Best heater for portable

[Sir_Jonny_Fishalot]

Big Buddy = less carbon monoxide = less headache or death.

[BartmanMN]

I scored a new Big buddy this year and I like it a lot. Turn that thing on high and the double burners throw out a lot of heat. I haven't turned the fan on yet, however I bet that helps with moisture build up.

[picksbigwagon]

I use the regular buddy size heater in my voyager, but I also installed reflectix on the roof, and I put the heater behind the seats. I clamp a board from the aluminum bar to the back edge of the sled and the heater stays there. I usually run it on low after the house has warmed up. I do carry a smaller single burner for those rare days that I am out there in the blistering cold.

I think a regular sized buddy and reflectix is the way to go....

[Grant]

Mr Heater/Cooker for when it's really cold, otherwise a Coleman lantern will keep most porty's comfortably warm in addition to well lit!

[THEDOGG]

I've used the heater/cooker for over 10 years only problem i ever had was last year the thermo coupler had to be replaced, I've used this in a 3 man flip over on low and worked great also you can't beat it when it comes to lunch time flip it throw a pot on and you have soup/stew/chili/hot dogs whatever ready to go while you heat your house.

[Blaze]

One thing I'm surprised nobody has mentioned is RELIABILITY.

I've had a Mr Heater Cooker for 10+yrs and, believe me, it has taken a beating! Fires up every time, throws a ton of heat, and it's a simple piece of trusty equipment. I know there have been issues with Buddy heaters in the past with fans, filters needed on the gas line, and seals on the threads if I remember right. Don't get me wrong, I really like Buddy heaters, but personally, I'll opt for the cheaper, simpler, more reliable option.

[marine_man]

One thing I'm surprised nobody has mentioned is RELIABILITY.

That's what I've been thinking about reading the posts... I've had a cooker for a while now (10 years probably) and it still works as good as the day I bought it - I replaced the top screen once, but that's about it. It's all metal, and pretty tough to beat.

Another friend used to use a big buddy, the heat was pretty good (as good as the cooker anyway, if not a bit better), the fan was nice when the batteries were good, and putting it against the fabric of the house without burning it was awesome... but, after 2 years there's not a lot left... the grab handle is long since busted, one of the ceramic plates is cracked... and he had to monkey with the pilot light to get it to work a couple of times...

They are nice heaters, and maybe my friend is a bit rough with his stuff, but there's a bit more plastic on it then I'd like to see for trips across the ice in a sled on a snowmobile or 4 wheeler.

All that said, there is a lot to be said for not having to deal with the extra CO given off by the cooker vs the buddy.

marine_man

[redtrucks]

I purchased a Big Buddy for my Otter Large Resort a couple years ago. While I really like the concept I was worried about all of the plastic and that it would not keep me warm when it was below zero, I ended up returning it to the store. I use a double burner Mr.Heater and keep a sunflower and a cooker for a backup. If they build a Big Buddy that will put out as much heat as a double burner I would purchase it.

[vikingmeatwad]

I'm buying a Big Buddy tomorrow. I'm sick of the headaches even with vents open and getting fresh air.

Will try to report back after getting out a couple times.

[7outof10]

big buddy

[robert1965]

buddy is compact, a bit fussy but hands down way safer.

[dan z]

fished with 7/10 and gotta say that buddy heater was pretty nice tonight thanks man. I still like my cooker tho!