Mr. Heater Big Buddy vs. Little Buddy: Which Should You Buy?

Published October 2026 · 7 min read

Mr. Heater's Buddy heaters are the go-to portable propane heaters for hunting blinds, ice shacks, garages, and cold-weather camping. The two names you'll see most are the Little Buddy and the Big Buddy — and despite the similar branding, they're very different heaters. Buying the wrong one means either a heater that can't keep up or one that's bigger, heavier, and thirstier than you need.

The Short Answer

• Buy the Little Buddy if you're heating one or two people in a small space — a hunting blind, a small ice shack, or a two-person tent — and want the lightest, simplest option.
• Buy the Big Buddy if you're heating a larger space like a garage bay, a big ice house, or a camper, or you want adjustable heat and the option to run off a 20-lb tank.

Specs Side by Side

Specs from Mr. Heater's published product information. Mr. Heater notes that some recent Big Buddy units ship without the blower fan, so check the listing if the fan matters to you.

Little Buddy: Small, Simple, Personal Heat

The Little Buddy is about as simple as a heater gets: screw on a 1-lb cylinder, turn the knob, and it runs at a single 3,800 BTU setting for roughly five and a half hours. It's compact and light enough to carry into a stand or blind, and its angled ceramic face throws radiant heat toward you rather than trying to warm all the air in a space.

That last point matters. Independent reviewers consistently describe the Little Buddy as a person warmer more than a room heater. In a small, enclosed blind it makes a real difference; in a drafty garage it will barely register.

Big Buddy: Real Space Heating, More Flexibility

The Big Buddy has nearly five times the maximum output and three heat settings, so you can blast a cold space on high and then drop to low to hold the temperature. It takes two 1-lb cylinders at once, and — the feature that really matters for regular use — it can run from a 20-lb tank with a hose and in-line filter.

That tank option changes the economics. Propane in disposable 1-lb cylinders costs several times more per BTU than propane from a refillable 20-lb tank, so if you use the heater often, the Big Buddy plus a tank is far cheaper to run. (We break down the numbers in our garage heating cost guide.)

What About the Regular "Buddy"?

Between the two sits the plain Buddy (MH9BX): 4,000 or 9,000 BTU, rated for about 225 square feet, and it runs on a single 1-lb cylinder. It's a good middle ground for a larger blind or a two- to three-person tent, but if you're heating anything garage-sized, go straight to the Big Buddy.

Safety: Read This Before Using Either One

For the full rundown, see our portable fuel heater safety guide.

Both heaters are certified for use in enclosed spaces and include low-oxygen and tip-over shutoffs. They still burn propane, which uses oxygen and produces carbon monoxide if combustion goes wrong. Follow these rules:

• Run a battery-powered CO alarm in the same space, every time.
• Provide fresh air exactly as the manual specifies — a cracked window or vent is not optional.
• Don't run it while you sleep unless the manual explicitly allows it for your setup.
• Keep at least the manual's required clearance from tent walls, bedding, and clothing.
• Mr. Heater lists a maximum operating elevation (7,000 ft for the Big Buddy); the low-oxygen sensor may shut the heater off at high altitude.

Our Verdict

For most people heating anything bigger than a hunting blind, the Big Buddy is the better buy: adjustable heat, real coverage, and a much cheaper fuel option with a 20-lb tank. The Little Buddy earns its place as a light, simple personal heater for small spaces — just don't expect it to heat a room.

See all our picks: Best Portable Heaters →