7 it was very cold. I think it has a lot to do with the canvas loosening up and losing it's insulative abilities. This year I waterproofed it with some Kiwi, so hopefully that keeps it a bit warmer. I would recommend a big buddy since Fleet Farm had them about three weeks ago for $89 (Refurb) and you have the bigger house. Also, I have seen a lot of holes in houses due to the back of the sunflower touching canvas and other fabrics.

[toughguy]

Go with the big buddy if the cash flow allows for it. If not get the cooker. I would not get the portable buddy for your size shelter. The portable buddy has a max output of 9,000 btu. The big buddy will put out 18,000 btu. All of the mr heater cooker/sunflower models put out 14,000 and will keep your portable warm enough on 95% of the days. The nice thing about the buddy heaters is that they are easier to start, take up less floor space, and won't put a hole in your front door as easily.

[hanson]

I would simply buy another Heater/Cooker.

They work great and cost significantly! less than a Big Buddy.

[Eckie]

Agreed that the cost of a heater/cooker is much less than a Big Buddy, but also keep in mind that the Buddy/Big Buddy take up very little room, and you really don't even need the hose/tank...couple of 1 pounders and you're set for a long time.

Personally, I'd go with the Big Buddy. I have the Buddy and my father-in-law has the Big Buddy. No comparison in which is more effective. The previous posts from user's of each say it all. The Buddy will keep you 'moderately'(at best) warm in cold weather, whereas the Big Buddy will be more than adequate for your needs.

[thirtysomething]

Big Buddy, hands down the way to go.

[Tyler Holm]

When I ice fish, I like to be totally comfortable. Hat off, gloves off, jacket off, etc. I feel I can concentrate better and you certainly get better hand/rod feeling if you are comfy. On a warm/decent day either the Big Buddy or Sunflower will keep you comfy, but when she's chilly out all the Big Buddy will do is take the edge off and maybe keep your holes from freezing up. The sunflower is my recommendation as it will really push some heat if and when you need it too.

[Kyle Sandberg]

I have been down to a t-shirt in my fish house with the sunflower heater. If you decided to go that rounte and you walk or pull your house out, get the ten pound tank. Works just fine, you have to fill it up more often but the weight factor is a big one for pulling it around.

It all depends on how warm you want to be. You can still have a window open and the house still stays pretty warm.

[walterking]

I would say go with the cooker way more reliable and 1/4 the price.