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rmak
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2012 06:44pm
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I found a marine woodstove that would heat my little cabin (12 X 16). It costs $1,600. Since I have to save quite a while for that, I was looking for a short term alternative heating source.
I saw the Big and the Little Buddy in our local Tractor Supply. These units run off small propane tanks the size of a thermos.
Just wondering if anyone here has had experience with them. I did the review google search and it turned out to be as useless as any review search. Some hated it, some loved it.
I would appreciate a no agenda assessment from anyone who's tried it. Thanks.
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Dillio187
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2012 06:49pm
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they work, but introduce a ton of condensation into the building. You have to be very careful about carbon monoxide as well.
I would be very careful and never run them through the night.
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Rick004
Member
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2012 06:57pm
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I've never tried them but I've heated our trailer with the propane stove in the kitchen and opened a few windows a bit , I still woke up with the worst headache and really steamed up windows !! I would try and find something that gets it air from the outside or find a used woodstove for 50 bucks ! If your handy you can build a small woodstove out of a 20 pound propane tank , there's a few videos on Youtube !
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Just
Member
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2012 07:16pm
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if it dosen't have a outside chimney it can kill you or your family,, it's not worth the risk
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tcmatt
Member
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2012 08:56pm
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just use a carbon monoxide tester, crack a window or two, and never sleep with it on. I've been using a kerosene heater in my 12x16 all fall, followed the above guidelines and am still okay.
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evrmc1
Member
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2012 09:40pm
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I have one and it works great. I dont sleep with it on.
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TomChum
Member
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2012 10:40pm - Edited by: TomChum
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I think the Big buddy has a carbon monoxide sensor on it, and shuts down if the CO level gets too high. But you put your life on the reliability of that low-cost system. I think the proper advice is "don't wake up with it on". If you go to sleep with it on; you (and family) may not have that choice. It would be a tragic mistake, not worth the risk.
I have the Big Buddy, connected to a 12lb propane tank, I use it to pre-warm the cabin while the woodstove is getting going. Also use it in the morning if the fire burned out. I don't sleep with it on and use the woodstove normally.
You can run it on the little propane cylinders but it chows thru them in a couple hours. I got a propane cylinder refill adapter ($12 at Harbor freight, $38 elsewhere) and refilled the spent propane cans for awhile but got awful tired of it. It takes some fussin, plus you have to put the cans outside to cool off or they won't tale a full charge or bleed off the pressure to get a full charge. It was way better to just connect a hose from the Big Buddy directly to the 12lb propane tank.
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spencerin
Member
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# Posted: 24 Nov 2012 01:18am
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I have the Big Buddy heater. I have slept with the heater on all night, no problems (obviously). I understand the concern about CO1 and low oxygen, but I don't think Mr. Heater would have put faulty features on their products, let alone advertised them. I would think the company would have put the sensors through rigorous testing before marketing them, given the massive risk they'd be taking with people's lives.
Anyway, that's my own opinion. I have mine hooked up to a 20 lbs. propane tank with a 5' hose. Heats up the cabin pretty well, but it's a small cabin (~ 120 sq. ft.). But, the cabin holds heat pretty well, so I don't have to run it all the time.
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razmichael
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# Posted: 24 Nov 2012 08:48am
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The heater has a low oxygen sensor on it not a CO sensor. in general CO2 is a byproduct of complete combustion and CO is from incomplete combustion. I, like the majority of posters here, would not sleep with a ventless heater on in the cabin even with the recommended window or venting available. I use a Kerosene heater to warm up the cabin quickly if needed (never unattended) and an installed vented propane heater for general heating. I have a smoke, CO and propane detector in the cabin. I'm worried about my own safety but even more for my family - this makes the cost of the detectors well worth it.
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doo-drew
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# Posted: 24 Nov 2012 09:49am
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I have one and use it all the time. Just be vented and have a CO2 detector. Wood stoves put off CO2 as well. Anything that burns does. Just need to be smart with any use of a heater, vented or non-vented. If your going to get one. Get the hose with built in regulator and it will be able to run off up to a 100lb tank. You can find them on-line for 29 shipped.
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d h
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# Posted: 25 Nov 2012 10:34pm
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Be sure to get an inline propane filter; the unit will last longer. Big Buddy used to have 'em for about $12 several years back.
I've never used a regulator with 20lb bottles.
My unit is gotta be at least 5 years old; never had a problem with it.
Condensation could be a problem if left-on too long; your mileage may vary...
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Patgreat
Member
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# Posted: 26 Nov 2012 11:40am
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The big buddy is well worth it. Starts easy, has a ton of saftey options, like an automatic shut off if its gets knocked over. I bought a 25Ft exstension cord/tube and hook it up to a 25lb grill propane tank. This allows you to put the tank in another room or even outside.
you should always have a CO2 dector not matter how you heat you cabin, its worth the money and peice of mind.
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