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Hong Kong, Billings
1 Level
723 Review
27 Karma

Review on ๐Ÿ”ฅ Efficient and Powerful Red Mr. Heater MH18B Propane Heater for Maximum Warmth by Ryan Pollock

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Great heater but no fan on all newer models

This heater works very well and could have gotten 5 stars from me except in a thing. I still have one of those Big Buddies, and they've always had (for many years until now) an underpowered but highly functional squirrel-cage blower built into the top of the unit. This slightly increases efficiency by directing excess heat forward. This fan is powered by batteries or AC adapter. Power supplies continue to show up as a recommended option for new heaters. The new heater I ordered actually has a battery door. It was frustrating to remove the battery cover the normal way with the spring clip as it just wouldn't come loose. I ended up using a small screwdriver to pry it off and found that it was actually glued on and then ripped off. Inside was a battery compartment with instructions on how to insert the battery, but no clamps, and the hole for the AC adapter plug was simply filled with silicone. When I inspected the interior through the top vents, I saw a fanless fan housing. I called Mr. Heather and was told the absurd story of how "tariffs" "forced" them not to turn on the fan, but then didn't tell anyone it was off. I told the agent that instead of secretly degrading a previously great product and blaming "duties" and pretending there was no change, they should have just taken $10 or so. I returned the unit and found last year's model at a local hardware store that has a blower and it certainly works better with a blower as I had both types to test. They are quite wind resistant as the luminous panels will re-illuminate the pilot in fairly strong winds, but if the direct wind is very strong the pilot can be cleared but the device will safely only turn off. Note that they are surprisingly much more wind resistant than tank capless Mr Heater heaters, which in moderately strong winds can cause the dreaded "going out" overheating fault when the whole thing roars and glows red hot, which is not at all safe. There are many red old Big Buddy models with blowers. All gray Big Friends also have blowers. Works fine without fan, but better with fan. Stop recommending the PSU for use with new fanless ones.

Pros
  • This unit no longer comes with an included fan unit or switch
Cons
  • Could have opted for a newer model